On The Ropes

Round 22

Tyreek's POV

"Wassup witchu, Baby Face?" I heard as I walked into Auntie's Parlor with a grin on my face.

It feels like ever since I got home, I haven't stopped smiling yet. There's too much to smile about—I'm home, I'm mostly healthy, I have my family back, and I'm figuring my life out.

I deserve to smile.

"Just the nigga I wanted to see." I said as I made my way towards the bar where Bianca and Romeo were. "Hey, B." I greeted my sister first, leaning across the bar to hug her before I went over to hug Romeo. "Wassup witchu, psycho?"

"Ex psycho." Romeo corrected me. "I turned ova' a new leaf, baby. I ain't on that no mo'." They said with a grin.

I rolled my eyes at them while Bianca chuckled. "Whatchu doin' here, Baby Face? And where are your symbiotes?" She asked, gesturing towards me and my lack of husband or children.

"We're not always attached, damn." I laughed. "But I'm here to recruit your insane ass spouse, actually." I added, nodding my head towards Romeo. "I got somethin' I need'a ask 'em." I explained with a grin as I grabbed onto Romeo's arm and began leading them away.

Bianca only shook her head as she watched me drag Romeo back to the break room—Also known as Marcus's room since his ass always seems to be taking a break when he isn't performing.

He wasn't in there now, though, which left Romeo and I alone as I closed the door behind us and turned back to them. "Whatchu need from me, Baby Face?" They asked, crossing their arms as they leaned against the door.

"Small favor." I grinned and pinched two fingers together. "So small. Itty bitty." I continued. When Romeo gave me a deadpan look and opened their mouth to speak, I quickly held my hands up. "Wait, wait! It's for Zavier." I added.

That got them to raise a brow. Zavier and Antwon were the family's babies. When it came to them, everyone was willing to do whatever it took to keep them safe, healthy and happy.

"Go'on den, B." Romeo gestured with their hand for me to continue.

Nodding my head, I went on to explain the situation.

"Z was stayin' wit' this nigga, his name is Marcel. The nigga offered Z a place in his home and said he ain't have to pay no bills or nothin', but he expected favors in return." I explained, watching as Romeo sat up once I said 'favors'. "Yeah. Nigga had Z actin' as a getaway driver, then started draggin' him into robbin' niggas and shit. That's whatever—But Z says the nigga started touchin' on him, convinced him it was okay 'cuz he was allowin' him to stay in his place."

Romeo nodded their head slowly as I spoke. "So basically... I'm comin' outta retirement." They filled in, making me nod again. "Dre know?"

"'Course, he the first person I told." I assured them. Romeo nodded again, and I watched them for a second before shaking my head. "You gon' recruit his crazy ass, ain't you?" I chuckled.

"Don't worry ya pretty lil head 'bout that, Baby Face." Romeo chuckled and shrugged their shoulders. "You know the deal. Let the criminals handle the situation, you go'on 'n stay oblivious."

That made me smack my lips and roll my eyes. "That ain't how obliviousness work, nigga, I'm the one who told you." I laughed, then held my hands up when they gave me a look. "Heard, nigga. No questions asked." I assured them. They gave me a nod, then stepped away from the door to let me leave, though I paused once I grabbed the door knob. "Well... One question—"

"Tyreek." They responded in warning.

That caused me to hold my hands up. "Just one." I promised. They glared at me for a second, then sighed and nodded for me to continue. "You gon' do to him what you did to Miles?" I asked quietly.