With the 4th past, fireworks ease off a lot. A few neighbors set off some illegal ones, but for the most part, the peace and quiet of their neighborhood returns, Sara falling back into a regular sleep schedule while AJ and Mike stand in the doorway of her room and watches her sleep peaceful, little fingers folding into fists and relaxing every few minutes.
Smiling at each other, the two of them walk quietly out of the room and slip back into their bedroom, AJ absentmindedly brushing out her hair as Mike lightly rubs at her shoulders, the two of them staring at each other in the mirror. "I love you," she says, resting her head against Mike's midsection.
He chuckles and leans down, kissing the top of her head. "I love you too," he murmurs. She puts her hairbrush down and interlaces her fingers with his, humming as he lightly tugs her out of the chair and over to the bed, laying down next to her as she snuggles under the sheets. They cuddle together, breathing softly, and although there's that familiar warmth between them, AJ smiles sleepily at him and he decides against it, kissing her forehead. "G'night, sweetheart."
Her eyes gleam. "Good night, husband." She tucks herself closer to him and falls asleep as Mike rubs soft circles into her back.
-x
Mike's not sure what he's doing for Extreme Rules- Impromptu MizTV, or maybe a last minute match, something. He's still mulling over it after he kicks off Smackdown, trying to get to the bottom of what the hell's going on with Team Hell No- which the only interesting thing he unearths is that Kane is an N'Sync fan.
This leaves him with time to waste and a lot of questions. So he does something he's been resisting doing for the last few weeks. He goes to Paige's office and knocks, waiting impatiently until she answers, her brows lifting as she smirks at him. "What can I do for ya, Mike?" she asks, making no move to invite him inside.
He grimaces at this blatant disrespect before mirroring her pose, hands on his hips and head inclined a bit. "I was wondering exactly what your plans for me Sunday are. I mean, you have to have something for your Most MustSee Superstar-"
"Oh yes," she says, lips twitching. "I've been discussing it with higher ups and we all agree we've found the most perfect activity for you this Sunday."
He gapes at her, thinking this is sounding better and better. "Perfect, what? Adding me to the Hardy vs Shinsuke match? Or even better, AJ vs Rusev? That would-"
"Uh, no," she says, clearing her throat. Her smirk only seems to be growing as he stares at her. "There is a charity baseball game going on in Washington DC involving celebrities and Allstar Legends. Since you're such an A-Lister and all, they were practically begging us for you, so how could we possibly refuse?" She smiles at him, eyes glinting almost dangerously. "Have fun, and raise lots of money, Mike! I'm sure we'll find a place somewhere for you on Summerslam!" With this, she turns her back to him and re-enters her office, shutting the door on his gaping face.
"What just happened?" he mumbles, still so dazed that he has no choice but to turn and walk back the way he'd come.
WWE goes and extends PPV hours, his and Maryse's reality show will be debuting almost a week after Extreme Rules, and he's shuffled aside and thrown into some non-televised baseball game? Sure, charity is a good thing, he has no problem doing things to collect more money to help people and kids, but man. It stings in a way that he can't fully explain. He scrubs at his face and bites his lip, trying to hold himself together, feeling marginilized in a way that he hasn't in a long time.
"Whatever," he grumbles. It's expensive, renting a private jet, but he does it. Goes home early, figuring if he's not needed Sunday, then they don't need him for the rest of the night. He drives through the California traffic and eventually, finally, finds himself back at his home. Lets himself in, lays his bag down, and peeks in on his sleeping daughter, before crawling into bed next to AJ after kicking his shoes and clothes off.
She stirs and turns to face him, smiling sleepily as he hugs her close. "Why're you home so early?" she wonders, some worry crossing her face, but he shakes his head.
"Long story," he murmurs. "I'll tell you in the morning."
She hums. Shifts and rolls until she's sprawled out over his body, enjoying his warmth. "I'm happy you're home," she offers, eyes closed as she hugs him.
Mike thinks about it. Dwells briefly on the frustration of Smackdown iwth Paige in charge, and how calm and happy he's been since he walked into the house. "So am I," he murmurs. "Love you, sweetheart."
"Love you too," she hums, kissing his jaw before falling into a deep sleep.