Mike had thought, still thinks, teaming up with Shinsuke would've been good. Not just good for him, for them both. But he had known as soon as he said it and Shinsuke got that look on his face that it was going to go poorly for him. This leading into a match that he'd lost in a handful of minutes to one kinsasha? Not exactly what he was planning, especially after the match against Seth. He had thought he'd do better at proving himself, maybe even gain Shinsuke's respect, make the man reconsider them teaming together.
But no, he had lost, and now he's here, back at square one, glowering at a wall and considering his next move. Outside of going home, focusing on AJ and the kids for the next week, then giving it another try next Monday. What exactly that it is, he's not sure, but with Night of Champions on the horizon, he knows it has to be something impressive. Something attention grabbing. He's just not sure what it'll take to push Shinsuke into seeing things his way.
He sighs and picks at his cuticles, lost in thought as he peers out of his hotel window, watching the late night traffic sluggishly go by on the freeway. His flight's in a couple hours, he'll be leaving for the airport soon, but it's difficult to pull himself out of his thoughts to get moving.
He clunks his head against the pane of glass, fogging it up as he exhales loudly. "Stupid Shinsuke," he mumbles, finally forcing himself upright and over to his luggage.
After a few hours on the plane, it's a relief to disembark and immediately see AJ waiting for him, a small smile on her face. "Hey, what are you doing here at this hour?" he greets her, dropping his bag to pull her in for a hug, breathing her in for a moment.
"Had a feeling you'd feel better seeing a friendly face," she says. "You sounded kind of... iffy on the phone last night, so I just wanted to see you."
He pulls back for a moment and searches her face before leaning in, cradling her face in his hands and kissing her. "Thanks," he murmurs. "I do feel better. What are the kids doing?"
"Asleep while Taya watches them," AJ says, bumping her hip against him as he hoists his bag back up and they walk side by side through the airport. "Still no luck with Shinsuke, huh?"
"No," he grouses, squinting as they walk outside, the bright California sun immediately leaving him a little disoriented. "I'm not sure what it'll take to change his mind, but I will probably spend the better part of the next week trying to think of something."
AJ hums, stuffing her hands in her pockets and leaning against their car as he drops his bag in the back seat. "Well, tell ya what, I'll help you brainstorm. And the kids'll probably try to help too. I'm sure they'll think of something more innovative than you and I combined."
Mike barks out a laugh. "I absolutely believe that," he sighs. He leans over and kisses her again. "Thanks for coming to get me."
She rubs his arm. "Any time, husband. Now come on, let's go rescue Taya from our impossible children."
"After you," he says, pulling open the passenger door and holding it for her. As he crosses to get into the driver's side, most of the tension leaves him. He may not be able to figure out the enigma known as Shinsuke Nakamura too easily, but he has this, his wife, his kids, his friends, all determined to help him when he needs it.
It's overwhelming, and powerful, and he knows nothing will be able to hold him down with all the people in his corner, even if Shinsuke can't be swayed to join in.