Mike takes Monday off. He's regrouping again, after losing to LA Knight. It's frustrating and he'd rather spend a little more time with AJ, and the kids, than have to deal with facing mocking looks from randoms in the locker room, or listening to the crowd yell "YEAH!" one more time. It's a cloudy day, fits his mood quite well, and he exhales as AJ leaves Sara's room after putting her down for a nap.
"How is she?"
"A little congested still, but better." Barely a month into the school year and both kids are already down with colds.
"That's good," Mike mumbles, wrapping an arm around AJ's waist.
"Yeah," she sighs, pressing into him. "Lovely weather we're having today, huh?"
"Yeah." Mike squeezes her side, then kisses her neck. "Any plans for today, or just relaxing at home?"
"Relaxing at home," AJ says. "Find something both of the kids will eat that won't make them feel worse, and maybe do some writing." She turns in his grasp and rests her hands on his chest. "How about you?"
He shrugs. Listless, restless. "Try to think about my next move," he says honestly. "I'm getting kind of sick of losing to these fly by night guys, but I don't know what to do about it."
AJ nods, eyes dark with sympathy. "I remember that feeling all too well. You were much more patient with it than I am." She pats his cheek and smiles up at him. "I'm sure you'll figure it out."
He sighs, pressing her closer. "I wish everyone had the same amount of belief in me that you do."
"Those who don't are idiots," she tells him, easing up for a kiss. "Now come on, you can help me in the kitchen."
He chuckles and obliging follows as she tugs on his hand, dragging him away from the rain-speckled window. "Alright, alright."