Mike tries. He's not sure why, but he does. Even attempts to explain why he did what he did to Truth, but Truth doesn't listen. As always. Starts talking about going to Pearce and getting Mike another match. Which brings Mike to the brink of exploding once more. Some will think it's Kross in his ear, but it's not. Mike's patience with Truth has been faltering for a long time, and Truth never bothering just to listen has left Mike clinging by his fingertips for anything to make sense. So he challenges Truth to a match the following week and leaves, not even sure what else to do or say to convince his former tag partner that things are over.
AJ listens to his rant while lightly massaging his shoulders, a frown on her face. "Mike," she sighs. "I understand your frustration, trust me, I do. But I think-"
"He never listened," Mike mumbles. "I don't care about Kross or his agenda, but god. it feels so good to finally be doing something about things. Get back on my feet, leave Truth behind to run his own career into the ground."
AJ stares down worriedly at Mike, thinking about the past. The Wyatt family chaining Mike up, printing LIAR over his chest. Everything the Fiend did. She had watched Raw, had seen the strange message that felt like a Wyatt Sicks thing. Tries to imagine going through all of this a third time, and clenches her nails into Mike's muscles. "Listen to me," she says. "I think the Wyatt Sicks are targetting you."
He tenses up under her fingers and turns to look at her. "What? Why?"
"The screen went funny while I was watching Raw," she says, staring desperately into his eyes. "It looked like a Wyatt Sicks thing. Listen, I understand you wanting to face off with Truth, but please. If I'm right. You have to be careful, I can't see them torment you for a third time."
He nods, brows furrowing nervously. "Alright," he says softly. "I'll be careful. Try not to worry too much. It'll be alright, sweetheart."
She sighs as he twists around and kisses her. "Promise me," she mumbles, eyes closed as she rests her forehead against his.
"I promise," he says softly. "I'll be careful, and keep an eye out for them. Thanks for letting me know."
She kisses him. "I'll always be watching out for you."
He smiles. "I know." She sinks into him and he holds her close, settling her gently onto the bed and smoothing his hand over her body, soothing her, encouraging soft gasps and murmurs from her as he continues kissing her, resolved to distract her from these fears and worries.