"I don't know what to do," Mike mumbles, his eyes closed as his head rests in AJ's lap and her fingers lightly brush through his hair. "I wanted that match against Bronson, despite everything. But I couldn't even get that. Truth's gone, I can't win a match, it's all just... so..." He sighs.
"Well, I may be in the minority," she says, her fingers soothing and gentle against his forehead. "But I'm glad you didn't wrestle Bronson. I told you last week how I felt about it."
"I know," he says. "It just feels like... I'm at a crossroads in my career. I've done pretty much everything there is to do in WWE, and now what?"
She sighs, stroking his jaw. "Well, I don't know, Mike. Maybe it's time to think seriously about life after wrestling." She muses a few moments longer. "I did it. It was hard, and sometimes I do still miss that adrenaline rush, the love of the crowd. All of it, but it passes and I don't regret it." She leans in and presses a kiss to his lips. "I know it's harder for you, you're so dedicated to it all, but consider it. Please? For me? For the kids?"
"You play dirty," he says, melting under her lips, twisting his fingers in her hair.
"Never have," she says with a smile. "Not going to start now. Especially when it's something I really want."
"You really want this, huh? A retired old man sticking around at home all day?"
She laughs at him. "Oh please, you'll never just stick around at home all day, Mike. I know you." She nuzzles into him. "I'll support you whatever you decide, but I do think it's something to consider in the near future. You know?"
"I guess," he says reluctantly. "Not today, but I promise. It'll be sooner rather than later. That's all I can really say."
She nods. "I understand. I know you'll choose the right time to do it." She kisses him and continues playing with his hair. "I'll be right here by your side whenever that day comes."
"I love you," he says with a soft smile.
"I love you too," she murmurs back.
He knows she's right. He's just not quite there yet.