Something snaps into place when R-Truth comes out of nowhere. Acts like the last few months hadn't happened. Like Mike hasn't been left alone, dealing with Bronson Reed, and listening to all the BS Braun's had to say, Karrion Kross' unasked for opinions, and everything else going on.
Mike feels his brain start to work once more when Truth says he's gotten them a tag match. Part of him had hoped that things would change with the Bronson attack, but no. Truth is still doing things without asking Mike's opinion, getting him in situations he doesn't want to be in, and now he has a tag match against the AoP that he doesn't want.
He puts on a good show, as always. Waits for the best moment, and then takes advantage of it when Truth reaches for a tag. Leaves him to his fate and heads to the back, smirking as he hears Truth lose. Not wanting to deal with questions, he leaves the arena entirely. After all, he has to make it to Chicago. He has MizTV to prepare for the next night. Try to figure out ways to make the Tony D'Angelo and Oba Femy feud interesting.
He's sprawled out in his bed, staring up at the ceiling as the hotel settles, quiets down somewhat. There are still people walking around, talking, slamming doors, but it's not bad. He can asleep anywhere after so many years in the business, so this is fine.
Until his phone rings, AJ's tone echoing around his room. He grimaces and answers immediately, sitting up. "Hi, sweetheart," he says.
"Husband," she greets him. "So you finally figured out what you wanted to do about Truth."
"I think I knew for awhile," he says, never needing to pull punches with her. She knows him better than most, and accepts all of his heelish ways. As he does for her. "Just needed to see him again for things to actually click."
She hums. "I understand that. So you're heading for Chicago in the morning?"
"Yep. Gotta do MizTV on NXT, and then I'll be on my way home."
He can hear her smile as she responds, "Great. The kids miss you."
He chuckles. "Just the kids?"
"Eh, all of us. But they're a good excuse."
He does laugh out loud at this. "Of course. Well, if it helps at all, I miss you all as well."
Her voice softens. "It does," she murmurs. "I won't keep you up any longer, just wanted to check in and see how you were doing after everything earlier. We'll talk tomorrow?"
"Of course," he says. "I love you."
"Love you too."
They hang up and he rolls over, adjusting the pillow under his head before closing his eyes. Still smiling from talking to AJ, he falls asleep quickly.