All in all, Mike rebounds from the week prior alright. He has a bunch of filming to do- some by himself, in the rain, wearing leather and looking smug and happy in the middle of nowhere, and some with Maryse, dressed in a suit and trying to be calm as her pregnancy hormones dictate where the conversation takes them. He smiles a little, remembering when AJ had been pregnant. She had been a little emotional, but all in all, adorable, as Sara's due date had approached. He absently presses a hand to Maryse's stomach, feeling her and Heath's daughter fluttering around in there, and sighs quietly.

In a break in filming, Maryse smooths a hand over her stomach before eyeing him. "So, what's your story?" she inquires, accent thick as she glances at the table full of food that had been catered in just for this.

"Nothing," he says honestly, following her over to the vegetable tray and watching as she gnaws on some carrots. But the longer they stand there, the more questions well up within him. "Maryse..." Her dark eyes lock on him and he smiles weakly, once more sprawling his fingers over her stomach. "How old do you think is the right age to get a little sibling?"

She chews on the carrots a few more moments before swallowing, eyes locked on him. "Are you and AJ thinking about having another child?"

He hesitates. "Well, we've mentioned it a time or two in the past, but I feel like AJ might be happy with how things are, and since I'm always to busy filming and on the road with WWE, I wouldn't want to make her feel pressured to have another when she's the one staying at home and doing the bulk of the work. One outspoken toddler is a lot different than one outspoken toddler and a colicky baby. You know?"

Maryse hums. Thinks it over as she bites into celery dipped in ranch sauce. "Might be an open and honest conversation you actually have with her, you know? See how she really thinks about things." Mike nods nervously. Rapid, jerky little movements that makes Maryse's lips twitch until she reaches out and cups his jaw. "You're a good dad. Sara loves you. If you and AJ decide to have a second child, it'll be just as lucky and as loved as Sara. Don't worry about it until you actually talk to her about it. Ok?"

"Ok," he says with a small smile. "Thanks."

-x

Thoughts of another baby in their house sticks with him. But it's a busy week, he barely sees AJ for more than ten minutes at a time, a fact that she takes in stride as he kisses her hello, reaches down to hoist Sara up, and then blows loud kisses against her stomach, making her squeal and writhe around as he tosses her in the air, catching her smoothly and kissing her nose as she peers up at him with adoring blue eyes. He helps put her to bed and then hugs AJ close before they go to the bathroom, staring at each other in the mirrors as they get ready for bed. Once their teeth are brushed and they've changed into sleepwear, Mike stands at the side of the bed and rubs his hands up and down AJ's arms. "I love you," he murmurs, eyes fixed on her, and she beams

"I love you too, husband." She gasps as he lifts her up, sprawling her out over their bed, and then hovers over her, brushing his knuckles along her ribcage, down her abdomen, his touch featherlight and teasing as she stares up at him, gaze dark and fixed. "Mike," she murmurs, and he leans in, pressing barely there kisses against her and she tangles her fingers in his hair, tugging as he smirks. "Mike..." she hums, toes flexing against his thighs as she wraps her legs around him and draws him in closer, finally pushing him to tip over on top of her, bracing himself with his forearms. She laughs, running her fingers up and down his spine through his shirt, making him shiver.

He stares down at her, shifting his weight so he can touch her easier, and closes his eyes. Maybe, he thinks. After Wrestlemania. After I break the all-time record for Intercontinental champions. Sara will make a perfect big sister...

-x

Raw puts a wrench in his plans. Leaves him tired and angry, especially since Maryse has gotten into his head with fear over Heath since Bray's begun targetting he and Rhyno as a subversion to his issues with Matt Hardy. Unfortunately for her, Mike has his own issues so he can't pay it the attention he might ordinarily- he, Bo and Axel had been put in a two on three match against Seth and Finn, but it still hadn't been enough. They still lose, and even get demolished afterwards. So he's leaning against the ropes afterwards, almost feeling thankful to Angle for interrupting this senseless beatdown, when Angle explains his presence. "...Wrestlemania opponent won't be Finn Balor or Seth Rollins." He pauses, taking in the crowd's response to this before barreling on. "So I think why not both? At Wrestlemania, for hte Intercontinental title, it will be The Miz vs Finn Balor vs Seth Rollins."

Simple as that. More underhanded tactics in an attempt to keep Mike from breaking their precious record. He grits his teeth and closes his eyes. I will win, he thinks. I will be champion well past Mania. I always come out on top. This will not be any different. And then...

He swallows, nervousness curling deep inside of him. I'll go home and see how AJ feels about expanding our family again.