It's work, putting together a plan for this week's Smackdown. They're held up in Zack's house in Florida, and John misses Taya, and Mike's worried about his wife and kids, and all in all, it doesn't do much for their creativity. John's withdrawn, Mike is snappish, and it seems like their partnership is going to fall apart all over again when Zack interjects himself, grinning toothily at them and putting some distance between them as he sits down heavily. "Hey, bros, cheer up, it's a gorgeous day and just because we're quarrantined inside doesn't mean we can't do something!"
And that's how the three of them find themselves in Zack's hot tub outside, Mike sinking down into the hot, bubbling mass of water. "God, this is great," he moans softly, adding it to the list of things he'd like to do to his and AJ's new house whenever he gets the time. "Thanks, Zack."
"Yeah, thanks, Zack." John looks more cheerful in the sun and Mike casts him a quick glance, the two of them smiling in a sheepish sort of way when their eyes meet, both thinking along the same lines. Sorry. I didn't mean anything I said.
So, after a lengthy soak, the three of them return inside, bundled up in towels, and settle around Zack's island, chewing on these reheatable meals that Zack still swears by and drinking coconut water quietly. "Well," Mike says, clapping his hands once everyone's done. "I feel better." Resting a hand on John's shoulder, he leans closer. "Wanna try to give it another go?"
"Yeah, we should," John nods, pursing his lips. "Let's do this thing."
Now, with full bellies, and skin still tingling warm from the pressure of the hot tub, John and Mike set to work once more on their plans. This time, everything clicks and ideas begin flowing as easily as they usually do.
"You might want to watch Smackdown this week," Mike informs his wife over the phone later that evening, sprawled out in bed and waiting for sleep to steal him away. "John and I did something so ridiculous."
"What's new?" AJ asks with a soft laugh. "But yes, I will watch Smackdown this week." She sighs. "I miss your face."
"I miss your everything," he whispers to her and she breathes softly for a few moments. "I'm really sorry about all of this, sweetheart. I promise I'll be home as soon as I can."
"Healthy and safe," she murmurs back.
"Yes, that's the plan," he tells her.
It aches to be across the country from his family, hands physically aching sometimes with his inability to hold them, but it's Wrestlemania. It's only a little over a week away by now. They'll make it.
They have to.
Smackdown goes off without a hitch- they worked hard at editing this clip series of them mocking Heavy Machinery, New Day, and the Usos. But in the end, the team who takes the most offense to their bluster is Heavy Machinery, and they realize they're going to have to wrestle the men next. Exchanging shrugs, they settle in for a tough match- no matter how inexperienced Otis and Tucker may be in comparison to the others, they're still big, strong guys, and Mike knows it's going to be a struggle just to win. At least a fair amount of John's offense is highflying, he won't need to try to out-strength either of them to hurt them. He's not so lucky, chewing at the inside of his cheek whenever he has to try to do anything to either man.
He thinks they might win when Ziggler comes and starts to distract Otis and Tucker with pictures of him out on dates with Mandy, which only serves to piss Otis off. While they're the only ones left in his track. Mike tries to stand, tries to force John to his feet, but it's too late, they're too slow to do anything- and Otis brutalizes them, clearly seeing Ziggler in their stead, and Mike lays next to John once there's a pause in the attack, twitching and groaning in agony.
"Ow," John hisses, and Mike nods, blinking blearily at the bright lights overhead as Otis is finally guided out by a concerned Tucker and the referees and other staff are allowed to come try to help them.
"Welcome back to WWE," he forces out through aching teeth and John exhales out a strangled sort of laugh.
"Thanks a lot," he grunts as referees ease him into a sitting position, quickly checking him over for injuries and doing the same for Mike.
Their eyes meet and they begin laughing helplessly between gasps of pain and muttered demands for the staff to take it easy when they begin poking and prodding.