"I can't believe it's December already," AJ mumbles, an arm lazily wrapped around Mike.
"I can't believe I lost to that... that freak," he responds, fingers digging slightly into her hip.
She huffs and leans up, stroking a nail down his jaw, up his cheek. "I personally am just glad the worst you walked out of all of that was a couple tens of thousands dollars lighter. Alright? We both know he could've done a lot worse to you."
Mike huffs, then sighs. "I guess. I mean, I know you're right, I just... it sucks. I hate losing."
"I know you do," she says. "But just be glad. It's the holiday season and maybe now we can put this behind us."
"I have a bone to pick with Gargano, though," he says, teeth gritted, and she rolls her eyes at him.
"Ok, fine. But then what? What will you get out of continuing this?"
"I don't know, some of my dignity back?" He bristles at the incredulous look she throws at him, then huffs. "I mean, come on. I have to do something. Don't I?"
"Yes," she says. "You do. You have to stay here and think about Christmas with me, and how we're going to spend it, and to what degree we're going to spoil our children this year." She sits up, gaze growing more foreboding. "Unless you decide to do something ridiculous and waste more of our money on faulty ventures."
Mike stammers, then stutters, then finally nods, helpless. "Alright. I promise. I'll be more careful."
She settles back down against his chest and huffs. "You'd better be," she mumbles. "I know I didn't like you getting involved with someone who looks and acts like they could be in the next serial killer blockbuster, much less how Maryse felt about it all after he broke into her house."
Mike grimaces, starting to stroke his fingers through her hair. "I really hated that," he mumbles. "It wasn't my intention... none of it, really. I never expected him to take it that far..."
"I know you didn't," AJ tells him. "Now let it go before it escalates any further. That's all I ask. Ok?"
He nods. "I'll do my best," he promises, pressing a kiss to her forehead. "I'm so sorry. I've already apologized to her, but I'll talk to Maryse in the morning, and tell her that as well. You both deserved better from me."
"Yes, we did," AJ says sleepily. "Well, I've already forgiven you. I suppose she probably has too. But," she adds after a moment, pinching Mike and making him yelp. "You'd better not put either of us through something like this again."
"I won't," he swears. "I promise."
Once she settles again and relaxes, sinking fully into sleep, he lays and holds her, staring up at the ceiling as he tries to think of a good, safe way to get revenge on Gargano but in a much safer way than the things he'd been trying the past few months. Nothing's coming to him right now, but he's sure by Monday, he'll have some idea of how to make this all work out in his favor.