Chapter 18 - Welcome back! Before we begin, allow me to thank all you readers, and a special thanks to Wolfgirl2013 and Lonely Freakin' Freak for their reviews.
This said, let's get back to the longest chapter so far. I really hope you'll enjoy it!

The night between Wednesday and Thursday, Riho couldn't sleep at all. All she was able to do was staring eyes wide open at the ceiling, or nervously turning in the bed.

Pictures from the match at Dynamite kept overwhelming her mind. An attempted hurricanrana from the middle rope, a dive from the top turnbuckle, a submission hold reversed in a missed attack, consequent running moves. All things that didn't go as planned. Actually, nothing seemed to be gone as planned.

And there was no one to blame. No one's fault. Surely not Nyla, not Emi, not Kenny. It was just her in the ring. It was her all alone.

The tears flew as she feared that she may have blown up the chance of a lifetime. What kind of important promotion would want a champion that ruins a championship match?

Her own insecurity was her worst enemy since day one. And now that she was in a bigger world, in the core of the business, it all intensified.

The critics she had to go through during these months were a lot, harsh and most of the times evil. Even though she'd been working hard since the first minute she stepped into the building and into the ring. It was so hard to take. She could vividly remember how she was pissed off when that guy implied that she was handed that title because of her friendship with Kenny Omega. Or, according to an evidently growing number of people, something more.

She was young, ok, but there was no right to be so mean to her.

So many times she was forced to test herself. It was like she always had to be under examination.

Or… was it right, after last night? Did she deserve all those critics?

It was hurting. She couldn't think clear. With her eyes, moistened and heavier at every blink, she could already see the critics from the morning after on…

###

Kenny read all those critics. He may be one of the firsts, as he woke up very early that Thursday morning. There was basically everything. He had no doubt that the web would have reacted that way. It was awful.

He could clearly imagine how would be the air in the top offices of AEW. Tony had high hopes for the match, he was picturing a new horizon for the women's division. That should have been the "jolt" he was looking for. It wasn't, and if Tony was mad, he had some right to be.

Will he be scolded next time? Will be Tony charging him for some responsibilities? Maybe, he wasn't that innocent after all.

But most of all, he felt terrible for Riho. Damn it, he felt responsible for all of that. Things have got the worst way possible. That wasn't the game he played for.

He saw Riho crying right after the match. He felt mortified, because there was so much more he could do and could have done. He never wanted to see her like that.

He could have reached her, maybe said her something nice, something that would help her going through that. Being a better friend. Any day, he probably would and succeed. But last night? She was clearly still mad at him, and it didn't look like it was the best moment for approaching her.

Should've he reached her anyway to get yelled at again? No, thanks.

Came to think about it, there was something that Cody was right on. He cared about Riho. He wasn't afraid of the aftermath. He wasn't afraid of a rebuke from Tony. He wasn't afraid of how people thought he was making a bad work with the division. He was caring about her, about her career, about her feelings, about her future. After all, he'd been doing it since day one. He couldn't deny that.

Later that morning, Kenny called the offices.

- Hello, Tony? Hi, it's me, Kenny. Is this a bad time? –

- Not at all. –

- I need to ask you something. In the next few days, I've got some things to do. Things I can no longer postpone, you know. I think I kinda need a few days off. Not sure if I can make it to Dynamite. -

- Thank you for advising. So you won't be here for the show next week? -

- I don't know yet. But look, I don't wanna cause you any trouble, Tony. I know I was scheduled for just a brief segment, I had no match. Anyway, if you think I'm necessary, I could record a promo and send it for the show. –

- I don't think it will be necessary, in case I'll let you know. But… is everything ok? Should I worry about anything? –

- No, I'm fine. I just need a few days. -

- It won't be dramatic. I guess you deserve some time for yourself. I know this has been a rough period. Go ahead, don't worry. -

- Thank you, Tony. Anything you need, just call me. –

- Ok. Take care, Ken. –

- See you soon. -

Tony seemed ok with that. Perhaps he wasn't even going to blame and scold Kenny when he'd be back.

Kenny hanged up. He lied, because there wasn't anything else he needed to do outside of AEW.

But he also told the truth. He needed some time for himself. His mind and his thoughts needed some fresh air.

###

Fast forward, the next week arrived. And it was time for Dynamite again.

It was Tuesday afternoon, and all the athletes as usually reunited at the Daily's Place for the pre-show briefing. Everybody would've learned what they would be doing the day after, and it would be presented the script of the Wednesday's episode.

Passed the last week, that day Riho was halfway between nervous and thrilled. This had to be her second chance. It had to be the moment where she'd get back in the game, after the terrible moments during her last match with Nyla. Where she'd prove that she was better than that. To the fans, to the management, to herself.

She felt terrible, after the match with Nyla. She felt terrible the rest of the week. And she wasn't ok now, cause she couldn't totally be after all. She couldn't hold up other mistakes, and she knew, so wouldn't the top brass. But she was ready to get in the ring and battle. To wreck all those cruel critics that tried to destroy her.

All she wanted was doing better. And shaking off of that strange sensation she was feeling.

Kenny was somehow part of that feeling. He left her in disappointment. Emi tried to tell her that he did it for her own good, she was sure that what Kenny did was just for her. It wasn't so easy.

A little part of Riho wanted to believe it. Maybe she couldn't be mad at him forever.

They were about to find out what was their plan for the night after. Britt Baker and Nyla Rose were already standing near Riho. They saw Brandi Rhodes walking toward them, followed by Hikaru Shida.

- Alright girls, here we are. – Brandi started. – So, we thought of keeping on the same track of the past few weeks. You're the top players of this division, let's give the fans some kind of an "all stars game". Nyla will start the show celebrating the title victory, then one by one you show up and reclaim a match. At the end, it will be a tag match with Britt and Nyla on one side, Riho and Hikaru on the other. Dirty win for the heel faction this time, you choose who gets to pin who. Any question? –

There wasn't any, it all looked clear. Riho nodded. It made sense.

There was just one thing. It's been a while since only Brandi came to give instructions for their matches and segments prior to the show. There was always Kenny with her. But today, speaking about Kenny … she actually hadn't seen him anywhere around.

- Where is Kenny? – she softly asked.

- Oh, he isn't here today. To be honest, I've no idea where he is. – Brandi replied, rubbing her temple. – By the way, for anything, just come to me or to Nick. He's backstage with his brother. –

- Ok, thank you. – Britt nodded.

Riho frowned as Brandi left. Kenny never missed such kind of meetings. "For sure he will attend the show tomorrow", she thought. His absence though, in that moment, looked like a strange coincidence.

###

On Wednesday, Kenny ended up spending his evening in front of the TV. Wearing a creased gray t-shirt and shorts, cross-legged on his couch. A glass of gelid tonic water in the left hand, the remote in his right. And a relaxing sense, like he was on vacation. Boy, it was nice to rest at home.

At 8 p.m., Kenny switched to TNT. It could likely be one of the first times, if not the first at all, that he witnessed a Dynamite episode live all from his couch. He liked seeing his friends in action on the TV.

He grinned, as he realized he would be part of that week's share, in the ratings war against NXT. The "Demo God" should definitely owe him one.

And you know what? I'm not going to Dark tapings either.

After a brilliant opener involving Jungle Boy and Darby Allin, it was time for the women's division. Tag team contest between the team of Riho and Shida on one side, Nyla and Britt Baker on the other.

It was good for Riho to be part of such kind of match, Kenny thought. After last week, she might need something less wearing, less under the spotlights. A tag match could be the right call.

He really hoped that she could pull out a good and convincing performance, so to drive the bad talks away. And since he knew her, he also knew it wouldn't be easy.

The fact was, that she eventually did well. She looked focused. It looked all another Riho comparing to last week's.

After a while, Kenny found himself smiling.

"You go, girl."

He was gazing at the screen and at her, like a master extremely proud of her prodigy.

As the match went on, Kenny was supporting her from the couch as if he actually was in the crowd. At the end, when Britt Baker put Shida's shoulders to the mat by an eye rake and an inside cradle, Kenny jumped on the couch and complained for the loss. He clapped to the girls, as if he had to encourage them from home.

He was so happy for Riho. He hadn't talked to her in days, waiting for her to be fine. So he didn't really know how she was doing. Apparently, she managed to overcome all those tremendous feelings that were about to surround her and got back on her feet. Maybe it was too early to say that the storm was behind them, but it was so nice to see her like this. That was the Riho he knew, that was the Riho he met in Japan and wanted at all costs to be part of AEW.

Honestly, he was afraid that she still could have been stuck to last week. And as he already believed that what happened was his fault, he couldn't stand another horrible night for her.

Suddenly, Cody's voice began to strike back one more time.

"Why don't you wanna face the facts and admit that there could be feelings between you two? What's holding you back?"

Kenny shook his head. – What's holding me back… - he murmured out loud. – You're crazy, man. –

He never thought of Riho in those terms. They've known each other for years, they became good friends, they loved spending time and working together. He cared a lot about her, and he was sure she cared about him too. But that was it. It didn't necessarily have to mean that there was something more beyond it.

"But what if you can give it a shot?"

No chance in hell. There was no way there would be ever a shot to give.

What happened at the gym… alright, they felt a tension, a vibe, between them. So what? It happened once, it was just a moment. It didn't have to mean anything. Who knew what that was for.

It must've been the same for her. He was just a friend for her. Well, right now, as long as she'd be mad, not even a good one. She couldn't want anything more.

And he was so much older than her. Come on, Cody, what are we talking about?

Not everyone is you and Brandi. You meet, you match, you fall in love and you get married at the speed of light. And they all lived happily ever after. 9 out of 10, no good comes out of relationships born on the workplace. There was no reason at all to put a great friendship in jeopardy.

"It's been all because of her. It's always been her."

It was her, right. He did what he did because he thought it was the right thing. He did what he did because he cared so much about her, because he was worried for her. He didn't want to be the reason for her sadness. He fought so hard, he took shots for her, and that's how he got paid back?

He just felt like he had to shield her. He would've done the same for everyone else… wouldn't he?

###

The morning after the show, Tony Khan called Riho asking if she could come to his office and have a talk. She felt nervous. It was the first time she was summoned in such way by the boss. After the horror show of last Wednesday, a reprimand seemed inevitable. And she was afraid also that he could contest her for the match she just had the night before.

- How you doing? – It was the first thing Tony said, the moment Riho passed the threshold of his office.

- Fine, thank you. – It wasn't exactly "fine", but close enough. She was still quite upset over a few things, she didn't look cheerful as usual.

Tony sat at his desk and welcomed Riho to do the same. – I bet you imagine why I called you, right? –

The girl nodded. Of course she knew, there weren't so many reasons. The boss had all the rights to be mad for a bad work.

- I wanted to have a calm talk with you, far from the arena and the ring. I got to be honest with you. – Tony spoke. – I expected a lot more from you and Nyla last Wednesday. It wasn't exactly what I was looking for. -

Riho bit her lower lip. – I know. I am sorry. –

She felt guilty as charged, but actually, Tony didn't seem so angry. He may be disappointed, of course, but not angry.

– I spoke with Nyla prior to the match, to keep her on point. I didn't with you, because I thought you didn't need advices. I had an absolute trust that you were going to put up a great match. – Tony explained. – Honestly, I'm not happy of how things worked out. But I'd like to believe that this was just an adverse night. Was it? –

- It was. -

- And what I do care the most, right now, is that you're alright. Are you? –

Riho nodded. – Yes. -

- Great. Because I'm fully aware of what you're capable off, and how you've been doing well so far. Things can go wrong one night for everybody. And I wanted to assure you that the title change does nowhere depend on what happened last night. –

Riho silently exhaled. She felt so relieved over Tony's words. She wasn't happy either, but knowing that her boss wasn't mad at her was at least a step forward. He sounded so sympathetic.

- Thank you. – she whispered.

Tony gently smiled. – I saw things have gone better yesterday evening. You girls did a very good job, all of you. Well done. –

As she was feeling better, Riho wanted to know more about what AEW had planned for her. A meeting with the boss could have been a good moment to learn that. - So what now? Next weeks? – she asked. – Will I still fight versus Nyla for the title? –

Tony seemed to take a moment to think about it. – Well, of course, you're still on top of the rankings. As we're still working on a few plans, I think also some other profiles will start to climb the charts in the meantime. You know, there's Kris, Shida, Penelope. I saw you working very well with all of them. The division is in great hands. You just don't worry, Riho, everything's fine. -

Riho let a smile running across her lips. She had no reasons to not believe Tony.

###

Right before Dynamite, it was announced that the tapings of Dark were postponed from Wednesday, after the main show, to Thursday. They intended to air a special episode on YouTube that week.

Riho was asked to participate. She performed at Dynamite too, but as she had one more day to rest, she was eventually glad to do one more match.

Tapings were about to begin in about an hour. Riho was in the locker room, dismissing her outfit to wear her ring attire. While she was putting on her boots, Nick Jackson knocked on the door.

- You ready? – he asked.

She finished tightening her boot. – Sure, done. –

- Great. So, we schedule a match for tonight between you and Penelope. A fight of 7, maybe 8 minutes. You two have fun. – he blinked at her. – You win, alright? –

Riho nodded. – Yes. –

Nick thumbed up on the threshold. – Good. Now I'm gonna go. –

- Nick, wait… - she frowned. Again, it was someone else who's giving her instructions before the match. She had to ask. – Have you seen Kenny? –

He shook his head. - He's not here. –

Again. – Oh… ok. –

- You need anything? Can I help you? – Nick questioned.

- No, no… I am fine. – she hurried to reply.

Here was that hiccup again. It was twice in a row. This was new. Kenny missed the pre-show meeting, he didn't show up at Dynamite, and he wasn't there for Dark. It was like he basically disappeared. They haven't been in contact for over a week by now, so she had no clue. But apparently, neither did his friends.

This was becoming quite suspicious.

And… she felt like she was missing something. She couldn't tell what it was.

A sense of hollow. Hollow that she had to fill by fighting in the ring. She just hoped to have the fun with Penelope that Nick suggested.

###

When Brandi came home, she found her husband sat at the desk with his head bowed to the work plan. He looked totally absorbed in trying to fix one of Pharaoh's toys, that the dog broke.

Brandi left her bag at the coat rack and went kissing Cody on his cheek, near to the lips.

- How's it going? –

- Not well… - he murmured. – I thought I'd breeze this through way earlier. -

- You will. – She smiled and changed subject. - You know, last Riho asked me where is Kenny. –

Cody raised an eyebrow and smiled, all without lifting his sight. He kind of expected that. – Oh really? –

- Yes. I wasn't even sure what to tell her. I'm a bit worried. –

- He just took a few days off. I know he agreed with Tony. –

Brandi put her hands on her hips. - Well, then how come you know and I don't? –

- That's all I know. – Cody calmly explained. - Kenny texted me. –

- And you didn't tell anybody? –

- He asked me not to. –

- But I'm your wife! –

- And he's my friend. – he fired back.

She loudly snorted. – Alright… so what do you think he's doing? –

Cody's head shot up. – Hopefully? Figuring it all out. -

###

Driving back home, after Dark tapings, Riho had some time to talk to herself.

Her match against Penelope wasn't that bad. It didn't turn out perfect, Penelope botched a diving attack and there was a brief moment hesitation. Nothing that couldn't be cut by the post-editing, though.

In the end, she could be moderately satisfied with the result.

Emi took care to call her after the tapings. Riho answered to the phone while she was in the parking lot, getting to the car.

- So, did you talk to Kenny? – Emi seemed pretty concerned about Riho fixing things with him.

- Actually, no. –

- Why not? – Emi protested. – You didn't go to him? Are you still so angry? –

- It is not that… - she slowly murmured. – I could not find him. –

Riho accessed to the highway, as she recalled the talk with her former mentor.

Emi recently talked her a lot about Kenny. She seemed to be over-pushy about that.

But on a certain level, she may be right. Sooner or later, she'll have to talk to him. The wind seemed to blow in that direction. It could have been her last positive appearances on the ring, or Tony allaying her. She may be sad, sorry, disappointed, maybe even confused about Kenny. But quite frankly, she wasn't feeling that mad at him anymore. What he did was wrong. But it was still Kenny, after all.

Riho surpassed a couple of cars on the highway. And while going high speed, another thought crossed her mind. She frowned, as she suddenly realized what that sense of hollow she felt in the last couple of days exactly was.

It was still him, it was still Kenny.

It was his absence, it was not knowing where he was. It was not having him around, not seeing him before, during or after the shows, not getting any advice in the backstage. It was knowing that he wasn't there.

Last time she saw him was the night right after the crushing match against Nyla. Because, yes, she saw him. He may think she didn't, but she did. She noticed him staring at her while she was fighting back the tears. He didn't move, he didn't reach her, he didn't tell her anything. Probably he didn't even know what to do.

But that's what the hollow was standing for. She missed him.