Author's Note - Thank you so much for the reviews, follows, and favorites. I am so glad you are all interested in this story. I hope you continue to enjoy it.
Disclaimer - Elise is my OC. I don't own anything you recognize.
All The Same
Elise stepped off the elevator and into the lobby of her apartment building. It was exactly 9 am and she was pleasantly surprised to see Kenny was already waiting for her by the front doors.
He smiled when he spotted her stepping off the elevator and waved. She smiled back as she approached him. "Hey." He greeted.
"Hey Kenny. Thanks for inviting me to breakfast."
"My pleasure. We have a lot to discuss." He grabbed the door and held it open for her, "Shall we?"
"Thank you." She stepped out into the crisp, early morning air. He followed her out and they walked in silence to a nearby restaurant. After they were seated and had ordered their meal Elise started the conversation, "What was it that you needed to talk to me about?"
Kenny took a sip of the green tea that the waitress had delivered to them, "Well - let's cut right to the chase. Huh?" He kidded.
"Sorry. I didn't mean to be rude - but, I would be lying if I didn't admit I had been racking my brains trying to figure out what you needed to discuss with me."
"Well - you know that I told you yesterday that I am no longer going to be working with New Japan."
Elise nodded. She was still surprised he had decided to leave. She knew how much he loved Japan.
"Well - I am going to be going to work with the rest of the Elite in their new wrestling promotion in the States."
"Wow, Kenny, that is awesome. I am happy for you. You guys are going to do amazing - I am sure." She took a sip of her green tea. She was genuinely happy for her friend.
"I was talking to the guys yesterday and they want to offer you a contract." Kenny added.
Elise choked on her tea.
"You okay?" He asked, wide-eyed.
"Uhh, yea I'm sorry." She sat her tea cup down. "Kenny when I told you what happened. I wasn't looking for you to call in favors for me." She frowned.
"It's not like that Elise. I know you weren't looking for anything. I want you to come to AEW too because you deserve it. You are talented."
Elise felt her cheeks grow hot. "Thank you Kenny."
"I know when you contacted me yesterday you just needed someone to talk to. I know you wouldn't take advantage of our friendship like that. I did what I did because I wanted to. That's it." He insisted.
She nodded, "Thank you."
"The only thing is it is a contract to work as an interviewer. They also want you to work in the media department." He took another sip of his tea.
She sat quietly for a moment. She loved wrestling but, this was a great opportunity for her to go back to America and get back into the wrestling scene over there.
"And that doesn't mean that you'll never wrestle again. You might even end up wrestling with AEW later. This is just to get you in the door. You can keep training. You can even train with me if you want to."
"Really? You would do that for me?"
"Of course - it would be fun. Not to mention you can train with the rest of the Elite too. I think you will get along great with them."
"Thank you Kenny. That would be amazing."
"Does that mean you're going to accept their offer?"
Elise smiled excitedly, "Yes." She nodded. "I mean how can I pass up the opportunity to be a part of a brand new company. Plus it will be fun working with you."
"Great. I will let them know. You can fly back with me when I go to Vegas for the press conference if you want."
"That would be great. Thank you."
Kenny was adjusting his tie in the mirror when someone knocked on the door to his hotel room. He went over and opened the door.
Elise stood on the other side, dressed in a burgundy dress with an embellished bodice with a v-neck neckline, lace sleeves, and a tiered a-line skirt. She paired the dress with a pair of nude tights for warmth. She was carrying her matching red pumps. She smiled sweetly, her maroon colored lipstick matched beautiful with her complexion.
"Wow, Elise you look beautiful." He motioned for her step inside.
She tucked a strand of her hair behind her ear. She had chosen to leave it down in loose waves. Her eye makeup was done in neutral browns and golds.
"Thank you Kenny." She sat down on the edge of his bed, crossing one leg over the other. "You're looking pretty good yourself."
"Thank you."
"I can't believe this is happening. I can't believe we signed contracts earlier. It is still so surreal." She shook her head. "It all seemed like a dream - I haven't even looked for an apartment yet. My parents told me I can come stay with them."
"That was nice of them." Kenny sat down beside her.
"Yea, it is. I appreciate it." She smiled. "The only problem is I'm going to be the only employee getting taken to the shows by my mother." Elise laughed at the thought. "It's going to be like I'm in high school all over again - but, a lot more fun." She put on her pumps as she spoke.
Kenny had forgotten that Elise didn't drive. She had never gotten her license before moving to Japan. In Japan it had only been a mild inconvenience to be without a license. Not having a license in America was a completely different story.
"I'm still looking too. I am going to head to Orlando tomorrow to do some house hunting. Why don't you come with me and we can find a place to share. We can split the rent." Kenny offered - "And you can travel with me to the shows."
"You have done enough for me." She shook her head.
"Oh come on - It could be fun having a roommate." He shrugged. "Besides - it can just be temporary until you learn to drive and find your own place."
"Really?"
"Really." Kenny nodded. "I can even help you with the whole driving thing." He stood up and offered his hand to help her up.
"That would be wonderful. Thank you." She smiled gratefully and grabbed his hand.
"So you better call your mom and dad after this and tell them you won't be staying after all" He helped her to her feet.
"I don't deserve to have you as a friend - do you know that?"
"Of course you do." He chuckled. He grabbed his key card and wallet before motioning toward the door. "After you."
She obliged and led the way out of the room.
Kenny and Elise arrived early to the press conference. Kenny had to keep himself hidden because his signing was still a surprise.
They were standing in a secluded area with the rest of the signees, waiting for the conference to start.
Kenny grabbed her hand when he spotted The Young Bucks, "Come on. I want you to meet my friends."
"Okay." She did object to his touch. She followed behind him as he led the way to the two brothers.
"Matt, Nick. I want you to meet Elise." He nodded to her.
She blushed slightly and extended her hand, "It's a pleasure to meet both of you. I'm really grateful for the opportunity I am getting here."
"We're happy to have you." One of the brothers shook her hand. "I'm Nick. this is my older, less talented brother Matt."
Elise giggled at the jest, "I have seen your matches. You are both talented."
"Thank you." Matt smiled and shook her hand too.
She smiled gratefully. She had the feeling she was going to like it at AEW.
The press conference had gone wonderfully. The fans were so excited about the new company. Elise had spent her time interviewing various wrestlers and fans for a video that would later be posted on the AEW youtube channel to help promote the new promotion.
She had already showered and changed into her pajamas. She grabbed her cell phone to do a facetime call with her mom.
Her mom answered right away.
"Hi mom." Elise smiled. She was leaning against the headboard, the laptop rested on her lap.
"Hi baby. How are you?"
"I'm wonderful. I had so much fun tonight. I think I am really going to like this company."
"I am so happy for you! Your father and I are so proud."
"Thank you." Elise bit back tears of joy. "I am so happy to be back in the states again. I am going to be able to be home for all of the holidays."
"What time can we expect you home?" Her mother asked.
Elise bit her lip. She had been dreading this conversation. "Well mom - it turns out i found a place to stay after all."
"You did! Where is it?" Do you need help decorating?"
Elise laughed at her mom's enthusiasm. "Well I shouldn't say I found a place to stay per say. . . I found a friend to stay with, actually."
"Oh," Her mom frowned.
"Oh mom, are you upset? I just figured it would be easier because I can travel with him to all of the shows and you and daddy won't have to worry about driving to the airport or the arenas."
"Him?" Her mother frowned disapprovingly.
She knew the idea of her stay with Kenny would be a point of contention with her parents. They were very traditional. "He's just a coworker and friend."
"I don't know if that is a good idea." Her mother said. "A single young woman like you shouldn't be staying alone with a man."
Elise laughed, "Mom it's 2019, not 1850 - It's fine. We're just going to be roommates."
Her mother frowned, "I still don't like it."
"I'm sorry." Elsie frowned too, "I thought it was the simplest solution. He is a very nice guy."
"When are we going to meet him?"
"Meet him, why would you meet him?"
"If my little girl is going to be living with some man - I need to make sure he is suitable."
Elise rolled her eyes. "It's just an arrangement. I'm not living with him - we will be roommates. I am going to pay half the rent."
"You can bring him to dinner."
Elise sighed. "I'll talk to him - okay? I'm not making any promises." She yawned. "I'm going to go mom. It's been a long night. I love you."
"I love you too Elise. Talk to you tomorrow."
"Talk to you tomorrow." Elise ended the call.
She frowned and rolled over, flopping down against the pillows. How was she ever going to convince Kenny that he needed to meet her parents? He had no obligation to interact with them.
She grabbed her phone when it chimed. "Speak of the devil." She muttered as she opened the text from Kenny.
Hey - I'm going out to breakfast with all of the guys in the morning - want to come along?"
I would love to. I appreciate the offer. What time. She replied.
8:30 am.
Okay. I'll meet you downstairs. Goodnight & thank you for the offer.
You're welcome. Goodnight.
She smiled and plugged her phone into the charger. She looked forward to getting to know his friends better. Hopefully she would fit in well at AEW.