A Heart To Give (A Cody Rhodes x Reader AU)

Chapter 6: The Second Concert

Jin realizes it's late, so he urges the others to rest. Everyone gets in their respective beds and falls asleep. Cody feels much more content now that he's regained his confidence. The next morning, Cody wakes up first. He looks in the mirror again and smiles, feeling a lot more sure of himself. He then heads to the bathroom to get ready for the day. Meanwhile, the bandmates wake up, and each gets ready. Adam is brushing his teeth, David is getting dressed, Jack is reading a book, and Jin is doing his hair in his room. Cody walks out of the bathroom and returns to his room to get dressed for the day. As he looks at his closet, he can see the many different outfits he wore during the concert. Some of them are ones that he designed himself.

After he's done getting ready, he goes to the living room area of the suite. He can see that the others are all done getting ready as well and starting to hang out together. Cody then walks over to greet the others. The bandmates all greet him with smiles and hugs, telling him how well he did during last night's concert. Cody smiles back and thanks them. "I can't wait to do it again tonight, guys. Last night was amazing!" Cody says. "Yeah! You were incredible up on that stage. Definitely one of the best concerts we've ever seen in our lives." Jin says with a grin. Then the others start talking about how they plan to perform tonight. The bandmates then start reviewing tonight's show's details and logistics. Jin talks to them and explains that their next show will be in another big city. He shows them the itinerary and the places they plan to visit in that city. He can also mention the date for the next show.

They discuss things like what songs they're going to play, how long their set will be, what the crowd can expect from the show, etc. Cody listens in and contributes whenever he thinks he can add something to the discussion. After a while, the bandmates decided to take a break for a while and just hang out in the suite. They can relax and chill together before they head back out for the show again. The bandmates hang out and chat for a while, just taking things easy for now. Some read books or magazines, some listen to music, and some relax and drink. It's a light atmosphere for a bit. After a while, the bandmates decide it's time to get back to work. They want to practice for a bit, even if it's just a short rehearsal session. They start setting up their gear and instruments in the suite's living room area. Cody joins the practice session and starts to prepare himself for tonight's concert.

So the bandmates all go off to take a quick break, and they all prepare for tonight's show. Cody also heads off to take a quick break and head to his room to rest before the big concert. He can feel his nerves building, but he's also excited after all of the preparation they've been doing. He just wants tonight to come already, so he knows he'll be okay. Time goes by, and after a while, it's already time for the show. Cody can hear the crowd outside, cheering and chanting his name. Cody can feel his heart pounding against his chest as he hurries out of the penthouse suite and heads towards the stage. The crowd outside cheers even louder as he approaches.

Once he reaches the stage, Cody steps in front of the microphone and smiles at the audience. The crowd cheers even louder, and Cody can't help but smile back. The excitement is growing inside him, and he can't wait to start playing. "Hello, San Jose, California! Are you ready for the show tonight? My band and I have worked really hard on it, and we're so excited to be here with you tonight. We're going to give it our all, and we're going to make it a night to remember. Let's do this! Our first song is called Just Because!" Cody starts singing. ♪I'm playing the character that the label demands, but deep inside my heart, I still have feelings... Fame makes my heart beat so fast, it takes its toll...♪

The fans explode with excitement, but they're also a little concerned. ♪My heart is breaking into a million pieces... The fame took over, and my manager said that this relationship wouldn't be good for my image and it would hurt my career. So I had to break it off.♪ The fans shake it off; they're sure it's not concerning. Playing Cody Heart has been fun, but the person I once was has been gone... I wish I was still me, or is Cody Heart the real me? I can't tell who I am anymore...♪ ♪My heart is breaking into a million pieces... The fame took over, and my manager said that this relationship wouldn't be good for my image and it would hurt my career. So I had to break it off.♪ ♪Playing Cody Heart has made me stronger; I'm the man that I never knew! I used to want to fit in with the others, but Cody Heart is a unique individual. And for the first time in my life, I don't feel the need to hide! I'm gonna be myself, just the way that I am, and I'm gonna be okay!♪

♪My heart is breaking into a million pieces... The fame took over, and my manager said that this relationship wouldn't be good for my image and it would hurt my career. So I had to break it off.♪ Suddenly, the music changes into something more upbeat. ♪It won't matter what the fans say! I'm still going to be me, and that's okay! I won't let the fame get to my head, because I'm Cody Heart!♪ ♪I won't change a thing; there's nothing wrong with me... I'm perfect the way that I am... Just because, just because...♪ The audience cheers. "Ladies and gentlemen, we have another song for you guys tonight." Cody pauses. "...This song is actually the title track of my first album, so we hope you guys like it." Then, One Left Behind plays. ♪Sometimes I cry, it feels like death is easier to take... My dreams are buried under the pain... A love I found then quickly lost... I never meant to break your heart the way that I did... I never meant to cry! But I never got that chance to say it to your face! I know I messed this up... But, baby, you know I didn't mean it... Sometimes I cry... ♪

The crowd sings along to One Left Behind. ♪Sometimes I cry, it feels like death is easier to take... My dreams are buried under the pain of loving someone like you... A love I found then quickly lost... I never meant to break your heart the way that I did... I never meant to cry! But, baby, you know I didn't mean it.♪ ♪How was I supposed to say goodbye? I needed more time, so sorry that I didn't try... There's only one life that you got! I know how I missed my chance to ask you to stay... Now I'm left behind... [x4]♪ And the song ends. "This is a special ballad I wrote for all of you. It's name is 'I Will Follow You.' I made this song to show you how much I appreciate your support and love. Please enjoy this final song before our concert comes to an end." Cody announced. That's when the song begins. But as Cody takes a deep breath, the fans start to sing instead.

♪Even if I'm afraid, I'm gonna step on stage! Just be true to yourself... And I swear it's just a matter of time, I'm sure you'll make it too! Just believe in yourself, and your dreams will come true, I know! You gotta keep going. This might be hard, but you've gotta keep on fighting...♪ Cody is shocked, and he laughs softly. He didn't expect the fans to sing so nicely to him. The bandmates are confused but happy. Most of all, Jin is shocked. ♪Don't give up, even if people bring you down; show the world you can get back up again! Sometimes things will get tough, but you've always gotta believe that things will get better... If you just keep your feet moving! ♪ ♪Don't hold back, don't be too scared, just have faith in your future, and keep your hands open! Your destiny is waiting, one day, you'll get it, and you'll look back on the things you overcame! And you'll know it, the fight was worth it! No one knows how you feel, no one understands that it's hard to walk on without a helping hand... But one day, you'll see, the life that you always dreamed, and it's yours, if you just never give in...♪

"Wow... I have to admit, I never expected you all to sing my single back me like that. It truly means a lot to my band and me! My fans, I've had an incredible journey with you. This has been the best time of my life. I can't believe all of you have been with me for my entire musical career. I started as a nobody, but you believed in me. And you helped my music grow and flourish. I wouldn't be where I am today without each one of you. I love you more than I can say. But I have to cut this short. I hope I get to meet each and every one of you someday." And with that, Cody leaves the stage, and the fans say goodbye to him. The bandmates and Jin follow suit.