Title: The Reason
Rated: M (Mature)
Genre(s): Romance/Drama
Pair(s): Big Show/Cody, Randy/Adam, Mark/Phil, Kane/Zack, etc.
Summary: Because of the GM, Cody now has to balance life on the road with life as a new father. The GM took his boyfriend from him, and now, he's all alone…
Disclaimer: I don't own anyone, besides my OCs.
Warning(s): Slash, Mpreg, Violence
Part: 2/? – Life As It Was
OOOO
Since the GM had never allotted Cody an actual maternity leave, Cody found himself back with the WWE not even a week after Over The Limit. He wasn't an active member of the roster, but he was there to build the hype for his rematch with Christian. Now, he made his way to the back after his five minutes of fame. Beth Phoenix and Natalya had offered to watch Cayden, so he had about an hour and a half of free time. To be honest, all he wanted to do was sleep. He was exhausted. He wished that the GM hadn't been such an asshole and fired his lover…
His stomach rumbled loudly. A dark flush came over his cheeks. Even without Cayden inside of him, he still had an appetite that could send a billionaire into cardiac arrest. He walked into his private locker room and took his thermos off the coffee table, a tea packet already situated inside. All he needed was some hot water, which could be found in catering. But by the time he made it back into the hallway, everyone had crowded around the television to watch the next section. Curious, Cody mixed himself in with the masses.
Much to his shock, his boyfriend stood out there. He was certainly dressed to impress, from his charcoal slacks to his crème button-down. The Giant scowled at the crowd, which was a new turn of events for Cody. And, to make it worse, the crowd 'booed' him as loudly as they would for any established heel. What had Show done to deserve this? The others didn't notice that Cody was there until it was too late. Show started to babble about his new contract and the fat bonus that came with it, and Cody's heart froze over.
After all that that bastard GM had done to him, to them, all it took was a fat bonus and suddenly all of that was erased? Show knew that the GM made Cody extremely uncomfortable, but obviously he didn't care. And since Show came back at Over The Limit to assist the GM, he knew that Cody had had a match earlier. He didn't care enough to come to the hospital to make sure that he was okay. He didn't care enough to come and see their son be born. He didn't care about Cody at all.
"…not one of the stars in the back, or any member of the crew… no-one came to my defense. I put my heart and soul into his business, and that is the thanks that I receive?"
Cody shook his head. He couldn't believe this. No matter how much Show denied it, the truth remained. The Giant had sold out. But what hurt even more was the fact that he believed that no-one was on his side. Didn't Cody count anymore? Hadn't Cody stood by him through the best and worst of times? His attitude stung and his words cut like a blade. Still, Cody remained in front of the television, amidst the mob of stars. He wanted to hear what other nonsense would come out of the Giant's mouth.
"…and since you don't care about me, then… I… don't… care… about… you."
The jeers intensified as Show rose off of the little stool and set the mike down. Slowly, the crowd that had formed around the television started to disperse. It seemed like no-one wanted to confront the Giant when he was so foul-tempered. But Cody was already furious. He needed to talk to Show so that he could understand the whole story, because he didn't want to make any rash decisions from a five-minute section that left so much to the imagination. When Paul reached the back, Cody yanked him aside and scowled at him harshly.
"What the hell was that out there, Paul?" Cody hissed at him. He tried to keep his voice down, because there were camera men stationed all around the back and he didn't want his voice to be picked up by one of the mikes.
"I don't see why it's any of your business." Paul answered gruffly. Cody's sorrowful blue eyes widened in disbelief. "I said all that needed to be said, and all that I intend to say on the matter."
"You couldn't even tell me that John Laryngitis had rehired you?" The venom in his voice was replaced by sadness.
Paul frowned at him. "You will not make fun of his voice like that. John Laureinitis is a respectable man who -,"
Cody shook his head. What had the GM done to make Paul into his brainless minion? "You could have told me, Paul. I would've understood. But now, you look like an ass. Am I really that unimportant to you?"
"I needed my job." Paul said sternly. His tone left no room for squabble.
"So, your job is more important to you than I am?" Cody asked. He wanted clarification, but he was also afraid of the answer that he would receive.
Paul looked him directly in the eye. "Yes."
Cody felt like someone had reached into his chest and squeezed his heart in a vice until it burst. His heart hammered madly in his chest as the full weight of Show's words finally sank into his bones. Show was a wonderful in-ring performer, that was most certainly true. And to say that he loved his work would be a severe understatement. Show loved it so much that he got down on his knees and cried, begging for his job. But even then, Cody had always been first to him. At least, until now.
The smaller man watched as Show walked away, before he silently cursed himself for having been so stupid. After all, his entire life, he had only ever been loved for his looks. 'Dashing' Cody Rhodes was only a façade that he hid behind, because that was all that anyone had ever cared about. And he knew that, once he became pregnant, he wasn't all tight lines and chiseled muscles anymore. Maybe Show had only liked him for his looks. Maybe Show had never liked him at all. Cody didn't know for sure. And, after that little incident, he didn't want to know.
OOOO
"Aren't you the most adorable little boy in the world? And such a little flirt, too. Can I have a smile? Can I? Can I?" It often amazed Cody how adults could morph into little children when a baby was around.
Cayden looked between the two women. His blue eyes never seemed to shut. "Do you want your dinosaur? Or your doggy? Do you want to play with your doggy?" Natalya softly rubbed the dog plushie on Cayden's face.
The baby cooed softly and smiled for them.
Beth turned to Cody. "You have such a wonderful son, Cody. He didn't fuss once."
Cody smiled. "Thanks. I don't know what I would have done with him if you two weren't here."
"Oh, it wasn't a problem at all. Cade's a dream." Natalya smiled. "Look who it is, Cayden. It's Daddy! Can you say hello to Daddy?"
Cayden's dark blue eyes met Cody's, and the smile seemed to multiply tenfold. He cooed louder and reached for the tall brunette.
Natalya handed the baby over to Cody, who carefully situated the small body so that his head was supported in the crook of his arm. He could see that the two Divas had combed out his messy tufts of hair so that they lay flat on his head. He looked so much like Paul… Cody shook his head, he couldn't think like that. Paul had chosen his own path. He had made his own decisions. Cody should be able to accept that and move on. But, even if he knew this, it still hurt terribly.
No-one noticed the form of a Giant in the corner, far from the disapproving eyes of the rest of the roster. He didn't need their approval. He didn't need anyone. And then his eyes fell on his boyfriend… rather, his ex-boyfriend, and the little baby in his arms. But it couldn't be their baby, could it? No, Cody wasn't due for another month and a half. Paul watched as Cody leaned down and kissed the baby's forehead softly. The little boy continued to make small, loving noises that made the rest of the roster melt.
Natalya and Beth both rose and offered Cody a warm embrace. And Cody smiled for the first time in what seemed like an eternity. "I'll see you two on Monday, okay?"
"We'll be there." Beth answered for both of them. "Take care, okay? If you need any help with Cade, call us. We're here for you."
Cody nodded. "Thanks. It really means a lot to know that."
Paul's heart sank in his chest as he watched Cody walk out, the baby clutched firmly in his arms. What had he done?
OOOO
A/N: Please Review!