A/n; Couldn't really fit Theo into this episode with the events of the book differing from the show, but I tried my best. Hope you enjoy!

The atmosphere backstage at The Hollywood Bowl was electric, filled with the distant sounds of the audience cheering, the buzz of conversation, and the rhythmic thump of bass reverberating through the walls. Theo sat in his wheelchair, his fingers gently strumming his guitar. The

As he practiced, he felt a mix of excitement and nerves churning in his stomach. This was a big moment for him—his first performance in front of 17,000 people and his first performance since his release from the hospital, and he was determined to make it memorable. Just as he was settling into a particular tune, the backstage door creaked open quietly.

"Hey, mind if I join you?" Johnny said, stepping inside. His voice was low, almost hesitant, as he approached Theo.

Theo looked up, a hesitant expression on his face. "Sure, Come on in," he replied, a smile breaking through his concentration. "What's up?"

Johnny took a seat on a nearby stool, running a hand through his hair, a look of concern etched on his face. "I just wanted to check in on you. I've been thinking a lot lately... I feel like it's partially my fault, you know, everything that happened."

Theo paused his strumming, the air thick with unspoken emotions. "It was an accident, I hesitated," he said, his tone steady but gentle.

"I know, but I just can't shake this feeling that if I had just stuck with that 'No Mercy' bullshit, maybe things would have turned out differently," Johnny admitted, his voice heavy with guilt. "I should have been there for you."

Theo took a deep breath, trying to find the right words. "You didn't mean for any of this to happen," he said, his eyes locking onto Johnny's. "What's important is that I'm here now, and I'm ready to go rock this fucking place. That's what matters."

Johnny nodded, a small chuckle leaving his lips. "Yeah, you're right. I just... I want to support you, man. I know this is a big deal for you."

"It is," Theo replied, a hint of excitement creeping into his voice. "I want to show everyone that I'm still me, that I can still do this."

With that, Johnny gave Theo a supportive pat on the shoulder before standing up. "Alright, man, it's almost showtime. Go out there and show them what you've got."

As Johnny exited the room, giving Theo an encouraging nod, Tory stepped through the backstage door, her wife smile calming Theo's nerves. She wore a backstage pass around her neck, and her eyes sparkled with excitement.

"Hey, Rockstar!" she said, a playful grin on her face. Without hesitation, she leaned down and kissed Theo, settling herself gently onto his lap. "I couldn't miss this for the world."

Theo felt a rush of warmth at her presence. "I'm glad you're here," he said, his heart racing a bit at the unexpected affection, but their moment was cut short when Cami, Freddie and Kai burst in. Tory excused herself, wishing them luck one last time before heading out to the front row.

"Alright, everyone, let's take a moment to center ourselves before we go out there," Cami said, her voice steady and calming. They all nodded, forming a tight circle, hands clasped together.

Cami took a deep breath, closing her eyes for a moment. "Dear God, we thank You for bringing us together and for the incredible journey that has led us to this moment. We are grateful for the support of our friends, our families, and all the fans who have helped us make it big," she began, her tone sincere. "Thank you for allowing us to sell out this amazing venue tonight. We ask for courage and strength as we step onto that stage. May we shine brightly and connect with everyone in the audience. Amen."

"Amen," Kai, Freddie, and Theo echoed, their voices blending in unison.

As they broke the circle, Cami smiled, looking at Theo. "You ready for this?"

"More than ever," Theo replied, feeling the energy of the moment pulse through him.

Freddie pulled out a half-smoked joint from his pocket and flashed a cheeky grin at Theo. "Hey, want this? It'll calm your nerves," he said, his smirk widening.

Theo raised an eyebrow. "Pass it over," he replied, a hint of mischief in his voice.

With a knowing nod, Freddie handed the joint and lighter over, and Theo accepted it. "Thanks, man. I appreciate it," he said, taking a small puff and passing it back to Freddie.

"Just take it easy, okay? We need you sharp out there," Kai cautioned, but there was a playful glint in his eyes.

"Don't worry, I've got this," Theo said, feeling the warmth of the moment wash over him. "I'm Theo fucking LaRusso."

The atmosphere in the venue thickens with anticipation as the lights begin to dim, casting a soft, warm glow over the eager crowd. A hush falls over the audience, their excitement palpable. Suddenly, spotlights burst to life, illuminating the stage and revealing the band in all their glory.

Theo, sitting confidently in his wheelchair, grips his guitar, the familiar opening chords of "(Don't Fear) The Reaper" resonating through the air. His fingers dance over the strings, each note crisp.

As the final chord of the intro rings out, the curtains drop, unveiling the band. The crowd erupts into a roaring cheer, a wave of sound crashing over the stage as fans jump to their feet, their joy infectious.

Theo's gaze sweeps over the sea of faces, and his heart swells with pride and love when he spots familiar figures in the front row. Tory and Tasie, beaming with enthusiasm, stand side by side. His mother, her eyes glistening with happiness, is singing along, her voice blending perfectly with the chorus, while Pete gives an enthusiastic thumbs up, fully immersed in the moment.

—————

As the final chords of their penultimate song faded into the air, Theo leaned into the microphone, a grin spreading across his face. "Alright, everyone! We've reached the final song of the night!" he announced, his voice echoing through the venue.

Instantly, the crowd erupted with a chorus of loud boos, their playful discontent evident. Laughter broke out among the band members, and Theo couldn't help but chuckle at the enthusiastic response. "I know, I know! But trust me, you're going to want to hear this one!" he replied, trying to quell the playful uproar.

His eyes drifted to Tory, who was standing close to the front, her expression lit with excitement. With a subtle nod, he signaled her, and she grinned back, fully aware of what was coming next. This song had become a release for Theo, a way to express his feelings after his breakup with Dakota.

"Alright, this one's for anyone who's ever felt a little heartache," he said, his tone shifting to one of sincerity. The crowd quieted down, curiosity piqued. "This is 'Gives You Hell'!"

As the band kicked into the infectious rhythm, Theo felt a surge of energy. He launched into the opening lines, his voice strong and confident:

"I wake up every evenin'
With a big smile on my face
And it never feels outta place
And you're still probably workin'
At a 9 to 5 pace
I wonder how bad that tastes."

He continued, the energy of the audience fueling him:

"When you see my face, hope it gives you hell, hope it gives you hell,
When you walk my way, hope it gives you hell, hope it gives you hell."

"Sing along if you remember the chorus!" Theo yelled into the microphone, his voice booming with excitement. The band stopped playing, and a hush fell over the crowd as they leaned in, eager to join in.

Then, as if on cue, the entire venue erupted into a harmonious chorus.

"When you see my face, hope it gives you hell, hope it gives you hell,
When you walk my way, hope it gives you hell, hope it gives you hell,
When you find a man that's worth a damn and treats you well,
Then he's a fool, you're just as well, hope it gives you hell."

Theo's heart swelled with joy as he laughed, clapping his hands to applaud the audience. The band picked up the tempo, playing with enthusiasm, and the atmosphere was filled with pure celebration.

But then, in a surprising move that caught everyone off guard, Theo took a deep breath and stood from his wheelchair. The crowd erupted into loud cheers, a wave of support washing over him as he leaned on the microphone stand for balance.

With a grin on his face, he began to sing the final chorus and outro of the song, his voice strong and filled with emotion:

"When you see my face, hope it gives you hell, hope it gives you hell (Hope it gives you hell!),
When you walk my way, hope it gives you hell, hope it gives you hell (Hope it gives you hell!),
When you hear this song and you sing along, no, you'll never tell (No, you'll never tell!),
Then you're the fool, I'm just as well, hope it gives you hell (Hope it gives you hell)."

The audience roared in approval, their chants echoing back to him as they joined in with every word. The moment was cathartic, a testament to his journey and resilience.

"When you hear this song, I hope that it will give you hell
(Hope it gives you hell),
You can sing along, I hope that it puts you through hell."

As the song came to an end, Theo leaned on the stand, breathing heavily but exhilarated. The audience erupted into wild applause, chanting his name. With a heart full of gratitude, Theo soaked it all in, knowing this was just the beginning of the journey.

As the last notes of the song faded into the cheers and applause of the crowd, Theo felt a wave of exhaustion wash over him. He had poured everything into that performance, and the adrenaline was beginning to fade. With a triumphant smile still on his face, he slowly sank back down into his wheelchair, breathing heavily but filled with elation.

Just as he settled in, he was suddenly ambushed by his friends. Cami, Freddie, and Kai leaped onto him filled with excitement, laughter erupting as they piled around him.

"Did you see that? You were incredible!" Cami exclaimed, her eyes sparkling with joy. She wrapped her arms around him, giving him a tight hug that made him chuckle, repeatedly kissing his forehead.

Freddie, still riding the high of the performance, added, "Dude, you just stood up! Oh, my God!" He playfully ruffled Theo's hair, his grin wide and infectious.

Kai jumped onto the back of Theo's wheelchair, pretending to steer dramatically. "Next stop, world tour!" he shouted, making everyone laugh even harder.

Theo, feeling the warmth of their support, couldn't help but smile. "Okay, okay, I get it! I'm just happy we made it through our first professional gig together," he replied, his voice still filled with excitement but laced with exhaustion.

"We're officially rockstars now!" Cami cheered, her enthusiasm unwavering. Freddie gave her a playful punch on the shoulder.

"We're not done celebrating yet!" He hopped off Theo's wheelchair, pulling Kai with him as Camille wheeled Theo off. "Let's head out and find some booze!"