What It Is To Burn

Odessa smiled as she watched Andy sign autograph after autograph, the gentle smile never leaving his face as he met with each fan. He was amazing to watch and Dess found herself smiling right along with him as each new fan came up and asked for an autograph. Andy caught her eyes a few times, crossing his or sticking his tongue out just to make her laugh.

Dess loved that about Andy-he always tried to make her laugh, even when he was in a bad mood himself. She stood there, her arms crossed over her white tank top, her cut off jean shorts already covered in dust and Dess felt happy. This was the place for her-Warped Tour was such a magical time of the year and she was so excited to be able to be a part of it for the entire summer instead of just for one day.


“Hey stranger. How’s thangs going over at that tent of yours?” Someone asked from behind her and Dess only smirked as she turned and faced her best friend. Kit was there, her sunglasses pulled low over her eyes and her shoulders were getting sunburned from wearing a sleeveless shirt with no sunscreen.

“Pretty good, already had one interview today.” Dess smiled at Kit, taking in the other girl’s dirty flip flop clad feet and she smiled as she looked at her own filthy feet. Flip flops would be the only thing she would wear all summer-it was easier than trying to keep her boots from getting destroyed by the elements.

“Yeah, I heard you’re kind of the talk of the tour. Andy Biersack’s girlfriend selling shirts while she travels the country with him.” Kit meant it to be funny, but by the look on Dess’ face, the red head could tell that there was some truth behind the joke.

“Fuck…this shit is going to follow me the entire fucking tour and no one is going to take me seriously.” Dess sighed, running a hand through her blonde bangs and Kit only looked on sympathetically.

“Who isn’t going to take you seriously?” A voice sounded behind her and as Dess whipped around she couldn’t help but smile-Andy. He was obviously done with the signing but she knew that he would have to head off towards the bus for any interviews that would come up.

“Hey! You looked good sitting over there. You heading back to the bus?” Dess asked, changing the subject swiftly. Her attention was on Andy, but it shifted as another figure walked up to them, his brown hair falling into his eyes. Kellin Quinn.

“Yeah. You’re still coming to watch us later right?” Andy asked, his hands sitting just above her hips as Dess looked up at him and bit down on her lip, almost as if she was thinking it over.

“Wouldn’t miss it, but I have to head back to the tent so Trish can get something to eat before she’s stuck there for most of the evening. I’ll be there for two minute…look for me in the wings.” Dess said as Andy kissed her lightly on the lips and headed off towards the buses. Dess turned around and faced Kit and Kellin, who were both smirking at her.

“What?!” She asked as Dess looked to her best friend, but it was Kellin who spoke first.

“You guys are ridiculously cute.” His soft voice said and Dess only reached out and pushed his shoulder playfully. He was one to talk, being the new daddy and all, but Dess only smirked at her best friend and then reached out to give Kit a quick hug.

“You still feeling shitty D?” Kit asked as she threw an arm around Dess’ shoulders and directed her best friend off towards her tent. Kit wanted to be there for her best friend and the two girls knew it was going to be hard with their schedules.

“Fuck dude…I want to die right now.” Dess moaned, leaning her head on Kit’s shoulder as they walked slowly through the crowds. It was mid day already and most of the kids were resting on nearby patches of grass or trying to survive the heat, crowds and sun as they waited for their favorite band to come on stage.

“Why are you doing this then?” Kit asked as they approached Dess’ tent and Trish gave the two of them a small smile. Why? Why not?

“Because I wanted to do something other than be Andy’s girlfriend…I need to do this Kit.” Dess had turned to face her best friend, her back to the tent as Dess looked into Kit’s eyes. Looking into those soft moss green eyes in front of her, Kit could tell that Dess was hurting and suddenly she wanted to rush her best friend off somewhere and take care of her.

“Well I’m going to leave you to it. You coming to the party tonight?” Kit asked as she hugged Dess one last time and then pulled away, smiling slightly at her best friend.

“Fuck yeah. I don’t care how shitty I feel-I’m going to that party.” Dess laughed as she blew Kit a kiss and moved to enter the tent.


Within minutes of her return, Dess had bid goodbye to Trish-sending the younger girl off to explore and to grab them some food from the catering tent. Dess sat there, watching as people passed by and she couldn’t help but smile and wave at a few who passed her by. Some stopped and browsed, but it seemed like kids were more interested in seeing bands than they were the merch tents at the moment. She knew that right around dinner time and after the last bands played-then she would get her rush. Dess couldn’t help but remember her first time at Warped Tour-thirteen and obsessed with a pop punk band called Good Charlotte and all she had wanted to do was meet them.

It had been a hot and long day for three thirteen year olds to be roaming around, but Dess had managed it and finally she got her chance of a life time. The other two-Kit especially-had wanted to leave and go home, but Dess begged them to stop by Good Charlotte’s merch tent one last time because she finally decided that she wanted to buy a hoodie.

They approached, laughing and giggling, Dess twirling her pink hair around her fingers and suddenly she stopped in her tracks. His back was to them, but she could see that bright pink patch in his otherwise black hair shining underneath the fading sun. Benji Madden-her first rockstar crush. Dess blushed deeply as she came back to the present and noticed that Trish had set a plate in front of her.

Dess ate on auto pilot, stopping a few times as kids came up to her table and finally after an hour she was able to finish her early dinner. Trish seemed to be having the time of her life-flirting with one of the guys in the tent next to them and she also was really great with the other kids. They flocked to her, asking her where she got her shirt and Dess smirked-Trish would wear a Misfits shirt every day she stood at that tent.

It was great advertising and she looked really cute in them. Finally the sun began to set and with a quick look to her phone Dess knew she needed to head over towards the stage. Trish assured her she would be fine and Dess promised to come by after the set to help get everything broken down before the party tonight. The girls bid goodbye and Dess was off, walking quickly towards the huge KIA Stage that stood off in the distance. As she got closer, Dess smiled as the familiar chant met her ears and she hastily flashed her pass at the guy guarding the gate.

The stage area was packed with people and Dess almost had an impossible time getting through to the side stage area. She looked around, but didn’t see Andy or the guys anywhere, but suddenly she heard a loud laugh over the crowd followed by a string of ‘dudes’-CC. She smirked as Dess followed the sound and soon she came upon all five guys standing around in a small wood lined box. Jake, Jinxx and Ashley all had their instruments strapped to their chests and CC was twirling his drumsticks between his fingers as he joked around with some of the crew.

Andy sat off by himself, his face turned down towards the floor and Dess could see that he had his inner ear system already plugged in to his left ear. She walked towards him, her sandals flopping against the wood of the floor and suddenly she was right in front of him. Andy looked up, his face relieved as he saw Dess standing in front of him and he knew that everything would be okay.


“You okay Andy? You look kind of sick…” Dess said as she held out her hands and Andy took them, pulling himself up and then his strong arms were resting on her shoulders as he looked down at her. Dess’ nose was slightly pink and she had dirt smudged across one cheek, but he loved her all the same.

“I-I’m okay. Just nervous.” He said, his voice low and both of their heads snapped up at the two minute warning was called.

“Don’t be-you guys know your music and you know how to get up there and perform. I’m going to be right there-stage left, watching you and cheering you on. I love you.” She was on her tip toes and Dess smiled as their lips touched briefly before the guys approached for their hands in.


Dess stood to the side as the guys got revved up and suddenly the beginning strains of Exordium were blasting through the sound system. CC was first up and he walked out onto that stage with his hands held high in the air and the crowd cheered. Jake and Jinxx ran out next, adding in a few licks from their guitars as the overture music continued to play. Ashley winked at Dess as he passed her and took his place on stage, the girls in the crowd going wild at his naked torso and bared tattoos.

Andy stopped short of the stage and turned to her, his blue eyes shining with excitement and love. Love for what he was about to do-perform on the biggest stage at the best summer festival. But there was also love there for her and Dess smiled at him as she pushed him towards the stage. He headed off towards the middle, his left hand raised out towards the crowd as everything got silent for a millisecond and then they went straight in to Bulletproof.

Dess watched, singing a long loudly as the guys played song after song and soon their set was almost over. Andy had been all over the place, raising a gloved fist into the air as he held the mic out for the audience to sing into. In The End was next and as Jinxx moved into the beginning, someone in a suit and tie ran passed her and Dess felt her eyes grow wide as she looked out onto the stage. John Feldmann, who was on Warped with his own band Goldfinger, had joined the guys on stage and was currently singing in to the mic for all he was worth.

Dess only laughed as she sang along, her eyes glancing up towards the sky. This song would forever remind her of Moira-it was written with the sick and dying girl in mind and Andy had meant for it to be a constant reminder. Life is fleeting and we all die, but it’s how we live out our lives that truly matters and that is how we will always be remembered. Finally the guys finished up, the crowd screaming and going wild as they came off stage one by one, Andy in last place as he came up to her, a smile plastered on his face as he threw an arm around her shoulders.


“How you feeling now Biersack?” Dess asked, her tone light and Andy only laughed as he placed a kiss to the side of her head and led her off towards the side of the stage.

“Dude! First set down!” CC yelled as the couple passed him by and Andy clapped his hand against the drummer’s as he smirked down at Dess. They headed over to a small tent where Jinxx and Jake were standing, red cups in their hands.

“God that was amazing!” Andy finally said as he bent down and picked up a cup, handing it to her before getting his own. Mmm, warm beer-Dess cringed as she took a swallow and then smiled up at Andy.

“You guys were so awesome. I missed hearing you play live.” Dess said as Andy bent low and kissed her quickly.


The group all headed off towards the bus, but sadly Dess couldn’t go with them just yet. When they turned left to head off to the buses, Dess tugged on Andy’s hand, making him stop in his tracks as he smirked down at her. His arms were wrapped around her neck, his fingers brushing against her bare back and Dess felt herself get the shivers. It was amazing being in this environment with Andy once again and it still amazed her to think that their two year anniversary was coming up so soon. So was their wedding.

Silently Dess smacked herself as she remembered that she needed to get those Save the Date cards addressed and mailed off. Their goodbye was short as they kissed quickly and Andy turned to follow his bandmates. Dess made her way swiftly through the thinning crowds and soon came upon a panicked looking Trish, who was swamped with customers.


“Woah! One at a time kids!” Dess yelled over the crowd as she crossed over the table and joined Trish in trying to get everything under control.


Soon enough things had calmed down and Dess sent Trish off to get some air while she began to clean everything up. Looking over everything in their sales log, Dess could already tell that they had had a pretty good day with sales. Everything had been kept decently clean and so by the time Trish had returned, Dess had already gotten all of the shirts and stickers packed away and was currently untacking their display. Trish jumped right in and between the two girls they had everything taken down, including the tent in a little over an hour.

Thankfully Toby showed up just in the nick of time with a golf cart and after three trips the Misfits Clothing tent was all packed up, as were the storage bins, tables and chairs. Dess couldn’t wait to get on the bus to change and then it was party hardy time…and time for her and CC to make the first strike in their summer long prank war. Their targets: Sleeping With Sirens.



“You look comfortably adorable…” Andy smiled down at her as Dess entered the front of the bus, her hair down around her shoulders and her smile was wide. She was dressed for a party, in a short sundress and a pair of ballet flats and Andy couldn’t seem to take his eyes off her.

“You look adorably sexy.” She shot back at him and it was true. Andy had on a pair of ripped black skinny jeans, a grey v-neck shirt and his leather jacket. It had been hot during the day, but now that the sun had sunk below the trees-it was actually sort of chilly out.


The group had all gathered at the front of the bus, Dess being the last to join them and soon they were all filing down the steps, one by one and Dess smiled as she felt the cool night air hit her face. The party was being held in a small auditorium that was on the property and thankfully within walking distance. Andy had his arm wrapped around her shoulders, which she was thankful for as Dess was feeling slightly chilly. In fact she was feeling even worse than she had been in the beginning of the day, but she kept it to herself.

As they walked, Dess felt calm being next to Andy and she found that she had missed seeing him throughout the day. This was going to be their life though-she would spend most of her day at her tent and he would be mostly on the bus, doing interviews or out doing a signing. One thing was certain: at the end of the night they would both be thankful to crawl into bed together to watch a movie before passing out.


“So are we gonna dance the night away tonight babe?” Andy asked from beside her and Dess only smiled. Neither one of them could dance very well, but they always had a good time spinning one another around.

“I can’t wait. How late are we staying?” Dess asked, yawning slightly as she looked up at him, her light green eyes almost glowing in the dim lighting of the walkway.

“As late as you want. I wouldn’t mind making a short appearance and then heading back to the bus…for some private you and me time.” He wiggled his eyebrows, that boyish smirk on his perfect lips and all Dess could do was shove his shoulder lightly and shake her head.

“You are such a horn dog.” She laughed, slowing her pace down as Dess tried to suppress a cough. She had been coughing all day long-that same racking cough that she had seen Moira develop when she was sick. Fuck.


The couple spoke quietly to one another the entire walk over and finally the small building came into view. It was lit up, light pouring out from the windows and open doors and Dess smiled as she saw the red and black balloons that were floating in the wind on either side of the giant entrance. It looked so much like a high school dance that Dess was giggling to herself softly. She had never really gone to those dances-she wasn’t popular and never had anyone ask her-now she had one of the hottest dates there tonight.

The rest of the guys walked in through the doors, CC shouting out into the room as he entered, but instead of following them, Andy pulled Dess off to one side of the building. He rested his arms on her shoulders and his forehead was leaning against hers and as Andy looked down at Dess, he felt his heart grow heavy.


“You’re sick again.” It wasn’t a question and Dess tried to avoid his eyes as well as giving him an answer.

“Babe…talk to me. You promised me, remember?” Andy said, his voice low and Dess could say nothing as she just looked up in to those light blue eyes that were currently staring her down. Those eyes made girls around the world melt and here she was-the luckiest bitch in the world because she got to wake up to them every morning.

“I-I’m just tired. I have been feeling under the weather, but it’s the start of tour and you know I’m always tired in the beginning.” She said, a soft smile on her lips as Andy only grunted and pulled her tight against his chest.

“I want to fight for you Dess…I want to take whatever this is away from you. Why don’t you want that for yourself?” He asked, his lips against her hair and suddenly she felt like crying. Did she-in a small way-want to die? To be with Moira and her father again?

“You’re so good at fighting things I figured I would just leave it up to you.” She smirked at him, her chin resting against his chest as Dess stared Andy down.

“I love you Dess…please don’t forget that.” Suddenly the air around them had grown sad and as Dess looked at Andy she felt terrible. She hadn’t been taking care of herself-not really and it was beginning to affect other things in her life.

“I love you too. Come on…no sad faces tonight. Lets get in there before CC comes chasing us down.” Dess smiled at him, receiving a small one in return as she and Andy walked hand in hand towards the door and finally entered the room.


The room was full of people, mostly the staff but everyone seemed to be having a good time. There was a huge keg in one corner and right beside it sat a drinks table with some harder beverage choices. Andy led Dess over to the table and picked up a cup, sniffing at it and then placing it back down. Beer it was for the evening. Dess turned to take the room in-people were mingling and some were dancing, but everyone held excited smiles on their faces no matter what they were doing.

As she looked, Dess finally spotted CC, who was over against one wall talking quietly to Justin Hills, the bassist for Sleeping-good. Dess smiled as she turned back to face Andy, taking a cup from his hands as she gulped down the liquid in quick order. Beer, but at least this time it wasn’t warm and hadn’t been sitting out in the open all day.


“So what now?” Dess asked as she smiled up at Andy, who was currently searching the room over the rim of his cup.

“Wanna dance? Neither one of us can, but it might be fun to try.” He replied and Dess only smirked at him as she downed her beer entirely and handed him the cup. He refilled it, taking her by the hand and leading her over towards the floor.


Andy led her into the middle of the floor, spinning Dess around so that her skirt flared out and she laughed loudly. He pulled her close, his left hand holding her right as he rested their clasped hands against his chest. He looked down at her, his blue eyes bright and happy and Dess couldn’t help but fall in love with him all over again. They danced together, other couples and even some band members-jokingly-danced around them, but they only had eyes for one another.

Dess thought it over-the next time they would dance like this would be at their wedding reception and she felt her skin come alive at that thought. There was still so much to do though and with that thought she felt her head begin to pound. Andy shuffled her around the floor a few more times, finally calling it quits as they were both out of breath and sweating. As Andy excused himself to go smoke, Dess smirked as she locked eyes with CC and beckoned him over towards her with a finger.


“You summoned me…” CC laughed as he ran towards her and Dess said nothing as she turned him around to face the far corner of the room. The entire band of Sleeping was standing around, goofing off for the camera as Kit took picture after picture.

“Come with me…” Dess said quietly as she led CC over towards the drink tables. There were two huge tubs, only ice was left in them since the coldest drinks had disappeared within the first half hour. Bending down, Dess picked up one rope handle and motioned for CC to get the other one.


Quietly the two of them carried the heavy tub of ice and water over towards the corner, Dess waving people out of the way and CC quietly told them to not say anything. Sleeping With Sirens had their backs to the wall, but there seemed to be just enough space between them and the wall for Dess and CC to sneak behind. The band was so focused on Kit and the camera that they didn’t even notice Dess as she snuck up behind them.

CC made his way past and soon they were both holding in their giggles as they team lifted the tub. Dess mouthed to CC ‘One, Two-Three’ and on three they lifted the tub over their heads and let it fall down on the heads below. There were shouts and curses thrown through the air, but all Dess could do was jump gleefully and slap CC on the hand as they both laughed.


“What the fuck?!” Jack yelled as he spun around and caught site of the two pranksters. Dess just got an innocent look on her face, as did CC and the two just stood there, smirking softly at the now soaking wet band.

“You guys looked really hot playing today. So Dess and I decided to cool you off.” CC explained, holding his hands up defensively as Justin Hills only growled at the two of them.

“What the fuck dude?” Kellin asked, his sopping wet brown hair hanging even more in his eyes than usual.

“Well we really thought we were helping. Besides…pranks are always fun on tour.” Dess said, her voice so sweet and sickly sounding that Kellin couldn’t help but smirk at her. They wanted a war? Well then buckle up because it was coming.

“You want a war Montgomery?” Jesse asked, turning to face Dess, who only smirked evilly at the guitarist.

“You bet. Make your move…” She said, her voice confident as she and CC turned away and headed over to where the rest of Black Veil Brides were standing, their mouths open in shock and laughter.

“This isn’t over!” Someone shouted at her and Dess only smiled as she walked over to Andy, putting her arm around his waist as they moved to leave the party.


Oh it wasn’t over-everything was just getting started.

Notes

An update! Yay! So yeah-prank war between BVB and SWS, who will come out on top?

Well, I just wanted to mention to you guys that some of you have always wondered why my storied are never on the first page of the popular section. I'm not sure, but I do think it had something to do with comment number. So if you feel like this story(or my other ones) should be higher up-then please take two minutes out of your day and let me know what you thought. I do read your comments and I do usually respond to all of them at some point <3

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