What It Is To Burn

Odessa winced as Kit tugged the back of her head, pulling her hair back tightly as she ran a brush through Dess’ blonde and pink locks. Andy was sitting across from them at the kitchen table, his arms crossed over his chest and he held a pout on his lips as he looked at the two best friends. While Kit did her hair, Dess was busy painting her nails a deep blue color that would go perfectly with her sundress that she was currently wearing. Dess looked up, smiling at Andy softly as she looked out the window and a small smile came to her lips.

They were finally as close to home as they were going to get-Columbia Maryland. Today was Day 17 of Warped Tour, but it was also the day of Dess’ bachelorette party/bridal shower. They had chosen this day since they were close to home and all of Dess’ friends could come to the venue. Kit had thankfully found some young girls who worked in the office to run the Misfits Clothing tent so that Trish could join them for the day along with Sammi and Ella who had flown out for the party and to see their own significant others.


“Why can’t I come today?” Andy was still pouting and Dess only rolled her eyes at him, a soft smirk playing on her light pink tinted lips.

“No boys allowed today dude! You can live without her for one day Andy!” Kit said, her tone playful but her face was serious as her Kelly green eyes locked on to his baby blue ones. The girls were in for a day of fun-Kit had gotten Kevin to let them run around in golf carts all day and they would be side stage for any band that they wanted to see. Kit had also gotten their late lunch catered by Dess’ favorite local place and then they would end things on Sleeping’s bus and open gifts.

“It would shock you to learn that he really can’t…” Dess laughed as she finished up on her nails and held them close to her lips as she blew on them softly. Andy watched her, his eyes staring at her lips and the piercing that now laid there. God he had never thought she could be even sexier, but she had proven him wrong once again.

“Well tough cookies!” Kit laughed as she finished up on Dess’ hair and moved off to the bathroom to finish her own.

“Please babe?” Andy begged and Dess only shook her head at him as she moved to get up and walk over to the door of the bus.


Andy watched her, smiling as he took in the beautiful girl that he got to see every day. Her light blonde hair was growing longer and longer, the pink slowly fading and her moss green eyes seemed happier these days. He knew that she still woke up with a headache every day, but Andy hoped that now that they had mailed out their invitations and everything seemed to be falling in place for their wedding that Dess would feel less and less stressed out.

He only wished he could be there with her today, but Kit was adamant that it was girls only and Andy had to do two signings, an interview and they were on the stage at 2:30. He smiled-Dess would be there, in her blue dress and flip flops watching as he and the guys preformed. Andy was only concerned about any activities that Kit had planned that neither girl wanted to share with him.


“Babe? I want you to meet some of my friends from back when I was doing my internship.” Dess was standing right in front of him and Andy shook his head as he came back to reality and smiled at the two girls that stood behind the love of his life.

“Oh! Hey, how are you girls doing today?” He asked, holding out his hand and shaking each one that was held out to him in return.

“This is Morgan. She works for Marvel now.” Dess said, scrunching her nose playfully as the girl with black hair smirked at Andy, her light blue eyes flashing in his own. Andy smiled as he looked towards the other girl and suddenly she felt oddly familiar.

“This is Lily. She used to work with me at DC, but now she lives in Japan and works with a company that specializes in Manga.” The girl that had just been introduced smiled at him, her white blonde hair down around her face and Andy couldn’t stop looking in to her haunting light colored eyes. He had never seen someone with such an odd eye color-light purplish grey.

“It’s nice to meet you both. I guess I better get going before Kit kicks my ass out of here. You girls have fun today!” Andy said as he moved to stand up and bent down to place a soft kiss to Dess’ lips. He slipped on his black vest, his white and red Buzzcocks shirt hanging off of his frame as Andy smiled at Dess one last time before he disappeared down the bus steps.


Odessa, Morgan and Lily all laughed and giggled as they caught up, reminding one another of their old days out in LA until finally Kit showed up with a few more people in tow. Trish, Brady, Sammi, Ella and Bethany-Kit and Dess’ best friend since middle school and the last part of their trio of misfits-all of them were standing at the bottom of the bus steps, smiling up at Dess as Kit led the way on to the bus. There was a loudness that filled the air as all of the girls got caught up and began to talk about the plans for the day.

They would be side stage for a few choice bands-Sleeping With Sirens, the Used, Bring Me the Horizon, Black Veil Brides and Memphis May Fire. Then it was a catered dinner from Blue Ridge Seafood and finally they would all gather on Sleeping’s bus to open presents and talk before they all went their separate ways. Dess was happy to see Sammi and Ella-the two girls would be her bride’s maids along with Beth and Kit was of course Maid of Honor.


“Dess I still can’t believe you’re getting married!” Morgan exclaimed and Lily only nodded her head in silent agreement. They remembered Odessa Montgomery as the girl who always knew where the best parties were and how to sneak into them if they weren’t already invited. Dess was always invited though.

“I know and to Andy Biersack…lucky bitch!” Beth laughed as she reached over the back of the kitchen bench and hugged Dess from behind. Beth was married to a lawyer and she had two kids, but she missed the old days of romping around concerts with Kit and Dess.

“Does he know what he’s getting in to?” Morgan asked and all of the girls laughed as they began to gossip in small groups.


Dess was really happy to see that Sammi had shown up-she knew things between Sam and Jinxx were rocky and that the older blonde had grown weary of being alone back in LA. Hopefully all would remain peaceful since it was bad enough that Kit and Ashley couldn’t be within ten feet of one another before getting into it. Dess looked around the bus and smiled-everyone seemed to be getting along and they all seemed to be having a pretty good time.

She winced as suddenly a pain shot through her head and down her neck, making everything stiff and the world around her shifted. She had woken up feeling decent this morning, but it seemed the more and more Dess focused on everyone else-the worse she felt. Suddenly Kit was in front of her, her Kelly green eyes wide as she smirked down at her best friend.


“You guys ready to head out? Kevin gave us two golf carts so we’ll have to squeeze everyone on there but we’ll make it work. You ready Dess?” Kit asked and Dess only smiled as she held her hand out and allowed Kit to help her up. Kit could tell that Dess was not up for all of this today, but dammit they needed to get it done and today was the best day.

“What are we doing first?” Morgan asked as the small group all headed down the steps of the bus. Dess squinted as her eyes met the bright light of day and she looked around. Oh Merriweather- it was the worst place for Warped Tour, but none of the venues in NOVA would support the tour anymore sadly.

“Well I thought we could ride around, see the sites before heading over to KIA. the Used plays first, then BVB, MMF,SWS and finally BMTH-so we are in for a long day.” Kit said as she led the group over towards the golf carts and Dess felt her jaw drop.


The two black golf carts were sitting there, but they were covered with teal and orange streamers, the balloons drifting in the soft breeze and as she walked around towards the back Odessa couldn’t hold in her laughter. Tied to each bumper were as many beer cans as Kit could possibly fit and they were going to make an absolute racket when the girls drove around the venue. Kit came over to her then, throwing an arm around her shoulders as the red head leaned in, resting the side of her head against Dess’. Kit was her absolute best friend and Dess wouldn’t know where she would be in life without her.

Quickly the group gathered in front of the carts and Kit stopped a passing security guard and asked him if he would take their picture. Dess was squished between Kit and Beth, Kit’s fingers grabbing Dess’ cheeks and she pushed her lips out. They took four photos-two group shots and one shot with Kit, Dess and Beth-the originals. The last one was of Dess by herself and as Kit looked over the picture to send to Andy-she felt her stomach drop. Dess looked happy, but she looked terribly sick and like she hadn’t eaten in days.


“You ready to go Kit Kat?!” Beth called from the other cart and Kit looked up from her phone and only nodded as she headed to her own cart, which she would be driving. Dess, Sammi, Lily and Brady were in Kit’s cart while Ella, Trish and Morgan were riding around with Beth.

“Try not to run people over…KIT!” Dess yelled, throwing her hands out to stop herself as Kit had slammed on the brakes to avoid hitting a small group that had crossed infront of her.

“I swear we’re going to get in to some sort of accident before this day is over!” Sammi laughed from the back and Kit only smirked as she moved forward and headed over to the merch area. Dess had wanted to check out her tent and Kit figured they should get that done first.

“Oh hush it up! Hey there sexy!” Kit called out to one of the merch guys and he only winked at the passing girls and Dess felt a blush creep up her neck. They probably looked absurd riding around in balloon and streamer covered golf carts but she didn’t have the heart to ruin Kit’s fun.


Finally they pulled up to her tent and Dess hopped down from the cart and smiled as she approached the two young girls that were manning her tent for the day. It seemed like everything was in order and it made Dess feel better as she turned from the tent and noticed that Morgan and Lily were also off the cart and looking at all of her shirts. Dess felt proud of herself-this was the first thing she had ever done on her own and though it was mildly successful she knew that with some time things would pick up even more.

She had wanted to work with Andy to come up with some special Black Veil Brides shirts that were exclusive to their online store, but of course that was after the tour was over. And the wedding. And their honeymoon and by then they all would be touring once again on the Monster Outbreak Tour come mid-November. Dess sighed as she turned and smiled at Kit before climbing back in the cart.


“You alright dollface?” Beth asked as she approached the two girls, her brown and red hair shining in the summer sun as she leaned against the frame of the small cart. Dess looked up, her eyes taking in Beth’s dark brown ones and her smile grew wider. She loved Beth-she had always been the mother of the group and kept Dess and Kit in line, especially Kit.

“Just tired. I’m always tired these days.” Dess said, yawning to prove her point and Beth only smiled.

“You’ve been a busy girl, but I’m sure after the wedding is over you’ll have some down time.” Beth said, leaning down to give Dess a hug before heading over to the other cart. The girls seemed to be done poking around and soon they were off, zooming towards the KIA Stage at break neck speed.


Kit drove like a mad woman and all of the girls were screaming with laughter as they drove around, screeching to a halt outside of the KIA Stage and gaining some strange looks from the guards there. Dess and Kit flashed their passes to the waiting men, who only nodded them and their small group through and Dess felt butterflies fluttering in her stomach. She had been so busy with her tent that she had yet to catch any sets other than Andy’s and first up was her most beloved: the Used.

She was lucky enough to be able to hang out with Bert, Quinn, Jeph and Dan most nights before the busses moved on, but she missed seeing them play. Their two minute warning was up and Dess rushed to the stage, leaving everyone behind as she stood off to the side and watched as her favorite band of all time moved past her.


“This must be a dream for you…” Beth said in Dess’ ear and she only smiled the biggest smile she could muster as she watched her heroes run around on stage. Dess loved Andy and the guys-but no one would ever replace the Used for her…never.

“I just love this band so much-you know I always have.” Dess said and suddenly she felt really nostalgic. Nights spent sketching as Bert spoke out to her, making the shitty day she’d had seem like nothing. He understood her-he got it. Dess only smiled as Bert stopped things for a minute and addressed the audience.

“You know we’ve been a band for ten years now and it’s because of the fans who have been with us that entire time that we’re still able to do this. So I want to thank you guys and say that we love you all. Now, this next song is a song that means a whole hell of a lot to one girl in particular and she’s celebrating something really special today. Dess can you come out here please?” Bert asked as he turned towards her and Dess hesitated, but Kit and Beth only pushed her forward until she was on the stage and facing the crowd.

“Now you’re getting married in October right?” Bert asked and Dess only blushed as she nodded her head and the crowd cheered.

“This fucking girl right here is probably one of our biggest fans and we love her. This next song is for her and I think I’m gonna need some help singing it. Will you help me out Dess-it’s been so long since I’ve sung it live.” Bert laughed and Dess felt her head move up and down. She was speechless and she felt her heart begin to race as a familiar strain of music began to come from the speakers.

Seemed to stop my breath
My head on your chest
Waiting to cave in
From the bottom of my...
Hear your voice again
Could we dim the sun
And wonder where we've been
Maybe you and me
So kiss me like you did
My heart stopped beating
Such a softer sin


Dess came in right at the chorus and she felt her eyes close as she got lost in the music and in her memories. Sitting on the roof of her house, thirteen and so excited to have the new the Used CD-looking up at the stars as this song played in her ears and she hoped to one day find someone to love who would make her feel like this. Another memory-this one of Andy singing in her ear softly as she fell asleep in his arms for the very first time. Dancing to it at the Halloween Ball and then realizing that she loved him and couldn’t live without him. Andy singing it to her again the night Moira had died-she had been practically comatose when it happened, but she could vaguely remember him singing it.

Suddenly Dess was brought back to reality as Bert stopped singing and a much deeper voice replaced his for the second verse.

Never caught my breath
Every second I'm without you I'm a mess
Ever know each other
Trust these words are stones
why cuts aren't healing
Learning how to love


Dess felt tears prick her eyes as she opened them and looked to her right. Andy. He had come on the stage and Bert had backed off and was allowing the two of them this moment together. His sang to her, the crowd cheering loudly but the only thing she could hear was Andy. Finally the song ended and he only smirked at her as she ran to him, flying into his arms as he caught her and Dess knew in that moment that Andy would always catch her.

They would always catch one another.


“That was so amazing Dess!” Beth shouted as the blonde ran off of the stage and joined the small group gathered there. She could hardy catch her breath and she smiled as her heart pounded wildly in her chest.

“I-I can’t believe that just happened!” Dess laughed as she looked to Kit and saw a sneaky look on her best friend’s face.


The girls watched in silence as the guys of the Used finished up their set and then ran off the stage-all four of them hugged Dess as they passed her and Trish and Brady squealed as they ran after the band to get autographs. Black Veil Brides were up next and Dess only laughed as she remembered the last Warped Tour she had been to-it had been the same way.

She had been so excited to see the Used two summers ago, but she had also wanted to stick around and watch BVB. She was glad now, standing on the side of that stage that she had listened to her gut. Dess felt herself smile as the guys took the stage one by one-Andy screaming into the mic as they did their thing. They played song after song, until finally Andy stopped the show and looked at her over his shoulder before turning back to the audience.


“So as you guys know I’m getting married to the love of my life in a few months.” The crowd cheered, but of course there was some booing-probably from the teenaged girls in the crowd. They would always want Andy to remain single, but that wasn’t the way of the world.

“What you may not know is that this next song I wrote with a very special girl in mind and I would love it if she would come out here with me.” Andy turned to her then and Dess felt herself being pushed once again, only this time it was Morgan and Lily doing the pushing.

“You know I might as well just become a member of this damn band!” Dess laughed into the mic as she came over to stand next to Andy and smiled up at him. He was pouring sweat down his face, but his blue eyes shined brightly as he looked down at her. He had shed his vest and his tattooed arms almost glowed under all of the lights.

“I mean we could always replace CC with you!” Andy laughed and there was a loud ‘Hey!’ that came from behind the drums and Dess only shook her head.

“So you got me out here, what now?” She asked, but Andy never answered her. Instead she heard the soft strains of a guitar and then Jinxx was at their small piano and her heart skipped a beat.

The best things in life,
Come with a price,
The star that burns so bright,
Faded the fastest,
You'll always feel it's right,
Even when we end the fight,
Welcome home,
Home tonight,

Again she felt like crying as Dess was carried off in to her own memories. The candles. The flowers and their meanings. Andy sitting there, looking scared and unsure as he sang to her. The first time she had heard this song on their album and crying like a baby. It all carried her away, but Dess felt herself being pulled back as she looked at Andy. His eyes were on her-those blue eyes that always made her breath grow shallow and she couldn’t help but get lost in them. The first thing she had ever noticed about him was his eyes and she smiled through her tears as Dess looked at him. She would wake up to those eyes every morning for the rest of her life.


“I love you babe and I hope your day gets even better than this.” Andy had finished the song and his arms were around her, his lips against hers and Dess only blushed as the crowd roared out with cheers at their embrace.

“I love you too…now play something loud and fast for these poor people before they fall asleep!” Dess laughed as she pecked him on the mouth and turned to walk off of the stage.


The girls all laughed as they hung back on the stage, meeting bands as they came by to get ready and Dess thought Brady was going to faint when Kellin appeared and smiled at her. They watched, dancing and singing along as SWS, MMF and BMTH all played and then their day had finally begun to come to an end. Kit ushered everyone out from backstage and they all walked loudly towards where their carts were parked. Dess and Sammi were busy giggling about watching the guys play and suddenly Dess realized that she didn’t feel so horrible.

Maybe it was all of the music or the laughter, but for once in about three months Dess felt light and like nothing bad could happen to her. Kit almost killed them getting them all back to Sleeping’s bus and all of the girls gasped as they parked and noticed the long picnic tables that had been set up. Crab legs, corn on the cob and boiled potatoes were all laid out on the newspaper lined tables and Dess felt her mouth water.


“Holy shit this looks so fucking good!” Morgan laughed as all of the girls took their seats and dug into the steaming food.

“God I missed this while we were away!” Dess moaned as she bit into a piece of corn and then reached for a crab leg to start picking it apart.

“That must really suck-never being home and not having your favorite things around you.” Lily said, her voice muffled from the corn that she had held up to her mouth.

“Yeah well being left at home to wonder about things sucks pretty hard too.” Sammi said, her tone pointed and Dess looked at her sadly. Ella agreed loudly, her large green eyes shining in the light as she picked at her food.

“I can’t even imagine. You’re so lucky you get to go around with Andy all the time Dess!” Beth said, smiling at her best friend before she stuffed a huge piece of crab in to her mouth.

“Well imagine being surrounded by loud, smelly and obnoxious guys all the time-that’s my life.” Dess laughed and Kit only nodded in her agreement. She loved Sleeping, but sometimes she wanted to kill them.

“Oh so you’ve met my husband and my boys!” Beth shouted across the table and the girls all laughed before growing silent.


The group all finished eating and with a look down at her watch, Kit decided that it was time for them all to get on the bus and let Dess open her presents. Soon enough all of the girls were sitting around, lounging on the floor and the couches as they laughed and giggled every time Dess would open a present. Lingerie seemed to be the most popular gift, but Dess was happy to see that Lily had gotten her a gift certificate to get a free two hour massage.

Finally all of the presents were open and Dess was joking around with Morgan about her new night time attire when suddenly the door to the bus popped open. Justin Hills, Sleeping’s bassist and one of the most hilarious guys on the tour, walked up the steps, his iPod blasting in his ears and everyone got very quiet. He looked up, his eyes growing wide as he looked towards Kit, who was only smirking at him and then he looked down at Dess and the piece of lingerie that she held in her hands.


“Uh-hey ladies!” He called out as Justin removed the buds from his ears and sat his iPod down in the homing dock that sat on the counter.

“What are you doing on here Justin? I told you guys seven o’clock was the earliest.” Kit said, her voice low and yet Dess noticed that there was a wide grin on Kit’s usually stern face.

“Well I just wanted to give Dess her bachelorette present.” He said innocently and Dess only raised an eyebrow as she looked from the bassist and then back towards Kit. Her best friend was avoiding eye contact at all costs when suddenly music began blaring from the iHome and Dess felt like dying.


Justin had stripped in short order and his thong clad body was coming towards her and Dess recoiled slightly. What?! Was he-was he stripping for her? Suddenly his crotch was in her face and Dess moved her hands to cover up her eyes. Nope. His strong and calloused hands had taken hers and he began to run her palms up and down his naked chest. Dess knew that if Andy ever found out about this-he would not only kill Justin but he would also kill Kit as well.

The girls around her were screaming and shouting and sensing her embarrassment Justin moved on and headed towards Morgan and Lily-both of whom were very single and very pretty. Dess looked back towards Kit, her face beet red and all her best friend could do was shrug her shoulders. This entire event went on for a good half hour and finally Justin was finished, several five dollar bills tucked under the strap of his thong as he smirked at all of them and grabbed his clothes before heading to the back of the bus.


“Kit!” Dess shouted, her eyes wide as she looked behind her and caught Kit’s eye.

“What?” Kit asked innocently as she stretched her arms above her head. It was almost time for everyone to start heading out sadly and Dess found that she didn’t want any of them to go.

“Oh come on Dessa-he was pretty cute you have to admit.” Beth smirked down at her and Dess only blushed deeper as she stood up and stretched her back.

“He was more than cute. Is he single?” Morgan asked as she fanned herself and Lily only smiled as the two girls stood as well. The group laughed and joked as they all headed towards the door of the bus and Kit only smiled as she noticed the rest of the band approaching their bus.

“Hey boys!” Kit called out to her band and they all grumbled at her as they passed. They weren’t exactly thrilled with having no bus to chill out on for the entire day, but Kit knew they would get over it-they all loved Dess almost as much as she did.


The girls all gathered outside and as the sun began to go down behind the clouds they all shared in a tearful goodbye. Sammi and Ella were staying on tour until the next stop, so the two girls only hugged Dess and Kit before heading over towards BVB’s bus. Dess turned to Beth, tears in her eyes as the two best friends embraced. Beth had been so busy with her little family that while the two girls only lived ten minutes apart Dess was never home and Beth was always out with her boys on play dates. The rest of the girls gave a tearful goodbye, promising to see Dess again in October and finally it was just Dess and Kit. The two girls hugged even though they would probably see one another later that night, but the day had just been so amazing that they got caught up in the moment of it all.


“I love you Dess.” Kit said as she squeezed her best friend and cringed-she could feel every bone in Dess’ back.

“I love you too Kit-thanks for such an awesome day.” Dess smiled at Kit and the two girls broke apart.


Kit watched as Dess walked off towards her bus and she sighed as she turned and looked over her shoulder at her own. Kit had missed Dess and she was happy that the two girls had had this summer, but would their love and friendship be enough to get Dess through the dark times that lay ahead?

Notes

A very jam packed day for Miss Odessa! I really hope you guys are still liking this story and that it's not getting too boring for you. Also food for thought-we are now only ten chapters away from the beginning of their wedding! The wedding spans from Chapter 42 to 49 and I can't wait for you guys to read it all. Helpful Hint: The more people comment and review, the more often I'm going to update *winkwink*

<3

What It Is To Burn Tumblr

PS-for readers of my other fic-recognize anyone? ; )