What It Is To Burn

“Alright guys! Now that everyone is sitting down with their food we are going to go ahead and do the Best Man and Maid Of Honor Toasts!” The DJ called out over his microphone and the room grew silent as all eyes were on Dess and Andy.


Kit and Ashley had moved to stand behind their best friends and Dess could tell that Kit was nervous by the way that she was shaking as she held onto Dess’ shoulders for dear life. Kit hated public speaking and when Dess had asked her to be her Maid of Honor-Kit had almost said no simply because she knew she would have to give a toast. Kit looked out over the crowd and she felt her heart skip a beat as she noticed that all eyes were on her. She turned slightly catching Ashley’s eye and as he looked at her she just gave him a pointed look as if to say, ‘please go first because if I open my mouth right now I may just puke’.

He only smirked as Ashley reached over towards the DJ and took the microphone in to his hands. As Kit looked at him, she couldn’t believe she was falling for this guy all over again. There was something about him though-he was so sweet and gentle with her, which was completely against his manwhore image, but Kit was always able to bring out the innocent and sweet side to Ashley Purdy.


“Uh hey guys. Is everyone having a good time tonight?” Ashley asked and everyone in the room either clapped or cat called in his direction. Dess only rolled her eyes as she rested her chin on one hand and she couldn’t help but look to her left and smirk up at Ashley.

“Good! So I’m Ashley and not only am I this man’s best friend-I also play in a tiny band that I’m sure not many of you have heard of called Black Veil Brides.” Everyone laughed and Dess only shook her head and looked towards Andy, who was only smirking softly up at his best friend as Ash continued to speak.

“I met Andy when he was only-God how young were you dude like eighteen? Anyways, when I met Andy I could tell that he was absurdly driven in his dream to be a rockstar and to reach out to those who didn’t have a voice. We were both misfit kids who never had a place in our lives and it was exciting to me to find someone who felt the same way that I did. We worked hard-all five of us worked our asses off and thanks to our fans we finally got where we wanted to be…”Ashley smirked out over the room and Dess noticed that his eyes had landed on the wedding party table and she laughed as CC stood up and threw a pair of horns in to the air.

“It was summer time and we were on our first tour with Warped-Andy had broken his ribs a few weeks prior and so he was hurting pretty badly. We had been partying pretty heavily that summer-Sorry Mrs. B…” Ashley laughed as Andy’s mom gave both he and Andy the stink eye.

“Anyways it was Andy’s turn to go out to the merch tent and he never wanted to go so one of us would always have to make him. I remember pushing his skinny ass out the door, locking it behind him and then about an hour and a half later I remember him banging on the door and running up the stairs saying he had met the girl of his dreams-we all thought he was crazy…sorry Dess.” Ash smirked down at her and Dess only shrugged as she continued to stare up at the crazy bassist who had become one of her closest friends.

“He talked about her nonstop until we got on stage and I remember him freaking out when he realized that she was in the audience. It was kind of weird because Andy had never really seemed to care about girls-he was so focused on the band and getting as big as possible…so we all knew something was up when all he could talk about was this pretty girl with the awesome Batman tattoo.” Dess looked down at her sleeved arm, her eyes taking in her tattoos and she smiled as she focused on the one little cupcake that started it all.

“I thought he was crazy to get involved with someone who he just met and I figured it was just a fling for him to get some aggression out of his system. I will never forget sitting down with you man-We were in a pub in Wales and we had just gotten on tour and you had been with Dess for Thanksgiving. You told her you loved her and I could tell by the look in your eyes that you meant it. I know you know-but you are so lucky to have this woman in your life dude…” Andy only nodded as he looked from his best and down to Dess, who was blushing a deep crimson and looked like she was about to cry.

“She is caring and loving-not to mention sexy as anything, but most of all she has stuck by you through some pretty rough shit. After all of this I am happy to say that I look forward to having a love like yours and I raise my glass in a toast to both of you. I love you! To Andy and Odessa!” Ashley smiled as he raised his glass and everyone followed his lead as they toasted to the new couple and then took sips from their champagne glasses.


Dess felt the tears prick her eyes at Ash’s speech and as he moved towards her to wrap his arms around her neck, Dess held on to him tightly. Ashley Purdy for all of his flaws had become a really good friend to her in the past two years. It had taken them both some time to get used to one another-Dess’ sarcasm was often hard to read and Ashley’s flirtatious manner was some times over the top. But in the end the two loved one another like siblings and as Ashley pulled away from her, Dess noticed the look in his eyes as his brown eyes looked over her head and she knew he was looking at Kit in that moment.

Dess turned her head slightly, smirking as Kit drained her glass and moved to grab the bottle to pour yet another one. Dess laughed at her best friend as she watched Kit take a few deep breathes, tuck her flaming red hair behind her ears and soon she was tapping a spoon against her glass gently. The room came to attention and Dess moved to reach out and grab a hold of Kit’s arm. This meant the world to her and she wanted Kit to know that she was grateful for everything.


“Uh-hey everyone. God I hate speeches-okay…woo…alright…” Kit stopped, shutting her eyes and Dess squeezed her arm gently and as Kit opened her eyes she could see the tears behind those bright green orbs.

“My name is Katrina and I am Odessa’s best friend. We met in seventh grade and we have been best friends ever since. I always remember Dess being sort of a dreamer-Beth was always the practical one and I was always just loud and crazy, but you…Dess, you always had such big plans for yourself. Comic artist, mother, shit I even remember you telling me you were going to be the first female Batman one time…” Everyone laughed loudly and Dess only kept the smile on her face as she felt a hand rest on her shoulder and she knew that Andy was watching Kit just like she was.

“You were always there for me and I was always there for you, but now you have someone else to take care of you. Andy-I remember getting a phone call from Dess the day after she met you and I could hardly believe what she was telling me. I was in Michigan at the time with the band that I was managing and trying to get off the ground and I told her she was crazy. I told her you only wanted her for one thing and she swore up and down that I was wrong…we didn’t speak for over a month because you were so mad at me.” Kit laughed nervously and Dess only smiled at her best friend. Andy had never known this and while he loved Kit-he wondered if the stubborn red head would ever understand his love for her best friend.

“Well Andy-I was dead fucking wrong and I’m sorry I ever thought that of you. You are one of the best people in this world and I am so happy to know that Dess has you in her life. You have been there for her through some rough shit-oops…sorry Momma Montgomery…” Kit was blushing and Andy only laughed as he caught site of Rose, who was glaring at the red head fiercely.

“Andy-thank you so much for taking care of my best friend and loving her like she deserves to be loved. Dess-I love you and I wish you all the best with your new hubby and I can only hope to one day find a love like yours…I may have to wait the rest of my life, but seeing you two together I know it would be worth the wait to just have one day of love and devotion from someone like him. I love you both. Cheers to Andy and Dess!” Kit said as she raised her glass and everyone drank deeply from their own.


Dess sipped at her champagne, cringing as she began to feel nauseated and she set her still full glass down on the table and got up to hug her best friend. Kit’s eyes were watery and Dess only smiled as she wrapped her arms around her best friend’s neck and pulled her close. They had been together for so many years and Dess knew that without Kit by her side-cracking jokes and making her laugh-that she probably wouldn’t have survived the tenth grade. Being picked on and treated like a freak every day of your life was hard, but Dess, Kit and Beth had managed to get by through their love for one another.

Now two of the three were married off and as Dess pulled away from Kit and noticed her best friend’s gaze had fallen on a certain bassist-she hoped that soon enough all three of them would be married off. Andy reached over, grabbing for her hand and he smiled as Dess looked at him with those moss green eyes of hers and all he saw was love. Their night was more than half way over and while Andy was having a great time-he wanted to get her alone so that they could truly enjoy one another.


“That was so wonderful Kit-thank you for doing that…” Dess said as she looked back towards Kit and smirked as she caught her best friend smoldering her eyes at Ashley, who was standing behind Dess talking to Andy and Jinxx.

“No problem. I love you Dess…” Kit smiled at her as the two girls embraced and as they pulled away Dess poked Kit in the shoulder and smirked at her.

“I know someone else who you love…” She smiled and Kit only shook her head as she caught Ashley’s eye one last time before she turned and headed back towards her table.

“What you said was really great Ash…” Andy said to his best friend as the two stood there along with Jinxx and Andy could tell that the guitarist was trying to take a break away from the awkward table situation.

“Thanks man-I meant it. Now if you’ll excuse me…I-uh-need to go find me a red head…” He only smirked at Dess as she watched the bassist head off after Kit and Dess felt her heart grow light. Maybe two of her best friends had finally found that love they had been looking for.


Andy bid goodbye to Jinxx and then as he turned to Dess he couldn’t help but smile. She was sitting there, a soft smile on her face as she looked over everything. Andy sat back down, wrapping an arm around her shoulders and he smiled as one of her hands came up and rested against his chest as her head fell onto his shoulder. They both sat there silently, watching everyone move around and while people came up to them to say hello, mostly everyone just left them alone. He knew that soon it would be time for some reception festivities and Andy felt his eyes grow wide as he noticed their cake had been brought out.

Half of their cake was traditional white with moss green and orange roses, but the other half was deep blue with bright yellow Bat symbols sticking to the sides. Dess must have noticed his face as she began to laugh softly and placed her fingers against his chin as she moved his face to hers and they embraced softly. He could tell by the way everyone had grown silent that there was a spot light on he and Dess and as they pulled away Andy stood up quickly, reaching out a hand to help her to her feet.


“Lets give it up for our lovely couple and welcome them out to the dance floor for their first dance as man and wife!” The DJ yelled and Dess blushed crimson as she felt herself being pulled towards the floor and soon Andy had one hand on her tightly corseted waist while his other was holding hers up in the air slightly.

“You ready for this babe?” Dess asked as music began to play and as Andy looked down at his new bride he could only smile. He didn’t know this song, but by the sound of it he knew that once again Dess had picked a song that described them perfectly.

“I was born ready Dess-I was born to be with you…” He bent down and pressed his lips against hers as they began to softly sway to the music and Andy smiled as he listened to the lyrics.


And it's all in how you mix the two
And it starts just where the light exists
It's a feeling that you cannot miss
And it burns a hole through everyone that feels it

Well you're never gonna find it
If you're looking for it
Won't come your way
Well you'll never find it
If you're looking for it

Should've done something but I've done it enough
By the way your hands were shaking
Rather waste some time with you


They danced slowly with one another and as he spun her around, Dess felt her heart leap in her chest. They were the only ones on the dance floor and everyone had formed a tight circle around them. Andy‘s eyes were on her, his baby blues staring her down and Dess felt herself blush under his gaze. They had finally made it to this point and as the song ended, Dess felt complete and total bliss. They embraced as another slow song started up and Dess smirked as she noticed Chris Biersack coming up from behind Andy. He tapped his son on the shoulder, smiling softly as Andy dropped her hands and turned to face his father.


“Mind if I cut in for some father-daughter time?” Chris asked and Andy only smirked as he picked up one of her hands and handed Dess off to her new father-in-law. She smiled as she watched her new husband-how weird was the word?-walk off towards her mother and ask her if she wanted to dance.

“How’s married life so far?” Chris asked and Dess only smiled as she snapped her head to face him and noticed that he was smirking at her with that wide grin of his. Now she could see where Andy got his smile from.

“It’s good-we haven’t tried to kill one another yet so I guess I can’t complain…” Dess laughed as Chris spun her around and Dess was suddenly reminded of two very absent people. Her heart hurt slightly as she thought of Moira and her father, but Dess knew that this was supposed to be a happy day.

“Oh I’m sure that won’t last. Although the two of you seem to have a pretty good relationship…” He laughed and Dess only smirked as she thought back to her shoe throwing incident. If Chris Biersack only knew just how crazy their arguments could get sometimes.

“We do-we both know when to back down from one another…” Dess smiled and then she noticed that Chris had tears in his eyes and she wondered if she had said something to upset him.

“You know Amy and I always wanted a daughter, but Andy was a handful enough for us, so we never explored that option. I’m really glad that you came in to his life when you did Dess-he would never admit it, but Andy was becoming consumed by his career and he seemed to be losing himself…” Dess felt shocked as she listened to her father-in-law confide in her and she felt confused. Andy had never seemed lost to her-if anything he seemed to be pretty damn sure of who he was and what his purpose in life was.

“Really? He always seems so sure of himself…” Dess said as the music began to come to an end and Chris had stopped swaying back and forth, but he still had his hands on her waist. His eyes grew serious as he looked down at her and suddenly Dess felt intimidated.

“You saved him Odessa-whether he will ever admit that or not I don’t know, but I do know that my son owes a lot to you. I’m incredibly happy that you are in his life and in mine as well and I love you very much…” He was crying now, his tears soft as they fell down his red cheeks and all Dess could think to do was to throw her arms around his neck and hug him tightly.

“I love you too Chris and I know that even though my own father couldn’t be here today-you’re a wonderful fill in and I hope that we can grow in our father-daughter relationship together.” She said before kissing him on the cheek and as Dess turned around at feeling someone touch her shoulder she smiled.

Andy was standing before her with an evil gleam in his crystal blue eyes and Dess knew in that moment that it was time for one thing-cutting the cake.

“It’s time to cut the cake guys! Everyone gather around!” The DJ called out in to the mic and Dess only smirked as she picked up the small cake knife and held out her hand for Andy to take.


Everyone was surrounding them in a large circle and Dess smiled up at Andy as he placed his hand over hers and they both slowly approached the cake. Which side to cut? It didn’t really matter since the entire five tiered cake would be cut up and served in a matter of minutes, but Dess knew that Andy wouldn’t want to cut up his Batman side. Taking a deep breath, Dess moved their hands closer to the white part of the cake and she watched as some of the sugar roses broke once the knife began to cut through them.

Quickly she sliced out a piece of cake, the vanilla cake and caramel mousse filling making her mouth water as Dess helped Andy get their small slice onto a plate, which she was holding in her free hand. Andy looked at her, the devilish smirk on his lips as his fingers reached out and broke off a small piece. She followed his lead and soon Dess held her own piece of cake in her fingers and she giggled as they linked arms and as he slowly began to move his hand towards her mouth Dess smirked and shook her head.


“Okay we have to promise not to smash cake on one another’s faces…” Dess said and Andy only nodded with a soft smile on his face, his lips parted slightly as Dess only smiled at him and moved the cake closer to his open lips.

“One…two…three!” Dess laughed as she shoved the cake into Andy’s nose and he grunted as he felt the impact and then pushed his own piece of cake in to her cheek gently.

“Babe!”

“Andy!”


They were both laughing with cake on their faces and suddenly Dess felt cake fall on to her lips as Andy pressed his mouth against hers and they embraced. She kissed him deeply, their kiss sweet in more ways than one and as they pulled away Dess smiled as she rubbed at the cake that was still on Andy’s nose and he brushed his fingers over her cake covered cheek. Everyone was laughing around them and Dess took the napkin that Kit was handing to her and she moved to wipe Andy’s face off before she worked on her own.

Andy allowed her to help him get the cake off of his nose and the couple moved out of the way as the staff came towards them to try and serve up their delicious fondant covered cake. Dess licked her lips as she saw them cut into the middle tier, which was a pumpkin spice cake with vanilla bean mousse spread thinly between the layers. Andy had his eyes on the chocolate and raspberry tier and as they both got their huge slices of cake and headed over towards their table Dess couldn’t help but laugh.


“We make quite the pair…” She smirked at him as she sat down and dug her fork in to her slice, moaning as it hit her lips and she felt like she was in Heaven.

“I know…that’s why we’re perfect for one another…we don’t take each other too seriously…” They never would take one another seriously, but they would always be serious about their love for each other.



Dess sat in a hard backed chair, her hands over her eyes and she felt a blush creep over her chest as she felt Andy’s hand creep up her thigh and then his lips were grazing over the skin over the inside of her knees. He had his head up the skirt of her dress-which wouldn’t be such a bad thing except they were in a room full of people who were all cat calling and cheering him on. Finally he seemed to find her garter and Dess shivered as she felt his teeth graze over her skin as he clamped down on to the thin fabric and she could feel the lace being dragged down her leg.

His fingers massaged her calf as he lifted her leg up and finally he came up for air and smirked at her with her black garter still clamped between his teeth. He leaned down, pulling the garter from his mouth as his lips pressed against hers and there was a loud cheering coming from the crowd. Now it was her turn and as Dess stood up she made sure that her dress was covering everything and Dess smirked as she located Kit in the crowd.


“Alright can I get all of the single ladies front and center!” The DJ called out and Dess smirked as Kit was pushed forward by Beth, but her smirk disappeared as she also noticed Sammi come forward with a shy smile on her lips. It made her sad to think that Sammi and Jinxx were over and done with.


Dess turned with her back to the small collection of girls and she held her bouquet over her head, both hands clutching on to it as she tried to remember where Kit was standing. There was a loud count down and at the finish of three she tossed it behind her and smirked as she heard crashing and squealing from the girls behind. Dess turned around and smiled as she saw her beautiful bouquet being held by her best friend in the entire world.

Kit groaned as she looked from Dess towards where Ashley was standing, twirling Dess’ garter around his finger. Andy had thrown her garter into the crowd while she was throwing her bouquet and they had both agreed privately that they would be aiming for their respective best friends.


“Come on Kit!” Dess smirked at the red head as she shoved Kit towards the chair that she had just vacated and Kit sat down, covering her eyes with her hands as Ash approached.

“Kit…nothing personal…” He smirked down at the girl who he thought he could once love and he laughed as he noticed that her face was almost as red as her hair.
“Oh shut up Purdy…you know you’re loving this…” Kit said as she crossed her arms over her chest and waited patiently for him to do the damn thing so they could all move on to partying.

“More than you will ever know…” He said before placing the garter between his teeth and Ashley made sure that his brown eyes connected with her Kelly green ones as he slid the garter up her leg with his teeth.


Dess watched as Kit seemed to become breathless and she smiled as Andy came up from behind her and wrapped his arms around her shoulders. After this the party would be almost over, but as she looked over near the DJ booth and caught site of her guitar, Dess knew that there was one last thing she had to do before they bid their family and friends goodbye.

Andy was always full of surprises, but Dess only smiled as she thought of the surprise she had been working on for him the entire summer on Warped Tour.

Their summer-their tour.

Notes

More reception fun! I can't believe we only have three more chapters to go and the next one is my favorite out of the entire story so far.

I will update tomorrow, again, if I get FIVE comments from five DIFFERENT people. Also be sure to check out the tumblr if you get the chance.

What It Is To Burn Tumblr