Together Burning Bright

Westfest had been an experience and Dess was glad it was over. She had been to the festivals when they were in the UK, but Westfest had been a whole other animal. She had watched from the side of the stage as the guys played to a minimal crowd and of course there was jeering and booing, but the guys had grown so used to it that they hardly noticed. This was the bands very first time ever playing in New Zealand and they had been unsure about their turn out. It hadn’t been dismal, but Jon did express to her that he had expected a bigger crowd. Oh well-another day another dollar.

Now they were riding in a bumping jeep towards the one thing that Dess had been looking forward to since they had learned that the band would be coming to Australia-a wild life park. They had gotten back to Sydney the night before and Dess hadn’t slept much, but she didn’t care. She had always wanted to come to Australia to see the animals and the atmosphere and here she was. She yawned, holding a hand up to her mouth as Dess leaned her head against Andy’s shoulder, her blonde hair tied back into a messy bun to keep it out of her face. Everyone was tired, but thankfully this was one of two days off before they started their three day leg on Soundwave.


“I think this should be really fun. What’d you think babe?” Andy asked before bending down to place a soft kiss against the side of her face. Dess only smiled softly as she lifted her head, her huge hat falling down in front of her eyes and she laughed as she reached up to push it out of her face. Andy looked tired, but he also looked adorable sitting there in a dark gray button up shirt with his black skinny jeans that actually didn’t have holes in them yet.

“Yeah-I can’t wait to get in there and pet the Kangaroos. Oh! Holding a Koala-I have always wanted to do that!” She smiled brightly at him and Andy only chuckled as he wrapped an arm around her shoulders and pulled her closer. He loved how excited she was about everything-all of their experiences here were new to Dess and Andy wanted her to enjoy them.

Within reason.

“Well I don’t know. I was thinking maybe you would want to stay behind the gates…maybe not be in the same pen with the animals just in case.” Andy said, his deep voice low and soothing. Dess looked up at him, her eyes laced with confusion as she bit down on her lower lip and began to pick at her nails. Not this again…he wasn’t going to bring this up again was he?

“Why would I want to do that?” She asked, her tone even keeled, but Andy knew that there was a storm brewing. He and Dess had already gotten in to it once the day before when they were at Westfest and she wanted to roam around. He told her he didn’t mind her looking around, but Yanni needed to be with her. She was pregnant and he wanted her to be safe.

“Well because babe…the baby might get hurt if you get hurt. Kangaroos like to kick and Koalas have really sharp claws. I think it would just be best if you stayed off to the side.” Andy said, his tone reasonable and yet Dess couldn’t keep the huff from escaping her lips. She wasn’t going to argue right now, not with all of the others around because she knew they would just agree with Andy.


All of the guys had turned in to complete mother hens around her and Dess finally knew what it was like to have someone constantly look after you. For two years she had done that for the guys-been there for them when they needed someone, made sure they had things that they needed and made sure they got to the bus on time. Now they were doing things for her-getting her tea, making sure she was comfortable, got her blankets and CC had even made her breakfast that morning. It was all very nice, but they were also keeping her from doing things.

The day before at Westfest when she had wanted to roam around, all five guys agreed that she either needed to have someone with her or not go at all. Now they were all looking back at she and Andy with interested looks on their faces, which was why she was keeping her mouth shut in that moment.

Dess looked around and smiled-it was so beautiful here. Everything was so open and she didn’t feel like she was choking on the air as she walked or moved around. The skies were open and blue-there weren’t towering buildings around every corner and she felt like she could look around and see nothing but open space. She hated LA-thankfully Andy had grown tired of it as well and they were able to move back to VA, but Dess knew that LA was a huge part of the bands existence. As they bumped along, Andy’s arm still wrapped tightly around her, Dess closed her eyes and tried to think of something soothing. She had been feeling slight pressure on her stomach for a few hours and she was scared to tell Andy.

He was already being so overly protective of her and Dess knew that this wasn’t IT, but Andy was prone to overreaction and she knew if she told him that he would completely freak out. As soon as she had gotten up that morning Dess had felt the baby kicking and pushing around in her abdomen. That was normal, but what didn’t feel normal was the tight feeling that she had across her stomach right around her belly button. She rushed to the computer and brought up one of her books on her cloud program. False contractions were normal during this time and after reading for an hour and debating on whether or not she should tell Andy, Dess climbed back in to bed.

Everything was fine, everything would be fine, but Dess couldn’t deny she was scared. Those little pains she had felt this morning were nothing compared to the real thing and she was suddenly worrying about just how much this whole thing was going to hurt. Dess could handle pain-she had more tattoos than she could count at this point, but that pain numbed after a while. Birthing pain-even after an epidural-still hurt from what she had seen and Dess was trying to convince herself that it seemed worse than it really was. Andy promised her that he would be there-that she could curse and scream at him as much as she wanted and he wouldn’t get upset, but that didn’t stem her fears. She breathed in slowly and then felt Andy squeeze her arm tightly.


“You okay babe? You look like you just saw something terrifying.” Andy laughed as he pulled her close and placed a soft kiss against her head. Dess had been spacing out lately and he knew it was because she was so tired. Carrying around all that weight in one place, having your kidneys kicked and punched at constantly-who wouldn’t be tired?

“Huh? Oh-no, just thinking about things to come. Must’ve thought of something gruesome and it just crossed my face.” She laughed, tucking her long bangs behind her ear. It was time for a haircut which was the first thing on her list for when they got home.

“Oh. Well don’t think so much. So are you excited to see all of these awesome animals? If only this was a reverse petting zoo…” Andy mused as Dess only shook her head and looked up at him. His face was slightly sun burned-no matter how much sun block he put on this boy would always walk around with a pink nose the first few days.

“Only you and yeah…I’m excited to hold one of those adorable Koalas.” Dess said, avoiding his eyes as she knew that he was giving her a disapproving look in that moment. Andy wanted to keep her safe-why was Dess pushing him to be overly controlling? If she would just listen to him and take his concerns into consideration then they wouldn’t keep fighting about the same damn thing.

“Well we’ll see about that. I want you and our baby girl to remain safe first and foremost.” Andy said as he rubbed her belly and smiled as he felt a soft kick. His little girl certainly noticed when Andy was speaking as she turned from peaceful to full on soccer player. It was really amusing to watch actually.

“Yeah Dess…maybe you should just sit this one out and wait until we come back and you don’t have a bun in the oven.” Someone said from behind them and Dess only sighed as she crossed her arms over her chest and looked over her shoulder. Her other protector had obviously been listening and in that moment Dess wished Ashley Purdy would mind his own damn business.

“Yes, let me wait another two or three years for you guys to come back to have the chance of a lifetime. I don’t fucking think so.” Dess grumbled as she pulled her sunglasses down from the top of her hat and pushed them up the bridge of her nose. She could see that the gates to the park were coming up and Dess could not wait to get away from these five mother hens.

“Babe…” Andy said, his voice low. She could feel his breath on her cheek and she knew that he was leaning in as close as possible so that no one else would hear them. Dess turned her face, her eyes still covered by her sunglasses, which was a good thing because she didn’t want him to see her tear filled eyes.

“Yes?” She said quietly, her lips crunched in a pout and Andy couldn’t help but smile as he placed a hand against one of her cheeks.

“Please…please listen to me and do as I ask.” He said, his voice syrupy sweet and Dess only smiled softly as she nodded her head. She was nodding her head yes, but everything in her said ‘screw you-I’m holding a mother fucking Koala’.

“Sure Andy.” She said, a sweet smile on her lips as Dess kissed his cheek and then turned to face forward. They were entering the park now and her mouth dropped open as she looked around. The near desert they had been driving through had turned in to a lush jungle with green foliage and beautiful flowers.


Everything here was so beautiful and Dess knew that this was a chance of a lifetime. As the truck came to stop and their driver opened the door, Dess took in a deep breath. This was something she had been waiting for ever since they had found out that the guys would be coming over here. It was one of the reasons why she was getting so irritated with Andy and the rest of the guys-she wanted to have the same experiences as them and they were intent on sheltering her. Well they could think that she was going to cooperate, but really Dess was going to rush in there and be first in line to pick up one of those damn adorable koalas.


“G’day everyone! Welcome to Australia’s Walk About Wildlife Park! My name is Leslie and I will be your guide for today.” A very happy and pretty girl was standing in front of them and Dess smiled. She was short-shorter than Dess-and had red hair that was pulled back in a bun and kept underneath a wide brimmed hat.

“Now if everyone will come closer I can go over the rules before I let you all inside so that you can begin seeing the animals for yourself.” The girl explained and Dess tried to pay close attention. Andy had walked up behind her, wrapping his arms around her waist as he rested his chin on one of her shoulders. She felt comforted by this, but Dess was still irritated with Andy and wanted him to know it.

“Babe can you not cling to me like that? I’m already hot enough…” Dess said, looking over her shoulder with a small smile on her lips. Andy looked shocked as he straightened up and crossed his arms over his chest. Dess always loved when he held her like that-what was going on?

“Alright! This first pen I’m going to lead you to houses our kangaroos, wallabies and a few other small critters. There are food bins all around, so feel free to grab a handful and enjoy yourselves!” Leslie smiled at them all as the group moved forward, but Andy kept a hand on Dess’ arm.


She needed to stay out of this pen-what if she got kicked in the stomach? Even if it meant missing out on this himself, Andy was going to make sure that Dess was kept safe behind the gate. She was moving forward and a lapse in judgment caused Andy to lose his grip on her. Before he could say anything Dess was inside the pen with everyone else, smiling and giggling as she walked up to a wallaby with a hand full of food.

Andy stood at the gate, his arms resting on the smooth wood as he watched her, holding his breath the entire time. What if she got hurt? What if the baby got hurt? Andy needed a cigarette but of course there was no smoking inside the park. Suddenly someone was at his side and as Andy turned to his left he saw that their guide was standing there smiling.


“Your wife is very darling. How long have you been married?” The girl asked and Andy smiled as he looked down at her. He hadn’t thought about it much, but now suddenly all of the memories of that day came flooding back to him. The way Dess looked as she walked down that aisle towards him-her hair pulled back and that angelic glow that she gave off. Nothing had been more perfect…

“We were married last October. Yeah I know-we make fast work of things.” He said the last bit because Leslie looked at him wide eyed and Andy knew exactly what she was thinking. Last October and she’s already that pregnant?

“Well she’s lovely and seems very nice. Is this your first time in the land of OZ?” Leslie asked as she leaned her elbows on the fence in front of them and watched the group carefully.

“It’s hers but I’ve been here once before with the band. I really want her to have a good time since after the baby is born we’re really not sure how much she’s going to be able to come on the road.” Andy admitted and Leslie just laughed softly from beside him. He looked down, catching her green eyes and Andy knew that he was over reacting again.

“If you want her to have a good time-then why do you seem so nervous?” She asked, raising an eyebrow at him. Andy only blushed as he looked down at the guide and realized that she was right. He had wanted Dess to come along because he knew she had always wanted to come here, but then as soon as they got here he did nothing but watch over her obsessively.

“You’re right. She’s always been a strong person-there’s no reason for me to worry.” Andy laughed as he looked back out at Dess. He watched her, rubbing the back of his neck with one hand while he rested himself on the fence with his free arm.

“Of course I’m right. I guess we ought to be moving on-lots to see.” She said happily as Leslie moved over towards the gate and began to get everyone’s attention.


Andy watched as his bandmates all gathered together and walked out of the small enclosure. The only one left inside was Dess and Andy laughed as he walked past Leslie and entered through the small gate. Dess had her back to him and she was down near the ground with her hands on a small Wallaby and Andy realized that he had never seen Dess so excited. She was smiling softly, running her hands over the head and back of the small animal in front of her and Andy felt himself mesmerized by her.

Here was this girl-in the last few months of her pregnancy and she was just sitting there gently petting a wild animal. There was no fear there-no worry or concern and suddenly Andy felt silly. He walked up, placing a hand on her shoulder and he smirked down at her as Dess looked back at him and squinted at him in the sunlight.


“Come on babe…it’s time to go see the koalas.” He laughed as he held out a hand for her. Dess took his hand, lifting herself up and as she stood she wrapped her arms around his neck and kissed him softly.


They seemed to come to a quiet understanding-but how long would that understanding last?

Notes

So some of you may have noticed that I did not update this on Saturday like I said I would-good. If I don't get some reviews on this chapter then the next update will be next Monday instead of Wednesday. Review guys...it's not hard.

Together Burning Bright Tumblr

Also we have been talking on the forums about doing a Fanfiction Award. Here is the link to the post- Awards
If anyone is interested in having their fanfiction up for vote or interested in this in general, please say so in the topic(not here in my comment section) and if we get enough people we can start nominating.