A Siblings Advice

Family; not by blood, by choice (Part 1)

Joe's POV:

First night out with the lads in a long time but what is most nerve wracking about this specific trip is that it is my first night out where i'm also bringing my girlfriend. For the longest time, I- Joe Sugg- have been the "single one", or the player so to speak, not because I couldn't get a girl but because I couldn't get her to stay more than one night; so for me bring a girl out with the guys, is a big deal. Nervously running my fingers through my hair one last time, I wonder round the kitchen and make sure I've got my keys, phone, wallet and a spare pair of gloves for Dianne, who no doubt will get very cold quite early on in the night. Being as distracted as I am, I didn't notice my girl sneak up behind me until she wrapped her arms around my body, coming to rest on my chest as she cuddles into my back. It's the little moments like this, that make me want to pinch myself- how did a scrawny little thatcher like me, end up with the drop-dead-gorgeous Australian dancer who could easily double as a model? "Joseph? Are you in there? The car will be here in 10minutes my love, have you got everything?" She whispers, now resting her head on my shoulder, clearly stretched on her tiptoes just so she can reach. Using this to my advantage, I spin myself round so we are now face to face, taking in the sight before me for a second, grinning like the Cheshire cat. "God Dianne, you really are beautiful. Just...wow. Yes, I've got everything in my rucksack, how about you? Are you sure you want to come out with the boys tonight? I can put them off and we can do something else if you want?" I reason, unsure whether i'm trying to talk her out of going or talk myself out of facing my friends and their undoubted teasing.

"Joseph Sugg! After three months with me, dancing on national TV, are you EMBARRASSED to be seen with me in public? You suddenly shy now i'm your public girlfriend?" she questions, leaning back out of my grip, raising an eyebrow and smirking as she meets my gaze. Stuttering like a fool, I can't get the words out quick enough to deny her accusation and dispute her statement but she just laughs, pressing a sweet kiss to my lips before dancing away from my grasp. "I'm only winding you up Joe! Lighten up my little worry pot, I'll not embarrass you too much tonight I promise! I'll be good! Now the cars here so let's go explore this winter wonderland." She giggles, pulling my hand towards her as she makes her way out of the apartment, lifting her bag and coat on the way past. Settling in the back of the Uber, hand still in mine, I can't help but watch the excitement grow in her face as we travel through the pretty London lights, heading towards Hyde park- she has never been to winter wonderland OR met the boys...what a night for firsts. "Hey...um...Di? Listen, the lads...they are typical pigs if i'm honest. So whatever they say? Please, promise me you'll ignore it and not be too offended, I'll try and control them but I can't really do much. This whole "Joe's got an actual, real life girlfriend thing is still very new for them" and I just know they have a lot to say on the matter." I plead, desperate to keep her away from their teasing nature and rude ways.

"Joseph...I grew up with two, older brothers and danced competitively for years...i'm sure I've heard absolutely everything they've got to say. I'm not going to run away." She sighs, leaning against my chest again, nuzzling closer, offering that familiar sense of comfort that I have grown to rely on. Pulling up outside Hyde Park, leading her out of the car and into the cold winter breeze, I draw a sharp breath and pull her small body closer to me.

Here goes nothing.

Caspar's POV:

"Here Casp, another pint mate! Wonder where Joe and his fancy woman are, not like ol Suggy to be late!" Mikey cackles, downing what must be his third or fourth pint of evening. Birthday or not, he'd need to slow down if he wants to last the night. Glancing around, I don't see Joe or Dianne either but I know they are on their way somewhere. "Oi Mikey, chill out a bit, its still early bro. They are on their way but i'm serious, don't tease Joe too much about Dianne- that goes for the rest of you lot too. He wasn't a dick about any of our girlfriends, let's not be dicks about his." I shout, trying to be heard over the roaring crowds, warning the lads to be on their best behaviour. Joe's family to me, not by blood but by choice so I do feel a sense of protectiveness over him; I know how much this girl means to him. She is more than just a quick fling, his dance partner- I have never seen Joe like this and it is truly special. After a quick chorus of "boo's" and " Yeah whatever's", Jack spies the happy couple across the way and lets out a whoop, alerting everyone to their arrival. Here goes nothing.

"Alright Suggy boy! And the new woman! God Dianne, just couldn't get enough of his dancing could you, had to stick around for more!" With this statement, I can literally feel the anger begin to radiate off him, pupils narrowing as he placed a protective hand on his girlfriends waist. Turning into him slightly and draping her arm across his shoulder, he physically relaxes under her touch as she quips back at Josh, " Well, they do say it takes two to tango so I guess I'll stick around." Quick witted- I can see why they get along so well. Easing back into conversation, Dianne fits right in with our little group, giving just as good as she took with the insults and comebacks but it's clear to see that she is sticking with who she knows best; Joe and Byron. As the evening develops and winds down to an extent, we find ourselves in a karaoke shack, screaming the words to our favorite songs, out of tune but confidently nonetheless, everyone seeming to be having a good time. Clearly getting tired, both Joe and Dianne are huddled in the corner, following Joe's rendition of "You're beautiful", Dianne has ended up sitting across his lap, hair falling in her face. Noticing this, the boys begin their teasing once again, starting innocently but eventually irking Joe even more than before, but never being one to loose his cool, I can tell he is biting his tongue. Until someone hits a sore point.

"God Joe, your girlfriend is so SEXY! You are definitely punching mate, no offence. Bet a dancer's body can do some pretty sweet things. huh? Hey Dianne! If you ever want a real man, you know where I am and I'll be ready." Go on Mikey, well done mate! That's done it now. Looking shocked, borderline horrified, Dianne is speechless as Joe lifts her off his legs, pulls them up and hands her the coat, having already put his on. "Birthday or not mate, that's not on. I hope you lot enjoy the rest of the night and we will catch up with at some stage. Come on sweetheart, lets get home." He fumes, once again wrapping his arm around the redheads waist as he pulls her towards the door. Turning on her heel before she leaves, Dianne has one last retort to end the night.

"Why would I want a boy, when I've got the man on my dreams right here. My very own gentleman and prince charming. And at least he knows how to handle a woman." Tossing her hair over her shoulder and throwing me a playful smile, she flounces off beside Joe, pressing a kiss to his cheek in the doorway before they disappear. "Well done Mikey mate! You've pissed off the most patient man we know. Bru, you have some serious grovelling and making up to do there. If you had said that to Emily, I would have floored you." Byron chuckles dryly, pulling his own girlfriend closer to his side as they too prepare to leave and venture back across London. One by one everyone else says their goodbyes, leaving just Mikey and I alone as we search for the exit to Hyde Park. Having sobered up a little by now, Mikey seems to have been considering his joke a lot in the last thirty minutes; " Hey Caspar? You know Joe the best out of all of us, how do you think I could make it up to him? I didn't mean for it to come out the way it did, it was supposed to be a joke but I was too drunk to realise it wasn't funny. God I didn't mean to upset anyone, i'm such a dick at times, I just don't think." He mutters, clearly frustrated with himself that he hurt Joe the way he did.

"Look mate, we know you didn't mean it and Joe knows, deep down, that you didn't mean it. I reckon you should do something nice for him and Dianne. Arrange a date for them or something, surprise them, just something meaningful- words won't mean much to Joe, not over this yeah? Have a think and the boys and I will help you." I finish. As I said, Joe is family, not by blood but by choice so I'll make sure it's made up to him. That man is the best brother I've ever had.