It's in the little things: One-shots x2

This love is ours

Joe's POV:

Elevator buttons feel so much colder in the harsh morning air, almost stinging my fingertips as I hit the number, more than ready to bring both myself and now, my girlfriend, home for a few weeks. "Di, sweetheart? Come here, you are shivering Dot, it must be the tiredness catching up with you because it is actually quite warm tonight...well this morning." I chuckle, pulling her tiny body into me as she rests her head against my chest, shoulders slumping forward and placing a sloppy kiss along my collarbone. Glancing over her, I make awkward eye-contact at the stranger who we are sharing a lift with, offering a brief, silent apology for the PDA they have to witness; Dot and I aren't usually ones for Public affection but when she isn't feeling well, or is tired, I just melt and I never want to let her out of my arms. As we reach our floor, I keep one arm wrapped around my sleepy redhead and softly guide her towards our home, grabbing her bags with my free hand, stopping only to open our front door. "hmmm, I'm glad to be back at yours Joe, you have no idea. Can I leave unpacking until tomorrow? I just want to have some tea and go to bed if that's alright with you love?" She mutters, kicking her handbag in the general direction of the sofa, placing her shoes under the football table and padding over to the kettle, arranging both of our mugs with the usual tea order- peppermint for my Dotty and good old English breakfast for myself. I could watch her all night; she looks so comfortable moving around our kitchen, it is like she never even left and that feeling alone, gives me butterflies and makes my heart swell.

Noticing her slump forward against the worktop, I walk round and wrap her in my arms once again, letting my hands cross in front of her navel as I press a kiss to the top of her red Barnett. "Dot, just go up to bed love, I'll bring the drinks up. It's nearly 2am and you have danced five shows in three days, never mind the whole tour, just go and grab one of my shirts, I'll be up to join you in a second." I mutter, loosening my grip and gently nudging her in the direction of the door. Shuffling away, she pauses and flashes me that famous, Buswell smile- the one where that adorable little dimple appears. "I love you Joseph, so much. I'll see you in bed." Disappearing from sight, I finish up our tea, grab a few little chocolates and set about our nightly lock up routine, all the while my thoughts remain with Dianne. I can't explain the relief I feel having her back home with me, knowing that we get to spend the night together, holding her tight and waking up together- god I HAVE gone soft... One night in our own bed before we head off on our little retreat will do the both of us the world of good. I get the feeling that Dianne is a little worse for wear and something is weighing on her mind, i'm hoping after a quick chat, some cuddles and a good night's sleep, she will feel a bit a brighter and enjoy a few days down time before our rehearsals start once again. Sneaking into our room, I can't control the grin on my face as I see my tiny dancer, curled up in the middle of our bed, in my (our) t-shirt and her nose buried in my pillow- this love is ours.

Dianne's POV:

I am definitely feeling rough now that tour has ended, my lack of immune system catching up with me once again and I just want to sleep, in the arms of my boyfriend. From the moment I got in the taxi, I struggled to keep my eyes open, same in the lift where Joseph had to hold me up and then again as I attempted to make us both a cup of tea- where he wrapped his arms around me time and time again, allowing me to melt against him for the first time in what feels like forever. Kissing me gently, he persuades me to go up to bed, leaving him to sort the teas and for once, I don't even argue- dragging my heavy legs up the stairs and into Joe's familiar bedroom in search of a t-shirt to steal. Reaching under his pillow, I find the shirt I want and quickly slip out of my gym clothes and into the shirt, allowing the warm scent wash over me, leaving me with an undeniable smile and a powerful sense of love. As I crawl into the familiar bed, the covers embrace me and comfort my aching body and I reach out for Joe's pillow...he can have it back once he makes it upstairs, I mentally promise him while my eyes droop for just a second...

"Dotty, love. I've got your tea here, do you want me to leave it downstairs again? Oh bless you, sleepyhead." A soft hand on my back, brings me back from my drowsy state and holds me as I sit upright against the pillows and come round fully. Once he is confident that I wont keel over, Joe sprints round to his own side and dives under the covers to join me, tea in hand and something else hidden behind his back."Whatchya got there Joseph...what are you hiding from me?" I giggle, nuzzling in as close as I can, desperate for his touch after being alone for so long. A soft smile graces his face as he whips out my sloth "hottie" from behind his back and gently places it between the small of my back and the bed, leaving his arm behind me and his hand resting against my hip as we sip on our tea. "You're really amazing Joseph, you know me so well that it actually scares me sometimes. I'm so happy that i'm finally back at your, in your bed and in your shirt...not that I didn't take half your wardrobe on tour with me." Chuckling lightly, I set my mug down and curl into his side, head rested over his heartbeat. "Hey...Dot?" He starts, anxiety evident in his tone before he continues, "Are you still happy here? In this house, with me?" The question takes me by surprise...it's slightly deep for nearing 3am but I reply without hesitation, "Of course I am Joseph! Why wouldn't I be? I've been desperate to get back here for at least two weeks, you know that." Sitting up slightly, I shift myself so I can see his face and place a hand against his cheek. He buries his face against my palm, kissing it softly and sighing. "It's just...when you talked about here earlier, you said MY home, MY bed, My wardrobe...but its your home too, this is your bed and at this rate, what's mine is yours- clothes and all and I don't want you to feel like it is "MY" place if you get me. When I asked you to move it, all I ever wanted was for this to be your home, a place entirely of your own when you aren't out exploring the world through dance. What can I do to make you feel that way? To make this your home too, no wait, to make it OUR home?"

His little confession struck a nerve with me I guess...I hadn't intentionally referred to it as "his" home but I have been struggling a lot more with anxieties, with being away from Joe for so long and trying not to be the clingy girlfriend. Significantly more awake now, I kneel up and place both hands on either side of his face, " It is nothing on you Joseph, not at all. I have honestly never been happier, since the day you asked me to move it and I want nothing more than to spend the rest of my life with you, in our house, no matter where on the planet that is. It's just...this tour has been really hard on me and I haven't really been honest with you about it." Sliding down his body, avoiding eye contact almost, I settle against his chest once again- my favourite place on earth. "Dotty, talk to me, Little one, that's what i'm here for yeah? What's going on in that beautiful brain of yours?" He whispers, stroking the ends of my hair and peppering me with little kisses. " I just...I've been worried because we have been apart for so long...that maybe you would realise that you didn't want me here anymore, that you'd remember how happy you have been with a bit of peace and quiet...without red staining everything and I've been worried that i'd come back here and it wouldn't be the same. It's stupid, I know you love me but I couldn't stop thinking about it and now that i'm back...it's like m brain is waiting for the crash if you get me. I'll probably be back to normal after a good nights sleep, some much needed cuddles and maybe some echinacea drops. I'm sorry, I didn't mean to upset you." I finish, distracted by Joseph's thumb, wiping tear that I didn't even know had fallen.

Lifting my chin up so I'm level with him, he kisses me fiercely, surprising me just a little. "Dianne, I really fucking love you, so much that sometimes it does scare me because i'm not good without you, I become really withdrawn and quiet, I loose motivation. The peace and quiet drives me mad! I miss the chaos of our pranks, cooking together and shouting at game shows together, I miss rolling over in the night and grabbing americano before reaching for you and holding you both against me. I miss the new dye stains on white sheets, on towels and on my dressing gown, even though you swear you haven't worn it. I miss dutch ovening you in the mornings, tickling you til you wee, I miss YOU in every aspect of our home. We might not have the most conventional relationships, we might not always spend everyday together but there is one thing I can always promise you- this home is ours. More importantly, this love is ours." Neither of us can hold back the tears any longer, they flow freely down our faces as we share kisses, little moments and whisper sweet-nothings, just the two of us, in our home.

As we settle down to sleep tonight, the shift in our relationship is clear once again, as we hold each other that little be closer, fingers intertwined and rested over Joe's heart, my body pressed against his right-hand side. He is right though, as always...this relationship might not be the most normal but it is ours, in its own special way.

This love is ours.