Joe and Dianne: Life away from you

27 years worth of waiting - (part 2)

Joe had been alone with his thoughts for close to an hour by now, Byron's words playing over in his head like a broken record. "Don't let her go just because she wants to be with you." It had been a long time since Joe had had to really think about his life, not really having to do so since he was considering signing up for Strictly. The crazy idea of dancing in front of 12 million people every weekend sent Joe into a spiral that he had never forgotten - the only way he ever made his way out of it was when Byron had sat him down and once again saved him from his own mind, much like he had done tonight. 

It was clear to everyone who had ever met Byron that his cool-headedness and level minded nature is something that we all wish we had more of in our own lives. His innate sense to notice when something is wrong and instantly find the right words to calm you down - no matter who you were or what the situation was - is something that Joe had quickly learned he both loved and was extremely jealous of, as soon as Byron moved in with him.

But it was the cool headedness he provided Joe when he was midway through Strictly that he admired the most. Calming Joe when he was nervous before leaving each Friday morning for camera blocking - listening to him bitch about his aching muscles - and be there every day and night when he came home from training and wanted to talk about nothing but Dianne for hours on end, yet throughout all his patient listening and feigned interest, he without fail always managed to give Joe fantastic advice, and cook him dinner with a smile on his face every night.

All Joe wanted to do in that moment was storm into the spare room, give his brother a hug and thank him for everything he had ever done for him - all the advice - all the countless numbers of meals he had cooked for him - all the laughs and memories that they shared together. But he couldn't just storm in there and tell his brother how much he loves him, because on the other side of that door, speaking to him was a girl who was waiting for Joe to say those words to her. To say three words that he had said to her millions of times before, but now meant something entirely different to the both of them.

Joe knew what those words meant to him, he knew that they had only ever been intended for this one girl, and he knew that it was wrong of him not to have said them earlier. Not to have said them to her all those times that she was away. Having made the decision not to have taken 10 seconds out of his day to text her those three words before she had a show. But more importantly for not telling her those words sooner when he first ever thought them...

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Joe's POV:

December 2018

"Right three down, 34 to go!" I heard Dianne's voice echo around the spacious studio, despite her cheery voice being much quieter and tired than before hand,  the winter night beginning to draw cold as we hit ten o'clock. "GOD I HATE TRENT!" I cried in an exasperated voice as I attempted to get my breath back from our most recent run of the Salsa. It was without a doubt the most ridiculous dance I'd had to do so far. With the combination of a coat bigger than my future and with Johannes swinging me around like a stick, I knew that this dance was for sure going to be one to remember. But then again... this entire experience had been something to remember. And it was all because of her.

As I got into my starting position, I felt my eyes linger on the beautiful figure that stood before me. Her red tresses still seeming to shimmer as they cascaded perfectly down her shoulders - the cute little top knot she did a few moments ago to get her hair out of her face, making her seem all the more precious - even after a full 12 hour day of dancing.

Her eyes, despite looking tired, still encapsulating my own tired stare into the honey coloured orbs I had so quickly fallen for. Ever since Dianne and I kissed during week 6, we had been going from strength to strength. The pride of Britain awards and our endless hours of training during week 7 allowing us both to admit what it was we really meant to one another, and more importantly allowing me to show her that for the first time in my life this was no laughing matter. But now it was week 11, and against all odds - everyone's predispositions about me - and all of their doubts, I had made it to the quarter-finals with not only my dignity intact, but with a beautiful girl by my side who soon, I was certain I could call mine.