From now on

Chapter five

As they stood backstage for their Viennese Waltz, running their steps, a runner came to them explaining that in a minute they would be needed onstage, both of them nodding and turning to one another.

"Just know whatever happens, I'm proud of you Joseph." He nodded, trying to rid himself of as many nerves as he could. "Ready?"

"Ready as Ill ever be." She nodded and they quickly pecked before waiting a few moments and eventually going to their starting positions on the dancefloor, 'this years love' playing out in the background after the voiceover.

This years love it better last...
Heaven knows it's high time...
I've been waiting on my own...too long...

As they danced their beautiful dance, Joe made sure as well as executing every step to the best of his ability, he made sure to enjoy the moment. It wasn't everyday that you got to dance a Viennese Waltz with the love of your life, especially to a song like this one. From the smoke to the lights, everything added to the atmosphere. But what really made the dance was the connection he had with his partner. It was clear as day they had chemistry, more than they should as dance partners, and if anything he felt as if he should play it down in case anyone suspected anything, but at the same time he wanted to put his full heart and soul into the dance, and just use it as another way to show Dianne how much he really loved her.

And this went two ways, as Dianne knew that this was one of her favourite dances she had ever done. Dancing with Joe for her was one of the most magical things in the world. Whether it was here, on Strictly in front of the nation, or in the kitchen spontaneously, each time she got to dance with him felt like a dream, a dream she never wanted to end. It was a chance to show him she loved him in many ways.

She let herself revel in his physical touch, even in a ballroom hold, his soft hand clasped in hers, that connection creating warmth throughout her presence. It was a way to spend quality time with him, both just having fun and it was just the two of them in their own world. Dance had always been her way of communicating without words, so when she found out she was going to be dancing this dance with him, she was a happy girl. It was a dance that she wanted to say 'I love you', 'you matter to me' and everything along those lines.' Even if she couldn't say it, she could dance it, and it was a dance she knew would have a special place in her heart forever.

Throughout the dance, she also let herself enjoy those little moments of eye contact. Whenever the two pairs met, she couldn't help but smile. His eyes weren't dark or intense, they were full of meaning. Those eyes had so much behind them, and she felt honoured for him to let her in and see what was behind them. They were this bright blue that made your heart skip a beat and oceans seem inferior, and the blue was so rare that she was convinced that even though there were a few with blue eyes, no eyes were quite like his.

This years love...it...better...last...

As the dance ended, he brought his hand to lift her chin, seeing her big brown eyes meet his, the music drawing to a close as their foreheads met. It took all the strength in the world to not lean forward and kiss her until she could think no more, but he had it in him and before he knew it they were embracing, and it was all over. He buried his head into the crook of her neck, mumbling 'thank you' and seeing her nod.

They then walked hand in hand to Tess who was in awe of their performance. "What a dance, we were all in awe, especially the ending! So judges, Penny for your thoughts?"

After the judges comments, and the little video for Instagram, they headed down the corridor where there was a little peace and quiet. Joe sighed, downhearted. "Di...this doesn't look good. This doesn't look good at all."