From now on

Chapter eight

"Five minutes to go everyone, places!"

As everyone started to disperse, shuffle and transition into their starting places, Joe laced his fingers through Dianne's, leading the way to the staircase and to the top.

He squeezed her hand, looking over the scene. "To think that this is the last time we're going to do this." He smiled over at her, seeing her smile back.

"I know. I'm going to miss it, so much. I'm going to miss it all." Feeling him run his thumb over hers, she rested her hand on his shoulder. "But I've loved it, it's been the best time."

"It has."

They stood in silence for a few seconds before being joined by Stacey and Kevin, a few steps below them. "Good luck guys."

"Thanks Kev, you too, mate." Joe and Kevin fist pumped, followed by a swiping handshake of some sort that they had made up a few weeks ago, it had been made a tradition before each show. "Whoever wins, whoever loses, I've had the best time. Obviously it would be nice to win," He glanced over to Dianne, who giggled. "But it's been tons of fun, especially with you guys."

He turned to Stacey and Kevin, who smiled back, and then to each other as Joe and Dianne exchanged a mutual smile. Stacey nodded. "I agree. I've had the most brilliant time, I really have. I can actually say that I've learnt to dance! How crazy is that!"

The four laughed in unison. "I know! I hadn't danced a step in my life, and now look! I'm in the bloody final of Strictly Come Dancing!"

"Exactly." Stacey agreed. "I know I will, but do you reckon you'll keep on dancing?"

Joe smiled over at Dianne, who felt her heart full in that moment. "Of course. I don't think I'll ever stop dancing." He looked over to Dianne, into those big, brown eyes that he could get lost in so easily. She smiled back.

"You guys." Stacey said, a little giggle to her voice.

Kevin rolled his eyes, before them widening as he heard the music play out. "Are going to miss your cue, literally."

Joe and Dianne heard the music, panicking slightly. They had the quickest kiss of their lives before parting, facing the front and calming again. Dianne squeezed his hand before leading him out into the open, into the lights.

"Social media star Joe Sugg and his partner Dianne Buswell!"

///

Emelia sat in the starbar with a few of the pro dancers who weren't competing that night, sat on Amy's lap and next to Janette, whom she had talking to for a while about Australia, and her family out there, and school, and everything else that a five year old would talk about. There were also a few crew milling around, doing their jobs.

Joe and Dianne came into view, dressed in their paso doble outfits and holding hands, waving to the audience. She beamed, bouncing. "There's mummy and Joe! There's mummy and Joe!"

Jannette and Amy both smiled to each other at her excitement, how in that moment she was on cloud nine.

Amy pouted. "So cute."

"I know!" She looked at the screen, tickling Emelia a little. "Don't they look awesome?"

"They look really awesome. They're doing the banana dance, aren't they?" Amy and Janette laughed at her interpretation of the paso doble, but nodded.

Graziano, who was stood nearby, tilted his head. "The banana dance?"

"The paso doble." Amy giggled, Graziano giving a 'ohhhh' and nodding, laughing a little afterwards before going back to rehearsing his steps for another routine. "Is that your favourite dance?"