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

Don't wanna miss a thing

Following a four month stint of early mornings and long days, it was no shock that when the cruel winter sun broke through the curtains on the 16th of December; a familiar young couple remained asleep, nestled into each others body heat, limbs entangled in the fluffy covers. Both secretly awake but reluctant to open their eyes and face the day, unwilling to face each other and quite frankly, scared of moving into this new, unknown era, neither moved as the sunlight illuminated the room. After spending months together, living in each others pocket, or nip-to-nip as the redhead would say, it could be assumed that nothing would change between them, that the emotions they felt, that had taken over their little world, would remain un-edited, un-changing but these feelings did little to settle the unspoken nerves between them.

Last night had been the final of Strictly Come Dancing 2018, where social media star, Joe Sugg and his partner, Dianne Buswell came runner up to their good friends, Documentary presenter, Stacey Dooley and her partner, Kevin Clifton. Despite not winning the glitterball, nothing could dampen the young couple's sparkle as they danced the night away at the afterparty, surrounded by their friends and family. Slowly opening his eyes, squinting in the light and glancing down at the snoozing figure, currently resting against his chest, Joe couldn't help but smile at his favourite redheaded dance partner- turned...best friend? Life partner? Having spent so much time together, dancing, travelling and training, his feelings towards the loud, enthusiastic, Australian had only grown, moving from friendship, to affection, to...love? Was that what he was feeling in this moment? Due to the nature of Dianne's strictly contract, the hadn't spoken much about the nature of their relationship, nor that they defined what was going on, simply choosing tp follow what felt right as the weeks passed.

But now? Lying in his bed, with Dianne pressed to his side, Joe finally had time to reminisce their time together over the last few months, his hand absent-mindedly making its way to her hair as he closed his eyes once again, letting the memories wash over him. From their very first meeting, where Dianne had comically asked, "What's a YouTube?", while they sat around a table, getting to know the professionals and new celebrities, Joe had found himself drawn to her- her infectious laugh, her sweet charm, her quick wit and most of all, her ability to read his emotions and comfort him. Like on week three of the competition...

*Flashback*

"You know the world can see us...In a way that's different than who we...are."

As they finished the dance and Dianne relaxed into his arms, still face to face and spinning slowly, neither of them pulled away when the music ended. The atmosphere in the room suddenly shifted, moving away from their usual training room mood; forehead to forehead, nose to nose...then suddenly..

lip to lip.

Sealing the gap between them, Joe stepped closer, if possible, wrapping one arm around his partners waist, the other coming to rest in her hair. Momentarily shocked, Dianne froze, dazed by his sudden burst of confidence, before bringing one arm round his extremely attractive neck and her free hand coming to rest on his face, stroking the 2-day-stubble she had come to appreciate. Pausing for breath, she pulled away, stealing a glance at the red-faced man in-front of her, scratching his neck frantically as he paces away from where they were stood, muttering furiously.

"Joseph..."

"No, no, Dianne, i'm so sorry. I have no idea what came over me, I just...FUCK! I'm just sorry!"

Walking up behind him and tugging on his elbow, Dianne pulled him back round to her, crossing her arms. " Well, you can apologise all you want. I'M not sorry. Not in the slightest. I think we should talk about this tonight, before we film or after, you chose. For now..." pulling the stressing man into her arms and pressing one last kiss to his lips, she grinned, "let's dance."

**

Smirking at the memory and casting his eyes down to the still-sleeping woman beside him, sub-consciously pulling her that little bit closer to him as he settled down again.

"Joseph...stop staring at me you idiot, I've not changed since last night you know." she giggles

"Morning Reddo...you good?" He chuckles, watching her fight to keep her eyes closed, whilst lifting her body up to rest on top of his chest. "Open your eyes love, let me say good morning properly." Nuzzling even deeper into the crook of her...dance partner's neck, she let out an audible protest, hoping she could cuddle her way out of the situation, instead of facing the conversation the older woman new they would eventually have to have. The post final haze had allowed Dianne to enjoy her blossoming relationship with Joe but the alcohol in their system had now burned through, meaning both parties felt an element of uncertainty. Breaking their silence, Joe nudges the petite figure, pretending to sleep on him, running his hand soothingly along her spine, hoping to ease some of the tension in her aching muscles. "Right, out with it Di. Something is bothering you, what's up?"

Admitting defeat, she shuffles down his body a little, resting so she could look up at him, "It's stupid. Promise me you won't laugh at me, please?" Meeting his deep blue eyes, Dianne watched as an unrecognisable emotion flickered through his face and he nodded solemnly, leaning down to kiss her hairline, waiting for her to continue. "Fine...I don't want to open my eyes today. It's different today, we have nothing keeping us together. Your contractual commitment to me is over, you don't have to put up with me anymore and i'm scared. I'm scared that now strictly is over and we didn't win, that you won't need me anymore. I don't want things to change now strictly is over, if this is a dream...I don't wanna wake up from it." Sighing, she closes her eyes again, a light blush gracing her cheeks for the first time as she feels Joe's chest vibrate with laughter. "Joe....you promised you wouldn't laugh at me..."

Rolling her small frame off his body and to his side, they lie face to face as Joe runs his fingers through her long, red locks, mentally preparing himself for the next part of their conversation. "Well my little red, I want change. I don't care that we didn't win the glitterball because in my head, I've already won something so much better. I joined strictly expecting to go out on the second week but here I am, a finalist, waking up beside my girlfriend. I promise you, it's not a dream and i'm staying right here. Now, open your eyes love, you leaving in a few days and I don't want to miss a thing."

Grinning up at the man before her, all her previous fears disappearing as she kissed him with all her power. "Did you just call me your girlfriend, Joseph? Is that what I am?"

"Come 'ere you daft sod. Dianne Buswell, after months of low-key dating, will you be my girlfriend?"

"Eh... i'll think about it..."