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

Keeping score

Guys! I'm back! Sorry for the lack of updates-life has just gotten a little out of hand recently and I've not had the time. I've currently got a broken finger, I start a new job and a new uni all in the next few weeks😂🤦🏻‍♀️ so if I disappear again for a while, I promise I'm working on some form of uphold schedule for the future💪🏻

This ones a little different but I hope you enjoy it! Shout out again to @GreenDrummer for her continued support during my writing crisis', reading over my work and being a general angel💚

** shoutout to HD1606 for mending my mistakes for me too!🤣🤦🏻‍♀️

It has always been said that the hardest part of any competition, is the come down afterwards. For those involved in Strictly Come Dancing, it was no different; the post- show haze ties hand in hand with a wide range of emotion for both contestant and professional alike, starting from the moment they leave the stage. From the second the dance is over and elimination done, both the professionals and the celebrities enter full-on party mode, especially when it comes to the final- drinking games, dance offs, the works. As the night progresses, naturally those involved begin to feel the effects of alcohol; this much was evident as a certain redhead attached herself to her dance partner, wrapping her arms loosely around his neck and attempting to steal one or two, not-so-subtle, kisses when she truly believed the others weren't looking.

However, one individual found himself distracted during the party...not due to the way in which his dance partner was publicly smothering him with affection but due to the growing emotional turmoil, currently plaguing his mind. As the night draws to a close the pair join hands and stroll towards the taxi rank, the small redhead tucked neatly under the protective arm of her partner as they headed towards his high-end London flat. Turning to stroke the day-old stubble gracing Joe's face, Dianne sighed contentedly but the lack of enthusiasm from him didn't go unnoticed.

"You alright Joseph? You've been very quite tonight. What's up buttercup? Tell your Reddo...pleeeease?"

Offering her a small smile, Joe shrugged off the negative feeling for a moment, revelling in the feeling of the woman he...well someone he thoroughly enjoyed spending time with, in his arms as they exited the taxi, breaking apart only when they had to walk into his building.

"I'm fine Di...just tired."

Stumbling towards the familiar lift, tiredness lacing the faces of both professional and contestant as the taller reached across, hitting the correct number and hesitating ever-so-slightly, before caving in and linking his fingers with his redheaded counterpart. "Mmmh...Your hands are always so warm Joseph, so warm..." Dianne mutters, closing her eyes as the lift begins to move, leaning against her partner for support with her head spinning due to the alcohol she had previously consumed. The feeling of their hands, whilst familiar, felt new to both Joe and Dianne alike: Dancing together is one thing but holding the very same hands, travelling back to an apartment together, spending time together, without the cameras and contracts...it all still felt very new.

"Come on Reddo, it's bedtime I think." Opening the door to his apartment, the younger man guided his tipsy self towards the stairs, "Just head on up Di, get on into bed...i'll just lock up, tidy up quickly then i'll come join you. If you want one of my shirts, just dig through my wardrobe." Nudging Dianne gently in the direction of the staircase, Joe turned his attention to the kitchen which had been left littered with various glasses, a few plates and a rogue crisp packet from the training week. Being left to his own thoughts for the first time since his arrival at Elstree that morning, the wave of emotions crashed over him rapidly, drowning out the last of Joe's energy as he slumped ungracefully against the kitchen counter, head resting on his hands. Along with the highs of competition, comes the pressure of a bad week and low scores- all of which are heightened when you fall in...well when you have feelings for your dance partner, who is currently waiting in bed. With the 2018 final merely a week away, all contestants could hope for are high scores and the audience support but these things appeared to be missing in the semi-finals, increasing the feeling of guilt and ever-growing self doubt. It goes without saying, Joe (or anyone for that matter) could see how hard Dianne works throughout the week, from choreographing to teaching, rehearsing to learning professional routines- she does it all. Frustrated and exhausted, the ex-thatcher tugs on his hair, turning his attention back to the woman, who was undoubtedly even more disappointed in his lack of appearance, than she was in his performance tonight.