Chapter 7
Strictly was finished.
All that was left now was for the winner to be announced.
"Placing any bets?" Craig asked dryly.
Darcey laughed, "its too close to call!" Len nodded in agreement. Bruno yawned, stretching back in his seat - "try not to fall off the chair this time," Craig remarked, reminding the panel of the countless times Bruno had landed on the floor this series. Len chucked; he was really going to miss this show and all the people on it. Darcey seemed to read his mind, "we're really gonna miss you Len," she murmured. "I'll miss you all too." He replied with a touch of sadness in his voice.
"It's time," Tess Daly began, "to announce our winners of Strictly Come Dancing 2016."
Claudia, at the tall woman's side, could not contain her nervousness, grabbing onto Tess's hand for comfort. Tess smiled fondly down at the dark-haired woman.
Darcey took the long silence that followed to admire Joanne in the spotlight. She was tapping her pale hand nervously on her leg. Looking down, Darcey realised the blonde's left shoe was unfastened and she sighed inwardly; her ankle must be causing her so much pain.
And then, all too quickly, Tess Daly opened her mouth.
"Ore and Joanne!"
Darcey leapt to her feet, screaming. They were the winners! Her beautiful Joanne! All the other judges also rushed to stand, clapping and whistling.
Joanne looked shocked, utterly shocked, she stepped backwards, legs shaking, her hand to her mouth is disbelief. Darcey so badly wanted to run onto the stage and congratulate her; but, of course, that was entirely off limits.
She watched, smiling, as Joanne moved forward, still shaking, with Ore to pick up the strictly glitter-ball. Darcey thought she saw a slight change come over Joanne, a slight vacant stare. Joanne wobbled, struggling to stay upright. Dots appeared before her vision. 'Focus on Darcey', she told herself, staring directly at the older woman. Darcey met her gaze and Joanne was trapped in her eyes. 'Don't faint' Joanne thought, panic rising, 'don't faint on live TV, just keep looking at Darcey, you'll be okay.'
Applause filled the blonde's ears - deafening applause. Ore was suddenly no longer next to her, he was in the air, and then she felt herself too being lifted by hands, arms, and still, she kept her blue eyes focused on Darcey.
As soon as Tess drew an end to the show and the cameras had switched off, Darcey rushed over to Joanne. The younger girl fought her way out of the grasping hands and bright smiles into the ballerina's waiting arms, collapsing onto her.
"Come with me darling." Darcey whispered.
Those were the words Joanne had been desperate to hear coming from the woman's lips.
"Take me." Joanne replied quietly.
Darcey smiled gently and reached for the younger girl's hand, leading her off the dance floor and into her dressing room. Joanne stepped into the room and instantly felt at home; she had never entered Darcey's dressing rooms but it was immediately home to her, it was filled with scent of the older woman's alluring perfume and soft fairy lights traced the room.
"Sit down on the chair, Jo." Darcey said, indicating to a wooden chair placed in the corner of the room. Joanne did as she was told, sitting upright and slightly stiff.
Darcey walked behind her, placing slim fingers onto the blonde's shoulders. "Relax," she murmured, "I'll have a quick look at your ankle - you really did hurt it didn't you sweetie."
Joanne nodded silently in agreement, intoxicated by Darcey's soft voice.
The older woman crouched to inspect Joanne's ankle, wincing at how swollen it was. "We'll need to put another ice pack on that," she mused, more to herself than Joanne. Sighing, she rose to smile reassuringly at the younger girl.
"Still," Darcey said grinning, "you've just won strictly come dancing, that's surely got to be something to gloat about."
A small smile ghosted over Joanne's features. "That's a bit better," Darcey said laughing. Joanne loved Darcey's laugh and she beamed, glad to be able to make the ballerina happy.
"Oh, you're so beautiful Jo."
"Not as stunning as you, Darce," Joanne said softly.
"Come here, you," Darcey said, her smile widening, picking Joanne up off the chair, moving her to the floor and laying her down gently. Darcey moved a strand of blonde hair from Joanne's face and kissed her lips tenderly. A faint flush rose upon Joanne's cheeks and Darcey didn't think anyone could be any more beautiful at any other moment.
"Darcey?" Joanne whispered.
"Jo?"
"I love you."
"So do I darling, I really, really do."