It takes two

Chapter twenty nine

"Yeah, that one. Banger that is, what other movie songs does she like?" Jack asked, Joe just having regained his composure.

"Oh she likes nativity, there's one song called sparkle and shine, she honestly sings it all the time." All the boys gave Joe expectant looks, wanting a little rendition. Joe scowled before sighing, then coughing.

"Okay everybody, clap your hands." All the boys laughed, clapping their hands. "I'm a superstar and I'm coming out tonight! I've had a little makeover and I'm all dressed up tonight."

All the boys swayed, amused and loving how Joe was so much happier, and how he was singing a song from nativity, not what they would have expected before. "A cheeky drink a naughty wink will loosen up Alright."

Caspar winked, Joe stopping. All the boys groaned, Conor pretending to be livid. "Hey! I was enjoying that." Joe rolled his eyes, caving in and singing a bit more.

"Stand back and put your shades on, cos I'm about to shine. My blinding light will throw you, cos there's no Starlight like mi-ine!" He stopped, all the boys laughing and clapping.

"That's actually brilliant. I never had expected to be here, listening to Joe singing a song from nativity, oh how times change." Mikey said lightheartedly, all the boys including Joe nodding in agreement.

A couple of hours later all the boys were still chatting away, having been talking the entire night about anything and everything from coachella and all the times they got drunk to YouTube and Strictly, and everything else in between. They had even talked about Joe starting a singing career, to which he refused although he wouldn't mind it, it just simply wasn't the time or place.

Joe was pinning Caspar down after he had teased Joe about his height, or lack there of, and that was when the doorbell rang. The amount of light that had filled Joe's eyes, or the undeniable smile that he had broken out in that very moment was adorable, and didn't go unnoticed by any of his mates, not by a long way.

While walking over to open the door, a few thoughts raced through his mind. One being that he would be reunited with his two girlies, another being that Em could be asleep and he would have to remind the boys to use their indoor voices, and a third being that they'd all rip him to pieces at it all.

He opened the door, the first thing he could comprehend being the small child that had launched herself at his legs, shouting "Joe!" excitedly, all the boys giving each other little pouts at how cute she was, her enthusiasm and child like innocence, special and often lost within many souls.

He chuckled, exchanging a warm smile with the red head, who gave a little pout before she let go, Joe embracing Dianne in his arms and feeling her hold him too. He pecked her cheek, feeling her sigh contently into his arms. They took in each other's scents and presence, letting the hold last a little longer as they had been apart for a while, having missed each other.

"How'd it go?" Joe asked, seeing Emelia out of the corner of his eye wander over to the boys, probably wondering who some of them were. They pulled apart, Dianne grinning.

"Great. Amy is so good with her, they're really close, it's adorable. She placed her things on the side, next to where Emelia's colouring stuff had seemed to take a permanent residence. "How was it with the boys?"

He nodded, looking over at them all fondly, particularly Conor who was pulling funny faces at Emelia who was giggling her little head off.

"Great. It's so lovely, seeing them take to her so well, you know. I've never seen them like this, it's cute." She nodded, wrapping an arm around his waist, also watching Emelia with a warm smile.

"It is, they are all goodens, especially Caspar, he's a legend." He chuckled, putting an arm around her shoulders.

"A real legend, wouldn't change him for the world." The two stayed in a comfortable silence.

"Come on, I don't think you've met Conor, Jack or Mikey yet, have you?" The thought had crossed his mind, causing him to chuckle as he spoke.

"Nope. Lead the way."

"Oh you look beautiful, magnificent." Mikey said while putting on a posh voice, twenty minutes after the introductions. Emelia had thought of the idea to do Joe's hair, and Joe having been witness to her puppy dog eyes just couldn't say no, who could.

Joe scowled at all his friends, feeling her finish off his man bun with a pretty pink bow. "You all are in line, trust me." She pretended to dust off her hands, a satisfied look on her face. "Do I look pretty?"

"Very pretty. Maybe next time, I could do your makeup?"

Joe's eyes went wide, a worried chuckle but not minding that much. Yeah, Maybe." All the boys laughed at his reaction, it was playful fear in his eyes.

"Oh that'd be cool, you could do glitter makeup as well." Jack suggested, tapping Emelia on the shoulder. Joe gave him a death glare. "Or not."

Dianne grinned at Joe. "Oh I think you should, what a great idea Jack." Joe hit her playfully, rolling his eyes. "Or not." They all laughed, seeing Emelia crawl onto the sofa, plonking herself right between them.

Ten minutes later Emelia had fallen asleep, leant into Joe's side. "I wish I could fall asleep that quickly." Joe sighed, seeing Dianne nod. All the boys were about to get ready to leave at this point, the evening winding down.

"Me too, should I take her in?" Joe shook his head, starting to pick her up.

"It's fine, I'll take her in. Should be a quick one tonight, seeing as she's already asleep." She chuckled, watching him get up and walk across the living room, the sleeping Emelia in his arms. She watched all the boys watch him, fond smiles all round.

Caspar took his drink into his hand before speaking. "Wow." He took a sip, all the boys nodding. "To think six months ago he couldn't even find his car keys."

All the boys laughed loudly, Joe turning around on his heels, giving all the boys stern looks while stroking Emelia's hair.

"Shh. She's asleep. You'll wake her if you're not careful."