Love & War

week 7: halloween nightmares night

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The rehearsal studio was buzzing with excitement as Team "Young, Wild, and Free" gathered to prepare for the big week. The air was alive with laughter and friendly competition as the group bonded over spooky stories, inside jokes, and late-night dance sessions. Frankie and Val had a lot on their plate, not only perfecting their contemporary routine to "Toxic" by 2WEI but also preparing for the highly anticipated team dance.

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Frankie and Val's rehearsals began with their usual focus and intensity. The moody, cinematic arrangement of "Toxic" filled the studio, setting the tone for the eerie, seductive vibe of their contemporary routine.

"Okay, Frankie," Val said, stopping the music and stepping forward. "This isn't just about hitting the moves; this is about embodying the danger in the music. It's dark, it's haunting, it's... toxic."

Frankie raised an eyebrow, smirking. "Are you telling me to unleash my inner femme fatale? Because I think I can do that."

As they worked through the routine, the studio door creaked open, and Chandler popped his head in. "Yo, Frankie! We're heading to grab coffee. You want anything? Or are you too busy brooding and being all spooky?"

Frankie laughed, rolling her eyes. "Spooky takes fuel. I'll take a strawberry banana smoothie, thanks!"

Stephen followed behind Chandler, leaning against the doorframe. "How's it going in here? You two look like you're plotting something evil."

Val smirked. "We are. Frankie's about to steal the show, that's what."

"Well, don't forget about us mere mortals," Stephen teased, pretending to bow dramatically. "Some of us still have to survive team dance rehearsals."

Jenn wandered in next, balancing two bottles of water. "Speaking of team dance, can we please talk about how Chandler keeps 'accidentally' stealing my spotlight in the group number?"

Chandler feigned innocence, holding up his hands. "Listen, if the spotlight happens to follow me, it's not my fault!"

Frankie burst out laughing, shaking her head. "This is why we need to rehearse together more often. You're all chaos."

Val crossed his arms, grinning as he watched the banter unfold. "Alright, team— this is Frankie's rehearsal. We'll get to your chaos soon enough."

Jenn gave a mock salute. "Yes, Captain Val. Frankie, break a leg. Literally or metaphorically— your choice."

"Wow, future Ms. PA," Frankie yelled out after her friends.

"Not yet!" was the last thing they heard before the door closed.

Once the door closed, Val restarted the music. As the haunting strains of "Toxic" echoed through the studio, Frankie threw herself into the routine. Every move was sharper, every reach more emotional, as if the earlier banter had energized her.

By the time they reached the dramatic lift in the middle of the routine, Val stepped back, smiling. "That was it, Frankie. That's the energy we need. Let's take it from the top."

Just as they were about to reset, Dwight's voice echoed from the hallway. "Hey! Save some drama for the rest of us, Gomez!"

"Don't worry, Howard," Frankie called back, grinning. "I've got enough to share."