Love & War

week 10: finale

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The night of the finale had arrived, and the atmosphere in the ballroom was electric. The stakes had never been higher, with only a single prize at the end of the night: the coveted Len Goodman Mirrorball Trophy. Frankie and Val, standing side by side backstage, exchanged a look of quiet determination. Their journey had been long, full of ups and downs, but now, it all came down to this one night.

"We've come this far," Frankie said, her voice steady but laced with nerves. "I can't believe it's the end."

Val placed a hand on her shoulder. "We've got this. These routines are ours to own, Frankie. Let's show them what we've got."

♡❀♡

The jive was the perfect opener for the finale. The energy in the studio was palpable as Frankie and Val prepared for their high-octane routine to "Grown" by Little Mix. The studio was buzzing with excitement as the music played in the background. Frankie was all smiles, but the choreography was no joke. This was one of the fastest, most precise dances of the entire competition.

From the moment the music started, Val's instruction was clear: "It's all about energy, precision, and timing. Every flick, every kick, every shimmy needs to be sharp. You've got to give it everything you've got."

Frankie was already familiar with the jive's quick pace, but Val pushed her to increase her speed and intensity. Her legs moved like lightning, each flick of her foot followed by a swift turn. The moves were so fast that it seemed like one mistake could throw everything off, but Frankie attacked every step with confidence.

"Don't hold back," Val insisted. "If you're going to do this, do it full throttle."

The rehearsals were full of laughs and minor slip-ups, but Frankie's natural rhythm and vivacity were impossible to ignore. With each run-through, she found herself getting faster, cleaner, and more energetic. Val adjusted her posture, ensuring that she remained grounded despite the high energy.

In the final stretch of rehearsals, Val pushed her to really let loose. "This is your time, Frankie. You've got to show the world what you're made of."

By the end of the rehearsal, Frankie's energy was explosive, and she was practically bouncing off the walls in anticipation for the live performance. "This routine is going to be a blast," she grinned.

♡❀♡

The freestyle was a whole different beast. The stakes were higher, and the idea they had for the routine was ambitious. It was going to be a true spectacle, blending artistry with daring physicality. The use of ropes, the lifts, and the complex choreography required more than just technical prowess— it demanded trust, synchronization, and boldness.

"Frankie, this routine will be unlike anything we've done before," Val said, excitement evident in his voice. "It's all about strength and vulnerability— two sides of the same coin."

The ropes were a challenge from the start. They had to time every swing perfectly, using the ropes to elevate their movements into breathtaking mid-air sequences. Frankie was nervous about the physicality of it at first. "I've never done anything like this before," she admitted.

But Val was patient, walking her through each swing, each jump, until the motions felt second nature. "Trust the rope, Frankie. Trust me. This is your chance to let go and fly."