03 | camera blocking

CAMERA BLOCKING

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The costume sparkled like liquid fire under the fluorescent lights of the wardrobe department. Sequins caught and reflected every glimmer, the fringe swished with the tiniest movements, and the vibrant orange color made Diana feel both powerful and exposed.

She took a careful step toward the mirror, trying not to let her nerves show. The leotard hugged her frame, with cutouts along the waist that revealed flashes of skin whenever she moved. She did a slow spin, watching the fringe whip around.

"Wow," she whispered under her breath.

"Wow is right."

She turned to see Grayson leaning against the doorway with his arms crossed, his expression a mix of awe and mischief. His reflection joined hers in the mirror, and she felt her cheeks warm immediately.

"Don't," she warned with a laugh. "Don't start."

"I'm not starting anything!" He raised his hands in mock defense. "I'm just saying... that is insane. You look like you belong on a Vegas stage."

"That's kind of the point," she said, smoothing down the sequins nervously. "It's supposed to grab attention."

"It's grabbing attention," he said earnestly, then quickly added, "in a good way."

She rolled her eyes, fighting the smile tugging at her lips. "You're ridiculous."

He smirked. "I'm serious! I feel bad now. My costume's, what? A shirt with some sparkles? You're stealing the show already."

"Trust me," Diana replied, turning back toward the mirror, "we'll coordinate. They'll style you to make us look like a team."

Grayson groaned dramatically. "Great. My destiny: being the accessory to your fringe."

Diana laughed, swatting his arm. "You'll survive."

Later that afternoon, Diana wandered into the lounge where Daniella sat cross-legged on the floor, building a shaky tower of foam blocks with her toddler, Nikita. The little girl's giggles filled the room as she smacked the tower down, squealing every time the blocks tumbled.

"Hey, D!" Daniella looked up, her whole face lighting up. "Come join us before rehearsal eats you alive again."

Diana dropped her bag by the couch and slid onto the floor, immediately reaching her hands out. "Come here, Nikita!"

The toddler waddled over and collapsed into Diana's lap with a delighted squeal. Diana laughed, tickling her gently. "You're so big already. How is that possible?"

"She grows like a weed," Daniella said, smiling as she leaned against the couch. "And she loves you. Look at her—she barely sits still for anyone, but she's glued to you."

Diana's chest warmed at that. "That's all you and Pash. She's the sweetest kid."

Daniella tilted her head, studying her for a moment. "Alright. Tell me the truth. How are you really feeling? Costumes, rehearsals, cameras... everything?"

Diana hesitated, pressing her cheek to Nikita's soft hair. "I'm excited," she admitted, "but also... terrified. What if I forget the steps? Or trip? Or what if Grayson gets nervous and I can't help him?"

Daniella leaned forward, her tone firm but warm. "You are not going to let anyone down. Dee, I've watched you grow up in this world. You've put in the hours. You have the talent. Grayson's lucky to have you. Remember that."

Diana's eyes stung, and she gave Daniella a grateful smile. "Thanks, Dani. I needed to hear that."

Daniella squeezed her hand before reaching for a toy Nikita had tossed aside. "And remember, it's supposed to be fun. The audience can feel when you're having fun."

That night, after a long day of rehearsal, Diana curled up in bed with her phone. A notification from Aspen popped up almost immediately.

today 11:17 PM

sooo... how are rehearsals going?? 👀

good! grayson's picking things up faster than i thought

i'm actually excited for our dance

you should be!you worked hard for this

plus, you get to dance with that FINE disney man

aspen...

admit ityou think he's hot

🙄 he's fine...i guess

LIES. i saw those promo picshe's literally a dreamboatdon't even try it

he's my partnernot my crush

mhmmsurejust don't "cha cha" into trouble

Diana groaned at the pun, tossing her phone on the pillow beside her. Leave it to Aspen to tease her relentlessly.

The next morning, Diana arrived at the ballroom earlier than scheduled. The building was quiet, echoing with the hum of stage lights warming up. She stood just inside the doorway, staring at the set she'd only ever seen through a TV screen: the glossy floor, the sweeping staircase, the enormous mirror ball looming above.

Her chest tightened with awe. I'm really here.

"Dee!"

She turned to see Daniella walking in, coffee cup in hand. Her bun was messier than usual, but her smile was bright.

"Knew you'd come early," Daniella said knowingly. "First-timer excitement."

"Guilty," Diana admitted, cheeks warming.

"Come on," Daniella said, looping her arm through hers. "You need the full tour before everyone shows up."

They started backstage, winding through narrow hallways lined with racks of costumes and quick-change areas. Daniella pointed out the hair and makeup room, the pro lounge, the star dressing rooms.

Up in the skybox, they leaned against the railing together. "This is where you'll come after your dance," Daniella explained. "Julianne will talk to you here while your scores come in. Try not to panic."

"Easier said than done," Diana muttered, making Daniella laugh.

Finally, they headed toward the band pit. Musicians were tuning instruments, vocalists chatting quietly. Daniella gestured toward a tall woman with long dark hair laughing with another singer.

"That's Felicia," Daniella said. "She does a lot of the vocals. She's amazing."

As if she heard her name, Felicia glanced over and smiled, walking toward them.

"Dani! How are you?" she said warmly, pulling her into a hug.

"I'm good," Daniella said, then turned. "Felicia, this is Diana. She's new this season."

Felicia's smile widened. "Oh! Congratulations, that's so exciting."

"Thank you," Diana said, shaking her hand. "I'm still wrapping my head around it. I can't wait to hear you sing tomorrow."

Felicia grinned. "And I can't wait to see you dance. You're going to kill it."

They exchanged a last smile before Felicia returned to the mic check.

"See?" Daniella murmured. "Family already."

Diana's chest swelled. Maybe she really could belong here.

By mid-morning, couples filled the studio for camera blocking. The crew bustled around, setting angles and testing lights.

Grayson jogged up to her the second he spotted her, hair slightly messy from rushing. "This place is huge," he said, spinning slowly to take it all in. "Kind of intimidating."

"Tell me about it," Diana admitted. "But don't worry. We've got this."

He gave her a grin, easy and reassuring. "If you say so, Coach."

They ran through their cha-cha twice, the cameras capturing every step. The lights felt hotter than rehearsal, the energy different, but Grayson followed her lead, matching her rhythm. He wasn't perfect, but his smile never left his face.

When the music stopped, Diana exhaled, buzzing with adrenaline. "You did so good."

Grayson shook his head. "Nah. You carried me."

"That's literally my job," she teased, bumping his shoulder.

They sat on the side steps together, watching Val and Alix rehearse. The ballroom glittered around them, and Diana tried to imagine what it would look like filled with a roaring audience.

Grayson leaned back on his hands, glancing at her. "Hey. Whatever happens tomorrow... thanks. For not making me feel like an idiot. For being patient. This has been more fun than I ever thought it would be."

Diana blinked, touched by his sincerity. Then she smiled, soft and genuine. "You're not giving yourself enough credit. You're better than you think."

He chuckled, eyes crinkling. "Guess we'll find out tomorrow."

As Val and Alix finished their run, Diana glanced at him again. The stage lights glinted in his eyes, and for the first time, excitement outweighed the nerves.

Tomorrow, it would all begin.

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SURPRISE another chapter bc im literally so excited and i really want you all to see diana and malachis dynamic

it will be a slow burn...so it will take time but it will be worth it

ALSO we got felicia, so at least diana met one of the barton's!😊