10 | ship name

SHIP NAME

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Show day mornings always carried their own electricity. The ballroom wasn't buzzing with a live audience yet, but the energy backstage still vibrated like static. Crew members wove in and out of the hallways, rolling garment racks, carrying trays of rhinestones and safety pins, and calling out cues over headsets.

Diana sat in front of one of the glowing mirrors in the hair-and-makeup room, legs tucked under her chair, robe cinched around her. The scent of hairspray lingered thick in the air. Britt was sitting next to her, getting her makeup done while Dani leaned against the counter a few feet away, sipping iced coffee through a straw.

"So," Britt said casually, eyes flickering to Diana, "you ready for tonight?"

"As ready as I'll ever be," Diana admitted with a nervous laugh. "No matter what happens, we're gonna give it our all."

"That's the spirit." Dani smiled warmly. "Dedication night always brings out the best in people. And honestly, your piece with Grayson? It's gonna be special."

Diana's cheeks warmed. "You really think so?"

"Absolutely," Dani said without hesitation. "You two have this really natural connection on the floor. It doesn't look forced, and people feel that. Trust me—when you're genuine, the audience at home votes for it."

Britt nodded, giving a small grin. "And don't forget, people are already talking about you two on social. Grayson-and-Diana edits are everywhere."

Diana rolled her eyes but laughed, tugging at the sleeve of her robe. "I've heard."

"You love it," Britt teased.

"Okay, maybe a little," Diana admitted, biting back a smile.

Once her hair was fully styled and sprayed into place, her stylist moved aside for makeup. As the brushes dusted across her face, Diana closed her eyes and let the calm settle over her. For a moment, the chaos outside—the squeak of shoes, the producers' quick footsteps, the faint music from camera blocking rehearsals—faded into the background.

When her glam was finished, Diana stood, stretching her arms before slipping out of the robe. She padded down the hall toward the main stage, and sure enough, Brandon was leaning against a wall near the pro lounge, phone in hand.

"Di!" he called, waving her over like he'd been waiting just for her. "TikTok break."

Diana laughed under her breath. "I literally just finished glam. You're not ruining it with one of your chaotic videos."

"Not chaotic," Brandon corrected with mock offense. "Creative. Pasha, back me up!"

From behind him, Pasha appeared with a grin. "Oh, it's chaotic. But that's what makes it fun."

Diana groaned, though she was already walking toward them. "What are we doing?"

"A new dance trend," Brandon said quickly, already cueing up the audio on his phone. "You're in the middle."

Diana laughed, covering her face. "I'm going to regret this."

But a few seconds later, she was standing in the center while the music started. Brandon spun her with exaggerated flair before leaping to the side, while Pasha ducked into frame with a mock-serious pose. Diana was supposed to keep a straight face—but the ridiculous contrast between the two of them had her bursting out laughing halfway through.

"Restart!" Brandon shouted, though he was laughing too hard to reset right away.

On the second try, they nailed it, Diana twirling neatly between them before striking a playful pose. Brandon stopped the recording and immediately replayed it, the three of them crowding together to watch.

"Okay, that was actually pretty good," Diana admitted, brushing her hair out of her face.

"Good enough to post?" Brandon teased.

"On your account," Diana said firmly. "Not mine."

"Done," he grinned, already typing in a caption.

Pasha gave Diana's shoulder a friendly squeeze. "It's the price of being a pro. TikToks, bad jokes, and no escaping Brandon's ideas."

Diana smiled, the nerves that had been brewing in her stomach since morning easing just a little. For the first time that day, she felt ready for what was ahead.

By the time Diana made it out to the ballroom floor, the stage was buzzing with final blockings. Couples moved across the polished surface, stopping every so often as producers called for adjustments. A cluster of cameras sat on rolling tracks, their operators testing angles. Overhead, the lighting crew shouted cues as beams of soft gold and blue swept across the space.

Diana spotted Grayson near center stage, already in shoes and a fitted long-sleeve shirt. His hair was slightly messy, his expression focused as he stretched his shoulders. The moment his eyes landed on her, though, his face broke into a grin.

"There you are," he said, reaching out a hand as she approached. "Ready to run this one last time?"

"Ready," she said, though her stomach did a nervous flip.

They walked through the opening poses, finding their marks as a stage manager gave them the countdown. The music swelled—soft, sweeping, familiar—and they began.

Their bodies moved in sync, gliding across the floor with practiced ease. Diana felt the rhythm settle into her bones, every turn and lift flowing smoother than yesterday. It wasn't perfect—Grayson's hand slipped slightly on one of the transitions—but the emotion was there. The dedication was there.

As the final notes faded, they landed in their closing hold. Both of them were breathing hard, chests rising and falling as they looked at each other.

Grayson was the first to break the silence, as they stepped off the ballroom floor, hand in hand. "You know... every time we run it, it feels different. But in a good way. Stronger."

Diana smiled softly. "That's how it's supposed to feel. Just... don't overthink it. Be yourself. Remember this is for Josh. Everything else will fall into place."

Something flickered in Grayson's eyes—gratitude, warmth, maybe something deeper. Without hesitation, he wrapped his arms around her, pulling her into a tight hug.

"You're the best," he murmured against her hair. "Seriously. I don't know what I'd do without you."

The words caught her off guard, sending a rush of heat to her cheeks. When they pulled back, their eyes lingered on each other longer than necessary, silence stretching in a way that felt charged. Diana's breath caught slightly.

And then—

"Are you trying to make me cry?!"

Ezra's voice broke the moment. He was walking past with a smirk on his face. "Didn't mean to interrupt. That was gorgeous, by the way. Gave me chills."

Diana cleared her throat quickly, stepping back from Grayson as if to reset herself. "Thanks, Ez."

Grayson rubbed the back of his neck, half-smiling. "Yeah, appreciate it, man."

Ezra gave them a knowing look, eyes flickering between them, before heading off to the side, leaving the two standing there, the moment broken but still lingering in the air.

By the time the clock struck eight, the ballroom had transformed into pure electricity. The audience's cheers rattled the rafters, the spotlights cut through the haze, and the mirrorball stage gleamed brighter than ever.

The opening number had come and gone in a blur of sequins and spotlights. Diana had danced, smiling through the choreography like she had done the past two nights.

Backstage, a producer ushered her and Grayson into place for their rehearsal package. The big screen above the ballroom lit up with footage: rehearsal clips, behind-the-scenes laughter, Grayson fumbling a lift and then grinning at the camera. The tone shifted as he sat down for his interview.

"This week's dance is contemporary, and I wanted to dedicate it to my best friend, Joshua Bassett. He's been there for me through everything—every audition, every setback, every win. He believed in me before I ever believed in myself."

The video cut to rehearsal footage of Diana guiding his hand, showing him how to trust the release in a lift. "This isn't just about steps," she told him on camera. "It's about letting go. It's about showing how much Josh means to you."

The video cut to Josh himself walking into the rehearsal studio, smiling as Diana and Grayson hugged him. "I wanted to surprise Grayson," Josh said to the camera. "I know how hard he's working, and honestly, seeing him out there dancing every week makes me so proud. I can't wait to watch this one."

"Having Josh stop by rehearsals," Grayson said in his interview, "reminded me why I'm doing this. Tonight's dance is for him."

Back in the ballroom, the camera panned across the audience to where Joshua now sat, already clapping for his best friend.

"Dancing contemporary, it's Grayson Hunt and his partner, Diana Sinclair."

The music began—Brother, raw and aching—and Diana stepped onto the floor barefoot, her light pink costume flowing like liquid with every breath. She looked ethereal, soft chiffon layers trailing as she reached for Grayson, who stood a few feet away in muted pink.

From the first note, the air shifted.

Grayson launched into movement with more freedom than she had ever seen from him. He pulled Diana close, then pushed her away, the choreography echoing the push and pull of brotherhood, of friendship forged through fire and love. She leapt into his arms, and he caught her effortlessly, holding her high as the lyrics poured through the ballroom.

Every lift landed, every extension hit with raw emotion. At one point, Diana placed her hand on his chest, guiding him to look out toward the audience, as if he were dancing not just for them, but to Joshua himself.

The ending came in a swell of music: Grayson crumpled to his knees, Diana lowering herself beside him, their foreheads pressed together in silence as the final note hung in the air.

And then—

The ballroom erupted.

Thunderous applause. Cheers so loud Diana could barely hear her own ragged breathing.

Grayson rose, eyes wet, and almost instinctively turned toward the audience. The cameras followed as crossed the floor, running straight to where Joshua sat. The two embraced tightly, Josh clapping him on the back, both grinning through their tears. The crowd only grew louder.

Grayson jogged back toward Diana, the energy spilling out of him in waves. Without hesitation, he scooped her into his arms and spun her in a full circle, her skirt fanning out in pink arcs. Diana laughed breathlessly as the audience clapped even harder, the joy on his face so unfiltered it caught her off guard.

When he finally set her down, both of them flushed and smiling, Alfonso was already waving them over with a broad grin.

"Alright, get over here, you two lovebirds!" he teased, the audience howling in delight.

Diana felt her face burn at the word lovebirds, but she kept her professional smile fixed as Grayson took her hand and led her toward the judges.

Carrie Ann was the first to speak, leaning forward with a hand pressed to her heart. "I... I was tearing up halfway through. That was stunning. Grayson, I've watched you grow every single week, but tonight? Tonight you showed us your soul. That's what contemporary is—it's honesty. Just be careful with your transitions, especially through the feet, and don't be afraid to loosen up a bit more, but honestly... beautiful."

The audience applauded.

Derek chimed in next, his tone warm and steady. "Grayson, tonight you let the emotion drive the movement. That's why it worked. Technically, it was strong, but more than that, it was authentic. There were a few moments where you were a little stiff, don't forget to breathe through the moves. Well done."

The crowd whooped. Diana squeezed Grayson's hand discreetly, trying to steady his shaking fingers.

Then Bruno was on his feet, hands flailing dramatically. "My darling boy, I felt every ounce of love and devotion you poured into that performance! The connection between you and Diana, the way you trusted each other—it was magic! Magic, I say!" He wagged a finger with playful sternness. "Yes, a little more freedom in the upper body, but my goodness, you moved us all tonight."

The ballroom clapped wildly again, the camera catching Joshua in the audience, standing and applauding.

Alfonso grinned. "All right, head on up to the skybox for your scores!"

Grayson and Diana jogged up to the skybox, still buzzing, where Julianne was waiting with a mic in hand. "Okay, wow," she said, laughing lightly. "I don't think there's a dry eye left in this ballroom. Grayson, tell us—why dedicate this to Joshua?"

Grayson, still catching his breath, looked straight into the camera. "Because he's basically my brother. He's always been there for me, and I wanted to give this to him tonight. I wouldn't be here without him."

The audience aww'd, clapping again as the camera cut briefly to Josh wiping his eyes.

"All right," Julianne said, "let's get those scores!"

The music swelled.

"Carrie Ann Inaba..."

Carrie Ann held up her paddle: "Eight!"

Diana and Graysons faces twisted into shock and excitement.

"Derek Hough..."

Derek smiled: "Eight!"

The audience cheered, and Diana's smile brightened.

"Bruno Tonioli..."

Bruno, with flare: "Eight!"

"Twenty four out of thirty for Grayson and Diana!" Julianne announced.

Diana pressed her hand to her mouth, unable to hold back a tear. She pulled Grayson into a fierce hug, his arms wrapping around her just as tightly. "You did it," she whispered.

He leaned down, voice cracking. "No—we did."

The audience clapped and cheered as Julianne reminded viewers to vote, the camera still locked on Grayson and Diana, framed together in pink chiffon and gray cotton, smiles shining brighter than the mirrorball itself.

The night carried on in a blur of glitter, costumes, and music. Couples came and went from the stage, each one adding to the pulse of the ballroom. Diana and Grayson stayed tucked into the skybox after their scores, their adrenaline still high, cheering loudly for every performance.

At one point, Ezra walked over, phone in hand, smirking at the both of them.

Before Diana could say anything, he tilted the phone toward her and Grayson. "Say hi to Insta!"

The comments poured in immediately, hearts flying up the screen.

DIANA AND GRAYSON 🔥🔥🔥THEY LOOK SO GOOD TOGETHER OMGCouple goals???That dance made me CRYShip name??? Grana?? Diason??

Grayson leaned forward, reading them aloud in a teasing sing-song. "Ohhh, look at this—everyone thinks we're a cute couple."

Diana's cheeks burned. She swatted at his arm, laughing. "Stop."

"What?" he teased, widening his eyes innocently for the camera. "I'm just reading what the fans are saying."

Ezra cackled, tilting the phone so that both Diana and Grayson's faces filled the frame. "So what do you guys think? Should we ship them?"

The live chat exploded, emojis and capital letters streaming so fast Diana couldn't even read them. She quickly covered her face with her hands, laughing helplessly.

Ezra grinned mischievously, "The people have spoken."

Even Grayson was laughing now, though there was a flicker in his eyes Diana couldn't quite place. Something protective? Or maybe calculating? She shook it off.

The live went on for another minute before Ezra finally ended it, still chuckling. "Oh man, the internet is about to lose its mind tonight."

"Thanks," Diana muttered, though she couldn't help but smile.

Hours—or maybe just minutes that felt like hours—later, the ballroom dimmed again for results. The couples gathered in two lines on stage glittering beneath the bright white spotlights. The tension was thick.

Diana stood against Graysons chest, his arms around her waist, holding her tightly.

"Ladies and gentlemen," Alfonso began, "it's time to find out who will be moving on, and who will unfortunately be leaving us tonight."

"Good luck to all of you," Julianne said as she looked back at the couples.

Diana squeezed Grayson's hand, her heart hammering in her chest.

"The first safe couple is..." Alfonso paused dramatically, "Danielle and Pasha!"

"The next safe couple is..." Julianne smiled, "Grayson and Diana!"

Diana let out a sob of relief, turning instantly into Grayson's arms. He lifted her straight off the ground, spinning her in a full circle. Tears blurred her eyes as she whispered into his shoulder, "I'm so proud of you."

"I couldn't have done it without you," he whispered back.

When he set her down, they moved off to the side, hand in hand, as the remaining couples braced for the final elimination.

By the end of the night, the leaderboard flashed across the screen: Grayson and Diana, sitting proudly in 4th place.

When the cameras cut, the music faded, and the house lights came up, the ballroom transformed. The electric tension of live television melted into something warmer—like a giant afterparty. Crew members unclipped mics, wardrobe assistants gathered costumes into garment bags, and the pros spilled onto the floor to hug the couple who had just been eliminated.

Diana slipped out of Grayson's arms, her cheeks still flushed from the night. She hugged Daniella, then Ezra, then even a few stagehands who congratulated her as they passed. The adrenaline was still rushing through her veins, but for the first time all day, she felt like she could breathe again.

She was halfway across the floor, weaving through clusters of chatting dancers and producers, when she saw him.

He grinned at her, wide and teasing, his curls slightly messy under the bright lights. "Look at you," he said, pulling her into a hug before she could even answer. "Fourth place, huh? Not bad for a rookie."

Diana laughed into his shoulder, the sound muffled. "Not bad at all."

When they pulled apart, he looked down at her with a spark in his eyes. "Seriously—you were incredible. That dance? Beautiful. Your choreography is insane!"

The compliments caught her off guard. She blinked, cheeks warming, and looked down at the edge of her skirt. "You're too nice."

He chuckled. "Nah. Just honest."

She couldn't help but notice the small ways he spoke with his hands—touching her elbow lightly, brushing her shoulder when he leaned closer to be heard over the crowd. It was effortless, uncalculated, and it made her face light up with laughter as he cracked another joke about how he'd nearly lost his voice cheering for her.

Across the room, Grayson was deep in conversation with Josh—but his eyes kept flicking back. He watched the way Diana's head tilted back when Malachi made her laugh, how easily she seemed to melt into the comfort of his presence.

Graysons jaw tightened.

Diana, oblivious to Grayson's distant stare, was still caught up in the warmth of Malachi's presence. The chaos of the ballroom around her didn't matter. The exhaustion of the week didn't matter. All she felt was happy.

And as the lights dimmed for the final time, she left the ballroom with her heart lighter than it had been in days—excited, hopeful, and already eager for the week ahead.

dianasinclair just posted !

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liked by malachibarton and 453,814 more

dianasinclair last photo is how we're feeling moving into week four!!! thank you for all your votes, we love you 💗

tagged: graysonholt

user the way he looks at her

user when he picked her up and spun her around 🥹🥹🥹

ezra.sosa the cutest couple user couple???

graysonholt thank you for making this so special 💗 dianasinclair thank you for being the      best partner 💗

graysonholt #grayana liked by creator

brandonarmstrong killed it 🔥

user they're so in love

user just date already

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another chapter bc i seriously can't help myself!honestly just expect a chapter a day this week

but we have some tension with grayson and malachi and let me tell you...it's not what you think 😉

have a great day!😊