Author's Note: Thanks for your wonderful reviews - they mean a lot! I thought I would repay your kindness with another chapter. Enjoy!
Anakin fiddled with his costume. Overall, it wasn't too bad. He had on a black tunic over a black long sleeved shirt. His pants fit him well and seemed to disappear seamlessly into his dark leather boots. The only thing he didn't like was the appearance of a few shimmery places on the hem of his tunic. He was also still getting used to the light streaks they had put in his hair.
He felt Padme's approach and raised his head to meet her gaze. She was breathtaking. Her gown was an iridescent purple and flowed around her as she walked. She had never looked more confident - or more nervous.
"Ready?" he asked. Closing her eyes for a brief moment, she nodded.
FIFTEEN MINUTES LATER - MAIN STAGE
As the stage lights dimmed, Anakin gently led Padme onto the dance floor and faced the direction of the audience. Padme came around behind him, wrapping her hands around his chest and laying her head on his shoulder. He reached up and took her right hand in his. They were ready.
"Good friends of the Republic!" the announcer boomed. "Welcome to the first episode of "Dancing With the Star Wars! We have 8 pairs of contestants who are ready to impress you with their skills on the dance floor. Tonight, the couples will be performing their version of a romantic slow dance. They have only had five days to choreograph and learn a routine so let's give them a hand!"
Padme tensed as she heard the applause. "It'll be okay," Anakin whispered. She squeezed his hand in response.
"Now, here's how the show works," the announcer explained. "After all the pairs have danced, the judges will rank the couples and then open it up to the audience's vote. The pair with the lowest amount of points will be eliminated. Now, first up is a couple from the Outer Rim - Liri and Kaide!"
A bright light illuminated Padme and Anakin. It was time.
The familiar strands of music started and they began to move. The steps seemed to come so naturally now and Padme was able to focus on Anakin and the loving way he looked in her eyes as he twirled her around him. She smiled as she came out of the delicate spin and met back up with his body. Their minds seemed to meld and she could almost hear his thoughts in her mind. I love you too...
The audience was silent as they worked through their routine. Their bodies moved in perfect harmony and it was nearly impossible to see where one motion ended and the next one began. The audience was mesmerized by the sight. As the last strains of music faded away, Anakin lowered Padme into a perfect Bend, her head nearly touching the ground and they held the position as the spotlight died away.
For a few moments there was silence. And then the theater erupted with thunderous applause.
After taking a bow, they exited the dance floor. Now they had to do the most difficult thing of all. Wait.