STUDIO 5, THREE DAYS LATER

"Well, there's one good thing about this death defying move," Padme said brightly. "At least I get to wear more comfortable footwear for awhile."

Anakin's nerves were stretched to the limit as he thought over the past few days. Various images of Padme hurtling through the air and landing hard on the floor flashed through his mind. His heart sank as he started towards the smaller chamber where they practiced the various lifts and dreaded Throw that were such integral parts of this week's routine.

"Stop worrying," Padme whispered as she passed him. "I'm fine."

But he couldn't help but notice the bruises that marred the skin on her beautiful arms and legs. He wanted nothing more than to take her in his arms and whisk her away from here. But he knew that wasn't possible so he sucked in a deep breath and followed her.

As he entered the smaller room, he was once again relieved to feel the cushioned floor beneath his feet. At least they weren't learning this over the unforgiving surface of the dance floor.

Hours later, Anakin found himself admitting that Threepio was quite a good instructor, despite his tendency towards self-consciousness and intimidation. The golden droid was well aware of Anakin's breaking point and would quickly move the pair back to the main studio to teach other parts of the routine before he reached it. He had also broken down the many steps the Throw involved and Anakin had easily mastered the moves needed to gain Padme's momentum prior to the Throw. It was the actual release that was causing him trouble. He couldn't bring himself to let go at the top of the spin, afraid the height could cause Padme a serious injury.

"Master Kaide," Threepio called, interrupting his reverie. "Shall we once again try the Throw?" After a quick glance at Padme's determined face, Anakin nodded.

"It is imperative to release her as she reaches the height of the spin," Threepio explained for what seemed like the billionth time. "My programming tells me that we will receive top marks from the judges if Mistress Liri is sent high in the air."

"Very well," Anakin agreed. Getting into position, he faced Padme and took her hands in his. She smiled at him as Threepio started the upbeat music and mouthed the words, "Let me go, Ani, I'll be okay." Concentrating deeply, they worked their way through a series of quick, choppy steps. As they approached the Throw, Anakin felt his thoughts merge with Padme's, her determination and strength seeming to run through his veins. As the music soared to a crescendo, he grasped her ankle, spinning her around and around until her momentum caused her body to rise off the ground completely. I trust you, Ani… Grasping her other ankle as well, he waited until she came around to the very top of a high spin, finally releasing her body. Barely moving, he watched as she twisted and executed a perfect back-flip. Following her body with the Force, he prepared to break her fall if the need arose.

The thump of Padme's feet hitting the ground were the sweetest sound to ever echo through Anakin's ears. "We did it!" Padme cried, throwing her arms around Anakin. Pulling back, she looked at him with a knowing smile. "But next time, don't use the Force – that's cheating."

Oops, Anakin thought. Busted. "I know, I know… But what if you got hurt?"

"Don't you understand?" she questioned, looking at him with love in her eyes. "I trust you. As long as you're with me, I won't get hurt. Now, let's do it again."

Humbled by her faith in him, Anakin returned to the starting position of their routine.

DORMITORY E, LATE EVENING

The droid watched in the shadows as the couple entered the bedroom, closing the door behind them. Identity confirmed. Checking his internal scans once more, he noiselessly exited the apartment.

Yes, the time was nearing to execute his final program. And everything seemed to be falling into place.