STUDIO 5, TWO DAYS LATER
"Master Kaide, Mistress Liri, perhaps we should engage in one more walk through before we move onto the final segment of the Shahyo," Threepio suggested. "It will take me a moment to forward the music selection to the midway point, so please get into the couple's starting position."
Nodding, Padme took Anakin's hand and walked onto the dance floor, her bare feet skimming the wooden surface. Turning her back to Anakin, she leaned into him and felt his chin come to rest on her shoulder. The sensation of his breath on her cheek seemed to calm her racing mind. As the familiar strains of music filled the air, she felt his hands slide down her arms until their fingers tangled together. Let go, Padme... Concentrating deeply, she began to dance, feeling Anakin's mirrored movements behind her. Perfectly in sync, their bodies never broke contact and simply followed each other, working in connection with the seductive music. As the music slowed, Padme gracefully turned to face her husband, bringing her hands up once again to clasp his. Never breaking stride, he lifted her arm, leading her in a series of slow, graceful turns until they reached the middle of the floor.
"Bless my circuits!" Threepio praised. "That was wonderful!"
Relieved, Anakin grinned at Padme and was happy to see her return his smile. Turning to face their relentless 'choreography' droid, they waited for him to explain the remainder of their routine.
"Now, for the finale," Threepio began. "The end of the Shahyo typically has 3 elements: a pull, an embrace and a drop." Flicking on a hologram, two semi-transparent figures began to move.
Padme looked on in disbelief as the woman brought her leg all the way up to the man's shoulder. Once placed there, her body went limp as she was easily pulled across the dance floor by her partner. Gently, her leg was returned to the floor as her partner led her in a series of slow, beautiful spins, their lips nearly meeting in a kiss on each turn. As the music started to fade away, he effortlessly swept her off her feet in a cradled embrace, still spinning slowly. Padme paled as she saw the woman wrap her legs securely around her partner's waist, allowing her upper body to fall back once again, her head stopping inches from the floor. Quickly the hologram blinked off.
Catching Padme's startled expression, Anakin sought to reassure her, "It's only a performance, Padme. The other couples will be doing similar moves."
Mentally seeking out his feelings, Padme only found a sense of calm determination. Whatever anxiety he had been battling yesterday seemed to be gone. Looking at him a moment longer, she nodded. If he could battle his demons, she could do the same. Whatever happened, they would face it - together.
DORMITORY E, EVENING
Curled up on the sofa, Padme absently watched the HoloNet reporter drone on about traffic laws throughout the Galaxy while Anakin stroked her hair. For once, she was extremely grateful for the absence of news from the Senate. Peaceful moments like these were all too rare in their relationship. Although she knew their duty was to the people, she couldn't help but covet the time they were just a husband and wife - free of the labels that usually hovered over them.
"Do you have your solo routine done yet?" Anakin asked casually. He had been frustrated that he had been banished from the Studio during Padme's practices, but Threepio insisted that his reaction would be much more authentic if he didn't see it before the competition. No matter how much Anakin had argued, the droid's response was the same - "we'll receive much higher scores if your reactions are true, Master Kaide."
"Mmm hmm," was all Padme would say.
"So, is it difficult?" he continued.
"Sort of," she responded. "It feels odd to be dancing all alone."
"Are there any spins? Or jumps?" he prodded.
"Anakin Skywalker!" she admonished playfully. "I'm not describing my routine. You heard what Threepio said!"
"But-" his argument was quickly silenced – and forgotten – as she kissed him thoroughly.
DRESSING ROOM, NIGHT OF COMPETITION
Rustling around her changing room, Padme searched high and low for another trace of the blue embroidered fabric. When she came up empty again, she summoned the costume droid.
"Excuse me-" she began, trying to keep her voice from rising. "Where is the rest of my costume?"
Stepping back, the droid began its analysis, checking her attire against its internal record.
"Your costume is satisfactory," the metallic voice intoned. "There are no other fabric materials to be added." With that, it quickly wheeled away.
Clutching her robe against her, Padme felt the blood drain from her face. Taking another peek at herself in the mirror, she was mortified. This week, she had been outfitted in a form-fitting one-shouldered top with a matching asymmetrical skirt. The skirt stopped at her knee on one side, which she could accept. However, the other side did NOT and appeared to be slit nearly to her hip.
Hearing a polite chime, she reluctantly allowed another droid to enter the room. Going to work, it expertly applied a series of winding tattoos to her arms and legs with gold paint. Once the paint dried, a series of gold metallic bands were slipped onto her bare ankles and wrists. Finally, the droid clasped a single golden band around her neck, before turning and leaving the room. That wasn't much of an improvement... Trying to still her shaking hands, she attached the tiny magnetic tracking device Anakin had given her onto the metal encircling her neck. She was thankful the make-up artist had elected to leave her hair down this week - she needed all the cover she could get and it effectively hid the device.
Peering out the door, she hissed, "Anakin!" She frowned as she saw him dressed in his usual ensemble - a deep blue tunic, long-sleeved shirt, and pants. She would have given anything to have a pair of pants right about now.
Instead, she fidgeted impatiently while he strolled over to her. Taking in her tousled hair and dark eyes, he merely asked, "Yes?"
"Get me a cloak," she commanded quietly, once again closing the door. Before he could move, she opened it just a crack, adding a fervent, "Please!" before disappearing again.
MAIN STAGE
Anakin's heart was beating in his throat as he took his place on the middle of the stage. His mind instinctively reached out for Padme and he was struck by an intense wave of anxiety. Reaching a little deeper, he realized she was worried for him and what the Jedi Council might think. Closing his eyes, he concentrated as deeply as possible and sent her a rush of love and reassuring thoughts. Everything will be okay. Please, relax. We will get through this. No matter what, we will be together. I love you.
He opened his eyes as he felt her step onto the stage, still wearing his heavy cloak. That was her costume? For a dance of courtship? Before he could puzzle over it any longer, he heard the announcer's voice boom throughout the stage.
"Welcome back to Dancing with the Star Wars. As always, it is my pleasure to introduce our next couple though they clearly need no introduction! Our fan favorites - the Galaxy's Sweethearts - Liri and Kaide, dancing their interpretation of the Shahyo!"
Just before the spotlight descended upon them, Padme cast off the cloak, revealing her true costume – and it took every ounce of Anakin Skywalker's Jedi training to keep him standing upright.