Author's Note: Wow, thank you for all the reviews of the previous chapter. I'm having a ball writing this story and your kind words make it even better. Zan189, no, I'm not a dancer – I've just been trying to picture what each dance might look like while listening to a particular type of music. It makes my day to hear that you think I'm doing a decent job of it. As a side note, I'm setting the Shahyo to the Titanic Soundtrack, song #4 – "Rose." Can't wait to hear what you all think of it – please let me know! And again, thanks for reading!
Casting the heavy cloak aside, Padme was instantly struck by a rush of heat coming directly from her husband. Well, at least HE likes the costume, she thought with a small smile.
Reluctantly, she raised her arms to their graceful starting position as the spotlight shone down on her. Hearing the wistful strains of the music start, she heard Anakin's voice echo in her mind, Padme... The love and trust communicated merely through the tone of his voice was breathtaking...
And she was finally able to let go.
A haze seemed to surround her vision, blinding her to everything except her husband standing in the middle of the floor, his eyes following her every move. Anakin... Instinctively, her body responded to the haunting tone of the music, her hands tracing a delicate pattern through the air as she slowly made her way around the floor, easily commanding her legs to follow the elegant series of steps and jump combinations Threepio had taught her. The metal encircling her ankles and wrists made quiet chiming noises as she moved, perfectly in step with the seductive rhythm.
As the music started to build, she danced towards Anakin, her eyes burning into his. Before she could fully reach him, she slowly started to spin, her hands reaching out to whisper across his face at each turn. His hands clenched into fists at his sides as he felt himself being drawn in by the fire in her eyes. I love you... Her face got closer and closer until he could feel her silky hair brush against his cheek. Only you...
Gently, she turned her back to him, still swaying to the beat and reached back to curl her fingers in his hair. Suddenly, he became aware of the building music and recognized it as his cue. Fiercely, he ran his trembling hands down her arms and clasped her fingers. Moving as one, their bodies swept forward, then back - echoing the tones of the soaring music. Together, they swept around the floor in perfect harmony, the colors of their costumes running together until it was impossible to see where one ended and the other began. My love...
Gradually, the music began to slow. Her eyes never leaving his, Padme slowly brought her ankle to Anakin's shoulder and let her head fall back, her entire body going limp. Gently, he pulled her across the floor until they came back to the very center. My life... In one fluid motion, she brought both her feet to the ground and entered into a series of slow spins, her lips nearly grazing his at each pass. As the music started to die away, Anakin reached forward and lifted her into his arms, turning her slowly in a circle, his eyes full of love. I am yours... Firmly, she locked her ankles around his waist and hearing the long final note start to fade away, she slowly let go, closing her eyes as her upper body fell back, her head coming to rest mere inches from the floor. Forever.
For a full moment, there was silence. And then a roaring sound started to build, growing louder and louder with every passing second. Opening her eyes as Anakin returned her feet to the floor, Padme was startled to see that the noise was coming from the audience. Spectators were actually standing, brought out of their seats in their rush of enthusiasm.
A blush creeping to her cheeks, Padme allowed Anakin to lead her in a quick bow before they hurried backstage.
BACKSTAGE, 10 MINUTES LATER
Clutching the cloak around her, Padme sank into Anakin's arms, relieved their controversial performance was over. Swaying gently, they remained that way for a few moments simply enjoying each other's presence. Suddenly, they heard a series of beeps and looked up to see a costume droid standing in front of them.
"Mistress Liri, Master Kaide," the droid intoned, nodding to them. "The judges have called for a group dance before the conclusion of the program. Everyone will be dancing the Galaxy Waltz and will be rated on the crispness of the steps and how well they are able to navigate the other dancers. You have 40 minutes to prepare. A new set of costumes will be delivered to you momentarily."
"What?" Padme said, in disbelief. But the droid continued to roll away, promising to return shortly.
"The Galaxy Waltz?" Anakin asked, puzzled. Bringing her attention back to the situation at hand, Padme nodded quickly.
"It's a standard dance played at many Galaxy functions. We've danced to it before. Remember the Senate Anniversary Ball?" she prompted.
Thinking back, a memory washed over him.
They were twirling through the Grand Ballroom, smiling at each other while trying to maintain the appearance of strict propriety. Their steps were measured and precise, yet they moved with the unspoken grace of a couple who sensed each others every heartbeat. Whispering to each other in soft voices, only their hands betrayed their desperation as they held each other tight. The disappointment showed on both of their faces as the music started to die away and they were forced to step apart. Bowing to her, Anakin said loudly, "Thank you for the dance, Senator. It's always a rare pleasure to discuss Jedi business in such a manner." With another grin, he swept away and resumed his security duties, ignoring the exasperated frown Obi-wan sent his way. Reluctantly, Padme accepted the hand of another gentleman as the music resumed, helplessly aware of her husband's heated gaze.
"Ah, yes," Anakin recalled, teasingly. "That was the Ball where you stepped all over the feet of that poor diplomat, right?"
Throwing him a glare, she retorted, "Only because I was distracted by the fact that you couldn't keep your eyes off me!"
Laughing softly, Anakin took her hands and started leading her in the familiar steps, happy to have the opportunity relive that memory - but this time they were free of the constraints their public positions dictated.
BACKSTAGE, 40 MINUTES LATER
Tapping her foot nervously, Padme's fingers fidgeted with the soft fabric of her new gown. Reaching up, she adjusted a hair pin and then quickly brought her hand back to her side. Next to her, Anakin was in a state of mild meditation, preparing for the upcoming performance. Closing her eyes, she thought, at least I'm wearing a regular dress this time.
Suddenly, the announcer's voice crashed over the room, "All contestants, please report to the Main Stage for the Galaxy Waltz!"
Quickly, the contestants moved to obey, entering the stage to the sound of a wildly cheering audience. Smiling nervously, Padme moved to stand in front of Anakin, her head tilted at an angle as they waited for the music to start. Glancing around, she took note of where the other pairs were standing. This was not going to be easy.
Hearing the first beats of the music start, Anakin looked at Padme and they grinned before starting to move. Easily, they swirled around the very edges of the dance floor, the skirts of Padme's gown brushing a few of the audience members. After a few moments, Padme noticed the look of concentration on Anakin's face.
"Anakin," she hissed under her breath. "Are you moving the other contestants out of our way by using the Force?"
A quick look at his guilty countenance confirmed her suspicions. Squeezing his hand firmly, she saw his gaze come to rest on her once more as they continued to dance. His voice echoed in her mind - Sorry...
Without meaning to, a delighted laugh escaped her lips as they continued to twirl around and around. The joy seemed to emanate from them in waves and the other contestants gave them clearance, hardly even aware they were doing so.
Hearing the music come to a close, they separated and Anakin bowed, bringing her hand to his lips. Once again, surrounded by applause and whistles, they exited the stage, hand-in-hand.
And came face-to-face with a grim Obi-Wan Kenobi.