Author's Note: Hi everyone! Thanks for the reviews of the previous chapter. Hope this one serves to explain a little more about the 'connection' Padme and Anakin have discovered with each other. One more chapter to go! And, what do you think - would any of you be interested in a sequel? Please let me know!

JEDI TEMPLE - OUTSIDE COUNCIL CHAMBERS, NEXT DAY

Settling into the comfortable cushions, Padme watched Anakin as he paced back and forth, his anxiety shooting out from him in rays. He had tried to meditate several times, but ended up returning to his pacing after a few moments.

Spreading out the skirt of her simple gown, she began to fidget, his nerves starting to get to her as well. Would he really be expelled? What was going to happen to them? Hearing the door to the Council chambers slide open, her head snapped up and her heart began to pound. Immediately, she withdrew her mind from Anakin's and curved her lips into a polite smile of welcome.

"Senator Amidala," Master Windu entreated. "Please come in." Turning to her husband, he continued, "Anakin, we will summon you in a moment."

Shooting Anakin a doubtful glance, she rose quickly and followed the Jedi Master into the room, trying to hide the fact that her legs were shaking. Hearing the door snap shut behind her, she winced before continuing into the room. Seeing Obi-wan, she felt a touch of relief as he gave her an encouraging smile.

"Senator Amidala," Yoda began. "A test we have for you."

At her nod, Obi-wan stepped forward, putting a soft cloth over her eyes and pressing a lightsaber into her hand. Hearing the hum of a Jedi practice droid, she felt adrenaline begin to course through her body and gingerly activated the blade.

"Use your feelings to guide your weapon and deflect the bolts," she heard Master Windu explained. "Now... Begin."

Padme felt a stinging bite as the droid shot a small electrical charge into her ankle. Feeling helpless, she could only swing the saber in a random pattern, hoping to stop at least a few of the shocks from reaching her. After the fifth charge stung her arm, she reached up and removed the fabric from her eyes, slightly embarrassed.

"Let me guess," she said with a small smile. "I didn't exactly pass the test."

"Finished, you are not," Yoda said knowingly. Padme watched as Obi-wan brought Anakin into the room and she felt herself relax, her mental shields falling away. Feeling his eyes on her, a rush of strength and love flooded her mind. Are you okay? he asked silently, studying the blindfold in her hand. Giving him a slight nod, she once again faced the Council, a feeling of peace soothing her jumpy nerves.

"Again, you must try," Yoda instructed.

Closing her eyes, she felt Obi-wan settle the soft cloth over her face once again. Activating the lightsaber, she felt Anakin's calming presence mesh more fully with her own as her senses began to come alive. Suddenly, she moved, her blade slashing up and down, easily reacting to the unseen bolts. Finally, she heard the hovering droid shut down and took that as the cue to remove the blindfold.

"It is as we suspected then," Master Windu stated. "The Force has joined them in all aspects."

Nodding slowly, Yoda murmured. "A unique power, this is and only occurring in certain circumstances. Much more to study, we have."

"Anakin," Obi-wan began. "When did you first notice this Force-connection with the Senator?"

With a sheepish look, Anakin admitted, "When we were dancing. I could hear her thoughts and she could sense mine. I believe it is part of the reason we were able to master the routines so quickly."

"Allowed your minds to let go, it did," Yoda explained. "There, the connection always was, but not developed or explored until you were ready."

"Senator, how did you feel when you were fighting with the light saber yesterday?" Master Windu asked.

"It's almost impossible to describe," she admitted. "When Anakin rescued me, there was a moment where I was flooded with his memories. And I wasn't just watching them, it was like I was there too, going through the same things - feeling what he felt, learning what he learned." She paused for a moment, recalling the strange sensation. "When I caught that lightsaber, it felt so natural. It was if I had been training with it all my life. But judging from the debacle this morning, that is most certainly not the case."

"In an intense situation, you were," Yoda mused. "Merged with Young Skywalker, you became. Powerful, this new development is - much care you must take to learn how to use it." Nodding towards Master Windu, Yoda settled back into his small chair. Sensing it was time to leave, Padme gracefully exited the chamber, planning to wait for Anakin outside.

As the door closed behind her, Anakin straightened his shoulders and faced the Council.

"Skywalker, the Council has reached a decision about your place in the Order," Windu began, his features stern. "We still do not condone your secretive relationship with the Senator. As you well know, it is not the Jedi way. However, it seems the will of the Force has commanded that your paths stay deeply connected. For that reason, we have decided that you are to remain a Jedi, but you and the Senator will need to undergo additional monitoring by the Council. We must tread carefully."

With a solemn voice that belied his relief, Anakin said, "Yes Master." Turning to the entire Council, he whispered, "Thank you, Masters."

SCHOOL OF ARTS AND ENTERTAINMENT, STUDIO 5 - NEXT MORNING

"Ughhh," Anakin groaned. "I can't believe the Council insisted we come back here."

"It's for your own good," Padme reminded him, smiling as she looked around the familiar room. "We can't have the Galaxy finding out one of their prized Jedi is an accomplished dancer, can we? We need to maintain our cover."

"And what about you, Senator? Aren't you worried about your reputation?" he asked. Easily, he picked her up, swinging her in a circle as she laughed. Hearing a familiar sound, they turned to see Threepio entering the room, his arm raised in greeting.

"Quickly, quickly," the droid called, gesturing for them to join him on the dance floor. "Oh my! We've lost so much time already. But I must say, it feels good to be back." With a distinct sigh of relief, he continued, "Now, this week's dance is called the Rukaffle..."

While their faithful choreography droid explained the steps they needed to learn, Padme turned to Anakin and raised her eyebrows. Frowning at the instructions she was sending mentally, he exhaled with a huff and reluctantly pulled on the slippers. In spite of himself, he began to grin.

It was going to be a long, but wonderful day.