Author's note: A huge thank you to Cariel for beta reading this for me! =D

“It’ll be fun!”

Famous last words, Anakin thought to himself as Dormé’s calloused fingers grasped his own. Had he not been so frantic over the possibility of joining her on the dance floor, or more exactly, making a fool of himself, Anakin would have enjoyed how perfectly well their hands fit together.

When he suggested they go out for the evening, the last thing he imagined was spending it club hopping. Then again, he had asked Dormé to show him where she enjoyed going on those rare evenings when she was free. While Anakin enjoyed going out, his idea of a good time was racing at the racing tracks not the boisterous noise of the clubs. However, Dormé felt differently and who was he to question it, especially when it was his idea to visit her favourite haunts!

“I’m going to look like a fool!” he muttered, his cheeks now a rosy shade of red. Suddenly, he wished he had had more to drink before coming here, if only for liquid courage.

Dormé gave his hand a squeeze as she gave him a playful wink. “Then we’ll look like fools together,” she assured him.

Anakin doubted Dormé could ever look like a fool. However, despite her assurances, Anakin couldn’t bring himself to join her. He had pride and at that moment, it was demanding he stay put. Sheepishly, he explained that he’d much prefer to stay on the sidelines and enjoy the view.

She took his rejection lightly, though through the Force, Anakin could feel the hint of disappointment. He knew that Dormé wouldn’t’t push the matter, as it wasn’t her style. Instead, she gave his hand another squeeze, a silent invitation should he change his mind, and slipped off to the dance floor.

The music pulsated and thrummed as though it had a life of its own. Dancers and observers crowded the dance floor, gyrating, twisting, and bobbing along as though they were under the song’s control. Their every motion moved along to the notes of a song that Anakin never heard of before until tonight.

That was everyone except for Dormé.

Her movements were free and without care, as though she couldn’t be bothered with the song’s heavy beat or pounding rhythm. With arms extended, she twirled about as her feet lightly skipped across the dance floor. Though Dormé’s form of dancing was hardly seductive or even sensual, there was something incredibly inviting about it.

A smile played on her lips as she continued to dance as though she were alone and not in the middle of a crowded club. The peace and contentment that exuded from her was hard for Anakin to ignore. It was contagious and soon he found himself wanting to be a part of it, to know and to share the simple joy found in her almost childish dance.

Yet, Anakin was unable to make his feet cooperate. All he could think about was everyone having a good laugh at his expense, or worse, exaggerating and sensationalizing their hero who knew no fear’s failed attempts to fit in. No matter what Anakin did, there was always some news comm or gossip channel voicing their opinion or casting judgment on him.

Torn between pride and the simple desire to enjoy what little time he had away from the frontlines, Anakin continued to watch his friend dances while his thoughts warred within him.

Why was this so much more difficult than the decisions he made every day on the frontlines? It wasn’t as though anyone would suffer or die if he joined her on the dance floor. Was it that difficult to just go out and enjoy himself now? More importantly, when was the last time he gave into his desires without the dark side’s influence?

The realization sent a chill down Anakin’s spine and quickly he buried the thought. It was answer enough for him. Swallowing his nerves, the young Jedi Knight took a deep breath and cautiously neared the dance floor. Shyly approaching Dormé, he took note that the previous song had ended just as another upbeat dance song began to play.

Clearly pleased by the choice of music, the young woman closed her eyes as she continued to twirl around while happily bobbing her head to the beat. Through the Force, Anakin could hear the musical sound of Dormé’s joyous laughter.

Dormé never looked more beautiful to him as she did in that moment.

Her eyes opened as he neared and swiftly, Dormé took his hands once more. “This is my favourite song!” she shouted over the blaring music, her amber eyes filled with joy as she beamed at him.

Anakin didn’t need to be sensitive to the Force to know that she was happy that he changed his mind.

He followed her lead as they twirled around and stomped about as if they were children caught up in their favourite song. Anakin knew by morning there would be more than enough evidence to feed the news about his foolish behaviour on the dance floor. The young knight could almost see their bemused expressions as they spoke of their ‘hero’ having too much to drink before dancing like a fool.

As he twirled her around, the sound of her laughter filled his ears. Her smile outshone everything in the room. The way she looked at him left Anakin feeling as though he were the only man in the entire galaxy. Suddenly, it didn’t matter what anyone else thought of him or his foolish dancing moves.

As the evening progressed and their dancing slowed, Anakin’s slipped his arms around her petite waist, drawing her near.

Dormé’s expression softened as she met his gaze, her amber orbs searching his blue eyes as though peering into his very soul. She stood on the balls of her feet and wrapped her arms around his neck, catching Anakin entirely off guard. With a wink and a mischievous smile, she then kissed him with all the love Anakin could have ever desired and so much more.

Returning her passionate yet loving kiss, Anakin realized that, for him, it was Dormé’s opinion and her happiness that would matter most.