Fear and Love Chapter 3: Confession of love, a star wars fanfic

Here it is. The new chapter. This one follows Ben and concludes his side of the story. I will say though that this one chapter is the reason why the story has a T rating. Let's just say there is some mush ahead.

I hope you all enjoy this chapter.

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Ben paced back and forth in his average sized bedroom. A few minutes ago, he contacted Tahiri via comlink and asked her if she wanted to hang out with him in his quarters. She gladly accepted and was now on her way over to his quarters, which meant it would soon be time for him to confess his feelings to Tahiri.

Fear at this time would be an understatement. Terrified better describes how Ben felt at that moment. His heart was beating rapidly and he was completely baffled on how he should tell Tahiri.

Okay, Ben. Think, think. What would be the right way to tell her? Ben thought to himself.

He stopped then said. "Tahiri…I love you."

Ben paused then shook his head and went back to pacing.

No, no. That's too basic. I need to come up with something original. Something that would take her breathe away. Hmm…maybe something like this.

Ben stopped then once again pretended like Tahiri was in front of him. "Tahiri, darling. I love you more than the birds love the sky." He said in a suave, classy tone of voice.

His eyes widened when he realized just how bad that sounded.

Okay, now that just sounded really cheesy and stupid. It had rejection written all over it. Ben thought as he began to pace again.

He stopped then clutched his head in frustration. What am I going to do?

Suddenly he heard a ring at the front door and knew that it was Tahiri. Great day in the morning, couldn't she have taken her time in coming. Ben thought frighteningly to himself.

Ben breathed out a big sigh then exited his bedroom and made his way to the front door of his quarters. He opened the door and saw Tahiri standing before him with a smile on her face.

35-year-old Tahiri Veila was a foot smaller than Ben. She had long blonde hair and green eyes. She had a slim figure and currently wore an olive green shirt and green pants. Ben looked at her up and down and immediately noticed how her outfit hugged her curves perfectly.

Man, she looks hot. Ben thought with a smile.

"Hey." Said Ben.

"Hey." Tahiri replied.

There was an awkward silence until Tahiri said. "So, um…are you just going to stand there and look at me all day or are you going to let me in?"

"Hmm? Oh, I'm sorry. Please come in, Tahiri." Replied Ben.

As soon as Tahiri entered, Ben closed and locked the door. They both walked into the medium sized living room and went straight for the medium sized brown couch.

"Do you want me to get you something like a drink?" Ben offered politely.

"Oh no, I'm perfectly fine." Tahiri replied.

She sat herself down on the left side of the couch and then added. "Thanks for offering though."

Ben, who was now feeling slightly more relaxed, gave a nod then sat himself down next to Tahiri. They both looked at each other and immediately Tahiri asked curiously. "So, what have you been up to?"

Ben was silent for a second then he finally replied. "Um, nothing much. I've been relaxing most of the day."

Yeah right. Ben said sarcastically to himself mentally.

He then added. "And you?"

"I've been doing the same thing pretty much. I typed in my journal for a while and then watched a few holomovies." Tahiri said as she comfortably leaned back on the couch.

"Really, which ones?" Ben asked with interest.

"Oh, 'Tales of Corruption' and 'Queen Jamalia'."

"Hmm…" said Ben. He thought for a second then replied. "I don't recall seeing those before. Were they any good?"

"Well, 'Queen Jamalia' was good. I recommend you see that one of these days. As for 'Tales of Corruption', well…I didn't really like it that much." Said Tahiri.

"How come?"

Tahiri folded her arms across her chest and said. "I don't know it just seemed like two hours of mindless violence, foul language, and drugs."

"Well, it is called 'Tales of Corruption'." Said Ben.

"I know, but it just wasn't my type of holomovie."

Ben shrugged. "That's cool."

There was a moment of silence between them and that's when Ben looked at the time. It was now ten minutes past four 'o'clock and Ben was starting to contemplate on whether or not he should go through with the confession. Even though he loved Tahiri, he highly doubted that she felt that way about him. She was, after all, older than him. And at one time, she was Anakin's girlfriend. There was so much in favor of her not liking him in a romantic sense.

But like Jacen said, I'll never know for sure unless I tell her my feelings. Ben thought nervously.

Ben knew what he had to do, but he just couldn't help but be afraid.

Alright, here goes nothing.

"Tahiri." Ben said as he looked at her.

"Yes?" she asked, as she looked him straight in the eye.

The moment her green orbs made contact with his, a huge burst of fear erupted in Ben. He was beyond afraid now. He was even beyond nervous. He was frightened. So frightened that he didn't know what to say.

Worst of all, several frightening thoughts of how Tahiri might reject him flooded into his brain. One of them, however, really affected him. It was the worst thought ever.

What if I tell her and then she rejects me and breaks off our friendship forever. Ben thought depressingly to himself. Maybe this isn't such a good idea.

Tahiri looked at Ben with confusion as she waited for him to respond. After a minute she responded. "Uh…Ben?"

Ben, who now had a sad look on his face, looked away from Tahiri. Tahiri was now even more confused and curious as to what was causing Ben to act so strangely.

"Ben, what's wrong?" asked Tahiri. "You were fine a second ago, well, at least until you said my name."

Ben looked at Tahiri then said. 'I'm sorry, Tahiri, it's just…there was something I wanted to tell you."

Tahiri looked at him funny then scooted closer to him.

"Well, that shouldn't get you down. I mean, I am your pal, so you can tell me anything." She said as she began to message his shoulder.

To Ben, her touch was very therapeutic and was starting to help him think clearer.

He turned his gaze away from Tahiri and thought. I did make a vow yesterday. But then again, all this could just be in vain…Ah, screw it! Just do it.

Ben looked at Tahiri then said. "Tahiri."

Tahiri stared him in the eye and waited.

Ben sighed and continued. "The thing I wanted to tell you was…was that I…"

Ben paused and looked her in the eye lovingly. He then finally finished. "I love you."

A surprised and somewhat shocked look appeared on Tahiri's face. Her mouth was now slightly open. She just stared at Ben. For two minutes, no one spoke a word.

Her reaction was causing the fear in Ben to rise incredibly. He was truly afraid at the moment. The fear was actually so immense that even Ben was surprised that he wasn't shaking. He was about to say her name but he couldn't. The fright was too strong.

This is it. My worst fears are about to become a reality. She's going to reject me and is never going to want to speak to me again. And there will be nothing I can do about it. Ben thought to himself sadly.

He quickly snapped out of his thoughts when he heard Tahiri speak.

"I…I don't know what to say." She said as she slowly looked away from Ben.

"I know what you're going to say." Ben replied sadly. "You're going to tell me that you don't love me then say that you never want to speak to me again."

Tahiri frowned then immediately looked back at ben. "Why would I say that?" she said incredulously.

Her reply surprised Ben. He didn't expect her to say that.

"Uh…" Ben responded.

Tahiri shook her head. "Ben…I love you too…it's just…well, I didn't think you loved me in that sort of way. That's why I was a little surprised." Said Tahiri.

Now it was Ben's turn to frown. "Tahiri, how could I not love you." He said.

"Well, I just figured you'd get turned off because of my half Yuuzhan Vong personality. And the fact, I'm not really the most attractive woman in the galaxy."

Ben could've sworn he heard her say she wasn't attractive.

He immediately smirked. "Tahiri, if you're not attractive than I'm the king of the universe."

Tahiri giggled at his comment.

Ben looked at her lovingly then added sincerely. "Honestly, Tahiri, everything about you is wonderful: your personality, your kindness, your beauty. Everything about you I love."

Tahiri smiled sweetly and that's when it happened. Without hesitation, Ben planted his lips on Tahiri's. At first, she didn't kiss back but it wasn't long until she wrapped her hand around Ben's head and pulled him closer deepening their kiss.

Their breathing became rapid as they both slowly fell back on the couch kissing with intense passion. Tahiri, who was now on top of Ben, slowly broke their kiss.

She looked down at Ben with a smile and said. "I love everything about you too, Ben."

She leaned down, kissed him softly on the lips, and then added. "Except that one cologne you use."

Ben frowned and then asked in a serious tone. "Wait a minute, what's wrong with my cologne?"

Nothing…nothing is wrong with the one you have on. It's that Nubian one you purchased."

"Why didn't you tell me sooner that you hated it?"

"I didn't want to hurt your feelings at the time. But…since we're about to become more than just friends, I figured I should let you know."

"Oh." Ben said bluntly with a raised eyebrow.

Tahiri was about to kiss him again but then Ben remembered something and he had to ask.

"Wait…what about Anakin?" Ben asked.

"What about him?" Tahiri replied with a frown.

"Don't you still-?"

"Ben, I could never forget Anakin. He'll always have a place in my heart. But that doesn't mean there isn't a special place in my heart for you. I love you."

She caressed his hair. "Now kiss me, jeedai." She said in a Yuuzhan Vong accent.

Ben smiled. "With pleasure." He said.

Ben then kissed her hungrily and passionately. He wrapped his arms around her back while Tahiri rubbed her hand through his long red hair. They both opened their mouths and allowed their tongues to touch. Tahiri softly moaned as she felt Ben's hands explore her entire body. As soon as Tahiri was about to undo Ben's shirt, Ben broke their kiss.

"Why don't we…go somewhere more comfortable." Ben said not breaking eye contact.

Tahiri agreed and then they both got up walked towards Ben's bedroom.

They both stopped before the bedroom door. Tahiri wrapped her hands around Ben's neck and said. "I love you, Ben."

Ben wrapped his arms around the woman he loved and replied. "I know."

They both smiled then kissed each other passionately. They entered the bedroom, which was where they would both soon show how much they love each other.

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I told yah there was mush. Anyway, that was the end of Ben's side of the story. The next and final chapter will deal with Jacen and his situation with Tenel Ka. I hoped you all are enjoying this story so far.