I hate you; I really hate you… so much I think it must be true love.

- Text of True Love by Pink (matches this chapter. you can listen to it while reading.)

….

If I moved my nykaar to Orb Seven, the other player would be able take it. But if I moved the gyzaa to Castle Three, in another draw I would be able to take his riikata.

Vestara hung in her hold, eyes closed, imagining a dazir game, Keshiri board game similar to dejarik.

This was the way she tried to keep her wits fresh and working.

In the end, it came out that Gev wasn't a good toy, because she saw though most of Vestara's attempts to lie, as well as her attempts to manipulate her.

She quickly came to dislike those Mandalorians.

By the way, Ben hasn't come to visit her. Not once since he left her the first day in her prison.

A soft swooshing sound betrayed the arriver.

She recognized him in the same second he disclosed his presence in the Force.

She tried to fight back the smile, but failed.

Ben.

He moved to the central table, leaning against it right opposite her.

"Are you awake?"

His voice was a mere whisper.

She slowly opened her eyes. No one had adjusted the lights in her cell, so it remained suffused by soft gold light.

Ben's red hair looked smooth in it and his icy blue eyes got a tender tone in them. He was still handsome.

"Yes," she replied equally quietly, speaking fondly.

"According to Item 478/1-12 of the War Code," he said quietly and softly, speaking to her like a gentle lover, "It's my duty to inform you that it will be negotiated about your release to Keshiri authorities."

She kept the smile on her face. He was irritating, but Vestara needed such stimulation. Besides, this was funny. A bit. And his voice, mostly his tone, evoked a tingle in her. "Oh, will it?" she purred. "How so?"

He leaned to her. "Legally, Galactic Alliance has no right to detain you," he answered. "If Kesh will be willing to pass you to us, you will be charged in the GA, and by GA laws. If they will not, we will have to pass you down."

She leaned to him as well, as much as her shackles let her. "And what would you like?"

"I would like the Keshiri to leave you to us," he admitted.

"So you can visit me?" she asked.

"So you will be really sentenced. To a life term. Or to death."

Her eyes narrowed and she leant her head on one side. "That's very spiteful. Is that the Jedi way?"

His eyes narrowed as well. "It's the practical way," he replied, not exactly snapping, but in contrast with the previous gentle speak, it was like a yell. "You are trouble, Vestara. I don't like trouble."

"Why don't you kill me right now, then?"

He looked at her, from head to toes. Then his look returned to her eyes. "It's illegal."

"But it would feel good, won't it?"

"No, it won't," he responded calmly. "What is this? An attempt to turn me?"

"Maybe," she smiled.

He shook his head lightly. "You're doing this again," he said, reaching out with one hand… then drawing it back. "I should go."

He turned and went toward the door, leaving Vestara to ask herself what the kriffing hell he wanted to do that he held himself back.

"Ben," she said, keeping her voice low.

This time, he turned.

Something changed.

But what?

"Yes?"

"Why? Why did you talked to me like that? Why did you do that?"

He gave her a little smile. "To prove something to myself," he replied.

"To prove something?"

"Yes. I needed to know if I'm still in love with you. And if I am not, what do I feel toward you."

That was something she badly wanted to know as well. But the speed of her heartbeat left no doubts. "And what is it? What do you feel?"

His smile broadened.

And he didn't answer.

He simply opened the door and left.

She closed her eyes, calming herself down, slowing her heartbeat, pushing the blush away from her cheeks.

You stupid kriffing Jedi.

I think I love you.