A/N: Been a minute. Was dealing with alot of stuff and still am, which is why im going to inform you that this story could stop at any moment. Its not what I want but it could happen. With that said, I do hope you're enjoying the story so far, still tryna see how it'll all play out. Reviews are much appreciated and I give my humble regards to my first and only review from n21, I thank you:) Oh and do forgive any spelling errors, I typed this on my phone and was in a hurry.

Everyone Wants Love

Seconds went by, minutes, hours, days, weeks, and all I wanted, all I could do was think about her.

"if and when we meet again, I shall tell you..."

I hadnt seen her since then, and even though I wanted to, I never returned to the muted forest. I did however wait; each day I would excuse myself of my duties, mainly during the beginning of the afternoon and return to the younglings that often awaited for my arrival. They had become so infatuated with me since our first meet and greet and i too enjoyed the games we played.

And although they were one of the reasons I sought out my alone time or as I called it, my "walks," it wasnt the main reason. As I sang and danced with the children, the thought and possibility of her waiting for me was always in the back of my head.

It was...frustrating to say the least. Waiting and wondering if the one person who had undoubtedly and more than likely wasnt aware that they had change my life, would indeed make an appearance. I began to lose my resolve, my nerve, my mind, and so did Rosalie.

She sensed it of course, how unlike myself I was being; a sixth sense I should say.

"You need to forget about that day. About her, for everybody's sake," she would say with much distaste, recognizing that far away look I would inhibit. Oh how I wanted to, how I wanted to erase every fiber of her existence from my memory. But as I would soon learn, we dont always get what we want.

"Ive heard whispers lately. Theres talk of father wanting me to marry." I listened to words reverberate through her hollow body before she actually voiced them and I registered it. I slowly opened my eyes, tilted my head slightly upward from the position in her lap and squinted my eyes, both from the sun and of her. It was an unusually sunny day, a good day to relax in the royal garden. It was located just below Rosalie's quarters, which explained the rosy sweet smell that lingered there.

We occupied the centre area, allowing beds of flowers to envelope us in an aroma blanket as we sat there; her leaning and putting her weight on her arms as I rested my head in her lap. She would idly play in my spiky locks and hum a sweet lullaby, soothing us both.

It was quite honestly the only peace of mind I seemed to get at the time, where thoughts of her would be so far away, so distant that I relished it.

"He thinks its best for the kingdom if we establish a bonding with the western province...with Marcus," she made sour face at the idea before continuing. " He believes Dimitri could be a good suitor for me..." She peered down at me strangely, as if she was trying to gauge my thoughts or reaction and then averted her gaze towards the sky. I watched as her hair, which had been veiling the suns rays like a curtain, gently swayed into the breeze; my stomach fluttered unwillingly. Like others, I had a strange fondness towards her that went beyond that of just sisters. I could not deny her beauty at the time, even if i wanted to.

"And how does that make you feel, Lilly?" It came out as a whisper, something I hadnt intended on, but she caught it, and gave me an intense stare.

It sounded so foreign to me, and I had no clue as to why I whispered it.

"I dont know. A small part of me wants to. That part of me wants to make father happy," my eyes squinted at the mention of my father. Things between us were still a bit of a mess. He seemed more and more out of it since the last time I consulted with him. At times id often catch him in a daze, slouching in his chair with a look of boredom or impassiveness, and other times, he looked like a shell of himself...of the person I knew him to be. "But then the other part of me, the biggest part, doesnt want to.." She shrugged, pursing her lips and sighing softly.

"I just dont want my life planned out for me, without me really having any say so. I dont even know him.."

"Well you have the right mind about it. You shouldnt have to make sacrifices just for fathers sake." I shook my head at how impossibly selfish he was being; each day I truly started to despise him. " You should do it only if it would make you happy...if its what you truly want..."

She seemed to ponder this for a moment.

"Although, maybe you should think about settling down soon. Perhaps you should at least consider your options, even if its Demetri? He is well suited and charming in his ways..." I spoke this half-heartedly; I needed to push this thought into her head because I knew how she felt about me even before she realized it herself. She started to become more...earnest, needy for my attention, more so since the day I encounter the unknown beauty. But at the same time I didnt. I didnt want to force or manipulate her in anyway, because that would make me no better than Aro, and more importantly, a part of me needed her just as much as she needed me.

"Settle down?" She eyed me incredulously. "I havent even really lived and you want me to settle down so soon? Why should I rush, I've got all the time in the world. Besides, I like my freedom..."

"Im not saying settle down, per se," I back peddled. "Im just saying at least consider, at your own volition of course, getting to know Demetri, even just as a friend. Solitude...being alone," I shook my head. "Thats no way to live. Trust me, I know. I've been alone for along time, even way before this life. I've got a feeling that I was always alone. And ya know, after a while it starts to eat at you...it festers like a cancer. Turns you into a shell...nothing.." It was my turn to avert my gaze; somehow, in between my rant, I got lost in my own emotions and it caught me off guard...she caught me off guard.

" Hey, " she gently turned my chin so that I could meet her eyes. " Dont do that...you dont have to hide from me..." We didnt say anything for long time, just sat there staring at each other. "Besides, even if what you say is true. You're not alone...you have...me. And right now, thats more than all I need.." The last bit was but a whisper and I knew she wanted to say something more, I could tell by the intense look on her face.

"What are you waiting for, Rosalie?" I whispered in my own little hushed tone as she continuously leaned forward; her movements were slow and exactly I meant by that, I had no clue. "Dont you want a love of your own...to be happy?" I continued, inhaling deeply as her breath caressed my face. She was so close that I could make out every fine detail in her features.

"I am happy..." Is all she said before her lips barely grazed my own. She didnt move, just breathed against me, it was almost like she was afraid of what promise, what secrets my lips held; I know I was. The rational part of me was screaming for me to run, to get far away from there as possible, but the other part...the part that didnt think, that only felt, wanted to do just that. To feel her, and everything she could give me.

There was a cough, a forced cough that sent both of us reeling, trying to gain whatever composure we had. I tilted my head upwards and slightly back and was met with the curious, playful eyes of Carlisle. He had an unmistakable knowing smirk on his face, which only made the situation that much more awkward.

"Do forgive me if im interrupting, but your father would like a word with the family..."

"Pertaining to?" I asked, quickly jumping to my feet and dusting myself off. I didnt even try to hide the annoyance in my voice. I might have forgiven father, by request of mother of course, but I wouldnt forget and the less time I spent in his presence, the better.

"You know im not at liberty to say, Alice. I will however, say that it must be of great importance..." And with that said, he made his way back to my father, leaving me utterly confused. I huffed irritably and turned my attention towards Rosalie, who had seemed to be in a daze. Her fingers were lightly brushing her lips with a flustered look on her face.

"You coming, Lilly?" I smiled impishly at the startle I gave and held my hand out to her. She took it, but turned her head away in what would seem like embarrassment.

*LBA*

Air, thats what my lungs were begging for when I arrived in the Great Hall. Rosalie and I had made our way towards there, casually taking our time, and taking notice to a certain stench as we did so; the stench of wolfs. We made sure to take our time as we went since the closer we got, the stronger the smell became.

But thats not what knocked the air out of me, it was the people, or rather a specific person that was occupying the Hall that made my lungs constrict.

"So nice of you two to finally join us." Came a strained familiar voice; it was both strained out of annoyance, possibly on our behalf, and from his lack of breathing. Seemed as though we werent the only ones that were having trouble with that foul odor. I payed him no mind of course, my attention was solely focused on the red head bowing her head in respect. I immediately stiffened when she spotted me through her fiery locks as she bent at the waist. She seemed just as shocked as I was.

"Please dont be rude to our guests, children. Come, immerse yourselves and show respect..." He finally said after I hadnt yet made a sound or move. She reclined at his words, back into a graceful standing position; the act was tantalizing smooth, sensual yet unintentionally so.

I could feel all eyes on me. It was unnerving, especially since Rosalie's topaz eyes seemed to burn holes into the side of my face; I didnt need to look at her to see that she was very uncomfortable, not to mention upset about the situation.

I closed my eyes and willed myself to stay calm, collected, to show no signs whatsoever that this was indeed an unsettling predicament; not so much because she was there, but because Aro would have took notice to my uneasiness and more than likely would have wanted to "consult" with me. Or rather poke and prod at my mind, and it would have been very hard to explain how I was familiar with the red headed maiden without "rat-ing" myself out, so to speak, if they hadnt done so already.

I walked over with my mask securely in place, back straight, and head held high as so many questions egged my brain.

"Why are they here? Why is she with him and who is that guy next to her?" Were my main questions.

I was beyond curious since it wasnt everyday that your sworn enemy casually pays you a visit. It was unheard of. And we were enemies, long since my time and probably goes as far back as Aro's.

"Hello," I came to stop beside our guest, turned to appraise them and extended myself at the waist. "My name is Alice, and I welcome you on behalf of Avalon..." I approached all of them this way, bowing and showing my respects; it was a total of four, not including the maiden. As I finally approached the said women, I tried my best to look stoic, expressionless, but as she smiled endearingly, my heart rate shot up. She extended her hand to me, something her companions hadnt of done, and I stared at it for a moment, unsure of what i wanted to do.

I heard a low rumble in Rosalie's chest beside me, a clear sign that she was getting more and more impatient, more threatened by their presence, more so with hers. "Hello," she all but hissed. "Im Rosalie..." She forced her hand into her own and I watched a hesitant wince mar her angelic features. The maiden mumbled a hurried "Victoria" with a forced, painful smile.

"Lilly," thats enough." I whispered for her ears only as I gently rested my hand against the small of her back and felt her relax before retracting her hands.

"Hello, its a pleasure to meet you , Victoria..." I gently settled my cold hands within hers and let out a shuddery breath. She looked at me as if she was staring straight through me, lips slightly parted and body fully relaxed. I could get lost in them forever. Her hands were so smooth, so soft and so much warmer than my own; my heart was raging against my chest.

"Such a joyous sight," Aro said with a clap of his hands; the gesture startled us and she quickly removed her hands from my own and averted her eyes shamefully. I frowned at the loss, and settled my hands to my sides; Rosalie hand immediately sought my own and I tried not to wince at how cold they were.

"Not like hers..." I reminded myself, taking another subtle glance her way. The young man, James I believe was his name, whispered something into her ear in what I guessed to be their language. Her eyes were focused on my hands, which was securely grasped within Rosalie's; she frowned, whether it was from what she was told or from what she witnessed(my hands) im not sure of.

"Now that we've established pleasantries, why dont we move on to other orders. Im sure my humbled family is wondering why you're all here..." Aro took his seat at the head, crossing his legs and leaning against the right arm rest, a look of excitement sparkling in his eyes. He motioned for the guests to speak their peace with a nod of his head.

"Theres been a shifting of the winds lately," the elder, Taha Aki, began in a thick accent. "Times are changing, the sounds of war are howling closer to our doorsteps. It is inevitable. Our brothers, closer to the west have informed me of presence of newborns...an army of such. I dont know of your circumstances with the later, the western province, but I see them as a threat. They've already tried to wage war with my people of the east and west. I fear there is only a matter of time before they seek this place..." He paused and it seemed as though he was in deep thought, debating his next move. " War is something we do not seek, whether its from you or your neighboring kin. The safety of my people are my first and only priority, which brings me to a standstill.." Another pause, and then he eyes his companions, silently seeking support; they nod their head in agreement.

"We seek an alliance with you. For far too long we've been scratching and howling at each other backs, and for what? Because of laws...because our founding fathers made it out to be this way? We feel the time for peace, for loyalty and companionship is now. We seek you as equals, as brothers and we lend our strength to you in these times of need..."

I stood there, eyes furrowing in confusion and shock. Father stood, a wickedly wide and petrified grin was plastered onto his face. He rolled his hands together as Taha Aki extended his hand in loyalty. They didnt know it, but that very gesture would be the deal breaker. Because as soon as his hands touched his warm ones, every secret, every lie, every promise was Aro's for the taking.

"It is an honor, brothers..." My face soured at the hidden tone Aro used. I had a foreboding feeling in my chest at the realization of what secrets or tricks he may have up his sleeve. He eagerly took the elders hands into his own and I watched a familiar flicker pass through his eyes. I smirked as his eyes breifly fluttered a few times and he frowned slightly. It was subtle, and almost a trick of the eye but i caught all of it, and the truth marked his face; he either heard something he didnt like or he didnt hear anything at all. I was hoping for the later of the two.

"Father, you cant be serious. They're our enemy.."

"-Enough Rosalie." Came my mothers gentle yet stern reply. "They are our brothers and sisters now...our people.." Mother stepped down from from fathers side and surprised all of us by giving our new found companion a eager hug.

*LBA*

"This is ludicrous! What could father possibly be thinking!" I watched lazily from the bed as Rosalie huffed and ram sacked her room. I was paying her little mind because my thoughts were focused on Victoria. I wondered what thoughts plagued her mind, and who exactly was James to her.

"I mean, wolfs and vampires...working together? Its unheard of! And for what reason?" She shook her head. "Its disgusting. The stench...the idea..its revolting!" I eyed her lazily as she stared at herself in the mirror. It was one of the first times I had ever seen that side of her. The ugly side mind you, and from the disgusted look on her face, I believed she noticed it too.

And her words, they sounded so foreign to me, nothing like the Rosalie I knew. And although those werent my exact sentiments on the matter, I too was a bit disturbed by the news as well. I was more disturbed by whatever plans Aro had, because he had plans...he always had plans.

"Well at least you dont have to worry about an arranged marriage anymore. With them on our side, father wont need to force a bonding between this colony and Marcus'." It was the truth, the only reason Aro wanted the bonding was so he could show his loyalty and trust to his brother. Marcus was the fiercest of the three and often more merciless then Aro himself. Whether Aro wanted to admit it or not, he feared Marcus and his power, he was a threat, an enemy, and what better way to win over your enemy but through 'kindness'? That kindness stemmed from the potential bonding, where he would give his child and pretend to bend at Marcus's will, establish trust and then when he least expected it, he would bar and gnash his teeth. He would create an uproar and overthrow his power.

But since he had established another bonding, something none of us saw coming, he didnt need to waste his time with trivial things. He had the strength and courage in numbers. Not only had he established an allegiance with Taha Aki's pack, but he potentially had the loyalty of every wolf thereof.

Her eyes caught mine in the mirror and for a brief second her anger subsided.

"Why are you so calm about this, Alice? Do you not see the threat they pose? Does anything ever bother you?" Her eyes narrowed in the slightest as she waited, calculated my response.

"Whats the point in getting angry over things we cant control?" I shrugged. "Father already made his choice, and his word is law remember?" I pointed to my neck, where the evidence of his words, of his laws, were still visible; I silently asked her, "are you going to go against his laws? Cause we both know what will happen." She cringed at the sight and sighed.

"I understand why you are upset, but believe me when I say that they are of no real threat. They are true and honest in their ways, Lilly."

"Oh? Did your visions tell you that?" She spat sarcastically," Or maybe your little girlfriend, Victoria informed you?" She glared this time, folding her hands over her chest, slightly pouting as she averted her gaze.

She was jealous, and although I should of been highly concerned about it, I simply thought of it as endearing. I sat up, smiled at her in the mirror when her gaze met my own again, and fully grinned when she seemed to fluster under my gaze.

"What does Victoria have to do with any of this, Rose?" My smile didnt falter as she gave me an incredulous look.

"I saw the way you looked at her, Alice." She whispered accusingly. "You looked at her like...like she was the only thing that mattered." Her featured softened and I watched with sad eyes as she held herself. "You gave me that look after I awoken to this life...I thought...I thought it was only for me, Ali?" My heart made a brief flutter at the nickname. " And...and your heart, the way it beats for her...why doesnt it beat for me that way...?" She was slightly trembling, and i knew that if she could, she would've cried.

I was at a loss. Rosalie knew me so well, recognized my emotions, my thoughts and feeling before I did, sometimes. It was like I was wearing them on my sleeve. I couldnt lie to her or deny it, so I took the highroad.

"Ya know, jealousy is an ugly feat, especially on such a beautiful flower. Please dont wither in sorrow, Lilly, smile for me..." I was at her side in seconds, caressing her face and moving strands of her blonde locks so that they lay securely behind her ear. It didnt give me the expected reaction I usually get, with her, relaxing into my touch and seeking more affection. No, she did the exact opposite. She flinched away from my touch and shook her head when I stepped closer. Her eyes made my heart ache, she looked so sad, fragile, so human and all i wanted to do was hold her.

"Please, leave me be..." She pointed to her door, lips quivering and body shivering as she tried to hold back her sobs.

"Rose, I didnt mean to.." I

"-Please, Alice...just please go..." My hands switched with want; I wanted to hold her so bad, to tell her I was sorry and that my heart did beat for her, not how she wanted it to, but it still beat for her. I hung my head low and quietly made my way out of her chambers; I felt nauseous, disgusted, but most of all I felt like him.

*LBA*

I settled myself in the grass, near the garden, casually looking at the clouds and taking subtle glances at the window just above me. It had been hours since I had left Rosalie and she hadnt made a peep or shown her face since then; I should of welcomed the brief hours of silence but I didnt. I had hurt her and in the end I had hurt myself.

"Care of I join you?" Came a familiar soft voice. I quickly inhaled both the the flowers and the sweet aroma of my mother, Esme. She was hovering over me, standing, with a gentle smile on her lips. A mothers smile.

The only answer she got was a grin, which she happily took and settled herself in the flowers. I was expecting her to sit beside me but she moved so that she was behind me, sitting on her knees with an expectant look. I regarded her with a cock of my head, curiously, and sat up so she could move closer. I settled back so that my head rested in her lap and I sighed as she ran her hands through my wild locks.

We sat there in silence for awhile, just enjoying each others company.

"Rosalie seemed very upset today..." I knew it was coming, but it didnt stop the sigh that escaped my lips.

"Rosalie is...a very fragile being, firefly..."

"Mother," I shook my head vigorously, not really knowing what to say or how to say it. "She confuses me. I dont know what to think anymore. When it comes to her, I just feel conflicted all the time. She wants something of me that im not sure I can give and it hurts. It hurts knowing that shes hurting..." She smiled down at me as if it were the very first time and cupped my cheek lovingly.

"In a sense, you are all shes ever really known. And you pretty much brought her into this world. You held her while she screamed and sobbed. You're her first memory, Alice. So its only natural that she vies for you. That she needs you..." I hummed in response and watched the birds bristle past.

"Do you feel anything for her?" I honestly didnt know how to answer it; I did feel something but i didnt know what it was. So I shrugged my shoulders.

"You're getting so old, my little firefly..." I look at her skeptically. She and I both knew that I hadnt aged in years. It was possible but the changes that would occur would be subtle. My hair might've grown here and there, but nothing too significant. Id always remain the same size, and my features would pretty much stay the same.

"Mother, you and I both know thats a lie. Im the same as always..."

"-Not true," she said that kind, motherly tone while tracing the feature of my face with her hands. "You've grown so much...in here.." She tapped my head. "And in here..." A poke to my chest, where my heart thudded slowly. "Perhaps you shouldnt shy away from her. Maybe she was giving to you for a reason? Maybe she'll be the one to show you what true love is...how to make this beat," she pointed to my heart, " Faster."

"Thats what started this mess in the first place. " I thought to myself.

"I doubt that. Im not fit for love. I dont know how to receive it...or give it. And I dont think I deserve it..." It was only half a lie. I knew how to love, because I knew I had already fallen for Victoria.

"Everyone knows and deserves love, Alice. We're all capable of it. Just look at your father. He loves me, he loves Rosalie and he loves you..." I snorted at the last comment. Father cared nothing for Rosalie or myself. We were tools and nothing else. Mother however, she was something special to him. He yeilded to her very command and he consulted with her first before any other.

"He does love you, Alice.."

"Right, well I 'll take your word for it." I quipped sarcastically, earning a disappointed look. It became quiet again, not uncomfortably so, but still quiet; and my thoughts immediately went to Victoria.

"Do you...think thats there a such thing as wrong love?" And by wrong, I was pertaining to two enemies defying the odds and finding their forever together; she seemed to ponder this for a bit.

"No. Love is love. What could possible be wrong about it?" I could tell that she genuinely meant it, which in turn gave me hope.

"Why do you ask?"

" I dont know," I shrugged, "just...curious I guess..."