Disclaimer: From now on, to be creative, I will be writing "It isn't mine" in different languages. Today's feature language is Spanish! No pertenece a mí.
IMPORTANT A/N: You guys have no idea how much each review meant to me. I was feeling REALLY shitty, because I had just gotten cut from the volleyball team when I thought I would make it. And then I came home, did the whole wallowing thing that teenage girls are so good at, and checked my e-mail. It was seriously flooded with reviews, and it made me feel so much better. From Bud to Bloom officially has 100 reviews, and I am so grateful for you all. Couldn't have done it without your input.
Audra Laudarque: YAY YOU LIKE ALI! Wait, who is Mara Jade? I've never read the books, I've only watched the movies—is she in the books? Anyway, I came up with Ali's look because that's what Anne of Green Gables looked like. lol, here's a secret about me—Anne of Green Gables was my heroine when I was about 12 and I've always wanted to look and act like her. I'm a loser, I know. Lol, thank you SO MUCH for reviewing! I love the fact that you liked my story.
Allied to Darkness: YES! I was debating whether or not I should put that in the story, seeing as how it was slightly perverted, but since people found it funny, I feel better about my decision. Yeah, I understand how you feel about writer's block, so update when it comes to you. Thanks so much for reviewing and reading so consistently, I'm so grateful!
Filthy Mushi: beams radiantly Yeah, that last chapter was one of my favorites to write. I LOVE mush, and fluff, and all that romantic junk, and I was itching to do it in the earlier installments. I got really impatient and I guess you could say kind of rushed them, but when I got here, to the beginning of the Ani/Ali relationship, I decided to take my time. I'm so happy it paid off. Hahaha, I actually based Master Jen-Sui off Binns in the HP series (notice the two history professors are both old and boring?). I don't actually have a teacher like that, but it's been one of my fears. You liked the Yualta berries? Yay! I did come up with those myself, but I didn't just throw them in there randomly…mwahaha, they'll come into play later in the story (oh gosh, I keep giving out spoilers). Thanks for wishing me luck for volleyball. I didn't make the team, but you and the rest of the reviewers made me feel SO much better. I truly appreciate everything you've done for me. Thanks again!
Fell Dragon: Yay you like my story! That makes me feel really happy. Thank you so much for your review, it was greatly appreciated. About betaing—my internet's been acting funky for a while now, it keeps losing connection randomly and sometimes my work isn't saved when it freezes. Also, I tend to be a slacker in that area (proofreading). So if we did, I'd feel bad because I would take forever to fix yours, and forever to send you mine, because I'd have to wait for the stupid computer to work before I could do anything. If the situation improves, I'll give you a holler…otherwise, I think it's best if we wait till the stupid computer works again. Sorry! But thank you SO MUCH for the offer and the review.
Octoberangel92: Thank you so much for reviewing. Seriously, after getting cut, I was feeling SO SHITTY, because I love volleyball and I love playing it. And then to come home and to see all these reviews? Priceless. Hahaha, I'm like a MasterCard commercial. Anyway, I'm glad you're enjoying the story. Once again, thank you SO much.
Piper331: Oh my gosh, you reviewed three times! You have no idea how happy that makes me feel. Thank you so much for all the encouraging words (and I'm glad you found it funny. I was scared people would find it gross instead of funny…I thought maybe my sense of humor was just twisted, lol.), they mean so much to me!
Kitty-Kat 26: yeah, I know what you mean about rushing into the romance. I wanted to take it step by step, but the result of that is—it's going to be long. And you all are going to have to bear with me, because some if it may be kinda slow and actionless. But I think I'm already positive of where this story will end up, and I promise you that it will be worth it (at least I think it's worth it). So don't leave, and please keep reviewing, because it means SO MUCH to me. Thanks!
MissRyss03: Mwahahaha, another fan of fluff. I love that stuff, and it's so much fun to write. It just makes me smile, lol. Thank you so much for reviewing, reaching 100 made me feel so much better about being cut. Anyway, more fluff ahead! Thank you so much for the review, I appreciate it greatly!
Lady Cora: Yes, you found it funny as well! That makes me excited. I was afraid it'd be too…coarse, or vulgar, or perverted for people's tastes, but I found it funny. I actually happened to a friend of mine in fencing class (well, she didn't get knocked out, but she did get hit). Lol I can't believe it actually made you have to visit the restroom! I'm sorry if your co-workers or boss think you're weird…I should have a warning: READ AT YOUR OWN RISK. Lol, thanks so much for reviewing!
Gaia: Yay, you're the 100th reviewer! An extra cookie for you. The whole Elemental issue comes into play later, mwahahahaha…I love the idea of being able to work with nature, I think that'd be so cool. Anyway, I'm glad you think Ali and Anakin have chemistry, that's kinda what I was aiming for, lol. Thanks so much for reviewing, I really appreciate it! (and you reviewed twice! Oooh, double the gratefulness).
Celtic Cross: Are you also Amanda? Because you seem to say the same things (Update soon okay? Okay). Lol, thanks so much for the review. Right now, Ali is 18 and Anakin is 19. Nine years after the Padawan choosings, when Ali was 9 and Anakin was 10.
A/N: Thank you so much, once again. Cookies for all!
PART ONE: BUDDING
Chapter Ten
"So where'd King Tyrannus go?" Ali asked, confused. She and Anakin lay sprawled out on the grassy meadow, idly discussing his mission in Wyrn. The two buckets were filled to the brim with Yualta berries, and lay forgotten a distance away. After a small argument, Ali and Anakin had come to the agreement to skip the rest of the classes before lunch, and to just talk outside for the remainder of the day. Besides, it wasn't every day that your best friend returned home from two months absence.
Ali was lying on her stomach, head propped up by her hands. Her feet dangled in the air lazily, occasionally shifting to find a more comfortable position. Anakin lounged a few feet away on his back, his eyes closed and his long length stretched out. His hands were folded upon his chest, and he seemed almost reptilian, basking in the warmth of the sun. Ali smiled slightly at the sight of him—he seemed so happy and peaceful.
"Oh, him," Anakin said distastefully, his eyes still shut. "That's the problem. After we discovered the corrupt plan he was using to squeeze the money out of the peasants, he disappeared. We went to arrest him, but he was gone. We did catch his advisor and all the other important people who helped him carry the dirty work out, but we didn't find him. Master Obi-Wan, however, did find this holovid that he left behind, swearing revenge upon us."
"Doesn't that scare you?" Ali asked quietly, picking a blade of grass from the ground and twirling it about between her fingers.
"Nah," Anakin replied carelessly, batting at the air. Ali bit her lip, somewhat worried about her friend's recklessness. Something pricked at her inside, telling her to warn her friend to be more wary. "Anyway, what have you been up to here? Other than missing me and my superior lightsaber skills." He grinned at her, opening his eyes. She shook her head in exasperation, the anxiety forgotten.
"Well, I've been preparing for that one lightsaber contest coming up," Ali answered.
"Which I'm going to win, mind you."
"Bring it," Ali taunted. "By the time I'm done with you, you'll need a haircut because you've been in the hospital for so long. Not that you don't need a haircut already." Anakin chuckled. He had missed her and their constant verbal sparring.
"So what, you don't like it?" He asked, pretending to be offended. "That stings, Ali. It burns me right here." He put a hand to his wounded heart.
"Oh, and I forgot to tell you," Ali continued, ignoring her best friend. "There's a new student at the Temple. Foreign exchange student—from the Jedi Temple in Boqith. He's our age. You'll like him, he's really nice. He's in our sixth period Linguistics class, you'll meet him there."
"What's his name?" Anakin asked curiously.
"Ryan," Ali replied. "He's also rumored to be really good with a lightsaber. I haven't faced him yet, but I will soon. After I kick your butt, that is."
Anakin grinned at her. "Just bring it. Just bring it." He closed his eyes again, relaxing in the rays of the sun. Ali smiled down at her friend and rolled over to copy his position. They lay there, side by side, faces aglow in the light of the sun, for what seemed like a peaceful eternity. Ali inhaled—the scent of Anakin and the fresh grass combined seemed like a combination from heaven. That utopia was interrupted by a loud, ringing bell, followed by the clamor of students working their way towards lunch.
"Mealtime," Ali murmured, opening her eyes. She pulled herself up reluctantly, and looked down at her best friend. He was still lying on the grass, eyes closed, seemingly asleep. "Get up, Ani. It's time to go."
He moaned tiredly, and then raised a hand into the air. Ali rolled her eyes, sighed, and grabbed a hold of the offered limb. She pulled as hard as she could, putting her weight into it, and finally her lazy best friend was up. She laughed as he staggered about comically, and finally righted himself and followed her into the lunchroom.
Fifteen minutes later, a disgruntled Anakin slid into his table beside Zane, his best male friend. He yawned sleepily, and then proceeded to devour the food on his tray. He heard his name numerous times all around the cafeteria, but he ignored the girlish voices, and instead diligently shoved food into his mouth.
"Hey, welcome back Anakin." Zane said, pounding Anakin on the back. "How was Wyrn?"
"The usual," Anakin replied, shrugging. "Tyrant in reign who had to be replaced with a democratic system."
"Did it call for aggressive negotiations?" Zane asked.
"Yeah, we went through a few sessions of those," Anakin grinned back.
"Anyway, where were you this morning? I didn't see you in Jedi Philosophy and Meditation."
"Oh, I was out," Anakin replied vaguely. "Hey, Ali! Over here!" He caught sight of his redheaded friend and began waving frantically at her, hoping she would see. She grinned at made a beeline for his table. Meanwhile, the female voices all around took on a distinctly jealous and bitter tone.
"Move over," Ali said bluntly as she approached Anakin. "I am in no mood to talk, I'm absolutely famished." Sliding in next to him, she plopped her tray down on the table and started to dig in. Anakin grinned—her plate was loaded with food.
"Hungry, are we?" He teased gently.
"I haven't eaten anything all day long," Ali replied in between bites. "I was…unavailable during breakfast."
"Meaning you were knocked unconscious in the nurse's room?" Anakin smirked at her.
Shut up! Ali hissed at him in thought speak.
Sorry, couldn't resist. He loved pissing her off.
"Hey Ali," Zane greeted.
"Zane, good to see you," Ali replied cordially. "How are you doing?"
"I'm fine, thanks. Where were you this morning? Both you and Anakin weren't in Jedi Phil and Med."
"Oh, I was out," Ali replied vaguely, raising her glass of juice and gulping it down vigorously. Zane arched a brow in disbelief, but chose not to comment. The three young Padawans turned their attentions to the food in front of them, until at last Ali looked up.
"Oh, look! It's Ryan," She cried, waving a hello. Anakin immediately stopped shoveling food down his throat and swallowed, glancing around for the newcomer. He came closer and stopped next to Ali, holding a tray of food.
"Hello, Alianne," Ryan said, smiling slightly and bowing a bit. "It's good to see you. Do you mind if I sit?" Ali nodded, beaming back. The expression on his best friend's face made Anakin scowl. He turned to observe the newcomer.
Ryan was everything a fairy tale prince called for—tall, dark and handsome. His accent was one of sophistication and high class, smooth and utterly breathtaking. Dark, smoldering chocolate eyes that could make you melt, dreamy, wavy hair, and a perfect smile completed the look. His clothes were not those of the Jedi Order—instead of simple cotton cloth, Ryan had elaborate drapings, rich and velvety and elegant. They were tailored to show off his build perfectly. Anakin's frown deepened, especially as the said ideal male specimen placed himself next to Ali. Too close next to Ali.
"You've got competition," Zane whispered to Anakin, who in turn glared at his friend.
"Ryan, this is Ani. Anakin. He's my best friend."
"Nice to meet you, Anakin," Ryan said, stretching out his hand. There was a long, tense pause, in which Anakin glanced up disdainfully at the offered limb, and then went back to eating without a backward look. Ryan retreated his hand hesitantly, his face one of embarrassment and confused hurt.
"Alianne's told me a lot about you," Ryan continued doggedly, determined to make friends. "Everything good, of course." Ryan offered a friendly smile, but it quickly faltered and faded as he saw the death glare upon Anakin's face.
What is with you? A very angry voice hissed inside Ani's brain. He's trying to be friendly! Can't you be nice?
Yeah, well, what if I don't want to be friendly back? Anakin shot back. I'm not interested in being pals with Mr. High and Mighty.
He's not the one acting all High and Mighty, Ali replied heatedly. You're being a…a…a pompous, arrogant JERK. He didn't do anything to you! Why are you treating him badly?
Because! Just look at him! Look at his clothes, Ali. Seriously, who dresses like that? Anakin thought spoke. But deep inside him, he knew there was another reason, hidden and intense, like a burning fire in his very soul and spirit.
I know that he does dress a bit fancily, but really Anakin. He's an exchange student! He's all alone, and friendless. It's up to us to make him feel welcome at Coruscant. Can't you just drop your stereotypes and superficialities and be nice? Ali pleaded. For me?
Anakin sighed. For Ali. Alright. She positively beamed next to him.
"Sorry, Ryan," Anakin said, mustering up a grin with all his willpower. So maybe the smile was a bit fake, but it was a smile all the same. "I'm not really awake until I've gotten some food into me. It's nice to meet you, too." He stretched out his own hand, which Ryan took gladly, and shook.
"Oh, it's no problem, Anakin," Ryan replied merrily. "I understand that completely. Come to think of it, I actually have a friend back on Boqith who's quite the same…" He continued rambling, and Anakin stopped paying attention.
Happy? Anakin thought grumbled.
As a response, Ali reached under the table, found his hand resting on the bench next to her, and gave it a little squeeze. Almost automatically, a smile surfaced grudgingly upon Anakin's face. The grin broadened when Ali didn't remove hers.
Happy, Ali confirmed, smiling back.
A/N: Hmm…now that I look back on it, nothing really happened in this chapter. It was mainly just introducing Ryan, and deepening the Ali/Ani relationship. I have a question though—does Ali seem like a Mary Sue to you? Because I'm quite worried about that…again, thank you all SO much for reviewing and helping me reach 100. Words can't describe how grateful I am. Please keep it up! Read and Review! PLEASE!