A Deal

(Carlisle POV)

"Aro, let's talk this through. Emmett has never caused any trouble before," I insisted, but Aro shook his head.

"I'm sorry, Carlisle, rules are rules. Since this was unwitting transformation, and you are a friend, your family will be safe at least. Aren't these new rules so beneficial to the ignorant?" Aro seemed to be pleased by this.

"Emmett is part of my family. I am afraid I cannot let you destroy him," I said sharply. Aro raised his eyebrows.

"Well then, this is an awful situation," said Aro slowly. Rosalie was half-crouching in front of Esme and Emmett, her eyes wide and angered. Alice and Edward were behind Esme, and Jasper had his hand on Rosalie's shoulder to calm her down.

"Relax, Rose," he said steadily. She snarled and moved away from him. Crouching next to Esme, Emmett reached his hand out to Rosalie.

"Relax, Rosie," Emmett laughed, totally oblivious to the intensity of the room. Rosalie took his hand and kissed his forehead.

"Don't worry, Em, I won't let anyone hurt you," Rosalie said, and glowered at Aro, who sighed.

"Emmett, come here," Aro repeated. Emmett tried to get off Esme's lap, but she held him back.

"Stay, Emmett," Esme said firmly. Emmett looked back and forth between them, confused. Poor Emmett. He really did not understand what to do now.

"Emmett, hurry up," Aro said, kneeling down, "We're going to go to Italy!"

Emmett looked at Esme, who shook her head firmly. He sighed.

"You've been spending too much time with the others," I said sharply to Aro. He shrugged, and gave his naturally curious grin.

"Sorry, Carlisle, but it's for the good of the world. He cannot be controlled. We proved immortal children are too dangerous to exist," Aro explained. I frowned.

"But Emmett isn't an immortal child; he's just a vampire who has been turned into child. He could easily be turned back," Esme cried. Emmett nodded at that.

"So long as it isn't as painful," he added, and grinned. Aro laughed.

"Does Emmett have a power?" Aro asked me.

"Well…" I began and then shook my head.

"I got super-strength," Emmett offered hopefully. Aro raised his eyebrows. Emmett gave his signature malicious grin, an indication for trouble Aro did not understand.

"Really? How does that work?" Aro asked thoughtfully. My brain set into action to think of a way to free Emmett while Aro was reconsidering his decision. Emmett beamed at him, and jumped off Esme lap and ran over to Aro before anyone could stop him.

"Like this," Emmett said, and kicked Aro in the shin- hard. Aro gasped, and Emmett smirked. I could not help but to smile. Emmett would always be Emmett. Aro laughed and Emmett smiled at him.

"So, he's the lively one! I knew you all couldn't be boring!" Aro beamed at Emmett who smirked.

"It gets pretty boring around here," Emmett grinned widely. Aro looked at Emmett, reconsidering his judgement on Emmett. Evidently, a sense of humour was considered worthy of living.

"All right, Cullens, I have come to a decision," Aro said brightly, smiling at the tiny Emmett, who went to stand next to Rosalie. Rosalie picked him up and he smiled at her.

"I have decided to just take Emmett to Italy," Aro paused as Rosalie and Esme snarled, "And we'll try to prove Emmett won't ruin the entire universe. You should come down! It'll be fun!"

"You and I have very different ideas of fun," I said. Aro shrugged.

"Come along, Emmett," said Aro.

"I thought we were proving him harmless! Why is he going with you?" Esme demanded.

"It's a matter of principle," said Aro merrily, "I do so look forward to this! It's going to be so much fun, right Emmett?"

"I guess so," Emmett allowed. Aro beamed at him.

"We are going to get along well," Aro clapped his hands, "Give Emmett to me Rosalie."

Rosalie look horrified at that, so Aro reached over and grabbed Emmett from her.

"Hey!" Emmett cried, and Rosalie leapt at Aro, who narrowly dodged her.

"Goodbye Cullens!" he cried cheerfully, and ran out the door with Emmett.

"Rosie!" Emmett wailed, and disappeared out of sight.

"Emmett!" Rosalie screamed in horror. Then she turned to me, her face livid.

"Aro will pay for this," she growled.