Breathing ∞ Kol Mikaelson [1]

[22]

Emma wasn't sure where to look first as she moved through the door of the Mikaelson estate. Despite her alliance with Klaus, she'd never actually been to the home he'd built here in Mystic Falls. Seeing it now, in all its glorious luxury, she had to remind herself to keep her mouth closed as her eyes scanned over every surface. She was reminded of one of her first thoughts about this town after she found out about its secrets. 'If all of the supernatural live like this, it wouldn't be too bad becoming a vampire.' She once again, agreed with that sentiment.

"Why do you look so stunned?" Rebekah asked as she appeared by Emma's side. The brunette sent her an incredulous look wondering just how normal this was for Rebekah. Having already seen the blonde's exquisite taste, it wasn't actually too surprising.

"Perhaps because my house could probably fit into the foyer." Emma shared honestly. Rebekah wanted to scold her for overreacting, however, before she could, Emma continued on. "Where's Matt?"

"He went to get us some drinks." Rebekah said in a dismissive tone, looping her arm with Emma's as she dragged her further into the house. "Come, I have so many people to introduce you to."

"Remind me, how many will want to kill me?" Emma questioned. A part of her was joking, but she knew it was better to know then to be left wondering.

"One or two, depending on how much you annoyed Klaus during your time with him." Rebekah returned the joke, making Emma giggle snicker at the comment. If she had come up with another one of her witty remarks, Rebekah would never know what it was as their conversation was interrupted.

"Rebekah, this must be your friend Emma?" The voice was unfamiliar to Emma, but she still turned around with Rebekah only to come to face with a woman she didn't know. Her dark blonde hair reached to her shoulders, and while the smile on her face initially made her seem approachable, behind her eyes Emma could see the stern look which exuded power. It wasn't hard to guess who she was facing now.

"Yes, Emma, this is my mother." Rebekah introduced the two happily. The blonde wanted her mother to see that despite her strict rules with which she attempted to keep her children in line, it wasn't impossible for them to coexist with humans and befriend them.

"It's a pleasure to meet you, thank you for inviting me tonight." Emma sent a polite smile to the woman, hoping her nerves weren't showing as she shook her hand. if there was one thing Emma couldn't deny, it was that Esther seemed formidable.

"Likewise. I'm afraid I'm somewhat busy with greeting the guests, but I do hope to get to know you better, Emma." Esther said, obviously needing to excuse herself as more people continued to come through the door of the Mikaelson home. And with a few parting words, it wasn't long before she disappeared into he crowd again, leaving Emma and Rebekah standing alone once again.

"She's... intimidating." Emma commented.

"She is."

"At one point I felt this overwhelming urge to curtsy."

"You need a drink." Rebekah decided with a laugh, pulling on Emma's hand once again and dragging her over to the bar which had been set up in the corner of the room. Emma accepted the glass, her eyes scanning through the room as Rebekah continued to point out people amongst the crowd. Her mother was right, with the Mikaelsons being politically involved, a lot of the guests were members of the Founding Families and the 'high society' of Mystic Falls.

She took a sip of the champagne, for a moment wondering when exactly the Mikaelsons had gotten her to break her 'I don't drink' pact. She soon brushed it off, after all it wasn't like she drank that much.

"And this troublesome nuisance, you already know." Rebekah announced, bringing Emma out of her thoughts just as a familiar member of the Mikaelson family approached the two women.

"Emma, I must say, you look lovely tonight." Klaus announced with a smile on his face as he found himself standing in front of his sister and her friend.

"Why thank you Klaus, that's very kind of you." Emma replied, a small amount of amusement seeping into her voice as she thanked him.

"I'm going to find Matt. Don't want him running into certain people without me." Rebekah announced once she realized she'd lost sight of her date. She knew Emma was more than capable of holding her own, and Klaus was with her too. Rebekah believed he wouldn't do anything, especially considering she was starting to suspect that during her absence her brother might've grown somewhat fond of the Park girl. As fond as Klaus could be of anyone.

"What, not going to return the compliment?" Klaus questioned jokingly once the two found themselves alone. Emma turned towards him with a teasing smile as she responded.

"I don't think your ego needs more bolstering." Emma said simply.

"It's nice to know you've lost none of your charm since we last saw each other." Klaus grumbled and pretended to glare, but Emma could still see the amusement on his face. Emma had by now learned that pushing his buttons during a time of crisis was never smart. But in moments like this, she could tease him to her heart's content. Especially now that all of his plans had come to fruition, and he was in a good mood.

"So, what is it that you seem to be waiting for so badly?" Emma questioned after a couple of moments during which she noticed Klaus' eyes turning towards the entrance multiple times. "Or is it better to say who?"

"But you do seem to have become delusional." Klaus retaliated, his eyes instantly shifting away from the door and back to her. Emma couldn't hold back a laugh at his lack of subtlety when it came to Caroline. By now, she was sure everyone could see it.

"Oh come on Klaus, there's nothing wrong with-" Emma was about to tease him some more, but he wouldn't give her the chance as he saw a perfect opportunity to interrupt her.

"Brother! Come, join us." And his plan worked, because instead of continuing with what she was about to say, Emma turned her head around, searching for the person who Klaus was talking to. She hadn't yet met any of the other Mikaelsons, so it took her a moment to take notice of the man approaching their position at the bar. And then she did.

He wasn't hard to spot either. Having already been exposed to the marvel of the Mikaelson genetics with Rebekah and Klaus, it didn't come as a surprise to Emma to find the newest member of their circle shared the same gifts when it came to looks. Tall with dark hair and eyes, he was attractive and handsome, that was undeniable. And the way he carried himself made it clear he was aware of it too.

"Nik, I was ready to ignore you until I saw who you were with. It's a pleasure to meet a woman as beautiful as you..." The Mikaelson flirted shamelessly, making Emma raise an eyebrow at him. Did that actually work? The open end to his statement made it clear he was hoping to get her name as he extended his hand to her.

"Emma, my name's Emma." She said as she accepted the hand, watching in amusement as he placed a kiss to the back of hers.

"Ah, so you're Rebekah's human pet. I must say, you exceed expectations."

Beside her, Klaus chuckled in amusement, obviously enjoying the show before him. By now, Emma was fairly confident in her guess of who she was speaking with. She knew he was over a thousand years old, but in appearance, he seemed younger than Klaus, allowing her to rule out the two Mikaelson brothers she had yet to meet. And the confidence, which was quickly starting to pass the border of arrogance, which he displayed was only a clue to further confirm her assumption.

"And you must be Kol."

"Ah, it's nice to know my reputation precedes me." He said with a smirk on his face.

"It does." Emma said with a smile of her own, one that made it very clear she wasn't falling for the charm as she pulled her hand out of his hold. "Which is why, I'm sure, it'll come as no surprise if I choose to walk away now." She announced, turning her back to the youngest Mikaelson brother and walking away leaving the sound of Klaus' roaring laughter behind her.

The two Mikaelsons watched her go. One in amusement while the other with a puzzled look on his face. It was rare that any woman so blatantly rebuffed him. Emma seemed to be a pretty little thing... with a sharp tongue.

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Well there it is, they've met. Hehehe! Wonder what happens now...