Stella walked back in the cottage, her mind a complete mess of emotions.
She walked into the living room to see Den and Allen in some conversation. Of course, like all their conversations, it was so low that humans would just think they were muttering to themselves. But Stella was surprised as she did catch a few words like 'How can you think that?' and 'My hands are tied.' before the two abruptly stopped talking.
Stella looked from Den to Allen, wondering if she should leave so that they could continue.
But before she could decide, Allen let out his usual smile that stretched out from ear to ear and beckoned to her.
Stella crossed the room and sat on the couch beside Allen, and muttered, "It's hot today."
"It won't be so hot if you learn how to tie your hair." Allen said. And by the time the sentence finished, he had already made a messy bun at the top of Stella's head.
"Thanks." Stella muttered thankfully as Allen pulled her onto his lap and put his arms around her, saying, "Here. Let me cool you down a bit more shortcake."
Stella thought she saw Den's eyes dim a little, but the next moment he said, "So McCartney, what have you been up to?"
Stella scratched her head, "Well actually, I really had to talk to you."
Den was taken aback, "About what?"
Stella: "You see, I'm perfectly healed. I even have a nice job. So I was thinking of getting out of your hair and moving into a small place of my own."
Den's eyes clearly dimmed as he said in an authoritative voice, "No."
Stella: "..." No? Did she hear right? Did Sharp just say no? Stella had not been asking for his permission, she had just been informing him.
Stella frowned, "What do you mean no?"
Den looked at Stella with a glance that left no room for argument, and said in a voice that ended the conversation, "I think the meaning of the word is perfectly clear."
Stella crossed her arms, "So what? You're just gonna keep me here? Against my will? Should I start hatching a plan to sneak out?"
Den chuckled in a way that made Stella very mad and she would have gotten up to punch him had it not been for Allen's arms around her and the fact that she knew she would only get hurt punching a vampire.
"You think a mere human can escape from me?" Den said after he was done laughing.
Stella narrowed her eyes, "I advise you not to underestimate humans. And remember, I did escape from the Zukao brothers. And they were five, and you're just one."
Den rolled his eyes, "Yeah. Escaped in such a way that you were half dead."
Stella opened her mouth to rebuke but Allen cut in, "Now now. You both, why don't we all calm down. I can already hear Simon and June coming over. June will be really angry if you spoil this for her."
"What is this big reveal? Is she pregnant or what?" Stella snapped.
Allen: "....."
Den spoke as though Stella had not said anything, "So, what's the theme this year?"
Allen made a motion to zip his mouth and throw away the key.