Ari heard Isis and knew she was most likely right. What his sister didn't get was how much he was hurting because of actions that led him to believe otherwise. He felt quite literally like he was losing Kissa again. For a second time. Even Isis would know that deep down Ari still held himself strongly in the guilt over what happened to Kissa. He still blamed himself for the loss of her life. That was something he just had no time to get over. He knew Isis was most likely right but knowing and feeling were apparently two different things. He thinks back.<span style="font-style: italic">You women are confusing. That is not what actions lead me to believe Isis. I don't want to lose her again. I also don't wish to burden her life because I care about her either.</span>He paused then added.<span style="font-style: italic">I get the feeling from her friend that the boy does care about her. I do not feel right trying to keep her from a possible normal relationship. Even if I do selfishly want to keep her all to myself. That doesn't change the fact that it hurts that I could lose her yet again.</span>The words were filled with the pain of the guilt he clearly still felt.<br/><br/>He knew Isis was right but that didn't change the feelings he was currently having. He blocked out his siblings again to be able to focus on Stella. He looked at her without really comprehending. Amongst the gods that was not an unknown or unacceptable things. Expecially with Greek dieties but that was besides the point. The point was those words really didn't hold much ground. Her last words made his cheeks flush and he momentarily stopped shimmering. He didn't know why he felt so much like an outsider. He really didn't. He just knew he was wanting her for himself. Not wanting another man to win her affections. "If you say so." he says. The tone held a mostly believing tone to it now. He clearly wouldn't fully believe it right now. He stabs another piece of waffle and eats it too.<br/><br/>He knew  she was worried about him. He had internal battles to fight. The biggest one being the guilt he felt over Kissa's death. He looked at her and decided to believe her yet keep a semi-safe distance. Which basically equaled out to no hand holding. No showing signs of affection until he knew she wasn't already loved by someone else. His sister was right but even she would know he was stubborn headed and wanted to see the facts for himself before he would fully believe.