She blushes a little bit, the other girls looking confused. "They think you're hot," she explains quietly. Every body was already heading for the usual table, and didn't see the momentary flash of power in Ari's eyes. She wonders what he picked up to trigger that. He gets pinned in by her. Never mind maintaining a safe distance. She smiles at Ashley when Ari pleadingly tugs her down beside him in order to keep the others from trespassing into his space. She quickly squeezes his hand under the table, trying to give him some comfort. Talk soon turns to what types of pizza they all want to order.<br/><br/><span style="font-style: italic">Dylan watches how Stella interacts with Ari. She seems quite protective of him. Just by the look that she gives Ashley when the girls sit down. He hopes she'll say yes about going out with him. He doesn't realize that he had zoned out until someone asks him about what his vote on the pizza. A little bit of uncertainty comes over him by the way Stella has her body turned towards Ari.<br/><br/>Ashley gives Ari a watery smile when he gives her a begging look. She doesn't blame him. Stella and her social clique can be rather frighting to a person who hasn't been around it for a while. She doesn't look in Dylan's direction, even though she can sense him looking in their direction. </span>