Not...exactly. But he has to cooperate and I'm not sure if Klaus compelled him or not and...Ripper aren't keen on listening to others. It's much easier not to feel, Rikki. Not just pretending you don't, but truly, legitimately not feeling. But it's not easy...even for those of us that have the option. She's had him locked away from the outside world for months on end, it's highly unlikely Lexi would hurt Stefan, but...I think denying what you are? And what you need to survive? Usually a bad move.