Before you call for our heads, Delena fans, hear us out. There doesn’t seem to be any stopping Elena (Nina Dobrev) and Damon (Ian Somerhalder) at the moment. They’ll clearly have some time to feel each other out (metaphorically and perhaps literally), but we wouldn’t count Stefan (Paul Wesley) as totally out of this love triangle just yet. You know how
The Vampire Diaries adores it love geometry, and there are plenty of reasons Stelena fans should still have hope. It might not happen for a while, but we think eventually Stefan and Elena will give it another shot.

1. Stefan knows Elena really well.

While Damon was whispering “kill, kill, kill” in the new vamp’s ear, Stefan was afraid murder would break Elena. And it nearly did. Sure, it was helped along by Connor’s (Todd Williams) psychological games, but she nearly committed suicide over the guilt. Damon may have been right that killing was universally unavoidable for a vampire, but Stefan understood how Elena would react because of how well he knows her.

That whole vampire thing will grow on him in time.
It was heartbreaking to hear Stefan admit that he wasn’t too fond of vampire Elena. But she’d only had her fangs for what, a couple of days? After a few weeks without the woman who helps keep the Ripper in check, Stefan will surely realize Elena hasn’t changed all that much. He’d recently seen her vomit up buckets of blood. That would be enough to give anyone pause, right?

2. He lets her make her own choices.

Damon would’ve said, “To hell with what you want,” and left Matt (Zach Roerig) to drown in the car at the end of Season 3. OK, Stefan’s decision to help Matt ultimately killed Elena, but she told Stefan that she was glad he listened to her.

3. Stefan set Elena free.

It can’t be easy knowing your girlfriend has feelings for your brother. Stefan basically told Elena to follow her heart. Here’s the rub: Elena’s love for Stefan hasn’t suddenly disappeared (we don’t think), so she’s going to have the same problem with Damon that she did with Stefan. No matter which brother she’s with, there’s always going to be the other Salvatore tapping her on the shoulder, asking her to dance.

A list of quotes for your consideration.
These characters said it better than we ever could:

Damon (about Stefan): He just tried to behead someone in the middle of a council party. He’s operating on crazy right now.
Klaus: Crazy or not, that kind of love never dies.
Season 3, Episode 11, “Our Town.”

Rose (to Jeremy): Stefan is different. His love is pure. He’ll always be good for her. Damon is either the best thing for her or the worst.
Elena (about Stefan): I love him, Damon. He came into my life at a time when I needed someone, and I fell for him instantly. No matter what I feel for you, I never unfell for him.
Damon: Yeah, I get it. Stefan. It’s always gonna be Stefan.
Season 3, Episode 22, “The Departed”