AN: This is just a little one shot about Damon's thoughts at the end of 3x8. This is my first story so be gentle, constructive crictism only, no flames.
Flashback
"I'm not mad at you Damon because I think you'll be the one to bring him back." Elena said while turning off her lamp, "It won't be his love for me that brings Stefan back, but it will be his love for you".
End Flashback
Damon's POV
Stefan never could become a full blown ripper. Even in the 20s, he simply cared for his victims too much, that's why he wrote down all their names on that wall in Chicago. But it doesn't stop him from killing, the thrill and temptation of the blood is too strong.
Deep down I know Elena is right, I just don't want to admit it. Truthfully, I really don't know how my brother's and my relationship got so bad. When we were human we were best friends, but that all changed when Katherine Pierce showed up. As soon, as she came into our lives our relationship was doomed. And anything that had survived was ruined when she was taken, and we were turned.
Even though, I promised him an eternity of misery, I still looked out for him over the years. I couldn't let anyone kill my baby brother that was job I thought. Secretly, I wanted our relationship to go back to the way it was, when everything was easier, but I knew it was impossible to much had happened.
When we returned to Mystic Falls, our relationship was beginning to get better. But of course Stefan had to screw it up by trading himself to Klaus for my cure. Stefan and his stupid nobility.
Personally, I think it's his nobility that will part of his downfall, that and the fact that no matter how much we hate each other, we're brothers and we look out for one another always. Stefan has already proved that point once today, he could've let Michael rip out my heart, I mean Klaus told Stefan to protect Elena, not me. But, then 'course Stefan would protect Elena without being told. O wait that's the other Stefan, not ripper Stefan.
When the real Stefan, finally decides that this is nice time to try and fight Klaus's compulsion, everything will go back to normal. Stefan gets the girl, we both love as always. And we both protect her from anyone who would want the newest doppelgänger dead.