This is for the ones who stand

For the ones who try again

"Stefan," Elena said, "I don't think this human blood diet is working." His eyes darkened, but before he could comment, Elise was there, a waif protecting him with eyes flashing and a grim expression on her face.

"Elena," she said sternly, "Butt out. Stefan is a vampire and that is something you do not understand. If you can't offer supportive comments, I'd prefer you'd offer none at all."

Everyone had been wary to varying degrees upon Elise's introduction into their lives. Damon and Alaric were unconcerned, happy Stefan was moving on and not really thinking much of the young vampire beyond that. Caroline, after a few frosty moments, had warmed up to the girl who could verbally spar with Klaus and shared Caroline's distaste for his blonde sister. Elena was the only one holding out and refusing to welcome Elise into her life. She didn't like the change that was coming over Stefan and turning him into a person she wasn't familiar with. She did like that Elise and Caroline were bonding over things Elena would never share with her best friend. If she was honest, she didn't like being displaced. For once, not everything revolved around Elena Gilbert.

"You're rude," Elena said, but Elise was there with a retort.

"And you're judgmental," she said, "And indecisive and selfish and very unsupportive of Stefan's endeavor to be a normal vampire." The doppleganger's mouth snapped shut and she stomped away as Elise returned to the cup of tea she'd been fixing before Ms. Gilbert stopped by and mussed up the otherwise peaceful day.

"You didn't have to do that," Stefan argued, standing behind her and wrapping his arms around her waist. She leaned back into him and sipped her tea, eyeing the doorway Elena had just disappeared through.

"Someone needs to protect you," she said, "And I don't mind doing it."

"Why?" His breath was hot against her ear and she felt herself sink against him even more when his hand slipped beneath the fabric of her shirt and his fingers spread across her stomach. He kissed her neck, her head involuntarily lolling to the side as he carefully nipped along the smooth expanse of skin. His whispered his question against her skin and she had to set her tea down before she dropped it.

"Almost a century," she said, "And you're just now wondering? Do you really not know me?"

He let her go when she walked away. But not for long. Eventually, he went looking for her and it was then he realized what she'd known all along.

a/n: I don't want anyone thinking I hate Elena, because I don't. I do, however, think she needs a bit of a wake up call. Oh well. Fave, flame, faint, as usual.

oxox.