AN: Dedicated to bluestriker666, who supplied the perfect situation for Stefan to find out about Damon and Elena's dance, and Brittany, who first suggest Stefan's POV. Thanks. This takes place at some point after S01E21 "Isobel" but before the finale. The people in charge of the pagent sent out videos to everyone who was registered for the dance, including Stefan. Uh-oh...

Warnings: Swearing.

Disclaimer: I don't own the Vampire Diaries.

History Repeating

She didn't tell me. And I try to assure myself that it's because it slipped her mind. Because she was too busy worrying about me for some stupid dance to matter. I keep trying to tell myself that.

But the video the celebration's committee sent makes it glaringly obvious that she's not thinking about me at all. She's dancing with him. And she's smiling. I've never seen that smile before. So soft and hesitant. So happy and unburdened.

So in love.

How could she do this to me? She was mine. And I know I don't own her, but...I thought she wanted to be mine. To be wrapped up in my strong, protective, immortal embrace. Forever. I thought we were soulmates, if I have a soul. I thought she loved me more than the sun and the moon. I thought she wanted to be with me. To be mine.

I see how close she presses to him during the dance. So eager for his touch. Looking at him with eyes free from the constant worry and tinge of sadness that I had thought had become a permanent part of who she is now. Looking at him as if there is nothing else in the entire world. Looking at him...the way I realize she never looked at me.

And Damon. That bastard. "History will not be repeating itself, where Elena is concerned." I had warned him. "Sure, sure. Whatever you say, man. We're just friends." he had blown me off. But I had trusted him. I had believed him. I believed him while he lied to my face!

He saved her. I should be thankful. He swooped in and saved her from the ridicule of being alone. But I can't be. Because it's as plain as night that he loves her. The look on his face, the one I haven't seen since Katherine was still alive. Since before she started playing puppetmaster with his heart strings. And I know.

He loves her.

She's drawn a real smile from his twisted smirking face. She's lighted his eyes with caring adoration.

She loves him.

He's painted a secret smile on her lips. He's removed the pain from her beautifully saddened eyes.

They're in love.

They've been in love with each other for a long time. How long? Since the Tomb? Atlanta? Before even then?

How could this happen? How could they do this to me? How could I let this happen? I know what kind of monster Damon is, what kind of man. How could I even consider letting him anywhere near my fragile, beloved Elena? How could I have trusted him with her? How could I have believed him when he told me he didn't want to steal her from me?

How could I let history repeat itself?