Stelena

"I know we've only known each other for a short while, and I know I'm in competition for your affections, but uh … I've never met a woman quite like you. I look at you and I see … an angel. I touch your skin, and my entire body ignites. I kiss you, and I know that I'm … I'm falling in love."

- Stefan to Elena

Stelena is the het ship between Elena Gilbert and Stefan Salvatore from the The Vampire Diaries fandom.

TV-Series
Stefan and Elena first met when he returned to town to get to know Elena after saving her from a car accident. He went to her school and the two bumped into each other in the hallway. They were both infatuated with each other and had trouble maintaining a conversation without getting tongue-tied, Stefan in particular was in awe of Elena and looked back at her after the two parted ways. When Elena visited her parent's graves and was scared off by Damon Salvatore (unknowingly), she ran out of the forest until she bumped into Stefan again. The two kept admiring each other like before and eventually Stefan properly introduced himself to Elena, to which she said she knew who he was since they had history together. Throughout Season 1 the two maintained a beautiful relationship. Whenever Elena would be in danger, Stefan would always be there to protect her from Damon and anything else that harmed her. After Stefan revealed he was a vampire, Elena was shocked and afraid of his abilities and the existence of supernaturals. While the two distanced from each other, Elena had fall in love with Stefan deeply, and knew she could never truly be afraid. When Stefan tried to leave her for her own safety, she told him that was not his decision to make and that she loved him. The two shared a kiss, but when Stefan told Elena he could not control his vampirism, she encouraged him he could, and told him not to hide from her.

Fanon
Stelena is the most popular ship in The Vampire Diaries fandom, second only to Delena. Many fans felt that even though Elena got together with Damon at the end of the series, their love wasn't quite as real as her and Stefan's. There is rivalry between Delena, Steroline and Stelena shippers. Some Steroline shippers like Stelena however.

Fans of the ship are intrigued with their love story. Not only is the ship popular because of it's soulmate themes but also because of the character's dynamic and personalities. Stefan is deep and understanding, but has trouble sealing the dark part of himself away. Elena is compassionate and kind and was potrayed to be the light in his life. They were both supportive of each other and loved one another very deeply. Stefan had always respected Elena's decisions and had done anything he could to protect her, and even though they broke up in the later seasons, fans still believed mutual feelings had always remained between them.

On AO3, Stelena is the third most written romantic Vampire Diaries ship besides Klaroline and Delena. It is the second most written ship for Elena and the number one most written for Stefan.

Fandom
AO3

Stefan/Elena tag on AO3

TUMBLR

Stelena tag on Tumblr

@dailystelena

@dailystelenasource

@hellyeahstelena

@stelena

@zalrb

Trivia

 * In the novel books, Stefan and Elena are soulmates.
 * Stefan is a Scorpio and Elena is a Cancer. Astrologically, they are very compatible.
 * Stefan has never compelled Elena, and always respected her decisions.
 * Many characters on the show have been open in their support of Stelena. That includes Klaus, Caroline, Silas, Jeremy, Bonnie, Rebekah, Lexi and Matt.
 * Elena chose Stefan over Damon as a human and told Stefan that "No matter what happens, it's the best choice I've ever made." after her transition however, they break up.
 * Many celebrities have said they supported Stelena. That includes Dinah Jane Hansen and Lauren Jauregui from Fifth Harmony, Torrey DeVitto, Steven R. McQueen, Ian Somerhalder, Nina Dobrev, Charles Michael Davis, Danielle Campbell, Daniella Pineda, Paul Wesley and Julie Plec.
 * Ian Somerhalder prefers Stelena over Delena.
 * Nina Dobrev and Paul Wesley are Stelena shippers and have supported the couple ever since the first episode. Paul and Nina are also very close friends in real life.


 * An article “Stelena Forever!” was released after Nina Dobrev confirmed after TVD her and Paul were still great friends.