This will probably get me in trouble but I’m honestly pretty meh about them, but I’m also pretty meh about Stefan unless he’s in ripper mode or fun sarcastic mode which are sides of him you don’t get to see often because he’s too wrapped up in Elena. So that probably has more to do with my feelings about the ship than the ship itself. I need to care about both characters to get into a ship, it’s why I’ve never liked one Elena ship (although side note: I do actually like Stefonnie and more than SE). Damon is kinda a special case where I only care about him when he’s with Bonnie, but she improved his personality to the point of likability.

In theory it should work because they’re very alike, but I think that’s what makes me meh about it, they’re almost too similar. They’re both very loyal, willing to do anything for loved ones, and always put more effort in than is given back so it would be nice to see those traits finally reciprocated from someone they love, but that’s not enough to keep my attention. For me I just don’t see much outside of that. I don’t get that “missing piece” feel from them.

Like if he showed interest in Bonnie instead of Elena in the Pilot I’m not sure that would make a difference in how I feel about the ship. Same if he was showing more of the traits that I like from his character because even though it would be more of a contrast, it’s not the type of contrast that gives me opposites attract vibes.

But I will say this, I like them more than Kennett, a ship I notoriously can’t get into because it just doesn’t draw me in. Stefonnie does draw me on on a certain level just not on the level of Bonkai, or Tonnie, or even Bamon, but I can get into the ship.

So I guess my official answer is I like the ship, but it doesn’t make me all giddy inside.