Note: Guess who's back? B) …kinda? I was planning on making a "comeback" in the beginning of the year a different fanfiction that's just been sitting with the cobwebs but that just fell through with how busy I got, so instead I'm presenting this! I originally wrote this 2 years ago in 2023 and decided to just polish it off and post it. Enjoy!

Recommended Fics: This was inspired Kaoeri's "Who Needs Love?" (along with the "Maybe I Do"). You can read this without reading the recommendation, but I used a lot of context from their world, so it might make this work a little less confusing/ambiguous (lol). But the gist is that they're not partners in this world, and the square ship from the show is inversed.

Summary: She's always been there, watching from the sidelines. And she can't help but think, when would he look her way, or was it finally time to move on? [Rivals AU]

Warning/s: Alcohol Mention

She smirked as she resisted sending a wink to him.

"Cat's got your tongue?"

If she could smile any wider, she would, just to see the annoyance deepen on his face as he rolled his green eyes and let out a quiet scoff. Even when he looked the other way, conversating with the others, she was still smiling.

That would have to be her second favourite part of the day, the first being their bi-weekly patrols together. Those combined 60 minutes never felt like enough, but it usually left her recharged enough for the rest of the week along with their occasional meet ups with the rest of the hero group. Even now, the way the moonlight lit his face is memorialized into her brain.

He looked so carefree now, it's the first thing she notices. His smile is brighter, grin now adorning his face with no issues. Not like when they had been younger, a dark cloud usually hanging over his face, though whenever it was a good day, his grin seemed to shine so brightly that it could blind her, even at night. It had been a rarity for her, a sweet treat she would savor after a difficult battle, it didn't even matter that the joke was usually at her expense. Even now, it felt as if the burdens on his shoulders were light, his hair flowing in the air, as wild as him, as he leaned against the metal railing. He was laughing and the ends of his fangs glistened in the light.

She bites the inside of her cheeks as she forces her faltering smile back onto her face, though she couldn't stop her heart from dropping to the pit of her stomach. Because of course he did.

He's never wanted to be her partner for as long as she can remember. From the very moment they had first crashed into each other, her yoyo wrapping them up into a pleasant present for their misfortunes to come to their very last fight a few years ago to when their competition sizzled to an end. It had become a routine, a little dance if one would, after that first meeting. He would win one some, she would win others. It was a little game they began to play, and although she was hesitant at first, she quickly got into the groove of the pattern. It had been engraved into her mind for the next 10 years after that first encounter.

And a part of her accepted that this was the weird little tango they were going to do and as disappointed as she was that they would never be complete partners, she was okay, maybe even satisfied, with this little frenemy relationship they had going on. At least, she thought she did. But when she saw him laugh openly with Rena, she couldn't help but jump at the stab of jealousy that hit her in the chest at the moment. Or when he swung his arms around Carapace, as if they had known each other for years, she felt a wash of bitterness hit her in the face. Because of course he did. It was her that was the problem, wasn't it?

Her smile was now a little more genuine, but bitter, as she watched them joke around.

The yearning she felt hit her full force. As adamant as the mysterious black cat had been about not teaming up, he seemed to have no problem integrating himself into the group. Did she even fit within this little hero group they had going on? Was this her place? It used to be by his side, it should have been by his side, but then was it really? Maybe she believed a little too hard on the fate that held them together, blinded her even for the years that she waited. But part of her couldn't help but feel stinged by the initial rejection which only simmered and burned as her feelings for him grew.

She supposes that's also how she ended up sitting along on the top of the Eiffel Tower, slipping away silently with only a small nod towards Rena, to watch the lights below as an escape from his brightness. He had come back to Paris a little over a year ago, but it was almost as if he hadn't left in the first place. And she hadn't expected it to hurt as much as it did.

His sharp snarkiness and annoying cat-puns where intact, it was almost as if the world had stopped for him. He didn't seem to change. And it annoyed her that neither did she, not as much as she hoped she would. She thought the distance would let her move on, finally put this long love to rest, but she still drew close to him like a moth to a flame the moment he came back. She thought that the moment itself would be magical just as the first time she got tangled with him, present herself as a "real" adult, one so much more mature than when they had last met that his breathe would be stolen in awe. Though instead it was her who had squealed with shock when hands grasped her shoulders while on patrol one night, turning around only to scream again when she came face to face with bright green eyes and a familiar smirk. She found his laugh to tinkle like lost music to her ears despite them turning red.

Though what hurt her the most was the lingering voice in her brain that questioned when would he look her way, if ever? Because she's always been there. Just waiting. But maybe it's time to stop waiting.

It's not like he would glide across Paris to meet her at the Eiffel Tower anyways, it became absent from his routine that moment he left, leaving only her to continue the tradition. It was lonely and quiet, but her little patrol of the city has been like this for a while now. It was peaceful, just being by herself. Despite him moving years ago, she never stopped her patrol. She shivered as she rubbed her arms around her shoulders. Despite the protection her suit provided her from the cold, she couldn't help but shiver. It was the middle of December and the freezing temperatures only seemed to increase. Though not even that could stop her from ending her days at the top of the Eiffel Tower, watching the lights twinkle from below and above. It brought her a sense of calm after all these years.

"At least let me have this," she whispered to herself as she gazed out towards the sky solemnly. She wanted to laugh or cry, both at the same time would be ideal, as she looked out towards the city with glossy eyes.

When he had first said he was leaving for a couple of years, she had been aghast. How could he just leave? She was gutted and upset, but it soon wore off. Over time it became her little haven, to be away from all of the noise, to truly just be by herself for a while, something teenager her thought she would never recover.

Including from the boy turned man who still seemed to have a hold on her heart, the one he didn't want.

But what did she want?

.

.

.

It was a question that continued to haunt her at the ball she was patrolling with Viperion. With chaton's absence, she and the snake miraculous had bonded and she would consider him a good friend. (Better than that stinkin' ol cat, she hurumph in her mind.) Though with him leaving to watch the guest at the east side of the ballroom, she was left by herself to watch the west where she waited next to a banquet table.

The ball was gorgeous, with a mouse fountain and covered to head in toe with gold linen fabric, she could see why they felt the need for heroes to be in attendance. While the looming threat of Hawkmoth no longer stood over their heads, there was still small crimes the heroes would get involved with, despite them basically being in retirement with the fall of Hawkmoth. It couldn't hurt to have them around, and neither did it hurt her either for the buffet. Though in all honesty, she thought it was about to time to call it quits. The frantic life she had lived soon dwindled down and she no longer needed to be in attendance for any catastrophic events. It had been peaceful, but odd, to no longer search for excuses for her life. To actually be present within the moments she has with her family and friends now.

Even now, as she sips on a glass of champagne, eyes traversing through the room filled with gowns and suits, she wonders if she should have just passed the request onto another hero to attend the girl's night at Alya's instead. Admittedly, it was a fun last minute project to make the gown she's wearing now, a dark red, floor length sleeve-less dress with crossing straps. The bodice was obviously spot-patterned, matching her long gloves with a cute feather in her hair to which was tied into a loose, messy bun. She had been swamped with designs for work for the past few weeks, so it was nice making something just for herself once in a while. She felt good, great even, with how well the dress seemed to contour to her body, she barely even had to add any adjustments after the first fitting.

Though now as she stands onto the glossy floors with her red heels, she felt less sure. It was nearing midnight and she was tired. After late nighters from work the past few weeks, she just wanted to do something relaxing. And a certain blonde haired cat-eared superhero wasn't helping either. Though almost as magic, the crowds seemed to part for a second and she followed the sparkling spotlight to a figure across the floor.

She smiled, spotting a familiar blonde head in the distance, waving. Green eyes meeting hers, he smiled back, but it somehow felt stilted. It had always been. As open as he was within the friend group, he always seemed to be on edge with her in her hero form, though she guesses that's normal, but it does leave her heart a little sad given the amount of times they had ran into each other back in the day. Of course, the person is none other than being her civilian's form archnemesis, Adrien Agreste. The last she had seen of him, with the exception of the headlines, was at the graduation were everyone had sobbed their goodbyes. She didn't even deny her stinging eyes, and she wouldn't let him pretend like his eyes weren't glossy that day either.

He had gone off to Switzerland for college and she missed his sense of snark, everyone did really. It always felt like something was missing whenever Class B got together for small reunions once in a while. Of course they all kept in touch, but it was harder to reach Adrien with how busy he had become once he'd moved out of the country and hit the road running starting a new business, one that which could rival his father's. Even after he returned earlier in the year. Everyone mostly got updated on Adrien's life through the news or Nico, always keeping the conversations on the phone brief. She hadn't even realized he'd be back so soon, no wonder Nico seemed giddier than ever when she had went over to Ayla's place. She knew that box of streamers looked suspicious.

And for once, she didn't have to put on a facade of disliking him anymore as she smiled back and placed her glass down onto a table. She had yet to see him in her civilian form so she took this opportunity with full force, bubbling with energy as she practically glided across the floor to reach him. His eyes seemed to widen a bit, and he leaned over his shoulder to nod a goodbye before turning back to greet her with a smile.

He smirked a little, "Aren't you a little too excited to see me, Ladybug?"

She smiled, the old him was somewhat back, "Well, why wouldn't I be? As I recall, I've had to save you a couple of times? Got to make sure you don't get into anymore trouble."

She laughed when he made a face that looked like he swallowed a sour lemon.

"Yeah," he grunted, raising his shoulders a little as he adjusted his tie and looked to the crowd before looking at her. "I won't miss that. Though looks like there's need to save me anymore."

"Yea," she smiled, voice now also soft as she looked out to the happy crowd, faces laughing and smiling. There was an overall sense of calm, one that truly hadn't sunk in yet. Her nerves still bubbled, in flight or fight, despite knowing there was no big bad foe to be fought today. Or ever.

She could feel her brows pinch. What did that mean for her? What did it mean for the whole team? When she had begun this whole crazy journey she never thought of what would happen after she defeated the big bad at the end of the story.

"So," she shook her head and cleared her throat as she looked back towards the blonde, "I heard you've been on quite the adventure."

"Define 'quite'," he snorted as he spared her a brief glance before taking a sip of his drink.

She huffed, raising her hands in mock defense, "Okay, Mr. Bigshot."

He gave her an amused glance, but she could see the smile peaking out from his lips and the red tinging his ears. Adrien had always been surprisingly humble with his life despite coming from a mega-fashion corporation. Even when they were teenagers, he never seemed keen on bragging. Instead his face would burst out into a bright blush and he'd shuffle his feet while muttering that it wasn't that big of a deal. Sometimes he would grimace when his father's name was mentioned, though now he stood strong by himself. Blonde hair styled into a swooping cut and black suit pristine, looking like quite the business man himself these days.

If she had been Marinette, then she would have congratulated him. Told him how proud they all were that he had finally branched out on his own, and was even making a name for himself outside of his father's legacy. Though that was only what Marinette knew, not Ladybug, so instead she kept her congratulations short.

"Well, good job anyway prince charming," she giggled when he let out a scoff, crossing his arms to give her a pointed look.

He stood still for a few minutes before huffing and uncrossing his arms to look towards the crowd. His ears were still red.

"Well thank you anyway," he muttered beneath his glass.

She just smiled in response, before joining him to look towards the crowd again. She would love to sit down and just sketch, there were quite a few beautiful designs, some from influential designers and it almost made up for the fatigue. At least she still had fashion in her life, the one thing to remain consistent.

"So," Ladybug looked to the left in surprise as Adrien coughed, as he nodded in her direction, "What have you been up to now?"

"Oh wow," she gasped in fake amazement, blinking her big eyes as she leaned closer to the blonde, "The Adriene Agreste asking about me? I'm so honored!"

"Ha ha," he snorted, shaking his head. "Can't I ask how my..," he let out a small grimace as if next words were forced to tumble out of his mouth, "savior... is doing?"

Ladybug slapped a hand over her mouth at the snort she let out, drawing a few eyes and Adrien looked at her with wide eyes before breaking out into a heart-stopping smile. 'Gosh, he really is cute,' she thought as she recollected herself, fanning her face slightly as she straightened her back.

"Don't kill yourself," she giggled, cheeks stinging as she patted his shoulder, "but if you must know," she let out a singsong voice, "I'm doing quite well for myself."

"Yeah," he asked, giving her a side glance and even if he pretended to be sassy with her, his smile was still shining.

"Yeah," she huffed, hands on her hips, though her smile turned softer as she placed them back down to her side. "Living my dream job."

"What do you do?" he turned to her, eyes genuinely curious. "Other than the super hero stuff of course."

She shook her head, tsking, "That's classified sir, but if you must know, it's grueling work. Well worth it, but grueling."

He raised a brow, "More than being a superhero?"

"Hmm," she tapped her chin, "About even?" she shrugs.

They fell into a comfortable silence after that, just standing next to each other as the watched the crowd move about. Some were dancing despite the absence of music, and it brought a small smile to her lips. Sneaking a glance to her left, she wondered how it would have felt to have his hands on her waist, gilding her on the floor as her dress spun behind her. She almost felt like it was scandalous to think about the man she considered her arch-nemesis for the longest time, and her cheeks began to burn again as she quickly adverted her gaze from his face let he find out about her thoughts somehow. She already suspected that Rena knew of her crush on Chatnoir, last thing she would need would be her to catch onto her slight crush on their former classmate. Though it felt like a pity to not at least have one dance in this dress, she doubts she'd ever have another occasion to wear it. Maybe she would ask Viperion for a dance?

The lights begin dimming again, indicating that another dance break will come up and Ladybug took this as a chance to survey the room. When she spots a flash of a teal super suit, she turns back to Adrien to say her goodbyes only to see him already facing her, mouth already agape.

His eyebrows were furrowed, mouth opening and closing as if to say something. His green eyes felt like they were looking into her soul, so she instead looked towards the crowd, pretending to notice something. He opened his mouth, then closed it, before placing his glass down then turning to her fully now, hands hovering over her arms.

"Ladybug-"

"Adriene!"

Both heads snapped to the side, where an older man, dressed in a tux, was waving towards the blonde man, walking towards them with a small group of people. While Ladybug didn't know who they were personally, she could tell that they were important people.

She smiled once more and whispered, "Enjoy the rest of the ball, Adriene."

He smiled back, "You too, Ladybug."

One way or another, she found herself on the balcony on the second floor of the establishment, once again alone as she stared up at the night sky with a champagne glass in hand. The stars littering the sky with tiny lights.

Maybe one day, she could have been with the blonde haired boy but she knew he didn't like her. She almost let out an exasperated laugh at her thoughts.

Her choice of unavailable blonde-haired men had left a lot to be desired in her romantic life. It was almost funny how she was caught up between these two boys which both of neither looked her way romantically in both her hero life and her civilian life.

For having the miraculous of luck, she sure had so little of it within her boring and melodramatic love life.

Note: I decided to keep it slightly ambiguous since it's from Marinette's POV but I feel like I implied the changing dynamic (and romance).

~writingamongstars