NOTES: Movie sequal. No actual relationship in this, though both characters mentioned are male. (See, I can write a non-romantic fic if I try!) Good luck.

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I thought I had it all under control. You left me, certain of my ability to succeed on my own. And you were right, as far as that goes. After you were gone, I was one of the best. Everyone wanted to be my partner. But none of them were good enough.

Because none of them were you.

I know it's stupid. I told myself I didn't need you anymore. I told myself that I knew best, that there was nothing left that you could teach me. But of course, that was just me being overconfident, as usual.

When you came back, I thought it would be different. I thought, 'I'm experienced now. He can't tell me what to do.' But then you stepped up and it was just the same; my experience was nothing compared to yours. You knew best, and I was just a rookie, starting out all over again. Never mind that I was one of the most accomplished, most professional of all of us; I would never be as good as you.

And what I didn't let on, was that I missed that. It felt right again, letting you take the lead. I fought it, as much as I could, but in the end I was two steps behind you all the time. But it was exciting. It was just like old times. For the first time since you left, I felt like I was really living again.

I don't know what I would have done if they hadn't found a specific reason to bring you back. Maybe I would eventually have found someone who would be to me what I was to you. But I know that it would never feel right. I would feel as though I were impersonating you. I know I could never fill your shoes.

Your place doesn't suit me. No matter how hard I try, I can't be you. But that's alright, because it's best when you fill your place. Because mine is right beside you.