The locker room was the place where every agent kept their weapons inventory.

Most people didn't have more than a single gun, so the small compartments given to each agent were enough to get by.

Gajeel sat on a bench in the center of the room, checking his pistol to assure all the rounds were in place.

It was always important to have a fully loaded gun before going into the field, in case something were to go wrong.

He knew it was full already, but knowing how things had gone the last time he was out in the field, Gajeel was double-checking everything.

This would be his first mission after his failure, and he couldn't afford to make any mistakes this time around.

After all, it wouldn't just be his ass on the line.

He had a partner now, and that put more pressure on him to do a good job.

If he were to screw anything up, he had a feeling that he wouldn't be able to live it down.

Hopefully, his skills wouldn't fail him this time.

"Hey, are you ready to go?" Levy questioned, catching his attention as she popped her head through the doorway.

"You seem awfully confident for someone who's going out into the field for the first time. Are you sure you've got everything covered?" He grumbled.

"Excuse you?! Some of us came into the office prepared, you know!"

"Are you saying I didn't come prepared?!"

"Well, obviously yes! I've been waiting on you for twenty minutes, Gajeel!"

The two ceased their arguing as their trainer cleared his throat.

"I hope we don't regret assigning this mission to the two of you. Don't tell me you have the time to argue when your mission remains incomplete."

Levy coughed, regaining her composure.

"Of course—"

Her words were cut off as Gajeel stood from his seat, talking over her.

"We'll get it done."

The girl tried her best not to lash out at him once more, though annoyed with his actions.

"Right. Are you ready to get going?" She asked, moving on.

"I was born ready, Shrimp. If anyone's unprepared, it's gonna be you."

Levy couldn't help but glare at the use of the nickname, accompanied by the taunting smirk across her partner's face.

"Have fun, you two. Make sure you get it done and put a good report in with the boss." Their trainer mentioned.

"You don't have to tell me twice. I'm not failing this time." Gajeel stated, walking right past Levy and taking the lead.

She sighed, following after him.

"You know, sometimes you make it awfully hard to tolerate you. Can't you show me a bit more respect? I know you see me as more of a nuisance than a partner, especially since I've never been out on an official mission before, but that doesn't give you an excuse to talk over me. Plus, I assure you, I'm a lot more useful than you think me to be."

"Sorry, I totally missed that pipsqueak voice of yours. Maybe you should speak up a bit."

"Ugh, you totally did it on purpose, you jerk! Don't deny it!"

The agents exited the main building, entering the parking garage.

Levy glanced around, eyeing all of the cars lined up in each space.

"So... which one is yours?" She questioned.

Gajeel smirked once again, holding up his car's key.

"This one." He said, pressing the unlock button.

From across the garage, the lights of a sleek, black sports car came on.

It was parked on its lonesome, between an empty space and a wall.

"Wow..."

The girl was in awe at the sight of the vehicle.

"It's so luxurious!"

"Gihee... I like to ride in style, Shrimp."

The two pulled at the exterior handles, opening the doors and climbing into their seats.

There was a loud, echoing slam as they closed the doors behind them.

Levy was quick to settle down into the passenger's seat, buckling herself in with a click.

Gajeel did the same, securing himself in the driver's seat.

He set his key in one of the cup holders, placing his right foot on the brake and starting up the car.

"Even if you're an asshole, being partners with you sure does have its perks!"

"Watch your words, Shrimpy. Who do you think has control of the steering wheel?"

The small girl ignored his words, running her hands delicately over the black leather of the glove box and examining its high quality with care.

"Hey, can I drive on the way back?!" She questioned, turning to him with an expression of pure excitement.

"No way in hell! I'd never let a shrimp like you take charge of the wheel. I bet you'd wreck my car in an instant. Besides, we'll be in a rush, so it'd be better if I were to drive, anyways."

"Just because I'm small, it doesn't mean I can't drive, Gajeel! Plus, I thought I've made it clear by now to stop comparing me to a crustacean!"

"That's a pretty damn big word for you. Do you use those big words of yours to make up for what you lack in height, Shrimpy?" He continued, refusing to cease his teasing.

"They're not even that complex! Is your ego all that fills your head? Or maybe it's all those jokes about my height, because that's all I ever hear come out of your mouth!"

She crossed her arms with a pout, facing the window as the dark-haired male drove out of the garage.

"You make a fair point about the urgency, though. I forgot to consider the efficiency of our escape."

"Everyone gets excited over fancy cars. Don't worry about that right now, and let's go over the plan one more time before we get there. I've never done a mission with someone else before, but it would be a good idea to assure that we're on the same page."

"You're... surprisingly professional when it comes to missions."

"Somebody has to take the lead, and this is your first time out in the field. I can't afford to fail another mission. We have to work together so that the both of us make it in and out safely."

"Don't forget that we have to upload the information on this flash drive!" Levy exclaimed, holding up a small, black stick of technology.

"Right. Anyways, let's go over it from the top..."

I'm not dead yet, I swear.

Sorry, I've been a bit busy with a few things.

I've also been struggling to write, but hopefully you enjoyed this chapter!

I really enjoyed writing it, despite spending so much time trying to make sure things were perfect.

Finally, I think I got things to my liking.

I appreciate all your support, and I love you all!

Thank you.

See you in the next chapter!