"So... I heard you've got a partner now. That's why you're around the office so much, right?" Natsu mentioned.

"Don't talk so high and mighty. Why are you always here? Shouldn't you be out getting some action in the field?" Gajeel asked.

The other agent held his hands up in defense.

"I wasn't trying to talk down on you or anything! I'm only trying to make sure I have the right information. You know how rumors are..."

Gajeel didn't say a word.

As if he'd dare explain his failure to this idiot...

"You know, it's alright to have a partner. It's actually kinda fun! Luce and I may not get as much work as you did on your own, but when we do, it's definitely better than when I was working on my own."

This definitely piqued his interest, the iron-head's eyes widening.

He turned to meet Natsu face to face.

"You got a partner, Salamander?" He questioned.

Natsu froze, processing his words.

"Don't tell me you didn't know that?!" He yelled.

"We've been partners for a year now!"

"Tsk... as if I'd know that. It's not like I make it my job to meddle in your business." Gajeel told him, looking away once more.

Natsu sighed.

"All I'm saying is that you shouldn't be so upset about getting a little help. You're both working for the same goal in the end, so as long as you reach it, why does it matter how you got there?"

"You really are a moron..." The dark-haired male stated plainly.

"What did I say?!" Natsu asked.

Gajeel sighed.

"If I'm not good enough to work without a partner, how am I supposed to be good enough to become the number one agent?" He explained.

Natsu crossed his arms.

"Sheesh, everyone's so hung up on that. You know, getting a partner might be a blessing in disguise. You might actually learn a thing or two about working with others. You shouldn't always put yourself first."

"Putting yourself first is how you survive, Salamander... especially in this line of work. Once you learn to focus on yourself, you'll be able to focus more into your work. That's how it's always been, and things won't change just because I've got a minor setback. I'm sure this partnership is only temporary anyways. The boss is only teaching me a lesson for screwing up the last time."

"Whatever you say, Man. I really think you're gonna change your mind, though..."

Natsu pulled away from the counter, heading over to the fridge and grabbing a soda.

He closed the door, before making his way over to the table and taking a seat.

Gajeel thought over his words.

This partnership is just temporary... right?

The boss wasn't going to make them work together forever, right?!

What was going to happen if this was a permanent arrangement?

"Natsu!" A voice called from the door, pulling Gajeel away from his thoughts and back to reality.

"Oh, Lucy... what's up?" The pink-haired idiot asked, taking a sip of his drink.

"Come on! Put the drink away... you can finish it later! We've finally got another mission!" She exclaimed.

"Really?!" He questioned.

The blonde gave him a nod.

"Hurry up! If we don't get a move on, the boss will hand it off to someone else!" Lucy shouted.

"Gotcha!" Natsu replied, standing from his seat.

He placed his partially drunken soda back into the fridge, closing it and heading for the door.

The pink-haired male took one final look back at Gajeel.

"Give it a chance, Ironhead. You've got to quit seeing them as a burden if you're going to present your best work out in the field."