"Your mission is to break into the headquarters building of the company, Eclipse, and upload the data for their unreleased plans. The files are guarded by fairly high level security measurements, buried deep inside all the company's devices. Destroy all evidence of the plans on the company's computers once you've retrieved the files. The client requested that all other copies be destroyed. I'm counting on you..."

The boss's explanation of their mission stuck with them.

"We're almost there. I'm going to pull around the back so we'll stay undetected by the cameras, but stay alert. There are probably security guards lurking everywhere." Gajeel said, their destination becoming less and less distant in front of them.

"Are you sure they won't notice a random car just appearing out of thin air?"

"Relax, Shrimp. I've done this plenty of times before. They never do."

"What is this, a book? That's way too convenient!"

"Stop your unnecessary complaining before you draw attention."

Levy went silent, knowing it would be best not to argue.

After all, he was technically right.

It would be best for them not to cause a scene upon arrival.

"So... is this your first time doing this sort of mission?" She questioned, her tone much calmer than before.

"Yep."

"What? Really?"

"I've never done anything tech related. Computers and code... they aren't really my forte."

"What is? Cash and brute force?"

"Don't be so judgmental. You act like you're not a criminal yourself."

"Well... shouldn't you be more worried about us failing if we're dealing with such fresh territory?"

"There's a first time for everything."

"Still! Aren't you concerned about the fact that neither of us know what we're doing?!"

"It's a little too late for that, Shrimp. You've gotta leave your fear back at the base. There's no time for it on the field."

"You're not necessarily wrong, but gosh, what stupid logic that is! Everyone feels afraid, especially in situations like this."

"Oh, come on. Don't tell me you're scared?"

He couldn't help but smirk, Levy crossing her arms and turning away from his mocking gaze.

"I'm allowed to be worried about what might happen..."

"Where did all that confidence back at the base go, huh? Weren't you the one saying how prepared you were for all this?"

"That was before we got here and I realized just how high the stakes are."

"Well, this is what you trained for, right? You'll be fine as long as you calm down and stick to your bearings."

"You know, you're not so bad sometimes... even if you are the biggest jerk on the planet most of the time."

"Alright, put a sock in it, Shrimp. We've got a mission to complete."

The vehicle soon came to a stop, Gajeel turning off the ignition before dramatically swinging open his car door.

He grabbed the key from the cup holder, quickly pocketing it as he stood up from his seat.

Levy unlocked her door, slowly stepping out as she observed him.

"'Let's not make a scene,' he says, yet he can't help but make an entrance upon arrival. Do you always act like you're the main character?"

"Only when it's my time to shine."

"Well, step out of the spotlight. I'm the one who has to get into the database, Mr. Tech-Isn't-My-Forte. See, I have nicknames, too."

"That was horrible. Let's get this over with so I don't have to hear any more of that garbage."

"It wasn't that bad!" She argued, beginning to take off after her partner as he headed for the building.

Levy caught up, matching Gajeel's pace and keeping at his side.

"There's less security than I thought there'd be, but I'm sure the inside will be crawling with those bastards." He mentioned, glancing around the area for any guards in sight.

As they reached the edge of the back wall, he peered past the corner to catch a glimpse.

There stood a few guards, all armed with a pistol in their utility belts.

They wore headsets, most likely keeping contact with the other guards on the property and relaying any necessary information.

"Not too bad of a situation, by the sight of it... though I've learned my lesson with underestimating security measures. We should try our best to keep as low of a profile as possible. There's still no telling what awaits us inside."

"Should we enter through the back to keep from being detected?"

"As long as we can get inside without getting caught, I'm not so sure it matters."

The blue-haired girl pulled out her cellphone, putting in the passcode.

"This isn't really the best time for one of your girl chats."

"Girl chats? Oh please, Gajeel. You've obviously never been around a woman before."

A chuckle escaped his lips as he couldn't help but laugh at the statement.

"I wouldn't exactly call you a woman, Shrimp. You have the body of a pubescent schoolgirl. What are you doing, then?"

"I managed to find a blueprint of the building's layout after a little digging. It looks like the database with access to all the files is located in the center. No matter where we enter, we'll have to make our way through the building to get to it."

"How do you even get your hands on something like that by yourself? I usually just go through the agency whenever I need that sort of thing."

"I have my ways. It's not all that difficult if you have the proper experience, Gajeel. Believe it or not, there are quite a few things I could teach you."

"Whatever. Let's give it a rain check and get back to the original objective at hand."

"I'm already twenty steps ahead of you. I'm hacking into the security system to disable the alarm. We'll be able to walk right through the back door."

"What happens to your little plan if they have guards posted?"

"Well, I assumed you'd be able to handle yourself if we did end up in that situation. We have weapons for a reason, so make use of them."

"Fair enough."

Levy tapped away on the screen of her cellphone, focused as she worked on their breaking and entering plan.

Meanwhile, Gajeel idled quietly beside her, awaiting the signal from his partner to head inside.

He wasn't quite sure what to do with himself, not being of much help when it came to accessing security programs.

If this was going to be a typical routine, he'd have to find a way to put in an effort, because he couldn't stand the feeling of relying all on his partner, even now.

His foot began to tap impatiently.

"Are you almost done? I'd really like to get this show on the road already."

"Could you maybe try not to rush me? If I mess this up, you can consider this a failed mission. One mistake and those alarms will ring louder than your alarm before six in the morning."

"The faster we get this done, the faster we can report back to the base."

"Hold your horses... or your dragons, or whatever might be making you so impatient. We haven't been found out, so there's no need to be so urgent. I understand that this is your first proper mission since your failure, but the boss will be just as willing to praise you two hours from now."

A beep from the device signaled the clear of the security measures, and Gajeel gazed past the wall one final time to assure the guards hadn't heard.

"Right... let's go." He stated, readying his gun in his hand as he made his way over to the door.

"Don't shoot unless you really need to. Gunshots will just draw even more attention." Levy cautioned.

"I know, I know. Which one of us is the expert on the field here?"

"I'm just making sure you're aware. I don't know how you used to run things without me, but as long as I'm here, we have to be in agreement before pulling anything risky."