Obviously this is a totally platonic relationship. No romantic interest in the other party at all. None. Absolutely no possibility of feelings other than friendship between these two. It is plain to see that these close friends have no excessive attachment to each other. There cannot be any...
I mean that's not really being a partner tho. That's just having a guard. If there was a challenge he couldn't handle alone but was able to overcome with help, that would be the feeling of having a partner. *cough* *cough* pigimaru *cough* *cough*