DISCLAIMER: I do not own Neon Genesis Evangelion or its associated properties. All copyrights belong to their respective owners.
"Good morning, Professor Fuyutsuki. How are you today?"
"Good morning, Ms. Ikari," replied Kouzou to the young woman he had only met a couple of weeks ago, and who now served as his intern. "I've had my coffee, so I'm as ready for the day ahead as I'll ever be. How are you?"
Giggling in response to the world-weary way her mentor had answered her, Yui answered back with: "It's too early to say, but I've had breakfast so all is right with the world."
"So far, anyway." Kouzou remarked with a grin. "How is your project coming along?"
"It is...getting there, sir," answered Yui. "I need to run a few more tests to be sure, but I think now that all of the correct molecules have been identified now to apply the electrical charges to."
"You're taking account of how those molecules will affect the Nefesh?" Kouzou queried, referring to that lowest part of the soul which exists at birth and which is linked to instinctual cravings - which seemed ironic to him as he carefully studied the pretty face of his young intern.
"Yes," replied Yui. "If that can be overcome, it will be an important first step towards confirming my thesis."
"Very good," Kouzou returned. "Well, I won't detain you. I have that lecture on the origins of life to prepare for this afternoon, so I'll leave you to your tests for now and we can catch up at break."
"Erm...Professor, there is something I wanted to ask you."
Kouzou looked intently at the young woman, and internally squashed any hopeful expectations as to what her query would be. "Yes, Ms. Ikari, what is it?"
"Would it be alright if I attended this lecture?"
That was a query that Kouzou was not expecting. And while he was expecting to be disappointed in his hopes, this particular query startled him.
"Well," he began, somewhat flustered. "I suppose there's no reason why you cannot sit in, but why would you want to? It covers material you know better than you know the back of your hand."
"True," Yui replied with an impish smirk. "But there is nothing wrong with reviewing the basics. Besides, I've never actually heard you lecture before, and I would like to see the master in action."
Those last few words had Kouzou's mind galloping at a mile a minute, but as always his external bearing showed nothing of the storms raging within. He allowed himself a shy smile in response to Yui's comments - despite her deference to him, she had become comfortable enough in his presence to engage in banter with him and even tease him.
He'd surprised her, and to some extent himself, by displaying a willingness and an ability to fire back at her. While neither one forgot who was the professor and who was the student, nor the responsibilities that those roles entailed, the two had become fast friends.
She remained oblivious to his feelings for her, of course. But despite his practiced stoicism, it was proving difficult for him to conceal this from her. During that initial meeting, the strength of feeling he'd experienced had been enough for him to admonish himself not to abuse his position for his own satisfaction - a reproach no-one would ever have thought to make to him, and which he was surprised he had made to himself when reflecting on his first encounter with Yui.
Whatever else Kouzou Fuyutsuki was, he wasn't the sort of man to force himself on an unwilling woman. Nor was he the sort of man to use his academic position to browbeat a student into satisfying his desires. When he'd issued himself that warning, he was thinking of what he should have said to various colleagues over the years.
'Fools,' he thought contemptuously. His mind ranged over the various academics who'd 'befriended' various female students who caught their eye, and the consequences they suffered from going too far. Whether it was social embarrassment, suffered due to their inept attempts to ingratiate themselves with these female students, or legal consequences from stalking them, harassing them or worse, the lesson he'd drawn from his observations was clear - faculty getting involved with students can only lead to disaster.
That was why, despite his feelings, he'd no intention of attempting to involve himself romantically with Yui. But those feelings were getting stronger. After the first meeting, he'd hoped that it was just a foolish crush that would disappear in time. And the more familiar they became with each other, the more they would realize how little they had in common - an outcome he assumed would be the case, given the age difference between them.
In fact, as they worked together and got to know one another, he found that they shared more than a passion for their research. Both liked hiking, enjoyed listening to Beethoven, and were competitive shogi players - it was 2-1 to him so far. Moreover, they enjoyed each other's company. They could make each other laugh. His world-weary cynicism elicited her mirth, while her polite teasing made him smile.
He'd only grown more fond of her, and his feelings for her were strengthening. But he was adamant that he wouldn't act on this. That said, he found that he couldn't refuse her when she requested something of him, which she was doing now.
"If you wish to attend, Ms. Ikari, then please be my guest."
"Thank you, Professor Fuyutsuki," Yui beamed gratefully.
'That's right,' thought Kouzou grimly. 'It must be 'Ms. Ikari' and 'Professor Fuyutsuki.' The formality helps maintain the necessary distance.'
As he watched the beautiful young woman return to her lab station, his train of thought chugged on cruelly:
'Necessary, but painful nonetheless. Not nearly as painful as being without her would be, though.'
To be continued...
Author's notes: The first two chapters had been pushed out and required more editing, so please feel free to look over them again if needs be. I've been able to get these initial chapters out in close succession simply because I had this idea brewing for a while. Any feedback is appreciated, and thanks to those who have provided me with some thus far.
James Birdsong, there's more than three chapters now for your reading pleasure.