DISCLAIMER: I do not own Neon Genesis Evangelion or its associated properties. All copyrights belong to their respective owners.

"Well, Professor," commented Constable Takada affably, "all of your paperwork seems to be in order, and the bail has been posted. Please wait in the reception area. I'll bring Mr. Rokubungi to you."

"Very well, Constable," Kouzou responded flatly. At this point, Kouzou had been at the Police Department for the best part of an hour. The paperwork had been completed promptly, and he had been left to wait around for Takada to return to him. 'A man his size is unlikely to cruise around at the speed of light,' was the most charitable explanation Kouzou could summon for Takada's tardiness. That no apology was received for being detained over this matter longer than promised galled him, even though he had expected it.

The only thing he was grateful for was that he knew what Gendo Rokubungi looked like before they actually met. As good as Kouzou was at hiding his feelings and reactions, the revelation that this man was in his proximity beforehand unnerved him. Equally unnerving was his proximity to, and interest in, Yui.

However, after a moment's thought, Kouzou dismissed the latter concern. 'Yui is far too sensible to regard a drunken waste of space like Rokubungi as anything more than a figure of ridicule,' Kouzou sneered. 'No, the only thing I should wonder is why he chose me to come down here on his behalf. Was he out of options, or...'

At that point, Kouzou saw the familiar figure being led through the doors by Constable Takada. A raven-haired man with a slim build, staring eyes, and a strange, knowing smile. Something about the way this man smiled really irked Kouzou.

But Kouzou bridled his innate hostility, watching with an impassive reaction as Gendo Rokubungi approached him. "Professor Fuyutsuki," he said.

"Mr. Rokubungi," Kouzou replied, his mouth twisting slightly as he noticed the bruising on Gendo's face and the smell of beer from his person. Turning to Takada, who was looking at the forms he'd signed, Kouzou asked: "Constable, are we free to go?"

"Huh, oh yes, Professor," Takada responded absent-mindedly, not taking his eyes off the forms. "Thank you for your time."

"Don't mention it," returned Kouzou gruffly, for once not bothering to conceal his contempt. This didn't seem to register with Takada, however, who continued reading the forms as Kouzou and Gendo made their way out.

Glad as he was to finally be out of the Police Department station, Kouzou was now irritated at the thought of the walk back to the university. His morning had been wasted, he'd left the station thinking that there'd be some form that idiot Takada had overlooked which Kouzou would be called back to fill out - and then there was the man who would be walking back to the university with him.

A man he had heard nothing good about, had not thought highly of on sight, and felt uneasy and hostile towards. Still, Kouzou was stuck with him until they got back to campus, so he decided it'd be best to pass the time conversing. There was an obvious topic to start with.

"Mr. Rokubungi," Kouzou asked Gendo as they stood outside the police station, "why did you ask for me? We have never met. Not properly."

"I heard about you from a certain person," Rokubungi answered, "so I wanted to meet you." Gendo's smile had not wavered, and the way he was looking at Kouzou was the same way a shark would look at its prey. Any fear Kouzou felt at this, however, was outweighed by contempt.

"You're a rather coarse man," Kouzou commented disdainfully, "to get into a drunken brawl."

"There was no time to talk." Rokubungi replied evasively. Both men now started walking away from the station. "They just picked a fight with me."

'Yes, for no reason at all I'm sure.' Kouzou's contempt was growing by the nanosecond.

"I'm not very good at being liked," Rokubungi continued, by way of explanation.

'On that we agree.'

"...but I am used to being treated coldly."

Kouzou considered his words. 'Well, if he's used to being treated coldly, far be it for me to change the record.' Deciding he'd had enough of this conversation already, Kouzou stated with finality: "Well, it's none of my business anyway."

With ill-concealed amusement, Rokubungi commented: "Professor Fuyutsuki, you seem to be exactly the person that I expected you to be."

For some reason, this comment annoyed Kouzou. 'What sort of person did you expect, Rokubungi?' But he sensed that this sort of question was exactly what the drunken troublemaker was trying to provoke, and he wasn't going to engage in his little game.

It was the same reason, Kouzou reflected, that he hadn't bothered to follow up Gendo's earlier comment: "I heard about you from a certain person." Once again, the way this was worded was calculated to provoke a response (not saying who this 'certain person' was, trying to get Kouzou to ask who instead). And again, Kouzou refused to take the bait. Whatever game this was, he didn't want any part of it.

'A drunk, a brawler, and someone who likes playing little games with people,' Kouzou summed up bitterly. 'Even with someone doing him a good turn. He's a real bastard.'

Kouzou resolved not to speak for the remainder of their walk. Instead, he occupied himself with thoughts of the weekend he was looking forward to. Being reunited with Yui, going hiking with her, and being as far from Gendo Rokubungi as humanly possible.

For his part, Gendo didn't attempt any further conversation either. Both men remained silent on the walk back to campus.

To be continued...

Author's notes: The last three chapters have come out in quite rapid succession. I hope that this pace hasn't affected quality. As always, please read and review.

Traitor of All Traitors, I understand your sentiments towards Gendo. But I'd rather not tip my hand on what I have planned for him just yet.