"Yui."

"Hm?" She really wasn't paying close attention to him.

"I'm... I'm thinking about dropping out."

That quickly got her attention. "What? Why?"

"Because there's nothing there. This job is enough money and experience that a piece of paper could never match it. I don't need to be there any longer."

She stared. "I'd say you were insane, but I know you're not. Where did you get such a... crazy idea?" It was almost a betrayal. All the work they'd done together, and then Gendo just deciding to bail out. "I don't believe this."

"I never really was cut out for college. It's just coming to terms with the fact..."

"That you're running away." Yui shook her head. "I can't believe this. I can't believe you'd do this to me."

"I'm not doing anything to you. I'm just saving myself time, money, and a lot of hassle. Besides, I thought you only had one semester to go, so what are you complaining about?"

"When it comes to personal relationships, you're almost a complete failure. You really have no clue..." Yui sighed. "Fine. Drop out. It's not really my business anyway."

Being completely open and truthful while not doing everything for her was harder than Gendo had anticipated. He'd have to prepare for her reaction differently next time. As it was, he had nothing meaningful to say in response. "It just... seemed to make sense."

"Not to me," she said indignantly.

"So you'd be embarrassed of me?"

"No, I wouldn't be. The paper isn't a testament to your intelligence, but to your... commitment, dedication. It says something about your character."

"Nothing I care about. Besides, people don't seem to like me, no matter what paper I have in my hand."

Yui looked up at him. "That's because you need to shave."

Gendo scratched his chin. "Really? I was thinking of growing it out."

"Not if I have a say in it. I don't want you looking like some rodents nested on your face."

"Woman, you are so picky. When do you stop?"

Yui grinned. "Never." She took hold of his hand and led him to the bathroom. "Come on. If you won't, I will."

"You think I'd willingly allow you to put a razor to my skin?" Gendo asked, but followed her anyway.

"I think if you were properly motivated..." She smiled back at him, a look that was at once haunting and intriguing.

"Really, this isn't a good idea. I can't work if I'm missing half my face."

"Trust me. I have to sleep next to you; I don't want to wake up to you bleeding all over." Finally, she forced him to sit on the edge of the tub. "Just hold still and you'll barely know it's even happening," she promised, still smiling.

Seeing him stay seated, Yui turned on the hot water and stopped the drain. Running a washcloth under the water first, she wetted Gendo's face with it. "Not too hot, is it?"

Gendo shook his head, entranced by the sight of Yui doing this chore that had annoyed him for so long.

"Good," she said and turned her back to him. She shut off the water, smiling faintly at the fogged mirror, and mixed the lather.

"Wh... what's my incentive?" Gendo finally choked out.

"You'll just have to wait and see when we're done, when your skin is smooth enough to rub... Well, who knows?"

Yui was an expert, almost too good, at teasing. If Gendo had been thinking about walking out, he no longer was. He watched her closely as she stood in front of him, the cup and brush in her hands. "Face only," he warned.