It really did just pop right into a festive little explosion.

Wow.

But also, damn it.

"I... really thought that would work."

That's terribly disappointing... but not totally discouraging yet. Okay. Well, that's what the backup plate was for, but he'll also need to think of a different angle to attack this problem from. Surely the desired outcome here is contact, right? He sets up the replicator to concoct yet another meal as he pulls the finished one on out and over to the table again.

"Let's try that again."

The plate is presented to Kai, and Shinji's free hand is once again brought to a rest at his back. How about? This??