Who could have imagined that just existing as yourself would have netted you such a safe, cozy outcome? Not Shinji, and probably not Kai, if he had to guess on his behalf.

Those are the kinds of words that really squeeze at his heart, and Shinji presses himself in a little closer. There's a lot of trust being laid on him here, but none of it feels even remotely stifling or heavy to bear. Just warm. Comforting. Like he's done something incredibly right, against all kinds of odds.

He gives a short nod against Kai's neck. He gets it. "Good." He's glad, sincerely. "I'll be right here to remind you whenever you want."