Somewhere, deep in his mind, Shinji is also aware that this isn't some kind of rare phenomenon. It doesn't do enough to dispel his worries, but it's enough to keep him from sinking into a frenzied panic or falling apart completely.

His hand tightens slightly around Kai's, his mouth pulling to a thin, tight line as he nods at that last suggestion - that would be an absolutely awful outcome. He shouldn't wake up to nobody at his side, that would be the worst.

"I'll... right." That's a good plan. "Yeah." He can do that.