Something about that little rattle to Shinji's breath as he leaned in made Kai feel a touch funny. It was close enough to worry that that's what he was going to call it, but there was something more there. He didn't understand. Even so, he shifted his hand from Shinji's shoulder to rub his palm across his back, as if that might help him breathe easier.

"Y'know," he said softly, a warm tone of amusement in his voice despite his concerns, "you probably shouldn't thank people for kidnapping."