Rewatching canon : Skeptical about ever finding a home

[stehtvorgott]

Nothing is ever gained from not trying at all, Mundane. We only expand ourselves and learn through trial and, if it happens, error. I know it is Lilin instinct to be apprehensive, but you will never truly live by remaining in fear.

........ And yes, I know I missed his birthday. It's... A shame that I wasn't able to give him a happy one.

Comments

[pilotedmymother]

...Right. That was yesterday...

I forgot too...

[stehtvorgott]

It's a shame that one would forget their own coming into the world... Especially when it was as important as yours.

I apologize for not being there.

[pilotedmymother]

It isn't that important.

...You're here now. That's worth something, right?

[stehtvorgott]

It is. Especially to me.

That's true. I should make up for lost time, in that case. [He smiles.] Happy birthday, Shinji Ikari.

[pilotedmymother]

[Shinji doesn't return the smile.]

You can just call me Shinji...Nagisa-kun.

[stehtvorgott]

I apologize if it made you uncomfortable, I just did it for the occasion. Do you not like the formality?

[pilotedmymother]

No. It's not that. It's just...

[He looks away for a moment then looks back.]

We are still friends, aren't we?

[stehtvorgott]

Of course. Why would that have changed?

[pilotedmymother]

Because of what happened. I didn't listen and it was all my fault.

[stehtvorgott]

...

[That smile twitches ever so slightly, eyes darkening just a bit. But it's not a grim look that's directed at Shinji.]

It's not your fault, Shinji. It never was. If anything, it was mine. I underestimated just how far NERV and SEELE would go.

[pilotedmymother]

[Shinji shrinks nonetheless. He hangs his head and tries to just focus on the ground.]

I should have listened. I didn't. I shouldn't have let you take that from me...

[stehtvorgott]

[The look fades and sympathy sets back in. He takes a step closer and reaches out, lightly guiding Shinji so he looks up at him.]

Dwelling on past mistakes doesn't help one create a new path to the future. I told you we would meet again... I didn't break that promise, did I?

[pilotedmymother]

[Shinji doesn't resist. He looks up at Kaworu and stares at him. A small smile spreads across his features and his eyes light up a little.]

You didn't, no. You kept your promise. Thank you...Kaworu-kun.

[stehtvorgott]

[His own smile widens a little as Shinji's expression finally warms, although he shakes his head gently.]

There's no need to thank me for anything. I just wish I could have brought you the future you hoped for... I was too short-sighted. But I'll find another way.

[pilotedmymother]

...No. You've done enough. Really. I don't want you to get hurt again...

[stehtvorgott]

I don't care about being hurt. If it's for you it's all right.