Maybe Shinji's cosmic debt to the universe for screwing up his world wasn't so easily remedied, maybe he was simply not allowed to have a normal world. It's extremely easy to get caught up in these what-ifs, especially with a lack of any clearer explanation. Even if Shinji doesn't know what kinds of troubles are brewing in Kyoko's mind, at least they're on the same boat.

Finally, though, he lets his hand drop away from his eyes, covering up his mouth instead. Tears may be in full display now, but it gives him the means to slip his free hand carefully around Kyoko's back to rest between her shoulders. Sorry, sorry, please forgive him, but he could desperately use an extra lifeline of his own.

"We will," he says, muffled as it is. They'll figure it out. They have to. "We'll... we'll get to where we should be."