Omake Chapter 1-C: Shinji

[Bean Bandit]

Rei seemed untroubled by Shinji's roundabout route, outside of being slightly confused by his manner, and apparent calm...

[Shukuen]

"Is there a problem, Ayanami?" Shukuen asked concernly, quirking his head slightly as he regarded the confused girl following him.

[Bean Bandit]

"Are you well, Ikari-kun?" she asked, after a long pause, eyeing him curiously.

[Shukuen]

"Hmm... I guess that depends," Shukuen answered honestly, imitating the same irritating smile of a certain mazoku.

[Bean Bandit]

Rei seemed nonplussed by his reply. "On what?" she asked softly.

[Shukuen]

"On what you already know." Shukuen shrugged, his smile returning to normal since it seemed Rei was unaffected. "Or what you really want to know."

[Bean Bandit]

Rei gave Shinji a confused look. "Your well being depends on what I am aware of?"

[Shukuen]

"Of course," Shukuen grinned sheepishly. "After all, why should I tell you something that you already know?"

[Bean Bandit]

Rei paused, as though trying to puzzle out his answer. She inclined her head.

"How would I be aware of your condition?"

[Shukuen]

"Come now, Ayanami. I know you're more observant than this," Shukuen winked, smiling cheerfully again. "You should have half the pieces. It all depends now on how well you can fit them."

[Bean Bandit]

Rei simply stared, thouroughly confused. She fell back on her normal method of reacting to things she didn't understand.

"..."

[Shukuen]

Shukuen blinked in return, silent when it seemed his hints were going over Rei's head. "O-kay... well, don't worry too much, Ayanami," he said reassuringly. "The answer will pop up sooner or later. It's in genre after all."

[Bean Bandit]

Rei blink-blinked in response, seemed more confused than before.

"Genre...?"

[Shukuen]

Shukuen just smiled, telling Rei to just forget it for now, and continued on their merrily way to Misato's apartment.

[Bean Bandit]

Rei blinked and did so, saying nothing...she followed Shinji silently as she left the park, her expression drifting back to normal as they once again returned to the street...