Anyway you look at it, Shinji, it was Kai doing the screw ups here. Even if he had a lot of good intentions, that didn't mean he hadn't just made a mess. Maybe it wasn't the kind that really had a solid place to saddle the blame, but Kai'd really prefer it get hoisted on him. He could shoulder his own choices.

Those gentle hands wrapping around his were still a comfort though. Being ready to face whatever happened didn't mean he wasn't starting to freak out a little bit.

He let out a slow breath, turning his head to rest his forehead against Shinji's hair. "You'll always be home, Shinji. Whatever happens, 'm gonna come back to you every time. I won't go anywhere you can't reach."