>>2135936Why does Shinji pilot? Because he wants his father to praise him. Between those episodes he was doing well, and he thought Gendo was glad. Maybe Asuka had some part on it, but I don't think it was the most important. And for Rei and Shinji relationship, well Shinji looked really glad near her in some moments, like in episodes 6, 9, 15 and 22. I think asuka needs a happier and more positive person than Shinji, and I don't see anyone in the series who could be good to her, but I'm sure there are some in their world. And for Shinji, I think he needs a kinder person, like Rei, who needs someone who cares about her, like Shinji.
