NERV
Checkpoint leading to the underground passage
Rei and Shinji Ikari reached the inspection gate. Rei, who was in front, swiped her Identity Card through the slot, but nothing happened.
Behind her, Shinji Ikari cautiously stepped forward and handed Ayanami a new Identity Card. "Here's your new card, Ayanami. Miss Ritsuko forgot to give it to you yesterday, so she asked me to pass it along."
Rei gave Shinji Ikari an expressionless glance, snatched the Identity Card from his hand, and swiped it through the slot before turning and going inside. She didn't give him so much as a friendly look.
Shinji Ikari froze for a moment, but remembering what he'd done at Rei's home earlier instantly took the wind out of his sails. All he could do was follow her and tentatively try to talk to her, hoping to earn her forgiveness.
Rei: I don't mind at all... Note: Rei's emotions and ability to express herself were impaired; they were limited and lacked any concrete definition.
Moving stairway
Shinji Ikari kept his distance behind Rei. Once the awkward atmosphere became unbearable, he finally broke the silence. "I'm sorry about what happened earlier."
Rei didn't turn around when she heard him. Instead, she asked in confusion, "Why are you apologizing?"
Her question left Shinji Ikari at a loss. He gave an awkward laugh and asked another question. "Um, Ayanami, aren't you scared? Aren't you scared of piloting Neon Genesis Evangelion again?"
Rei still sounded curious. "Why do you ask?"
Shinji Ikari explained, "I heard you were badly hurt in the last experiment. So I wanted to ask if you were scared."
Rei said, "Is that so? I'm fine..."
Shinji Ikari said, "But... we don't know when it'll go out of control again! Maybe... the Angels will kill us."
As far