Gorgeous.

My biggest issue with this is that it's not longer. Not just in a "I wish there were more chapters" kinda way, but also in a "I wish we spent more time in the chapters we got". And also not in a like a cheeky, "this is so good i want more" way, but in a "this story would've really done well as a long slow burn" kinda way. I think exploration of depression and climbing out of depression stories work the best when we get to see that getting out of that state of mind takes work and can take awhile, and while not done poorly, I think spending more time with Rei and Shinji especially in the beginning and as she started to make progress in coming out of her shell would've really given the story an extra boost in effectiveness.

That all said, this story definitely earned a spot as one of my favorite LRS stories. The characterization was solid and believably started off like their canon selves and grew in ways that perfectly made sense. I liked the little elements that show that you really understood the characters in a way that I find unfortunately lacking in a lot of other Eva fans (a minor one, but one that stood out to me was you remembering that Rei hates the color red). And while the pacing could be a bit off at times (I would've also preferred less "these developments happened between these scenes" and instead getting to see those developments, like Rei first finding and trying her hand at humor. Not that we didn't get those, but still), when it hit well, it hit well (I really liked the build up to Shinji finally admitting he loves Rei). Also I wanted to mention that as someone who does talk to a therapist, the scenes with Shinji and Samuels felt very authentic and familiar and I think those scenes helped me process some stuff I've been kinda going through lately.

In general as well, this story definitely comes closest to the type of LRS stories I really wish there were more of: solidly characterized, low stakes stories of just Shinji and Rei caring about one another and helping each other grow. So kudos to you, Mr Funvince. No idea if you still read these, but if you do, thanks for sharing this with us.

Nice chapter. Socially awkward Rei is quite funny. But considering that she is often seen with a book in the show, a library is one of the few things from "normal" world she knows

Interesting premise, and not often seen in NGE
And I like to read stories where interesting "What If" is analyzed

rather short i expected longer i want more and continue this its to good to end just like that would also like maya deep apologising to rei and shinji and a recovered maya now she became her self again. and rei shinji more close rmore and more and then marry eventually when they became abve the age of 16 or 18 depending on the province

I dont know if you're read this comment, but i has to say: i read this fanfiction when i has 15 years old and i loved, today i has 20 and this feling never desapared, this is my favourite fanfiction of Evangelion, when i read this for firs time i couldn't speak english, i read using the google translation and never was able to express my opinion, for that i can say it today

Hands down, one of the best Eva fics I've read. It's short, sweet, and packs a syrup-flavored punch to the feels. Kudos to you, good author, you've written an underrated gem.

Bro creo que se me salió una lágrima :')

Ah this was really lovely and sweet. Thank you!

Having just read this for the first time, I am thoroughly impressed with how you addressed a number of issues throughout the narrative. I also did not see the twist with Maya coming.

After reading too many toxic Asuka and 'eww Rei is his sister' fics, I thank you for making this gem. You made Asuke bearable and actually likeable (the only other Asuke I liked is from MFE). You succinctly displayed her faults yet didn't bash her. It was great.

Rei... I'm glad of her development. Developing dry humor was the best, even if she didn't understand. Though it kinda felt too fast that she developed too quickly and her relationship with Shinji to progress, I like your handy explanations of her lack of mental barriers and being a half-Angel.

Misato... was good too. She is the type not to be chained, so going to the Peace Corps was great.

Shinji, of course, was the man. This is a dream of mine to finally see him be confident, and I'm glad he does so spectacularly, particularly in reeling his reflexive depressive thoughts to positivity. Argh if only he can speak his mind against Gendo...

Your OC doctor was good. I like him. It does remind me of the real world problem of Japan not putting more emphasis on mental health care despite being a 1st world country with overworked, depressed, and suicidal employees.

Anyway. Thanks for writing. This fic... is so refreshing after all the angst of a lot of fanfics and harem hijinks.

I not speak much english but i need expresh this is the best fanfiction of Evangelion whit i read in spanish or english, congratulation you create same legendary.
Apologi for my english.

Don’t know how many times I have read this but I still love this story.

This is really beautiful. You did a great job with showing two people trying to put their lives back together.

10/10 would read again.

I love the story. Thanks so much for writing. Btw, can't stop feeling that the brain doc was Gendo, lol.