[Shinji could probably count the number of times someone's let him cry like this on one hand-- Kaworu, once or twice, and Rei, on one particularly bad night after a failed sync test and a fight with his father. He hadn't wanted to go back to Misato's apartment, and Rei had taken his hand for a brief moment, to pull him lightly in her direction. He'd followed her home and cried himself out sitting her tiny kitchen.]

[Haruhi is more verbal than Rei ever was, but the quiet acceptance reminds him of her nonetheless.]

I want... I want to help. I'll tell you anything I know, and... and if I can-- give advice, or... something, I'll do it. I can't fight, though, I won't.

[He pulls out a second tissue to dab at his eyes. Takes a deep breath.]

Is it-- from school, is it just you and Kasanoda-san? I didn't recognize the others...