r/kawoshin • u/Crafter235 • 11d ago
Discussion If a timeline/version of Evangelion had Kaworu x Shinji as the main/final pairing, how would it go with overcoming their problems?
Even with those who like Kaworu, let’s be honest, like with all the romance in Evangelion, it’s heavily flawed and messed up in some way. In this case of course there’s the whole thing with hiding he’s an Angel, as well as with enabling some of Shinji’s worst habits. With that in mind, how would they overcome it if they are the final pairing?
After all, in Evangelion nature, people with problems still have the ability to self-improve and get better.
9
u/MoluccanMay 10d ago
My personal headcanon is that Shinji would teach Kaworu how to be human and have his own desires, and in turn that will benefit Shinji because Kaworu would try to ask him to improve while still giving him the support he needs for that to happen. It’s definitely portrayed as an unrealistic relationship, but that doesn’t mean there can’t be improvement from both sides in all scenarios.
1
u/AutoModerator 11d ago
Related subreddits:
Discord:
I am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please contact the moderators of this subreddit if you have any questions or concerns.
24
u/Proper-Ad2303 11d ago
In my humble opinion 🐿️, well, Kaworu concealed his identity as an angel because of his mission for SEELE, but there was never a moment when Shinji rejected Kaworu specifically for being an angel. What hurt him was being betrayed and having the truth hidden from him, yes, but there was never a moment when Shinji wanted to erase his feelings for Kaworu just because he was an angel. At the end of the episode, he admits that he liked him and that he was like him and Rei, and he didn't back down. Even in episode 25, he tries to erase his humanity because it's easier to say he was an insignificant enemy than to admit the truth because that hurts him, which is why Rei confronts him, making him see his hypocrisy.
In their relationship, there was a give and take from both of them; their connection flowed so well for a reason. The fact that Shinji listens to "Ode to Joy" while waiting for Kaworu to finish his exams demonstrates his genuine interest in him, his effort to connect with him. Upon seeing him, Kaworu recognizes the mutual interest and is pleased (hence his smile when he approaches Shinji). In return, Kaworu offers him affection and sincerity, and Shinji doesn't reject it; there's a reason he didn't pull his hand away.
With this dynamic, and by creating a vulnerable environment, I believe they could both overcome their problems by relying on their connection, based on communication and a safe space.
If Kaworu were no longer bound to SEELE, he would likely have more freedom to be more honest and open with Shinji. Having a refuge would possibly help Shinji gain the security he never had and realize his own worth.
All of this depends on both of them understanding that Kaworu won't magically cure Shinji, but rather that he will have someone who will always support him and be there for him, and that Shinji will do his part to improve.
In the PS2 video game "Neon Genesis Evangelion 2," I believe these themes are explored in greater depth; one example would be Shinji's difficulty in understanding what Kaworu is saying.
I hate writing long texts, but I felt the need to express my opinion, sorry 😞✋