>>3002394Like I said before, Rei obviously has feelings for Shinji just like in NGE and the Manga.
But Shinji has shown no romantic feelings for her just like in NGE and the Manga.
I don't much believe in this mother Shinji theory, but I think Shinji will turn out to be some Eve thing like in ANIMA. The core in UYCTM gave it away.
He wishes to save her in 2.0, and is genuinely interested in her and wants to be her friend, but romance? He never once blushes at her. He blushes at Kaworu every single time he appears.
Furthermore, when he hears Rei is gone and is no longer here, he goes into denial and projects onto Rei Q; but then abandons her in anger too. Never again does he mention Rei. Because he cares more about finding something he did right, he wants to prove Misato and the others are wrong about him, that he did do something right with choosing to save Rei in 2.0, rather than just caring about Rei herself.
That's why when he first sees Rei Q, thinking that it's Rei in the scene where he wakes up in the bed, he doesn't even look happy, or runs up to hug her or anything. He just grimaces that Misato is a liar.
Even when he goes to pull the spears, he says he does it for Kaworu and Misato's sake, Rei has completely disappeared from his mind. Old Rei included.
With Kaworu's death, he burst into frantic tears and depression. There is more reaction here, so I don't know if you can say Shinji cares more about Rei.
And everything from the movie poster (Tanabata stars), the hearts in the back of their Eva, the soundtrack (Kindred Spirits is the name of their theme) all strike a more romantic impression.
Even Tsurumaki confirms it for you with that quote, >"Kaworu has come to take his bride by force!"
I can understand why Reifags are mad about Rei Q because it was a bait and switch for them, but I think Rei will definitely have some role in final as UYCTM emphasizes, but I don't think it will be LRS.
Like the Manga and NGE, it will just be on Rei's side again.
