[ She can almost hear Ritsuko's voice, clipped and matter-of-fact as ever, her explanation of a paralipsis as succinct as a line on a textbook: apophasis, also known as occupatio, that is to say one isn't talking about something by directly mentioning it. To say one doesn't mean to be such-and-such is to call oneself out for being exactly that, all while denying it. The many times she has said, I don't mean to pry, but-- Misato huffs in amusement, letting the link between their minds go in favor of speaking aloud using the Rabadocean's language, a bridge and a wall in one. Something to buffer the difference between them, all while maintaining the distance. ]

You know, when you say it like that, it just means you don't want to be seen as rude, while admitting you are.

[ Her own explanation falls flat, she thinks. Where is her snippy blonde foil when she needs her? Where could she be? ]

But you're right. How could I know? Are you saying it is like falling off a toy horse?