SIMON ILLYAN CAN'T UNSEE THINGS sounds like it should be the title of a fic challenge.

But yes!

At some point Illyan starts attending some of the comedy club's live shows, and apparently completely sincerely (???) complimenting them on their work. They continue to freak out. Simon smiles mysteriously. Aral grins and him and congratulates him on finally discovering the joys of quietly subverting the government he himself runs. :D