Word count: 541 Words.
Fandom: Bishoujo Senshi Sailor Moon (Anime/Manga verse)
Rating: Gee I think anyone can read this. ♥
Character/Genre: Hino Rei/Sailor Mars centric. Character study?

Rei's anger.

Hino Rei wasn't an easy one to please. She'd frown at or ignore you if what you said didn't please her. If what you did say pleased her, you would see a smile grudgingly make it's way unto her face, illuminating it with passion and approval. If, however, what you said not only pleased her, but also embarrassed her, you could be certain that she'd pull the good old "I'm mad" act. When Rei acts mad, she's glad, and taunting you, trying to say "I'm glad but won't admit it till you make me."

It was hard for a lot of people to understand this.

In fact, her father was first in line not to.
He would always stare at her, wondering why she would act that way, remembering just how much like her mother she was, remembering the days her mother would drive him crazy.
As a result, he was always afraid to make the first step. To attempt to bridge the gap. He was also too proud to admit this to his daughter, and his daughter was too proud to attempt to change things herself. Both blamed the other. Both were just as stubborn.
...And they both hated and loved each other for it.

Tsukino Usagi, however, had caught on to Rei's habit.
Whether this was through careful analysis or just by being herself, no one could tell. It had confused Rei at first, that someone actually seemed to understand the hidden message and react appropriately.
She could put it down to Usagi's clueless nature all she wanted, it wouldn't change the facts.
Hino Rei had a true friend in Tsukino Usagi. Yes, vapid, immature and lazy Usagi, who would always be there when Rei really needed her support.

And through Tsukino Usagi, she had found other good friends too.

Mizuno Ami, the quiet and understanding figure, who to some would appear meek, but to Rei was infused with a calculated calmness she envied and admired.
Kino Makoto, the boisterous yet caring tomboy of the group: don't be fooled, she's as caring and protective as an elder sibling behind that rough exterior.
Aino Minako, the beautiful leader, who somehow managed to combine elegance and fun. Rei soon found that she was someone she could look up to, someone who would give back as much as she got, and turn it into a game.

There were others too, some more eccentric than others. Chiba Mamoru, Usagi's darling and trustworthy boyfriend. Luna, the talking cat. Artemis, another talking cat, who was less bossy then his female consort, thank goodness. There was also Chibi-Usagi, with her snarky come backs and charming Tenoh Haruka, with mysterious Kaioh Michiru... And many more...

Thanks to all of them, Rei no longer had to hold back on her embarrassment, hide her fake anger so as not to be set aside as some freak. She could be herself, and she loved them all for that.

So it was no wonder that hurting Usagi not only displeased her, but thoroughly annoyed her. She wouldn't ignore you then. She'd show you what the true meaning of anger and pain was.

The Youma would wish they never had to see Rei's fury ever again.
She was very happy to oblige.

FIN.