In a year or two Rei Hino will meet Usagi and become Sailor Mars and help save the world. But in the here and now she is helpless to save even herself from the agony of her annual birthday dinner with her father…Pre-Dark Kingdom arc. Mixed Manga/Anime canon
Rated: T - Family/Drama - Words: 808 - Rei H./Raye/Sailor Mars, Takashi H./Mr. Hino, Risa H./Mrs. Hino
ALSO! I am currently look for a beta for my upcoming Sailor Moon fics. If anyone might be interested in helping me out I'd really appreciate it!
Since his secretary had fallen ill they'd been left all alone. That was 'highly irregular' as he phrased it. Or rather, as he would have phrased it, if he'd bother to talk to her. Not that Rei minded. She was certainly not about to speak up herself.
The silence stretched on and on.
Rei tried to find the silver lining. Yes, her father's annual visits to her were the low point of her year. Yes, his secretary's absence made this year awkward in addition to just plain painful. Yes, this yearly 'tradition' made her actively dread her birthday. But on the other hand...
Rei sighed, the silver lining having completely eluded her. The noise caused her father's eyes to narrow behind his glasses.
"How are your studies progressing?"
Rei groaned, although only internally. She wasn't about to give him the satisfaction.
"Fine."
His face remained completely still, exempting the tiniest raising of his eyebrow.
"I expect a little more than 'fine' considering what I pay for you to go there."
Rei leaned in ever so slightly.
"It's just wonderful."
His lip formed into a sharp, thin line. A few moments elapsed before he spoke again, as though he'd restrained himself.
"I trust your social life doesn't get in the way of your work?"
Rei almost laughed.
Half the school thought she was a hotheaded, yet inspiring go-getter. The other half thought she was a cold, distant psychic weirdo. Between the two perceptions Rei had at best a handful of acquaintances, but the closest things to friends were her beloved crows.
Realizing how pathetic that sounded she was tempted to lash out. Possibly by taking the ridiculously expensive food in front of her and hurling it in her father's face. Maybe it'd spoil their meal, but the press would certainly eat that up. But she knew in the end that'd jus make life more difficult for her.
"No. It doesn't," she replied curtly.
It might've been her imagination, but she was sure she'd spotted her father's hands tense just a little bit.
"Unlike most girls your age, you won't have to worry about the high school entrance exams."
"Why? Have you pre-paid for me to pass?"
She mentally kicked herself for losing her cool.
"...Because your academy automatically lets you progress."
Rei fought hard to keep her face stoic. She'd known that already of course, but her disdain was getting the better of her.
"I trust you also know the academy offers a college level education too. Have you given any thought as to what subjects you'd like to pursue?"
"Who says I want to continue education after high school?"
This time she was sure her father's hands had tensed.
"You will be attending T.A.'s college courses." His tone was flat and cold.
"I want to be a shrine maiden." Rei's own tone was rather chilly.
They locked eyes, neither breaking their resolve for a full minute. Finally, Rei ended the contest.
"Doesn't your party value tradition? It might not play well with your voters if Takashi Hino's daughter was going to college to study medicine."
She fought down the urge to smirk. Rei didn't need to be psychic to detect the conflict within her father.
It took a few seconds for him to regroup. "Why medicine?"
"Because you need to know about medicine if you want to be a doctor or a nurse."
"Did you not just say you wanted to be a shrine maiden?"
Rei shot him a sarcastic shrug.
"Medicine is my backup plan."
Her father let out a small, very controlled breath from his nostrils.
Robotically, he pressed on. "And why medicine?"
"Well," Rei leaned forwards on the table, lacing her fingers together, deliberately mimicking her father's pose. "I was really impressed and inspired by watching all the doctors and nurses hard at work. They were really nice to be at the hospital. But you probably don't remember that seeing as you never visited me...Or Mom..."
Despite all his experience with the press, her father had been well and truly skewered. Typically that would've made Rei want to punch the air. Unfortunately, her jibe had reminded her of...
She sighed again and prayed her father's secretary wouldn't be unwell next year…
A/N: Just to let you know I am involved in a discord called 'Moonlight Legends' which is dedicated to sharing all sorts of Sailor Moon fanworks, including other fanfics. If you would like to join so you can share your own work, get help with your current projects or just connect to other fan creators shoot me a PM and I'll send you an invite. All are welcome!