keyofnik: Episode, I want to kiss you on the mouth. Point One: Rei’s self-talk. “I can do this, I’m good, I’ll be okay, no problem, I’m totally fine, go for it Rei-chan, Rei-chan’s the best.” Which we’ve never concretely heard her do before, but you bet your ass this happens every single time she has to psyche herself up for something. Not only did Rei completely visualize how her “bumping” into Mamoru would go, but she’s got several seconds where she just stands there with an intense look on her face, and you know that was a moment filled with “I will do this, I will get my date, I’m going to be flawless and perfect and he won’t be able to resist me!” I will never, ever stop loving how Rei has to work at the perfect her she wants everyone to see. Which brings us to Point Two: My God, Maybe Rei Learned Something. For once — for one blessed moment — REI HINO ADMITTED SHE CANNOT DO SOMETHING. This is huge. HUGE. I was just talking about how much Rei was looking to impress Usagi, and pretty much this entire scene has been about how Rei has to be reliable, and counted-on, and the problem solver. If you know anything about Rei you know how stubborn and determined she is, and how she just doesn’t give up on shit. But here? She tried, she really did, but oh hell no, she is going to kill herself, and no thank you. Not too long ago, she would’ve just tried anyway. Falling would be better than admitting defeat to herself, and DYING would be preferable to confessing her imperfection to someone else. Now she can step back from all that intensity and pumping herself up and say, with a laugh, “Yeah, sorry, no way.” Rei, you have come so far, and I adore you so very much.
