Chapter 4 Enter Masao

Review of previous chapter: Nana and Sei met for Rei's memorial, but so did Shiori and Takemura. Both Rei and Shiori blamed themselves for Sei's death and Shiori ran off feeling guilty. Nana went to Sei's grave alone. Later they all met up and found Shiori on the roof in a state. Nana pictured Sei's jump from the roof and broke down. She then revealed that neither Shiori nor Rei were responsible for Sei's death and expressed hatred towards them for ruining Sei's memorial.

Kira hadn't seen Rei in a couple of days not since Sei's memorial, and she was worried. She knew that Sei's death affected him greatly, and that he was confused about everything. She wanted to be there for him although she had planned to let him go to be Sei's replacement as a father for the twins and a husband for Nana. She felt Rei's pain and knew she needed to be there for him because Nana had her hands full with the twins, and Shiori was a handful herself. So she knew she was the only one who could be there for Rei, which is why she went over to his house. When she arrived, she found that the door was unlocked, and he was sitting down in the middle of the floor in deep thought. He looked up when he heard her softly call his name. "Rei?"

He frowned. "Kira, what are you doing here?" Didn't you hear what Nana said? My own little sister called me the worst. You should stay away from me."

Kira shook her head. "I'm sure Nana didn't mean it."

Rei shook his head. "You don't know Nana like I do. She never says anything she doesn't mean."

"Then do you still think it was your fault Sei died?" Kira asked.

He shrugged. "I don't know what to believe anymore. I mean I always thought that it was what I said to him that caused his death. But Nana said he already knew about that before I did. She said that it was his loneliness that caused his death. If so, that means it's still my fault because I couldn't protect him from being lonely. But Nana says that I'm not to blame for that either. So …" He sat and shrugged.

"Rei, why did you tell Sei about your father?" Kira asked.

"I did it to hurt him. I wanted Sei to feel hurt." Rei glanced at Kira with an intense expression.

"Why did you want to hurt him?" Kira asked confused.

"Because I hated him." Rei replied.

Kira wanted to gasp, but held it in; she shook her head instead confused. "Why?"

"Because he was so weak. We were always together. I always had to protect him. I was tired. I was tired of him being the weak one. I was tired of having to protect him. I was tired of him being the good and perfect son who always did what the old man told him to do. I was tired of his self-righteous attitude, of him always looking down on me. I couldn't stand how he was always so moral and pure or so I thought." Rei looked down as memories flashed through his mind of him showing Sei proof that their dad was not their real dad.

"What do you think now?" Kira asked.

Rei shook his head. "Everything has changed. I don't know what to believe any more. I thought that I knew Sei, but since Nana arrived I realized that I don't know anything at all. I always thought that Sei and I were so close, but there's a whole other side to Sei that I didn't know. Here I felt that Sei was so close with me that he was suffocating me. It's like we breathed for one another. Yet, he was lonely even with me there. I still think that I'm responsible for his death."

"I don't believe that Rei." Kira said and hugged him.

"Neither do I, so don't be ridiculous." Kira and Rei looked up surprised to see Nana walk through the door.

"Nana, what are you doing here?" Rei asked looking at her.

"I came to apologize for the other day." Nana kneeled on the floor eye-level with Rei and looked into his eyes.

"No need to apologize. You were right." Rei shook his head.

"I know I was right, but I was well out of order. I could have gone about it differently. I was in pain. I was hurting. So I lashed out and took it out on you guys. I wanted you to hurt the same way I was hurting. I shouldn't have done that. I knew better. I could have found another way." Nana sat on the floor by Rei.

Rei shook his head. "It's okay. I understand." Nana reached out to hug him. He at first kept his arms at his side, and then he returned her embrace.

"So do you forgive me, niichan?" Nana asked looking him in the eyes still embracing him.

He relaxed and smiled. "Yes, of course I do. Do you still think I'm the worst?"

Nana relaxed and shook her head. "No, I don't."

He looked at her. "You don't?"

Nana smirked. "Of course not, I know you're the worst. You've been that way since we were kids." Rei looked taken aback. "But you're my big brother, and I love you. So, I wouldn't have you any other way." They looked at each other, laughed, and hugged again.

Kira smiled having witnessed a second touching scene and another side of Rei that he didn't often display.

Rei broke off the hug and looked at Nana in the eyes again. "So, you really don't blame me?" He asked for verification.

Nana shook her head. "No."

"What about Shiori? Are you going to apologize to her? You really hurt her you know." Rei asked.

Nana shrugged. "Frankly, I don't care. That little bratty doe-eyed cow deserved it. You all spoil her too much, and you're not doing her any favors by kowtowing to her like that. Besides I only told her the truth. Sorry if the truth hurts."

Rei shook his head. "But Sei had to care about her a little to have dated her. I mean we even argued about her."

Nana took out an envelope and handed it to Rei. He took a letter out and opened it.

He stopped and looked up at Nana questioningly. "This is Sei's handwriting." She nodded, and he continued to read the letter.

It read:

"My dearest Nana, I hope this letter finds you well. I miss you so much. I'm grateful to get your letters everyday like you promised, but I'm wondering if you're getting my letters since you do not respond to my questions or answer my letters. I'll still write you every day as promised since you write to me. My hope is that one day you'll get my letters and know that I have kept my promise to you, too. I love you so much and miss you so much. Your letters are the highlight of my increasingly dark days. I am lonely without you. I feel that hole in my heart is growing bigger without you by my side. Your letters fill part of the void left by your absence, but it is not the same as having you here.

That is one of the reasons that I have decided to hang out with Shiori. Don't worry. We are not dating although everyone, including her, thinks that we are. I assure you we are not, and that's why I haven't had any physical contact with her, not even holding her hand or touching her. I reserve all physical contact for you. Really, who could compare to your touch after that last night we spent together, which bound us together eternally. To be honest, I don't like her or care for her in any way. I was just hoping that she could distract me from the loneliness that I feel, but only you can do that. She reminds me of that puppy that I gave to you because it was too high maintenance for me to take care of. She even has the same face, eyes, and wears her hair in two ponytails that resembles the puppy's ears."

Rei chuckled when he recalled that he and Sei had had that very conversation when they first saw her. He continued to read.

"Her voice even sounds like the puppy's whine when she talks. So, she indirectly reminds me of you because I think about our puppy when I see her and then think about you. Don't worry. She isn't a replacement for you. I think of her just like I think of the puppy, cute but too much trouble. So just like the puppy, I gave her away. Actually, that is the other reason that I hung out with her, to get back at Rei."

Rei frowned puzzled at that point but continued reading.

"I can tell that Rei is getting more and more annoyed by my presence and is moving further away from me. He forgets that we are twins and that I understand him better than anyone else, except for you. You seem to know both of us better than we know ourselves. I guess that is how you always knew when we were in trouble and took care of us.

I think Rei is starting to hate me because I do everything that our father, our uncle, my mother's husband, tells us to do. He thinks I idolize him and wants to be like our father and looks down on him, but I don't. I'm doing it for you. Everything is for you. I want you to be at my side as my bride. So, I'll do whatever it takes. But I also have to teach Rei a lesson. So, I took up with Shiori and let Rei steal her from me. At least, that is what everyone thinks, but the truth is that I gave her away. I set Rei up so that he would take her. I even argued with Rei for the first time in life about her to make him think I cared, but I don't. I don't care anything for her at all. I only care for you. Even Rei is starting to grow tired of her. He hasn't realized it yet. She's whiny, bratty, petty, selfish, self-centered, spoiled, and high-maintenance, not my type at all. He should have realized that by now, that she is more trouble than I am. Once he finally realizes it, he'll return to me and appreciate that I am less trouble than she is.

I hope you don't think too badly of me for using her like that, but if you met her, you'd understand. You were always practical about such things like that. That's why I love you and miss you so. You're the only one for me. I long to be with you always. Oh, and thank you for the pictures, but I drew some of my own remembering how I like you the best. I've enclosed one. I'll show you the rest when you come to Japan. Take care. I love you with all my heart, even the dark portions. I grow more impatient as each day passes. Hope to see you soon. Kashino Sei

P.S. Your kanji is improving."

Rei looked up at Nana with one eyebrow arched and handed her back the envelope and letter. "Pictures?"

Nana hit him on his head playfully. "That's all you got from reading the letter?"

He smiled. "No, but I want to see how Sei best remembers you." Then he turned serious. "So, you weren't exaggerating were you?" Nana shook her head. "Shiori will be devastated."

Nana shrugged. "Well at least she won't blame herself for Sei's death anymore, and neither should you."

He nodded. Kira smiled. "See Rei, I knew you weren't responsible." Rei hugged Kira.

"Oh, yes, one more thing." Nana began. "I have a favor to ask you."

"I knew it. So that's why you really came over to get something out of me." Rei teased.

"No, that's not it, but forget it. I don't need anything from you." Nana feigned anger, got up, and turned toward the door to leave.

"Okay, okay," Rei got up and grabbed her shoulder to stop her. "I was just playing. Please ask me. You know I'll do almost anything for you."

Nana smiled. "Good, can you pose for a family portrait for me? I asked Kira to paint a picture of me, the twins, and Sei. I just need you to stand in for Sei. We'll use your outline, but she'll paint in Sei's face from a picture. It's the only way I'll have some type of portrait with all of us together."

Rei frowned. "Why don't you just use me? Sei and I look just a like. No one will be able to tell the difference." Rei paused stroking his chin. "On second thought, I'm definitely better looking than Sei and way more cool." He struck a pose smiling.

"Anyone who knows and loves you two can easily tell you two apart, and for the record, Sei is ten times more handsome than you are." Nana stuck out her tongue at him. "That's why I know that Shiori couldn't possibly have loved either of you if she couldn't tell the difference between you and got confused."

Rei thought for a moment and agreed. "Okay, I'll do it. I'll stand in for Sei."

Nana hugged Rei and pecked him on the cheek. "Yay, thank you big brother, I knew you would do it. I can't tell you how much this means to me."

Kira watched the two thinking that Rei should not only act as stand in for Sei in the picture but permanently. Nana turned and noted Kira's thoughtful expression. She went over and hugged Kira.

"And thank you for letting me borrow Rei for this just this one time." Nana told Kira. Kira nodded. "Okay, if you two aren't busy, then do you want to join me and the twins to get some ice cream?"

Rei looked at Kira, who nodded, and then he gestured. "After you, ladies." When he got in the car, he asked a question. "By the way, when did you and Kira become so friendly that you asked her for a favor, and that you two talk?"

Nana hit Rei on the arm. "Shut up. You know I consider her family. It's you that I want to disown at times." She broke out laughing as did Rei and Kira.

Although they laughed light-heartedly as they got into the car waiting for them, their thoughts were more serious.

Nana was thinking. Thank heavens Kira was there for Rei. Without her, there's no way he would remain calm or see reason. They really are suited for each other. Nana smiled at Kira and Rei.

Rei was thinking on the same lines as Nana. I don't know who I am or what to think anymore since Nana arrived. Sei is not the good boy scout that I thought he was. Nana, the tomboy, is now a mother of twins and Sei's wife, my sister-in-law. Nothing is as it seems, except for Kira. She is my one constant. I'm glad she was there for me. He smiled at Kira and held her hand.

Kira looked down and smiled at the contact with Rei but thought about Nana. Nana is good for Rei. She knows what he's thinking. She understands him. They are so much alike. Plus they are good with the twins. If she hadn't brought Sei's letter, Rei probably would still be blaming himself. It seems that I can't do anything for Rei. By myself, I'm not enough. He needs Nana just as much as she and the twins need him. They should be together. Kira smiled at Nana and the twins.

After eating ice cream they all went their separate ways.

The next day Kira and Rei were walkng and holding hands when Takemura approached them. "Rei, Shiori wants to see you probably for the last time."

Rei looked at Kira who nodded. "Wait for me right here. I will be back soon." Kira nodded and sat down as Takemura led Rei to a nearby café.

Shiori smiled when she saw Rei sit down. "Rei, I'm so glad that we met again. Now that we know neither of us caused Sei's death we don't have to feel guilty about being together. We can pick up where we left off."

Rei smiled. "Shiori, you are cute, and it was fun back then, but do you think we are really suited for each other?"

"If Sei hadn't died, we'd still be together." Shiori protested.

Rei's mind flashed to Sei's letter. "Rei is already starting to grow tired of her." "We don't know that. We probably wouldn't be."

"It's because of that girl, Kira, isn't it? You feel sorry for her. You like her because she reminds you of Sei. But she doesn't really love you. How could she? She wouldn't have given you too me so easily if she really loved you. I would never let Rei go so easily." Shiori huffed.

"That's enough Shiori." Rei spoke seriously.

Back at the park, Kira was sitting alone on a bench watching the little children around her play and draw.

"Kira." She looked up to find Nana waving at her. Nana greeted her with a hug and kiss on the cheek. "What are you doing here by yourself? Where is my no good big brother? Is he off somewhere up to no good?"

Kira shook her head. "He went to go meet with Shiori."

"Shiori? You mean that doe-eyed puppy girl?" Nana rolled her eyes. Kira nodded.

"Where did they go?" Nana asked.

"To a near-by café. What are you doing here, and where are the boys?" Kira asked.

"I had to register for school and the twins for nursery. I wanted them to get used to it so I left them there for a couple of hours." Nana explained. "Look Kira, don't worry about Shiori. You are the one that Rei likes. He likes you a lot, and you are good for him. I'll go get Rei and bring him back, okay?"

Kira shook her head. "No, if Rei wants to find me, I want him to find me on his own."

Nana nodded. "I understand, but believe it or not Rei can sometimes be too caring and understanding. Don't worry okay. I need to find that little brat and clear up some things with her anyway." Nana ran off to the café. She arrived just in time to hear Rei turn Shiori down.

"To me Shiori is like a dream that I can't hope to have and that's all, but I have someone waiting for me who will cry if I don't come back to her. I don't want to make her cry because I don't know what to do to stop her from crying. With you or Sei I would do anything, but I don't know what to do for her." Rei spoke softly.

"So you are only worried about making her cry? Is that really love?" Shiori asked.

"That's the very definition of love, not wanting to see the person you love cry and being there with them when they do cry even when you don't know what to do for them." Nana came up to the table and spoke.

"Nana." Rei looked up surprised.

"Kashino." Nana spoke informally to Rei. "You can go now. I'll take it from here."

Shiori was at the same time angry and anxious at Nana's presence. She began slowly. "Uhm, about Sei, I didn't know about you two, that …"

Nana held up her hand interrupting Shiori. "It's okay. I understand. Besides, we weren't legally married since we were too young, but I meant what I said last time. Sei didn't care for you."

Shiori pouted. "Then why did he start to date me?"

Nana gave a half laugh and took out Sei's letter and handed it to Shiori. Shiori took it out and read it. She put it back saddened. "How do I know that you didn't write this or someone else?"

Nana smirked. "The fact that you don't know Sei's handwriting is proof enough that he didn't care about you enough to even write you one letter. The canvas was not the only media Sei used as an outlet for his creative artistic side, he also used pen and paper."

Shiori sighed in acquiescence. "So who are his two most important people? You and who else, if not Rei?"

Nana contemplated for a short while before she took out a picture and passed it to Shiori. Shiori looked at the picture and gasped. "How … how old are they?"

"Two and a half." Nana replied smiling.

"They're beautiful. Can I meet them someday?" Shiori asked.

Nana was pensive again and then shook her head. "Not until you have matured. Considering your current state, you would only upset them."

Shiori put her head down again. "So, Sei never really liked me then?"

"Nope, not in the slightest." Nana didn't hesitate for a second. "You aren't his type. Actually he hated spoiled, willful, useless, pathetic, whiny, pitiful girls like you the most. Especially those who are attention-seeking drama queens who make everyone worry over them by fainting or pretending they will commit suicide when they don't have the courage to go through with it. He liked strong women who could care for themselves and take care of others and who will overcome their weaknesses when made aware of it and change for the one they love."

Shiori scoffed. "You mean like you?"

"No, I told Sei straight up to take me as I am or leave me. If he wanted me to make changes, he needed to meet me half way and make some changes of his own." Nana said defiantly.

Shiori had her head down. "Then did Rei like me?"

Nana thought before answering. "Probably, but Rei is fond of all women. Now that you have found out the truth, you need to put it behind you and move forward. You need to find someone who either loves you as you are and will coddle you or someone who you want to change yourself for. Anyone as long as it isn't Rei. Good bye."

Nana stood up and left to return to school. She went to the registrar's office to complete her registration for school. Everyone stared at her as she entered the office and stood in line. She ignored all of them except for one lone person staring openly at her. He was tall, and thin with a wiry build. He had an effeminate face and was cute like a girl. She could feel his eyes follow her every move especially when the registrar called out her name.

"Kashino Nana." She walked up to the office lady, handed her the forms, received her receipt and left. As she walked out she stopped when she was parallel to the boy openly staring at her.

"Excuse me, do you have a mirror?" Nana asked him.

He checked his belongings and then shook his head. "No, but you can probably find one in the ladies' restroom."

"Do I have something on my face then?" Nana asked and put her face really close to his and turned at all angles for him to get a better view.

He obliged and perused her face. "No."

"Well, everyone, but in particular you, were staring at me so hard I figured I must have something on my face." Nana gestured. "Or is it that I'm so pretty that you all can't help but to stare?" She gave a fake smile, which faded quickly, and then she left.

He smiled to himself. She's interesting. Kashino huh? I wonder.

A/N: Okay, I'm really sorry that it took me so long to get back to this fanfic, but I had an idea for another one and had to write it and post it while it was in my head. Anyway, I'm sorry about the misleading title since Masao doesn't come into the picture until the end of the story. For everyone who thinks that Nana was brutal with Shiori, well she is supposed to be a female version of Rei. So, it's understandable. Well, I will turn my attention to this fic, especially since I have most of it either outlined or written. Oh yeah, I love Nana. Although she can be cruel and brutally honest, you can tell that she is still a caring person. But she is also a no nonsense type of person. There will not be much angst from her character, but she will cause a lot of it.

Preview of the next chapter: Nana's secrets get revealed, but to who and are they friends or foe?