not so cryptic
"So, I realized today during you guys's practice," Hiro said at dinner that night, taking advantage of a natural lull in the conversation, "that Rei is the fall guy."
…
Kai had tensed at the word "practice", because that usually forewarned of some deeply unwelcome advice. But he remained tense for another reason entirely, red-violet eyes flashing back and forth between Hiro's face and Rei's face. Hiro's face and Rei's face.
Oh, Rei's expression said. Oh…
I get it…
But Tyson and Max did not, so Hiro continued, the smugness from earlier in the kitchen returning, "I mean, Tyson is the hero. The ace in the sleeve kind of guy—not to give you a big head, little brother. Max is the genius. Kai is—Kai is Kai. And Rei… well, Rei's the fall guy."
They still didn't get it.
Kai closed his eyes. Rei stared at his steak knife.
"Rei loses," Hiro said cheerfully. "Rei loses a lot. If anyone on your team loses, it's Rei. It's like he's the weak link or something."
Tyson and Max… just looked at Hiro, speechless.
Hiro smiled, chewing on a piece of hamburger. "It's that, well, I get it now," he added.
A/N: I once described Rei as my highest reverence. Sometimes I wish the writers had shared the sentiment.