Chapter 50: Goodbye Nii-san

DISCLAIMER: I do not own Skip Beat, for if I did, Fuwa's parents would have raised Kyoko as their own.

Koki sat across the Okami of the Fuwa Ryokan sipping his tea. She stared at him with not a single ounce of emotion showing through her professional mask. He had just disclosed to her that he was a reporter from a popular tabloid magazine in Tokyo seeking the truth. If she wasn't willing to help clear the misconception between her son and his childhood friend, he would have no choice but to continue with his train of thought using the information he gathered from their middle school and the local high school hangout. He sat there biding his time as she mulled over his questions.

Yayoi's mind was churning at the stupidity of her son. She thought that this was all behind them after visiting them in Tokyo. She had no idea why that stupid son of hers thought they were grooming Kyoko to marry him. The idiot had the nerve to tell some of his peers that she was the family maid. She was embarrassed that the fruit of her loins turned out to be so conceited. She blamed herself for overindulging her only child. She had a complication during the delivery of Shotaro. The doctor had informed her that she could bear no more children so she and her husband showered the boy with unwavering love and affection.

Yayoi was happy when Kyoko came into their lives. Often, she wondered why Kyoko couldn't have been her biological child. She was the daughter she never had. Kyoko was beautiful, responsible, kind, and intelligent to name a few of her redeeming traits. The girl didn't have a single selfish bone in her body, thinking of others before herself. Yayoi had enjoyed passing on her wisdom of the traditional Japanese woman down to her. Maybe there was a smidgen of hope in the back of her mind that Kyoko would become her real daughter through marriage with her son, but it would have been weird. They were, after all, raised like siblings.

Kyoko worked hard to not be a burden. The girl probably worried that she would be sent away if she misbehaved in some way. That thought had made Yayoi sad but no matter what they did to show her equal treatment as their son, the girl refused to be selfish. Kyoko's behavior towards Shotaro reflected the way Yayoi treated him. Even though Kyoko thought of him as her Prince, the innocent girl didn't realize that her love for him wasn't the romantic kind shared between a man and a woman, but the filial love one has for a brother. She was still young so Yayoi assumed she would eventually grow out of it.

Unfortunately, Kyoko figured it out thanks to the cruelty of her son. Yayoi was proud of what the young girl had accomplished for herself in Tokyo. She managed to turn a hopeless situation into a rewarding one. She even seemed to have found her true Prince. Her running away was the only and most selfish thing Kyoko had ever done. If it wasn't for Shotaro checking in now and again she would have worried to death. It wasn't until Shotaro finally admitted that Kyoko had left on her own accord that Yayoi decided it was time to call Saena. Since the police had not shown up, they figured the girl was fine. It wasn't until Saena was contacted by the President of LME that Yayoi could breathe easier. Now this man was sitting in front of her ready to ruin everything. If only he had shown up a day earlier, she would have had Saena and her friend's legal knowledge to help with how to proceed in this situation. Since it was her responsibility, her hackles were raised, no one was messing with her babies.

The lights in the theater flashed indicating for everyone to take their seats. Director Konoe made his way to the front and was handed a microphone. He stood for a minute as he waited for the applause to die down before speaking.

"I just want to take a moment to thank everyone for coming and showing your interest in this film. I see a lot of familiar faces from the industry. Many I have worked with and many I would like to work with in the future," he said the last part looking directly at the Heel siblings. "I would also like to thank the cast and crew of this project. Your skills and talents allowed me to execute my vision and make this movie successful. Thank you all for your professionalism and dedication." He paused as the theater erupted with applause and cheering. When it finally died down he continued, "Now without further ado, I present to you, Tragic Marker."

The theater grew dark as the foreboding music began. When the entrance credits were over, the screen went black for a few moments, plunging the audience into darkness. The quiet was filled with plenty of gasps, a few screams, and nervous chuckling. Setsu thought that perhaps there was a technical problem as people began to murmur similar thoughts. Finally, the screen came alive with what looked like CCTV footage, captured by security cameras, of people working in an office. A black shadow is seen darting around the room slashing each person before they even had time to register what was happening to them.

Blood splattered against the camera's lens. The shadow disappeared from view, but the footage showed the bloodbath left in its wake. Suddenly demonic eyes pop into the frame, eliciting screams from the audience. When the eyes came away from the camera a message was written on the ground with the victims' blood, Jack is still here. The movie shifted to Detective Koji, Taira's character, investigating the crime scene with the forensics team. He was a kid the last time this killer struck, he vowed that he would finish him once and for all.

Setsu struggled to keep Kyoko in check. She didn't twitch or scream as she wanted to but kept a death grip on her brother. She looked up at Cain to see a trance-like look in his eyes as he watched himself on the big screen. She frowned with worry and slipped her hand in his giving it a reassuring squeeze. It was a good sign that they weren't as cold as ice. He turned his gaze on her and smiled, picking up her hand to kiss the back of it. She returned his smile, relieved, and laid her head on his shoulder. He was doing fine. She watched the rest of the movie with relative ease and was glad for the opportunity to work with him. The experience she gained from observing her brother, the other actors, and the director's work was monumental for a newbie like herself.

The film progressed in a tense fashion. The audience would find that amongst the gore and action, Director Konoe managed to create a "mind fucking" masterpiece. The fact that her brother's character had no speaking lines made BJ ten times more disturbing. It was interesting to watch the victims try to reason with the wraith. They begged to be spared, stating they had family as if that would appeal to their cause. BJ, unfortunately, did not discriminate.

Setsu's lips twitched whenever someone in the audience screamed at a particular jarring part. Is someone crying? Setsu looked around curiously since the whimpering sounded nearby. She found the source easily. Manaka had her face buried in Taira's chest. Hang in there Manaka-san, inner Kyoko shouted. Setsu had noticed that some people left the theater midway. The movie proved to be too much, as Director Konoe put it, for the faint of heart. The ending left everyone stunned including Setsu. It seemed Director Konoe included yet another little twist to the movie, setting it up for a possible sequel.

The theater was silent while Setsu fought Kyoko's need to squirm in her seat. She had never been to a movie premiere so she wasn't sure what kind of reaction was expected afterward; however, as soon as the ending credits rolled a wave of thunderous applause rang out. Setsu took note that Cain Heel's name was featured as the actor for BJ. She hugged and kissed her brother on his cheek proudly. "Congratulations, nii-san! You were superb! I think I'll have nightmares for three years after watching you work. I'm looking forward to you hunting me down in my dreams."

Ren felt the rush of relief when Kyoko hugged him without hesitation. He had been worried that she would truly view him as a monster after watching him play this role. She wasn't afraid of him, right?

"Am I a monster?" He asked softly into her ear.

She pulled back and searched his eyes. Kuon stared back at her with insecurity blazing in his blue-contacted orbs. Her heart went out to him. He was so good and so brave. She hated that he thought of himself as otherwise because of his past behavior. He had put himself in a precarious position to grow as an actor and as a person. He opened past wounds to face his demons. He wasn't a demon, to her, he was a slayer.

She smiled running her fingers through his tousled hair. "Never! You're my overprotective, scatterbrained older brother, someone that loves me unconditionally. So you can't be that bad. I love you and I'm proud of you." She declared, moving her hand to sweep back the hair that fell over his eyes. She leaned up to kiss him but the loud sound of someone clearing their throat distracted her.

She was an inch away from touching his lips when the two of them turned in the direction of the annoying sound. Director Konoe stood over them along with a few others, including Manaka and Taira. Konoe bristled with fear for the first time since he was now a direct recipient of Setsu's deadly glare. Her unspoken words reverberated in his ears, how dare you interrupt my lovey-dovey time with my, nii-san. I will make you suffer.

"Forgive me Setsuka-chan. There are a couple of people I would like Heel-san to meet," he explained in a trembling voice. He thought people were exaggerating when they told him that she was just as scary as her older brother. He didn't expect any less from the actress that starred as Mio.

Setsu leaned back in her seat and folded her arms. "Fine, go to work, nii-san," she said dismissively. Cain kissed her on the forehead before he stood, making Taira groan with disgust. The deadly look Cain flashed made him swallow whatever retort the other actor had planned to say.

"If you head through those doors, Setsuka-chan, the adjoining banquet hall has been set up for the after-party. You can get some refreshments in there," Konoe told her as he pointed off to the right where many familiar faces from the set were heading.

Cain began to argue that she remained with him, but Setsu stood abruptly. "I'll be fine, nii-san. Just don't leave me alone too long. You know what kind of mischief I can get into when I'm bored," she warned and headed off in the direction Konoe had pointed, seductively swaying her hips.

She left them all gaping, including Manaka. It was the hamster's voice that broke the spell the men were under. "She's my idol. Sexy and bad fucking ass!"

The men turned toward the usually meek girl, stunned by her outburst. "What?" The young actress shrugged.

"Let's get this over with Director, for your sake, I shouldn't keep my sister waiting," Cain glowered, irritated that everyone was looking at his woman including other women.

Setsu walked through the double doors and followed the crowd down the elegant hallway. There was a line when she came through the adjoining doorway. Four men and a woman were conducting thorough security. They had erected a scanning machine similar to the ones used at the airports. It turned out guests had to check in all mobile devices and their persons scanned for any hidden cameras or recording devices. Setsu didn't even question it. She assumed this was all part of the process for such an event. When it was her turn, she handed over the fake ID the president had made for her to run it against the guestlist. They rummaged through her clutch and confiscated her phone, tagged it, and gave her the other half so she could claim it on her way out. Her next step was the metal detector.

"Bloody hell!" She cursed as the machine beeped on her. Setsu fumed as the security officer waved the wand over her and discovered her studded heels were the culprit. At least she wasn't the only one having a hard time with the machines; thanks to the price of fashion. Setsu snatched her shoes off the conveyor belt, miffed by the whole situation. Before she could move on, she had to sign a form. What is with all this security? They didn't do this at the Awards ceremony! She made a beeline for the bar, opting to ignore anyone greeting her for a drink to improve her mood.

Now that she was at the bar, Setsu was conflicted since she was still underage. She racked her brain for an adult beverage that wouldn't make her seem so juvenile. All she could think of was Sake or Ren's drink of choice.

"What will you have?" The friendly bartender greeted. Inner Kyoko's eyes bulged but Setsu kept up her aloof attitude. She knew, appearance-wise, Setsu did come across older, but was it this easy to be served alcohol.

Setsu flashed him a sly smile and slipped onto the nearest barstool, crossing her long lean leg over the other. "I'll have a cognac on the rocks," she answered confidently and waited for the request for identification.

"You got it," he winked and proceeded to make her drink. The bartender placed the drink in front of her and moved on to another guest. Setsu glanced around to make sure no one was watching her break the law. The liquid was cool when it touched her lips. Inner Kyoko almost fainted as she swallowed a tiny sip. The alcohol content had to be higher than the Sake the Okami let her drink on occasion. That drink seemed like water in comparison since she could only manage small sips.

An extra in the movie sauntered up to the bar next to her and ordered a drink. He used this opportunity to strike up a conversation with her while he waited. Setsu paid no attention to him as he droned on and bragged about the minuscule part he had played. "So what did you think about it Setsuka-san?" he asked, attempting to engage her in his one-sided conversation.

Setsu pretended not to hear him and took another sip of her drink, but more than she intended. How can Kuon drink this without getting drunk? She took another sip, then pushed it away from her.

"Is that drink not to your liking? Would you like me to order you another one? Maybe a margarita would be more enjo-?"

"Get lost prick," Cain snarled from behind them. The man practically pissed himself scrambling away. He turned his attention to his sister when the guy was finally gone. "What did he want?" he asked through clenched teeth.

Setsu shrugged. "Beats me. I think he was mental. The bloke kept talking to himself."

Her unexpected answer caused Cain to laugh out loud. The people around them froze. They had never heard Cain laugh before in all the months they worked together and wondered if the world was coming to an end.

Setsu absentmindedly reached for her discarded drink and took a bigger sip. She grimaced as the liquid scorched a path down her throat.

"How did you get a drink, you're still underage." He took the drink out of her hand and had the pleasure of Setsu calling him a "party pooper."

"I barely drank it, so don't get your knickers in a twist. TSA friggin' security was annoying to get in this damn place. What the hell was that about anyway?" she asked him.

"Don't know. I guess the director has something major planned. Even the food staff had to be thoroughly checked upon entering," He explained with a conspiring grin.

Setsu looked around the room. There were at least a quarter of the people that were in the theater here.

"Why aren't there more people here?" she asked. She didn't see Director Ogata or Koga around.

Cain shrugged. "Guess it depends on how the sponsors want to handle things. Looks like they only invited those associated with the movie."

Setsu's heart raced as he took a swig of her drink. The Japanese considered that an indirect kiss. It was a silly thought but it still made her blush internally even though they've shared much more than that intimately.

Cain drained the contents in the glass all the while looking at his sister from the corner of his eye. His residual anger dissipated when he tasted the drink. It was adorable that she picked the drink he usually had to wind down. He could tell by what was left in the glass that she hardly drank it. It was a good thing he made it back before she could get herself wasted. He nodded to the bartender and ordered two glasses of water.

"Come on, let's move to a table. There are too many people around here. Are you hungry?" he asked holding her close and escorting her through the crowd.

"I'm fine," she replied and tucked into his side. They shouldn't have worried about the people. They easily scrambled out of their way. It was nothing new but people were now avoiding them like the plague. She took her seat on her brother's lap struggling to maintain her Setsu face. She wanted nothing more than to laugh at their reactions.

"Nii-san, I think these people believe that you're BJ incarnate. It's safe to say that you've touched many people with your acting by inflicting fear in their hearts. Your movie is going to break records. I think you might even get the Best Villain Award." She beamed with pride as she caressed his hair. For the next half hour, Setsu had her brother all to herself again. No one dared to interrupt them.

Taira strolled up haughtily to their table. "Heel-san, if you can tear yourself away for a few minutes, they are calling us for the interview."

"I see the lead actor is still playing the gopher. I would think you would be promoted by now," Cain sneered not moving from his comfortable position.

"Whatever," Taira muttered and rolled his eyes. "It's because you're so fucking scary off-screen that no one would get near you. With an attitude like that, you'll get typecast and only be able to do horror roles. Just you watch, I plan on going to Hollywood," Taira argued.

Setsu snorted at Taira's big speech. "Hollywood? Murasame-san, please don't make us laugh. You can't even speak simple English. You'll never leave this rock. My nii-san will make it to Hollywood before you."

Setsu had the pleasure of seeing Taira's face turn red, not from anger, but embarrassment.

Dammit, she's right! Unless there was a Hollywood film that called for a Japanese-speaking action star, he didn't stand a chance. He would die before admitting it in front of this jerk. "Just watch me. I'll take lessons and make my dream come true," he huffed and stomped off in the direction where the interviews would take place.

"I'll make this quick." He kissed her cheek and helped her off him. Setsu covered her mouth to keep from laughing as the crowd parted eagerly to let him through. These people were in for a huge surprise later. She walked to the food tables to kill some time while she waited. Kyoko was salivating at the delicious offerings. She chose a few bite-sized desserts and sauntered over to watch her brother's interview.

Cain nodded to Setsu as she stood against the wall in front of him but behind the cameras holding a plate full of desserts. He was pleased to see her indulging in the food.

"Okay, I think we're all set. We're going live soon. Is everyone ready?" The Fuji TV news host asked with a trembling voice. She cleared her throat. Two out of the three men sitting with her nodded. She needed a shot of tequila. The aura Cain emanated was creeping her out off-screen as well. It was a crying shame because he was dangerously sexy, but how do they expect me to interview such a man on live television? It was no wonder the director insisted they be interviewed together. It should make things easier.

The hostess took several calming breaths and turned to the camera when the tech signaled they were now on-air. "Good evening Japan, this is Mikasa, reporting live at the premiere party for Tragic Marker. Earlier we got our first viewing of the movie. I don't want to give away any spoilers but I have to say that the audience will be shocked by the amazing performances of all the actors and actresses involved. I am joined here tonight with Director Konoe, the mastermind behind the film, Murasame Taira who plays Detective Koji, and the infamous Cain Heel who plays the villain Black Jack."

Director Konoe and Taira politely gave the appropriate responses. Cain, however, just nodded towards her from his laid back position in his seat. Mikasa writhed in with discomfort. Cain's attention drifted to Setsu when she coughed, hiding her laughter.

Cain continued to sit in his relaxed position even though he was fighting against every fiber of his being from going to her. His aura turned menacing as a man, one of the crew members, approached her. To his relief, Setsu ignored him leaving the man no choice but to retreat.

"Heel-san, do you think you can tell us?" Mikasa prodded Cain. He had been too intent on watching Setsu he didn't hear the question

Cain turned his intense blue gaze in her direction, raising the hair on the back of her neck.

"Can you repeat the question, my Japanese is spotty." Taira clucked his tongue beside him but said no more. He could have easily called out Cain on his lie but didn't. Ren respected him for that decision.

"Was portraying BJ particularly hard for you? You had no speaking lines so you could only communicate with the audience through your actions. Trust me I got your message," she said laughing nervously.

Cain shrugged and responded nonchalantly, "Not particularly."

The hostess paused expecting for him to continue answering. It took a few seconds for her to realize that was all he would say.

"Well, a man of few words I see. Perhaps the role was fitting," she joked. Her next question was very general so she addressed all three men. "How was the team dynamics while filming? Did everyone get along well?"

Director Konoe and Taira shifted uneasily while Cain just looked bored. The other two men turned to him expectantly. They wanted to say so much but didn't want to bad mouth the Brit. Cain answered the host, "I didn't succeed in killing anyone."

This response left the hostess baffled. "Director Konoe, would you care to elaborate?"

"Well, yes. What Cain is trying to say is that given the challenging roles they each had to play, there were a few times when strong personalities did collide. As you can see Mikasa-san, we all came out as a team and produced a movie we can be proud of," Konoe added.

Mikasa wanted to know more about that but continued to ask her questions. Whenever there was one directed at Cain specifically, he would respond with short answers exasperating the woman. She eventually gave up on him and started focusing her questions on Director Konoe.

Only half-listening to the reporter, Cain glowered as another man approached Setsu. Is she a damn magnet for pests tonight? He should have made her wear his jacket as a bug repellant. She was way too sexy in that dress. This guy seemed a bit more persistent but Setsu flipped him the bird without even looking at the guy. The man immediately took the hint and left. He heard a snicker coming from Taira making Cain's jaw twitch. Taira could also see her, but there was nothing he could do about it on live TV.

The bimbo reporter was taking too long with her brother. The heated gaze of his eyes on her made the wait more tolerable. She was sure he saw the men brave enough to talk to her and wondered if he was getting jealous. Keeping her eyes on him, she absentmindedly grabbed at the remaining dessert on her plate. A stick of dango was all she had left. She glanced down at her plate and confirmed that he was watching her through her thick false lashes. Smirking to herself, she thought of something fun. She picked up the dessert and brushed it against her lips. Using her little pink appendage, she licked and swirled the flavored ball before sucking it into her mouth. Her eyes fluttered closed as she savored the delicious flavor of the red bean paste.

Cain groaned internally. This is what happens when Setsu gets bored. She was making it "hard" for him to keep his composure in front of the camera. It would not bode well if he pitched a tent before all of Japan. He repeated his usual mantra in his mind, guaranteed to negate his boner: old lady, mom force-feeding him, Yashiro in drag. She was torturing him on purpose. He watched her eat the other two pieces on the stick with a similar fashion then drag her tongue excruciatingly slow over her lips. He heard a small hiss come from his co-star. Cain instantly sat on his dominant hand and bit the inside of his cheek. He hoped that was enough to keep from sinking his fist into the guy's face. Thanks to Taira, Cain's anger managed to replace his lust. He made a mental note to punish her later for being such a tease.

Taira cleared his throat and tugged at his collar when Cain caught him staring at his sister. Could anyone blame him? Why did he let her come out in that dress anyway? It attracted too many bees wanting to get at her sweet nectar. They didn't care that the beautiful rose came with deadly thorns.

"Director Konoe, we're curious. We've all done our research on Heel-san and have come up short. Where on earth did you find him?"

"Mikasa-san you ask an excellent question that requires a long explanation. I'm not willing to disclose that with the public just yet so I will delay my answer on that one," Konoe chuckled nervously.

His response, or lack thereof, made Mikasa's imagination run wild. The most realistic assumption she could come up with was that Cain was a convicted felon. His recent release from prison was something the Director didn't want to share on-air or so soon. At least, not if the news could ruin the ratings.

"It looks like our time is up. That would wrap up our interviews for the night. Thank you gentlemen for all your time. Congratulations again on your amazing film. All of you at home be sure to check out Tragic Marker now playing in your local theater. This new psycho-thriller will not disappoint you. I'll be honest I heard a few members of the audience crying from fear."

When the camera stopped rolling, Director Konoe whispered in Cain's ear before heading over to Mikasa.

"Mikasa-san, I have another important announcement to make tonight. I will not allow any cameras or recording devices while I break my news. I'm sure your supervisor has already informed you about the request. He won't know what I'm about to reveal tonight."

"Yes, Director. Your announcement tonight will be for our exclusive release in one week. I believe another interview is planned for the public then. We are willing to hand over our equipment until the evening is over and comply with your security," Mikasa told him. This announcement must be important since they had to give up their cell phones and sign non-disclosure agreement forms when they entered the room.

"Splendid! As soon as I get the green light from the head of security I will make the announcement so please try to pack up quickly."

Cain made his way quickly to his sister and pulled her backstage for some privacy. Now that they were alone he leaned and whispered in her ear. "That wasn't very nice Setsu. You almost put me in a tight spot. I wonder how I should punish you later."

The light brush of his lips against her ear sent tiny delightful shivers down her spine as he whispered all the things he planned on doing to her. "Maybe I'll use my tongue," he said, licking her lobe. Her body trembled as a hot flush worked its way to her core. "Maybe I'll use my fingers," he promised, trailing his fingers up her back.

"Yes," she gasped.

"If you're this eager could it even be considered a punishment?"

"If I begged you not to torture…"

Cain cursed the interruption when Director Konoe's amplified voice over the speakers drowned out her reply and put a damper on the mood.

"Test, test!" Konoe said into the microphone. "Excuse me, can I have everyone's attention. I have an important announcement to make," Konoe declared, now that he had their attention.

Backstage, Cain pulled out a contact lens case and swapped his blue eyes for brown. Setsu watched her brother anxiously as the time had finally arrived.

"Before I continue, I bet many of you are wondering about the security. It's a bit dramatic but necessary for this announcement. I don't want what I say leaving this room tonight. I'll remind you that you all signed a non-disclosure agreement. If anyone leaks the information I'm about to share, I will find you and I will sue you for everything you've got," Konoe told the audience adopting a serious tone. "Anyone that can't handle the secret I'm about to share is free to leave right now." He waited a beat to see if anyone would leave, but no one left. Their curiosity kept them rooted in place.

"Wonderful," he smiled cheerily. "Let's get on with it. I wanted all of you, my friends and colleagues, who had poured their blood, sweat, and tears, literally, into this production to hear this first hand from me. I didn't think it would be right for you to receive the same news along with the public. I am hoping that you all don't violate my trust. I promise this is bound to boost ratings of Tragic Marker. Most, no, all of you have wondered about the identity of Cain Heel. I'm here to tell you the truth once and for all. The truth is...well…" Ever the trickster, Konoe slowly glanced around the room until he was satisfied people were barely hanging on by a thread. "You see the truth is I made him up."

The crowd remained quiet for a moment while his words sunk in and then chaos erupted. Questions were being fired at him from all angles.

"What do you mean Director?"

"Who did I just watch on the screen?"

"We've been working with him this whole time!"

"Who is he?"

"Calm down everyone, let me finish," he shouted over the crowd, waiting for them to hush before continuing. "He was simply a product of my imagination. Figuratively speaking, of course. He's still a real actor. I gave the man that brought him to life a few characteristics to adhere to and true to his craft he made Cain Heel his own and far exceeded my expectations."

"I guess this is goodbye, nii-san." Her eyes unexpectedly blurred with tears. "Ah, I don't know why I'm crying so suddenly. It feels like I'm really losing you." She was having a hard time letting him go.

He cupped her small sweetheart face and kissed the tears rolling down her cheeks. He understood her pain too well as his eyes brimmed with moisture at the sudden loss. This was the problem with method acting. One could get too deep in a character and sometimes get stuck, leading to the demise of their career. It would take them some time to recover from the loss.

"Kiss me one last time, nii-san," she pleaded through her tears. Cain happily obliged. He pulled her closer, hands wrapping around her waist lifting her off the ground so they were eye level. She wrapped her arms around his neck and kissed him with all of Setsu's heart as hot tears continued to roll down her cheeks.

"Heel-san, please come and help me out," Director Konoe called.

When the siblings pulled apart, Ren was there dabbing her face with the cuff of his jacket. Ten might have used waterproof makeup on her because she still looked perfect to him even with her red puffy eyes.

"That's my cue, baby. Are you going to be okay?" he asked full of concern. He reluctantly released her hand when she nodded yes. "I promise it will get easier with experience," he said smiling softly. "I love you," he told her and kissed her forehead.

"I'll always love you too, nii-san," she replied sadly as she watched his retreating back.

Setsu stepped out from backstage towards the side so she could witness the reveal. She accidentally made eye contact with a confused Taira. I must look awful right now. Her eyes burned and her face was probably blotchy from crying. She took several deep breaths to pull herself together and ignored the actor.

Taira stared at Setsu leaning against the wall, looking very much like a wounded bird. He had never seen the feisty woman look so vulnerable. What the fuck is going on? He was torn between going to her and staying put to make some sense of the director's announcement. He started walking towards her but halted immediately when Cain emerged from behind the curtains. The actor stared at his sister with what Taira could only describe from his distance as a forlorn expression. It boggled Taira's mind to witness it. Cain tore his eyes away from the young woman and settled them on the director. If this guy wasn't Cain Heel, who the hell was he?

Director Konoe's eyes lit with mischief. "Wonderful, wonderful! Without further ado ladies and gentlemen, I give you the man behind the mask," he paused a beat making sure he had everyone's full attention. "He's none other than Japan's number one actor, Tsuruga Ren!"

AN: Forgive me, everyone! I got caught up in the details of the night and thought this was the perfect place to leave you hanging. Please be gentle with your criticisms...LOL. Thank you for sticking with me and continuing to read. I appreciate all of you and I hope you enjoyed it.

Thank you to those that left me a review. I love reading your thoughts.

Until next time, ja ne! ^_^