"The best revenge is living well, they say. For you, making sure this city lives well." The platitudes fall hollowly out of his mouth. "That'll have to be your new usual."

He nods. "It's even worse, I'm sure. You feel like you're mourning alone, because most of his friends aren't even aware that he is well and truly gone." Ryu's family was his burden alone to carry, at least until recently. He knows how it feels to be nearly broken under the weight.

He turns to assess the amount of coffee in the machine, a touch frustrated that it isn't the kind he has at home, where you can fill the cup before the brew cycle is finished. "You aren't, though. Even if your feelings run deeper than the Chief's, and mine."