Day 14: The Fateful Day

Ryan yawned as he opened the door to his apartment. He took the whole night to himself, reflecting on his life and what has happened since he worked at KFP. "So, you really were out all night," Suisei said as Ryan walked in. "Where did you go?"

"I went to visit the grave of an old friend," Ryan replied. "You really need to find something better to do."

"I'm hurt," Suisei put her hands over her chest in a faux pained expression. "But I sense a tint of darkness in your aura. Where did you really go?"

"I'm not lying," Ryan said, holding his hands up. "I guess I just had a brief meeting with death."

"What?!" Suisei immediately ran up to Ryan, examining him. "Are you okay?"

"Don't worry," Ryan put his hand on Suisei's head, causing her to stiffen. "I'm alright. Nothing bad happened. I have to get to work."

"Actually, I also have something to get to," Suisei perked up, as if she forgot something. "I need to go."

"I'll see you around, Suisei," Ryan said, a small smile on his face.

"Likewise," Suisei gave Ryan a wink before casually walking out of the room and jumping off the balcony.

-

Ryan sighed as he walked down the street. As he was going to turn the corner to enter the alley, a man in a gray hoodie caught his eye. He was seemingly loitering around, but Ryan knew who he was.

"I hope you know what you're doing," Ryan said. The man turned around; his piercing silver eyes meeting Ryan's.

"You're quite perceptive, Ryan Shade," Storm said, his hands in his pockets. "I hope you can forgive me."

"If I didn't know any better, I would say that what you're about to do is unforgivable," Ryan said, Storm stiffening slightly in response. "But I know it's not your fault."

"Thank you," Storm said, bowing his head slightly.

"We'll save you," Ryan said. "I swear it."

"Thank you," Storm said.

"No problem," Ryan said with a small smirk as he walked off to work.

-

Ryan took a deep breath as he looked at the KFP. All of the windows were covered by paper, so Ryan couldn't see all of the people waiting for him. "You know, this was a really good run," he said to himself. "God, I sound like I'm playing OverStory or something."

"I guess there's only one way to go," Ryan chuckled to himself, opening the door.

"SURPRISE!" No matter how much Ryan prepared himself, he still jumped back when everyone shouted. It was a different crowd this time. There were some people that were there the first time around, that being Gura, Amelia, Calli, Ina, Marine, Noel, Flare, Rushia, Pekora, Suisei, Choco, Botan, Lamy, Polka, Nene, Roboco, and even Miko, but to Ryan's surprise, people like Mana, David, Lily, Yuni, Roro, Charlotte, Mico, Patra, Mary, Roberu, and Uto there too.

Ryan took a step back, startled. "What's this?"

Kiara then walked up, pulling Ryan into a hug. She pulled away, keeping her hands on Ryan's shoulders as she smiled at him. "You've treated us so well these past two weeks, so we wanted to surprise you," she said. "Thank for everything you've done for us."

Tears welled up in Ryan's eyes. He couldn't help but be emotional. "Thank you," Ryan pulled Kiara into a hug of his own before looking at everyone that showed up. "Thank you all for doing this. It truly means the world."

"Now, enough of this sappy shit," Kiara pulled away, a huge smile on her face. "Let's party!"

-

Ryan walked out of the break room with his uniform on. "Fancy seeing you here," Ryan told Suisei, who was sipping on a glass of plum wine. "I thought you had somewhere to be."

"I did," Suisei said. "Why wouldn't I celebrate my friend?"

"Thank you Suisei," Ryan said. "I think this is almost enough for me to forgive you for attempting to hack me into pieces the other day. Almost."

"You tried to kill Ryan?!" Kiara zipped over. "I knew you were mad, but jeez!"

"It's not that big of a deal," Ryan waved his manager off dismissively. "I've gotten used to it since Suisei moved into my place."

"I only hang out overnight," Suisei said.

"Ryan's apartment is quite a nice place to hang out, actually," Lily said, walking over to take a seat. "This place is pretty nice, especially since it's in the human realm."

"I'm flattered," Kiara said. "You must be a fae, right? Are you this LemonLeaf I've heard of?"

"That would be me," Lily smiled and nodded. "It's an honor to meet you, Kiara."

"Let's keep my status a secret," Kiara put a finger over her lips and winked at the fae. "I want to have at least some things Ryan has yet to learn about me."

"Whatever you say, Tenchou," Ryan sighed. He then walked down a couple steps to where Gura, Ame, Calli, and Ina were.

"Sup Ryan," Gura said. "Like what we did with the place?"

"Yeah," Ryan said. He noticed that the paper was taken down, which was good so he knew when the helicopter would approach. "How are all of you?"

"I'm doing alright," Calli sighed. "Things as substitute death are not fun, though. I barely have any free time anymore."

"I hope things get better," Ryan smiled softly, knowing things will only get worse for her. When Grimm officially announce his return, he will eventually dub Calli as the official grim reaper.

"I actually met a witch yesterday," Ina said. "She's apparently a huge fan of me. I didn't even know I was so popular."

"You stream and sell art," Amelia pointed out. "Someone is bound to know you."

"Fair enough," Ina said. "How have you been, Ame?"

"Gura and I are doing great since we moved him together," Amelia smiled.

"Yeah," Gura nodded in agreement. "Off collabs have been a lot easier since then."

"That makes sense," Kiara said, walking over. "Calli, when are you going to move in with me?"

"Maybe when things start to calm down," Calli sighed. "I'm still getting used to this new job."

"Fair enough," Ryan said. "Anyways, I think I have something to tell you right about now."

"Are you finally going to spill your secret?" Kiara asked.

"Somewhat," Ryan said. He waited for a few moments in silence until the sound of glass shattering crashed throughout the restaurant.

"The barrier!" Kiara shouted.

"Tenchou," Ryan pushed Kiara aside. "Godspeed."

He then turned his head slightly, his eyes fixating on the helicopter flying overhead. He raised his left hand, shooting what one would consider a vulgar gesture to the helicopter. Time seemed to slow for Ryan as he saw a bullet fly from the helicopter, smashing through the window.

It was fun while it lasted, Ryan thought as Kiara shouted out. "FAQ," With a sharp pain to Ryan's temple, the world went black.