Minai shifted her position against the wall. She found it hard to sleep now that she was dead. So instead, she stood watch over Isaki while he slept. She found it calming; almost like she was alive again. There was something about the way his face, which was harsh during the day, seemed so gentle while he slept. She didn't want to admit it, but Minai was in love with her Contracted Monk. She tore her eyes away from his sleeping body, and looked out the window, and onto the moonlit street. The night air was warm, almost like the night she jumped off her apartment building. She self-consciously rubbed her elbow, which she broke when she hit the ground. She still remembered the interrogation when Isaki volunteered to be her Contracted Monk: she was so scared, and almost got killed. And she would have been if Isaki hadn't stood up.

She lost her train of thought, and started to daydream about her life before dying. It wasn't until the sun started to show through the curtains, and Isaki started to grumble. Minai snapped out of her trace, stood up, and went to the kitchen. She quietly started the kettle for Isaki's tea, and returned to Isaki's room.

"Well? Anyone try to kill me last night?" Isaki was sitting up already. Minai shook her head. The muscles in his shoulders and back stretched as he swung his legs over the side of the cot. "Hand me my robe." he barked. Minai obeyed, as usual. She stood still while Isaki washed his face, and lit incense. After he sent up a morning prayer, he walked over to his Shikabane Hime. "I'm sorry, Good Morning Minai." he said in a much softer voice. He leaned over, and kissed her cheek. She stood there, and moments passed.

'That confirmed it.' she thought. 'I really do love him.' she followed him out into the living room where he was sitting, drinking his tea.

"Um, Isaki?" she squeaked. He looked at her and raised an eyebrow. "I was wondering..." he took a sip of tea. "Have you ever...loved someone?" she wrung her hands behind her back, and shifted nervously. Isaki set his teacup down, stood, and stepped over to her.

"Yes." he said in his usual gruff growl.

"What was her name?" Minai blushed, and looked down. Isaki drew a deep breath, and rubbed his head.

"It doesn't matter. She..." he looked away. "...died." he finished.

"Oh." Minai swallowed. "If you don't mind me asking, how did she die?" she whispered. Isaki turned, and walked over to the window.

"She jumped. She died instantly." Minai chuckled anxiously.

"Sounds like my..." she trailed off. A few second passed before Minai spoke again. "Do you ever think about her?" Isaki turned, and faced her.

"It's kind of hard not to. She's my Shikabane Hime, afterall." Isaki smiled. I looked like it pained him.

"I...I...I don't know what to say." Minai turned and avoided eye contact. She heard him move around the table, and felt his breath on her neck. He placed his hands ever so delicately on her shoulders, turned her to face him, and pressed his lips onto hers. His hands slid down to her waist, as hers wrapped around his neck. The two pulled away slowly, and looked into each other's eyes.

"Minai Ruo, do you love me as much as I love you?" he whispered.

"I thought you'd never ask." she pulled him back in for a kiss.

A/N: I know, it's very fluffy for Isaki. But I feel like the relationship between Minai and Isaki could have been softly romantic if he hadn't been such a hardass.