AN: Hey everyone! This is a revamp of my first story as I was no longer happy with it and decided I needed to fix it. If you are one of the followers of the previous story, I hope you do not mind the changes I have made as the story, in essence, is still the same. I hope to write more chapters as well if this is received positively. Hope you enjoy! (Please forgive any awkwardness as this is my first time trying to write for more mature audiences.)

Another day of cleaning awaits. Another day of folding laundry, mopping floors, and scrubbing the kitchen. This was the life of a little Sophie Hatter, and she loved it.

Sophie used to work in a small hat shop in Market Chipping but, due to some unforeseen circumstances and a few magic spells, she ended up becoming an old cleaning lady for a heartless and cowardly wizard. For awhile there, she worked along side his young apprentice Michael and Calcifer, the fire demon who powered the wizard's moving castle, but in the end her job entailed more than simply cleaning (though there certainly was plenty of that.) Working together, this group of misfits (including a scarecrow and a scruffy pup) ended up not only saving the lonely wizard but preventing a war as well! Sophie still couldn't believe this all took course in less than a year's time! And if that wasn't enough, one more thing happened that changed her life more than anything. Do you recall that cowardly, vain, and heartless wizard mentioned earlier? Well, she fell in love with him. A shocking occurrence that introduced her plain and ordinary self into a world where she had no experience or knowledge of, a world much stranger to her than the world of magic she was thrust into a year previous.

Yes, she was in love with a wizard, a wizard named Howl, and—even after a year—this poor little thing was not used to living with the man she loved and the rest their mismatched family. However, even after her curse was reversed, Sophie noticed how Howl treated her no differently than he did when she was his 90 year old cleaning lady. He wasn't mean to her, of course. He just acted as usual, he was at times kind and considerate, lazy and childish, and who could forget stubborn and spoiled. As she folded the laundry, Sophie's thoughts began to take a darkened path. It seemed to her that Howl had completely forgotten that a year ago she had boldly declared her love for him…

"Sophieeeee!" she hears wailed from inside the Castle. "Sophieeee, I'm hungry! When will lunch be ready?" turning around, she sees a barely awake Howl standing on one of the Castle's balconies, calling down to her. His luscious locks of raven black hair, recently re-dyed, were defying gravity with amazing contradiction as one side seemed glued to his face from being against a pillow all night and the other was splayed out in all directions.

The absurdity of the situation only enhanced as the sunlight danced along his fantastically colored, silk pajamas. All colors of the rainbow danced and trailed along the sleeves and pants of his ensemble, but the way the design wrapped around his silhouette miraculously made one feel that the outfit was not atrocious. In fact, looking upon the childish wizard lounging against the terrace to yell down his selfish request, one could come to think that he was as beautiful as a Renaissance painting (well, once he stopped talking). The way a slightly chiseled chest peeked out of the unbuttoned garment would leave anyone transfixed, at least that is what it did to Sophie.

"Sophieeeeee!" Howl whines again, abruptly pulling Sophie from her thoughts. God, what was she doing? Shaking her head in a desperate attempt to derail the direction her thoughts were going, Sophie once again looks back up to the man pleading for her attention. Thankfully, his tempting visage vanished and was replaced with one she was quite accustomed to. Sophie couldn't even stop help herself from giggling to herself as her eyes rested on the powerful and supposedly 'dangerous" wizard standing there before her, rubbing his eyes with the back of his hand. All Sophie could see was a spoiled child.

"Howl, I made lunch an hour ago. If you want food now you will have to make something yourself." Sophie shouts back firmly. A small feeling of guilt leaves a sour taste in her mouth, but Howl knows the rules.

You see, after establishing herself as a permanent member of this misfit family, Sophie had quickly realized these boys knew nothing of discipline and desperately needed to be educated. The rules were quite simple really, and usually pertained to keeping the Castle from looking like a bomb-testing site; however, the particular rule Howl was trying to break was in regard to how Sophie would only make three meals a day and, if you happen to miss a meal, you would have to make due with something cold—Calcifer was no longer bound to the Castle's hearth, so they had to make sure they didn't force him to the point where he would decide to leave.

"But Sophieee, it isn't my fault this time. That old geezer kept me out all night working on a charm. My body and mind are totally exhausted! Can I please have some of Sophie's warm home-cooking?" Howl's complaining tore at her as she knew he had been working very hard as of late. It didn't help that he was looking down at her with those big, green, puppy dog eyes. Sophie could literally feel her heart tighten in her chest. Oh, she knew this look, and knew it well. This was the look that Howl only used when he truly wanted something. The look they both knew she could not refuse.

"Oh, all right." Sophie sighs heavily. He wore me down. What Howl didn't know was why Sophie couldn't refuse that look. In all honesty, that look made her heart pound so uncomfortably that if she didn't give in quickly, the prolonged exposure might kill her.

"Ah, thank you Sophie!" Howl cheers as he runs back inside the Castle. As she also makes her way back inside, all Sophie could think of was how far this man-child had twisted her around his little finger. I used to be immune to things such as puppy dog eyes or begging, Sophie thought ruefully. She could even put up a defense against Lettie's famous crocodile tears for heaven's sake! But now she was left defenseless against Howl. Oh, how love softens the heart, she thought begrudgingly.

Inside, Howl is sitting on one of the kitchen chairs facing the door— waiting for her. Sophie makes her way through the little living room to the kitchen, and a slight shiver of pleasure descends her spine as she happily notes how Howl's gaze follows her. She can only equate his big smile to that of a puppy frantically wagging his tail. Sophie tries to hide her smile as she thinks about how cute Howl could be sometimes. I'm glad he's happy.

Upon closer inspection, Sophie can see the circles under Howl's droopy eyes and how his shoulders seemed to be sagging under an imaginary weight. The poor thing truly has been working hard, and, for once, it wasn't simply an excuse. She feels bad for being preoccupied with rules when he had obviously been overworked. Spoiling him every once in awhile is fine, right? I mean, he is the man I am in love with.

Sophie sighs in resignation. She can't change what has already been said, She just needs to work hard now to alleviate some of his stress.

"Alright, what would you like?" she asks, with a pleasant smile as she grabs her apron from a hook and ties it around her waist.

"Hm," Howl says as his head tilts to the side, signaling his confusion. "Do I get to choose?" He asks, shocked. Emerald eyes shining dimly at the prospect of getting to direct her cooking. Sophie rolls her eyes at this, feeling as though she was edging a dangerous area at the hope this simple question gave birth to in Howl's eyes— not like she didn't understand where his excitement was coming from. Cooking is the only area in his life that the control freak Howl had no say in since Sophie had moved into the Castle, as she had promptly had him relinquish those rights to her as the one in charge of housework, but now he was about to get to tell her what to cook. The slightly shocked and hopeful smile that laid across his tired face looked quite cute, and for the second time in a matter of minutes, Sophie couldn't help but laugh at his childish demeanor.

Schooling her features and trying to maintain a comforting smile, Sophie looks back at Howl. "Of course, this meal is for you. Isn't it?" She smiles even bigger as his eyes widen slightly, and then narrow as he looks back at her accusingly.

"Other meals are for me as well, but you never let me choose. What are you up to?" Howl questions as he simultaneously crosses his arms over his chest. His pose and his untrusting facial expression, coupled with his unique fashion, made him look like one of the most peculiar crime bosses in history. Sophie struggles to stifle another round of laughter.

"Hmm," She hums, as she leans against the kitchen table and mimics his posture. "I was just trying to be nice, but if you don't want to eat.." She trails off as her hands begin to work at the knot tying her apron closed. In a matter of seconds, Howl's hands were stopping hers. Glancing up, Sophie sees a very flustered Howl.

"I didn't say that! Now, now, my dear Sophie. Don't be too hasty," Howl flashes a crooked grin down at her.

"You're cooking something?" Calcifer whines, and Howl releases her so they could both turn to see Calcifer perched on the hearth. "Sophie, you can't start spoiling him now or he will exploit you like he did me!" Calcifer crackles. Sophie knew that, she knew that very well, and the shame that she felt along with that knowledge was suffocating.

"It's only this once, right Howl?" Sophie says. Noticing the not so subtle message in her words, Howl only hums in absentminded agreement. Turning her attention away from Calcifer, Sophie notices that Howl was already analyzing the pantry. He stood for a moment deep in thought and then suddenly springs forth to get a closer look. Walking over to where everything was stored, Howl began to riffle through the ingredients. Sophie decides it may be best to just sit back and relax because she could tell by the look on Howl's face that he may be a while. She watches as that childlike expression slowly fades away into a face that means business.

Oh, how Sophie loved that face. It's his 'deep-in-thought' face. Working mainly in the cellar, Sophie rarely got to see it, but she knew it meant he was working on something complex in his head. However, she had lived here long enough to be able to predict, in order, how Howl's face would transform. How his eyebrows would begin to slant, creating a "V" shape on his forehead, and how the little creases would morph into a single cavern above his nose that would deepen as he delved into the problem. She knew how he would purse his lips slowly, and sway side to side, and she also knew that once he was in this state he would not acknowledge anyone until he had reached a suitable answer to his question. Knowing all that, Sophie simply leans back against the table to analyze him instead. She was content in just watching him as Howl's hips swung side to side, causing his pajamas to strain over the muscles of his leg as if flexed, and then grow lax as he shifts to the other leg. Lost in her own little world, Sophie didn't know how long it had been before Howl did a full 180 spin on his heel to face her.

"I want soup." He declares, but Sophie only stares, waiting for him to continue. She was somewhat dumbfounded by his remark.

Calcifer sneers, "Soup? Are you an idiot, Howl?"

"Soup…" Sophie says slowly. Howl nods vigorously. "Is that all?" She asks again, making her confusion clear by the tone of her voice.

"Yep." Howl replies, still smiling gleefully.

"Are you going to tell me what kind of soup?" She asks, slowly growing irritated.

"Soup made by Sophie." Howl retorts, a smug air to his now big, bright smile.

All Sophie could do was stare at Howl blankly for a moment, and not because she found Howl's smile adorable, oh no, more like she was flabbergasted. This picky child was asking her to make him soup but not telling her anything about what he wants. Sure, she knew what Howl likes and dislikes as individual ingredients, but his mood shifts so frequently no one could ever know what kind of food he was craving, not even him! And soup? Something so stupidly simple, yet so diverse in its possibilities?! This situation was like a friend inviting you over to their house for the first time without giving you any directions on how to get there.

Sophie sighs again, something she does a lot around Howl, and puts her face in her hands. All she wanted to do was make him something that he really wanted so he would be happy and could relax, but now there is a 50% chance of that happening and another 50% of him simply saying he's "not hungry;" which for Howl—who is always hungry— means he isn't in the mood for the type of food she made.

Groaning inwardly, Sophie looks up to meet they eyes of the infuriating man that she loves, and with a shake of her head decides not to bother arguing, "Alrighty, soup it is."

Soup made by Sophie, hm? Well, at least he had given some sense of direction, she noted sarcastically. Calming her thoughts, Sophie makes her way over to the same pantry where Howl was still standing. "If you aren't going to be of any help, please leave the kitchen." She notes dryly, as she lays a hand on his arm to nudge him out of her way. This somewhat rude action may have bothered some people, but Howl was just happy that he was getting his way, so he trotted back to his original seat where he plopped down sideways. In this new position, his legs hung in the air and his face fell to the side so he could still watch Sophie. Seeing him situated and out of her way, Sophie went to work.

Alrighty, you can make something Howl likes. Not only that, you can make a meal that he loves! Yes, she can do it. Empowered by her own mini pep-talk, Sophie confidently begins laying out ingredients. What struck her first was the unusual abundance of vegetables that laid at the bottom of the cupboard, did Howl go and buy some earlier? Or maybe Michael had used the door to go and farm some from somewhere. Sophie thought on that matter only for few seconds though, as she knew that those vegetables would pair perfectly with the chicken Mrs. Fairfax had left them with after her visit earlier. She had been planning on having that for dinner, but she figured she could also just use it now to make chicken and vegetable soup. "Yeah, that works." She mumbles under her breath as she chops the vegetables and preps the chicken. She smiles as she works, thinking that this nutritious meal would help Howl battle his fatigue.

"What are you making?" Calcifer hisses, eying the big pot Sophie had set beside him. This comment breaks her concentration as she looks back at them from the pantry where she was fishing out some of her last ingredients. Sophie's face blushes slightly upon realizing that Howl's gaze was still fixed on her.

"Well, I'm making soup, obviously." Sophie says with a roll of her eyes. She couldn't help the sarcasm in her voice. She was slightly annoyed after all, but she felt bad lashing out at Calcifer. It wasn't his fault, and he had graciously stayed and not shot up the chimney to escape the unplanned meal service, something he was quite capable of doing— this just showed how they both seemed to spoil Howl despite their better judgment.

"Don't worry," She says in a much softer tone and with an even softer smile, "there will be plenty of scrapes for you." During this entire exchange, Howl remained seated, carefully watching. The blush deepened as she felt his stare on her back, making her self-conscious about her actions.

"Can I help?" Howl asks excitedly from across the room. "I have superb cooking skills." Sophie wasn't looking at Howl, but she could hear the haughty smirk in his voice, and could picture him with his nose in the air at his confidence in himself simply by hearing the tone of his voice.

"No." She says bluntly, trying to remain focused. "Sit there quietly and relax." God, no wonder our relationship hadn't made any progress, I keep sounding like an old granny. Sophie pouts in her own head, but outwardly she's grateful because this was the only tone that Howl somewhat obeyed. Well, sometimes obeyed. As Sophie is straining to reach some spices off an upper shelf, she suddenly feels Howl behind her. He easily reaches the top shelf and grabs what her short reach couldn't.

"Now, I can be in the kitchen as long as I am helping, right?" Howl's smug voice whispers in her ear, but she can't see him, she can only feel him. Suddenly all her nerves were focused on her back, straining to feel the warmth that was radiating from Howl's skin as he stands behind her. Calm down Sophie! He isn't even close enough to touch you. Sophie quickly reprimands herself and tries to school her features.

"Fine," She says with huff, "but if you're going to be in here, make yourself useful. I also need the dried parsley." She says with an aloof tone, as she quickly moves out from under his arm. However, when she finally felt composed enough to look back at him, she finds a reluctant Howl pursing his lips. What could it be now?

"I don't like parsley." Is all he says, turning back to walk to his chair.

"Oh come on. You won't even taste it!" Sophie was done with this childish behavior. She was now completely exasperated, but Howl merely sat back down on his chair and started playing with the clunky rings on his fingers. You have got to be kidding me. "So just because you don't like it you aren't going to get it down for me?" She asks sharply.

Howl sat, unperturbed by her anger and simply waves his hand to dismiss her remark. "Why should I help you put something in my food that I don't like?"

"Really now, you are completely missing the point here, Howl. You know what, fine, I can get it down by myself." Sophie growls before looking around the room for anything that could work as a hook. Ah. There resting against the back shelf was her old cane! A smug smile blooms across her face as she briskly walkes over to the corner of the room to grab it showily—showing Howl that his obstinacy wouldn't stop her! Turning back to the pantry, Sophie carefully balances herself on top of a stool to give herself a little more height.

"Now, Sophie. That looks dangerous. Howl, stop being useless and help her." Calcifer's crackly voice snaps from behind her.

"Don't wanna."

"Don't need it."

Howl and Sophie chime simultaneously. Honestly speaking, Sophie knew she was being stubborn and childish, but so was Howl! It wasn't like the soup would be a failure if they didn't have parsley and, considering she was making it for Howl, it would probably be so much easier to exclude something he thinks he doesn't like. However, his outright refusal to help her had pushed Sophie over the edge.

Finally, Sophie manages to balance herself long enough to get the cane's handle around the parsley tin. Yes, she can do this on her own. Who needs Howl's help? Celebrating her small accomplishment, a little too smugly for her own good, Sophie feels the stool wobble a little unsteadily, but she remains determined as all she needs to do now was pull the cane towards her and catch the tin with the parsley. Sophie steadies herself once again and pulls gently, pleased when the cane begins to move towards her.

However, things never tend to go Sophie's way in these situations, and so was the case this time. Annoyed by the tin that suddenly seemed to get stuck on nothing, Sophie lets out a low grunt as she increases the force of her pulling. As it once again seems to get stuck on nothing, Sophie loses all patience and, gripping the cane tightly, she decides to give it one last tug. This results in a many events happening in only a few seconds.

"Sophie!" She hears Calcifer pop out in concern. The parsley tin flies off the shelf, showering her with little, dried, green leaves, and the stool was no longer under her feet. Sophie closes her eyes in anticipation of her body painfully hitting the floor, but it never does. Instead, she hears a loud snap. Opening her eyes slowly, Sophie is surprised to find herself suspended in air above the toppled stool and spilled parsley.

"Honestly," Howl sighs. He is now slowly walking over from his seat. When he reaches her, Howl simply stands there looming over her for what feels like an eternity.

"Are you going to let me down any time soon?" Sophie hisses from between her hands, trying to hide her embarrassment. This did little good, and only served Sophie in allowing her to actually feel the heat blazing under her fingers.

"Hm, should I? Or should this be your punishment for behaving recklessly?" Howl goads with a taunting smile smeared across his face. That smile is so sickeningly sweet that it could only be used for one purpose, mocking. Oh, this man. How Sophie wanted to slap him, or strangle him, or both!

"Howl, put me down!" Sophie shouts, losing all decorum as she shamelessly kicks her legs and waves her arms, growing impossibly more embarrassed with every second.

"Hmm, I don't know, I may enjoy the sight for a few more seconds" Howl taunts while roaming his hand up the leg that had escaped the confines of Sophie's dress during her struggle. Her blush intensifies for a different reason when his hand drew near her upper thigh. This had to stop before she really had a heart attack.

Knowing there was only one way to signal to this sadist that he had won, Sophie caves. Looking up at him from in-between her fingers, "Howl, please." she whispers. The triumphant look Howl wore made him look like he had just won a war. No, wait, that man had won a war and still hadn't looked as triumphant back then. As Sophie waits to be lowered down by magic, she suddenly finds herself cradled in Howl's arms. Gahh! Where was he touching? Seeming impossibly more satisfied, Howl lets his hands tighten around her.

"Alrighty, I'll put you down." Howl's voice deepens as he whispers into her ear. Sophie starts to struggle, but quickly stops as her jostling only made his hands slide over her more. The look he wore was dangerous as Howl's eyes began to roam over the body of the young woman he was holding. Sophie wasn't looking so she couldn't see, but Calcifer clearly noticed how the wizard's usual glassy eyes were alive with desire.

"Howl!" Sophie shouts. Howl could tell that his game might have gone a little too far as Sophie's eyes were wet with oncoming tears. He didn't want to make her cry, he just wanted to have some fun. He lowered her to her feet and tried to lighten the heavy mood that had entered the kitchen.

"Too bad, I guess there will be no parsley in the soup." Howl says looking down at the shriveled leaves on the floor, flicking them away with his foot and not looking disappointed at all.

"Don't worry," Sophie says sweetly. Walking over to the tin, she looks inside to find exactly what she expected. "Luckily there is just enough remaining for what I need, and you will eat it won't you? Like you promised?" Now it was Sophie's turn to gloat as she held the can to her chest with a taunting smile. Howl merely scowls and walks away to pout in his seat.

"So not cute" and "stubborn fool" are the only grumbles Sophie can make out as she quickly finishes the soup. Now it only needed to simmer for about half an hour. She was just beginning to set the table when she hears the door open.

Ok! First chapter done. I hope you enjoyed it! I tried to catch all the mistakes, but I have a bad habit of editing in the middle of the night, so I might have missed some. All comments and critiques are welcome! I would love to know what you think :)