Howl's feathers were so soft, so soft as I buried my head in his chest and breathed in his scent. He smelled first like gunpowder and fire, but under that I could detect a faint smell of- the smell of Howl. Strong yet gentle and kind to the nose, just like he was himself. I closed my eyes and was reminded of wooded pine forests and the scent of the pine needles on the ground. He smelled beautiful.

I was just so happy that he was alive, and I relished in his solid presence as he put his arms around my waist and held me to his chest. I didn't want to let him go, but soon he turned me slightly to the side, and he guided me gently towards the door, the blob men coming out of the shop as Howl's wings curled forward as if to shield me from their sight as he made our way to our home. The door opened with a flick of his wrist, and I was enveloped in his wings.

He was warm. Never in my life had I ever felt so safe and secure as I did now inside his wings even when my feet left the floor, my body secure in his arms. His scent surrounded me and it was dark and comforting in here with his beautiful presence. I could stay here forever.

It was over as soon as it had started, and he left me standing safely on the floor next to Michael as he drifted over to resurrect Calcifur. I blinked slowly, my arms still held up unresistingly in front of me as my feet fully registered my weight and settled firmly on the ground, my eyes slowly losing their glossy, dreamy feel and look. I was tempted to sigh but held it back, knowing that it would only make Howl smirk, so I wet my lips instead as I watched him.

He gave me a whole new perspective on heaven, and gave me a completely new definition for 'coming back down to earth'. I couldn't help it. I sighed, and he looked at me with a curling of his lips. A genuine smile that reached his eyes. I caught my breath for a second, looking into his eyes.

Anyone would be dazed by being held in his wings, and somehow I just knew; I was the only one.