He had nightmares. She never pressed him on what they were about. She had a few good guesses as he had no shortage of sad happenings to dream about. He was difficult at times; after all his heart was still only that of a child's. Though his mind, magic and body were more matured, occasionally his childish heart won out over all of them.
But she dealt with it, a lot of the times with patience and a smile, because she loved him. She often laughed at how reversed their situations seemed to be. He was Howl, the gorgeous, all-powerful magician that had no lack of fair, young maidens to choose from. She was Sophie, the plain, small and mouse-like simple hatter. With n money, no prospects or suitors. And yet, when he woke cowering and in tears, he was the one that clung to her, begging her not to leave him.
"Oh you silly, wonderful, impossible man." She'd sigh, but the gentle smile never left her face and she held him to her, placing gentle kisses on his head. He'd then slowly lift his face from her abdomen and look up at her. She brushed his silky, blue hair from his eyes and lightly, lovingly tugged at his earring. "I could never leave you. I love you too much, I'm afraid."
He'd let out a shaky breath and gather her quickly back to him, crushing her to his chest. She'd laugh softly as he buried his face in her neck and gently rub his back. His voice would come muffled by her skin and she'd lightly tug a lock of his hair.
"You know I can't hear you like that, Howl."
He'd reluctantly pull away, only to capture her lips in a heart-melting, head-spinning kiss. She'd be a bit breathless when he finally pulled away to rest his forehead against hers.
"I said, 'I love you so much, my beautiful Sophie.'"
"So dramatic." She would breathe, teasing him but her eyes would slip closed at his honey-like voice. His deep chuckle never failed to make her stomach flutter an he'd suddenly no longer be a scared child, but her cocky, self-centered, caring, doting and completely magical husband.
They spend the rest of the night hours talking in whispers. About plans, Markyl, the castle and eventually of how much they love each other. And eventually talking ceased into confirming those whispered words of love and devotion.
In the morning, Sophie would awake on Howl's chest. Said wizard would yawn immensely and then give her a cheeky grin.
"I want pancakes with syrup."
She'd roll her eyes, but smile, leaning in to kiss him softly. Here we go again…