Disclaimer: All original characters and plot goes to Diana Wynne Jones. No profit is being made. Thanks Laughing Phoenix for betaing.
—Miracles—
Chapter Two: Nice Try
Howl missed Calcifer. The cold weather seeped into the drafty castle and the pathetic fire Sophie coaxed from wet logs only cast a dim sleepy light. Before the fire demon left yesterday, it was pleasant and sunny, but now the clouds took over the sky and hung heavy over Market Chipping. No matter where Howl opened the door to, everywhere seemed to be covered in gray! But Howl missed Calcifer for other reasons too. It was Sophie's mood. She had not nagged Howl once today— not once! In fact she had not yelled, scolded, or pestered him in any way! She barely spoke a word!
If anyone could force her out of this stupor it would be him! Howl watched Sophie from his seat by the hearth. She bustled about the kitchen cleaning up from dinner. She was not grumbling to the stubborn food that refused to come off the plates or at a knife that nicked her fingers. Only quiet sighs.
The wizard mourned his miserable situation.
Then, warm, comforting fingers brushed his cold face. Howl looked up at Sophie. He opened his mouth, poised to speak, but an unsure, fragile kiss stopped him. The womanizer was shocked. Sophie had finally come to him. They have made love before with Howl starting it off, but this time—this time, it was her.
The chill tapered off and the room became balmy. He ached to strip from his clothes, but Howl restrained, allowing Sophie to take the lead. He congratulated himself on his superior self control as she moved painstakingly slow. Distracted, a memory floated into his hazy mind.
No. The thought hit Howl low. Cold enveloped him once again. She wouldn't….. No— she would!
Sophie did not want to feel their two hot bodies rocking against each other or to share a rare intimate moment. She wanted a damned kid!
Sophie leaned away from Howl and muttered, "I hoped you wouldn't catch on until at least afterwards..."
Howl was horrified. Sophie admitted to it!
Standing up, she walked towards her old bedroom.
Howl felt torn. He wanted to run to his love and apologize and beg for forgiveness and to continue where they had left off, but the prospect of becoming a fa—
Sophie glared at him. He could see the tears.
"Coward." She grumbled, shutting the door.
She's right. The fire sputtered from neglect. I am a coward.
A/N: Review please. I hope Sophie wasn't out of character, I really don't want that.
Word Count: 400
