A/N: here's chapter two! I enoyed writing this one, I am still getting used to these characters & I have to say it's fun to write, I especially enjoy Howl's personality. There is just so much to it! Anyway, again, reviews are welcomed. I hope you enjoy! Slight lemon in the end.

"You're going to the doctor? For what? I thought Howl's magic cured you."

Calcifer laughed, yelping as Sophie threw a small log onto his small fiery body.

"Well, it didn't. Now please, make sure Markel gets that spell finished for the young woman who should be coming later on today. I can't remember her name for the life of me…" Sophie furrowed her thick brows as she hurriedly grabbed her hat from the rack. Turning her attention back to Calcifer.

"What's up with you lately? You're so forgetful."

Calcifer munched on the wood loudly, swallowing a large chunk whole.

"Oh hush you, do you want another cup of water in your face?"

Sophie mumbled, pleased when Calcifer kept quiet, she made her way down the stairs, twisting the dial making sure it landed on the correct portal.

"I will be back."

"Be safe!"

Sophie slammed the door behind her, she dusted off her royal blue evening dress before heading toward the station.

It was a rather sunny morning, barely any clouds covered the gorgeous blue skies. Sophie watched small vehicles zoom through the skies and over the rooftops. It was quite a morning.

There was a festival being held and everyone was out this morning, not bothered by it being rather early. Sophie found it difficult getting to the train on time when she had to squeeze her way through herds of people.

She noticed a rancid smell, which to the normal human, was the smell of freshly cooked fish. She enjoyed fish despite everyone else in the castle, but she couldn't get away from the stench fast enough. Racing by some extravagant carriages, decorated in huge peonies and roses, nearby a group of men played their violins while men and women drank and danced.

On any normal day, Sophie would've stayed and watched, but all of this commotion made her want to crawl into bed and lock the door.

Finally, she arrived to the station, it was packed full of excited people, of all origins, she hoped the train wouldn't be too late arriving; she needed to leave a note at the store letting the ladies know that it was closed until further notice was posted.

Back at the castle, Markel had woken up just minutes after Sophie left and took it upon himself to have breakfast in the backyard and enjoy the garden Sophie had been working on. It was a nice, breezy morning and he knew it'd do everyone some good to get a breath of fresh air in their system.

"Would you like some chamomile tea?" Markel sat the old witch at the makeshift dining table, she shot him a toothy grin, nodding, snuggling Hein, who was in her lap.

Markel hopped up the steps and into the castle, running into the living area.

"Calcifer! I need hot water!"

Calcifer obliged as Markel stepped onto the stool, grabbing a nearby kettle, opening the latch and placing it under the running faucet.

"Do you think I should leave Sophie some breakfast?" Markel turned to Calicifer who reached for a hefty piece of wood.

"I wouldn't. She's going to the doctor to get some real medicine. Not that phony crap Howl makes."

"What do you mean? I remember I was so sick once I couldn't get out of bed. That was the only thing that saved me. I know it works! It's a bestseller!"

Markel hops off the stool, waiting for the kettle to heat up, he went to a cabinet by the stove, pulling out a jar of biscuits and jam, balancing them under his small arms.

"Well it didn't work for Sophie." Calcifer watched Markel head to the back of the Castle. Not paying him one bit of attention.

After Sophie had posted a note on the store's front door, she only needed to walk a block or two to get the medical center. Her stomach had settled down since this mornings' incident, but she'd promised Howl she'd visit the center if she were still ill. So here she was.

As she opened the glass door, a small bell hanging above it chimed, signaling Sophie's presence, she was expecting more people to be waiting to see a doctor, but it seemed to be she was the only one this morning.

Walking in she noticed a few old wooden chairs lined up against the wall, padded with dusty pillows, posters of drawn human diagrams and information on the center's hours. In front of her, was an empty desk with rusted bell and a card that read 'Back soon.'. Sophie decided to sit patiently for someone to arrive, she sat down, her small hands in her lap.

Not too long after, a younger girl entered through the black curtains in the back, that Sophie didn't notice until now.

"Are you here for an appointment?"

"I'm actually here for a walk in…is there a doctor who can see me? I know it's short notice." Sophie stood from her seat.

"Not at the moment. I have a nurse who can see you, I just need you to write down what your reason for seeing us is." The young girl explained, circling the desk, handing Sophie a pen and clipboard with a form on it.

"Thank you." Sophie nodded, smiling sweetly, returning to the chair.

"She will be with you momentarily."

With that, the strange girl disappeared in the back, leaving Sophie to write down her symptoms on the form, it didn't take her longer than a few minutes to get it all down. She wasn't certain if she should wait or go to the desk and ring the bell.

After five minutes or so, Sophie decided to walk up to the desk, she didn't want to spend her entire day waiting, her brown boots cracked the elderly wooden floors beneath her, the creaking was loud enough to catch someone's attention before she could ring the bell though.

"Hello dear, I am sorry for your long wait. My assistant failed to let me know I had someone waiting."

A woman wearing a sky blue dress, that had billowing lace at the hem and a pretty white apron emerged from behind the curtains, she had long chestnut hair that fell over her breasts, she wore small reading glasses, but her eyes were very large and breathtakingly beautiful, they were like green emeralds, that sparkled like stars against the sea, and her lashes were full, along with her pink lips. Sophie was taken aback by this woman's beauty, she wasn't sure if it was magic, but she was stunning; causing her to feel somewhat uncomfortable.

"It's okay. Here's my form. Thank you for seeing me so soon."

The nurse took the clipboard and directed Sophie to follow her into the back room, where there was a chair just opposite of a desk similar to the check in and with some medical equipment beside it, Which Sophie was not familiar with.

"I'm sorry you'll have to see me today. Our doctor is out…take a seat."

She made her way to the desk, lifting her spectacles on the bridge of her small nose. Her eyes widened as she read the form. Giving Sophie a quick glance before speaking.

"Sophie Pendragon?"

The woman repeated the name, glancing at the silver haired woman in front of her, who nodded quickly at her statement. The woman smirked and rested her elbows on the top of the table. Her hair pooling over the desktop.

"Do you by any chance know the wizard, Howl Pendragon? He's the only person with that last name that I know of."

Sophie stared at the nurse with confusion, slowly she nodded. "Yes, he is my husband."

A surprised gasp escaped the nurse's lips, startling Sophie slightly.

"You're married to Howl?" She questioned.

"Yes… how do you know my husband, might I ask?" Sophie didn't quite like the woman's initial reaction.

"We go way back…" the woman stood, form in hand, she glanced at Sophie as she leaned against the desk.

"We used to go steady, years ago…I'm just surprised. He didn't seem like a man who'd want to get married. That's one of the reasons why I left. That and how conceited he was."

Sophie was again, taken aback by this…woman, what sort of service was this? She could feel her heart pounding, sweat forming in her palms. Her mouth was dry with anger.

"…I can assure you, he's not the man he was. Can we please get to the reason why I'm here?" Sophie swallowed the dry lump in her throat. She had fistfuls of her dress in her hands. She tried her best to conceal the lethal mix of anger and jealousy building inside of her.

"I'm sorry, Mrs. Pendragon. Let me look over this…you say you're suffering with nausea?"

"Yes, I promised my husband I'd come in to get checked. If you have any medicine available or even remedies that you can pass on, please do so."

"…Right."

It took her about five minutes to go over Sophie's symptoms, she was getting quite annoyed by this woman's lack of quality service, but by the looks of the nurse's face, it wasn't a stomach bug they were dealing with. Before Sophie could interject, the nurse stood, the heels of her flats slapped against the wood, creating a painful, loud noise.

"Have you been experiencing heightened sense of smell? Smells that usually are delightful seem…rancid?"

She peered over her glasses at the young woman in the lone chair, Sophie felt as if she were being put under a serious investigation, instead of a simple diagnosis.

Sophie thought about the baked fish and the pastries and nodded as she continued.

"Alright, have you noticed a spike in your libido?"

Sophie instantly thought of last night and the fantasies she'd been having at work of her Husband, she felt embarrassed answering, especially since this is one of Howl's old flings…Her cheeks gradually turned a light pink and she whispered. "Yes."

"Are your breasts sore? Swollen?"

"Why are you asking all of these personal questions? Is there something wrong?"

Sophie stood quickly, her dress ruffling as she did so. The nurse took a step back, sighing before saying a sentence that made young Sophie want to vomit.

"….I don't think you're ill, I think you may be pregnant."

There was a silence between the two, so quiet that Sophie could hear her heart beating heavily against her rib cage, she sat down, as she felt she may faint, her brown eyes were wide.

"W-what?"

"I'll have to take a blood test to be sure, I will have to send you the results in the mail. Are you okay? Do you need a glass of water? You look pale."

Sophie shook her head, her expression frozen in fear. She felt numb as the nurse prepped her for the blood drawing, all she could think of what the fact that she could be carrying a baby. Howl's baby. The Great Wizard's baby.

Before she knew it she was on her way home on the train, her mind still fixated on being pregnant. She fought herself on how true that could be, Howl had a spell for contraceptives, that he'd drink in the beginning of each month and it'd last the full 28-31 days, it was one of the more taboo spells he created, usually he'd sell them under the counter; but they still worked!

They've been married for about a whole year now. Sex was something they'd been partaking in since their first night as a married couple. This couldn't be happening. That nurse hasn't a clue what she was talking about. That nurse…it was just Sophie's luck to be seen by one of Howl's ex lovers, it made this situation that more difficult to digest.

Sophie stopped by the market on her way home to grab some fruits, as she picked some strawberries; she realized how she couldn't let Howl know unless it came back positive, she feared he'd lose his mind and throw a tantrum. She was never fearful of her husband, but she was afraid he'd be unhappy with the baby, or the thought of being a father; she wasn't too sure if he ever wanted any children. He always avoided the topic. As if he didn't want to acknowledge the possibility. It always struck her as odd.

"That'll be twenty dollars, Ma'am." The elderly man snapped her out of her daze, he held his shaky hand out, smiling as Sophie paid him.

She walked the rest of the way home, in her mind she was screaming, she didn't know what to think about this.

Sophie wasn't sure if Howl was home, she found herself hoping he wasn't.

She was wrong.

As she arrived she was greeted by Hein, she left the fresh produce in the kitchen and began to routinely greet the rest of the family walking through the castle, she found her husband in his study, which was a spare room on the ground floor. He set down a cylinder of red liquid to kiss her and wrap her up in a hug, the safe feeling she got from it made her want to weep. She already on edge.

"Calcifer told me you had to go to the center. How did it go? Did they give you medicine? I am still astounded that my magic didn't work."

Howl searched her face, she prayed he couldn't see how scared she was, thankfully he didn't.

"It was…interesting. It turns out that I must've ate something bad…like you said." Sophie lied, she felt terrible for it, but she couldn't tell him; she wouldn't.

Howl sighed in relief and stood up straight, his dark hair swaying with his movement. Sophie noticed his freshly cut hair, it wasn't as long as it has been the past week, though to be truthful, she liked how it looked long, he was even sporting a new outfit, by the looks of it he had to have conjured it up himself, a low cut, mid sleeve, oversized beige top that was tucked into his signature pants, but this time, they were white.

"Did you get a hair cut?"

Sophie changed the topic quickly, she could feel another question about the her day was brewing in his creative mind.

"Yes, I also got my shoes shined along with my nails. They were so dull." He chimed, mixing a red and green liquid into a large bowl.

"You look so handsome." Sophie watched the smile crack onto his lips, he loved when small things such as his hair, get noticed. He was like a woman at times.

"How do you feel?" Howl asked, opening his trusted spell book. His blue eyes glancing at her nervous form, she felt as if she were a troubled child, speaking up to the mad mother.

"I feel…okay. What do you want for dinner?" Sophie steered the conversation once again, she felt like he was suspicious now. Surely that was all in her head.

"I cooked. I made baked fish with lemon. Your favorite." Howl looked up, sitting down on the tall padded stool, leaning forward to see her better in the light.

Sophie was wide eyed, Howl never cooked, hell, he never lifted a finger unless he had too. Sophie couldn't stand the smell of the fish at the festival, they never make fish in the castle, she felt that familiar turning in her stomach…

"Darling?"

"Oh, sorry Howl, I'm just thinking."

"About?"

"The hat shop"

"Do you need me to open for you? If you're that worried about it, I'll do it."

What? Howl opening the hat shop? Why is he being so considerate? Does he know she could be pregnant? No, that's impossible.

"No, I think I'll be opening tomorrow if I feel better. Thank you. Don't you have errands?"

Howl shook his head, his bangs fluttering against his brows, those look newly trimmed too. He hopped up from his seat and circled the old table, stopping in front of his young wife, he peered down at her, his left hand raising to her soft cheek. Sophie almost forgot about the pregnancy situation, staring into his powder blue eyes could make any human alive forget every worry they had.

"I don't have to report to the king for a few days, I just have to help some of my clients. Aside from that, I'm all yours, my love." He whispered, pressing his lips against hers, which were quivering. Sophie accepted the kiss, she could feel the heat between her legs rise…

He pulled away slowly, a smirk ran across his mouth. "I can't stop thinking about last night, I thought it was a dream when I woke up this morning." He chuckled, pushing strands of his dark hair behind his right ear.

"What on earth has gotten into you? That was the most passionate sex we've had, since our wedding night, of course." He added, walking back to his work area.

"It's just been so long, I guess I broke under pressure." She shrugged, following behind him, he sat back down, returning to his reading. He nodded in agreement, opening the book.

"You can go have dinner, Markel cleaned. I'll join you for bed, I just need to figure out this spell."

That was his way of saying nicely: "Go away, I'm working.". Sophie decided she'd better make sure the castle was in order, or at least in some sort of order.

"Thank you for dinner, I bought some fresh strawberries and peaches." Sophie mentioned, before leaving.

"That's magnificent, we can start baking some more around here." Howl mumbled, flipping a page loudly.

Sophie shut the door softly, pressing her forehead against it, she hardly realized she was crying, she didn't want Howl to hear, but it was as if she were a river, the water just would not stop flowing.

Her vision grew blurry as her eyes flooded with tears, they fell to the floor beneath her each time she blinked, suddenly a very familiar dog scuttled between her feet, tears falling onto his tiny tuft of blonde hair instead. Sophie sniffled bending down to grab him.

Sophie held him close, her face buried into his fur as she quickly walked into the dining room, secluded from Calcifer and the old witch, anyone, really.

"Oh Hein…what am I going to do." She cried softly, plopping on to the chair, Hein huffed, laying his head on her right shoulder as she weeped heavily.

"Hein! There you are- Sophie? Sophie, why are you crying?"

Markel crept in on the two, surprising the young woman, Hein hopped off her lap, running circles around Markels legs, hopping ever so often.

"Oh, I'm just upset over missing work today, that's all. It's very important to me"

Sophie dismissed it, waving her hands and wiping her cheeks which were becoming raw from all the crying.

"Oh, well I was going to take Hein out to the lake! Did you want to join?" Markel grunted as he lifted the heavy dog.

"I'm okay Markel, thank you." Sophie stood, sniffling slightly.

"Don't worry Sophie, you'll get back to your hat shop in no time…" he grunted as he made his way to the front door, struggling as he did so.

"I hope so…"

Sophie was exhausted, not quite sure what it was due too, the possible pregnancy or being so scared you were pregnant that it sucked the energy out of you, either way. She wasn't hungry, she knew if she got into that fish she'd be in the bathroom the rest of the evening, so she skipped it all together and headed up to her and Howl's room.

She exchanged her evening dress for her night dress, this one was blue with the same silky material. She wore nothing underneath as she usually did, she practically fell onto the bed, sinking into it, she crawled under the thick blanket, she wasn't tired enough to sleep quite yet, it was the afternoon so she was usually on her way home from the shop. Besides, she found it hard to fall asleep, alone in that room.

Howl decorated it with strange lights that twinkled, wind chimes, spheres with a mechanical eye in the middle, that watched your every move. That's just to name a few, to say the least; it was unsettling.

"What will I do?" Sophie asked herself, she wasn't sure how long it took to test her blood, but she couldn't stand the anticipation; she wasn't sure what she wanted it to be. She always wanted a child, it wasn't a huge dream for her; especially now, she was quite young, almost twenty, she couldn't imagine having a child when she was younger, especially Howl's child.

Nonetheless, she'd be joyous to have the baby, the issue was her husband, Howl didn't seem like the fatherly type, he was always out on the king's demands, or in his study; of course when he had the time he'd be with her and the rest of the family, not to mention how melodramatic he is. She was certain if he found out he'd set fire the castle in a frenzy or worse. Howl was skilled in many ways, but dealing with life altering situations was not his best attribute.

Sophie sighed, shuffling on her side, she stared at the empty spot next to her, If she were pregnant, everyone in the castle's life would forever be changed.

"Did you all enjoy my cooking"

Howl hid the disappointment in his face, the fish had barely been picked at.

"You know Sophie's the only one who eats that stuff. It's gross…you don't even like it."

Howl chose to ignore the complaint that held truth, Howl wasn't a fond of fish, but he knew his wife was; he wanted nothing more than to bring a smile to her kind face, no matter how small the effort is.

Speaking of Sophie, she wasn't in the living area helping Markel with his study, which is what she usually did after dinner time.

"Has Sophie gone to bed early?"

"I think so, she was crying. She said she misses her shop, but I know she's lying."

Howl raised a brow, walking over to the young boy, who had a large book in his lap and a frown on his lips.

"Why do you say that?" Howl placed his hands on his hips, very curious to what Markel had to say about the strange situation.

"Because, I think she misses you. You're always gone and now that you are husband and wife, I think she wants more time with you."

Markel felt a pang of regret after his brave comment, the great wizard above him had a look of great hostility. Howl turned away, not looking in Markel's direction as his head tilted down, slightly ashamed, as well as insulted by the young child's remark.

"My powers are needed all over, Sophie knew this before taking my hand in marriage."

Calcifer sat in the small fireplace, a low chuckle rumbling from him, mixing with the crackling sounds of fire snapping.

"You can still make time." He said, also feeling a bit bashful by Howl's offended expression.

"Well, I wasn't aware that you two were professionals in marriage. If I didn't know any better I'd say you two are just jealous." Howl snapped, his dark hair rose as he swiftly turned to the archway of the room. The heels of his boots clicking loudly against the waxy floorboards.

"Now excuse me, enjoy the rest of your night."

He muttered before heading upstairs, his heart was racing with…pain. He knew Sophie must be hurting, from being so worrisome for his wellbeing and not getting enough time spent.

Howl rushed to the bedroom to be by her side, he made an oath on their wedding night, to always be there for her. He felt as if he were going against his word.

Without touching the door, it opened on his silent demand, swinging loudly.

"Have you ever heard of knocking?" Sophie pressed her right hand over her heart. She was just on her way to make some tea before bed.

"Oh Sophie.." he rushed to her, caressing her ample cheeks, his eyes were rimmed with tears. Sophie felt her heart sink, did he somehow find out?

"Are you angry with me? For not spending time with you?" His face was overrun with melancholy, his eyes were narrowed and his full lips were tight as he awaited an answer.

"No, I'm just not feeling well. The nurse said it'd take a couple days to feel better. It's alright Howl, I know you're a busy man. I still love you." She placed a sweet kiss on his cheek, leaving him speechless for a moment.

"That's a relief, Markel told me he saw you crying. Is there something you aren't telling me?"

Sophie felt cornered, she clasped her small hands together, a small laugh escaping her.

Howl narrowed his eyes again, he stared at her blankly, Great, she was making it obvious.

"No, I've just been overwhelmed with the shop."

"I told you, I can help. If you'd let me. I'm not against opening the shop." Howl leaned in on her face, she could smell the different herbs he'd been using in his study, which was very odd; she never noticed a scent after he played with his magic.

"No, Howl. Please. It's not your job. Now, I am going to make some tea and make sure that old witch doesn't try to mess with Calcifer."

Sophie gently pushed him away, placing her hands on his strong shoulders, she could feel the muscles under the thin fabric, she gasped softly, her mind began to race again…

Howl noticed the soft breathy sound, a look of amusement washed over his features.

Suddenly, she was pinned against the bedroom door, Howl's thigh pressed between hers, his face was inches away from hers again, her breathing was shallow as he lifted her dress, bunching the fabric at her waist. Revealing her nakedness before him. She turned away in embarrassment and excitement at his racy actions.

He grabbed her by the jaw, forcing her to look at him. His eyes were dark with longing and lust.

"Kiss me." He demanded, she wrapped her arms around his neck, pulling him into a heating kiss, immediately their tongues found each other.

Howl took this opportunity to freely roam her body with his hands, starting with her chest, Sophie whimpered into his mouth, he growled in return, massaging them between his palms.

Sophie leaned her head back against the door, catching a breath of air, moaning as he began to trail kisses against the nook of her neck, she arched her back at his touch, wanting him so badly to take her. He grabbed her by the back of her neck, smashing his mouth against hers.

Though Sophie was enjoying this rare encounter, her body wanting him so very bad that it almost hurt to rationalize with her mind; truthfully, this was her body acting out on its own will, Sophie was too nervous to continue with it. Which wasn't like her.

She halted him, firmly pushing him away with her small hands on his chest, he stared at her in dismay, feeling greatly disrespected when she turned from his kiss.

"What's the matter? Was it too much?"

He stepped away from her as she reconstructed herself, straightening her gown so it fell to her ankles.

"No, I just want to go to bed."

Sophie lied again, ignoring his sorrowful glance, without a word he left, again opening the door without lifting a finger. She turned to stop him, but the door slammed right in her face, she'd gone and upset him.

"Howl? What are you doing awake? Are you going somewhere?" Calcifer chided watching as Howl angrily stormed down the steps.

"No, I'm going to clear my mind. I am not having a great night."

"Is it Sophie?"

"She's not feeling too well, so I will not blame her. But, I am trying so hard to make her happy. I feel as though I am failing as a husband. My magic potion didn't work on her, so she's stuck in that room until she can function. It is highly stressful. I even found a gray hair, I'm barely thirty-one!"

Howl sighed, shocked at how much he burnt out just now. It did feel nice to speak to someone, even if it is a fire demon who resides in a messy fireplace.

"Which potion did you give her?"

"It's a best seller, it heals all ailments, Nausea, cough, headache. It works every time."

Calcifer was silent in thought, thinking back to when Howl created it and how come it didn't cure Sophie.

Then he remembered, the potion did not cure fatal illnesses or pregnancy symptoms. He could remember because long ago, a very angry pregnant woman through a fit in the castle after the spell did not work. Demanding her money back.

"Howl, do you remember when you created that potion?"

Howl glanced down at the talking fire, crossing his arms as he too, thought back years ago when he created such a staple in his work.

Finally, the wizard nodded, he could recall the success it had, Calcifer could see Howl was not fully understanding his question.

"Howl, do you think that maybe the reason it didn't work for Sophie, is because she could be pregnant?"

That struck a cord in Howl's heart, a look of complete fear ran over him, his face grew pale and void of life as he spoke.

"That is absurd, You and I both know why that can't be...Now, I am going on a nightly stroll, if Sophie asks, I will be back before sunrise."

Howl's demeanor switched from the charismatic, melodramatic spirit he was, to cold, stoic and fearful, Calcifer had known Howl his whole life, he'd never seen him that moved. He watched the great wizard pull his jacket off of the coat rack and quickly turn the dial, disappearing into darkness.

All the while, Sophie stood at the top of the stairs, afraid to breath, in fear Calcifer would notice and immediately tell Howl that she'd overheard their conversation.

Howl's last words stuck in her mind, as she fought the tears flooding the rims of her eyes.