Disclaimer: I do not own Howl's Moving Castle or any of the characters, only the plot.

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Howl was being good. Howl was behaving very well, and unlike before he did not go down to Market Chipping every week to check up on Sophie. Howl had not been down to Market Chipping in the past two months. Howl was sitting in his room attempting to do a spell for some person but he could not get Sophie out of his head today and he had been so good!

A terrorizing 61 days, 1,464 hours, 87,840 minutes and 5,270,400 seconds! Howl sighed throwing the heavy book down on the table it landed with a soft thunk. He stalked a crossed his room. He was so tempted to go see Sophie but Calcifer's warning rang in his head. "If you go to see Sophie once more without bringing her back here or changing the portals Markl and I will head down to live with Sophie and you can stay here all by yourself!"

Howl pressed his head against his window, the thought of being all by him self was scary but Howl's will power was being tested. But an even more pressing matter was that his will power about to run out. He wanted to see Sophie, as Howl thought of each second away from at least seeing her he felt a pang of hurt go through his body. Howl would bring her back if only she would come! Howl desperately wanted to see Sophie, and she herself could have come to him! Sophie knew exactly where in the hills they had last been seen. She could've climbed out up to the castle before they moved. Howl didn't even think to move the castle further away from Market Chipping till a month after he left.

Howl hung his head as his thoughts traveled back to Sophie. How could he expect her to just walk up to the castle? Howl was sure Sophie had accepted some man's proposal now that Howl had not checked in on her. Howl pushed himself from the window to sit heavily on his bed. He turned to look at the door before pulling out a blue dress from underneath the silky covers. It was the dress Sophie had worn before she took off. It had that same vanilla smell that Howl always smelled around Sophie.

Sighing he hid the dress, and returned to pacing about the room. Could he really get Sophie to come back with him? Howl sighed as he picked his coat up clasping it around his shoulders. Howl peered out of his room before tip toeing down the stairs, just as he hoped Calcifer was settled deep within the logs. Howl could make his escape, seeing no sign of Markl either Howl swiftly and quietly moved down the stairs and out the door without anyone noticing.

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Howl was surprised to find the hat shop closed. Why would Sophie close down the hat shop? Sophie loved the hat shop! Something must have happened to Sophie. Just then Howl noticed Sophie's sister coming through the back of the shop; he jumped out of the way even if he had disguised himself. He could hear Lettie muttering something about 'Stubborn girl….stupid stupid man!' before angrily pushing through the street.

Howl guessed since Lettie was here Sophie was too. Was Sophie in the house? Was she ill? Howl jumped over the shop into the court yard that separated the hat shop from the house. Changing his disguise from that of a young man to an older man with a briefcase he headed to the door. He would act as some traveling salesman, surly Sophie was too kind hearted to turn him down.

Howl walked up and knocked on the door. He heard a faint, 'Who is it?' and he gave his reply of salesman before an even weaker 'Come in.' When Howl opened the door he could see Sophie sitting at the table looking hopelessly defeated and sad.

He walked up into the house just to make sure he had a good look at her. Then he realized how worn out Sophie looked; she didn't need to be bothered by a sales man especially since Howl had nothing really to sell, "I'm sorry Ma'am I can come back!" He was already saying about to turn back to the door.

"No! Come I'll get you some tea." Sophie said, but Howl didn't want her to get up. If she couldn't come to the door something must have been wrong, he could feel Sophie's eyes on him as he moved as he headed straight for the kitchen area.

"Are you alright, So…Ma'am?"

Howl almost slipped once again forgetting that he was in disguise. Howl's hands moved expertly around the kitchen as Sophie answered him. "I'm just exhausted."

As Howl sat down in the chair a crossed from Sophie she elaborated on her short explanation. "Between running the shop and my sister I will go mad! She got her way though, the shop will be closed until it's over…or till Lettie kills me. I still refuse to leave."

Howl knew Sophie was rattling but he urged her on. She seemed embarrassed when she realized she was rambling on but Howl smiled at her and that seemed to make her feel better.

"Why would your sister hassle you?

"Oh well, she thinks it's not safe me living here alone. It's not healthy for a woman like me, but I need to stay here. I'm waiting for some one but I'm sure the deadline will pass and he still won't come."

"Why do you have a deadline?"

"You travel around, so I'll let you in on a secret. But if you breathe one word of this in Market Chipping I will have your head!" Sophie said, her finger pointing at him. Howl nodded waiting for an explanation, but when Sophie stood he could see it all. He could see the excitement in her eyes, Howl was worried and his heart restricted. Her hands landed on her belly. "I'm due in a month! I'm so huge Lettie's worrying about me on the stairs like I was a babe."

A light laugh came from Sophie, "This is why she wants me to live with her! But I don't want to, and I fear if I disagree with her again she'll bring her husband down here and have him carry me out!" Sophie stomped her foot at this, her breath grew low but Howl could still hear her state about unruly sisters.

Howl was more worried about the father. Howl's head was coming up with a conclusion that fit but made his heart hurt worse. "Where is the father?"

"Oh…" Sophie's excited aura seemed to be weighted down as she answered. "He left me five months ago, I'm afraid he is long gone by now."

Howl's heart pounded more and he could feel his stomach flop. Howl could do the math, and while Howl was almost sure of the answer he needed to hear Sophie say it. "Where is he?"

"Anywhere; he could be millions of miles away for all I know. You see he lives in a Moving Castle."

"You mean…"

"Yes. The Wizard Howl is the father of my child, but after the way I attacked him I couldn't blame him if he fled to the other side of the earth."

But by now Howl was not listening to her. Howl shook his head, "I have… I have to go I'm sorry!" Howl picked up his brief case flying out of the door. As soon as he was outside he lifted himself into the air heading for the mountains.

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Howl arrived to the castle with bags packed on the table. He knew Markl and Calcifer would figure out where he was going. Howl was still in too much shock to connect with what the bags meant. Calcifer flared up but he didn't seem to be looking at Howl. He looked around Howl, and Calcifer frowned when what he sought was no where in sight.

"Howl. Is Sophie with you?"

Howl looked at Calcifer as if he was crazy. Sophie couldn't go anywhere she was going to pop out Howl's kid some time soon. "No, No. She can't be moved now."

Howl knew he was forgetting something but Calcifer looked at Howl it dawned on him. Howl was the only one who knew that Sophie was pregnant. He opened his mouth to tell Calcifer the news, but the color drained from his face. How did Howl not notice Sophie was pregnant, and how careless he'd been of her sensitive hormones! He should have waited the storm out not run! How much of a jerk could Howl be leaving her to take care of herself? How could Howl leave the woman he loved stranded pregnant? How did he not once notice? Every day he went in the shop consumed by so much of his own hatred and jealously of the men did he never once see Sophie. He couldn't see she'd slowed down, and seemed to be getting fatter. But not in the bad way! She was pregnant and for five months Howl had basically been down there and he still couldn't notice? HE STILL LET HER STAY THERE?

Howl's heart hurt. This was the downfall of a heart; Howl realized how much of a…a…a monster he'd been! Who could be so unobservant? (Howl ignored the fact that Calcifer had not picked up the fact Sophie was pregnant in her early stages either Howl also decided to ignore the fact that the men who came in each day also did not notice Sophie's bulging belly.) Howl's self pity reached a new level how could he? How could he?!

His mind raced with all the heavy lifting or running about doing things that could not have been very good for her health but Sophie would have to do. Howl felt horrible. Howl felt sick. His heart and stomach ganging up on him again as nausea rocked his stomach and his heart jumped into his throat.

"Calcifer do you know I'm monster even with a heart?" Howl asked now drained of all the energy he had gained when he found out Sophie was going to have his child, the man she was waiting for was him, Sophie still loved him, and only him. Sophie wanted him and it set his heart soaring, but the horrid way he left her.

It broke the wings of his heart. Calcifer had not answered Howl questions so he shouted up to Markl, who he'd been aware of standing a top the stairs. "Markl do you know I'm a monster even with a heart?"

Howl didn't wait for a reply from Markl but told them why he was a monster. "I left Sophie alone…. and pregnant."

Howl heard something heavy drop but he continued on. "Do you know what the very worst part is? She blames it all on herself."

Markl now came down the stairs another bag in his hand. He placed it on the table, his eyes full of worry before flicking to Howl letting the hate slip in. "Come on, We are leaving!" He yelled up the stairs.

"Sophie is too good for you." Calcifer said. Howl looked at the stairs, "Oh Calcifer what should I do?"

Calcifer shook his head, "You figure it out."

Markl raced down the stairs holding something else in his hands before going back up the stairs once more.

"Calcifer, give me one hour before you leave! Please just one hour!" Howl was already down the stairs and out the door before Calcifer could reply.

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The day was just getting worse. Sophie had welcomed anyone that knocked on her door that wasn't out to get her, out of boredom. She couldn't sit in the lonely house and when Sophie's stomach growled she became aware that her stock of vegetables and cheese had become an alarming low. Sophie wondered if her sister had anything to do with that but Sophie put on the biggest dress she had still hoping to hide her form from people.

But this could be far by the worst. Howl was leaning against the wall in the courtyard. Sophie held her breath thinking only of the horrible things her mind could conjure. Did he need something? Was he angry that she continued to live in the shop? Did he come to tell her he found the woman of his dreams and he was leaving Ingry forever? Sophie found herself looking around Howl not at him.

What Sophie wanted was to casually stroll over there and simply ask what he was doing here? Sophie managed a few steps without him noticing her but she couldn't stop herself when she called out to him her voice cracking and tears welled in her eyes. He looked up at her completely surprised and even if he was not smiling at her like in her dreams she still wanted him to hold her.

She was eight months pregnant but that didn't matter to Sophie. She dropped the basket, a carrot or two rolling out along with some cabbage, and rushed to Howl with tears running down her cheeks. Sophie plunged herself at him wrapping her arms the best she could around him, her stomach getting in the way but Howl seemed to be able to wrap his arms fully around her.

Howl didn't say anything and Sophie cried, she was just so happy he was here. Sophie was trying to determine if she really wanted to hear what Howl said when he pulled away from her his hands staying firm on her shoulders.

"How have you been?" His voice was laced with worry, and Sophie suddenly found herself wondering about her stomach. He must have noticed.

"Alright." Howl removed himself from her grip and picked up her discarded basket. One hand went across her shoulders and her helped her into the house and sat Sophie down at the table before putting away the food.

"Where is all your meat Sophie? All you have is vegetables, and no potatoes."

Sophie looked away guiltily and when she looked back Howl was staring at her. Much like when Lettie first found out about Sophie's new diet Howl was not going to let the conversation die, but Sophie could darn well try to make it die! She turned her eyes trying to look at anything but the fireplace but her eyes betrayed her staring hard at it. She turned her head back to Howl to try and start him on another subject but he was still frozen halfway between putting the bread up and grabbing at the carrots.

"Sophie?" Howl called to her not letting her speak. Sophie turned her head as she answered silently cursing her love. You could rarely pin Howl down with anything but if he wanted to pin something on you there was no escape!

"I could bear to cook without a talking fire. It was no fun bullying something that can't yell back."

Howl's eyes grew quite large then angry. While Howl was giving the angry bark his heart sank. It was his entire fault! If he had just left like he was going too then this would have never happened! Howl had been too cowardly to leave the house on his own and dragged Markl and Calcifer along with him. If only he had not left. It seemed in when trying to help Sophie all he did was cause he grief!

"Do you know how unhealthy that is for you and the baby?"

Oh, Sophie thought, He does know about the baby. Sophie looked at him, he returned to putting her things away muttering angrily to him self. Was he angry about the baby? Did Howl want Sophie to have his baby?

"You don't have to force yourself here just because the baby, Howl. If you don't want it then you don't have to see it!" Sophie could feel tears jump in her eyes; she moved her eyes from Howl. This thoroughly shocked Howl. How could Sophie think such things? Of course he wanted their baby, Howl's heart was a roller coaster today because no sooner had it jumped for joy at the thought of their baby did it plunge into the ground because he was sure Sophie would not let him be in the family. He'd done so much to hurt her and the baby and the baby was not even born yet!

"Sophie, Sophie! Why wouldn't I want the baby? If only you'd be so kind to allow me to see it." Howl's eyes met Sophie's and Sophie felt the soft pads of Howl's thumbs removing the tears that rolled down her face. Despite Howl's earlier distress he had the biggest smile on his face as he got to touch his Sophie. Even if Sophie loved him and wanted him to come he wasn't sure it was the best, but for now just wiping away the tears he'd caused made him feel better. Howl had longed to touch her for so long, his voice came out in a whisper as he recited the words that constantly came up in his mind, "Oh Sophie, you mustn't put so much blame on yourself for my wicked deeds!"

Sophie looked at him; he seemed to be in pain. "Howl, what is wrong? Why should you feel badly? I attacked you, my mind jumped to the worst case possible--"

Howl cut her off. "No!" He yelled removing himself from kneeling in front of her. "I ran from you! I hid away so sure you'd never want me, but what do I do? I leave here being selfish again I leave you here to fend for yourself three months pregnant! How could I be so blind to not see you were pregnant? Then I run around becoming shamelessly jealous when I can to spy on you, and I still didn't return even after I saw you're hurt!"

Sophie let Howl ramble on long enough, she was angry that he had not come sooner and that he had spied on her but Sophie was sure if she had not left none of this would happen, her irrational act caused all this dismay and while Howl could have stopped it sooner it was not his fault it started.

Sophie stood and stomped her foot, much like this morning. Howl jumped back at the rough new sound. "I won't have you blaming your self!"

"Sophie you're too kind."

Sophie whipped around to see Calcifer, Markl and the Witch of the Waste at the door. Tears sprung to Sophie's eyes and Markl abandoned his place next to the Witch to cling onto Sophie's legs. Sophie ruffled his hair and was about to go assist the Witch of the Waste but Howl already had the old lady seated at the table. Calcifer flew around in a blue spark seeming to converse with Howl.

"Calcifer!" Sophie called and cupped her hands. He flew over to her becoming a ball of orange in her hand. "I missed you!" Sophie added giving the fire demon a kiss.

Howl looked on; if Calcifer and Markl were to stay with Sophie would she need Howl? She seemed very happy to seem him but he still felt horrible.

"Howl."

Sophie was behind him. Markl and Calcifer were heading up stairs with the witch. Sophie walked closer to him and closer to him, leaning as best she could up to kiss him. Her lips connected with him and she pulled away with a smile.

"I love you, Howl. Don't you dare leave again!" Sophie whispered clinging onto his shirt, and Howl nodded. "I love you too Sophie."

Sophie smiled and pulled herself from his embrace. She started walking over to the stairs. Howl appeared out of no where ready to carry her up them. Sophie could see he was going to make up for the five months of missed fussing. If Sophie played her cards right she might not have to walk until the baby was born. Sophie looked at Howl as they ascended the stairs. Howl ended up winning the semi-argument about Sophie being able to walk up the stairs when Howl picked her up.

"Howl?"

"Yes."

"If you ever leave me like that again, I will not stop Lettie."

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One more chapter! Thanks to all who reviewed.