It was now six o'clock and Howl hadn't gotten over Calcifer's trick. He truly lived up to his name as the effeminate drama queen.
He currently laid in his bed and stared up at the ceiling. He found the dark blue color to be a sad blue tonight. He was upset. Not even the twinkling of his twirly devices could cheer him up, which was their prime purpose.
The worry over Sophie grew by the second. It was only a silly cold, but even a tiny cough would convince him the world was at its end. He understood and disliked the reason behind it.
It was this "love" thing. It was so new to him, so innocent and inexperienced, despite popular belief. He was as new to this as a newborn babe is to the world. He barely understood how to keep his head up.
I'll visit Sophie, he decided, pushing himself into an upright position. He was across the room in three, swift strides.
But, hey, this was Sophie he was thinking about.
~0~
Howl was afraid to knock. He often found himself far less confident whenever he was around her. This time was no different.
His knuckles gently brushed the wood. "Um, Sophie, are you in there?" He asked in a shy voice.
He almost immediately flinched. Was she in there?! She was sick, and hadn't left her room for hours. Of course she was there!
Her small voice came across like a lullaby. "Oh, Howl, is that you? Yes, I'm here."
Howl released the breathe he hadn't even realized he'd been holding. "Yes, can I come in?"
There was a shuffling inside before an answer arose. "Yes. You can come in now."
He cautiously creaked the door open and smiled at the first sight of his love. His hand danced over her face, checking her temperature again.
A small frown breached his face. Sophie wasn't fond of the look. "Is something wrong?" She queried softly.
Howl forced himself to visibly brighten up. "How do you feel?"
"Cold," she admitted, unaware of the heat radiating from het cheeks.
"You're running a slight fever, Sophie. You stay here, rest. I'll be back with a bowl of soup."
"No, I'm fi-"
"Sophie!" He broke in harshly. His voice soften, trying to convey his gentle meaning as he continued, "Let me take care of you."
Gradually, she finally gave in with a silent nod.
He offered her a handsome smile that bordered on smugness. "That's my girl," he murmured affectionately.
Howl laid a soft kiss on her forehead before leaving. Sophie's fingers lingered to the place where his lips had touched.
