A.N. Thank you all so much for reviews on the last chapter! It wasn't my favorite, personally, but I'm glad that people did like it. I think I got my desired amount or reviews, so I'm updating. Anyway, here, enjoy!

Howl paced in his study, trying to decide what he should do. He knew he loved Sophie, and that she loved him back, and that they were so obviously meant to be, but how to tell her, how to let her know in a really great way. Proposal has crossed his mind more than once, but Howl just didn't know how to do that sort of thing. He was more of the, 'Date 'em if they've got a pretty face, and they're not totally crazy; then run and hide when they become obsessive and let down their spell, revealing how hideous they really are" type guy.

But Sophie, Sophie was different. He'd been in love with her, even when she was plain. He'd never run and hid from her, and he was still in love with her, after half a year of living in the castle with her. And she loved him back, so proposal was looming in the not-to-far-off future.

Sophie sighed, falling backwards onto her large, comfortable bed. Thoughts of her life in the past six months flew through her mind. Mostly, they were her moments with Howl, though. Her first kiss, her telling him that she loved him, running through the grass in the cave between the mountains. Many things had happened in the time they had been in love, but Sophie wanted more.

She realized that Howl must be the only one for her, but she wasn't sure that he thought the same way. He reassured her constantly, with tender kisses, sweet words, warm hugs, small gifts, but he never tried to advance their relationship.

Sophie told herself that he just needed time, but that he would come through soon. Besides, they were still young. She had her whole life ahead of her, and he his. She was only twenty, and he twenty four. So, she had nothing to worry about. They weren't going to die tomorrow, or anything, right?

Lucille was sweeping out the ashes from around Calcifer, gaily humming a tune and occasionally spinning as if dancing in a ball. Being in love was so wonderful, and after being in the castle for three months with Justin, that's exactly where she was, in love. He was so polite, kind, mannerly, strong, and it didn't hurt that he was handsome.

She liked to think that he might love her back, but couldn't be sure. She knew that he had strong feelings for Sophie, but Sophie was taken! And, he had been being more talkative towards Lucille lately, hanging around near her, commenting on her looks once or twice (she blushed at the thought). But, he was a prince, and she was the daughter of a commoner. Taking refuge in Howl's Moving Castle, so she wouldn't have to marry a man that was two times her age.

What could a kind, handsome Prince ever see in her?

Lucille turned to pull the bag of ashes into the trash, and almost dropped it all over the floor when she saw him standing there. He was sitting in a chair next to the table, watching her, a far out look in his eyes. The chair was turned around backwards, and he was sitting in it the wrong way, legs on either side of the back.

But what surprised Lucille, was the other look in his eyes, it was something she didn't recognize, or at least hadn't seen in anybody's eyes, lately. Nobody's but Howl and Sophie's….

Justin watched her sweep the ashes out of the fire place, and a warmth fell over his body. He still loved Sophie, but not like a romantic love, more of a brotherly love.

Lucille was different. She was so cheery, even if she was living in charity, and had been doomed to marry a fifty year old. She was a hard worker, friendly, caring, motherly towards Markl, and beautiful. Justin just couldn't help but care for her. He thought that anyone that got to know her would, trying to convince himself that he didn't love her, of course.

But, deny it as it may, his heart was leading him towards her. There's someone out there for everyone, but the place where the Prince found love was in a commoner's daughter. He had had countless beautiful women and princesses asking for his hand in marriage, but he had never accepted.

Maybe, maybe now he could have his princess, even if it wasn't a princess of blood. Anyway, nothing would ever happen, because he knew she didn't love him. If she loved him, then why didn't she say something already? (Can you see that he's not all too experienced in love?)

A.N. 2 I know, the shortest chapter yet, but since this is basically only explaining the last few months, and everyone's new feelings, it has to be short. Welcome to filler land, people! Wait, was the last one a filler, too? Sorry! The next one will have something (or maybe a few things) happen, and it will be up on Monday (hopefully). My internet stinks, though, so, yeah. Thanks, and remember to review! I only expect two reviews, though, because the chapter stunk.