I own nothing

Finally Sophie was asleep and Howl could now move away from her. He left her on the bed in the room which she has previously slept in. Howl left the door open so that he could keep an eye on her but he left the room.

"Master Howl, We can't stay here she will try again you know that?"

"I know Calcifer but what do you expect me to do about it? She can follow wherever we go in this world."

"We have to at least try Howl. It's your duty to keep her safe since you have taken her in."

"I know that Calcifer I'm not stupid. She will not get her hands on Sophie again. I will make sure of that. Sophie will not be out of my sight ever."

"Hee hee, I'm dying to see how that will turn out. She will be her old self within the week."

"Shh, Calcifer she needs to sleep. Howl scowled at Calcifer."

Muffling his chuckles Calcifer turned away from Howl leaving him to ponder what they were going to do next.

HHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH

When Sophie woke the next morning she was pleasantly surprised to feel warm bedding around her and to have a surprisingly light head. The events of the past few days were still fresh in her mind but she was safe now and was going to make the most of this lazy time in bed. Stretching all of her limbs like a cat Sophie fully expected to turn over and be able to curl up and go back to sleep again. She however would have no such luck.

"HOWL WHAT ARE YOU DOING?" Sophie jumped back and nearly fell off the bed as Howl's face was almost next to hers on the pillow, just staring at her with a casual smirk his face.

"Morning sweetheart. I trust you slept well?"

"HOWL GET OUT OF MY ROOM!"

"I have sworn to protect you my fair lady and therefore I must watch over you day and night." Howl said straightening and giving Sophie a formal bow while taking her hand and kissing it."

"Ewwww Howl that's gross, now I have Howl slobber on my hand."

Howl just chuckled and moved closer.

"Now Sophie I know you must like me just a little and I think I deserve a reward for rescuing you from the bad guys don't you?"

"Eh I don't think so mate not the kind of reward you are thinking of." Sophie jumped out of bed and made for the door Howl hard on her heels.

They chased around the kitchen like a couple of kids, Sophie managing to dodge Howls arms and kissing fish lips. Howls plan was working she was forgetting the events of the last few days in fits of laughter at the faces he was pulling. It was glorious for him to hear the sound falling from her lips. Howl finally made a lunge for Sophie and caught her up in his arms.

"Now my dear about that reward." Howls lips were on Sophie's in a second holding her against him. After a few seconds of struggling in his hold Sophie melted into Howl's touch.

"Hmm that's definitely the best reward I have ever received." Howl smirked.

Sophie recovering slowly just realised what she had done and went bright pink and tried to hit Howl on the chest but Howl caught her hands easily.

"Now, Now precious what's this for? If you keep on like this I will soon be asking for a kiss to say your sorry Howl whispered in Sophie's ear. This brought a scowl to Sophie's features. "You know precious you're beautiful when you're angry?" Sophie gave an indignant snort and tried to struggle out of his grip. Howl however let go and darted around the other side of the table laughing as he went.

"Yeah you had better run wizard boy." Sophie said scowling across the table.

"Oh yeah and what are you going to do my dear?"

"I'd just watch your back if I were you."

"Sure thing, Howl set a pair of eyes in mid air watching his back."

"Aouuuwww, you're impossible!" Sophie scowled and tried to dart after Howl again.

"Now, now Sophie please don't throw yourself at me there's youngsters in the room."

"What?"

"SOPHIE" The voice of Markle shouted from the stairs and then launched himself across the room to hug Sophie fiercely. "When did you get back? Are you ok? Did she hurt you?"

Sophie swallowed remembering the events which Howl had tried so hard to make her forget.

"I…I'm fine Markle, I got back last night." Sophie lowered her eyes to hide the tears that were starting to form in her eyes.

"Markle why don't you just sit down and have your breakfast, Sophie just needs some space to breathe."

"Okay Master Howl." Markle reluctantly let go of Sophie and made for the table.

"Are you ok Sophie?" Howl raised her face with his hand.

Sophie shook her head. "Howl I want to go home."

Wow it's taken me soo long to update. Sorry but seem to be updating when I can at the moment. Life is pretty hectic.