a/n: By the way, I want to reassure you all that I do plan on addressing all of these open-ended scenarios. Writing this story is proving to be, uh, an interesting exercise in plot development. Every chapter idea is like a puzzle piece. Whenever I try approaching these scenarios lineally (e.g.: Sophie thinks about calling Justin, so now I'll make Sophie call Justin!), my mind starts creating all of this subtext, and then the resolution of the scenarios are shuffled throughout the story-line.
Juliastes has inspired me to say, "I am armed and dangerous, for my belt weighs heavy with Chekhov's Guns. Permission to take me into custody if they don't all go off!" xD
"Howl's Love Advice"
Chapter 38: Floor it!
Calcifer peeked over the armrest to catch Markl's eye. The kid stood guard on the far side of the living room, stationed in the archway leading to the covert front hallway. Markl gave him a thumbs up.
Calcifer grinned and ducked back behind the black leather armchair. This was going to be tricky. He couldn't leave Markl unattended, so he had to sneak out when Howl came back. The kid had agreed to distract his dad until Calcifer could escape but only for a price: two pounds of salt water taffy. What a glutton!
The next time Calcifer glanced over the armrest, Markl had disappeared into the hallway. There was the sound of a key in the lock.
Oh SHOOT, he's here!
The red-head braced himself, gripping his knees, the muscles in his back tense.
The silence carried a minute too long. Calcifer started feeling edgy.
A muted thump sent his head swinging towards the doorway behind him. He scrambled to his feet when he saw Howl stalk into the living room from the downstairs den, wearing his scary hitman face, menacingly rolling up his sleeves. A giggle echoed from the front foyer.
"Markl, ya snitch!" Calcifer shouted.
Crashing objects, a scuffle, two giant bruises and a table-hit to the shin later, and then Calcifer was tearing for the second-story balcony. "See ya!" he cackled over his shoulder before leaping into the frigid evening air.
A jolt shuddered through him as he rolled. He spat out a piece of dry grass before taking off again, dodging through the backyard minefield of bizarre lawn ornaments and random scrap piles.
The driveway rushed into sight. Calcifer put on a burst of speed right when Howl dove around the corner in a flying tackle.
Calcifer barely dodged, pivoting sharply on his foot, causing Howl to graze his chest. Ignoring the blonde's hollering, he bolted for his already-packed jeep, threw himself behind the wheel, and reached for the keys. His hand brushed the empty ignition switch.
Calcifer panicked, searching frantically.
Movement made him look up.
Howl's teeth gleamed as he dangled a familiar key ring.