Moonlight at Midnight – I really appreciate the comments! I just hope I keep living up to your expectations.

Artemis Obscure – I'm glad that you liked this chapter better! I hope that this chapter is as good as the last one…keep giving me feedback!

A/N sorry if Howl seems a little out of character, I really tried to keep him normal.

Sophie woke at the usual time the next morning, once again noticing gleefully how none of her joints ached. She climbed out of bed with so much energy she was practically jumping, and couldn't quite identify what it was, exactly, that was making her so happy. She felt cold air around her legs and realized that she was about to go running around in her shift. Shrugging it off, she left her cubby anyway, humming, and stopped short at the sight that lay in front of her.

Howl had not only entered the main room before her, he'd done it without styling his hair, or even changing into normal clothes. He stood by the fireplace, holding the frying pan, still unaware that she was awake. Sophie took the opportunity to study him. He looked rather boyish with his hair so unkempt, and he'd gotten flour not only all over his pajamas, but also on his nose and in his hair. All in all, he was a sight to laugh at. So, that was exactly what Sophie did.

Giggles bubbled up through her throat as she walked up to Howl and shyly slid her arms around him. She laughed harder when he turned to hold her, realizing that he was probably getting flour all over her face and shift and hair as well. At the moment, Sophie didn't really think that she cared.

"I made you breakfast," Howl stated uncertainly, pulling away slightly.

"I can see that, Howl," she murmured wryly. "You've also managed to thoroughly mess your appearance,"

Just as Howl was about to reply, a familiar voice cackled and whined, "Sophie! Aren't you even going to say hello?!"

"Hello, Calcifer." Sophie smiled, then stood up on tiptoe to kiss Howl on the cheek and went to go get silverware and plates.

"What, no kiss for me?" Calcifer whined. Sophie glared at him ferociously. "Never mind. You'd probably bite my head off. Howl, how can you let yourself get so close to Sophie without fearing for your life?"

"I have my reasons," Howl murmured, his eyes falling on Sophie, who rolled her eyes, blushed, and continued about her business.

Breakfast went in a similar fashion, although it was interrupted once by Michael racing through, shouting something about visiting Martha.

After breakfast, Sophie began tidying up, and was rather surprised (pleasantly, naturally) when Howl picked up some dishes and carried them to the sink. "Howl?" she asked hesitantly.

"Yes, Sophie?" He looked up at her from his position next to her at the sink.

"How come you're…well…how come you're being so nice?" she murmured, hesitantly.

He looked at her with a wounded expression. "Sophie, did you really think that I would make you breakfast and then leave you with all of the dishes?"

"Yes," she answered bluntly.

That look Howl got before he was about to slither out of something came over his face. "Well, cariad, as punishment for having so little faith in me, I'm going to be forced to allow you to finish the washing."

"Howl, you never!" she gasped in indignation. But Howl was already racing up the stairs to his room. Sophie pursued as fast as she could, but to no avail. Howl had locked himself in. "Howl! HOWL! YOU COME OUT HERE RIGHT THIS INSTANT!"

A muffled reply came from in the room. A scant five minutes later, Howl emerged, dressed in a blue and silver suit. Sophie took a breath to yell at him, but Howl, to avoid the wrath of Sophie, gave her a quick kiss and raced back down the stairs, yelling, "Sorry Sophie, but I'm late to see the king!" And with that he was gone. Sophie sighed in exasperation and began washing the dishes, complaining to Calcifer (who was trying not to laugh,) the entire time.

Well, what did you think? And thank you to all my lovely reviewers! You are very much appreciated!