Sophie and Howl slept peacefully in his (their) bed, her head resting over his heart and hand on his chest, his arm wrapped protectively around her. Life was good to them, they were happy here. They'd broken each other's curses, Markl was making good progress, and Calcifer… was Calcifer. Sophie still had nightmares some days, Howl would hold her and whisper in her hear. After all, she was the something he wanted to protect, and so he would. Even from her own nightmares.
Howl opened his eyes when the woman currently using him as a pillow whimpered.
"Sophie…"
When she didn't reply, he shook her gently.
"Sophie!"
She started shaking and he cursed silently. She'd never gotten this bad before.
Howl held her closer as he pulled her onto his lap, whispering words of comfort and encouragement as he rocked her until she was calm and waited for her to wake.
"That must've been some dream Sophie."
"I'm sorry I'm such trouble Howl."
"Sophie" Howl scolded "you're no trouble at all. And besides, I like holding you like this."
"Thanks Howl." Sophie laid her head on his shoulder, forehead against his neck.
Howl smiled.
"I love you Sophie."
"I love you too Howl."