A/N - I wanted to update this soon as it this chapter contains the meat of the story. Again, if you enjoy it so far, please leave a review or click to favorite. All is much appreciated. Thank you to already to those of have favorited. It means a lot to me! Okay, please enjoy chapter 2.

Ch 2

No one stirred in the castle until far after the sun had risen on the morning after Midsummer's Eve. Howl was the first to bombard down the stairs, chipper and fully rested. He rapped the eve of Sophie's cubby with his knuckles, "Sophie! The day is ours for the seizing! I've closed up the flower shop for today, and I've a spell to keep Michael busy. Wake up, and I'll be out shortly," he chirped. The next moment, he entered the bathroom.

It was true that Howl did emerge from the bathroom sooner than usual, only spending one whole hour getting ready. The hour outside the bathroom seemed to drag on for Sophie. Since being awoke so early in the morning from Howl and Calcifer's intimate conversation, she hadn't slept well. She groggily made her way to the cupboards near the sink to find a fry pan and some bacon and eggs.

Once she was ready at the hearth, her morning voice croaked as she asked Calcifer to bend over. The fire demon's eyes flashed her a concerned look, then relaxed saying, "You sounded like your old self for a moment."

Sophie cleared her throat. "No, I'm back to my old self. Just tired."

"A lot has happened," the fire demon flickered a nod.

"Yes," Sophie agreed, "Now, if you can bend over so I can make breakfast…"

"As I'm no longer stuck here, I'll let you get your own fire," Calcifer said as he began to climb up the chimney, leaving the smoking logs without flame.

Sophie's eyes widened at the realization that for the first time in the castle, she would have to start a fire. She dreadfully hated that chore. "Calcifer!" Sophie moaned.

The fire starter was nearly impossible to find, and the kindling was very little. Eventually, she did get the fire started, but the whole ordeal did nothing to improve her state. Michael had come down fifteen minutes before Howl was done in the bathroom. By that time, Sophie's hair was smoky, and her hands were dirty and ashy from dropping the flint stone and fire starter a few times. In the beginning, the flames were too hot, and the first three pieces of bacon ended up like partially brown, crumbling sticks.

Michael ate around the burnt pieces and sat silently watching Sophie start another batch of bacon and eggs.

Then the bathroom door burst open, and the steamy smell of jasmine refreshed the air. Howl was rejuvenated with light colored hair and an all-white suit with gold embellishment and pearl buttons. A pearl encased in gold dangled from his ear. His face was clean and clear, and he smiled dazzlingly at Sophie.

Sophie felt put on the spot suddenly, and she was not in a mood for it. Of course he can smile like that, she thought, he's as fresh as a daisy. Howl made his way towards Michael, but paused halfway to look at Sophie again. "You glare means one thing: Calcifer abandoned you."

"He most certainly did!" Sophie said with justified indignation.

Howl waved his hand and his white sleeve fluttered. "Dismiss it from your mind and get ready. Today is going to be your day." He finished with a smile that nailed it's mark causing Sophie's hear to skip a beat.

As she made her way to the bathroom, smelling the jasmine growing stronger with each step, she couldn't help her small smile from blooming. Today is going to be your day, Sophie repeated in her head. Her stomach felt like mush in a most pleasing way.

The mirror was framed with a lingering fog. Sophie could see herself clearly, and she had a most wonderful feeling of being young again. She squished her full cheeks and pulled at the tight skin around her eyes. No wrinkles, no bagginess, no old spots. Every imperfection she had imagined before the curse was nowhere to be found. Sophie was completely happy to be herself again. She would never ever take any moment for granted again.

While she brushed her hair, she thought about how Howl was trying to turn things around from yesterday afternoon. Sophie recalled what she and her sisters had discussed after Sophie escaped Howl's bedroom yesterday.

Sophie managed to catch up to Lettie and Martha along with the others entering Market Square. The clouded sunlight scattered about their cobblestone path, and the colorful flowers, ribbons, and banners decorated the street. The three sisters were forcefully happy to be with another again. Any passerby couldn't help but notice the three lovely young women, walking arm in arm, whispering, and giggling loudly to one another.

Very quickly their conversation turned to Sophie and Howl. Lettie began, "Sophie, are you genuinely a couple with Howl? He is truly heartless, you know that right?"

"Lettie, he was and now he's not! You saw the whole thing just hours ago. He's fixed or… cured or… I put his heart back in - so he's quite whole." Sophie felt she was supporting a bit too strongly the man who she had many a time called wicked.

"Oh my – 'Heartless Howl'" Martha said, recalling his nickname around Market Chipping. "A bit on the nose, if you ask me."

"Sophie," Lettie said seriously, "He may have his heart back, but that doesn't necessarily mean it will change his ways. I've met a few of the girl's he's courted, and they all told the same story. He butters them up well and proper, then leaves them in the cold with no explanation and no reason. How can I allow a man like that to be with my wonderful sister?"

Sophie felt guilty. Lettie was not wrong, but that singular view of Howl wasn't who he really was. Lettie simply didn't understand the full situation. "Listen, I lived with him this whole time - from the day I was cursed by the Witch of the Waste. I've seen him at his worst, and I've seen him at his best – in more ways than one."

Martha immediately teased Sophie, "Oooooh, more ways than one?"

Sophie blushed red hot. "No! Not like that Martha," she swatted her little sister. "No, absolutely not. Everything was very formal – well," Sophie suddenly recalled when she had to scrub the green slime from Howl in the shower.

"'Well'?" Lettie joined in the teasing. "'Well' what miss?" The girls all laughed, but Sophie the hardest. Even before she was cursed to be an old maid, she had missed her sisters dearly.

"But honestly Sophie, look at you." Lettie continued. "He's already got you under his spell, and you can't even see it. How can I trust such a notorious, womanizing wizard with my sister?"

"That's exactly how I felt for you Lettie," Sophie said. "I do understand what you are trying to tell me, but it's different."

Lettie acted as if she hadn't heard Sophie's last sentence. "I saw through his charms right away. He says and does everything a woman wants to hear, but it's empty. I was just another conquest on his map, but I am not a woman to be contended with. You, however, are another matter. You don't ever stand up for yourself like you should. As soon as he mentioned you, I've been worried sick."

"I'm not sure you have it all right, though, Lettie," Martha interjected. "Michael works with Howl, and he wouldn't serve under an evil man – Michael's not the type."

"He's not evil, he was missing his heart." Sophie said. "Howl was simply lonely but had no heart to share so he ran away. He's honestly just the world's best slither-outer."

Lettie retorted, "And what makes you think he won't slither out of your life and leave you broken-hearted? Mind you, he won't have much life after that when I'm through with him, but I couldn't stand the thought of you going through that."

Sophie had no sure proof, but she felt that Lettie was deeply wrong. "He won't. He rescued me. He did so much for me," Sophie said.

He had done a lot for her, the more she thought about it. He moved their castle to her old house, he turned the old hat shop into a flower shop by Sophie's command, and he invited all her family in to try to keep her safe yesterday. Sophie realized she hadn't been properly grateful for any of those things either.

Martha distracted them by going into a shop. Sophie's mind was a whirlwind of thoughts of Howl and Lettie and how she should react to this new situation unfolding before her. She defended Howl up and down, but the real Howl had not been quite as endearing that afternoon. He expected too much from what little had happened. Was he trying to take advantage of her?

Sophie admitted she did like Howl very much and was far too jealous of any woman that seemingly caught his eye. But to lie with someone in bed was asking was to be madly in love. She might have felt in love, but how could she be? Isn't it proper to have a first kiss and be courting to be in love?

Perhaps that was what it boiled down to. He went to such lengths to court Lettie and all the other pretty girls in Ingary, yet in less than a day of finally finding the one he wants to spend the rest of his life with, he expects it to be magic and no effort! With this realization, Sophie felt a burn of resentment. This was it, she thought forcefully. He expects me to be his wife, yet never went through any of the proper steps.

Those feelings had bothered her the rest of the day. Now, almost finished in the bathroom, Sophie felt herself wanting to turn a new page. Howl must have seen the error of his ways, she thought. Today was going to be my day. Maybe he was taking me out courting? A tight ball of nervousness appeared in her throat. She had never been courted before. Sophie knew she had a knack of turning things upside-down, and she hoped today would be different.

Sophie looked at her clear face and braided red hair in the mirror. "You will have a good day," Sophie said to her reflection. She wasn't sure if her magic worked on herself, but it didn't hurt to try.

The only clothes she still had was her old grey dress, which seemed frumpy and completely out of place compared to Howl's ensemble. Due to that, she did not feel very confident as she exited the bathroom.

"There she is!" Howl said pleasantly with a hint of annoyance.

"You take far longer in the bathroom, so you don't have much of an argument," Sophie quipped.

Howl stood up from his seat next to Michael, "And look, she's hot out of the gate, ready to pick a bone on this lovely day I planned for the two of us."

Sophie snorted and rolled her eyes as she made her way to the door. As she watching Howl quickly race around her to turn the knob from purple to green blob, a grin crept on her face. He opened the door with a flourish, bowed – in a slightly overemphasized fashion – and held his hand out for her. Sophie tried to act as if this was very normal attention she often received from the wizard.

Howl held Sophie's hand with one hand and held her back gently with the other as they made their way through the door. Before he shut the door, Howl called to Michael, "I expect that spell to be ready when we come back this evening."

"I'll make sure it is Howl!" Michael called back, distressfully staring at the list before him.

"Are you hungry Sophie?" Howl asked as he placed her hand around his arm. They began to walk down the street the opposite direction of the Market Square.

"Yes, I suppose I am," Sophie said remembering the bunt food.

Howl clasped his hand onto Sophie's. He squeezed her fingers gently and said, "Wonderful, so am I."

Sophie enjoyed walking so close and comfortable with Howl. A voice in the back of her mind stung her conscious with concern. Sophie was entirely smitten with Howl, and today was beginning to look like a trap. If it is, I will happily spring it, Sophie thought. Whatever Lettie said didn't matter. Sophie knew the real Howl, and she trusted him. Here he was, making up for his mistakes from the day before by properly courting her. Why should she not fall madly in love with him?

There were not many people in the street, but Sophie recognized one of the women bargaining for melons at the fruit stand. It was a regular customer from the old hat shop, and Sophie remember her being a rather habitual gossiper. Sophie wished desperately that she would not be recognized. She didn't enjoy one bit being spun around the rumor-mill.

By the look of surprise as they passed, Sophie realized her wish had been purposely ignored. The woman recognized her. However, Sophie couldn't determine what expression Howl had invoked. The customer wasn't afraid of Howl but rather highly impressed.

Sophie beamed, to her surprise. Handsome Howl was taking her courting for the day, and everyone in Market Chipping would see. Sophie wondered if Howl had purposely planned this out. Either way, she was pleased. The concerned voice, however, nagged that she should not expect everything to work out well.

Sophie extinguished that voice by asking questions of Howl. "Where is it we are going? I don't know of any breakfast shops this way."

Howl shook his finger teasingly at her. "You may ask any question you like, but you will receive no answers or hints until we are there. I even had a mind to blindfold you,"

"No-" Sophie interrupted.

Howl grinned at her, "But I knew that would be too much suspense for Mrs. Nose. Or should I call you Miss Nose now?" Howl looked up at the horizon when a flock of birds began to take flight. The low buildings were shrinking and trees began to take up more space on either side of the road.

Sophie said playfully, "Miss Nose is acceptable, for now. I'm terribly happy to be a Miss. In fact," Sophie detached herself from Howl and began to skip in front of him. "Look! I can't believe I took this for granted!" Howl smiled cooly and kept his walking pace behind her.

She stopped and turned around to stare at him. "Where are we going? At least give me some hint on the direction."

Howl eyed her. "For our first stop, we are going straight down this street until it begins to rise, over there where the large oak tree is on the right," he said.

Immediately, Sophie sped off in the direction he pointed, calling back at him, "Race you there!"

Sophie took as much advantage from her head start as she could, dashing through the middle of the pedestrian road. It wasn't fairly busy, yet Sophie looked an oddity to the few residents. She was practically sprinting, and a small rustle of wind followed her. She was a dozen yards from the tree. The pathway began to incline, but Sophie refused to admit she was tired and pushed on.

A shimmering figure, almost blinding white from the sun's glare, appeared to her left. The man's figure was sure to outpace her at the rate he was going. Sophie, however, was not about to lose so easily. The uphill climb wore them both down, and it was neck and neck. They were both one yard away from the large oak tree. Sophie reached out her hand. She slapped the large trunk as she ran past.

The two of them ran past the tree a few paces. Sophie was shaking with laughter and deep gulps of air. Howl bent over with his hands on his knees and his head between his elbows, for only a moment. He composed himself, and it could have appeared as if he was simply dusting himself off.

"I won!" Sophie declared!

Howl glared at her. He gave a fake smile and said, "So you did. You also happened to have a head start, whereas I would have easily beat you if we had evened the odds," he gestured his arm out to her to take. "But you did win."

Sophie appreciatively took Howl's arm and patted him. Howl did seem very much trying to win her over today. Sophie said, rather coyly, "You know the loser has to do whatever the winner says."

Howl laughed dryly. "I have never heard that rule before."

Sophie looked at him seriously. "Of course! What else is the point of the race?"

"To test one's athleticism," Howl said, matter-of-factly.

The oak tree was the marker of the entrance to the small park in the most southeast part of Market Chipping. A few decades ago, the old earl of Ether Park open up his private lands to the public. It was a lovely part of town with the best kept pond around. On a grassy noll over-looking the clear pond, a picnic breakfast was set up waiting for them.

A large, light-blue parasol gave shade to a wide pastel-colored tartan blanket. Sophie became enamored and sat down immediately to open up a brown wicker basket. Fresh fruits, warm bread, small cakes, boiled eggs, and little jars of a dozen types of jams and honey filled up half the picnic blanket after Sophie emptied the picnic basket. There was also a decorated silver bucket of ice with a bottle of champagne, and two glasses finished the picturesque scene.

A light breeze swept through the park, and Sophie looked out at the view of the pond. The small forest of trees swayed gently around the blue-green pond, and the clouds covering the sky marched slowly onward. The scene Howl had set up for Sophie was beyond idyllic.

Howl sat across from Sophie, and she beamed at him. "Oh Howl. Did you do this all for me?"

Howl bent over to grab a fresh piece of bread. "Ridiculous question. Of course! All of this is here for you, my dear Sophie," Howl said, spreading jam on his bread.

Sophie didn't know what to say. She continued to smile and watch Howl. Her chest felt very warm and fluttery. Howl was indeed an expert in courting ladies. Knowing that was one thing, but witnessing it – being the main focus of desire - was a different matter entirely. She tried not to listen to the voice inside her head, reminding her of the other countless women he had tried this particular presentation on.

Howl looked up from his bread, concerned at Sophie's silence. His worried face composed himself upon noticing Sophie's smile. Sophies grin grew larger, seeing Howl upset about whether or not she would fall for his tricks.

As if on cue to ensure the deal was sealed, a breeze floated small pink and white petals over their picnic. Sophie made a soft gasp. "Howl, it's becoming too wonderful."

"Ludicrous, again. There can never be anything 'too wonderful' for you, darling. I suppose you believe our future together might be 'too perfect' as well?" Howl said sarcastically.

Sophie reached over to put her hand on his knee. "This is awfully lovely Howl. Thank you. And you have more planned you said? It might be too –" Sophie stopped herself and chuckled.

Howl put his hand on top of Sophie's and squeezed it. They sat holding hands and smiling at each other for a while. Eventually Sophie's stomach growled, and they realized it was time to eat.

The two had a most pleasant breakfast together, often commenting on the view and the good weather. After they had their fill, Howl began to bring up all sorts of topics to hear Sophie's opinion on them. They had a delightful conversation that continued with a walk to the large pond. New topics continued to bubble up as the geese and ducks came begging for crumbs. By magic, Howl provided plenty of crumbs to throw. He threw a large piece at the fattest goose in the back and gave a "ha" noise when it was caught appropriately.

"I know you won't answer, but where are we going next?" Sophie asked as she spread bread crumbs like seeds over the flock of birds following them.

Howl took her free hand and spun her around. She yelped then laughed as she crashed into him. Howl held her close to him. He looked her in the eye and said playfully, "We are going to my favorite location of the day."

Sophie remarked "Aha," once they stopped at the front of Madam Toile's shop. There were mannequins in the two shop windows dressed in the newest fashions of bright green and deep sky blue. Madam Toile was the most expensive seamstress in all of Market Chipping. It was said she imported directly from other countries without having to go to Kingsbury. However, the quality was so much finer than the competition that she charged rates that were unaffordable for Sophie. She wasn't sure if Howl had that kind of money either.

Howl immediately called for an attendant as soon as they entered. A brown-haired young woman, who looked the same age as Sophie, greeted them, but her smile widened as she met eyes with Howl.

"Hello again Mr. Pendragon! We have everything you ordered," the assistant said to Howl. She glanced at Sophie, and a trace of surprise crossed her face. Sophie could understand – she looked quite the opposite of Howl. His outfit screamed luxury while Sophie's clothes made her appear as if she was a scullery maid. The assistant gave a professional smile and escorted Sophie to the back of the shop.

Sophie was met with Madam Toile, who was squatting at mannequin covered in a baby-blue ballgown, hemming the bottom of the dress. She glanced at Sophie while the assistant explained the situation. "Put her in the dressing room and I'll fit her."

The fitting turned into dressing up in almost a dozen different outfits, all made of materials and colors she never once imagined wearing. Sophie felt like a princess, in the all the good and bad ways. After the eleventh outfit, Sophie had to protest when she again waltzed out to have it evaluated by Howl.

While Sophie was with Madam Toile, Howl had been scouring the store front, top to bottom, front to back, analyzing all the fabrics, ribbon, lace, buttons, snaps, and every other article of clothing. He would mutter interest or disdain, audibly comparing much of the store's inventory to dress shops in Kingsbury. Every time Sophie appeared, however, his mood improved greatly. He twirled her around, inspecting almost every seam, and usually commenting on whether the dress was "Sophie's color."

"Sophie, darling, are you sure you won't change your hair color? This red one would work much better with you as a blonde," Howl said wistfully as he felt the fabric between his fingers.

Sophie pulled the dress away from him as she walked back to the dressing room. She turned back to look at him with a grin on her face. "Never," she said, enjoying his exasperated face.

Howl met with Madam Toile as Sophie dressed herself in a white silk summer dress, embroidered with gold trim. It was a perfect match to Howl's white suit. As soon as Howl set eyes on her wearing it, he made it plain that she would be wearing that outfit for the rest of the day. While changing back into the white summer dress after she had tried on the rest of the lot, Sophie overheard Howl promising to pay Madam Toile in full in two days when he picks up the rest of the clothes. The madam grunted and accepted.

"Only one thing you're missing," Howl said to her as he gathered her arm again once they were back on the street.

"A hat," Sophie answered back knowingly.

Howl pulled a straw hat out of thin air. It was a cream-colored straw hat daintily draped in sun-catching netting with a rose gold colored ribbon tied around the crown. Sophie tried it on, showing off her full ensemble. Howl took her hand and spun her around, and she laughed while steadying herself. She landed in his arms. They found themselves staring at each other, unable to stop smiling. Too soon, however, Howl gathered themselves back into walking position.

Sophie happily clung to Howl as they walked toward Market Square, now properly matching as any couple in love should. It was early in the afternoon and almost teatime. Plenty of people milled about and gave proper consideration to the exquisitely dressed couple. Some people whispered whether they were on the way to a wedding or if they were foreign dignitaries. Children pointed and called them a king and queen. Sophie's smile never left.

Howl had redeemed himself and justified Sophie against Lettie's accusations. He was in love with her and performed every trick he had to prove it to her.

But what if tricks are all they are, Sophie's inner voice asked worriedly. He's only "tricking" me because I was so cold to him yesterday, she argued back to herself. You were cold because he was behaving indecently, the voice reasoned. Regardless of the past, he obviously planned this day with something in mind. Sophie knew if he proposed his hand in marriage today, she would absolutely say yes. Then there really wouldn't be a problem giving into him, if they were to be betrothed. It would just be their secret for a short while. What else could pose a problem?

They entered Market Square, and Sophie noticed Cesari's was busy as ever. Those poor boys were still trying to win Martha's heart, Sophie thought sadly.

Howl led her past most of the main square eateries. Then they turned down alley after alley. Sophie was silently curious as she had never ventured this way through town.

The two of them entered a tunnel behind the grandest hotel Market Chipping had to offer. The tunnel was not well kept, and Sophie thought Howl was lost. The tunnel could have easily taken them to the yard where the horses and carriages were kept.

Instead, it turned into a lively, narrow row of eateries. Each spot had its own creeping garden, covering the gates and terraces that separated the shops. Various vines climbed up the brick walls. Green from plants and the red bricks contrasted in the afternoon sun and brightened up the little alley. There were large yellow flowers on the vine of a pasta eatery. Small pink flowering bushes decorated the a cubby-hole café. There were customers in each restaurant, but not so many that it felt crowded.

Howl led them down the row until they were at an even more secluded eatery. A waiter in a stiff, white shirt with a black apron around his waist came to meet Howl and Sophie right away. The couple followed him to their table through an archway of ivy. The entire courtyard was shaded by a large wooden lattice that was blanketed with the dark green ivy vines. It was a very private and quiet place, even though it was still outside. In the cool shade, the café was decorated with planter upon planter of gardenias. The few white-clothed tables shined with tiny sunrays peeping through the shade.

The waiter silently brought Howl and Sophie to the furthest table from the front, set up near a large gardenia plant. The smell was enrapturing. The only other couple outside sat on the opposite end of the café's patio. Howl pulled out the seat for Sophie and pushed her in, then sat down next to her. The waiter silently handed them the large paper menus and left to fetch their water.

Sophie never had time or coin to visit an eatery as fancy as this place. She gave Howl another smile of gratitude. "You won't like to hear this," she started, "but you've done too much. Honestly, you won me over at the picnic. It's like a wonderful dream – beyond anything I've ever dreamed."

"Your sights are set too low, dear Sophie. This is only midday," Howl said while he casually took her hand into his own. He gently squeezed her fingers as he continued talking. "I have the rest of the afternoon until evening planned out. Order whatever you like, but I already have tea on the way. This place has the best sandwiches, and their selection of teas are very good."

"Oh, is that so," Sophie said. "You must come here often. I am your fifth or fifteenth woman you've brought?"

The waiter served the water moments earlier, and Howl was drinking his first glass while Sophie asked the question. He began coughing, unable to give Sophie her answer. After his fit, he wiped his mouth with the cloth napkin. His green eyes focused on Sophie's face.

"This dress goes lovely with your hair and eyes," Howl said, bringing a hand to gently touch her the braid draped around her neck.

Sophie hummed a note of thanks, but she shot him a look of suspicion. "My numbers are all wrong, aren't they? Am I the fiftieth then?"

Howl tried to laugh it off, but his eyes scanned the area, desperately thinking how to change the subject. Sophie now believed the inner voice was making some sense. Wasn't this day just too perfect? If Howl had something to say, he can just say it now and the suspense can be over.

A strong smell of roses filled the air, overcoming the gardenias. Abruptly, the dark-haired woman from the other side of the room appeared at their table. Howl instantly flipped the large menu upright to hide his face. Sophie looked suspiciously at the other woman, who had large doe eyes and a darker complexion than Sophie. She wore a dark-blue felt hat that matched her sophisticated, dark-blue dress. Sophie said, "Hello. And you are…?"

Her dark eyes looked down at Sophie, evaluating her. She didn't answer straight away, but looked back at Howl, who was slowly sliding down in his seat and remained firmly behind the menu. Eventually she opened her mouth to say, "I thought you looked familiar. Didn't the Witch of the Waste curse you? Surprised to see you here, is all."

The next moment, in one quick swoop, the dark-haired woman grabbed Sophie's water and poured it completely over Howl. She placed it back down on the table as Sophie stood up.

"Excuse me?" Sophie yelled while springing to her feet. "You need to apologize right now and leave this establishment. Dear heavens, what a way to behave!"

The woman grimaced. Her eyes were filled with confusion as she said, "I'm sorry. But I don't mean it," she added. Sophie nodded approvingly, glad to see her magic work out for once.

The dark-haired woman looked Sophie in the eye. "You must be a fool to defend this boy. You're just another day for him. Don't believe a word he says." She spun on her heels towards the exit and marched away.

Sophie huffed her, "You're the fool. Being foolish by throwing water on people. Leave now." Sophie continued to stand, leaning on the white-clothed table, and watched the woman leave through the ivy-covered archway back to the alleyway. Her dark-haired companion scrambled to follow her and tipped his hat apologetically to Sophie and Howl as he exited.

As soon as they were out of sight, Sophie sighed and sat down. "Are you alright Howl?" Sophie asked. She felt just as put on the spot as he did.

Howl dropped the soaking menu, and Sophie covered her mouth to hide her grin. He looked like a wet cat, and his expression was as unhappy as one would be. He irritably pulled out a small, paper baggie from his breast pocket. Though the baggie was soaked, Howl was able to pull out fresh, white powder, which he sprinkled over himself. In an instant, he was dry again.

"You seem well prepared for this type of incident," Sophie said suspiciously.

Howl was rattled. "It doesn't hurt to plan for the unexpected," he said incensed. "Heavens above! I barely remembered her until the water hit. Angelica, I believe. What a misnomer." Howl said a few more words under his breath, but it was in no language Sophie knew.

An awkward silence hung between them until the waiter brought piping hot water in a beautifully decorated china tea set along with a box of dried tea leaves to choose from. "Thank you kindly," Sophie told the waiter, pretending no commotion occurred.

Once he left, Sophie found she could not keep quiet any longer. "Howl. What is going on? I'm certain you didn't plan for the woman, but it does seem we've been following a well-worn path. And I won't lie," she paused, gaining courage to confess, "I did want to be treated like one of your pursuits."

Howl interrupted a bit scornfully, "I've not treated any of them like you. I wouldn't dream of doing all this in one day for anyone else."

"Then why are you doing it for me?" Sophie retorted.

Howl stretched out his arms expectantly. "Because! Because you are Sophie Hatter. Because I'm trying to make you mine."

Sophie crossed her arms. "That's exactly what you would say to any of the others."

Howl turned to Sophie and gave her a hard stare along with a wag of his finger. "You don't know me like you think you do."

Sophie sighed, keeping her arms firmly crossed. "I suppose I don't." The both were silent for a moment, giving weight to her words. She started again, "Which brings us back to what I was going to say before you interrupted me. Now that I am set in your sights, I'm – I'm afraid you're going to leave me like you did to the rest of them." Sophie avoided Howl's gaze and looked to where the other couple had sat minutes ago.

"Sophie," Howl's tone softened. "I am not going to leave you." He took a hold of one of her hands that was across her chest and pulled it towards him. "Sophie, all of this is to show you how maddened you have made me, to convince you that you are my one and only."

Sophie began to melt and caught Howl's eye. He gave her a charming smile, which rendered her even more into mush.

He stroked her hand, then gestured towards the tea box. Howl quickly turned the conversation around to which tea's he preferred. He couldn't make up his mind as he needed to know which tea sandwiches they were serving today. The wrong taste combination was liable to ruin the day.

Sophie saw through his distraction. The woman – Angelica – came back to her mind, and her words echoed in her head. Howl now seemed too comfortable, and Sophie felt she had been purposely distracted. Though Sophie was no expert in courting, she felt sure there was something afoot. To fill one day with this many outings was unnatural, even for the most romantic of humanity. Sophie wanted to put an end to the game now, so she could stop worrying about Howl's true intentions.

"What, exactly, do you have planned for the afternoon? No more games, or I'll walk back to the flower shop," Sophie said as the waiter brought a three-tired silver stand of tea snacks. Howl muttered to himself while peeling off the tops of the bread to check the fillings. He did not answer Sophie.

She stood up, completely ready to leave. Howl needed to know: Sophie could be pursued like the other girls, but she would not be played like them. Howl made a calming gesture to her and said, "Alright, alright. Sit down, I'll tell you. Good lord woman, don't you dare lift a finger to that water."

Sophie began to sit down and smirked, "I wouldn't dream of it."

"You dream of throwing weed killer on me, is more like it," Howl grumbled.

While Sophie sat back down, Howl whined, "They don't have the cucumber ones!" He groaned, then added, "Well, we best just have the oolong tea. It will go well with the fruit tarts, which are also quite delicious. Try some, dear." Howl grabbed a tart to check the taste as he finished speaking.

Instead of staying in her seat, Sophie popped right back up and stepped away from the table. "Howl, really! Stop changing the subject. Are you going to propose to me tonight or not?"

For a second time, Howl began a coughing fit. It went on much longer than it should have, and Sophie took a threatening step further away from the table. Howl chugged his remaining water and held out his hand in a stop motion. "Sophie, Sophie, come back and sit down. Propose? What are you talking about with proposals?"

Sophie didn't move. "Propose! A proposal of marriage of course!"

Howl's face seemed to grow pale. "Ah, a proposal. Yes, it certainly does seem that way."

Sophie's brows furrowed. "'Seems that way'?" she repeated. "What other possible explanation am I to have for this exquisite dream of a day?" she yelled at him.

Howl suddenly looked worse than when he was drenched in water. He held his hands up to his temples and cradled is head. His eyes were wide as he stared deeply into the white tablecloth.

Sophie paused before unleashing any more of what was on her mind. Upon seeing Howl's forlorn and tragic expression, she realized the woman who ruined the afternoon tea party was herself.

"Oh Howl, I'm sorry," Sophie sighed as she sat back down next to him. "I shouldn't have yelled and put you on the spot like that. I'm sorry - I ruin everything."

Howl took a deep breath and exhaled just as deeply. Eventually he spoke. "You didn't ruin, much as drop a nuclear bomb."

"A what?" Sophie asked, wondering what on earth he was talking about.

"A giant bomb that can destroy cities in one go!" Howl said loudly, not catching her eye and still quite pale. A bit quieter, he added, "There was no proposal Sophie. I'm apologize if that's what it appeared like."

Sophie sighed. She poured herself some tea and held the warm cup in her hands. She had made a mess of things again, as per usual. Slowly, Howl began to nibble at the food on the tea tower. After every taste, he placed a piece of approved food onto a plate of fine china in front of Sophie.

Sophie couldn't remain quiet, however. "What on earth is all this for then? Just to get it all out in one go? Is this my first and only day of courting?" Sophie asked, almost laughing from the absurdity.

"No, no. I wouldn't do that," Howl said with a hint of hurt in his voice. "I enjoy these pastime pleasures. Why would I stop?"

"Then what's the reason Howl?" Sophie asked.

He sighed dramatically. "You're not going to let this go are you, Miss Nose." Sophie shook her head.

He suddenly smiled mischievously at the almost empty tea stand, unwilling to look Sophie in the eye. He looked devilishly handsome that way, and it made Sophie even more curious about his next words.

"I - ahem – I was trying to prove myself to you. I planned out this day in an effort to prove to you that I have… a lot of feelings for you, and in turn, I had hoped, you would – you know – share those feelings with me, together… in our bed," he said, finishing his words swiftly and stuffing the last of the tea sandwiches in his mouth. Even still, he couldn't remove his devilish grin.

Sophie took a long deep breath, blinking slowly, and allowing the weight of his words to sink in. "Are you saying," she said in a low, threatening voice, "this whole day was a set up to trick me into sleeping with you?"

Howl swallowed and defended himself quickly. "That – I do not approve of that categorization of the situation. You are taking it absolutely the wrong way-"

Sophie interrupted, "I'm taking it the wrong way? I'm taking it the wrong way? What other, possible way could I take this, Howl? I don't know – I don't know about you now. I keep wanting to believe you are sincere with me, and love me as I love you, but you go and do this! I don't want to be taken advantage by you, and yet you sit here telling me how you planned on taking advantage of me! How could you not think of ending this day with a proposal? How can I know you won't leave me like the rest? Do you not want to marry me?"

Howl shuddered back into his seat. His expression devolved into the numb, wide-eyed stare. "I won't," he replied feebly. "I won't ever leave you. But why must marriage be brought up?"

"Why would it not?" Sophie replied back haughtily. "You told me we would live happily ever after."

Howl was still sinking in the chair while he said in a small voice that grew smaller as he spoke, "Yes, we will – but it doesn't have to be married, does it?"

Sophie gave out a growling yelp. She couldn't keep her hands or feet still as she sat next to Howl fuming. Sophie crossed her arms to keep her fingers still and crossed her ankles to keep her legs from shaking too much. She stared at her plate, piled high with delicious morsels of food that Howl had saved for her. Sophie sighed and felt the steam release from her. Her eyes edged to glance at Howl.

He looked utterly miserable, seeing that his lovely plans for the day were, again, completely demolished by Sophie. She huffed again and felt a welling sadness in her chest, twinkling at her eyes. "You are impossible. And yet," she sighed sadly, trying to keep her emotions from leaking out any more uncontrollably. "I ruined everything," she said quietly seething.

A light rustle of wind sped through the ally and the smell of gardenias filled Sophie's nose. What a bucket of muck she had thrown on this perfect day. She should have kept her mouth shut, she should have stopped pestering Howl, and she should have just been patient, realizing Howl really was still a boy in the body of a man.

"Oh confound it!" she exclaimed, "Sophie, just be quiet!"'

After a few seconds of silence, Howl turned to Sophie. His eyes were wide with surprise, but his mouth turned into an impish grin. "Oh Sophie," he said slowly with an undertone of laughter. "You've done it again!" He perked back up. With a shocked yet humorous voice, he stated, "You truly are the most maddening woman alive."

Sophie drew a slow breath and opened her mouth to scream with uninhibited frustration. But nothing came out.

A/N - hoping to get the next chapter out soon - by next week! Happy readings - mrs.k