It had only been about two months since she had come here. Everything was quiet for a while and her curse was starting to fade. It was not at all different, here at the castle. It was still noisy and usually a mess, so she still had a good work cut out for her every other day. Markl was still studying beneath his master, Howl, who was around a lot more for some reason. Sophie was often spoiled by him with gifts and pretty clothing and she was about at the end of her rope. It was hard for her to refuse gifts and compliments from a stunningly beautiful man…

At the moment, Sophie was on her hands and knees, scrubbing away at the bathroom floor. How did it get so disgusting after two days? She thought, grimacing a little at the spot of sludge in the floor. It was not until she felt a presence behind her that she stopped her motions. From the shadow's shape, it could not have been Markl. Her brown orbs flickering back and up the tall figure of the man, her heart skipped a beat. Taking in his beauty was always breathless. She wondered constantly why Howl, such a beautiful man, could take an interest into a plain girl such as her. It was completely beyond her knowledge. Jumping back into reality, Sophie's face reddened a few shades. Howl had bent down and started brushing strands of silver hair that had stuck to her face from working so hard. So close… she thought, exhaling sharply as his blue eyes met her own. "Didn't I tell you not to work so hard?"

"And didn't I tell you not to make such a mess?" Sophie countered.

Howl's smile faded for a second, but it returned. Light in his eyes showed his playfulness on the matter. "Don't start this again. You ended up making a bigger mess than I."

Sophie huffed, frustrated already. She poked at his chest. "Leave. Let me finish."

Howl made a whimpering noise, resembling a dog. He left obediently, a low laugh coming from him as he finally stepped out into the hall and left her to her duties. Sophie sighed at this. She enjoyed his humor and playfulness, but she could not get over the fact that he was just so incredibly messy in the bathroom. She shared the bathroom, too! Now that she thought about it, she considered taking a nice hot bath later after dinner.

As an hour passed, she finally had the floor clean and the bathtub as well. Everything was back as it should have been: the towels folded up on the racks (those that were clean anyway), the soaps and shampoos back where they should have been, and so on. Brushing her apron off, she headed downstairs. She could hear the ruckus of Markl bickering about this and that about magic, Howl laughed, though she could hear irritation in his tone of voice. "If you use that spell, it could interact with the other spell and blow your face off."

Markl was groaning, wanting to at least do as he planned. "But, Master Howl, it's the first time I've finally made my own! Please, please, plea—"

"No," he said, his voice sounding agitated.

Markl tramped off upstairs, bumping into Sophie on the way. Sophie watched for a moment, and then continued down the stairs, peeking around the corner at Howl. He was rubbing his eyes. Sophie came forward slowly at first then a little quicker. She was going to attempt to hurry past him without any problems. Something caught her wrist just as she was almost by him. A force tugged at her and Sophie flopped back right into Howl's lap. He curled his arms around her lovingly. Sophie started to squirm, but Howl growled playfully. Sophie squeaked in embarrassment, feeling his hands scoot up and grab a handful of her breast. "H-Howl, no," she murmured.

Howl had started nibbling at her neck. "You always say no, but you don't really mean that now do you?"

Sophie squirmed to get away from him as butterflies fluttered about in her stomach. Even though it had been so long being together, they had only been intimated a few times and it had yet to be her fantasies: tangled together, slick with sweat. Her face reddened at the thought of it. Why could she go any further than kissing and a couple of gropes like this? Every time his hands wandered like this, she got jittery and pulled away to go do something else. "H-Howl, I have to… Dinner," she stammered, pulling at his hands that were trying to slip through the collar of her dress for a better feel.

Howl seemed eager. She continued to fight to make him stop, but he overpowered her. It wasn't until feet sounded on the stairs again that he finally pulled away, wrapping his arms around Sophie's waist gently to cover him if Markl came to wonder what they were doing this time.

Markl's face showed confusion as he scanned the kitchen and the table. "So… where is dinner?"

Sophie made a frustrated sound, trying to pull herself from him, this time succeeding. She felt his eyes on her as she headed past him and for the stove. There, she filled a pot with water to boil. "It will be ready soon, okay, Markl?"

Markl plopped into a chair at the table, looking impatient. "Stew again?" he asked.

Sophie gave a small nod. "Beef and vegetables today, too," she said, gathering the chopped vegetables she had cut earlier this morning and dumping them into the pot of soon boiling water. She added herbs here and there to get the right flavor before adding the already cooked beef. She glanced back behind her to see Howl's majestic blue colored eyes on her. He had turned and crossed his legs, propping his elbow up on the table, his cheek resting on his knuckles. Sophie stiffened and twirled back around to face the stove.

"What's wrong with Sophie now?" Markl asked, interested.

Howl gave a low chortle. "Sophie is a little jumpy again."

Sophie reddened a shade deeper than pink at his words. She dreaded what would come later, but maybe she could get to the bath before he got to her? Over the course of fifteen minutes, she had served them the stew, eaten, and excused herself to go upstairs. Thankfully Howl stayed where he was, although he watched her like a hawk. Sophie wasn't ready to experience sex, something her sister Lettie had tried explaining to her quite often, but she didn't pay any attention to it.

In the bath, she had securely locked the door in hopes that would leave her in peace. Sophie had stripped herself down, placing the dirty clothes into the laundry-bin. She had her nightgown hanging on the toilet until she finished her bath. Sophie turned toward the full-body mirror to the side, studying herself. She ran a finger over the hip bones that jutted out lightly. Who could ever see beauty in this? She had mid-sized breasts that looked like they didn't belong to her. Her hair was still silver and short, but had grown since Calcifer had eaten it. She didn't hate it though, she loved that about herself. It was much better than the boring brown she once had. She was still skinny and unattractive in her eyes. Even if Howl had told her millions of times, she still couldn't believe someone as beautiful as he thought that she was much prettier. As soon as the tub filled with warm water, she settled herself in with a happy sigh. She ducked her head under the surface of the water for a minute, and then resurfaced. "You think locking the door can keep me out?" a deep voice purred.

Sophie gave a start, her deep brown hues darting over to the sound of Howl's voice. There he was, arms crossed over his chest, looking as smug as ever. She slouched into the water, crossing her arms over her chest as well to hide herself. Howl came closer, leaning over her curiously. Sophie had blocked all possible perverse areas from view and Howl frowned at his. She stared at him like an animal caught in the headlights. "Well, fine. If you won't let me, I'll come in to see for myself." Howl pulled back away from her and undressed himself. He first pulled the belt loose and then off, un-zipping his pants and letting them fall to his ankles. Next was his shirt, then his boxers, which he added to the pile. Here, he returned to the side of the bath tub, Sophie now as red as she was earlier. She had turned her face away from him. He was bare, his member was, and that was something she had not yet seen. The water rippled as he stepped into the water, sitting Indian Style in front of her. Sophie pushed herself to the other side, pressing hard against the porcelain. Howl stared at her strangely.

"What's the matter, my flower?" He asked, reaching out to her.

Sophie hesitated, cautiously scooting over to him. "Why so shy?" he questioned again. "You've seen me in this form before. Or do you not remember that night?"

Sophie rolled her eyes. "Of course I remember that, but I was polite and didn't look."

Howl grasped her face between his hands gently, pulling her to look at him. "I'm not going to devour you… I just wish to experience this with me…"

She hesitated, feeling his hands drop from her face and to her hands. He had wrapped his fingers around her wrists and tried pulling them from her chest in a teasing way. She fought and tugged them back, Howl giving a smirk as he continued to struggle with her. He wanted to see her beauty. Water flew everywhere at her struggle and it was then that he finally had her pinned. His eyes still showed the playfulness, but Sophie's brown eyes showed something else. It looked like lust… Confused, he hadn't quite figured her out yet. "Interesting," he murmured.

"Let me go," Sophie whimpered, writhing about some more and causing the water to fly out onto the floor.

Howl gave a mischievous grin. Now that he finally had her, he—Sophie gave a tougher struggle, her knee thrusting up into his sack. He let go instantly with a grunt, his hands shooting down to hold his member in pain. Looking to her, it was clear that anger was written all over his face. "And here I thought your hands were more dangerous…" he uttered, raspy with pain.

Sophie was staring at him, shocked that she had done such a thing. She had climbed cautiously out of the tub and wrapped a dry towel around her. She had no idea what to do in such a situation, but she just stood there, staring at him. It wasn't until he found his bearings and followed after her, stumbling a little. Sophie shot to the nearest wall. Howl had wrapped his arms around her waist regardless, burying his face into her shoulder. "I just want to experience this with you, Sophie." He sighed, letting her go. He nudged her away from the door to leave, wrapping a towel around his waist before doing so.

As Sophie remained in the bathroom, she felt angry with herself. She pulled the door open and headed down the hall to her room. She dried off here and dressed in another nightgown she thought she would never come to wear. Howl bought it for her in attempt to get her out of the plain nightgown she always wore. This nightgown, however, was much more revealing. It showed cleavage she never displayed to people. It was short as well. It ran down to her mid-thighs and made her squirm to pull it down to hide herself. Her brown eyes flickered over to the door that had opened with a couple of short knocks. "Sophie, I—"Howl started as he came in, eyes now locked on her.

Sophie reddened in the face, glancing over him who was still half dressed. He wore his boxers and the towel on his head to dry his black hair. "…Just wanted to tell you I'm sorry," he said, watching as she started to retreat to the bed to hide. He snatched her wrist once more and raised her up, tossing her over his shoulder as he hummed cheerily.

"Howl, no!" Sophie gave a shriek in protest, struggling to pull herself from his shoulder. Being so close to him where he was half naked made her face warm.

"I'm just taking you to my room to sleep," he replied with a small laugh. "Who's the pervert now?"

Sophie frowned, grumbling a bit as she finally forfeited. Lying limp on his shoulder, his hand secure on her thigh, this made her squirm. The nightgown was already riding up higher than it should and she could feel a draft near the bottom of her derrière. As Howl stopped to push open his door, she gave a squeak as he tossed her onto the bed and returned to the door to lock it. As he returned to her, he didn't stop. He crawled over her and to the other side of the bed. Sophie exhaled heavily, so paranoid he would come after her. She curled up under the blankets, blinking as the room had been devoured in darkness. Howl had cuddled close to her, an arm slithering over her side and tugging her closer to him. He said nothing as she lay there for the longest of times. Finally as she was relaxing, she turned toward him to lay on her right side. She rested her head into the pillow when she noticed his hand was caressing her thigh. The nightgown had ridden up more and his hand was exploring the exposed skin. Sophie squinted at him. His eyes her open, staring at her as if nothing was going on.

She didn't think for a moment she would get such a feeling from the calm look on his face. Pulling his hand back, he turned and she now faced his back. She blinked as she lay there, breathless.

All throughout the night, she stared at his back. Morning started to arrive, sun shining through the windows. Howl turned back toward her sleepily. He blinked a couple of times at realizing she was awake. Soon enough Howl was ginning, as if he had a secret plan and it had worked. "Why are you awake?" He asked, blinking at her a couple more times.

Sophie made a face and turned herself away from him, her turn now for her back to face him. An arm slithered around her and pulled her to the warmth of skin. "Did I affect you finally?"

"Maybe…" she uttered.

Howl nipped at her neck. Bumps formed across her skin followed by a shiver. "You have absolutely no idea just how long I've been waiting for you to collapse," he said with a sigh, caressing her exposed hip. This sent fire through the places he touched.

Sophie wriggled about, her mind and body so set on getting what she needed taken care of. She was scared that she would do something wrong again like last night. Her legs spread as he rubbed closer to her pelvis, trying to move to a spot where he would touch what was throbbing eagerly to be caressed. Howl ignored this though, his face no longer holding the playfulness it used to. Now, it held a seriousness she'd not seen since he had sat her down and tried to convince her he truly loved her. Breathing a little heavier, Sophie started to cry out a little in frustration every time his fingers came nearer and nearer to her opening or clitoris. She shot up finally, exhaling heavily. Her face was hot as well as her body.

Howl propped himself up on his elbow, blinking at her slightly. Sophie started to ride from the bed to retreat. "Just where do you think you're going?" he questioned curiously.

"I-I can't do it," she stammered, biting at her lip and heading for the door. She had clearly made up her mind that this was much too weird for her.

"We haven't even started, love," he chortled.

Sophie whimpered at his chuckle, fumbling with the door. There was no doorknob? Her heart started to beat harder against her rib cage, looking back to find Howl heading for her. He was erect, pointing to her. She nervously stared. "If you like it, touch it," he said, blinking at her. It was like she was off in a different world, staring hard at his member.

Howl reached and grabbed her hand, leading it to his throbbing hard-on which was extremely eager to be touched for the first time by her. Sophie didn't protest, so he continued to lightly pull her hand closer and closer… Finally he let out a gasp, jumping slightly. Sophie had returned from whatever world she had gone to, curiously reaching for it until she wrapped her fingers about the warm flesh. It throbbed in her hands. Starting to pull on it, Sophie reddened a little as she received a frustrated sigh from above her. Through minutes playing with him, his small sighs started to turn into groans. Howl had pushed her against the door, his face red. "My turn," he said, exhaling heavily. He had leaned down and captured her lips, kissing her hungrily. He had missed the softness of her lips, how they trembled at first but soon became eager.

Things were starting to get out of control when a knock sounded at the door. Howl froze while Sophie jumped out of her skin. "Master Howl?" It was Markl.

"Damn it," Howl cursed. He cleared his throat. "Markl, find some food for yourself this morning. There's some leftover eggs and bacon…"

There was silence on the other side of the door, then footsteps hurrying off downstairs. Sophie was prepared to leave, fumbling with the door again. "I don't think so."

She gave a squeak at Howl latched on to her waist from behind. He pulled her to him, reaching under her nightgown and caressing her, slowly rising higher and higher to her breasts. He gave a smile as his fingers found the erect bud of her right breast. "Oooh?" he purred curiously, giving them a squeeze here and there.

Sophie struggled still, embarrassment written all over her face. Her arms had tried covering her chest, but that wasn't working as he pinched at her nipples that were erect before he had even touched them. A groan had escaped from her lips a couple times it almost startled her. To make such a noise, she thought it weird. Even as she tried restraining herself from letting such sounds escape, it didn't work. Howl was fighting to get the lingerie off of her now, Sophie clinging to it. Howl gave up for the time being, reaching between her legs and petting lightly. Her bareness was arousing. He went in search for her clitoris. When Sophie gave a rather loud moan and grabbed at his hand to push him away, he smirked. He captured her hands, tugging them behind her back and holding them there tightly as he started rubbing some more. He barely had to put pressure on her and she started to buckle. Her cries send tingles up and down his spine, his hard-on throbbing against her behind. Sophie jumped lightly, soon collapsing at the pressure he had given to her button. Howl blinked a couple of times at this. Sophie, once okay, had started to crawl away from him as fast as she could. Howl had watched curiously, following her. She had started to crawl under the bed when Howl grasped her by the ankles and pulled her out, straddling her. He managed to get the nightgown off of her now, seeing her beauty full now. He bent down and busied his mouth as he took one of her pink buds into his mouth, suckling, all the while reaching down between her legs and rubbing. Sophie gave a shout.

Feet sounded on the stairs again and Howl clamped a hand over her mouth with a smirk, continuing to pleasure her. Sophie was fighting to pull his hand away that was fiddling roughly with her clitoris. She trembled, back arching. Her muffled cries started to get louder as she started to tremble more. Howl's hand quickened and the trembles increased. As the footsteps lessened, he pulled himself away from her before she could get a chance to get to experience her first orgasm. She rose up and stared at him with a wild look in her eye. "My turn..." she huffed, giving a small smirk.

Hope you guys enjoyed! Be patient for Chapter 2! x]