The house had been cleaned, Dinner served and the pots cleared. There was nothing else for her to keep busy with. Sitting cross legged in the meadow Howl had showed her, Sophie let out a content sigh. The sun was high in the sky, beating down at her from just behind her, the soft flowers and grass coming to around her shoulders, tickling her neck with each passing breeze. With a small, content sigh, she simply let herself fall back, now laying full flat out into the grass. Closing her eyes, she listened to the sound of the wind, her silvery hair fluttering about in the light breeze. She didn't hear his approach.

"Nice day, isn't it?" Gasping, Sophie sat up quickly, straight away considering the worst. Laid quite close by her side was Howl, his eyes shut, laid spread out as she had, his raven hair contrasting with the grass that it was entwined with. With a shaky laugh, Sophie hugged his laid form, relief spreading through her.

"Oh Howl! You surprised me you know?" Keeping her arms around him, her eyes looking deep into his blue ones as they opened, his own arms moving round her back to hold her to his chest. His charming smile sent her heart hammering into her ribs, leaving her slightly breathless and light headed.

"Sorry my dear, but you looked so peaceful, didn't want to disturb you" He leaned his head back down, still looking at her, his charming smile never faltering. Sophie attempted to smile back, but she gathered it would appear slightly timid, almost self conscious. Leaning her head on his chest, she laid there, closing her eyes, enjoying the sound of his heart beating once again. His heart... Her heart.

"Mmm" Howl sighed, keeping his arm on the small of her back, drawing circles gently. Her dress ruffled under his touch, and she sighed into his chest contently. It was times like this that she loved Howl best, when he was away from things that usually caused him stress, or in any other way put a frown on his face - not that he frowned often, only it was becoming less and less that she saw him of late.

"Howl?" She asked quietly, her voice muffled against his shirt. She felt him groan under his breathe, a sign that he heard. She smiled slightly, before pulling herself up to look him in his face. His eyes where shut again. Gently, Sophie laid her hand on his cheek, causing him to open his eyes. They where peaceful.

"Howl... i.." She blushed, before dropping her head down quickly to his chest again, hiding her flaming cheeks. Against his chest she heard a slight vibration as he chuckled, pulling her up to look him in the eyes.

"Yes my dear?" He asked her warmly, holding her chin in his fingers as he looked up at her, blushing madly under his intense gaze.

"Howl... i... i missed you." She whispered, attempting to look away from him as she admitted it. He smiled again, placing his hand on her cheek just as she had done moments ago, causing her gaze to shift back to him. His eyes looked warmed, somewhat happier.

"I'm sorry I'm always leaving you" He muttered gently, caressing her cheek with his thumb. She shook her head.

"I know, you have too, you're helping out.." He pressed a finger to her lips, running it over them carefully. Sophie held still as he traced them, his own mouth opened slightly in a little "O" shape, his breathing becoming heavier. Her face felt like it was on fire. His eyes never left her lips as he answered.

"I... i miss you too my sweet." She couldn't answer, there was nothing to say. She nodded slowly, only slightly as his finger still traced her lips, his eyes looking like he was in a trance. His breathing seemed almost shallow now, and under his shirt Sophie could hear the sound of his heart pounding, possibly even louder then hers. She swallowed, still staring at him.

"SOPHIE?" His fingers stopped tracing her as a voice called her from the direction of the Portal door to the castle. He moved it away, almost reluctantly before allowing her to climb off him. He followed straight after, jumping agilely to his feet in once fluid movement. His a small grin to her, he took her hand, leading her back to the open doorway where Markl stood waiting. She waved as she approached, and his face relaxed.

"Sophie, you've been gone so long, i was getting worried!" He turned his attention to Howl, then to their entwined hands. "Oh! OH!" He blushed, obviously putting 2 and 2 together and getting 5. Sophie opened her mouth to tell him it was not as it looked, before Howl spoke to the boy, releasing the hand holding Sophie's to place it on the boys shoulder, leading him back into the Castle.

"Markl my boy! Tell me, did you finish the Potions i asked for?" Markl nodded excited, running over to the table to show Howl the completed Vials of Potions, going into detail exactly how he did each. Howl nodded, attempting to look serious, though a smile was playing on his lips as he held each to the light, examining them. Sophie smiled at them both, shutting the door and heading over to where the With was sat at the table.

"Markl, would you help the Witch of the Waste to her room please? I think it's time for bed." Nodding, Markl helped the old witch up, leading her to her room. Now along, Sophie fiddled with the pots and pans, trying to clean the already immaculate Kitchen, wanting to do something at least, lest stand with Howl in silence. She heard his footsteps behind her, and attempted to pretend to be bust arranging something. His hands suddenly snaked around her waste, and she squeaked in embarrassment, dropping her tea towel. Howl chuckled in her ear, his hand resting on her shoulder, his mouth close to her ear, blowing hot air around her neck, leaving the air tickling and warm. She gulped, her breath hitched.

Turning her head to the side, her lips where just centimetres from his, his head pulling up to fill that gap. She closed her eyes, expecting to feel the warmth of his lips on hers. Instead, she heard the sound of a door shut, and the sound of small feet running. Howl released her, moving to sit on the Kitchen chairs. Sophie's breathe released, as she gripped the counters for support, suddenly feeling light-headed. Markl entered, sitting beside Howl as they continued their observations.

"Are you okay Sophie?" Markl asked, noticing her gripping the counter, her back raising and falling as she attempted to get her breathe back.

"Just fine... don't be up too late." She managed to gasp, avoiding Howls all too knowing gaze as she opened her bedroom door, entering, and closing it behind her, still not looking that cocky Wizard in the eyes. That man, he would be the death of her.

A/N

Heh, i know this chapter was just... fluffy, but i swear something interesting will happen in the next one! Remember, Howl as yet to tell her about the invite for tomorrow evening! In fact, tomorrow will be the actual party, and things will start to go wrong! Stay with me, i know my chapters are weirdly long! Again, the rating... it's currently at T, but i may be changing it... since i have plans brewing! Please R&R!

- Totally Oblivious