I own nothing

"SOPHIE" The voice of Markle shouted from the stairs and then launched himself across the room to hug Sophie fiercely. "When did you get back? Are you ok? Did she hurt you?"

Sophie swallowed remembering the events which Howl had tried so hard to make her forget.

"I…I'm fine Markle, I got back last night." Sophie lowered her eyes to hide the tears that were starting to form in her eyes.

"Markle why don't you just sit down and have your breakfast, Sophie just needs some space to breathe."

"Okay Master Howl." Markle reluctantly let go of Sophie and made for the table.

"Are you ok Sophie?" Howl raised her face with his hand.

Sophie shook her head. "Howl I want to go home."

HHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH

Howl looked away from Sophie at this point, saddened by the fact that she wanted to leave but understanding her reasons. No one he'd known had willingly stayed anywhere the witch could get at them if they had another choice and It seemed Sophie had another choice. He wondered what her world was like if Sophie was anything to go by he liked the way women acted. They were independent and feisty, Howl made himself a promise there and then that if he could see this other world he would as it sounded like the perfect escape from everything that was hounding him in this one. Also it meant that he didn't need to leave Sophie. Howl then wandered if he could use magic in that world, If not he would definitely come back to this one and with any luck take Sophie with him.

"Howl did you hear me? I said I wanted to go home are you going to help me or not?"

"I will help you back on one condition, I want to see your world and therefore I will need a guide and friend when I get there. Will you be this person or am I going to have to leave you to your own devices finding the clearing which you can from? Howl smirked knowing full well that she would not be able to remember where the clearing was let alone go out into the forest by herself when the witch was still hunting her.

"What will being your guide entail?" Sophie asked with a scowl.

"Well some of the duties will be finding us a place to live, food, water, explaining how everything works etc."

"WHAT!! That means I will have to be with you almost 24 7. I do have a life you know? I can't just babysit for you all the time."

"Who said anything about baby sitting? I am a full grown man you know? Or haven't you noticed precious?" Howl appeared behind her and whispered in her ear. "I for one relish the thought of being around you more. So what do you say do we have a deal?"

To say Sophie was angry would be an understatement but she knew there was no other way to get home other than with Howl's help and he had also helped her escape from the witch although it was his fault in the first place.

"Fine!! But no funny business and you cant stay with me at my place as there is no room apart from my floor and I am not going to have you sleeping on my floor before you even suggest it."

"Why ever not? I think that would be most acceptable." Howl smirked.

"Well I don't so there's an end to it also my mum would freak if she knew I had a man sleeping in my room."

"Oh, any why would that be sweet thing?"

"Never you mind! You will stay in a B&B and that's final."

Howl thought about this for a minute or two and decided his best course of action would be to agree with Sophie for the time being at least.

"Now that's settled how about we seal the agreement with a kiss."

"NO!!!! What is wrong with you?"

"Nothing precious I just like kissing you." Howl smirked and turned leaving Sophie in the kitchen trying to compute what he had just said.

Sorry but seem to be updating when I can at the moment. Life is pretty hectic. Hope you like this chapter even though it's a little short.