Dear readers of this story,

Today will mark the end of an era.

We've reached the final chapter of this story, and about two years of work. I know, I know, I haven't been overly prolific, but this is fan fiction, and fan fiction is best written when the inspiration is there.

During the course of this story, you have submitted 134 reviews in total. 114 people have added this story to their favorites, and 148 people have signed up for the story alert. Words can't even describe how much I appreciate your kind words and support!

Initially, I wasn't even sure I'd post this story. Now I'm really glad I did. Your feedback has made me grow and develop as a writer, and I'm really touched by the fact that so many of you seem to have enjoyed the story so much.

I've got a couple more stories brewing in my head at the moment, but there's always the question whether I actually *will* manage to write them down (and share them). Most likely though, the next fic will be set in a completely different universe... namely due South, one of the best TV series I've ever seen, to be honest. :-)

Anyway... feel free to add me to your author alerts if you want to keep track of further updates from me!

Once again, thank you so much, from the bottom of my heart!

Love, always,

BoMD

–––

"But for Goodness sake!"

Rolling her eyes and raising her hands in defeat, Sophie rose from the kitchen table where she had been trying to focus on reading today's newspaper while having a cup of tea. From the hearth, Calcifer gave a soft snicker that was abruptly cut off as she gave him a sharp look, passing by on her way to the stairs.

At the beginning of Howl's recovery process, she had felt nothing but boundless happiness and optimism about the future. Everything was going to be all right now. Howl would be back to normal and feeling even stronger than before, and Ingary would recover from the war. The city of Market Chipping was going to be rebuilt. Their business–and not to mention their marriage–would blossom.

Little did she know that it wasn't going to be a straight road... by any means.

Once Howl was back on regular food and able to use his legs without support, she had expected him to be able to manage the most basic tasks without much assistance. But while he was steadily improving, the progress was painstakingly slow. More than a week after his turning point, he still barely had the strength to make it downstairs and join them at the dinner table.

Sophie had no doubts whatsoever that Howl was, indeed, very tired. Yet… no matter how much she was trying to deny it, part of her was beginning to fear that he was starting to slip back into his old ways. At first, she had granted his every wish without question, always and immediately seeing to his needs. But as the days passed with no considerable improvement, her frustration was steadily increasing. Sometimes, it was as if the wizard had forgotten how to manage anything by himself. As soon as he woke up, no matter if it was day or night, he was calling out for her. He still had not severed their magic connection, and as his strength improved, so did the sound of the voice, to a point where it was becoming downright intrusive. "Sooophie… dearest…" "I'm hungry…" "I'm thirsty…" "Can you please ask Calcifer to run a bath for me?" There was a constant stream of requests and 'wants'.

After their initial conversation about the letter from the court, Sophie had come to realize that there were still so many questions in her mind that needed answering. But getting anything out of Howl these days would not prove an easy task. Every time she tried to bring it up, he quickly changed the subject, claiming he was too tired or hungry or just didn't feel like talking about it at that particular moment. In fact, every attempt at conversation on more serious matters than dinner requests or bath oils was rejected in a similar manner.

Just a few days before the report to the court was due, the pencil and paper that Sophie had placed on his bedside table still remained untouched. Howl spent his days reading, sleeping and soaking in the bath, locked in the bathroom for hours–alone. While some of the books concerned magic, (Sophie mused as she spent hours every day to locate and later replace the specific titles he was asking for), he was anything but eager to get back to work.

While Sophie tried to reason that this was perfectly normal for someone who had been so ill, there were days when she just felt like screaming. The self loathing and doubt she'd thought she'd gotten rid of so long ago was gradually returning… and she once again started to avoid the mirror, terrified that her old curse would still affect her appearance. In the evenings, after Howl had fallen asleep for the night, she often found herself sitting on the bed, looking out of the window for hours. She couldn't remember that she'd ever felt this isolated. How was it possible that it could hurt even more than any other kind of loneliness she had ever known before?

Calcifer seemed to sense her frustration, acting as sympathetically toward her as his fiery demon soul would allow. There were, however, some things that she could never, ever talk to him about… nor with Dana, or even her own sisters, for that matter… that what actually worried and saddened her the most was the total lack of intimacy between her and Howl, and how desperate she was to get it back.

After getting married, the concept of lust and desire got a whole new meaning to her. She had expected no less. What she had not expected, however, was how much she would miss it when all of a sudden it wasn't a part of her daily life anymore. Howl was still snuggling up against her in his sleep, occasionally using her back as a pillow… but that was about it. At night, when she was ready to go to bed, he was already deeply asleep and she had to be careful not to wake him. Yet… there had been nights when she'd woken up, desperate with an almost primitive, unstoppable lust… and reaching underneath his nightshirt, she had caressed him in places that usually would wake him up from the deepest slumber. Now, however… he merely just sighed in his sleep, if he moved at all…

In fact, she couldn't even remember the last time they kissed good night, and in the mornings, when she had to rise and get breakfast started, he usually slept for a few more hours before waking up. As soon as he'd become coherent enough, he'd call out for a breakfast tray, and while he was most often praising Sophie's cooking–almost on the brink of flattering–he would always have specific food requests.

Once he had finished his meal, he'd finally rise from bed, strip out of his nightshirt (just dropping it on the floor), wrap himself with a clean towel and make a bee-line for the bathroom, calling out to Calcifer for hot water while on his way. As he eventually rose from the bath, usually leaving the bathroom in a total state of chaos, he'd be very exhausted, and in dire need of a nap… which lasted until he was hungry again. After the meal, he'd need to rest anew… either sleeping or reading in bed. And so passed the days…

Sophie knew she had to be patient, and that things would hopefully change with time. Yet… part of her was indeed starting to fear that he was caught in a circle that somehow needed to be broken. Yet, she didn't want to rush things. At first, she had encouraged him to get up and move around as soon as he was physically able. But a few days after he finally got out of bed, he'd woken up with what he described as an excruciating headache. She'd had to nurse him all through the day as he claimed to feel all feverish and terribly nauseous. As the afternoon turned into evening, he finally did throw up, eventually falling asleep from exhaustion.

Sophie had managed to keep herself calm all through the ordeal, but as soon as he was sleeping, she had been rushing downstairs, desperately pacing the kitchen, until Calcifer stopped her, mid-step. "Sophie," he'd said with a deep sigh, "for how long was he whining about how sick he felt before he actually threw up?"

"Err…" Sophie found herself counting on her fingers.

"My point exactly." Calcifer rolled his eyes. "Trust me, Sophie. He's gonna be just fine. You have nothing to worry about."

Calcifer would prove to be right. After a long night of uninterrupted sleep, Howl had woken up hungry and thirsty, the pain all but gone. But the incident had left a fear within her that wouldn't let itself be ignored. She didn't dare to push him… in any way. Yet… she was very well aware of that it was only a matter of time before she would eventually snap and yell at him–and forever hate herself for doing so.

On some level, she knew that Howl was feeling pretty frustrated himself. However, considering how prone he was to self-detachment, he probably didn't know how to handle his feelings… or maybe even recognize them for what they were. But as his abilities for magic were returning, so was obviously his penchant for mischief. He seemed to be taking great pleasure in creating magical distractions, teasing and confusing the rest of his family members.

Once,Sophie was even shocked to see Markl come running out of Howl's bedroom, slamming the door behind him, yelling "This is so not fair!" to the closed door, while stomping his feet in anger. Later, she confronted him, trying to make him talk about it. But for once, Markl had stoically refused. It really upset her, though, since he was obviously very close to tears.

And now Howl was begging for her attention again. Stifling a deep sigh, she opened the bedroom door. "Yes, Howl, what is it?"

"Hullo, sweet wife…" came Howl's voice from the bed, still thick with sleep. He stretched and yawned. "What time is it?"

"It's almost four… in the afternoon," Sophie added, still waiting for some kind of explanation why he had summoned her with such urgency.

"Ehh…" Howl's eyes flickered for a moment. "I…"

Once again, Sophie had to clench her teeth to keep herself from sighing. So there was no elaborate master plan behind this either, just his constant need for attention. How original. She gave him a demanding look.

"Well… it… Is it too late… or too early for one of those lovely bacon sandwiches of yours? I mean, we still have some fresh bacon, don't we?"

Before Sophie could reply or even react, the metal food tray that Howl had placed on the nightstand suddenly took off, and started bobbing back and forth in mid air between them, as if it was trying to make her grab it. Rolling her eyes and groaning, she finally reached out her hand, but just as she was about to clasp it between her fingers, the tray made a swift evasive maneuver, spraying her face with crumbs.

Howl was roaring with laughter, but it quickly stuck in his throat as Sophie once more threw herself at the tray, this time successfully catching it with both hands. Fuming with rage, she smacked it several times against the bedside table, denting it severely. Howl instinctively backed away, and judging by the terrified look in his eyes, he almost expected her to slap him right across his face as well. She would never admit, not even to herself, how close it had actually been. But Instead she let the disfigured piece of metal clatter to the floor.

"So this is how you choose to spend your energy?!" she heard herself screaming on the top of her lungs.

Suddenly speechless, Howl bowed his head in shame. "I… I'm sorry, Sophie… I…"

"You'd better be!" Turning on her heals, Sophie walked out of the room and slammed the door behind her.

Without a word, she flew down the stairs. In the kitchen, she grabbed the newspaper from the table and tossed it at a surprised Calcifer. But instead of consuming it, he gently folded it, hovered up to the table and put it back beside Sophie's chair, unsinged.

"Sophie…" he began, an uncharacteristic softness in his voice. "Tomorrow… you should take a day off."

"Off?" Sophie just stared at him, nonplussed.

"Well… whatever you'd call it. Get out of here. Go visit your sisters… or Dana… or both. Just get out. You've put up with this for far too long."

Sophie sighed. "No, Calcifer… I can't do that. Howl–"

"…is more than fully capable of taking care of himself now," the fire demon interrupted with a voice that allowed no argument. "Just have a couple simple meals prepared and I'll assist them with the cooking. It will be all right, Sophie."

Sophie was about to object when she suddenly heard a voice from the top of the stairs. "Sorry to be eavesdropping… but Calcifer is right. I have been very selfish, and you do need some time off." Howl was descending down the stairs, and while not still back to his usual, graceful self, he was obviously moving without difficulty. Walking up to Sophie, he unfolded his arms, encouraging her to let him embrace her. At first, she was a little bit hesitant, but eventually she gave up and let herself get pulled into what was actually a nice, warm, genuine hug. "I'm sorry, love," he whispered into her hair. "I'm really, really, sorry…"

"It's all right, Howl," she managed. "I just…"

"…got so sick and tired of this good-for-nothing-so-called-wizard who's nothing but a spoiled brat, incapable of treating his amazing wife with even a fraction of the respect she deserves…" Howl interrupted with a sigh, his voice trembling a little.

Sophie smiled a tired smile, still leaning her head against his shoulder. "Well, maybe not that bad, but…"

"Almost," Calcifer broke in.

They all snorted.

After a while, Sophie spoke again. "Well… Calcifer does have a point. I actually should go and visit mum and my sisters soon… maybe Dana, too. They've been here quite a lot, and it would be nice to get out a little… if you really think you can handle things on your own for a bit…"

Howl's eyes met hers, a smile twitching at the edge of his lips. "You know what, dear? I'm still hungry for that sandwich… but I think I'll make it myself."

–––

"Thank you and good night!"

"Good night to you too, Mrs Jenkins!"

Sophie smiled at her mum's and stepdad's young servant as he turned his car around and headed back in the direction they had come from. It was a delightful sight. Just a couple weeks ago the streets of Market Chipping had been so cluttered with debris and twisted metal that even walking had been difficult. Now, it was fully possible to drive through the city, even after sunset. To Sophie's relief, her new stepfather had in fact insisted that their new servant (a young man who looked nothing like Suliman's clones) should do just that, so she could stay for as long as possible and get a safe ride home.

And they had had a pleasant time indeed. Chance had it that Dana had dropped by just after breakfast, and Sophie had suggested that she should join her as she was just preparing to get out of the door. Martha and Lettie had met Dana on quite a few occasions by now, and they were always delighted to see her–not to mention Little Sophie. They usually carried her around and cuddled her for hours, until Dana almost had to beg to get her back. Sophie would not have been surprised if spending that much time with a baby would trigger their ever present nagging for her to get one of her own, but fortunately, in the light of the present events, they seemed to be careful enough not to bring up the subject.

And to Sophie's relief, few questions concerning married life had been asked during the course of the evening. Everyone had, of course, inquired about Howl's health and recovery, and there had been a subsequent discussion about men and their obvious lack of self analysis. Sophie had in fact been surprised that even Dana's husband seemed to have a lot left to learn in that department, at least according to her. But thankfully, that was about it. Not even after Dana had had to leave them to be able to make it home before sunset, had Sophie at any point found them too inquisitive. They had mostly been talking about happy childhood memories and the fact that Cesari's now was completely restored and about to re-open, which meant that Lettie was getting her job back. Her enthusiasm was downright contagious, and they had been laughing and talking for hours, until their stepfather had gently interrupted with a soft knock on the kitchen door, pointing out that it was almost midnight.

For a moment, Sophie nearly panicked. What if Howl was sick with worry by now? But no… as far as she knew, they still had that mental connection, and he had not even tried to talk to her once. Most likely, she mused as she walked up to the front door, he was already asleep, and had been so for long.

Softly, she opened the door, entered and closed it carefully behind her. The light from the oil lamps illuminating the room was rather dim, but it soon become evident that the kitchen had been so thoroughly cleaned that the floors and all surfaces were literarily shining. On the plate rack, two plates and a couple of pans were neatly stacked, and obviously, all the food she had left for them to prepare had been eaten. In fact, the entire house had a faint scent of detergent. There was no sign of clutter anywhere… everything had been neatly put away. Except for one item, lying on top of the kitchen table…

Sophie's heart beat faster as she approached the table. No, her eyes had not betrayed her. It was a letter, a sealed envelope… addressed to the royal court. And the letters were definitely Howl's handwriting.

For a moment, she felt such a tremendous relief she could have picked up the letter and kissed it. Almost laughing out loud, she realized it would be best if she didn't.

Her eyes swept over the room again. Calcifer was dozing comfortably on the hearth, but opening one eye as she was passing by, then quickly closing it again, without a word. She thought she heard another sound of soft breathing from somewhere… yes, over there…

Howl was lying on the kitchen coach, soundly asleep. He had obviously dozed off while reading, since one of his arms was still flailed out, as if reaching for the dropped book on the floor. His raven hair was draped over the pillow, and the wide necked shirt he was wearing was exposing his delicate collarbones; the fabric shifting softly at each breath. His face was a mask of serenity with his dark lashes creating a stark contrast to his pale skin. He looked so peaceful… and so beautiful that you just wanted to…

Oh yes. She knew exactly what she wanted to do.

Tiptoeing up to him, she bent over, and softly, tenderly, let her lips touch his. Almost immediately, his eyes slowly opened. His initial confusion was already wearing off as she was kissing him for a second time, and now, he responded, kissing her back… very carefully at first, then withdrawing for about half a second, meeting her eyes… and then, with a fierce intensity, pulling her back into another overwhelming kiss, entangling his hands in her hair. Straddling him, Sophie deepened the kiss and didn't even notice that her hands had found their way underneath his shirt, as she felt his fingers starting to unbutton the neck of her dress…

"Hrrrmmm!" a sharp voice was suddenly heard from the fireplace. "But for Goodness sake! I'm trying to sleep here!"

Momentarily breaking loose from the enchantment, panting heavily from the effort, Sophie managed a "Sorry, Calcifer…" her voice bubbling with an almost unstoppable laughter.

Howl, however, wasn't laughing. He was still holding her gaze, his eyes positively glowing with so much emotion that Sophie found it almost unbearable. Passion, admiration… and just a flowing sensation of his overwhelming love for her. Without a word, she let herself be embraced and carried away in his arms. Were they flying? Walking? Had he grown wings again? She didn't know. All she was aware of was the curtain of silence, closing behind them when the bedroom door suddenly came into view. And then, the world was reduced to nothing but two wildly beating hearts, singing in perfect unison.

To be continued