Howl' Proposal (Howl's Moving Castle Fanfiction)

 Howl’s Proposal

The wind was sweeping the grass. It was neither stormy nor still, but a gentle gale. The summer was almost there, so it had just begun to get warmer. Her silver hair wavered like a sparrow as she watched clouds. The sky was mostly clear, and only a few clouds passed by. She tapped her fingers on the seat gingerly, humming to herself. Then her gaze shifted to the raven-haired man beside her. His eyes were closed, and he dangled his feet from the railing. It seemed he was in his usual spirits. She smiled and turned away, drifting back to the horizon.

When did things become this serene? His presence was warming her heart now. But it hadn’t been like this before. Tantrums, drama, and screams were their daily plate. She had already lost count of the times she cried or ran away from the castle. She closed her eyes when she remembered those moments. Her smile grew cheekier. He truly was a kid beneath an adult’s cloak. However, she had no choice but to stay due to her condition. She was cursed to be an old lady by one of his adversaries.

The notorious Witch of the Waste, who was renowned for her dark and even nefarious spells. When Sophie met her, she belittled her dear father’s hat shop. She was triggered at that instance. It was the only trace left of him when he passed away. It was the place where he taught the ropes of hat-making. And over time, she had grown fond of designing and the craft, so much so that she spent most of her days building new, fashionable hats. Consequently, she needed to stand up even if it meant crossing one of the menacing sorcerers of the nation. Her outcome was seeing the face of a 95-year-old in the mirror. She winced at the sight. She couldn’t stay there anymore. What if it became permanent? How could she face the customers or her sister, Lettie? Sophie just left everything behind and searched the mountains for a cure. At that moment, Turnip the magical scarecrow and his castle found her. She sighed and shifted her position. She tried to raise her left arm, but her hand was stuck. His right hand was covering hers, radiating extra heat.

“Howl…” Sophie whined. “Let me stretch.”

“No.” He replied, his gaze fixed on their hands.

“Alright, Mr Jenkins. What’s wrong?”

“Nothing.” Howl squeezed her left hand further, rubbing his thumb on it speedily.

“Is that so? Then why are you fidgeting?” Sophie responded, raising one brow.

“I’m not fidgeting. It’s just… It’s just too hot here.” Howl said and lowered his head.

Sophie squinched her eyes and nodded slightly. She couldn’t put her finger on what was the matter with him, still, it was odd… Since he gained his heart and broke off the contract, his general mood has improved. His reactions and actions were less dramatic, more balanced. There were fewer outbursts, and he was clearer, more grounded with his words. He hasn’t been flinching like that. Howl looked at her for a while, opened his mouth, but shut it instantly. He repeated it two more times.

“What’s on your mind?” Sophie inquired.

He didn’t answer. Instead, he grabbed and raised her left hand.

“Your hand… It’s so plain.” He uttered and continued. “Why don’t you wear the accessories I got you?”

He sounded almost frustrated.

“Your whole concern was that?! Goodness Howl, I removed everything while washing dishes.”

Sophie glared at him. Howl was usually petty when it came to fashion. That was one of the few shadow qualities of his past left. Yet, she was taken aback. He knew her housework, so why was he being dramatic over some jewellery?

Howl smirked and put a spell on her hand. It shone a bit and formed a hoop around her left finger. She watched it closely. The magic became an advanced version of the ring when he gave her while fleeing from Madame Sulliman. It had a blue, oval-cut gem with silver, floral vines.

Sophie looked at him, searching for a response. Her mouth opened slightly. Howl did the same for his left hand, and his usual ring changed. The gem in the middle of it became a circular, brown one with floral details. Then, he grabbed both her hands in his and breathed in.

“Sophie, we’ve been together for a while now.” He looked at her intently. “Thank my stars that I met you. If not, I’d still be an evading coward. Thank you for setting me free.”

“Alright?”

He facepalmed and sighed loudly. Why did it have to be rough? He was just supposed to say a few darn words. After gulping, he held her hands firmer and finally uttered the words.

“Anyways, thanks to you, the castle became a home… Will you make it your home with me?”

Sophie blinked several times and froze. Did he imply what she’d thought? He and she… Did he genuinely want to become spouses? It was wild. Howl, the famous ‘girl heart eater’ wizard, was willing to form a life with her? She rolled her eyes at the notion and cleared her throat.

“Howl… Are you- are you asking to get married?”

He nodded frantically, and his blue pools gleamed with worry. Sophie giggled and put her ringed hand onto his heart, wrapping the other one around his neck.

“Yes… For the sake of Calcifer, yes!”

He rose and lost his balance. They both fell behind the rails. Then, he took Sophie between his arms and floated into the air. Howl smiled brightly and twirled around a few times. Sophie laughed and stretched her neck out. Then she brushed her lips against his. He responded to the kiss, deepening it. They lost themselves in a tight, tender embrace.

After a few minutes, she parted and checked their rings. They were reflecting each other’s eye colours. She giggled again. Many emotions were exploding in her heart. Meanwhile, they were soaring on the balcony. Howl snapped his fingers, and multicoloured sparkles went with them, mirroring her mood.

***

The sounds of flashes filled the air, following colour-changing lights.

Markle and the Witch of the Waste turned their heads in that direction. Howl and Sophie were flying on the edge of the castle. The Witch shook her head and smiled, returning to her knitting. Markle thrusted forward and fixed her yarn.

“Grandma? What’s Master Howl and Sophie doing?”

“I have no idea. But he cast a firework spell.”

“Are they celebrating something?” Markle replied, handed her some more yarn.

“Who knows?” She shrugged and looked at Calcifer.

“Cal, I think you gotta prepare a banquet tonight.”

Calcifer smoked at her words.

“Don’t you order me around, you hag!”

 Markle and the Witch laughed at him. Some things never changed, even if Calcifer was free. He’s always been. However, the atmosphere was heralding something new; the wind was whispering that another chapter was opening in their lives.

The End