A/N: Okay, so this is my first Hmc fanfic, I am planning on making this a story, not quite sure how long it will be, but I got a lovely recommendation to do a oneshot for HMC by a user who'd like to remain anonymous, I love HMC and this fic is based on the movie, not the book (which I love too) I thought it was a great idea! Anyway, reviews are welcomed as always 3 I am always excited to receive reviews on my work. I will update as much as I possibly can between writing for my AHS fic.

Disclaimer: I don't own Howl's Moving Castle, or any of it's characters.

Another disclaimer: this fic is 18+ due to sexual themes. Please, if that offends you stop here. You've been warned.

Enjoy!

"Good evening ladies."

Sophie waved goodbye to her fellow workers who helped at the hat shop alongside her, it was rather late and Sophie decided it wasn't fair to keep not only herself but the others waiting around all day; the shop wasn't very busy during the week anyhow.

Sophie locked the shop and headed toward the station, the air was fresh with pastries and flowers, usually she loved the smell, but for some strange reason it was making her stomach ache.

Today was rather peculiar for the young girl, she had finished all of her duties at work, and before she opened the shop she cleaned the castle, making sure it was mopped and the dishes were clean.

It was a normal day, yes, but still something bothered her; since she'd woken up every smell, even the scent of Howl's herbal tea made her want to gag. It was quite odd. But, she pushed it the side and went on with her day, until it got unbearable.

On her way to the station, Sophie felt that strange sensation again. She hoped she wasn't falling ill. That maybe she woke up on the wrong side of the bed; as her mother always put it.

Luckily, the train wasn't too late this time around, she sighed in relief. The faster she got home, the better, quickly she hopped on, holding onto her wicker hat as a gush of wind blew through.

She was glad there was a spot on the train for her, she quickly sat down next to a mother and child who babbled nonsense to it's mother; Sophie found the scene rather sweet, but the rumbling movements of the vehicle made her theory even more believable.

Sophie glanced out the window, watching the buildings zoom by before her eyes; even that was making her stomach turn. Once the train was close enough to the castle's latest decoy, she quickly got off, practically running to the "Olde Wizard's Shoppe".

She quickly unlocked the door, praying she wouldn't ruin the clean wooden floors. She knew she'd be the one to clean it up.

"Sophie!" Markel and Hein were at the stair top, rejoicing at her arrival, but quickly noticed something was wrong.

"Are you okay?"

Markel watched her run passed them and straight into the bathroom, slamming it behind her, Hein looked up at him and scoffed; Markel slowly crept up to the door, placing his ear against it, he furrowed his red brows as he listened. The small boy turned his attention to Hein who was running in circles.

"Sophie's sick! What should we do?" Markel ran to Calcifer, tears in his eyes. "Do you think she's going to die?"

"No, she probably got sick from being at work." Calcifer assured the child who pouted, agreeing with the fire demon.

"Well, is she going to be okay?"

"Stop worrying so much!"

Sophie washed her face, which was pale and sickly, not nearly as bright and lively as it usually is.

"Oh great, I've got a stomach bug!"

Sophie groaned as she feverishly washed her hands, looking into the mirror once more, pulling her hair into a ponytail, she still felt horrible.

"Are you okay Sophie?" Markel knocked, there was a sense of nervousness in his voice, Sophie chuckled and opened the door, revealing the two nervous boys.

"Oh, Markel! Don't worry about me. I've just caught a bad stomach bug. I'm fine. I just need some rest-"

"Then I'll make us dinner tonight! Howl and I can help clean. You can lay down." Markel exclaimed, cutting her off, little Hein barked scruffily, a smile broke onto Sophie's face once more.

"Okay, just be careful." Sophie patted the top of his messy head.

Markel made sure Sophie made it safely to her and Howl's room, then he decided it was time for dinner; hopping down the steps and pacing to the kitchen with Hein in tow he got a stool and stood atop of it, pulling out an old cook book that had gathered dust, slamming it onto the counters, shaking the hanging utensils over his head and even the jars of spices littered along the kitchen surface.

The jingle of the dial at the front door and Hein's excited heavy breathing signaled Howl's return.

The young wizard cheerfully greeted everyone, Howl entered the living area, hanging his coat on the rack, he noticed something odd as he walked to the kitchen area, he was so eagerly expecting his wife.

Markel struggled to place a large pot onto the stovetop; ignoring Howl's strange stare.

"Where's Sophie? She isn't still at that shop, is she?"

"Sophie's sick, I told her I'd make dinner!" Markel explained, a wooden spoon in his small right hand.

"Sick?"

"Yup. She has a stomach bug! She sounded pretty sick in the bathroom…"

Howl rested his hands on his hips and shrugged.

"Well, that was kind of you to take care of dinner. I'll have to make Sophie some tea, I think I have a special trick that should get rid of that nasty bug she has."

He hurriedly got to work, pouring water into a chipped tea cup, then blowing into it, creating a blue liquid, then he searched the cupboard for some teabags.

"Calcifer, warm up some water. Be careful Markel, I don't want a fire, not like last time."

He joked, stepping over the old dog who always seemed to get in Howl's way, Howl placed the tea cup on a small blue plate and headed toward the stairs.

Markel returned to his duty annoyed by Howl's snide remark, While Hein followed Howl up the stairs running through his feet almost causing him to trip over the hefty dog.

"Hein!" Howl groaned, aligning the cup in the middle of the plate again.

He walked down the long, dark hallway, halting at the room he shared with his wife, he knocked softly. Hushing the dog beneath him.

"Sophie?"

Sophie perked up at her Husband's voice, she was in bed, her condition had not gotten any better.

"Yes?" She called, a smile crept upon her lips as Howl opened the door slowly, his dark hair peeked through following his concerned expression, his nicely trimmed brows were furrowed with worry, though he forced a kind smile.

"I made you some special tea, it should get rid of that horrid illness." He stepped toward her, his polished boots clicked against the wood along with the sound of excited paws, Hein jumped onto the bed resting himself by Sophie's side, letting out a huff; his long ears flopping by his side.

"He followed me." Howl explained, slightly annoyed, sitting on the edge of her side of the bed, he placed the cup of tea on the nightstand that was littered with mail and strange items he liked to collect.

"Oh, thank you. I appreciate it, I hope I didn't put you through trouble." Sophie sat up to take a sip of the tea, her face twisted in disgust.

"What is this? It tastes… terrible!" she placed it down on the plate and shook her head, Howl always had a "trick" to fix something, it didn't always work as much as he liked to believe…

"It's medicine dear, I drink when I fall ill."

Howl chuckled, placing his hand on her cheek; again his expression fell worrisome.

"That's strange, you don't seem to have a fever. Are you sure you didn't eat anything spoiled?"

Sophie shook her head, her breakfast consisted of tea and biscuits she'd baked, so she knew it wasn't that. Howl pulled his hand away and sighed.

"How do you feel?"

"Awful, I don't think that tea you conjured up is working…" she admitted, placing a hand on her stomach. Howl wasn't to sure what he could do, he wasn't a doctor, so he couldn't diagnose her properly; but he was surely worried for his wife, he could tell she wasn't feeling her usual self.

"If you still feel ill in the morning, I'd like you to visit a nurse or doctor, whoever is available. Especially if my magic isn't working." Howl leaned in to kiss her cheek, her soft rosy scent warmed his heart, he was still getting used to that sensation.

"Promise me?" He placed his hand on her left cheek once more, his starry eyes met hers, she nodded softly and murmured.

"Yes, now I think you should go help Markel. Whatever he's cooking is making me ill again."

Sophie felt that urge to vomit, though it wasn't so prominent as the first time, she took a deep breath, focusing on Howl instead of the smell of cooking food.

"Really? It smells good to me." Howl stood up, his attention still on his lover, who ran her fingers through the dog's fur intently.

"You're not sick, are you?"

Sophie glanced up at him, Howl very seldom caught a legitimate illness; if he as much as suffers a migraine he treats it as if he's living his last days. Howl ignored her sarcasm and lifted the small cup, examining briefly before placing back on the nightstand.

"Are you sure my magic isn't working? I sell this concoction, it amazes everyone who uses it. I'm at a lost here…My magic is the best in town."

Sophie rolled her eyes at his conceited remark, Hein huffed as if agreeing with her thought; she sighed heavily and sank her head into the remarkably soft pillows. He was such a narcissist at times.

"Thank you for your help, I love you." Sophie cooed lovingly, she began to feel quite tired. "Now can you please go help Markel? I am sure it's a mess down there and I will not clean it up."

She snickered watching her husband be forced to help out. He was either working on his magic, tending to the king's needs, or spending time with her; sadly the last option wasn't too often…Since he stopped hiding from his duties, he's always busy, his magic is even more needed than before.

"Will do, my love. I will be back to check up on you after dinner."

Howl leaned in to kiss her forehead, her silver strands of hair tickled his lips, causing him to smile.

"Get some rest and please finish the tea. It's still warm. I'm sure it will work." Howl opened the door and was gone.

Sophie on the other hand couldn't bear to even smell the strong odor of the tea and quickly grabbed a nearby bucket that was slightly full of rain water that Howl used for spells, she'd have to explain to him where it went later…

"Master Howl! Is Sophie doing better?"

Howl slowly entered the kitchen, being met with an overflowing pot and a hefty load of dirty dishes, he took in a aggravated breath.

"I gave her my special medicine, the one that sells quite often, she should be fine by the end of the night... You know, you're helping me clean this mess." Howl turned on the faucet, glancing at the growing pile of dishes in disgust.

"What on earth are you making?"

Markel shrugged "It's from this cook book and I will, once I'm done with dinner." He took a pinch of salt, balancing in his toes and sprinkled them into the boiling pot.

"Did you bother to cut the vegetables?" Howl could see a visible celery stalk and whole potatoes floating around in the liquid.

"Sophie said I'm not allowed to cut without her supervision."

Howl couldn't help but chuckle at that and how dysfunctional everything is without Sophie's magic fingers, Howl hated cleaning, of course he'd gotten used to it with Sophie around; but it just took to much time. He didn't know how she did it.

After dinner was done and the kitchen was moderately cleaned, it was time for bed, which Sophie would usually be the one to tuck everyone in and make sure Calcifer had enough chunks of wood so he wouldn't complain in the morning.

But, it was one of the rare nights where Howl got to enjoy time with the family and not having to deal with the king and his orders, one thing in particular he didn't enjoy about this night was putting the old witch of the waste to bed, she still had a thing for him and made it apparent every chance she got.

"Why don't you come to bed with me? Huh? Like we used too…" she purred, Howl felt a shiver run down his back, not wanting to be rude he smiled sweetly and rejected her offer.

"I am a married man now, I can't sleep with any other woman aside from my wife." Howl pulled the quilt over the old woman, who batted her eyes at him, winking seductively.

"I won't tell."

"Goodnight."

He placed a kiss on her forehead and lifted the curtains as he left, he felt a bit nauseous himself now, dealing with that.

He decided it was time to check on Sophie before he took his bath for the night, he was sure she'd be fine by now; the magic should have kicked in and for the most part he was right, she didn't seem to be sick any longer, He was relieved when he was greeted with a kiss and a tight hug when entered the bedroom, luckily Hein was still fast asleep on the bed. Not even a huff.

"How was dinner?"

"A mess."

Sophie giggled, her silver hair was messy and she had changed into her baby pink silky night dress that covered every inch of her body, she was always so modest; not that it bothered Howl, in fact it made it all the more exciting when they went to bed together.

"Aren't you tired?" Howl rested his hands on her small shoulders, surprised when she shook her head.

"I feel fine. After some time I decided to drink the rest of that nasty tea and I feel better than ever." Sophie exclaimed, not wanting to bring up the bucket incident. "Are you going to bed?" Sophie asked, pulling a loose strand of black hair away from his soft skin.

"I'm going to take a bath, then I'll be in able to join you. I have a busy day in the morning, the king is on my tail about attending this meeting, every wizard and witch in the valley has to attend." Howl sighed, running his fingers through his hair, plopping on to the end of the bed, his hair spilled over his alluring features.

Sophie felt for Howl, he was such a hard working wizard; he barely had enough time to spend with his own wife or even himself. He had so much pressure on him, she couldn't blame him for running away for all those years...She stood there watching him lazily sit up, the stress wore on him, he massaged the bridge of his nose letting out a sigh.

"The water should be hot enough, I'll be back."

Howl stood, unbuttoning his oversized white blouse, Sophie felt the heat in her face rise suddenly, she'd seen all of him many times, each time she'd fluster as if it were the first.

"Do you want me to join you?" Sophie shyly insisted, seeing him this way made her realize how badly she wanted him.

"To bathe?" He questioned, internally smirking at how red she was getting, Howl enjoyed her demure, she was always so shy to ask for anything intimate, while Howl was more open when he wanted her; he had no shame in it.

Sophie nodded slowly, her breathing hitched as he slowly inched toward her, he leaned in for a kiss, wrapping his arms around her small waist, pressing her chest against his, earning a soft moan from her innocent mouth.

"Of course you can, don't be so shy."

He whispered in her ear before pulling away, taking her hand in his own he led her quietly to the master bathroom just outside the bedroom; where ironically enough there a was tub large enough for two people, it was rather beautiful.

On a regular basis she and the other members of the family used the downstairs bathroom, since Howl pretty much owned this one, Almost all of his spells and potions were on display and at easy access. It was quite nice seeing this one in all it's glory.

Howl made sure the door was locked before turning the faucet on, a thick stream of water bursted out, steam immediately filling the room.

Sophie wanted him so bad, it'd been so long since the last time they had sex, at least a month, they'd been married almost a year now and with them finally being alone, it was perfect; except she was to shy to even come onto him!

Howl wasted no time in pulling off his top, exposing his perfect torso, his chest was nicely sculpted as if it were done by hand, he turned from her as he pulled the tie on his black pants.

Sophie felt like a fool gawking at him, so she quickly unbuttoned the neck of her dress so it can easily slip off, her fingers were shaky as she undid each button, she was so focused she gasped when two hands rested onto her shaky ones.

"My dear Sophie, you are so shy with your body. I am your husband, I love every part of you, clothed or not."

He murmured, she was still like a statue as he bunched up the silky material, as the fabric slid over her smooth skin, she caught goosebumps, the room was strong with the scent of lavender and myrrh; She took a deep breath and lifted her arms as he slipped the dress off of her petite form, her bare body came into contact with the warm surroundings, making her feel a bit more at ease.

Howl threw the dress lazily to the side, missing the hamper completely, his eyes were heavy with lust, he kissed her once more, leaving trails down her neck, his skillful hands roamed over her body, sending chills up and down her spine like an electric current.

He couldn't keep his eyes off of her breasts, causing her to be a bit self conscious, sexual acts between them were usually held in the bedroom and not out in the open like this, it made her even more nervous than she already was.

"Come." He pulled her to the barely overflowing tub, he held her hand as she got in, she flinched at the heat as the water engulfed her, Howl joined not seeming to care that the water was scorching hot.

He held out his hands, instinctively, she took them, allowing Howl to pull her body into his. She moaned lowly as her breasts pressed against his chest, causing a chuckle to escape his lips. He rested his back against the ceramic tub, he continued to explore her body in all its glory. She hovered over him, placing soft kisses on his cheeks and lips.

"This is quite nice, if only you were here every time I decided to bathe."

"Oh shut up."

She giggled, jumping slightly as he took her left breast into his hand, his eyes gaging her every expression, she arched her back as he leaned in once more, taking a rosy bud into his hot mouth, running his tongue over the sensitive peak, Sophie could feel his growing erection underneath her, she mewled at his actions, her eyes fluttering shut.

Sophie whimpered as he bit the bud softly, she was so excited by his behavior, her head fell back as he reached between her legs and began to explore her nether regions, Her moans were music to his ears, he loved when she wriggled with pleasure.

Howl removed his hand, pulling away, smirking devilishly at her pout she gave him. He was always full of surprises when it came to sex, he never played by the rules; that was something he lived by religiously.

"Turn around, I want to see you." He demanded, swirling his left index finger in a circular motion, Sophie nodded and obeyed, not quite knowing what he was getting at, she held onto the opposite end of the bathtub, bracing herself for him.

Howl leaned forward so he was on his knees, leering over her; he left trails down the small of her back, listening to her heavy breathing, she wanted him to take her, he knew if he made her wait any longer she'd be furious with him.

"Do you want me?"

Sophie nodded wanting nothing more than for him to be inside of her. She'd never been so turned on in her life.

"I want to hear it." He grasped her hips firmly. Digging his filed nails into her soft skin.

"Yes! Please.."

She cried, Howl was pleased with her answer and granted her wish, he let out a low groan as he slid inside of her, she was so wet and warm; it'd been so long…

Howl took a steady pace with her, not wanting to finish to soon; he watched himself slide in and out of her tight pussy, she was so wet; more so than he'd ever experienced, it took everything in him not to lose control and push her against the bathroom wall and ravish her the way he'd always fantasized about.

But of course, he had to be calm, he wanted to enjoy every moment.

"Faster…please." Sophie whined, pressing herself against him, in a weak attempt to get all of him inside of her, Howl moved forward, kissing behind her right ear, he began to move faster inside of her, she moaned softly and tightened her grip around the rim of the tub.

"Are you ready?" He warned, pressing his warm lips against her neck. Gently biting her soft skin.

"I'm ready…" she whispered, a loud gasp escaped her lips as she was pushed forward harshly from his newly found rhythm.

Sophie bit her lower lip, keeping herself from screaming, she could feel a familiar fire ignite in the pit of her stomach, her orgasm building its stigma, There was water splashing everywhere, surely someone could hear them, but she was too caught up in her own euphoria to even care.

"Oh god!"

She groaned, she was so very close to her climax, she rolled her eyes into the back of her head as he slammed into her, his groans mixing with hers.

"Sophie…" he growled, he couldn't take it much longer, he needed his release.

His thrusts were quick and erratic, cursing under his breath as he buried his cock inside of the young girl beneath him.

Sophie's body tightened as she came, she let out one last cry before the sweet sense of release overcame her.

Howl lost it, he came instantly, letting out a soft groan as he did so, releasing himself.

He sat back in the tub, slowly, his eyes shut, skin luminous and red. His chest rising and falling rapidly. He rested his elbows on either side of the bathtub. Sophie turned to him.

"I love you."

He smirked, nodding his head. His breathing returning to normal.

"I'm going to go to bed now. I'll let you enjoy your alone time." She brushed her lips against his. "And you're going to clean the floor. I'm not your maid anymore." She stood slowly, her skin riddled in goosebumps from the drop of temperature.

Howl didn't say a word as she quickly hopped out of the bath, retrieving her night dress and slipping it on.

Sophie had fallen asleep before Howl got to bed, when he did, he couldn't help but watch her.

Her mouth was slightly agape, as she took a small breath, her long lashes bounced off of the tops of her cheeks, she looked heavenly; especially with the moonlight illuminating her features. He can remember seeing her for the first time, he thought she was beautiful, despite her protest.

He placed a kiss on her cheek before falling into a deep sleep.

Early the next morning, Sophie awoke to a powerful urge to vomit again, thankfully she had enough time to rush to the bathroom, barely making it to the toilet. She gagged heavily, coughing, releasing herself into toilet; it felt like an eternity before she was well enough to stand.

Her first thought was that Howl's tea did absolutely nothing, she was still extremely sick, secondly, she'd have to close the shop for the day and go to the nearest medical clinic in town.