Hello all! I've written a story as a birthday gift for a friend of mine. I hope that you all enjoy it. It's a Howl's moving Castle fluff story between Howl and Sofie. Thank you <3

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It had been exactly a year ago when Sofie had saved me. Returning my heart and setting Calcifer free. And everyday that passed by since then, had been wondrous and filled with adventure. Traveling across the country side, exploring new lands, helping people we come across along the way. And doing so was much easier now that the war had ended.

But today, I've decided, needs to be something special. Something commemorate that day one year ago. Something that will really show my true love how much she means to me. How much I appreciate that day. And with little Marukuru, I think it's come along perfectly!

My face gleams brightly as I look around the room. Filled with glowing lights and spectacular decor. A banner that Maru made reading 'Thank you for everything.' A small table with two chairs. A single candle in the middle of the table. Vases and baskets of flower arrangements I used from Sophie's own shop. Yes, it was perfect.

I take a glance at the time, she should be returning soon. I had asked her to go out a buy some items with the Witch of the Waste and Hin so I could get the room ready for her. I had already been planning this for months, so setting up hadn't taken too long. As I already knew exactly how I wanted everything. The witch and dog had gladly gone with Sophie to help keep her out of the house-to which I was very grateful.

As I wait for her return, I finish making our dinner. I want it to still be hot when she came back. Of course, being a wizard helped with this. As I can tell she was getting closer. That didn't stop the smile that brightens my face as she announces her return.

“Howl? I'm back. The strangest thing, the witch of the waste and Hin said they would return later. But I got every-” A gasp from her sweet lips cut her own sentence off. I watch as her eyes widen at the sight. That beautiful smile gracing her lips. “Oh Howl, what is all this? It's beautiful.”

I walk over and take the bags from the hands, setting them aside so that I can take her hands. “Sophie, my love, this is all for you. I wanted to give you something special. Because you did something incredibly special for me. You gave me my heart back. This, all of it, is for you. And there is more! Later though. We will go out onto the deck to see some fireworks. And then relax by the fire with blanket and hot chocolate. But first,” I lead her over to the table. “Some food. Sit and I shall bring it out!” I say excitedly, watching her gleam even as she sits.

Time flies by as we eat and my face is never without a smile. Watching her enjoy the food. Listening to her speak about the shopping. Apparently Hin had gotten in some bones and Sophie had to apologize tot the shop owner. I laugh, my eyes never leaving her beautiful face. And before long, we've finished eating and I've quickly washed the dishes.

Luckily, our dinner was fairly late so the sky has already turned dark and the stars are shining brightly. I go outside with her, giving her a shawl to keep warm. Rubbing my hands together, I cast a quiet spell into the sky. Firework lighting up among the stars. Happy squees of ahw leave the woman beside me. It warms my heart so much to see her enjoying the fireworks display. I watch her more than I do the display. No light in the world can compare to how bright she is, after all.

Once the show ends and she has assured how much she loved it, we return inside. My heat signs as she continuously speaks about the fireworks. About which ones were her favorite and how they were simply beautiful. I kiss her cheek and sit her by the fire. “I'm glad you love them so. Now, I'll go get our hot chocolate.”

I go to the kitchen and make up to cups. My eyes drift to the silver haired beauty and a smile curves my lips. I return shortly, handing her a cup as soon as she's finished warming her hands. “Thank you Howl.”She says as she takes the cup, sipping it carefully.

I sit beside her, an arm gently wrapping around her shoulders. She rests her head on my own shoulder and I smile. My lips press against the her head and I look towards the fire. “Thank you, my beloved Sophie. For finding my young self. For staying with me. For freeing me. And for loving me. You are my greatest gift.”

She sits the cup down beside her and smiles up at me. “I will always love you Howl. You are my greatest gift as well.” Our lips met in a soft kiss and I hold her. As I will hold her for all the many years to come.