The castle had been unusually quiet that afternoon, Calcifer humming lazily in the fireplace and the creak of gears and magic shifting faintly in the background. You wandered through the cluttered sitting room, your thoughts heavy, the kind of tiredness that wasn’t just from lack of sleep but from being overwhelmed.

Howl noticed the moment you slipped into the room. He always did. His bright eyes softened immediately, and he set aside the book he’d been pretending to read.

“What’s wrong, love?” he asked, his voice low and soothing. He reached out a hand, beckoning you closer.

You hesitated for only a moment before sinking down beside him on the couch. “Nothing’s really wrong,” you admitted quietly. “I just… I want cuddles. And maybe a few kisses. Is that silly?”

Howl smiled, the kind of smile that made the air feel lighter. “Silly? My darling, you might as well be asking the sun to rise. It’s inevitable.” Without waiting for further explanation, he pulled you into his arms, tucking you securely against his chest.

The warmth of his coat and the faint scent of herbs and magic clung to him, instantly calming your nerves. He kissed the top of your head, slow and deliberate, then tilted your face up to press another against your forehead, and then your cheek. “Better?” he murmured between kisses.