Porcelain Doll (Howl X Reader)

Chapter 17

The shuffling of feet could be heard downstairs, before completely stilling. Howl noted by the silence it must mean (Y/N) was resting once more. He decided to remain light on his feet, silent so no one could hear him as to believe he was still asleep.

"That wound on your foot…" Calcifer's echoes through the halls. His words cause Howl to halt in his steps, retracing them so he was at the top of the stairs.

"Why hasn't it healed?"

"Because a wound can't heal in a few nights" Her tone held high sarcasm "Plus it's not bleeding, so at least I can keep the bandage off if I'd like. It was probably only a minor scratch"

"But it bled so much a few days ago?" He could hear Calcifer question his own sanity causing Howl to let out a silent chuckle.

"If you're so curious why don't you look at it yourself?"

A silence was all that could be heard, no one had dared utter another word, causing Howl to peek down to where the two were, only to spot the fire gaping at the wound in concern.

With his curiosity piqued, Howl had decided to make his presence known. Walking down the stairs silently he takes his place next to (Y/N)'s chair looking down at Calcifer.

"Now, now" He speaks, startling the girl sitting down, causing her to drop her foot. She winces at the sudden movement before turning to Howl with a blank expression.

"Don't scare me like that!" She whines, her blank expression becoming a pout.

"I was only curious as to why Calcifer suddenly went quiet" He chuckles, patting her head.

(Y/N) flushes red looking away from him. If Calcifer had eyebrows, one of them would be raised in judgement at Howl's unusual personality change. He would think after catching him a few nights ago, the blonde man would stay in his room for the entire week. Or perhaps he would have stayed outside, flirting with innocent women once more.

"Don't give me that look" Howl scolds the poor fire who was utterly confused with the personality change. Calcifer glances at (Y/N), who was still slightly flustered and back to Howl who was waiting for a response.

Knowing the girl wouldn't respond in her flustered state, Calcifer munches on wood once more stating in a mocking tone. "If you're so curious why not look for yourself"

"Fine, so be it"

"I'm sorry, no. Not happening" (Y/N) huffs, tucking her foot underneath the chair where she sat. "Also, that's not nice copying my words Calcifer"

"That's not nice copying my words Calcifer" The fire mocks with a high-pitched voice, turning away from her and munching on his wood.

She huffs out in annoyance crossing her arms. The fabric of her sleeves rub together as she sinks back into her chair to hide away from Howl's gaze.

Noticing her attire, Howl raises an eyebrow. "Isn't it a little too hot to be wearing long sleeves like that?"

"No, I like how the outfit looks so I will wear it no matter the temperature" (Y/N) replies, turning to look up at Howl.

"Perhaps you should try this on"

(Y/N) watches as Howl walks away, back upstairs to his room. She turns to face Calcifer, the two exchanging a look of confusion at the way he worded his sentence.

Not even a few minutes later, Howl comes back down the stairs with a dress in hand. The light blue tone stood out to (Y/N) as it seemed familiar.

"I saw it when I was out yesterday and thought that perhaps you could do with something new to wear rather than the same rags you wear now" Howl explains, wincing when he notices her gaze harden.