Sophowl Oneshots/Preferences/Headcanons

In Which Insecurities and Impulsivity Don't Mix

Note: this is only part one. I'll have the next bit up asap.
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Howl woke to an empty bed as he so often did these days. It wasn't a surprise anymore, but it still sent a pang of disappointment through the wizard.

For once, it would've been nice to have his starlight still curled up against him. It always made mornings better and actually gave him a reason to get up and off his ass.

Even if it was for a stupid reason like Sophie claiming the eggs tasted better when he cooked them. He knew she wasn't being serious, but the claims still made him feel good.

But no. The damn prince had apparently called on her again. And she'd apparently been eager to spend time with him, because she'd left no note.

He tried to tell himself that he didn't care. That he didn't even remember his name. But it wasn't true. Sophie talked enough about Justin lately that it would be a miracle if he could forget that disgustingly bland name.

He reluctantly pulled himself up to go cook for Markle if nothing else. The poor kid didn't deserve to search for something to eat just because he was in a mood.

Sure, Markle was probably old enough to cook on his own at this point. But there was one issue with that. Calcifer was still stubborn as ever and he still only let himself and Sophie use him to cook. The kid would get nowhere if he tried to cook.

He put the pan on Calcifer and began cracking eggs without a word to the little demon or Markle. Not that Markle seemed to care. The boy was busy dealing with the few customers that came around.

He cooked up some bacon as well before opting to just make tea for himself. He just wasn't feeling all that hungry at the moment. .

Thankfully, Markle didn't question anything when he put all the food in front of him. In fact, he was just thrilled that he got to eat the whole meal. Not that Howl expected anything less.

The rest of the day blurred together and yet the hours seemed to pass sluggishly at the same time. It was a contradiction but the truth nevertheless.

He was just starting to worry when he heard it. Sophie's familiar laughter. Sweet, warm and just slightly high pitched. That would've been a welcome sound. If it wasn't for the voice that accompanied it, ruining the melody.

Oh. The prince was with her. Not only had she spent all day with her precious Justin - but she'd brought him back with her.

Maybe Sophie preferred his company to what she had. Maybe Sophie was bored with him and too nice to say it. Why else would the time spent with Justin be steadily increasing.

She was probably hoping he'd get the hint. Well that was fine. Because he had. He stood suddenly and before the door opened, he was upstairs in their- no, his room.

He didn't even bother to pack anything. Packing would take too long and he didn't want Sophie's pretty, sugar filled words. She'd undoubtedly tell him he was being stupid, but he knew better.

No, when she finally came upstairs, he'd be gone.