Howl's Moving Castle Markl X Reader

raging fires - howl pendragon x reader

when I started writing this I couldn't stop lol this is longer than some of my other stuff so I really hope you enjoy. likes/reblogs are always appreciated

anon said: okay okay, so howl and the reader were training together to become wizards and they kind of were rivals but they end up working together during the war and eventually they bury their rivalry and the reader ends up living in the moving castle

pairing: howl pendragon x wizard!reader
warnings: some angst but there's fluff too I swear
word count: 1700+
fandom: howl's moving castle

For as long as you could remember you've been trying to catch up to Howl. When you started studying to become witches together under Madam Suliman, it seemed like everything came easy for him. He always mastered spells before you, leaving all those who bared witness to his skill in awe. This included Madame Suliman who was either poorly hiding her favouritism for Howl or wasn't bothering as it gave you the motivation to work harder. At a young age you learned what it was like to be inferior and this is where the rivalry blossomed.

There was one dispute in particular that you could recall especially well. Howl had once again proved that his ability to summon things was far greater than your own. "I'll beat you one of these days!" you spat, your insecurities and frustration bubbling to the surface. "You look so smug but you won't be on top forever Howl. I can't wait until I become just as good if not better at magic than you so I can wipe that look off your face".

Howl chuckles lightly back at you. There is no malice or cruelty in his expression but that only makes you even more furious. Why wouldn't he regard you as a real threat? Instead he gazed upon you as if your determination was cute. "As much as I like the challenge I'm afraid that won't happen [Y/N]" says Howl, causing you to ball your fists. You would have struck him if it wasn't for the fact that Madame Suliman would greatly disapprove. "Although, I am flattered to have a rival".

Surprising even yourself, Howl was proven to be wrong. You did end up besting him at something and it was his own fault. Howl Pendragon, once referred to as Madame Suliman's favourite student, had fallen to the number two spot. After Howl ran off, quitting his apprenticeship to live as a hermit in his moving castle, Suliman adopted you as her new best prodigy. As proud as you felt to finally be adored by your teacher you couldn't help but feel angry with Howl the day he left. Running away like the coward he was, he didn't even give you the chance to prove that you were the superior wizard.

Oh well, years have passed since then. You should be over such childish competitions and for a while you thought you were. You've grown the respect of many wizards around the county and have made a name for yourself. Finally you were receiving the recognition you deserve. Then the war began and in doing so you ended up running into an old acquaintance that brought back all your old self doubt.

"Howl, I'm surprised to find you here" you glared after bumping into the man as you walked out of the King's castle. You had just finished talking to Madame Suliman, who had given you an assignment which would give your country an edge in the war. Reuniting with Howl was the last distraction you needed right now and yet… you couldn't walk by him like he wasn't there. His mere presence earned a hostile reaction from you. "I thought all you did was hide nowadays. So, what made you crawl out of your little hole?".

"It's always a pleasure to see you too [Y/N]" Howl greets you, brushing his blonde hair out of his eyes. It's difficult to recognize him in this state. Back when you were students he had his natural black hair and his clothes weren't as flashy as they were now. No wonder you've heard rumours about him being a womanizer. He certainly fit the part. The only part about him that's familiar is that damned smile. It was the same one he wore that day you fought. "I don't usually like participating in this war," Howl continues. "But Madame Suliman asked me to accompany you on your assignment and I agreed".

Your eyes go a little wider at this. She had? Why would she do something like that? You were fully capable of handling this fight on your own… weren't you? Noticing your shock, Howl raises an eyebrow. "Did she not tell you about our partnership?". You don't respond, you can't. You're too embarrassed to say a word. "I see… Well we're wasting time standing here talking. We can catch up when the job's done. Shall we?".

He holds his hand out for you to take but you immediately slap it away. All of a sudden you feel like a child again, desperate to prove your worthiness despite the talent standing next to you and you would. Once and for all you'd show everyone that you were better than Howl.

Nothing could have prepared you for the violence you were about to encounter. You couldn't stop yourself from being injured in mid battle either. A hiss falls from your lips as you lay on the ground holding your wound. How could you be so foolish? How could you let this happen?! Howl eventually lands on the ground next to you, shifting from his large featherly form into a human again.

"Are you alright?" he asks, panic in those disgustingly gorgeous eyes of his. "You're hurt… our work here is done. I'm taking you back to my castle so I can tend to you". Reflexively you move away from his Howl tries to lift you into his arms. "You can't continue this rivalry with me if you're dead" Howl reminds you, a tinge of frustration in his voice. You suppose that's true. As stubborn as you were, you weren't stupid too. You required healing so after a moment you allowed Howl to scoop you up and off you two go.

It pained you to admit it but Howl's castle was in fact impressive. You wished you had more time to admire the structure but there was no time to waste once you and Howl arrived. As quickly as he could the wizard took you to one of his spare rooms and started giving you the attention that you needed. Using a mix of both his magic and more mundane remedies, Howl treats wounds.

"I'm sure you're enjoying this" you laugh bitterly when he finishes. Howl, who was about to leave your room so you could rest, stops in his tracks at your words. His expression lets you know that he needs clarification so you do. "Me lying here helpless as you walk out of that fight unscathed. Well congratulations Howl, you've won again".

That only makes Howl shake his head. "Do you think that's what this is about? Honestly [Y/N] I stopped caring about our childish feuding a long time ago. I'm disappointed in you for not doing the same". He takes a moment of pause to sigh before asking. "Would you like to know what I really think?". Truthfully your curiosity is peaked, so you nod. "I view you as one of my few equals. I've heard stories about the name you've built for yourself and I'm proud of you for that. Now, could we please leave the past where it belongs and focus on making sure you recover?".

A wave of guilt washes over you. How ridiculous you've been acting this whole time but that statement changed everything, it was all you've ever wanted to hear from him. You can't stop the small smile that spreads across your face and your heart from skipping a beat. "You're right, I'm sorry and… thank you Howl".

Satisfied Howl smiles again before walking over and placing the most unexpected kiss upon your forehead. You're too taken aback for words but you don't need to say anything further because Howl fills the silence. "You're free to stay here for as long as you need. I'll have Markl bring you something to eat later on". With that he leaves you to sleep and you do, dreaming the sweetest of dreams.

Originally you hadn't planned on overstaying your welcome. You only intend on remaining in the castle until you are entirely healed but with the passing days and weeks, you find yourself still living in the castle long after the signs of your cuts and bruises have faded. You're still a resident of Howl's castle when a letter arrives for you. "[Y/N]! [Y/N]! This came for you!" Markl says excitedly, rushing toward you as you cook breakfast with Calcifer.

Blinking a few times in disbelief, you accept the envelope from the boy. Even Howl, who's sitting at the dining room table reading one of his books, looks up with interest. Opening the letter, you can't help but gasp. Ever so curious Markl asks who it's from. "Madame Suliman" you explain, causing the room to grow somewhat tense. "She wants me to report to the castle. Apparently the king wants to reward me with a medal for my bravery in battle".

Immediately Markl frowns. "Oh no, no, please don't go". You open your mouth to reassure the boy but Howl's on his feet before you can do so. Placing both hands on your shoulders, Howl doesn't seem as apprehensive about the idea as his apprentice is.

"Now, now, Markl. This is a great honour. One that even I have never been granted. If you were to accept this [Y/N] you would have truly bested me" Howl points out. "You should really think about appearing to accept a reward like this".

Taking a moment to consider this, you ultimately choose to crumble up the paper in your hand before tossing it to Calcifer so the flame can happily munch on the snack. "I've thought about it and I'm not interested. I don't need some medal or the knowledge that I might be better than you to be happy" you beam up at Howl. "I've got everything I need right here".

Markl jumps for joy at your answer and Howl, who seems just as grateful for your decision, affectionately places a kiss on your lips. The two of you have wasted too much time fighting against one another. You're not about to make that mistake again. The raging fire in your chest that had once symbolized your resentment for Howl had longed simmered and was replaced with nothing less than pure love.

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