#and for fucks sake this is a fictional character

[damnfandomproblems]

Fandom Problem #8963:

When someone who's blocked 85% of the fandom because they hate any ship that isn't theirs, but then they get tired of (shocker) not having any engagement, so they make a callouts post about someone they've never interacted with because that person ships "icky" things or is friends with someone who does.

And then all the other little virtue signallers have to come out of the wood work and, rather than have a conversation like an adult or just acknowledge that characters in media aren't fucking real, also put the called out person on blast.

Your "warnings" are just you admitting that you look at the same stuff but are either too scared to post it or post from a dummy account, and are upset the other person either has more engagement than you, or isn't bursting at the seams to advertise a side of the fandom they keep separate for the sake of people that don't care for it.

That's called courtesy, you dumb fuck, not "sneaking into fandom spaces"

Newsflash. If you like about half of classic literature, or even modern literature, a ton of modern media, there will be "icky" relationships in them. If you've ever been a fan of Game of Thrones and you still act like this, I don't know how you deal with the cognitive dissonance.

Grow the fuck up. Fictional characters are community property paper dolls. You don't get to control or try to control how people engage with them just because you never grew up beyond "I am uncomfortable when things are not about me"

[oddsnendsfanfics]

Stinky Dog Pt III

Genre: Fan Fiction (The Last Kingdom) Pairing: Finan/OFC Warnings: slight hand kink, possible sexual content – pnv, oral, light spanking Rating: M Length: Multi Disclaimer: a strict work of fiction, I own nothing except the original characters and the plot line. In no way am I affiliated to any of it.  

A/N: I started writing this two weeks ago, today. It's been a long two weeks, personally. But here we are. Dog Dad Finan, get ready for Cat Dad Sihtric to join the party.

Catch Up Here

“And how are things with the Pet Shop lady?” Sihtric smirked, exchanging a glance with Uhtred.

The afternoon was warm, Uhtred having beckoned Finan and Sihtric to his place, something about Gisela wanting them to decide on wedding attire. As if they were going to do that. Uhtred had kept insisting she picked what she wanted, because he was happy to marry her in nothing but his underwear if the need should arise.

But Osferth had done all of this on his own – Uhtred would have to thank the younger man the next time he saw him. Setting the bar impossibly high for soon to be grooms everywhere.

“It's been good.” Finan shrugged, the stupid grin on his face said it all. Picking up his beer, he looked at his friends. “What?”

“Nothing.” Shaking his head, Sihtric continued to smirk. Leaning forward, he flicked his cigarette into the ash tray on the table. “She's hot.”

“She is.” Finan began to nod, glaring at Sihtric. “Wait, how do you know that?”

“Needed to see a lady about a cat?”

“Fuck off! Don't. Uhtred, tell him not to do shit like that.”

“It's a public space, Finan.” Uhtred passed it off, his hand scratching over his rogue goatee. “If Sihtric wants to ask about a cat, then he can. They do cat adoptions there.”

“Relax.” Sihtric sat back in the chair, “She was with another customer. I talked to the short blonde woman. But seriously, I was looking at a cat. My place is really quiet and I don't have time for a dog.”

“Since when have you wanted a cat?” Uhtred eyed Sihtric suspiciously.

Shitric shrugged. “Since I went by Marley & Bo's, to check out Anya, and saw that they had cat adoptions. There was a photo of this one cat, he had two different eyes. Like mine. Gotta be fate.”

“You are fucking cracked.” Finan couldn't hide the smile. Even if Sihtric had gone into the pet shop, just to get a glimpse of his woman, Finan wouldn't deny having a four legged companion at home was a rather nice comfort.

“Gisela keeps saying she wants a dog.” Extending his hand out to Maeve, who was happily waiting under the table, Uhtred scratched the dog's thick fur. “I don't know. I think we should just have a baby and get it over with.”

“Does Gis know this?” Sometimes Uhtred got big ideas and forgot to inform those he had involved. Finan was usually the victim, in this case Finan would argue on Gisela's behalf.

“She knows I want a big family. It's not like I've ever hid it.” Uhtred answered, picking up Sihtric's pack of cigarettes and his lighter. Sliding a cigarette out of the pack, he placed it between his lips and lit it. “I'm not getting any younger.”

“I think that applies more to women.” Finan scoffed, moving out of the smoke that lingered in his direction. Uhtred was thirty three in four months, not exactly like he was running out of any time. Finan rolled his eyes.

“The older you get,” Sihtric muttered.

Finan roll his eyes at the two of them. They were helpless. Sihtric was three months younger than Finan, here he was sounding like he was approaching sixty for god's sake.

“You ever think of kids?” Looking over at his friend, Sihtric posed his question.

“N-not really. No.” Finan scratched the back of his neck, the classic tell tale sign that he was full of shit.

Of course he had thought of having children. Until meeting Anya he had never met anybody who made him want to have children of his own. She already had Eloise and things were still new. He didn't want to scare her off, by grilling her about whether or not she wanted another child.

“If that hot pet shop lady asked you to have a baby, you wouldn't say yes?” Sihtric sat staring at the dark haired Irishman. The hard stare from the Dane caused Finan to shift in his seat.

“I don't know.”

“I would.” Causally answering his own question, Sihtric shrugged. “If you blow it, do you mind if I date her?”

“Sihtric!” Uhtred scolded, flicking the ashes from his smoke in the ash tray. Gisela was going to have his balls for smoking. “Don't rile him up. You know he gets flustered over these things.”

Pointing at his friends, Finan grumbled. “You two are heathens.”

“You should ask her to come the next time we go out.” Uhtred's tone and expression were that of sincerity. Not a hint of bullshit in those eyes, not that Finan could detect. “Gisela wants you to bring her, if she wishes to come.”

“You've been with her long enough, it's time we met her.”

“Nearly a month.” Finan passed it off.

In a week it would be a month, Finan had officially been seeing Anya for One Month. A month, wow. As the saying went, time flies when you're having fun. Finan was certainly having fun.

“I'll ask her.” He satisfied his friends with the reply.

“Doing anything for the big anniversary?” Uhtred asked, Finan snorted. “What? Do people not celebrate the months these days?”

“We are still deciding.” Finan shrugged. Sihtric huffed and Uhtred rolled his eyes. Where was Osferth when he needed back up? Damn him for having to work. “Eloise is coming with us.”

“Ah, meeting the daughter.” Smiling, Uhtred shrugged. “You're good with that?”

“I've met her, briefly. She was at work with Anya a few weeks ago. She thinks I'm some guy with a cool dog, I guess.”

Sihtric snorted, “and now she's about to learn the truth? You're a guy with a cool dog, who has an obsessive personality, and bad taste in music?”

“Would you fuck off?” Finan swatted his hand at Sihtric.

Snubbing his cigarette in the tray on the table, Sihtric took a drink of his beer. “Seriously, Finan. You're a good guy. You're the kind of man a kid wants as a father.”

“Well, as we know, we can't pick our parents.” Finan held his glass out, clinking it against Sihtric's, before taking a drink.

“I don't know,” Uhtred shrugged, lifting his glass, he frowned when he realised it was empty. “I like my parents.”

Adopted as a young boy, he had done far better in the parent department than Finan or Sihtric had. Finan rolled his eyes, ignoring Uhtred and his subtle gloating about his parents.

Ignoring Uhtred and Sihtric; Finan whistled calling Maeve to his side. Scratching her around the neck, Finan sat with his mind lost to itself. Sihtric's question rolling around on his thoughts. Did he want kids? If things with Anya went further, which he was hoping they certainly would, was Eloise enough? What if he decided he wanted his own kids and Anya didn't want more? What if, when the time came, she wanted more and he didn't? Finan rubbed Maeve's coarse fur through his fingers, Uhtred and Sihtric's voices background noise to his internal crisis. Why did Sihtric always do this to him?

“Hey, Finan.” snapping his fingers, Uhtred called his name again. Kicking the leg of Finan's chair, Uhtred shook his head. “Finan.”

“Huh?” Finan looked around, the realization that he had been somewhere else. “What?”

“I said, Gisela is busy tonight. What are you doing?”

“I'm seeing Anya later,” Finan rubbed his chin, “Eloise is at a friend's, so we're going to see how an overnight for us goes.”

Why did he tell them that? This was nothing more than a chance for them to torment him more. Finan sighed, at the same time the idea of Anya spending the night sent his mind reeling and his body felt like it was suddenly on fire. Hell, he hadn't even kissed her yet. Why had she agreed to spend the night? Did she think he was broken? Or worse, some kind of loser who couldn't seem to function around women?

Sihtric scoffed, drawing Finan's attention.

“Gods, she's going to sleep in a bed with you and the dog? She really needs to reevaluate her life choices.” There was never a moment where Sihtric wouldn't tease Finan.

“What's the plan, before you get her home? That makes all the difference.” And there went Uhtred, trying to impart his romantic wisdom.

“There's a recreation of the Sistine Chapel exhibit downtown, she wants to go. I said that I would take her.”

“Art gallery, definitely a good start. What was your last date?” Uhtred knew these answers. They worked together every day. Finan was certain he had told Uhtred about the date to the restaurant. Clearly, when Uhtred said he was listening, he was not.

“There was coffee, I made dinner, took her to a dance class, we've gone to an escape room, and our last date was dinner at that place Eadith suggested, the Greek one.” Finan listed his dates by order, a dopey smile on his face. Each date had been better than the last.

“And you haven't slept with her yet?”

“Well, things get a bit complicated when you add a kid, Sihtric.”

Waving his hand in the air, Uhtred shook his head, sitting up in the deck chair. “Ignore him, you knew going into this that there could be...challenges. It will happen, when it happens. I would have made it happen on the second date, but we can't all be me.”

“Says the man who could hardly get a second date, with his fiancee.” Finan snorted.

“Gisela just needed time to think. Look, my point is, you like her. The attraction is there, physical, emotional, whatever. Dating now is not like it was when were nineteen. You like her. She likes you. Let that fall where it will.”

After two hours, Finan had finally had enough of Uhtred and Sihtric, a real comedic duo they were. Another two hours before he had to pick up Anya meant that he had time to take Maeve home, where she could chase a toy around the back garden, while Finan frantically cleaned the house – again and got himself presentable for his date. He'd stripped the bed first thing this morning, throwing blankets in the laundry, paying special attention to remove any dog hair from the pillows or mattress. Tonight, as much as Maeve would hate him for it, she may very well end up on the couch downstairs.

Only an hour left, until Finan would be ringing the bell, to let her know he had arrived. Eloise had been dropped off with her friend, Gracie, a few hours ago. Leaving Anya all afternoon to dwell on her own upcoming evening. She was excited to see the recreation of the Sistine Chapel, who wouldn't be? It was one of the greatest pieces of art in history. Anya had been delighted, when she had mentioned it in passing, and Finan had insisted he take her.

Shuffling around her bedroom, clothing everywhere, oops. She stood in the middle, with her hands in her hair trying to determine what needed to go into the small overnight bag and what needed to stay where it was. Essentials like her toothbrush, already packed. Deodorant, Check. A hair brush?

This was one night, not sleep away camp.

Anya grunted, sleep away camp had never required her to decide between her practical linen pjs or the Italian made risque nightie. Practical linen pjs, grabbing the soft pink set from her bed, Anya folded them and placed them in the bag. They were cute, comfortable, and her favourite. A change of clothes for tomorrow, not wanting to be driven home in the clothes from the night before, and she was almost set.

Standing in her bedroom, looking at the mirror, Anya frowned. She loved the jeans and tshirt that she had picked out, but were they too plain? Too boring? She could have worn a garbage bag and Finan would have found a way to compliment her. Anya's frown turned at the thought, the butterflies racing through her stomach. Ah, whatever. At least this gave her an excuse to finally wear the expensive bra and knickers set she'd bought ages ago and left in a box.

Number 7, Finan's finger pressed the black button. A click in the main door signaled that it could be opened from the outside. Four flights up, the building was quiet, in a rather decent neighbourhood, and Finan liked that it wasn't too far from his place. Knocking on the door, below the brass number 7, Finan took a step back. Anya had seen his truck pull in from the street, she'd passed by the large windows and caught a glimpse of the familiar grey Amarok.

“I just have to grab my shoes,” Anya swung the door open, “come in, please. I saw the truck pull in.”

“Hard to miss that thing.” Finan mused, his truck was essential to work and he saw no need to run two vehicles.

“You are an easy man to spot.” Anya called back from down the hall, she'd finally decided on a pair of open toe heels that hadn't been out of her closet since switching jobs. The brown boots had been a staple in another part of her life. “How was your day?” she asked, bending to zip up one of her boots as she stepped into the living room.

“It was a day, I spent a good part of it with Sihtric and Uhtred; Gisela sent us to find wedding attire, I really would not want to be Uhtred right now,” He shrugged, smiling when Anya got closer, in her heels she was almost eye level.

“And why is that?” She picked up her jacket and bags. Checking pockets for keys.

“Well, we spent several hours together, but never left his house. I did bring up a website for tux rentals, but they were in France.” Finan shrugged, reaching out for her overnight bag.

“You are a terrible best man.” Anya placed a quick kiss on his cheek, laughing on her way out of the apartment.

“I am an excellent best man. Ask Osferth.” Finan teased, while she made sure the locks were secure, following her down the hall. “I was so good at it, it's why Uhtred asked me.”

“Uh huh.” Anya giggled, unlocking the main door and stepping out into the early evening. The breeze was light and the smell of early summer lingered on the blooms. Opening the door, always the gentleman, Finan smirked helping Anya into the truck.

“Enough about Uhtred and his woes,” Finan shut his door, turning around he leaned into the back seat, placing Anya's bag on the seat, he grabbed a bag off the floor bringing it to the front. “This is for you. Well, for us.”

“You need to stop this. I am running out of ideas on how to keep up.” Anya teased.

Recently, she found several different books that Finan had talked about, buying them and having them sent to his house. She'd also sent a large gift basket for “Dog Dads”, including a cheesy tshirt that declared World's Best Dog Dad. Finan was constantly showing up with some gift or another, even if it was a flower he'd found at work.

“We don't have to open it, because it's awkward.” As Anya pulled the paper, she glanced at Finan. Her look clearly asking what level of awkward he meant. “I saw it and I know that you love the grey knit blanket that I have on the deck.” He quickly explained himself. “This is from the same company, but it's made for two people so it's bigger and it's red.”

Her favourite colour.

“I love it!” Opening the end of the package, Anya felt the soft yarn. It was like a hug, sending a warm feeling through her. Maybe that was due to how happy sitting with Finan wrapped up in the other one made her feel.

“I'm glad. Now, shall we go to this gallery?” Finan swore his ears heated up, when she gave him another kiss on the cheek. Anya nodded, holding onto the package in her lap, hand shoved in the wrapped up blanket.

“You like her. She likes you. Let that fall where it will.”

Uhtred's voice was in his head. Concerning. Finan frowned as the word replayed over and over. If only he could be that relaxed about things.

Anya's arm in his; they walked through the art exhibit. A few people milled about, admiring the work of Michelangelo. Pausing in front of the Moon and Earth, Anya stood with her gaze fixed on the art work, chewing on the side of her lip, as she was deep in thought. Finan stood behind her, arm around her waist watching her eyes dart around the piece, taking it all in. Kissing her on the cheek, he smiled against her soft skin.

“What ya thinking?” His voice was low in her ear, his breath hot on her neck. There it was, the familiar scents of vetiver, bergamot, and lavender.

“I know nothing about art, but there is something about the sheer size of this. It's hauntingly beautiful.”

“You need to meet Uhtred's sister, Thyra. She's an art professor. She's done a few papers on this.” Finan gave her a gentle squeeze.

“Hmm.” Anya hummed, stepping away from his embrace, moving on to the next piece. “I'd like to meet her. I still need to meet Uhtred, too.”

Finan chuckled. “Oh you will.”

He'd been hesitant in introducing Anya to his friends, minus Osferth and Eadith, not because he didn't want them to know her – simply because once they met her, Finan would have to start sharing her. Holding Uhtred's invitation in mind, he tucked it away for a bit later. He'd ask her, before their next Wednesday dinner.

Arm in arm, Anya led the way through the gallery, they paused at a few more pieces, each one finding themselves lost in their own thoughts. Whether they were on the art or other musings, was to be decided. Lingering at the last piece, Anya slid her hand into Finan's giving his hand a tug. She was ready to move on. He stood staring at the artwork for a few seconds, catching a glimpse of his profile, Anya felt her heart flutter. His tongue darted out across his bottom lip, barely noticeable under his beard. As he blinked, his lashes brushed the top of his cheeks, and he smiled turning to his date.

“Are ya ready?”

“I am.” Anya nodded, her hand still intertwined with his.

“So, I have been thinking.” Finan drew out his words, as they left the gallery. “When we go out with Eloise, what is something she'd like to do?”

“What if we go to the park?” Anya squeezed Finan's hand. Again, there was the fluttering heart. “It's relaxed, wide open, and Maeve and Eloise can play. Hmm?”

“I like that. No pressure.” Finan let go to Anya's hand long enough to hold the door for her. “Can I admit, I'm nervous about it.”

“Why?”

“What if she doesn't like me? What if she only likes me for my dog?”

“Finan,” Anya nudged him in the side, “she's six, of course she's going to like the dog better. It doesn't mean that she won't like you, too.”

“I just want this to be a good experience.” He stood facing Anya, his hands in hers, watching her lips. Almost a month and he still hadn't found the guts to kiss her beyond a peck on the cheek.

“You worry too much, it will be fine.” letting go of his hand, Anya brushed his growing hair away from his eyes. “I promise. And if for some reason she isn't a big fan, then...”

“Then it was nice while it lasted.” Finan shrugged.

Anya frowned. “Why do you say that?”

“Because if Eloise doesn't like me, then I'm not staying and forcing my way into her life. She has a say in this relationship, too.”

“Oh, does she?”

“Mmhm, you're her mother and I don't want to jeopardize or ignore her trust and feelings. Anya, doll, I adore you. But, I don't want to hurt anybody.”

“Are you real?”

Finan chuckled, “I think so. If I wasn't real, could I do this?” He cupped her cheek, lowering his head to kiss her. Beard scratchy on her skin, Anya didn't pull away. Moving into the kiss, Finan smiled when she sighed and wrapped her arms around his neck, fingers tugged at the ends of his hair.

“You are most certainly real.” Anya broke the kiss, a soft sigh on her lips. “Do it again.”

“Doll, If I keep that up I may never stop.”

“Then don't.”

“I should probably get you home, before I do that again.” Finan winked, kissing her cheek and grinning. “Can't have people thinking we're indecent.”

An innocent kiss was hardly indecent, Anya smirked, although if he had kept going, she could have made it indecent pretty quick. Feeling her cheeks heat with her thoughts on how indecent she would like to be with the charming Irishman, she happily followed him to the truck. There would be loads of time for that, once they got back to Finan's.

Maeve was at the door, her in home security system alarm loud and welcoming. If she wagged that tail any harder, when Anya followed Finan in the front door, the tan dog was going to be dangerously close to air lifting herself. Placing Anya's overnight bag by the stairs, Finan called Maeve to follow. Opening the sliding door in the kitchen, he let her out in the backyard, throwing a ball out for her to play. He'd left the door open enough for his four legged companion to let herself in when she was ready.

“So, I know Osferth.” Anya stood in the open concept of the living room, looking at a photo, she turned to Finan. “You're right, he did look like a baby monk.”

“I'll pay you to call him that the next time you see him.” Finan's eyes lit up and his laugh loud. Joining Anya in front of the photo, he pointed to a shorter man with wildly long hair and blue eyes. “That's Uhtred,” pointing to the man with a mowhawk and sharp features, “and that is Sihtric.”

“Uhtred is shorter than I imagined him.” Anya analyzed the photo of the four friends.

“His personality makes up for it, so he claims.” Laughing, Finan shrugged. “Women loved him, so something was working for him. Then he met Gisela and...” He clicked his tongue.

“What about Sihtric? What's he like?” Anya leaned back into Finan's chest. Smiling when he wrapped his arms around her, holding her tight.

“He's awkward. People often think he's some mysterious bad boy.” Finan's tone told Anya that clearly those women were mistaken by the appearance. “They're my best friends, we've seen each other through a lot.”

“You really love them, huh?”

“They're my family, all I've had other than Maeve for a lot of years.” Finan rocked back and forth, moving Anya's body with his.

“Well, now you have me.” She turned to look at him, her cheeks the slightest bit of pink.

“I do! Which reminds me,” Finan tucked his legs around Anya's, as he walked, it forced her to move with him to the kitchen, Anya laughed grabbing his arms around her waist as she tried not to topple over, “sure you want to spend the night?”

Anya nodded as Finan turned her to face him. “If you want me to.”

“No,” Finan shook his head, placing his hands on either side of her face, his eyes watching hers, “that's not what I asked. If you want to spend the night, then I am happy with that. If you want to go home, I'm happy with that.”

“Since we're here,” Anya traced her finger along the neckline of his tshirt, “it doesn't make sense to go back out.”

Finan's laugh was low, different from his usual cheery, boisterous thunder of a laugh. Anya smirked, pulling the front of his shirt to drag his body to hers. She was taking the lead and Finan was happy to follow wherever she wanted him to go. If he had been the one taking charge, he'd have taken her over the back of the sofa by now. Instead, he let Anya have her way. This was about making sure she was okay and that she was taken care of, all he wanted was for her to be comfortable.

Clenching his shirt, Anya took a step back, her grip tightening. Her gaze cast down, she opened her mouth to speak, then suddenly stopped. Finan hoped she wasn't having second thoughts.

“Doll?”

“I...it's silly.” The sudden confidence had walked away, out the door, Anya frowned at herself. “Never mind.”

“Nothing is silly, tell me what's on your mind.” He didn't move, not wanting to impose on her thoughts and space. Standing in his kitchen, his hands on her sides, he waited.

“I have a kid, I'm not going to lie, it's been a while since I've...” Anya shrugged, her gaze holding Finan's. “Actually, I...I don't think I've done that since I found out that I was pregnant. He didn't find me desirable during...”

“Seriously? Not even a one nighter?”

“Nope.” She kept her eyes on Finan, lost in his soft dark brown stare.

“What the hell do you do with yourself, doll?”

“I have a few toys, I'm not ashamed to use them, when I need. You know.”

Finan cleared his throat, rubbing a hand against his beard. “Well, in the event we get that far, I'll keep that in mind.” Shaking his head, he frowned. “By the way your ex is an arse, having a gorgeous wife, pregnant, and he didn't even want to touch her.”

Anya's laugh was one that Finan had heard before, humourless. “Now that I have ruined the mood.”

Finan took her hand, laying it against his chest, “Feel that?” under her hand, Anya could feel his heart thumping wildly. She nodded. “It's what ya do to me, doll. You haven't ruined a thing.”

Green eyes burning straight through his soul, Finan stood like stone, Anya's hand still resting on his chest. His heart felt as though it would burst and his gut knotted, when she slid her hand down his torso. Her hands were chilly, sneaking up under his shirt, nails raking across his back, she stood on her tip toes, nipping at his bottom lip.

“Anya, are ya sure?” Finan grabbed her arms, pulling her hands from under his shirt. Holding them with a firm yet gentle grip, he watched her curl her fingers making a fist as if to resist trying to touch him again. Finan gripping her wrists, she felt her body wanting to combust, his rings pressed into her delicate skin.

“Uhuh.” She nodded, staring him down, she was not giving up on this.

“You're absolutely certain?” Finan asked again, once he let her wrists go... If she wanted this, then he was all in.

Anya could hear her heart in her ears, swallowing hard, she nodded again. Finan smirked, letting go of her wrists, his hand was instantly around the back of her neck dragging her in for a kiss. Undoing her jeans, Anya pushed them down over her hips, kicking them off her legs.

Yanking his shirt over his head, Finan threw it, hearing the displayed cooking utensils on the counter rattle, he had an idea of where the blue tshirt ended up. His attention on the woman in front of him, he gripped her hips hoisting her onto the counter top. Anya gasped as the cool stone met her slightly exposed bottom. Wasting no time, they were a mess of arms and hands, trying to work clothing off of one another through a frenzy of kisses. Free of her shirt, Anya giggled when Finan groaned, mumbling something about the fancy knickers.

Fumbling in an attempt to undo the button and fly on his jeans, not getting much further when he cupped her face in his hands, kissing her with a dizzying effect. Leaving his jeans, her hands found a new place to play, grabbing the back of his hair, Anya smirked into the kiss, as Finan hissed. Pulling hard enough to create pressure against his scalp, she took pure delight in making him squirm.

“Finan.” Her breath on his, she gasped his name. “Please. I...”

She cut off by the sound of a phone vibrating. Ignoring the distraction, she wrapped her legs around his waist, grinding her hips into his. The phone making the offensive noise once more.

“Doll, phone.” Finan mumbled, making no attempt to stop his actions. He was so close to ignoring the phone, reaching for the clasp on her bra. Whoever was calling was relentless, as the phone chimed and vibrated on the counter again. “Phone, Anya.” he muttered in exasperation.

“They'll call back.” Anya shook her head, whimpering when he pulled away. Nobody important would be calling her at this hour. Reaching around her body, Finan found the phone nestled against the roll of paper towel by the back of the counter. “Just leave it.” She grabbed for his arm, desperate to finish what they had started.

Picking up her phone, Finan slid his finger against the green circle. Ignoring Anya, he answered her phone. “Hello?” The woman on the other end hesitated for a moment, likely wondering if this was the correct number. “Hello?” Finan repeated. “Can we help ya?”

“Anya?”

“Hold on, love.” Finan held the phone out, Anya sighed, whoever it was this best be good. “It's for you.”

Sitting in nothing but her knickers on the cool counter, Anya pushed her hand through her hair, taking the phone from Finan. “Hello?” She spoke softly trying not to sound like she'd been breathless seconds ago. Finan watched as her face changed colour, her rosy cheeks pale and her eyes wide. “Oh, no. No. It's okay. I'll come right over to get her. I am sorry. Thanks for calling.”

Finan would hold off on the I Told You So. Instead he picked up the bra and tshirt from the tiled floor, holding them on his finger. “Everything okay, doll?”

Taking her clothes, Anya shook her head. “Eloise is sick, she has a low fever and...” she paused, her arms behind her back fastening her bra. “Thank you, Finan, for answering the phone.”

Sliding off the counter, she tried to hide the wince as her butt slightly stuck for a second. Damn condensation. Reaching for her jeans, tossed in a heap on the kitchen floor, she pulled them back on.

“My car.” The sudden realization that Finan had picked her up coming back to mind. “I need to call...”

“It's okay, I'll take ya to get her.” Finan fastened the button on his jeans, reaching for his tshirt that laid on the other end of the counter top. “Let's go, doll.”

Instructing Maeve to behave while he was out, Finan left the kitchen light on for his shepherd, checking to make sure Anya had everything. Guiding her to the truck, his hand on her waist, Anya shivered against the damp weather and Finan's touch.

“We'll go get her, she'll be home soon, and feeling much better.”

Anya gave Finan the address, wishing she could disappear into the seat. Her cheeks were hot and her body still felt like it was on fire, a fire she hadn't felt in...Anya twirled a piece of hair around her finger...never. She had never felt that way. Each time she was near Finan had left her second guessing everything she thought she knew about being in love. Love? Oh god. Anya gasped, albeit a little too loudly.

“Doll?” Finan turned his head from watching the stop light.

“Sorry, I was...I...I'm just worried about Eloise.” Partially true.

“We're almost there, it's okay.” Reassuring her, Finan reached over taking her hand, kissing the back of it. His beard was rough against her skin, squeezing her eyes shut, Anya took a deep breath. Now was not the time to think about how good that beard would feel scratching other places.

“Turn left at the next stop sign.” Breaking the silence, Anya pointed to the stop sign ahead. “It's number 35.”

Parking behind the blue sedan, Finan hardly had a chance to blink before Anya was out of the truck and on the stairs of the home before them. Knocking, she pulled her jacket tighter, the rain had began a few hours ago, giving the evening a chilly aura. Finan watched as the door opened, a tall woman standing in the door, hugging Anya.

Looking around Anya, her friend Isabella smirked, trying not to be too obvious to the man in the truck that she was trying to scope him out.

“Who is that?”

“That is what I wanted to be doing tonight.” Anya blew out an exaggerated breath.

“Does he have a name?”

“Finan.”

“So that's the guy from work? The Finan? His voice is sexy as hell, by the way.”

Anya nodded.

“I see why you have been so hot and bothered. Sorry Eloise had other plans for you.”

“It's okay.” Anya shrugged. “I figure if he's upset about this, then he isn't the guy I thought he was.”

“Has he said something?” Frowning, Isabella motioned for Anya to come in. She'd kick his ass, if he caused an issue.

Anya shook her head stepping inside, “No. He's actually been really sweet about it.”

“Maybe he's just a nice guy?” Isabella shrugged, turning she motioned to the living room. “She's in here. A slight fever, nothing to worry about. No vomiting yet, but she has a bad tummy ache. Could be the flu, could be missing mummy.”

Isabella was the nurse, whatever she said, Anya was happy to take her notes.

“Thank you. I am so sorry.” Anya sighed. Eloise and Gracie would be upset that their sleepover had been detailed.

“I'm the one who should be sorry. You have all that and I'm calling you with a sick kid.” Isabella chuckled. “Let me know how she is in the morning.”

“Oh, El.” Anya scooped the little girl up in her arms. The pink overnight bag on her shoulder. “Let's get you home.”

Saying goodbye, Anya thanked Isabella for getting the door. Carefully, she stepped through the door with Eloise balanced on her hip. One cautious step, then another. Why had she worn these heels? Immediately Finan darted out of the truck, less than ten steps away from the front door, he met Anya with his arms stretched out.

“Give her to me, doll.”

“It's okay, I have her.”

“It's wet, I don't want you to risk slipping.” He motioned for Anya to had Eloise over. Carefully making the switch, Finan spoke in a hushed voice, making sure Eloise knew she was safe.

The drive was rather silent, Anya checking on Eloise every few moments, thankful they didn't live too far. She twisted the edge of her shirt while she watched her daughter sleeping in the back seat, a few times Eloise had groaned, but didn't fully wake. Eager to get her inside, Anya was out of the truck before Finan could put it into park.

“Let me.” Finan gently nudged Anya away from the back door. Effortlessly lifting Eloise into his arms, he reassured her that everything was going to be okay and that mom was right there with them. “Lead the way, doll.”

Going up the four flights of stairs ahead of Finan; Anya was glad he had offered to carry Eloise. She had done it often enough, but it was nice having the help. Stopping at her door, she half expected Finan to hand over Eloise and bid her a good night. Anya was pleasantly surprised, when she opened the door and Finan carried Eloise inside asking which room Anya wanted her in.

“First door on the right.” Anya pointed, dropping the overnight bags on the couch and following him.

“Mummy?” Eloise wiped her hand over her eyes, groaning.

“She's right here.” Finan turned around for Eloise to see Anya.

“Hey El, we're home. Are you okay to go to bed?” Anya brushed Eloise's hair out of her eyes, the little girl nodded and rubbed her eyes settling into Finan's arms she yawned. “Okay, don't get too comfortable. You need to get in bed, first.”

Eloise settled in her bed, snug with her stuffed rabbit, Anya retreated to wish Finan a good evening, with a promise to call him in the morning. In the living room, by the big windows along the south wall, Finan caught her in the reflection of the glass, while he stood looking at the photos on the shelf beside the window. Mostly of Eloise and Anya. A few of people he assumed to be her parents, family, and friends.

“Oh my gosh.” Anya rubbed her hand over her forehead. “I am sorry for all of this.”

“You can't predict when someone is going to get sick. It's fine, but you owe me a date.”

“Trust me, there will definitely be a rain check on that date.” Anya couldn't hide the smile, her cheeks blushed.

“I look forward to it. Anything you need me to do? I can grab some ice pops, maybe something to help that tummy of hers?”

“You have done far more than required already, mister. I appreciate it.”

“Anything that you need?”

A hug, a shot of something strong, and a long hot bath wouldn't go amiss.

Anya shook her head, once Finan left she would get Eloise settled, something to eat, and then climb into bed where she would lie awake all night listening for her daughter to be sick.

“Dinner.” Finan blurted out, his expression falling. He had planned to make them dinner, after the gallery. Getting distracted, they never got around to eating. “You haven't ate. You need to eat. Go look after Eloise, and I will make you something to eat.”

“Finan,” Anya began to protest, knowing her argument was useless, “you don't have to do that. Besides, I don't even know what's here. I was planning on shopping tomorrow before El got back.”

“Well, then I will do the best with what ya've got. Give me the list, I can go shopping for you, too.” Kissing her forehead, he brushed by, not listening to a word she said at this point. He was a man on a mission.

“You have to get home to Maeve.” Anya stood in her kitchen, hands on her hips in protest.

“I will text Sihtric, he's at the gym. He'll go by to check on her.” Finan stood looking at the small kitchen. Not too bad for an apartment, he had seen far worse kitchens. It was cosy, much of that was on behalf of the owner. “You have any rice?”

“Right side, top door. It's in a blue container.” Anya shrugged, watching him reach for the rice. “Finan, you don't need to do this. I will grab a sandwich or something later.”

“Do not argue, with me. I want to take care of ya.” Finan sat the rice beside the stove, looking for a pot. Glancing over his shoulder at Anya, as if to ask why she was still staring at him, he flicked his hand to shoo her away. “Go check on your daughter, I'll let you know when I have dinner made.”

Banished from her own kitchen, what kind of mutiny was this? Anya huffed, glaring at Finan, who didn't seem to mind in the least. Down the hall, the door open enough that the little girl could be heard if she woke up. Checking in to see her daughter asleep, her little cheeks red; Anya drew a deep breath before retreating to her room a few feet down the hall.

Clothing from earlier spread around the bed, she frowned, gathering it and placing it on the chair in the corner. It could wait until morning to be put away properly. Digging into her over night bag, she grabbed her packed pjs. At least she hadn't worn the fancy bra and knickers set for nothing.

Whatever Finan was doing in the kitchen smelled fantastic, despite the argument she tried to muster, Anya's stomach growled and rumbled loudly. She had almost broke, when Finan argued that he just wanted to take care of her. Torn between tears and kissing him until he couldn't breathe, Anya had been thankful she'd found the strength to walk away, then he couldn't see her sobbing. Anya sat for a while, her head in her hands, trying to control the overwhelming feeling.

Picking herself up, Anya emerged from her bedroom, stalking across the hall into Eloise's room. To the touch, Eloise seemed slightly cooler. A welcome sign. Maybe it had been nothing more than a case of missing her mother. Anya sat on the edge of the bed, brushing Eloise's hair with her fingers. Gosh she had seemed so small when Finan had carried her in, snuggling into him like he was the most comforting thing in the world. It had been the two of them for so long, and somehow the idea of letting Finan into their world had seemed so innate. He was like a piece of a puzzle that just fit.

“Anya,” Finan whispered around the door. Not wanting to intrude or wake Eloise, he was doing his best to be stealthy. “Dinner is ready, when you are, doll.”

Giving Eloise a kiss on the cheek, Anya rose from the edge of the bed. Her feet were soft on the carpet, sneaking in and out without so much as a sound. The door resting in it's half open state, she brushed her hands over the front of her pjs and joined Finan in the kitchen. Whatever he had concocted was calling to her hunger and maybe even making her mouth water a little.

“Rice pudding.” Placing the bowl of steaming fragrant and sweet rice on the small table, Finan kissed the top of her head, sliding a spoon into the bowl. “Eat.”

Across the small table, Finan sat with his spoon in his bowl, watching Anya. She sat, staring at the bowl as if it was some foreign concept, Finan frowned. “You don't like rice pudding? I promise, there is no cottage cheese to be found in that.”

Anya shook her head, pushing a hand through her hair, blinking hard. This was certainly not the imagery she had imagined, when Finan had asked her to join him for the night. When she had told him the details of the call, he had taken over as if he did this sort of thing every day. There wasn't an ounce of hesitation, going to get Eloise, or coming in and making himself at home in the kitchen.

He didn't want to push, but he did want her to eat. “Ya know, when I was a boy, I got terribly sick one Christmas. My nanny stayed with me, day and night. I don't think she took a moment to rest. I wouldn't eat, because everything made me feel sick, so about the third day she made me rice pudding. I remember eating it and it felt like the biggest hug in the world. Since then, whenever I need a bit of love, it's what I go for.”

“Eloise likes toast with butter and marmalade when she's sick.” Anya smiled fondly, for the first time Finan caught sight of the dark circles forming under her eyes.

“Solid choice.” Finan took a spoonful.

“Why did you stay and make me dinner?”

Looking at Anya as if she was suddenly speaking a different language, Finan blinked, swallowing the mouthful of food. Licking his lips, he paused trying to find the best way to answer the posed question. “It's what you do, when the people you care about need a hand. Anya, doll, it's okay to let me take the weight now and then.”

“I guess that I'm just used to doing everything on my own.” She pushed her spoon into the bowl, raising it to her lips, her stomach growled. Finan smiled wide, as she finally took the first bite, then taking another. Before he could get a word out, she stared at him with a quizzical look. “Did I hear you right, earlier, did you offer to do my shopping?”

“I did. Make your list, I'll take it when I leave and bring it by tomorrow. I have to go to the gym with Sihtric first, but then I'll bring it over.” Finan pushed his bowl towards Anya as she finished hers.

“You're crazy.”

“Maybe, but I am serious. It's okay if you let me take some of the weight, doll.”

Anya pulled the second bowl closer, hungrier than she had realised. “Single moms can come with a lot of weight, Finan.”

“Doll, I work in physical labour. I can manage.” He jokingly held up his arm flexing his bicep, anything to see that smile and laugh. “I can carry a lot.”

Tagging: (I am never sure who to tag, if you wish to be added/removed please tell me) @geekandbooknerd @gemini-mama @fuckoffbard @mrsalwayswrite @whitedarkmoonflower @earl-aive @sunshinepanic @grlwtskulltattoo @trenko-heart @heavenly1927 @cacti123322 @booknerd0612 @norisdedith @justagirlwanderingearth @deandoesthingstome

[athanatosora]

on the topic of my semi reluctant fondness for fiction slop i do think its kinda hilarious how garbage shoujo isekai/villainess ultimately ends up being not very different from the garbage shounen i used to read. eg the tendency to have women/girls that exist for fanservice, tho rather than the shounen genre girls that r there to 1) be the target of the series’ designated sex pest for the sake of tits and ass shots 2) act as the vapid/shy/silly/flirty/(insert other supposedly “feminine” traits these characters r assigned) girl to contrast to the manly/stoic or nerdy/whatever diametrically opposite main character guy, the fanservice in shoujo isekai is “characters that only exist to make the fl look So Badass by comparison and/or show how Loyal the ml is bc he ignores these Vapid Whores that keep throwing themselves at him.” another way theyre similar is in how ridiculous and pathetic the attempts at any sociopolitical landscaping is LMFAO like it makes sense thats generally not the focus in either but please. not too long ago i read a series where the time travelling saintess dukes daughter with backing from the church and imperial family both was given the penultimate antagonist of “those filthy commoners that dont appreciate me enough” bc the author literally didnt know how else to introduce conflict since theyd made boringass found family situations of the other usual sources (imperial or religious institution) + made her actual family a bland “blindly doting beloved relatives” archetype. and another (more depressing) similarity is how, while reading the comics u can kinda just fucking feel the way the soulless format is sucking the life outta the artists. like weekly releases is just fucking ridiculous esp for comics of this magnitude, and ive known jump is dogshit, but a lot of the websites and publishers for these are just as bad bc the artists r similarly treated like nothing and are paid equally nothing for it while being expected to meet absolutely ridiculous demands at the cost of their wellbeing (i still think abt the roxana artist). its also p sad bc the concept of individualized/creative “webcomics” has truly gone to the wayside in favor of the same v restricting and bland webtoons style and its bc webtoon is The big hub in terms of quick access to a huge selection of titles. wow i digressed from what my initial point was. whatever. my current point is we all have to start posting our own webnovels and webcomics now and we have to be weird w it. or dont be weird its just whatever u have to do 2 be urself and have fun ❤️ the world is ur oyster

anyway i havent been into shounen series for a while bc i moved on to a different choice of dogshit slop: isekai webnovels/comics

[mikalilys]

I absolutely HATE when people see their favourite character making a bad decision/messing up/having questionable morals in a fic and go

“that’s not my sweet little -name- they’re perfect and can’t do any wrong and this fic is now horrible because I don’t agree with how you wrote the characters”

like your right that’s not your sweet little -name- it’s theirs!! It’s the person who wrote the bloody fics characterisation and if you don’t like it then don’t read it omg

[luna-the-cretar]

You guys know on how, after Electrum Chef (not the episode but the event), Torbek and Frost (under the effects of the potion that made them into parodies of famous irl chefs) went off into the other room to fuck, and then when they came back the potion had worn off?

Do you guys think the potion wore off before, during, or after the fact?

[uptolovegood]

specially james.

don’t get me wrong, i love him. but he was a child? there was no way in hell this kid was genuinely going through so much and never once considered exploding. there’s no way james never shouted in sirius’ face because of frustration or got angry at remus and said something he didn’t mean. being a teenage boy— a scared, traumatized and frustrated teenage boy— doesn’t make him any less good of a character. while i love the whole james being a good person narrative, i also think it’s inhumane, at times. he can get angry! he can say mean shit! he can be rude! and all of it will never change who he is

Let the boys be prats.

Let James be tone deaf and inconsiderate.

The truth is that for a time they were, and in writing them as these saintly figures you not only make them static, but you are also disrespecting their growth. The moments were the war catch up to them — where it confronts them, those are pinnacle moments where we see their characters as they truly are. That is to say that writing them as the reckless, arrogant, cowardly, inconsiderate teenage boys that they were makes you appreciate even more who they grew up to be.

[kasaraku]

What the hell is happening here.

I'm seeing people mad and being overly weird with Tsukasa's popularity. I mean, sure, he's a boy and he's also cool, but to having to find out the fandom is misogynistic (I am too late for that), is downright making me want to just never know about this fandom at all.

What's wrong with people in PRSK rn??? I'm seeing Tsukasa as the least favourite in the fandom and always get into problematic things when they're someone who's a Tsukasa fan. I mean. Come on guys. Let peeps like us have fun. You leave our boy.

I mean, sure, I can see that people like Tsukasa because he's a boy, but the number of people I've seen that also likes to make Tsukasa a woman and wear feminine outfits are a LOT. Clearly, it doesn't make us falter about liking him if he were to be a different gender (maybe there's some, but I'm talking about those I've seen on the internet). Some say he wouldn't be forgiven if that's how he acts in the main story as a female, yet there's still a lot of people out there who still didn't forgive him as a male. They can get away calling their faves (boys mostly) ugly, annoying, 'hate', and other stuff, but girls not?? I've been calling my girls Mafuyu, Minori, and Shiho dying hamsters and dependant bitches, so seeing how people won't accept that kinda upset me.

Please, and I mean it, PLEASE, stop being a misogynist and actually try to learn about that character and why people like them. Don't just think about gender for ONCE.

(If there's a mistake, correct me.)

[onemeh]

Started reading the Iliad and why does everyone have so many fucking names??

Why can't you just say 'Agamemnon, son of Atreju' instead of just 'Son of Atreju' for half a page, then switch to 'Agamemnon' and assume I know that that's the same person? How am I supposed to know who his dad is?? 😭

ALSO, why do the Greeks have like 5 different names? Why call them Achaeans and Danaans?? Why not just stick to one??? How am I supposed to know that this dude named Danaus founded Argos and now Homer just calls all the Greeks Danaans whenever he fucking feels like it, I CAN'T-

😭

[bumblesimagines]

Are you a Travis hater?? (asking cause i've seen people start hating him again for tryna kill Lottie)

I WANNA HUG HIM AND NATALIE SO BAD BRO!! Had me crying when Javi was mentioned and then seeing Nat cry just broke the dam

It's honestly SHOCKING not none of them have tried killing Lottie before considering the amount of people she's pissed off 💀 she is literally only one step above Misty when it comes to the person the group finds most annoying 😭 pretty privilege saves her from a lot of fandom hate tbh

I love Travis. I began liking him after his silly attempt at befriending the girls when they found the porno magazine and he was like 'you can't even tell what her favorite book is'. He and Natalie share a single braincell and Natalie uses it 80% of the time.

I don't think there's a single thing Travis can do that will please the whole fandom. I've seen a lot of takes that scream of radfem from the community which is abhorrent and people jumping through hoops to justify liking Travis as if?? he's not the sanest mf there?? People just don't like Travis straight up for no real reason. Honestly? If he were a conventionally attractive white guy he probably wouldn't get half the hate he does from this fandom.

[florenzist]

no im sorry im not over it and i wont ever be they ruined bobby's entire narrative arc for ..... shock value ? cuz everything seemed too perfect or whatever ? like we started the show with chimney surviving rebar to his head and before this maddie had her throat slashed bobby almost died multiple times and yet he could not survive a silly little super strain virus made in the lab by a cartoonishly evil scientist because at one point a main had to die ? the fuck ? and its not even only bobby's arc like the entire 118 suffer from this im actually so upset like this genuinely changed the course of the show like its meant to be stupid and not realistic or whatever the fuck like bring back bobby fucking nash stat . he has survived worst fates and he will fucking rise again because no fucking way hes leaving athena alone in their new home

[deconstructthesoup]

Every day I wake up remembering that there is no official undead-themed artificer subclass for us mad scientist mains to fulfill our fantasies of playing a better version of Victor Frankenstein is a day I spend hurling rocks at the goddamned sun

[obessivedork]

It's been years and I still can't get over Naruto's disbelief that Sasuke choses revenge over returning to Kohona during the Kage Summit arc. Like bbgirl he left the village to train with Orochimaru -A MAN WHO OPENLY WANTED TO TAKE HIS BODY FOR HIS OWN- to get strong enough to kill his brother, you think he's gonna NOT double down when he knows he's already fucked up any chance of him having a future in Kohona anyways? My GUY!!!

[padfoot-lupin77]

Characters will show basic human kindness once and be labeled as the softie-cute-pure-baby meanwhile they could easily murder someone and probably curse like a sailor, they’re just *also* kind

[djsangos]

//y'all ever see a post in your fandom tags so godawful that you feel yourself entering rage mode for JUST a moment and then you're like. oh wait. i don't fucking care about you. ignored.

[creat1vecreature]

This is Henry

sorry but i’m tired of books/media with softcore trans guy protags who are wimpy and anxious and never stop thinking about how trans they are and have a flowery little romance with a guy who calls them cute. like that’s all good and fine but where are my trans guy protags who are straight up gross. evil. covered in dirt and blood all the time. give me a trans guy character who spits and kills people and fucks to the death and doesn’t give a shit about shit PLEASE i am begging you