Updated! Fandoms I’ve been in
Back in 2017, I made a list of fandoms/media obsessions I’ve had but it was in a weird order, because some of the stuff was either just an interest and not a fixation, and some of it was stuff I observed but didn’t take part in.
so here’s an updated version of the list
Disney/Muppets (2004?)
Disney and the Muppets have always been part of my childhood, my mum would collect ornaments and I visited Disneyland in 2010
Barbie and just dolls in general
(2003 or 2004, then I became aware of doll fandoms in 2012 or 2013
around the time Monster high was released)
Fireman Sam (2005-2017-2022-present)
(I was introduced to the series in series 5, felt nostalgic for it again in 2017, became aware of the tumblr fandom during that time, then it kinda went dormant for a while until August 2022 when I got back into it again and got obsessed)
Hit Entertainment series in general (2005- present)
(while my interest in Sam in particular is what I’m mainly into from that company, I do sometimes post about their other shows, like Bob the Builder)
British Comedy in general (2005-present)
My first britcom was either Mr Bean or Father Ted, a few black adder clips would be shown in english class and I marathoned Little Britain during my GCSE’s.
The Simpsons (2006-present)
I’ll always love the Simpsons, I suppose it counts as a fandom as I follow a lot of fan artists from that series
Doctor Who (2006-2013)
During the hype of david tennant’s era as the 10th doctor sometimes I would watch this series with my mum so I have some love and nostalgia for it, I wouldn’t know a lot about it though as I was mostly a casual fan
Lazy Town (2006- 2017)
I loved Lazy Town as a kid, I saw the stage show in the grand opera house years ago and I remember the height of the you are number one memes, while I do love it, I wouldn’t say I’m as obsessed with it as before)
Spongebob (2007-2017-present
via some dvds that came with the newspaper and a KFC meal, I was exposed to Spongebob, I’d have a spongebob poster in my wardrdobe and then I learned about the musical at the end of 2017, this is also where I met one of my ex friends, I still love Spongebob
Pokemon (2007)
I was introduced to Pokemon via the Diamond and Pearl season and I spent most of 2014 watching a bit of indigo league and playing Pokemon Y
Mario (2008)
I would watch mario flash animations on youtube and play games on newgrounds, this is also how I got introduced to deviantart via the artist “nintendrawer”
Tinker bell (2008)
I was occasionally active on the Pixie Hollow virtual world and it was a fun time
.Disney Teen Sitcoms (2008-2015)
I was obsessed with Hannah Montana and a lot of those shows, but then I got older and grew out of them around the time my mid teens started
.Alvin and the chipmunks (2008-present)
I still love the chipmunks, I have an Alvin plush from when I was on holiday in Florida back in 2010
.Jem and the holograms (2008-present)
I got into Jem via youtube recommendation while watching the Barbie and the rockers movies one day...I was obsessed
.Sonic (2009-present)
I came across some sonic shorts on youtube and saw bits and pieces of Sonic X on tv and online, then I got generations for my 11th birthday and it just escalated from there
.MLP (2008-present)
I had a few ponyville toys and I vividly remember the early brony fandom era
.Emo (2009-2017)
I got into emo music through a unique source....angsty sims 2/sims 3 videos
then in my mid teens I got properly into MCR and Panic! at the disco but my main fav band at the time was Simple Plan
.Monster High (2010)
I was there when Monster High came out, I got a Frankie doll and a Lagonna doll, I’d browse the old website, I had a monster high blanket and pencil container
.1D (2010)
I admittedly did have a 1D phase, I don’t have it anymore but I did used to like the boys,
.The Sims (2010)
I’d play the sims all day and I’d frequently browse the sims exchange for updates
. Nostalgia Critic/AVGN (2010-present)
Doug walker is how I got into film critique, I have mixed opinions on him nowadays but he’s good meme material and sometimes makes good videos
as for James Rolfe, I have his book in my room, I haven’t read it yet
.Nintendo (2010-present)
I’ve always loved Nintendo, but the peek was definitely when I was a preteen getting more into Pokémon and mario, I’d play my nintendo ds very often
.Hello Kitty/Sanrio (2011-present)
Yes, I was a sanrio girly, I had quite a bit of hello kitty merch
.Vocaloid (2011-present)
I technically got more into Vocaloid in my mid teens, but it was listening to the World is Mine song in 2011 that kickstarted my love for it
.Sailor Moon (2012-present)
Sailor Moon was the series that got me more into anime as an art form, I’ll forever cherish that series
TMNT (2012/13 - present)
been a fan since the 2003 series, the 2012 series got me more involved in the fandom then I explored the series more last year, watching Rise, the 90s ova and joining a forum message board about tmnt
.KPop (2012)
I got into Kpop via Gangnam Style and some early bratz songs featuring Boa, then I got more into the genre in 2019, dancing to Red Velvet while trying to recover from mental health issues
Powerpuff girls (2012-present)
Powerpuff Girls influenced my art style a lot and was another series that got me to browse DeviantArt occasionally
.DC (2012-present)
I’ve always been a batman fan, I vaguely remember watching superman 2 in primary school one day, 2012 was when I got more into it though
.Marvel (2012-present)
I remember when Avengers was new, I remember liking Loki’s charisma, I’d sometimes watch spiderman on Disney XD
.Anime in general (2012-present)
my exposure to anime was technically from either Sonic X or Pokemon back in the 2000s, but 2012 was when I got a lot more into the art form, this interest continues to this day
.Creepypasta (2012-present)
I remember when Jeff the Killer and Slenderman were getting big, I’ll occasionally browse analogue horror and creepypasta but not as much as before
.Steven Universe (2013-2014)
I enjoyed what I saw of the first season and I’ve been meaning to get back into it, but I did not appreciate episode’s being spoiled suddenly
.Dan & Phil (2014-present)
I still love Dan and Phil to this day, I saw interactive introverts back in 2018 and I have a signed copy of Dan’s mental health book, he’s an inspiration tbh
.Sherlock (2014-2017)
I was lowkey into Sherlock in the beginning because I had a thing for Benedict Cumberbatch (tbf who didn’t at the time) but then I got sick when season 4 was announced but apparently according to some fans, I didn’t miss much
Star Wars (2015-2018) I know I got into it during the Disney era, but I have seen the original star wars as well, I’m not as into it as I was at the time, maybe once I watch the rest of the classic series then I’ll understand the hype
.Hetalia (2015-present)very mixed thoughts on this one, another show that inspired my art, I was very active on the google+ community associated with the series, sometimes the songs lurk in the background of my mind, but not that much.
.Filthy Frank (2016-2018)
Yes I liked his comedy sketches, even though they are very dated nowadays, I’ve moved on since then
.Dangan Ronpa (2016-2017)
I watched the first season of the anime and was briefly obsessed
.Heathers (2016-2018)
Heathers was amazing and got me more into music theatre but I projected onto the characters too much which was a problem
.Mystic Messenger (2016-2017)
I briefly downloaded that game and learned all the lore and saw all the memes, but the addictive nature of the game resulted in some of my old google+ friends ignoring me and I didn’t react well to that, I’m mostly over it now though
Gorillaz (2017-present)
I love Gorillaz, I got the now now album when it was released and I get annual messages from Murdoc in my emails, I still love that silly primate band so much, I recall some google+ friend being into it so that’s how I found it and then getting more invested in it in 2018
Supernatural (2016-2017)
I used to occasionally watch supernatural and while I wasn’t in the fandom when the super hell news was announced, I did indeed enjoy the memes
.Monty Python (2017-present)
I love Monty Python, it’s still very funny and I got to perform for Eric Idle once
The Young Ones + Rik Mayall (2017-present)
I watched King Arthur’s disasters as a kid and then in 2017 I found the young ones via a youtuber I liked and the rest is history
Drag Race (2018-present)
I gave drag race a chance in summer 2018 and I loved it, it also encouraged me to get into drag myself, I’ve met 3 of the UK queens and it’s just amazing
Left tube (2018-present)
I also was introduced to Contrapoint’s videos during that time and she definitely radicalized me into the leftist I am today (well her and Rik technically)
Rocky Horror (2018-present)
I watched the sequel first (Shock Treatment) because Rik Mayall was in it and I saw the stage version in 2019 (gonna see it again later this August),
I adore rocky horror
Queen (2018-present)
I was deep into the Queen fandom in 2018 and while I don’t listen to them as much as before, I still appreciate their place in music history
Good Omens (2019-present)
I fell immediately in love with this mini series and it’s book, it’s so gay
Beetlejuice (2019-present)
I then got obsessed with the Beetlejuice musical
Dead Or Alive (2019-present)
Dead Or Alive is my favourite 80s band, I met some my current pals back in 2019 via that fandom, good times have been had
Evangelion (2021-present)
I started the series in 2015 but resumed it in 2021, it has psychologically changed me in the same way that rik’s filmography has, I’ve met a few friends via the fandom for this series
Persona (2021-present)
I watched the Persona 4 anime in it’s entirety in 2021, it has also changed me, and so has Persona 5
(Futaba was the autism representation that I needed as a teenager)
Evil Dead (2022-present)
I got into this film franchise mostly via my friend @leakyrectum, and I’m happy I did, it’s made me appreciate Horror as a genre a lot more, as well as the icon that is Bruce Campbell.
Lupin the third (2023-present)
I just started Lupin part 2 a few months ago and I already adore it, I can’t wait to watch the rest and what I’ve seen of the Lupin fandom is very fun, welcoming and gay
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Riding On
Ch22: Driftwood
Summary: It’s Mary’s birthday and for the first time ever she requests a party. Meanwhile, Evelyn makes a decision and Frank isn’t entirely sure how he feels about it.
Warnings: Bad language, 18+, Smut (NSFW 18+)
Pairing: Frank Adler x OFC Fliss Gallagher
A/N: I have to a huge thanks to @sweater-daddiesdumbdork for her input here! Have a biscuit, Ambi...
Disclaimer: This is a pure work of fiction and classified as 18+. Please respect this and do not read if you are underage. I do not own any characters in this series bar Fliss Gallagher and the other OCs. By reading beyond this point you understand and accept the terms of this disclaimer.
Riding On Masterlist // Main Masterlist
Chapter 21
May 2020
“So this,” Frank held up the item in his hand, showing it to Alex, “is a fuel pipe. Without this the engine gets no food. Something you should be able to relate to.”
Alex’s response was another loud gabble as he looked at his dad from his vantage point, sat in his little bouncer which placed on the deck of the boat to Frank’s left.
“Exactly, no food, no go.” Frank nodded, as he reached into the space, ducking down to get a closer look. He clamped the line into place before he shuffled out and stood up, grabbing a rag to wipe his hands on as Alex peered up at him, his arms and legs waggling as he gave another shriek. “Yup, I reckon you’re right, Son. Time to give it a try.”
Checking that his hands and arms were clean enough, he unclipped Alex’s straps and gently placed him on his hip as he strode to the front of the boat, jangling the keys in his spare hand. Alex reached for them, making a cooing noise of interest and for a moment Frank let the baby curl his hand round the metal before hastily moving them away as Alex went to shove them in his mouth. As the baby let out a noise of protest, Frank jiggled him a little before successfully distracting him by holding him up above his head, bringing him down quickly to blow a raspberry on his cheek. With his son held safely against him with one arm, he stuck the keys in the ignition with his other and gave them a turn, letting out a triumphant noise as the engine fired up.
“I am a genius.” Frank looked down at Alex who beamed back, shrieking and Frank chuckled, kissing the tiny boy’s rosy cheek before he turned the key to cut the engine.
“You got it working, I see!”
Frank turned to see Fliss’ head appear over the side of the boat as she climbed the small set of ladders by the side and he grinned as she hopped onto the deck.
“Yup. Fuel line was blocked. Replaced it and bingo.” He dropped a kiss to her cheek as she gently brushed her hand over Alex’s head as he was now fisting his little hands into Frank’s rather grubby t-shirt. “He helped.”
“That right? You been helping your Daddy, Bean?” She beamed and Alex let out another string of nonsensical babble and she grinned, before she looked at Frank. “You’re filthy.”
Frank looked at his T-shirt before he bit his lip. “Shit, I didn’t realise. Here.” He made to pass Alex over but Fliss shook her head, frowning.
“Frank, it’s a bit of dirt, not like he’s eating it is he?” She looked at him, before she smirked. “Besides, that’s not why I mentioned it.”
Frank arched his eyebrow as she bit her lip, scanning him up and down, her eyes lingering on his tatty jeans for a second before she shook her head and looked back at his face.
“Down girl.” He quipped and she laughed.
“I’m just gonna sort his dinner, want me to take him?”
“Yeah, I’m done out here for the night.” Frank looked at her, passing Alex over. “I’ll just lock the garage up and be right in. You riding tonight?”
“No, I snuck in a quick one at lunchtime on Cap. Alex was down for his nap so I took advantage, parked him in the office and left him to it. Slept right through.”
“Yeah, we kinda lucked out a little with him there didn’t we?” Frank smiled. “He’s nothing like Mary, she was a pain in the ass to get to sleep. Still is.”
“Well, with a bit of luck he’ll go down easy tonight.” Fliss smiled, before she looked at Frank, a dirty little grin on her face. “Then so can you.”
“Oooh, Miss Gallagher you filthy, little minx.” Frank’s mouth curled up at one side as she laughed before she stood on her toes to give him a quick kiss.
“Glad to see you’re no longer cranky, Frankie.”
“I was not cranky.”
“Sailor, you exploded at Mary when she knocked a glass of water over.” Fliss looked at him, her face soft. “I’ve never seen you blow like that, Baby. Not over something so trivial.”
“In my defense, I had told her three times to stop messing around.”
“I know.” Fliss cocked her head to one side. “Just isn’t like you, that’s all.”
Frank dropped his head, letting out a heavy sigh, he knew shew as right. Work had really been stressing him out recently and unfortunately he’d taken it out on the very people he didn’t want to.
“I’m sorry.” He wrinkled his nose and Fliss shook her head.
“It’s fine, no lasting harm done.” With that she kissed him again and Frank’s hand giving her ass a quick squeeze as she turned to leave.
“Hey, can you manage?” He asked as he watched her grip the side of the steps in one hand, Alex held in her other arm.
“Yeah, I got it.” She made her way slowly down, before hitting the floor of the garage. “Don’t be too long, Sailor.”
“Like I said, locking up and be right in.” He smiled, watching her make her way out, chatting away to Alex as she went, Thor trotting at her heels.
Frank climbed down himself and then checked around the garage and workshop area, making sure his power tools were locked away before his eyes fell over the little shelf he’d made out of a piece of driftwood as a surprise for Fliss. She’d picked up Heidi’s ashes a week ago, which had been another tearful morning as she’d broken down again when she’d picked up the sleek, mahogany box with her beloved mare’s name engraved on the lid. The box was currently sat on her desk in the office at the stables, Fliss saying she didn’t really want it in the house as the yard had been Heidi’s home so she needed to be there. Later that evening, Frank and Mary had taken Thor down to the beach to collect some driftwood for their fire pit and they’d stumbled upon a particularly large, gnarled piece. Frank had instantly been struck with the idea to craft it into a shelf for Fliss, thinking it would make a nice feature upon which she could lay Heidi to rest for good, and the finished article was quite nice, even if he did say so himself. He’d managed to keep the character of it nicely, the edges remained rustic and the entire thing had come up beautifully when he’d applied the final coat of varnish the previous evening.
The builders had been there all afternoon, marking out the areas where the expansion to the yard was due to start on Monday, so he supposed tonight was as good a time as any to give it to her, to apologise for being so bad tempered over the last few weeks, and celebrate the launch of a new opportunity for her business in one go. He could put it up for her tomorrow when she decided where she wanted it to go. Tucking it under one arm, he stepped out of the garage, pulled the up and over door down before locking it and heading into the house.
Fliss was currently warming something up for Alex to eat and she turned to face him, frowning as she saw the shelf under his arm.
“What’s that?” She asked.
“It’s a shelf.” He smiled, setting it down on the kitchen island.
“Frank, it’s gorgeous!” Fliss smiled, her fingers trailing over the surface of it. “Did you make it?”
“I did.” He nodded. “Out of a piece of driftwood. I thought it would look nice in your office, somewhere for you to put Heidi.”
At his words she stilled, her head shooting up to look at him and she blinked as her eyes welled with tears. She glanced back down, before she looked up at him, and gave him a huge smile. “Oh, Frankie. I love it. Thank you so much.”
Frank smiled and opened his arms, and she moved round to fall into them, resting her cheek on his shirt. His large hands gently rubbed at her back as she sniffed and he dropped a kiss to her head. “You’re welcome, Sweetheart.”
“You’re so thoughtful.” She let out a little choked sob and Frank chuckled.
“I try.” He looked down, his hands cupping her face as he wiped away her tears, dropping a kiss to her lips. “If you decide where you want it I’ll put it up for you tomorrow.”
“I already know exactly where it’s going.” She smiled. “Could you move the one above my desk to the back wall and put that in its place? I want her right up there where she’s in prime position.”
“Sure, not a problem.” He assured her, giving her another kiss. “Was Mary okay when you dropped her at Roberta’s? She wasn’t upset or-“
“Upset, no. Raging about you being a, and I quote, ‘miserable, bad-tempered douchebag’, yes.”
Frank snorted and took a deep breath. “I’ll apologise tomorrow.”
“Don’t worry about it, I told her to cut you some slack. She gets it. I said you’d pick her up on the way back from the airport tomorrow morning. Everyone will be arriving for her party at one so she needs to be back here by at least midday. Roberta said she’d come too, give us a hand setting up.”
“Is there much to set up?” Frank asked. “I mean there’s only five of them coming.”
“Seven if you count the twins.” Fliss corrected. “But no, not really. Food is simple, just need to throw it on the grill. Mum’s got the cake done, snacks are sorted…just a case of setting the table outside and the music and stuff.”
“You know I think she’s more excited for the party than she was for her actual birthday.” Frank mused as Fliss pulled Alex’s dinner out of the microwave.
“Well, it’s her first party.” Fliss smiled, giving the cauliflower and haddock puree a stir.
“Yeah, I never thought I’d see the day she asked for one.” Frank continued to ponder, taking the dish that Fliss handed him, before he pulled a face looking at it. “This looks disgusting.”
“Well I’m not asking you to eat it.” Fliss narrowed her eyes at him and Frank raised his eyebrows.
“Good job.”
“Keep talking, Sailor and you’ll be wearing it.”
He gave a laugh, before he moved and sat down on the stool next to Alex’s high chair as the baby made grabby hands for the dish, noises of approval escaping his mouth as Frank held out the first spoonful to him. Fliss watched them for a moment before she smiled, and moved behind Frank, dropping a kiss to his cheek.
“I’ll ring our order through for dinner, you fancy Thai or Italian tonight?”
“You choose.” Frank replied, his concentration fully on feeding his son and Fliss squeezed his shoulders, before she picked up her phone and rang the Thai place, knowing full well Frank would prefer that, even though she was in the mood for Italian.
*****
For the first time in weeks, Frank felt fully relaxed that evening. He wasn’t going into the shop that weekend, having put his foot down and said not a chance given it was Mary’s party. They’d eaten a fabulous take-out, drank a few beers and now they were sat together in his favourite place, outside in their garden around the fire pit, under the stars whilst their son was sleeping soundly upstairs.
“You know, I do love how it sometimes burns blue.” Fliss smiled as she snuggled further into him.
“Yeah, it’s to do with the salt, I think.” Frank shrugged, his fingers tracing shapes on her upper arm. ”Sure Mary would be able to tell you if you asked her.”
“Sure she would.” Fliss chuckled. “Along with a detailed explanation of exactly what chemical compounds are involved, or the fact that the moon being in a certain position to Venus means it glows a different shade of blue or some other random shit like that…” Frank burst out laughing, pulling her closer. “I don’t know how she remembers half the shit she does.”
“Diane was the same.” Frank mused. “A goldmine for trivia. She was great for Quiz Nights.”
“You do it too.” Fliss sat up and looked at him.
“I don’t.”
“You so do.” She scoffed.
“Not as bad as Mary.”
“Hmm, hey, maybe that’s what we need to do next time they have a Quiz at Ferg’s. Smuggle Mary in and hide her under the table.”
“I doubt she’d stay there.” Frank pulled a face and Fliss shoved him in his chest, causing him to snigger again.
“Dick!”
“Don’t pretend you don’t love it, Sweetheart.” He winked as he dropped a kiss to her lips.
“I love you.” She muttered against his mouth.
“Yeah?”
“Yup.”
“How much?”
Biting her lip she arched her eyebrow and snatched his beer off him, placing it on the table along with her glass of wine before she moved, straddling him, her bare thighs falling either side of his. Bending down she kissed him deeply, his arms wrapping around her, pulling her in closer. He let his lips dance across hers before she pulled back a little, looking at him.
“That much.”
“Yeah, not sure I got it…” He chuckled, pulling her back to him as he kissed her again, this time only parting when her hands wrapped in the bottom of his t-shirt, tugging at it until he moved to allow her to drag it off. He took advantage of the moment, dragging her cami over her top, letting out a soft groan as the sight of her bare in front of him. He dropped his head, kissing and nuzzling at her breasts, Fliss’ fingers digging into his hair to hold him close.
“Got it now?” She grinned as she pushed down, rubbing her sleep short clad core into his groin, making him hiss at the feeling, his dick growing hard through the constraints of the sweats he was wearing.
“Not quite…” He teased, nipping at her neck. Fliss giggled as he went back to her breasts, hands cupping them, squeezing gently before his mouth gently covered a nipple. As he gently flicked the hardening nub with his tongue she gave a little squeak of delight.
“I mean… If you really don’t get it, Adler…” she panted out slightly, “then maybe you’re not as smart as I thought.”
“Well, you always tell my brains are in my dick.” He growled a bit, giving her chest a gentle bite, and Fliss arched herself into his mouth, hissing at the way the slight pain and pleasure mixed. His arm tightening around her, Frank lifted them both up off the cushion to lay her down on her back on the outside couch and took a chance to look over her, his eyes traveling down her bare torso, before his mouth followed suit, his beard scratching her skin slightly, mouth cooling the delectable burn as he went.
Fliss rolled herself up into him, enjoying the feel of his relatively firm torso against the softness of hers, allowing herself to get lost in the feeling as she bit her lip and tipped her head back against the arm of the wicker sofa, enjoying being in her man’s care. Frank’s gently gripped at the sleep shorts she was wearing, before he slipped them down her toned legs before he pushed his sweats down, kicking them to the floor.
He moved to a kneel, one hand gently hooking Fliss’ left leg up to rest against the back of the couch, her other leg falling automatically to the floor, toes pressing onto the smooth sandstone flags, leg bent at the knee. Frank took another moment to look at her as his hands rubbed against her inner thighs, taking her in from her toned shoulders and arms, right down to the gently curve of her hips. There wasn’t a single bit of this woman that he wasn’t achingly in love with.
Sliding his hands up and around, he gripped at those hips and shifted her slightly making sure she was where he wanted her.
“You know, Frank…” Fliss, looked up at him, and her deep brown eyes flashed in amusement, as she watched her fiance appreciate her body, and she could feel a flush rising pink up her neck, into her cheeks. The way he looked at her, like she was the most beautiful thing he had ever seen still made her a little bashful at times. “If brains were dynamite, then, you wouldn’t have enough to blow your pants off.”
“Oh, really?” Frank leaned forward, kissing her lips, and down her neck as she laughed, his fingers drifting along her curves till they dipped between her spread thighs and slipped along her folds, causing her got gasp. “Never heard you complain before.” He braced a hand next to her head, as she starting to wriggle from where expert fingers teased her slick. “Quite the opposite, in fact.”
“Shut up…” She groaned as she arched up into him, pushing against his hand.
“You started this, Sweetheart.” His fingers picked up their pace and he watched as she writhed beneath him, her breath coming in ragged pants, her fingers digging into his biceps, soft whimpers of his name leaving her mouth in a staccato chant. “You wanna think about what you just said?”
“You’re not using your…fuck!” She cried, as his fingers stretched her open, gliding and rubbing against her walls which clenched with need around his digits. “-dick, you…oh, God!”
“Nope, not yet.” He agreed, dropping his head so he could reach her breasts, a pull of his teeth on a nipple drew out another cry from her. “But I’m not sure I’m gonna need to.”
His fingers moved even faster, Fliss quivering, her whole body rubbing against his, panting as she glanced down at him, his blue eyes peeking up at her, twinkling with desire and mischief. “Frankie, please, I gotta…”
His lips wrapped around the other nipple, sucking and working his teeth around it before he pulled away, the muscles in his back and shoulders shifting as he arched up once more watching her. “Let go, Lissy.”
The heat in her stomach flooded her and she arched up off the cushions, a loud moan rolling from her throat as Frank felt her clamping down round his fingers, as her eyes flickered shut, her legs twitching. Frank leaned over to kiss her, deeply, as he slotted himself between her thighs, grinding down into her. Kisses flowed into soft bites of skin while Frank arched his hips up enough to slide his cock between her folds, and once he found her entrance, he pressed into her heat, burying into exactly where he wanted to be the most, forehead pressed against her own, breath mingling as both panted through the initial hit of sensations that coursed through their veins.
“You okay, Baby?” Frank looked down at her and Fliss nodded, tipping up to press her lips against his, tugging on his full bottom lip, nudging her nose against his.
“Better than okay” She rolled her hips once more against his, the shift in angle making her tighter, driving Frank crazy to feel her fluttering around him. Pulling his hips back he thrust deeply into her, causing her shudder.
“I can tell.” He grunted as he started to move himself, the thrust of his hips moving her slightly with each drive forward. Shifting to his elbows on either side of her head, Fliss immediately wrapped her leg from around the couch over his hip, rocking up to meet him.
“Oh, fuck, Frank!” The change in angle hit her deep and just right as he reached down and grabbed under her other knee, bringing that leg around his hips too before he fisted a hand in her hair, tipping her head back and dragging a swipe of his tongue up her neck. He kissed that sweet spot just behind her ear, once more dragging his name out of her in a chant, as he slowed his movements down, his hips now driving slow and deep. But her hands dragged down to his back, nails digging into the bunched muscles he was using to monitor his speed and she grabbed at him.
“No Sailor… I want you to fuck me.”
Frank gave a little groan as he moved to look at her and found her eyes challenging him. Fuck, he loved it when she got all fucking horny and needy.
“Oh, Cowgirl…” He smirked, shifting his chest across hers and pulling away, propping himself up above her as both his hands fisted in her hair to hold her down. “. “You better hold on to something.”
Her eyes flashed and then without warning he began snapping his hips forward and back with a brutal pace as he dragged himself back and forth from her fluttering channel.
It was so quick that Fliss screamed out, a vague thankful feeling crossing her addled brain about how she was suddenly glad they had no near neighbours, but all thoughts disappeared as soon as they flashed into her mind as she felt her eyelids flutter shut as she could feel nothing but how thick he was inside her, the constant pounding left her trying to keep up with his furious fucking, and she was failing, big time.
Her eyes opened and her entire gaze was filled with nothing but Frank, a wide chest with its spattering of dark hair drove her crazy, to the straining shoulders that gave him the leverage to shift his body in every way to claim her. And then his face, that handsome face she knew from memory, his sharp, bearded jaw was tight, those baby blue eyes burning into hers as his face hovered inches from hers, all his focus on her and only her.
It was driving her crazy.
Frank was just as swamped with the sensations. He enjoyed making love to his girl but he also enjoyed the faster, carnal fucking too. There was a darker side to him that enjoyed being able to use his size to claim her how he wanted and give her what she needed and since their weekend in Vermont, he knew he could do exactly that without fear anymore.
"Fuck…“ he growled out as he rutted into her, feeling her clench as he hit a particularly toe-curling spot deep inside her and her mouth dropped wide in a loud gasp. He was angled just right, and she dragged her nails down his back, urging him to keep hitting it, which he did, rotating his hips, making her groan and her whole body arch into him.
Frank kept going, relentless, hard, demanding, claiming. Fliss tightened her legs around him, her, hands scrambling along his back, and her head fell back against the arm of the couch again, and Frank heard her signature cry, a whispered, garbled tangle of words falling from her lips as, her whole body locked around him before with a loud, guttural cry of his name she came, hard.
Frank dropping himself enough to press his forehead against hers as she cried underneath him, his lips pressing to hers, swallowing her cries. He slowed his thrusting, helping her ride out her orgasm, but he wasn’t that far from his, it was simmering and he was teetering on that edge that he knew he was going to fall over soon. There was a slight stutter to his hips as he grained speed again, grinding into her until her clenching body was too much and with a gasp of a name and a dirty grunt he spilled into her, jolting to a stop after several erratic thrusts, sinking down over her as Fliss pressed her face into his neck, breathing in deeply.
After a moment, she eased her limbs from around him, her foot sliding down the back of his thigh and calf, humming softly post-orgasm, she leaned up, nibbling on Frank’s neck, and he gave a soft hum of delight as she nipped at his jaw.
“Maybe you could blow your boxers off. At a push.” She mumbled cheekily, and Frank laughed, his mouth claiming hers, if for no other reason other than to shut her up.
*****
Even if they’d had chance to lie in the next morning, which thanks to their son was not an option, they couldn’t have. Fliss was up early, the excitement in the house at the fact they were hosting Mary’s first birthday party was infectious, and Frank found himself getting swept up in it too. This was all he’d ever wanted for Mary, and the fact she’d actually requested a party in the first place had almost reduced him to tears.
By the time nine in the morning rolled by, the balloons were blown up and scattered about the place, banners had been hung and the music system was ready to go outside. With a quick kiss goodbye, Frank headed off to go and pick his mother up from the airport, before driving back down to their old estate to pick up a very hyper active Mary, and a slightly less bouncy Roberta.
Mary was overjoyed with the decorations, hugging Fliss and thanking her over and over again, and then the time seemed to fly by with her best friend Rosie arriving first, along with her parents who once more asked Fliss and Frank if they were sure the little girl was okay to stay the evening too. Fliss waved away their concern and asked if they’d like to stay for a while, an offer which they rather hastily declined and Frank snorted a little as Rosie’s dad gave him a wink when he told Frank they had ‘plans’.
By two, the pool party was in full swing, Steve, Frank and Bill overseeing seven kids as they dived in and out of the pool, jumping on and off inflatables as the music played in the background. Frank glanced around, watching as Fliss bustled about the garden, Alex perched on her hip as she laughed at something Roberta had said before she nodded and passed Alex over to the woman who beamed at him as he grabbed at her large beaded necklace.
“Frank?”
He spun to face his mother who smiled at him, her large sun hat shading her face. She held up the empty bottle in her hand. “Me and Verity appear to have finished this Sancerre. Do you mind if-“
“You’ve sunk a bottle by two in the afternoon, shame on you.” He gave a lout tut and his mother simply arched an eyebrow.
“Yes, well having children turned me into a raging alcoholic.” She stated matter of factly and Frank snorted.
“Touche, well, help yourself, you know where it all is.” He jerked his head towards the kitchen. “You don’t need to keep asking for things whilst you’re here, you know.”
“No, I know. But I was kind of hoping to talk to you actually.” Evelyn looked at him. “Come with me.”
“Oh?” He frowned, tossing a glance back at Fliss before he followed Evelyn into the house. He reached into the fridge, pulled out another chilled bottle of wine before he set it on the counter. “What’s up?”
“Nothing much, I just…well, I’ve come to a decision about something, and I wanted to run it past you first.”
“Okay.” He watched her as she cleared her throat.
“I’ve decided to sell the house.” She stated and Frank watched her, having a feeling he knew exactly what was coming next. “And I’m going to buy and apartment. Here.”
“Right.” Frank looked at her, his face passive.
“And one in Boston.”
“Two apartments?”
“One plus one was two last time I checked, yes.” Evelyn’s mouth twitched at the corner and Frank rolled his eyes. “I thought I could spend the winters here and the summers in Boston. That way, it would only be for six months a year. Sure even we could survive being in the same state as one another for that long.”
“Sounds like you got it all planned out.”
"I want my grandchildren to know me, Frank. I already missed out on so much with Mary, and yes, before you say anything, that was my own fault, but I don’t want to miss out on any more.”
“And you won’t, I’ve told you-“
“Well, clearly I am because I missed the fact that Mary was now calling Fliss mom.”
Frank took a deep breath and folded his arms across his chest, “I thought we’d been through this. You said it wouldn’t be a problem.”
“It isn’t, I just…well, I wasn’t prepared for it, that’s all.”
“Well, that’s on me.” Frank looked at her, his expression softening slightly. He hadn’t really considered what effect it would have on his mother, hearing Mary call someone other than Diane her mom, but then again, why would he? Evelyn had never seen Diane with Mary after all, it never even crossed his mind that it would upset her. “I should have warned you. I’m sorry.”
“It’s fine.” Evelyn shook her head. “Like I said, I wasn’t expecting it that’s all.”
There was a pause and Frank took a deep breath. “Look, I’ve told you before. I want you to have a relationship with the kids, and, well, if you feel moving nearer to us is gonna help that then…” He trailed off giving a little shrug.
“So you wouldn’t object to me moving closer?”
“What would be the point of that?” He asked, passing her the bottle of wine. “You’d do it regardless.”
“Yes, I would.” Evelyn stated simply before she took the bottle from him. Frank gave her a small smile which she returned before she moved to leave, greeting Fliss who had just walked into the kitchen.
“Did I just interrupt something?” She frowned.
“No.” Frank shook his head, watching his mother leave. As soon as she was out of earshot he gave a groan and pulled a beer from the fridge. “She just told me she wants to sell the house and buy two apartments. One in Boston and one here.”
“Oh.” Fliss frowned, cocking her head to the side. “But, that’s…fine. I mean, you and your mom get on okay now, so-”
“Yeah, we do.” Frank nodded, taking a huge pull from his bottle, swallowing his beer. “Because she’s in Boston and I’m not.”
Fliss gave a chuckle and slipped her arms round his waist. “Stop being a little shit, Frank. I hate to point it out but it makes sense. She’s not getting any younger and if anything happens she’s a three hour flight away, as we saw when Mary was taken ill.”
“Why do you always have to be so fucking sensible?” Frank narrowed his eyes at her and she grinned, shrugging.
“I’m not, I can just see it from her point of view. But hey, look on the bright side. If she’s told you, it gives you a perfect excuse to help her look for somewhere. Tampa’s not a bad area, and it’s a forty or so minute drive away…”
“Oh, now who’s being a little shit?” He laughed as he dropped a kiss to Fliss’ lips.
She chuckled and pulled back, looking at him. “Anyway, parking that for now, the kids are getting hungry. Can you we fire up the grill and I’ll get the sides and stuff out?”
“Sure.” Frank smiled, before he kissed her again and headed outside, grabbing Steve’s collar as he went, roping him into helping.
Half an hour later kids and adults alike were sat around munching burgers, hot dogs and various other items Fliss had dotted out on the tables at the side of the garden. Frank was stood drinking a beer as he watched Steve flop down next to Sian on the seat round the table the adults had settled at, gently rubbing his hand over her little bump, giving her a quick kiss. Frank smiled, thinking back to how it didn’t seem like five minutes since he’d been doing the same to Fliss.
“Not sending you broody is it, Son?”
Frank turned to look at Bill who nodded to Steve and Frank scoffed. “Nope. Two is quite enough for us, thanks.”
Bill laughed. “Exactly what Fliss said, well, not exactly. Her phrase included the words ‘fuck off, Dad’ but the sentiment was the same.”
Frank laughed and shook his head. “Yeah, we’re both agreed, thankfully.” He smiled, his eyes flicking to Alex who was perched on his mother’s knee, as she sat chatting to Verity.
“I had a nosey up at the yard before.” Bill took a swig from his bottle. “Looks like they’re all ready to start. Must be a relief that they’re finally getting going.”
“To be honest, Bill, I’ve not been as involved with it all as I’d like.” Frank bit his lip. “I mean I’ve been over the plans and keep checking the costs and stuff but as far as actively being involved in organising anything.” He let out a deep sigh. “I know I should have stepped up a little more.”
“Hey don’t worry!” Bill smiled. “We got it covered.”
“I know and I’m grateful but I just, well this is our future you know? Her business, our property and land and I kinda feel a little...”
“Left out?”
Frank wrinkled his nose. “Not left out as such. Not in control is the best way to describe it, I suppose.”
“We talking about the building work now or life in general?”
Frank snorted, it unnerved him how easily his future father in law could read him. “That obvious, huh?”
“A little, plus Fliss says you’ve been mad busy at the shop.”
“I thought it would have died down by now.” Frank shrugged. “But we seem to be getting bigger and bigger and, it’s just not what I had in mind when I went to work there. And I know, I’m grateful but I kinda miss when things were simpler, you know?” He shook his head. “Doesn’t really sound like I’m very ambitious does it? Most people would kill to be in my position.”
“Look, management and running a business isn’t for everyone. If it was, the world would hardly tick over the way it does, would it?” Bill said wisely. “Have you talked to James?”
Frank shook his head. “I honestly don’t know what I’d say.”
“Well, what do you want to happen?”
“I miss the repairs.” Frank said, honestly. “I enjoyed it when I was running the workshop. It was a good mix between management and still being able to get my hands dirty when I wanted to.”
“Tell him that then.”
“Not that simple, we got a new guy running that side of things now. Plus it would be a drop in wages.”
“Do you need the money?”
“Not especially, Fliss brings in a fair packet and it wouldn’t be a bad income at all. But I like the security.”
“Well in that case don’t let that be a factor in your decision. Trading off a higher standard of living versus job satisfaction is a mistake I’ve seen a lot of people make in the past, Frank. It doesn’t end well as they become miserable and resent their choices.” Bill paused. “Have you not thought about going back into repairs full time, like working for yourself again?”
Frank shook his head. “No. The security which comes with this job is too big a pull to give up. Especially now there’s four of us to consider.”
“You could make it secure if you did it properly.” Bill looked at him. “Set yourself up as an independent business but get a unit on one of the Marinas. Yeah, they’ll take a cut, but you’re pretty much guaranteed work and it comes with most of the perks but you’ll manage your own time.” Frank looked at him as Bill smiled. “Might be a bit of work at first to get yourself back in the game so to speak but I can help with the practicalities of setting out on your own. Fliss has an excellent accountant plus I hear you know a pretty good lawyer.”
Frank smiled. “Yeah, maybe.”
“Just think it over. If you need the money to set up you know me and V will help out. Plus, the beauty of it is Frank, you have a job to keep you going whilst you make your decision. It ain’t a bad place to be when you think about it.”
“Thanks Bill, I’ll give it some thought.”
*****
The party filtered out at about five, and their family stayed around for a little while until they too left a couple of hours later. Mary hugged Fliss and then Frank tightly, thanking them both for ‘the best birthday party ever’, Frank not bothering to point out that the sum total she had held or attended didn’t give her much to go on. He was simply happy she’d enjoyed herself.
They managed to get the two girls to bed in Mary’s room at a ridiculously late hour, so when Frank woke the next morning he wasn’t surprised to find them both fast asleep still when he poked his head into the room. He was surprised, however, to find his bed empty. Sundays were normally their lazy mornings, none of them really bothering to get up until they had to, Alex often coming into their room for a few hours. But today, it was barely gone nine and Fliss was up and fully dressed in denim shorts and a baggy fitting t-shirt.
“Morning, Honey.” He greeted her with a soft kiss. “You’re up early?”
“Yeah, I woke up and couldn’t get back to sleep.” She shrugged, before her face wrinkled up and she swallowed, rubbing at her stomach.
“You okay?” Frank frowned, his hands gently running up and down her arms. “You sick?”
“No.” Fliss shook her head. “I came on a few days early and it’s fucking excruciating for some reason. Hasn’t been this bad since I had Alex.”
“Oh, Baby!” Frank pouted and with an exaggerated fake chuckle-slash-sob she pressed her forehead to his chest and he smiled, wrapping his arms round her, kissing her head.
“My ovaries are trying to kill me.” She whined and Frank chuckled, his hands rubbing up and down her back.
“Can I do anything to help?”
“Not really, other than give me lots of sympathy and pretend you know what I’m going through.”
“Think I can manage that.”
Together they made breakfast, Evelyn joining them and Fliss took care to leave enough batter to feed the girls with when they finally surfaced at half past ten. Frank then let them head back out to the pool for another hour or so before he dropped Rosie off home and swung by the store for some snacks which he knew would keep Fliss satisfied for the afternoon and hopefully help keep her killer womb at bay.
They all settled down for the afternoon on the sun-loungers outside, the lazy Sunday bleeding into the evening, as they dipped in an out of the pool before it was time to sort dinner, which consisted mainly of left over party food, Frank grilling the remaining burgers and sausages that hadn’t been eaten at the party. Once that was over, Evelyn asked if she could take Alex’s bath time. Fliss handed him over with a smile, whilst Frank headed upstairs to make sure his mother knew where everything was. Once he was bathed and put down for the evening, Evelyn retired back to the guest house and Mary retreated to her den to watch one of her new DVDs, leaving Frank and Fliss to curl up on their sofa, settling in for another binge watching session, this time making their way through The Witcher.
As Fliss shifted again, trying to ease a particularly nasty cramp in her stomach, Frank glanced at her, frowning a little.
“Have you taken some more painkillers?”
“Yeah.” She nodded, stretching her legs out. “Just haven’t kicked in yet.”
“What hasn’t?” Mary asked as she walked past the sofa from her den, heading to the fridge.
“Nothing that concerns you.” Frank replied, not even looking at her.
“Are you on your period?” Mary asked bluntly and Fliss glanced at Frank who looked at her, blinking, before they both turned their heads to look at her over the back of the sofa as he closed the fridge, juice box in her hand.
“How the hell do you know about that stuff? You’re ten!” Frank stared at her and she shrugged, moving back towards them.
“I read about it when I looked up where babies came from.”
“You looked up where babies come from?” Fliss repeated, her voice controlled as she was trying to supress the laughter bubbling in her throat.
“I was curious, Mom. Wanted to know how you made Alex.”
“Jesus Christ.” Frank groaned, as Fliss let out a snort. “I clearly need to increase the level of Parental Control on your laptop and tablet.”
“No you don’t because it didn’t let me google it, so I had to find it in a book in the library.” She said matter of factly as she paused by the back of the sofa, fixing them both with a look. “And, for the record, I think it’s totally disgusting what you did. But, now you have him, you don’t need to do it again. That is unless you decide you want another and-“
“No, you’re absolutely right.” Frank cut her off, his face serious. “It’s totally gross. I’m so relived I will never have to go through that torture ever again.”
Fliss couldn’t look at him, she had to turn away, the expression on his face was utterly dead-pan. She pressed her lips together, scrunching her face up as she tried desperately to stop the laughter exploding from her mouth.
“God knows what Uncle Steve and Sian think they’re doing, having another one.” Mary grumbled.
“Well, your Grandmother had two.” Frank pointed out, and Fliss slapped his thigh, in a desperate attempt to make him stop. His lips quirked at the sides ever so slightly before he straightened his face once more as Mary looked back at him.
“I suppose, but you were the eldest so she clearly thought she needed to try again after having you, you know, make it right.”
At that the laughter Fliss had been supressing burst from her mouth as her shoulders shook and she tipped her head back, roars of laughter filling the room.
“Well,” Frank looked at Mary, “you’re technically our eldest so…”
“Yeah but you adopted me, therefore you chose me.”
“Well, not really as you were kinda already here.” Frank teased.
“Yeah but you chose to be my parents, not just my uncle and his wife.”
“That’s true.” Frank nodded.
“So, that clearly makes me special.”
“Oh, you’re special alright.” Frank agreed, his face serious.
Mary grinned as she flounced back off to her den, shutting the door behind her. As soon as it clicked shut, Frank look at Fliss, who was now bright red from the force of her laughter, tears pouring down her face and he too began to laugh.
“Fucking hell.” He shook his head as Fliss wiped her eyes. “I can’t with that kid!”
“She’s hilarious, I love her.” Fliss chuckled. ”And you- I’m so relieved I will never have to go through that torture ever again, liar, much?”
Frink grinned, his arm curling round her shoulders, pulling her to him as she snuggled into his side. “Well, sex is dirty. But only when it’s done right.”
Fliss snorted. “And of course we do it right, Sailor.”
“Damned straight we do.” He leaned back against the sofa, pressing a kiss to her head.
“So, are you gonna tell Alex sex is dirty and gross?”
Frank hesitated, before he rolled his eyes, knowing exactly what Fliss was getting at. “You know, of course we will properly talk to Mary when she’s older and starts to get interested in dating, Fliss.”
“Careful there, Sailor. You’ll give yourself whiplash backtracking that fast.”
“I’m not backtracking."
“Course not.” Fliss wrinkled her nose sarcastically and Frank groaned.
“Look, can we stop talking about when she’s...” He waved his hand and gave a shudder. “I don’t wanna think about it.”
“Face it Frankie, it’s probably gonna happen sooner than later. You got to be prepared.” Fliss looked at him, her lips twitching at the corners. “I mean, you wanted her to have a normal life. Dating is part of that."
“Are you gonna shut up, or am I gonna have to make you?” Frank turned to Fliss, dropping his head a little so his nose was mere inches from hers,
“Thought that was like gross.” She teased. “And besides I’m on.”
“You know, I have heard that orgasms are supposed to help with cramps.” Frank shifted a little, his lips gently brushing her neck. “Could always do it in the shower,” he nipped at her skin. “No mess, no fuss.”
“I showered before and besides,” Fliss pushed on his shoulders, forcing him to stop his teasing bites to her neck, “it’s a known fact that a woman’s entire sexual reproductive system grows teeth in shark week.” Frank blinked before he gave a snort of laughter as Fliss shrugged. “Well, it feels like my womb is trying to eat its way out so…”
“There’s somewhere else I could shove it to keep you quiet.” Frank grinned and Fliss scoffed.
“Yeah that’s got teeth too, Sailor, and I ain’t afraid to use ‘em.” She laughed and gave him a gentle kiss. “But only when you ask nicely.”
Frank gave a groan against her mouth. “You’re killing me, Lissy!”
“Aww, I got you all worked up Sailor?”
“Yes.” He answered bluntly.
“Shame Mary’s in the den, I could have fixed that for you.”
Frank looked at her, before his head whipped round over his shoulder. “Mary! Go to bed!”
Fliss slapped his arm, laughing as Mary pulled open the door to her den and glared at him. “It isn’t even nine yet!”
“He’s joking.” Fliss looked at her.
“No I’m not.” Frank deadpanned and Mary rolled her eyes.
“Whatever, Dad.” And with that she disappeared again, the door shutting behind her.
Frank groaned as he lay his head back, shifting slightly, trying to relieve the strain at the front of his jeans. Watching him out of the corner of her eye, Fliss smirked to herself. She loved how she could get him worked up simply by using her words, it was a fucking huge turn on.
“You know, I’m sure I just heard Alex upstairs.”
“What?” Frank turned his attention to her.
“Yeah, I best go check on him,” she looked at Frank, “you know, upstairs,” she bit her lip, “and it might take me five minutes or so.”
With a puzzled expression Frank watched her go before he turned his attention to the baby monitor. On the small screen he saw Alex was sleeping soundly. He frowned, Fliss had no reason to be-
Oh. Oh
With a grin he stood up. “Mary just gotta nip upstairs for a moment. If you need us just, well, just wait.”
And with that he shot after Fliss, taking the stairs two at a time.
****
Chapter 23
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Couples stunning Cardiff home crowned BBCs Best House in Town
A couple whose surprise semi-detached house was named BBC One’s Best House in Town have shared their top tips on transforming your home.
Miffy and Gareth Shaw, from Cardiff, appeared on the series last month and blew viewers away with their stunning three-bed home – which looks like a standard semi-detached from the outside.
The Welsh home has been lovingly restored by interior designer and 39-year-old mother Miffy Shaw, and builder husband Gareth.
Speaking about the win as she shared her interiors advice, Miffy admitted: ‘I don’t know why I’ve won to be honest, I just do what I do, but I’m really proud and thankful.
‘People have said they think I’ve won because my house is unique but that’s quite a weird thing to hear because surely everybody’s house is unique.’
1. Find inspiration everywhere
Miffy and Gareth Shaw, from Cardiff, appeared on the series last month and blew viewers away with their stunning three-bed home – which looks like a standard semi-detached from the outside. Their living room, complete with exposed brick wall juxtaposed with a teal blue statement wall is pictured
The interior designer is very clear on where people can find her style inspiration: everywhere.
Miffy says: ‘Everything influences me. If a girl walks past my in Tesco and I spot a handbag or jacket in a nice color or material or we go out for food in a cafe and they’ve done great lighting, I take note.’
The mum says there’s no better inspiration than nature itself, the colours and textures she sees just taking their French bulldog Tugboat out for walks.
2. Tie the look together
To create flow within your home, then there need to be particular elements running through the property to tie the ‘look’ together, the hallway and first floor is pictured
Even though the frames are different styles and sizes, they are all curated under the banner of gold, black and wood, so giving the display a subtle continuity see in the hallway
The home, pictured, looks like a standard semi-detached from the outside
To create flow within your home, then there need to be particular elements running through the property to tie the ‘look’ together, but Miffy says that doesn’t mean you have to be shackled by your style.
Colours, textures, surfaces, flooring and lighting can all assist in bringing harmony to a room and a home, even if your interior design style is eclectic.
The photo display in the hallway and up the stairs, although at first glance may seem random, each item’s spot has been carefully considered.
Even though the frames are different styles and sizes, they are all curated under the banner of gold, black and wood, so giving the display a subtle continuity.
Thinking about flow and continuity before a decorating can be a worthwhile step, if you are patient enough to do the research and source ideas that work for your home.
In Miffy’s home the consistent use of flooring, texture, pattern and colour in key areas all assist to create a structured design journey through the home, including the use of navy and wood in the kitchen/diner and the garden, visually connecting the two areas.
3. Don’t be afraid of dark colours
Miffy’s home is the main bedroom, where the stormy, dark grey is used continuously throughout the room, is an example of use of dark colours
One aspect of Miffy’s house that many homeowners may be a little nervous to copy is the use of dark colours.
Incorporated into a colour scheme successfully, dark colours can add drama, create atmosphere and act as a striking background to key interior design features.
One stand out example in Miffy’s home is the main bedroom, where the stormy, dark grey is used continuously throughout the room.
It’s on the walls, the ceiling, the floor and the cupboards. It creates a strong contrasting backdrop for the collection of metallic mirrors, gold leaf design light fitting and warm wood furniture.
Miffy says: ‘I’m obsessed by dark and moody colours, creating atmosphere. In the bedroom I found the wallpaper and it all developed from that.’
4. Break things up a little
In daughter Frankie’s room the dark accent colour is burgundy but Miffy has used it only above the picture rail and on the ceiling, creating a cosy feel to the room but without overwhelming it
In daughter Frankie’s room the dark accent colour is burgundy but Miffy has used it only above the picture rail and on the ceiling, creating a cosy feel to the room but without overwhelming it.
The mono, pattern wallpaper below the picture rail allows the room to breathe and for Frankie’s treasured possessions to take centre stage.
The navy kitchen / diner continues the dark colour theme, but Miffy has been clever to break it up with a variety of tactile textures, light colours and eye-catching curios.
She says it took some courage using dark colours, but laughs: ‘We thought, if the worst comes to the worst and we don’t like it, we can always paint over it!’
5. Source reclaimed materials to decorate on a budget
The dining table scaffolding boards appear again as the tactile structural element of the kitchen island
Miffy and husband Gareth have been very budget clever with interior design of their home.
The table is made from leftover scaffolding boards, built onto the legs of a snooker table found whilst rummaging through a reclamation yard.
The chairs are all mismatched, each with its own design story, that have been given to the couple or found in charity shops. Ideal for a family home, there’s no drama when they get bashed and disrespected.
The dining table scaffolding boards appear again as the tactile structural element of the kitchen island.
6. Use industrial materials – but soften them
The outside space sees wooden benches and a brick wall featuring a built in fire an dwood storage, softened by a pond and green plants
When it came sourcing a kitchen worktop, the couple were hoping for marble but it wasn’t in the budget.
The resourceful pair decided to look into the possibility of using concrete, long before it became accessible to standard suburban homes.
Miffy explains: ‘I wanted different textures and concrete in a semi was quite a new concept back then. I love it, it’s rough and rugged. It was accessible for us; we couldn’t afford marble so this was perfect.
‘I designed the bathroom double sink too and the countertop company had a go at trying to make it. It was the first one they made, now they do them for Nandos!’
The industrial light fittings, scaffolding, metal and exposed brick wall are all softened by Miffy’s introduction of soft textures and tactile furnishings.
She says: ‘I would describe my style as eclectic, sort of DIY rustic. It’s organic in that I love wood, stone, leather and natural materials like rattan.’
Milly, seen in the sitting room, says: ‘I would describe my style as eclectic, sort of DIY rustic. It’s organic in that I love wood, stone, leather and natural materials like rattan.’
Wool, wood, china, glass, house plants and flowers all add to the softening accessories and furnishings and ensure this home continually looks warm, inviting and comfortable.
The couple have had many inspiring design ideas whilst doing up their property, but one of the most inventive is probably moving the kitchen door further into the hallway, so the under stairs space could be incorporated into the kitchen design.
The continual use of the same flooring from the kitchen/diner out onto the patio means that there is a visual flow through from the indoor to the outdoor spaces, even when the bi-fold doors are closed.
Even wood log storage has been considered, with a long, eye-catching alcove carved into the lounge chimney breast as a place to pop the firewood. All genius ideas, and all ideas you can pinch for your home.
7. Plan your look – but don’t be afraid to change
In daughter Frankie’s room Miffy knew she wanted burgundy and mustard, but the inspiration for the wallpaper came from the pattern of a puffer fish
And when planning a room makeover, it’s all about the planning, isn’t it? Yes, but Miffy also believes that a room’s personality should continue to grow.
The Welsh home has been lovingly restored by interior designer and 39-year-old mother Miffy Shaw and builder husband Gareth
She explains: ‘When I think I know what I would like in a room, I have found my influences, I will start making mood boards and initially find different versions of the look I want on Pinterest.
‘But I’m more of a grower, things come to me slowly and ideas start growing and changing.
‘All the rooms have started from different inspirations with the core being that you have to love it.
‘So in the bedroom I found the wallpaper and it all developed from that.’
In daughter Frankie’s room Miffy knew she wanted burgundy and mustard, but the inspiration for the wallpaper came from the pattern of a puffer fish.
She says: ‘It’s a growing process I don’t do it all in one go, I start collecting things.
‘So I suggest people begin with a favourite picture, a lovely rug or a comfy sofa, use whatever you love to inspire you, and it all comes from that – pick out different colours and textures from your beloved item and build it from there.
‘The key is to make it personal to you.
‘My house doesn’t usually look like this, it usually has an ironing board in it, washing hanging around; it’s real life, but I fill it with the stuff that I love – surely that’s what your home’s all about?’
The three-bed semi-detached home, seen before its transformation, has been lovingly restored by interior designer Miffy Shaw and builder husband Gareth
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