Surprisingly, Christopher and Emma were not surprised at all when Dotty mentioned moving in with Fionn, in fact, they had bet on it the day she got out of hospital with the all clear. Anyone could see how much the pair were in love and if you can't then you clearly need to go to specsavers because it is so bloody obvious. Of course, as parents, the thought of their only child moving out was daunting and they would love to keep her at home permanently, flying the nest is one of the best parts of growing up. It leads to so many more exciting adventures!

However, they wasn't expecting it to be three days later that her room and den were full of boxes and they were carrying them one by one down to the van Dotty had rented. Her parents offered to help but she insisted her and Fionn would be okay. They went back and forth and really there wasn't actually that much unlike they had anticipated.

When everything was in the van, Dotty went back into her room which was bare except for the furniture. She was welcome to stay at any point (her parents had told her) but leaving it seemed awfully sad. That part of her life had come to an end.

Her father entered the room and wrapped her up in a hug. "You're going to be okay, sweetheart. You'll not regret this at all. Trust me, in fact, you'll probably wish you left sooner with no parents there to nag you."

"You don't nag," she chuckled, "and I'll miss being at home so much."

"Maybe at the start, but not for long."

"Really?"

"Really."

He held onto her hand as they walked down the stairs where Emma and Fionn were talking between themselves. Fionn never expected that taking the role as Tommy would bring such an impact to his life, not just career-wise but family-wise. His family had grown and he had another set of parents to guide and look after him whilst starting a journey of love with Dotty. 

"Oh, sweetheart, we will miss you so much," said Emma, reaching out for Dotty's other hand. The four were connected together, Emma taking Fionn's hand as well. 

Fionn watched as Dotty snickered, squeezing Emma's hand and glancing at her boyfriend. He could see the pain wash over her eyes but knew she would be okay once they got her things into the house. 

"You ready to go?" It took him by surprise that she suggest their departure. He didn't want to steal her away before she was ready to but was not expecting her to go so soon. 

He nodded. 

"Well, good luck, my darlings," said Emma, "but you haven't got rid of us. Not really."

"We know that mam."

"I think I will have to force her to stay away," Fionn joked and Chris agreed. 

"Probably. I can see you two coming back here in a couple of days for dinner."

They shared a look as if their plans had been spoiled. This lead the two parents to shoo them out. Tears rolling down their cheeks as Dotty and Fionn drove away. 

* * *

It took a week or so before the couple were settled. Finding places and homes for Dotty's belongings took longer than expected. She had to part with some things but so did Fionn until it was just right. 

Having Dotty sleep beside him every night niggled at Fionn. How did he go so long without her? It felt as though that side of the bed belonged to her the entire time. Finding her pottering about in the kitchen, the living room, the bathroom, it seemed odd to think she had not been there beforehand. 

"Why do you look so happy?" Dotty questioned Fionn as she caught he smiling in the doorway to the kitchen as she made a cup of coffee. 

"I always thought of this place as home but since you moved in, it feels even more home-like."

"Awe you soppy bastard," she grinned, stepping towards him to kiss him. 

"Always, Dot."

Her phone pinged and she knew it was Tom, it always was. Fionn slipped his hand into her pocket to get her phone and held it up for her to see. 

"He's coming to London next week," she told him, "for a short film."

"Does he ever have a break from working?"

"Doesn't seem like it." 

She laughed quickly typing a response before putting her phone away and wrapping one arm around Fionn's waist, her other hand holding her coffee. Fionn rested his head on her shoulder, pressing a few small kisses onto her collar bone. 

"Want to go back to bed?" he suggested, "I want a cuddle."

"You never have to ask me twice. As long as we can go bowling tonight? I really want to go bowling."

"Anything if it comes with a cuddle."

He pulled her up the stairs, jumped into bed and waited as she placed her coffee on the nightstand and joined him. Switching on the television, they snuggled down watching old reruns of Jungle Run, a staple of their childhoods. 

"I love you," said Dotty, running her fingers of his chest. 

"I love you."

"Will our story continue from now?"

"I hope so. If only the writer of our lives continues it on. I sure hope they do. We have more to share."

"We really do."

A/n-

I am so sorry! To both Dotty and Fionn but also you readers for neglecting you for so long! I will aim to continue this, I am not sure if anyone still reads this or will endeavour to read this update but I hope so. Half of this draft has been written since 2020 I am so sorry!!!