#maximalism holiday decor

[hermaximalismhome]

[strawberrum]

[greenleafgoddess]

cute light up bonsai tree. can decorate easily for a mini christmas tree for workplaces or schools!

amazon link:

[shrimpscrawling]

Buying myself a little treat any time after October and calling it an “early Christmas gift” to myself. In the spirit of seasonally enhanced capitalism.

[chilope]

Ask meme for people in their 30s

What was the first piece of furniture you bought?

What proportion of your meals do you cook?

Foaming hand soap or normal hand soap?

Favorite chore?

Least favorite chore?

Most precious thing one of your pets has destroyed?

Any groceries you've been getting into lately?

What cleaning product do you swear by?

What's your emotional support craft?

Youtube, cable TV, or streaming?

What's something you saved up for and then regretted buying?

How many cups can you see from where you're sitting?

Which filter are you most likely to go "eh, it's probably fine" when you find out you need to change it?

How often do you take baths?

Do you go down each aisle when you grocery shop, or only the ones you know you need stuff from?

Where do you go when you need to get out of the house but it's raining?

What's a movie you saw recently that you liked?

Pro or anti tchotchkes?

What's your go-to tape?

What's in your freezer right now?

Last concert you attended?

Favorite grocery store?

Paper bags, plastic bags, or reusable bags?

Do you get your government mandated 8 hours every night?

Favorite old person activity?

Would you rather sit on the porch drinking sweet tea or sit by the lake drinking beers?

Do you prefer Boardgame Night, Build-Your-Own-Pizza Night, or Movie Night with your friends?

Be honest, do you like all of the pictures of their babies that your friends send you?

Go-to holiday card format?

How many pairs of scissors do you own?

Do you still own your first car?

How do you take your morning coffee/tea?

What's something you collect?

What's your commute like?

Aisle at the grocery store you never bother walking down?

Do you keep a daily journal or agenda?

Do you still listen to the same music you listened to in high school?

What's the last filter you changed?

What little treat do you always get when you run errands?

Grocery list or no grocery list?

What's the oldest thing you own?

What's an unjustifiably expensive appliance that you really want?

Favorite book you've read recently?

Honest feelings on Settlers of Catan?

What's something you wish you had more time for?

What kind of stuff do you keep on the door of your refrigerator?

Lamps or overhead lighting?

If you could build your home from scratch, what outrageous feature would you want to build into it?

Do you bring a bag with you everywhere you go?

Pro or anti throw pillows?

How many blankets do you keep in your living room?

Did your relationship with your parents get better when you stopped living with them?

What's worse, the DMV or the Social Security Office?

Do you decorate your house for holidays? Which ones?

Favorite high-effort meal that you make?

Favorite low-effort meal that you make?

Do you tend to bring an appetizer, entree, dessert, or drinks to a potluck?

What kind of bag do you use for your bag full of bags?

If you died and your ghost was stuck in the outfit you're wearing right now for the rest of time, would you be happy with it?

Do you have an opinion on your local weather reporter?

Do you have a favorite brunch spot?

Where are you on the minimalism-maximalism kinsey scale?

Opinion on Bath and Body Works?

Last time you visited a farmer's market?

Anything you're procrastinating on right now?

Do you get your taxes in as soon as possible, at the last minute, or late?

Do you keep any stuffed animals on your bed?

Are your garbage bags scented or unscented?

What are you looking forward to next week?

[daydreams-after-dark]

Blindfolds | Chan x Reader x mystery man (Minho)

chan x fem reader x minho.

Chan helps you fulfil your fantasy of having a "stranger" sleep with you

Word count: I think about 3k?

MDNI . Content warning below.

————- WARNINGS: unsafe sex, threesome, oral sex, vaginal sex, anal fingering, blowjob, orgasm, slight choking, cum eating, mystery sex, blindfold—————-

You walk down the dimly lit hallway towards one of the unused bedrooms in the holiday house you and your friends were staying at. You and your best friend, Chan decided the scenario will take place in a space that no one is using, to really maximize the mysteriousness of it the whole thing.

Butterflies are going crazy in your stomach, and you tug your satin robe tighter around your waist to try to settle them down. You feel rather sexy and feminine in the robe, the cream floral print against a gold background makes you feel like a queen.

You approach the designated door and knock.

“Come in.” Chan's voice calls from the inside. You swallow hard and push open the door.

You're immediately taken aback. The room is stunning. The decor is dark and moody, with the walls painted a dark grey blue, and the furniture looks as though it’s antique. Paintings of abstract naked women have been hung around the room.

There are various stained-glass lamps, emanating a seductive glow, and there is music playing low in the background. It sounds like French music. A woman’s voice seductively fills the room.

Then there’s the bed. Huge, King sized, so plush and high set. Chan is laying propped up against the dark timber headboard, he almost looks lost leaning amongst the generous number of over sized plush pillows. He’s wearing black tracksuit pants and a muscle tee. It looks out of place in such a sensually styled room.

“What do you think?” Chan gestures around the room.

“Th- this,” you stammer. “It’s amazing Chan.” You move towards the bed, stretching out your hand to touch the dark green quilt. It’s luxurious on your fingertips as you run your hand along the fabric and move closer to the head of the bed. The only thought going through your head is: Someone’s going to fuck you on this.

You perch on the side of the bed facing away from Chan, your feet barely reaching the floor. That's when you notice the black blindfold laid out neatly on the bedside table. Next to it is a bottle of coconut oil.

“How are you feeling? Are you okay?” Chan reaches out to touch your hand that’s resting beside you on the bed.

You inhale deeply and then slowly release the breath. How are you feeling?  It’s a mixture of feelings really. You're so very nervous. That you already know. But, you're also… excited. The idea of what’s about to happen is truly thrilling to you.

You can't believe your best friend Chan agreed to help you fulfil this fantasy. Of being blindfolded and fucked by a mystery person.

Chan smiles “We gotta get you ready!” He practically jumps off the bed and moves around to the side of the bed, taking your hand and helping you slide off the bed.

You've already discussed the details of how you're going to do this, covering safe words and safe gestures, what positions we are going to be in. These had been relayed to the mystery person who was going to be participating. The man coming to fuck you wouldn't be a stranger though. It was one of seven other men, that Chan knows extremely well. You've met them all too, and to be fair, you'd be thrilled to have any of them fuck you.

You stand in front of Chan facing away from him. There is tension in the air and your breath feels wobbly. He steps closer to you, and you can feel his breath on your neck and a pang in your chest. You'd really wish he'd kiss you. Chan doesn't know how much you actually want him. But he's never shown any signs of wanting you as more than a friend. He slowly reaches around, careful not to touch you too much, you wish he would, and pulls at your robe’s rope-tie.

It comes loose easily allowing your robe to fall open. Chan delicately pulls your robe off your shoulders letting it drop to the floor. You hadn’t put any underwear on, and now you're standing completely naked in front of Chan. And only Chan.

It feels extremely intimate and you're feeling self conscious. He hasn’t been this close to your naked body before. Goosebumps form on your skin. It isn’t cold in the room. Chan had thought of that too and had made the room a comfortable temperature. He’s so fucking considerate. You smile to myself.

You close your eyes and compose yourself. Fuck. You're really doing this.

Chan takes your hand again and grabs the blindfold in the other. He steadies you as you climb onto the bed where he resumes the position of laying down and propped up against a pillow and headboard. He directs you to sit between his legs facing away from him, and carefully he places the blindfold over your eyes and securing it at the back of your head. Your senses immediately heighten. This feels so erotic.

“Lean back on me.” He whispers as he guides you to lean back onto his fully clothed body. You can feel his hard, toned muscles flexing underneath you and his breathing is strained. Is he nervous? You can feel an erection beginning to dig into your back. Is this turning him on?

You imagine what this must look like, your exposed, naked body with Chan’s strong legs on either side of yours. You don’t know what to do with your hands so you rest them on your stomach. You don’t know where Chan’s arms and hands are, only that they aren’t touching you. You wish he’d wraps his arms around you. You wish he’d caress your body.

For a moment you try to imagine what it would be like if he did touch you. The sensation of him cupping your breasts, pinching a nipple, sliding his hands over your body. Then you remember why you're here, for a mystery fuck. A small moan escapes you. Did he hear you?

Chan nuzzles his face into your neck, resting his chin on your left shoulder. He's so close. “You already imagining a stranger inside you, hmm?” he whispers. You whimper. His voice turns you on beyond belief.

You don’t have chance to answer because there is a knock on the door. You suck in a breath. This is actually happening.

“Come in.” Chan calls out. You hear the door creak open and then close.

“Are you ready to begin?” whispers Chan in your ear.

“Mmm hmm, yes.” you reply.

“Good, because I think you are going to really enjoy this.”

He takes hold of your hands and places them on the bed either side of your body, using his hands to hold them down out of the way so you can’t go ahead and touch your anonymous lover. You had requested this. It makes you feel like you're being forcefully held in place, although you know you can change things if you want.

You feel the mattress dip slightly. Someone is climbing onto the bed near your feet. Who can it be? Is it Changbin? Or could it be Minho? Felix? Could it be Jisung?

A hand touches your ankle. You shudder, then very slowly and delicately it makes it way up to the side of your knee. Their touch is light and feathery. You swallow.

Then you feel a mouth, a moist, plush mouth just above your knee. You think he is about to take the kisses up your leg, but instead takes his kisses back down, making his way down to your ankle. It feels so sensual. Who do these lips belong to?

Chan releases your arms for just a moment so he can lift your legs over each of his legs, which are spread out wide on the bed. Then he goes back to gently pinning your hands to the mattress.

You sense the other man moving closer and a mouth reappears on your skin. This time it’s your inner right thigh. He drags his tongue from inside your leg near your knee all the way up your inner thigh, sending tingles through your body, but he stops before he gets anywhere near your pussy. He does this again, and then mirrors the action with your other leg.

His hands try to push your legs a little wider and Chan assists by moving his own legs wider again, forcing your legs to part just a little more. You're ready, wide open for whatever you're about to receive.

The touching stops, but you can feel him kneeling in front of you. Your chest is rising and falling rapidly in anticipation.

You're pleasantly startled when you feel a warm liquid landing on your breasts. The oil. Chan must have warmed it up somehow in preparation. You moan at the sensation of the oil dripping down around and between your breasts. You suck your breath between your teeth when you feel a pair of hands cupping your breasts, then squeezing and massaging the flesh in slow, but firm circles.

His hands slide easily over your oiled skin, and you squeal slightly when he squeezes your nipples. As the pinches and flicks become more aggressive you can’t help but arch your back and rock your hips at the sensation.

Chan shushes you. “We need to stay still and take it, remember what we agreed to?” That’s right, part of this was you needed to stay as still as possible, it was all part of being restrained. You compose yourself and stop moving. It’s so difficult but you're determined to play the part properly.

“Good girl.” Chan growls low. Good girl? You love those words.

More warm oil is applied to your stomach. There is so much that it coats your entire abdomen and runs down towards your core, and trickles down where your pussy lips meet. You feel bad for the bedding, it’s probably going to be a mess.

It feels so fucking sexy with your body being this slick and slippery. You feel like a goddess being worshipped and adored, yet at the same time you feel like a dirty whore who doesn’t care who fucks her.

You wait for the hands to return to your body, anticipating them all over your stomach and you moan and pant with the need to be touched now. You're desperate and on the verge of begging.

“Pl-please… please touch me.” you say.

“He wants you to call him ‘Sir’”, Chan whispers.

“Please touch me again… Sir.” you pant.

You let out a long, low moan as he pours the oil at the top of your pussy. It runs down through your lips and onto your asshole. You can’t help but try to wriggle with pleasure and frustration. Chan squeezes your hand, a reminder that you need to stay still. You don’t know where his hands will land next and the anticipation is pure agony.

The stranger lifts your legs up bending them so your knees are up near your chest. Chan removes one of his hands from yours to grip under your knee to help pin it against your chest, whilst the other man pins your right leg.

You feel the heel of a hand press firmly against your clit and begin to move in circular motions, much like they did with your breasts. It provides a grinding sensation that shoots pleasure deep inside of your abdomen.

“Fuck that feels so good… Sir.” you whimper as his hand swirls and presses on you for what feel like and eternity.

He then drags two fingers beginning at your clit all the way down to your asshole, dragging the oil and your slickness all the way down. Your cunt clenches as his fingers pass by the entrance, not stopping to explore. He presses a finger to your rim.

“Aaaah!!” you gasp at the sensation of the pressure.

He massages his finger against you, and you know you're going to open up easily for him. You are so aroused and so slick from yourself and the oil that it doesn’t take much for the tip of his finger to breech the entrance. You grip the sheets with your hands and pant shallow breaths as his finger slips in deeper, deeper, all the way in.

“You’re being so good for him.” Chan’s words of praise in your ear make you melt around the stranger’s finger and you're ready for more.

“Sir… please.. I need… can you put in another finger?”

He slowly removes his finger and you feel two fingers at your rim now. He pushes them in, going ever so slowly. It’s a stretch but he’s moving slowly enough that you're adjusting along the way, making the stretch feel achingly good. He must be experienced at this sort of thing. He knows exactly what to do.

You bring your left arm up and wrap it around Chan’s neck, as whispers words of encouragement in your ear.

The volume of your moans and whimpers grow so loud now that it’s drowning out the sound of the French woman’s singing. The man moves his fingers in and and out of your ass maintaining a relentlessly slow pace. The burning sensation with every drag of his fingers makes you cry out.

“Faster… harder… Sir I need… more.”

He quickly builds up the pace. Chan releases your hand to bring his hand to your neck, wrapping it around your throat and squeezing slightly but not enough to cut off air. Then he brings his thumb up to your lips. You open your mouth allowing him to slip his thumb inside. You pull at the hair on the back of his head and he pushes his thumb further into your mouth. The other man continues to fuck your ass with his fingers.

A mouth lands on your pussy. His tongue swirls around and through your lips. The tip of his tongue slides inside of you. Chan starts to fuck your mouth with his thumb, pushing it deep into your mouth roughly. You want him to ruin you.

You're practically screaming from the glorious agony, your senses are on overload.

Chan removes his thumb. “Is this okay?” he checks in with you.

“Yes… But… I want his cock now.”

“Ahhh yes, I bet you do. Let’s sort you out, yeah?”

The fingers inside your ass are removed and you feel the man shift his position.

His thighs press against the underside of yours. Then… you feel the tip of a cock. He pushes it against your opening, making you let out a pathetic whine. Your body is begging for him to push his cock in.

But he doesn't push it in. Moments pass and still nothing happens. What is happening? A sense of panic makes it’s way into your body. Has he changed his mind?

“He wants to know if we can take the blindfold off?” Chan asks.

You pause. He hasn’t changed his mind. You quickly decide what you want to do. Whoever it is wants you to be right there with him, making this moment together. Not him fucking you, but you fucking each other.

You bite your bottom lip. “Okay.” you say shakily. Your breath quickens at the thought of coming face to face with the man who has been pleasuring you so amazingly.

Chan takes over holding your right leg up and two hands come to rest on the sides of your blindfold, the tip of his cock slips into you slightly as he leans in towards you, giving you a tease of what’s to come. You can’t wait until he is all the way inside.

Your blindfold slides off but your vision is slightly blurry. You blink to adjust your eyes and the man before you becomes clear.

Minho.

He is looking at you expectantly, nervously, like you might run away at the sight of him.

You reach up and cup his face. His cheeks are flushed and lips pink and swollen. He isn’t even being the one fucked right now but he looks like he is.

“Hey.” you say with a dazed smile.

“Hey.” He replies. “Is this okay…do you want to keep…”

You wrap an arm around his waist and pull him down on top of you. His hands reach around to your ass and he lifts your hips up and pushes himself all the way inside of you.

Minho is finally free to make noises now and he makes long low moans as he rocks his hips into you. He looks down to where you're joined to watch his cock glide in and out.

You still have one arm wrapped around Chan’s neck, your other explores Minho’s body. His toned body undulates like some sort of exotic python. He’s even more skilled with his cock than with those magic fingers. He brings his mouth down onto yours mirroring his tongue with his thrusts. A skilled, diligent lover.

You melt together as his long, languid thrusts become deeper and you’re being pressed into Chan’s hard cock.

Without warning, Minho pulls out and flips you over in one fluid move so that you’re on all fours.

You look to the head of the bed and see Chan’s hard erection inside his sweat pants. You’re about to reach for it when you’re dragged down the bed by Minho. You look into Chan’s eyes longingly as you’re being pulled out of reach and he just stares back at you. You want to please him so badly.

Minho pushes his cock back inside of you making you cry out. Pleasure washes over you, mixing with the angst of yearning for Chan. He slides his thumb over your asshole and presses it inside. “Ahhh.. Yes, Minho.” You cry, squeezing your eyes tight.

He pushes it in all the way and rests his palm and fingers on your tail bone. His grip is perfect to rock you on and off his cock. You love feeling so filled up. You’re so close now.

Chan looks fucked out, like he’s on another planet. His engorged, swollen red cock is now out of his pants and in his hand, but he’s not doing anything with it. He’s just holding it absentmindedly. His eyes glazed over as he stares at you.

Minho must notice him too. “Kitten?” he pants. “Do you want to help Chan out? Make him come?”

You look at Chan eagerly. You’re practically salivating.

“Come over here Chan. It’s okay.” Minho encourages Chan over but he doesn’t move. “Before I cum.” He adds, hoping that will spur him on.

Chan, as if possessed, gets up onto his knees and crawls his way towards you. Once he is close enough he offers you the head of his cock and you take hold of it with one hand and guide him into your mouth. Chan whimpers at the touch. You lick your tongue along his shaft and over the tip before taking him deep into your mouth.

“Oh fuck!” Chan whines high pitched.

“Don’t use your hands. Make him work for it.” Minho growls.

You do as you’re told and release your grip but keeping him in your mouth.

Something in Chan snaps. He grabs the back of your head and starts plunging his cock into your mouth relentlessly. He tangles his fingers in your hair as he fucks your face without restraint. It makes you gag. It’s hard to take him and your eyes water.

You look up at him, he’s staring at you while his cock thrusts into your mouth, hitting the back of your throat, making you almost choke. Seeing Chan using you like this while Minho pounds into you from behind, is all too much.

You cry out around Chan’s cock as your legs shake and your cunt clenches around Minho. Your arms and legs buckle underneath you but Minho is there to hold you steady. He wraps an arm underneath you, keeping you in position.

Minho suddenly pulls out, painting your back in his cum with a long moan.

Chan growls and moans and pulls his cock out to massage his release into your waiting mouth and tongue. There is so much, coating your tongue and dribbling down your chin. He leans back onto his heels, shaking as he watches you swallow everything in your mouth, and then use your fingers to scoop the remaining cum on your chin and licking your fingers clean. He looks horrified and startled. Oh shit, have you done something wrong?

Chan quickly gets off the bed and pulls up his trackpants. “Fuck. I am so sorry.” He is so flustered.

“I’ll get the towels.” Minho announces and hops off the bed.

“Chan?” You whimper. He doesn’t seem to hear you. He’s is freaking out. “Chan!” You repeat, “I need you to hold me.”

Chan looks down at you, as though he is scared. What is going through his mind? Cautiously, he edges closer to the bed and sits beside you. You’re still in an all fours position waiting to have your back wiped clean, but you kneel up to let Chan wrap his arms around you. You nuzzle into his chest. Why is he so upset with you?

You feel him relax against you and he strokes your hair. “I shouldn’t have done that to you.” He whispers over and over. You don’t understand. You fucking loved that he did that to you. You’ve wanted it for so long.

“Oh Channie!” You cry. “I fucking want you, you idiot!”

Chan looks at you warily. “Really?”

You reach up and cup his cheek. “Yes.” You whisper, your eyes dropping to his lips. He closes the gap capturing you in a heated kiss. “Stay with me tonight, Chan.”

“Of course, baby girl. Of course."

Minho returned, cleaned you up and helped you and Chan hop into bed.

"I'm glad you two have finally got your act together." he said laughing as he said goodnight and left you and Chan to snuggle together.

@channieandhisgoonsquad @noellllslut @itshannjisung @kangnina @weareapackofstrays

[ghostlywhiskey]

I know it’s post Halloween, but what was the Price family holiday like? Did they do a family costume? Did Price strategize with the boys so they could hit all the houses and maximize the candy amount?

no, because all the dad!price inboxes are making me SMILE.

i definitely think when the two of you are new parents to the first born, you’ll do a matching costume all together. but as they get older it’s a little harder to coordinate, each boy having a different fixation and interest - but this year the boys seemed to all agree on pirates. so, the three boys all dressed in various accessories from eye patches, swords - you name it. price fitting well into his roll as captain with the hat that sat on his head.

as for your daughter, since she was a newborn it was easier to dress her up in a bear onesie price had bought her one day. excited, he had come home with the little outfit in his hands and eager to put her in it. ‘little cub’ quickly becoming his new nickname for her. you on the other hand this year were far too tired to put effort into a costume. the only accessory decorating your body was price’s bucket hat - which your sons urged you to put on to look like a zoo keeper if their little sister was a cub.

the price boys gathered at the kitchen table while middle child doodles on a piece of paper. the various colors covering the page indicated different locations in your neighborhood. price, who stood near the table as the boys hunch over the table to look at the map, pointed to where they should start.

and as you held your daughter in your hands, standing in the door way as the boys of the house made their way down the walkway to the street. “be careful please.” you look at price, who turns to look down at you and his little girl.

“i’ll be with them the whole time,” he leans down to kiss your forehead. “stop worryin’ that pretty head.” he smiles before looking at your daughter who is reaching to tug at the ears of her onesie. “protect mommy while i’m gone.” her eyes glancing up at her father before a toothless grin forms on her face, hands now reaching for him. price chuckles, reaching to grab her tiny wrist to place a kiss into her palm.

“not sure how scary she’ll be protecting me.” you chuckle, kissing the little girls cheek before nodding towards the boys at the end of your front years. “c’mon, their waiting for their captain to lead them.” teasing, but lips met with his before he walks away, the kiss taking you by surprise.

“my treasure is in our bed tonight.” he murmurs, before heading to go trick or treating with the boys.

[maxismade]

does anyone else get some form of ~time anxiety~ when it comes to playing the sims

idk if time anxiety would be the correct term but we'll go with it

but anyway i feel like i can only play sims on the weekend becuz weekday i only have like ~3hrs of time to play vs the weekends where i have a lot more and while 3 hrs is a lot of time i feel for other games when it comes to the sims there can be certain things in game that require so much set-up or fixing before i can actually play so it can end up 1.5-2hrs of set-up like picking/decorating a lot for a holiday, editing my sims friends in CAS cuz they all aged up, just shit like that and then not much time to play so its like anytime i try to play on a weekday i find it hard to enjoy becuz i have this "im running out of time there snot enough time n i need to maximize my enjoyment with my freetime since work destroys my soul for most hours of the day" looming over me and like i said this is rly only a thing for me with the sims so i normally end up playing other games durign the weekdays which is fine but damn man sometimes i just rly wanna play the sims but i literally CANT lol

[transingthoseformers]

Saw that post about Transformer games and then it hit me: Animal Crossing but make it Transformers. You are a regular Transformer given an assignment by Optimus Prime to rebuild this small city. You need to build a general store, a city hall, a museum, clinic, a library, a cafe, a post office, a shrine to the 13 Primes, and a few houses to gain some new neighbors. Oh yeah, and the neighbors are from a lot of different continuities and alliances, from Maximals to Predacons to Decepticons to Autobots, etc. Sometimes you'll have to make furniture to bring in new Transformers to your town, ie maybe you make a terrarium for Botanica or a chainsaw for Pharma or a DJ turn table for Soundwave. The different buildings you create will be staffed by certain Transformers: Ratchet takes over the clinic of course, Codexa takes over the library, etc. Every week or so you get a visitor to the island selling wares, like Swindle coming over with computer parts, or Thundercracker coming over with books you can give to the library. You can add in plants and mechanimals, even get a pet and celebrate different holidays (decorate your town for Halloween and Christmas, etc). Some of the Transformers will give you errands to complete, the cafe will ask you for ingredients and energon goodie recipes, the museum will ask for specimens and art and sometimes human artefacts, and the shrine will ask for some upkeep now and again.

Just something I thought up of, I'm generally intrigued why this isn't a thing but I guess Transformer video games got to be about war and fighting. Maybe it would be nice to just set up a town and exchange recipes with a Transformer barista and raise a few sheepitron.

You

You get it

I've never played Animal Crossing, but I've seen enough on it to know what you mean

Yes

Exactly exactly on the continuity mixing and having mecha of all faction and rank.

While writing the first post I distinctly got the image of a very grumpy Megatron wandering into town. Him grumbling about how he's not so sure about all of this, but after a few quests and building his respective area he stays in your town

Yes

Exactly

Yes

You get what I mean

Just the soft and sweet addition after addition, the rebuilding and seeing so many different characters who were on opposite sides being neighbors.

[sobeautifullyobsessed]

🎄Wrapped Up In Christmas Memories🎄

a Stephen Strange x Hope Collins fic

Chapter Two

genre: angst, catharsis, healing...and above all, love ❤️

characters: Stephen Strange, Hope Collins (OFC); established relationship

word count: 3.0k

moodboard by @strangelock221b 💙🩵💜

The weeks ticked down towards Christmas, and Stephen remained as occupied with his work as in any other month of the year. And still Hope held steadfast to her promise to ask nothing but his tolerance as she rang the season in. Every few days, when he emerged from attending to his Sanctum duties or his ongoing studies, or returned from a far-flung mission or from Kamar-Taj itself, he would find she had added some new decoration or holiday detail, making not only his quarters, but the main floor as well, ever more festive. Her Artist's eye insured that she kept everything tasteful and in accord with the surroundings. Hope's latest addition had been an evergreen garland for the fireplace on the main floor, lit with colorful fairy lights and frosted candle holders of varying heights bearing ivory or red candles, nested along the greenery.

Whenever he complimented her newest handiwork, Hope would give a modest little shrug as she thanked him, moving onto the next subject of conversation without so much as a pause--though Stephen could absolutely feel how pleased she was. Thus, their equilibrium continued, and despite his ambivalence about the holiday season, he found himself quietly looking forward to each new surprise.

One such surprise was Hope's newfound dedication to attending the weekly vigil service each Saturday evening of Advent at a small Roman Catholic parish in Brooklyn. In their occasional discussions of philosophy and faith, she had given Stephen the impression that although she was lapsed from organized religion, Hope still held a true belief in a higher power. Indeed, he always saw her as a living example of the biblical maxim 'do unto others...'. And of course, she had understood and respected the beliefs he had come to hold about soul & spirit, and good & evil, based on his experiences and encounters with mystic realities.

In response to his curiosity on the first Saturday she shared her plans, Hope fell back on a familiar explanation. "It's a tradition that does my heart good to honor," she told him frankly. "It connects me to my family even when we're apart. With those who've passed on...and with past generations." He didn't miss the flicker of grief in her eyes and in the set of her mouth at her reference to those who had passed on, though soon enough, her honest smile replaced the sorrow. "Besides which, I love the music...the lights on the tree...the aroma of the incense they save for the most sacred moments. That sense of being one with a community of like-minded souls is vital to my experience of the Christmas season." Stephen found none of this surprising, for such was her nature, and part of the reason she had conquered his heart with no effort at all.

With a scant two weeks until Christmas Day, the Sanctum felt ripe with Hope's inimitable brand of holiday cheer. The sights, the scents, the flavors, and the very sounds that filled his rooms, became reminders of his own Christmases past, though Stephen refused to entertain those memories as he knew they'd only leave him morose.

Even the Sanctum kitchens had their own unique decorations, courtesy of some of Hope's grammar school-aged students; a couple dozen had given her handmade, crayon-colored Christmas cards and Tempera-painted winter scenes of snowmen and Santas, Angels and Christmas trees, or sledding and skating children, which found their way onto the walls and the refrigerators. She'd even fashioned a miniature tree as a tabletop centerpiece, festooned with a popcorn & cranberry garland and a tiny paper chain of red & green construction paper loops. In a surprising moment of clarity, Stephen remembered the several years when he still believed in Santa Claus and had helped his mother create the same sort of decorations for their tree, and how excited he'd been counting down the days until Christmas morn. Memories of a simple happiness that he'd quite forgotten had been his. Gazing at Hope's little tree brought a warmth to his chest he would like to share with her - but he stopped himself each time, knowing full well that if he let that recollection bubble forth, it might open the gates to other memories not as pleasant.

Most evenings now found Hope settled on the sofa wrapping presents or penning personal greetings in Christmas cards, while her favorite Christmas movies played on television, setting what she considered the ideal mood. Stephen eventually ended up joining her some evenings, and once he took his place beside her, she very willingly set aside her project in favor of cuddling on the couch with him. He ended up adopting the habit of fixing them hot chocolate, and in Hope's homey company, he discovered that he didn't even mind the movies he'd once found trite and too sentimental since his undergraduate days. Besides, they made Hope happy--and her happiness had become key to his own.

On the 18th, Stephen was called to Kamar-Taj for an emergency meeting of all the Masters of the Sanctums and those in charge of the various disciplines. A rift in Earth's reality had opened inside the Kibo caldera of Mount Kilimanjaro, and whatever entities had worked that magic, it appeared they were trying to wake the dormant volcano into eruption. He only had time enough to fire off a cursory text to Hope, warning her he might be away for several days--and advising her not to worry. Then he was off to Tanzania, along with Wong and a dozen other Masters to beat back the incursion and seal the rift.

'Twas a grim Stephen that returned to the New York Sanctum just after midnight on December 21st. Hope was sound asleep, and he didn't have the heart to awaken her. He was sporting a split lip and multiple abrasions to his face, neck, and hands, and though he had been charm treated in the Kamar-Taj Infirmary, he still had a slight but nagging cough from smoke inhalation.

Yet he had gotten off more lightly than most of those who had to battle the dragonlike creatures that seemed to be ideally suited for a volcanic environment; that breathed fire and fought ferociously to maintain their foothold. Two Masters had fallen to their flames, and three more had suffered severe enough burns to be placed in magic induced comas while Healers worked around the clock to hasten the regeneration of new, healthy skin. Wong, who had suffered a broken wrist, bore the same sort of wounds as Strange and the other Masters did. Stephen was heartsick over the lost lives and the pain of his brothers & sisters, and his body ached all over.

Casting the Mirror Dimension on the master bath, he bundled up his rent robes and buried them deep in the hamper so Hope wouldn't see how badly they were damaged and bloodstained. Stephen had already repaired Cloak, and it had flitted off upon their return to the Sanctum to see to its own ablutions. He soaked in the tub of hot water and Epsom salt for nearly 90 minutes, trying to put the pictures frozen in his mind of the battle and the wounded behind him. Fearing that sleep would still elude him once he finally went to bed.

In the wee hours before sunrise, he slipped carefully and quietly between the sheets, and by some lovely instinct, Hope turned to him. She stirred a bit when he placed her hand above his heart--for he always found that soothing--and after a few moments she whispered, "Missed you, magic man. Is everything alright?"

Stephen sighed in the darkness, unwilling to disturb her peace with the truth, and murmured 'yes', and then, 'I missed you too'. What he wanted most was to forget everthing for a little while, and when she rested her head on his shoulder, he nuzzled the tender haven of her hair, focusing on Hope's softness until he was able to drift off the sleep.

Stephen rarely indulged in the luxury of sleeping in, but this day it had been a necessity. Though he felt physically refreshed when he finally left his bedroom, his spirit was all too weary, and he remained disconsolate in his very bones. No matter the season, he would've felt this way following the outcome on Kilimanjaro--but somehow looking at Hope's cheery holiday trimmings made it even worse. When he found her in the kitchen baking cookies, the sweet sight of her, so incongruous with the miasma he was lost in, prompted him to issue her a fair but regretful warning.

She had just moved a batch of cookies onto a wire rack to cool, then turned to greet him--but her smile faltered the moment she saw the misery on his face. "It went badly, then." Stephen nodded, and then she was sliding her arms beneath his, holding him tight, murmuring against his neck. "I'm so sorry, Stephen. Do you...do you want to talk about it?"

He shook his head and simply held her close, grateful that she was his true and loving sanctuary. When they parted just a little, Stephen cleared his throat before speaking. "Hope...honey..." he began, cupping one hand against her cheek, "I really appreciate how patient you've been with me this past month. And I appreciate everything you've done to bring Christmas to our..." He paused when his voice cracked, taking a moment before continuing, "...to our home."

Empathetic as usual, Hope simply reached to cup his cheek in her hand, and he wished he could just let himself melt into the moment. "But I dunno if the miracle you're hoping for is gonna happen this year. The past few days were pretty rough and given that...and the ghosts of my Christmases past...well, I think it's best if you lower your expectations about the holiday. I don't want to disappoint you but...well...I'm not gonna be catching the Christmas spirit this year."

Hope sighed and turned her face enough to place a soft kiss on the base of his thumb. "It's alright, darling. I...I understand." She sighed and stood tall enough to kiss his mouth, then whispered against his lips, "Whatever you need, Stephen. However things go." She embraced him warmly, then moved enough so she could look him in the eyes. "I spent five Christmases wondering how things might have been if you had survived Thanos. I know what's most important to me now--so in the end, all I really want for Christmas is you."

Stephen managed a small but genuine smile. He had expected no less. Undaunted, Hope briskly changed the subject. "How about I fix you some lunch and you go unwind with some mindless television? I'll bring it right to you."

"Actually, there's a little something I want to take a look at in my study...if you don't mind too much..."

"Of course, of course," she answered gamely, then swatted him softly on his way, "Gourmet grilled cheese and tomato soup are the special today, and the only tip I require is a couple dozen kisses."

"You can add those to my tab, honey," Stephen chuckled, then headed down the hall to his study, grateful for the distraction which he knew awaited him on his desk. Getting lost for a little while in a recently discovered manuscript might be exactly what he needed to get through the day.

If you enjoyed this little fic so far, you can read more about how Stephen & Hope met and fell in love in my stories 'Friday in the Park with Stephen' (meet-cute, flirtation & fluff), and 14,000,604 (hurt/comfort, angst, passion/smut, lovers reunited against impossible odds).

In addition, I've written a couple of one-shots/prompt fills as part of their ongoing series, The Wizard and the Artist

tagging: @strangelock221b @mousedetective @icytrickster17 @ironstrange1991 @darsynia @ben-locked @hithertoundreamtof23 @aeterna-auroral-avenger @lorelei-lee @stewardofningishzida @thelostsmiles @mrs-cookie @paperclippedmime @groovyqueer @mckiwi @dragonqueen89 @strangeflashholmes221 @strangesunicornsparkle

[heartbreak-sandwich]

Unexpected Talents: Stranger Things Boys Edition ✨

Argyle: He has an amazing talent for visualization. He's always helping Joyce pick out colors for paint, curtains, rugs, and trim. He can design any room or space with whatever you happen to have on hand, and he will maximize its potential while creating a classy atmosphere that you didn't even know was possible with the items you provided. He really knows how to create a vibe and is a true interior decorator. He brings a spark of California luxury to every place he designs, and he is always asking Jonathan for advice on personal touches he can add as a nice surprise for his clients.

Billy Hargrove: It's no secret that Billy is absolutely obsessed with his appearance and doesn't care what anyone thinks when it comes to experimenting with looks. He is a fashion master. He's great a creating an outfit and pairing pieces for the perfect aesthetic. He knows how to use a sewing machine, repair and modify clothing, and he's always gifting everyone clothes and accessories and warning them not to make too big of a deal about it because it was "just something he happened to notice," but he's always obviously excited when he sees his friends arrive in one of his creations or gifts.

Eddie Munson: Spending much of his time alone and enduring many late nights after playing with his band, Eddie has learned to be a chef of epic proportions. He values the taste of good food, and he is well acquainted with his kitchen. He can grill, fry, bake, and make just about anything from scratch, including some extremely complex and tedious recipes. He is always presenting the group with homemade desserts and insisting that everyone join together for Sunday dinner, which he, of course, makes himself. He is always insisting that Argyle and Jonathan show up early to help him set the table and choose the right colors and dishes to compliment his meal presentation.

Jonathan Byers: Jonathan is quieter than most in the group, but we also know that's because of how observant he is. He remembers everyone's favorite color, food, song, and activity. He is the best party planner anyone has ever known. Everything he incorporates into the events, whether they be a surprise birthday party, an anniversary party, or a holiday celebration is uniquely personal and thoughtful. Everyone is always asking him to be the brains behind these operations, and every Byers event is captured in the sweetest photos that Jonathan gives away to the partygoers as gifts.

Steve Harrington: It started with a houseplant Robin was going to throw away. Steve decided on a whim to take it home and see if there was anything he could do for it. After a little bit of research and some basic chemistry advice from Dustin, he concocted the perfect fertilizer recipe and realized he had quite the green thumb. He now has a beautiful garden that completely covers the spare areas of his yard, and he spends his time growing fresh vegetables for Eddie's meal experiments and gorgeous seasonal flowers for Jonathan and Argyle to use in decorations. You can almost always find all of his friends with a fresh flower in their hair or pinned to their collars.

***I am SUPER in my feelings after making this. I love these dudes so much, and continuing them on as people makes me so happy. I hope you liked these, and feel free to add or request more if you'd like!!

[lurkingshan]

1, 17, 29, 43, 62

Oh my god y'all are sending me so many.

What was the first piece of furniture you bought?

A custom-made headboard from an artist friend who did woodworking. For years and years I lived with hand me down furniture and it was the first thing I ever said, "fuck it" and bought for myself.

17. What's a movie you saw recently that you liked?

Oh I see, this was all a scheme to get me to post about Past Lives. Recently you tricked me into watching this on a plane and making an absolute fool of myself weeping in front of a bunch of strangers.

It's a really beautiful film about a Korean woman, Nora, who has made a life in the US with a career and a husband she loves. She is not unhappy with her life at all, but she reconnects with her first love and the life she might have lived and all her unresolved feelings about it come crashing down on her. My favorite thing about this movie is how generous and empathetic it is to everyone involved, including Nora, her husband, Arthur, and her first love, Hae Sung.

29. Go-to holiday card format?

I don't send holiday cards because I am lazy about that kind of stuff. If you want to see a picture of me in December just follow me on IG.

43. Favorite book you've read recently?

I have been having a bad few months for reading (my brain just gets like that sometimes post-COVID), so the last book I loved and actually completed was Da Ge during the early days of the Unknown watch. I still think about it all the time (and why the show adaptation messed up the ending FOR NO GODDAMN REASON).

62. Where are you on the minimalism-maximalism kinsey scale?

I am assuming 0=total minimalist and 6=total maximalist and we are talking about home decor, and I think I'm probably a solid 3. I like a home to actually have a personality and look like someone lives in it, but I also favor a soothing color palette and don't get too fancy with furniture.

Ask meme for people in their 30s

[penny-anna]

54, 56, and 62 for the ask meme please

54. Do you decorate your house for holidays? Which ones?

only xmas!! tho i recently got rid of my tree w intent to get a larger one now i have more space so will have to get on that in a couple of months

56. Favorite low-effort meal that you make?

i already answered this one so i will share that my ultra low effort meal is cheesy pasta. ingredients are 1) pasta 2) cheese

62. Where are you on the minimalism-maximalism kinsey scale?

uhh w minimalism a 1 and maximalism a 6 i'm about a 5!

[writingkitten]

what are your Molina characters wise favorite Christmas tradition

THIS SO CUTE

Ricky: like Halloween, he loves driving are with you, looking at Christmas decorations while sipping hot chocolate and listening to Christmas music

Robert: oh watching old Christmas movies, of course!! His favorite is Christmas In Connecticut

Harold: going to listen to an orchestra preform Christmas music!!

Otto: building a gingerbread house since he’s so good at engineering and all that!!

Doc Ock: oh snowball fight 100% because he’s got four extra arms to do the throwing

Harding: holiday pay (jkjk) um I think he likes baking Christmas treats! He’s gotta be precise and all that

Edelweiss: white elephant parties

Chandler: tying you up with Christmas lights and fucking you

Frank: see chandler^

Big Boss: he likes to run a humane petting zoo for the local kids, with the ranch decorated and hot cider/hot chocolate available for free

Andres: he does his iconic 24 days of Christmas drinks (can be non-alcoholic) where each night he makes a different Christmas themed drink

Boris: putting up a little Christmas tree for his cats!!

Dunlop: decorating the Christmas tree! He puts on Christmas music and you two decorate together

Arden: I think he likes the parades, getting to see all the cool floats and dancers and all that

Jim: reading ‘Twas The Night Before Christmas on Christmas Eve

Jimmy: wrapping Christmas presents and putting together presents for the kids

Armand: drinking eggnog by the fireplace

Manuel: holding Christmas mass, especially because afterwards he gets to fuck you in suck a beautifully decorated church

Maxim: decorating the house (since he can just use magic and it’s sooooo pretty)

Hank: doing an advent calendar throughout the month

Oswald: trying all of the peppermint stuff that comes out at Christmas (he loves peppermint)

Dick: reading Christmas novels

[oseathepebble]

Tsukiko Kawashima - Holiday Wear SSR Vignette 1

The vignette to go with Tsukiko's Holiday Wear SSR Card for the fan event created by @bunnwich

Part 1 | 2 | 3

20 Days Before Christmas Day

Ramshackle Dorm - Lounge

Between decorating Ramshackle for Yuletide and keeping their friends out of trouble, Tsukiko hardly had much time to gather everything for their special surprise for Jack. They sat on one of the couches in Ramshackle’s lounge as they quickly sketched out all the details of one of Jack’s presents

Grim lay by their side, snoozing away as they enjoyed the warmth emitted from the fireplace in the lounge. He spoke random words about food, a sound Tsukiko was familiar with

A knock on the front door drew them from their extreme focus. They groaned as they slammed their sketchbook shut. With each knock, they became more annoyed until they shot up from the couch and made their way to the front door

Ramshackle Dorm - Entry Hall

Upon opening it, they discovered Ace and Deuce shivering from the cold. “Hey Prefect, let us in!” Ace said through his chattering teeth

Tsukiko let out a sigh. “Come in,” They quickly shut the door after their two friends walked in. “Why are you two here? I’m busy,” To prove their point, they held up their sketchbook

Grim pranced into the entrance hallway. “You two knock too much,” He said groggily, clearly upset from being woken up from his peaceful nap by Tsukiko’s side

“We were just checking in, Tsukiko, you’ve been so busy lately you’ve forgotten all about us!” Ace dramatically cried. “But seriously, it’s been forever since we’ve got to hang out! What’s making you so busy? Ramshackle is already decorated,”

“Well if you must know, I’m preparing a surprise for Jack! It’s almost Christmas Day after all! This time of year is so romantic,” Tsukiko let out a dreamy sigh. “I have twenty days left and I’ve created a list of what I need to do and when!” They opened up to a page in their sketchbook that was completely covered in writing. “Today, I’m finalizing the details on the jacket I’m making for Jack. I already have a pattern made and all the fabric cut out. Then, tomorrow I’m going to buy ingredients as well as table decorations,” They shut their sketchbook. “And also on top of that, I have to make my other friends presents!”

Ace and Deuce listened as Tsukiko went on about all the things they needed to do within the next 20 days. Once they were done, Deuce spoke up, “Are you sure you can get all that done in just twenty days?” He said it not to express doubt, but concern for his friend

“Yes! If I stick to my plan and strategize in order to maximize the time available, I’ll be able to get everything done! With time to spare. I’m not gonna half-ass my presents this year. You guys deserve to get something nice for the holidays!”

“They’ve been talking like a crazy person this entire month! I can’t wait until Christmas when they finally stop making lists,” Grim added. Ever since the first snowfall, he had to deal with a frazzled Tsukiko, which he didn’t like. Their nights spent awake to plan caused them to be out of sorts the following day

“I’m sure we, especially Jack, will like whatever you get him, have you seen the way his tail wags when he’s around you? I don’t understand why you have to go all out for Christmas. Just wrap up your present for him real nice and he’ll love it!” Ace crossed his arms as he shook his head. He did have a point

“But I have to! Christmas is the most romantic holiday of the year! I can’t half-ass my present! I’d be a fool if I didn’t go all out for Jack,” The more Tsukiko explained, the more they sounded crazy to their friends

“Romantic? I don’t see how Christmas is romantic,” Deuce openly admits. His head tilted in confusion. 

“Well, maybe it’s because you’ve never been in a relationship before! How could Christmas not be romantic? Spending an evening looking at the pretty lights, exchanging gifts from the heart, and on top of that, a cuddle session with your partner to warm each other up!” As they explained, their eyes lit up with excitement. It was clear they were very passionate about the subject

“We should go, I don’t feel like spending Christmas collared,” Ace grabbed Deuce’s arm and tugged him towards the door. The Ramshackle Prefect wished them goodbye before going back to work

10 Days Before Christmas Day

Ramshackle Dorm - Fashion Studio

Tsukiko snoozed away at their sewing machine. Their sleep schedule had been so out of sorts, they had ended up passing out in the middle of making Jack’s new jacket. They were only awakened by the sound of Grim’s whines

“Tsukikoooo where’s my tunaaa,” Grim whined as he pawed at their pant leg. Usually, Tsukiko would wake Grim up and then they go eat. But strangely enough this day, Grim had woken up before Tsukiko

The Prefect stirred awake. “H-huh? Grim? What time is it? Why don’t you ask Yuuta or Yume. . .” They asked as they sat up and stretched. Their eyes adjusted to the light and they noticed instead of their bed, they had been sleeping in their fashion studio

“Yume and Yuuta are ou with their boyfriends,” Grim answered. “And I think it’s the afternoon,” Though he didn’t know how to read time, based on how bright it was outside, he assumed it was the afternoon

Tsukiko’s eyes went wide. They looked at the wooden clock that hung above the door and just as Grim had said, it was the afternoon. 1:00 pm to be exact. “No no no no! I’m behind schedule!” They jumped out of their chair and raced out of the room to get ready

When they finally got their things together, they grabbed Grim a can of tuna to eat while they carried him out the door and took him along for their errands. “Okay, if I hurry, I’ll get everything I need! And with just enough time to finish my other presents!” Tsukiko went from place to place, gathering everything they needed

To Be Continued

[mpxmaxim]

Planting pots and decorations

For the crafty little shit @kazxmp

His eyes scanned the room, trying to find more stuff he didn’t remember ever purchasing. A framed drawing on the table, plants in intricately designed pots, little trinkets he’s never noticed before. While he wasn’t exactly the most perceptive person to walk the earth, Maxim was still wondering how long it took him to notice the reverse robbery. He knew for a fact that it stretched over some time because only a few days ago he was wondering where the plant on his window sill came from but filed it off as it being a gift he forgot about. Back then, he didn’t wonder why anybody would even gift him anything to begin with, but now that thought about it for more than a second, it didn’t make any sense. His birthday already passed months ago and he wasn't aware of any gift-giving holidays happening around this time of year, nor did he do anything to earn any kind of present, let alone a whole set of decorations.  

With furrowed brows and a pondering expression, he picked up one of the pots to inspect it – maybe he could find out who left it there. Whoever it was had some explaining to do. The realization that a complete stranger might have entered his apartment to leave decorations confused him more than it angered him. It had to either be someone he didn’t know or an unhinged person. 

A small doodle on the bottom of the pot caught his eye and after almost spilling soil on his living room floor from tilting it too far, he decided to just hold it up higher to get a better look at it instead. And maybe it was some divine message from the universe or just his brain doing a bonus lap today, but Maxim blinked a few times when he realized who this belonged to and set the decoration down to fish his phone out.

It definitely was the work of an unhinged person.

[Text to: Gremlin #1] Did you break into my apartment?? [Text to: Gremlin #1] Just to decorate it???