#even god rested on the sabbath

[mrsbridgerton]

if I see any racism directed to yerin…. STAND BEHIND ME GIRL

[alostwanderernotfound]

On the 10 Commandments:

——-

The Fourth Commandment Explained

———————

People often still debate the meaning of what God’s Commandments are after the numerous translations. The Orthodox Jewish Bible actually contains the transcript of that speech I gave that day in Shemot 20.

And in my own words: If you do not hold anything else, hold & speak my commandments. Let us review the originals as they were intended- the speech with the teaching summary. Any & all attempts to do harm and/or cause suffering by bypassing the Commandments with “loopholes” will be considered with harsh penalty.

“Remember Yom HaShabbos, to keep it kodesh. Sheshet yamim shalt thou labor, and do all thy work: But the Yom HaShevi’i is the Shabbos of Hashem Eloheicha; in it thou shalt not do any melachah, thou, nor thy ben, nor thy bat, thy eved, nor thy maidservant, nor thy cattle, nor thy ger that is within thy gates; For in sheshet yamim Hashem made Shomayim and Ha’Aretz, the yam, and all that in them is, and rested Yom HaShevi’i; for this reason Hashem blessed Yom HaShabbos, and set it apart as kodesh.”

‭‭Shemot‬ ‭20‬:‭8‬-‭11‬ ‭TOJB2011‬‬

https://bible.com/bible/130/exo.20.8-11.TOJB2011

Keep at least one good day or Sabbath “set aside” or spiritually different than your other days of the week. Spirituality can mean many things, but ultimately there is an underlying belief that “lifting the soul” or caring for that intangible part of yourself is essential. The intangible is often our intuitions, our feelings, our connectedness to ourselves & the universe & just like how we see that expressed in so many different way across a variety of cultures, Christianity as a practice can also be expressed that way.

You must dedicate at a minimum 1 day out of 7 to rest & having a focus on practices to lift the soul. Your community, anyone that even steps foot near your land as a guest, & those that work with and/or for you must also do the same. That can mean a lot of different practices & not always necessarily the practice of going to church, but ultimately it’s a focus on practices that nourish your soul. God wants you to take care of yourself.

You can find other versions/passages talk about punishment for not holding Sabbath in reverence, but that is for more specific situations. For example, If you claim yourself to be of this God, benefit, and then exploit people by making them work everyday without any rest you will be sinful in God’s eyes.

You have to remember Christianity back when it first was being introduced to people was INCREDIBLY radical in comparison to the way countries were run, the concept of kingship, & it also advocated for the abolishment of slavery.

Many commonly held interpretations of a variety of Christian practices & teachings are a result of the original documents being censored & altered by kings, empires & politics.

It originally was perceived as a disruptive force because it didn’t ask for equality, it demanded it in a tenuous time period of geopolitical instability.

Moses was known as the guy who had freed a bunch of slaves. You really think the political forces that existed during that time frame were really just going to let a “criminal” get up on a public platform & say whatever they want with the risk of him causing more slave uprisings?

Absolutely not. And it changed the world forever.

[silent-stories]

𝐒𝐓𝐎𝐑𝐌𝐒

Pairing: Eddie x GN!Reader

Summary: Eddie is not scared of thunderstorms after what happened in the Upside Down. Not at all.

It had started raining several hours before and the drizzle quickly turned into a thunderstorm. The wind was blowing hard and slapping the twigs of the tree in front of your house on your bedroom window.

Rain poured down on the roof and from time to time the sound of thunder rumbled throughout the whole house.

The night sky outside was dark, with no moon or stars.

You were on your bed, Eddie was sitting with his back against the headboard, his arm was around your waist, your head was resting on his chest and your face was pressed into his Black Sabbath shirt.

About half an hour earlier you had started watching a movie but then you were distracted by cuddling and because of the noise of the rain and thunder drowning out the voices coming from the small tv in your room.

You had turned off the TV a few minutes before, deciding you'd rather focus on Eddie and his hand slowly stroking your side.

A crashing thunder rumbled in your ears and you thought the lightning didn't have to have fallen very far from you to cause such a din.

Suddenly, you felt Eddie's hand on yours, it wouldn't be the first time he'd start playing with your fingers or your rings in a moment of calm and intimacy like that.

Instead, that time his hand found yours to hold it and intertwine his fingers with yours.

You smiled sinking your face into his chest, just enjoying that gesture.

A few minutes later, as you were about to fall asleep, another thunder almost made you jump and you felt Eddie's hand suddenly squeeze yours. Not to the point of hurting you, but he certainly added pressure.

You lifted your head and before you could speak, his grip already loosened but his hand was still on yours.

"You okay?" You asked.

He nodded. "Of course."

You tried to read his expression, something was definitely wrong, you knew him well enough to know.

"Eddie."

"What?"

"You squeezed my hand."

"No I-"

He didn't have time to finish the sentence when you both heard the rumble of another thunder, so loud it felt like the house was shaking.

Eddie's hand squeezed yours again, this time even harder than the previous one and he closed his eyes tightly for a few seconds, while the sound echoed until it disappeared, and then opened them again, looking at you.

He let go of your hand and stared at you with his big chocolate brown eyes that you could see shining even in the dark.

"Oh my god." You whispered, that was the moment you realized.

Thunders. Lightnings. The noise.

The Upside Down.

Eddie was scared because of what happened in the Upside Down.

You opened your arms and he lunged into them, burying his face in the crook of your neck and closing his eyes.

"Why didn't you tell me before?" You asked without sounding accusing, none of that was his fault.

"'Cause it's stupid." He murmured, his lips tickling your skin as he spoke.

It wasn't stupid if it was scaring the shit out of him, you could tell by the desperate way he was holding onto you.

As another roar of thunder broke through, Eddie hold you even tighter, squeezing the fabric of your shirt in his fists and pushing his face into your neck.

You run your hand up and down his back, tracing imaginary drawings and left a few kisses on the side of his head that you could reach.

"I'm sorry." He muttered, the tone of his voice sounded like that of a child scared of sleeping alone who in the middle of the night, got into his parents' bed.

"Hey, It's okay, I'm here. I got you." You whispered as you left a kiss on his temple. "You're not there anymore. They can't hurt you, I promise."

At your simple words, Eddie actually seemed to calm down a bit and his tense muscles relaxed under your touch.

You held him all night, all through the storm and even after.

Whenever there was thunder Eddie would hold you tight and you would alternate between phrases like "it's okay, breathe. It'll all be over soon" and "focus on my voice, it's okay. No one's going to hurt you. I'm right here. I love you."

Around three in the morning, the storm started to calm down and the thunders finally stopped.

Eddie didn't budge from you and you kept caressing his back and leaving a few kisses in his hair until you heard a buzz.

He had fallen asleep. He was asleep, he was snoring and you had never been so happy to hear that noise.

You finally closed your eyes.

"Goodnight Ed."

Tags: @jacklesdeanvessel @morning-sky7 @pipsqueakkitten @navs-bhat

[steddieas-shegoes]

and on the first day, god said let them have a drummer

for @corrodedcoffinfest prompt 'in the beginning'

rated t | 556 words | cw: language | tags: gareth introduction to the band, they are all idiots, that's the common theme with all of these

🎸🎸🎸🎸🎸🎸🎸🎸🎸🎸🎸🎸

"Okay. We need a drummer."

This one lasted longer than all the others at least, but turned out he thought they were planning on playing at school only.

His parents would never let him play The Hideout.

"We've exhausted all options," Jeff sighed, leaning back in the beanbag chair in the corner of the garage. "Hawkins has three drummers and all of them have played for us."

"Are we the problem?" Frankie asked, resting his head against the wall.

"We can't be," Jeff replied, though he sounded unsure.

"I could be," Eddie sighed.

Not many people were interested in hanging out with the second year senior who participated in "devil games" and hung out in the woods entirely too late at night.

Never mind the fact that he was only in the woods late at night because their kids were buying drugs from him.

"Man, shut up." Frankie rolled his eyes. "None of us are exactly the town's favorite. Maybe we should try asking around at The Hideout. Someone older might be interested."

"Jeff's mom isn't gonna let a grown ass adult hang out with us in their garage," Eddie argued.

"You're a grown ass adult," Jeff looked at him.

"Barely. I'm the least mature of all of us."

They nodded in agreement. He definitely was youngest in spirit.

Plus, Jeff's mom absolutely adored him for some reason. None of them quite understood it, but Eddie insisted it was just his charm.

"What about that one kid in band?" Frankie asked, standing up straight. "What's his name? It's kinda stupid. Garrett? Garen?"

"Gareth Emerson?" Jeff asked. "He's, like, 12."

"He's 15! And he can play. I saw it with my own eyes. He's good," Frankie argued.

"How are we getting him into The Hideout?"

"The same way we all do: lying."

They all sighed in unison.

"What other choice do we have? We have to try. None of us can be the drummer." Eddie hated that they were stuck doing this, but he had to trust this would be the one.

"So…who's gonna ask him?" Frankie asked.

"Your idea, you ask him," Jeff said as he pulled his guitar back in front of him and strummed it once. "Tell him first practice is to see if he fits. Don't make it sound like we're desperate."

🥁🥁🥁🥁🥁

"So…you're really desperate, huh?" Gareth asked as he sat behind the drum set Jeff kept in the garage.

"No! We just haven't had much luck," Jeff said.

"Right. Well, I don't mind helping you guys out, but my mom's not gonna be cool about performing in fuckin' dive bars," Gareth adjusted the stool. "Why do you even have your own drumset?"

"My dad plays."

"And Jeff thought he would be cool enough to be a drummer a few years ago until I showed him how to play guitar," Eddie nudged Jeff's shoulder before he turned to the amp to his side and adjusted the volume.

Jeff's parents weren't home, but the neighbors might be, and the last thing they needed was a formal noise complaint.

"You guys know I can't even drive, right?" Gareth asked, spinning a drumstick in his hand.

"Yeah, dude. Your voice still cracks. We're well aware you're a child. Don't make it weird," Eddie smirked. "You know Sabbath?"

"Of course I know Sabbath."

"Let's fuckin' play then."

[choke-me-joey]

Eddie Munson x fem metalhead cheerleader

Summary: Based on this - how Eddie met his not so typical cheerleader girlfriend and a little exploration of their relationship.

Content warning: 18+ content minors DNI, smoking, underage drinking, drug use, swearing, flirting, smut.

AN: there is a scene in this based on a ✨️video✨️ i had sent to me by a beautiful anon and I haven't been able to stop thinking about it. If you want the link you can find it on my page or message me and I'll try to send it!

📢 TAG LIST IS NOW FULL 📢

Chapter 1

Chapter 2

Chapter 3

Chapter 5

Chapter 4

The following Tuesday, after practice and your homework, you'd driven over to The Hideout to see the famous Corroded Coffin play to their crowd of regular drunks. You parked your car in the lot, getting out and straightening out your cropped Iron Maiden shirt. You'd paired it with some shorts and fishnets, as well as your Docs and your jacket which, courtesy of Eddie, now had a WASP pin resting proudly on the lapel.

You made your way into the, quite honestly, dump of a bar, impressed that you didn't even need a fake ID to get in. You grinned when you saw Corroded Coffin setting up on the small stage and made a beeline for your friends and your....Eddie.

"What's up, rockstars?" You smile, giving Eddie a cheeky pinch to the butt as he was bent over with his back to you sorting out his peddle. He angled his head to look at you, and nearly keeled over at the sight of your outfit. He recovered, standing up to hug you.

"Now this just isn't fair, sweetheart, gonna be playing our set with a fucking boner," he groans into you ear, making you giggle. He subtly kissed your head.

"Holy shit you actually came!" Gareth said, grinning at you from behind his drum kit. "Eddie said you might not make it because of practice."

"Like I'd miss the infamous Corroded Coffin live in concert," you gesture to the homemade banner behind them. "I'm excited!"

"You're probably the only one in the audience who is," Jeff laughs, glancing over the few people who had come to the bar to watch them play.

"Well, just remember who your biggest fan was in the early days, yeah?"

"Of course, sweetheart," Eddie winks at you and you have to wrestle down the urge to kiss him, not knowing how he felt about your...whatever this was between you being made super public yet. You instead settle on shooting him a wink and going to get yourself a drink whilst they finished setting up, patiently waiting for their set to start.

You were surprised when the bartender handed you a beer, apparently Eddie had sorted you with a drink before you'd gotten there, and again that meant nobody was checking your ID. You said nothing, taking your beer and sitting at a table close to the stage where you had a good view and Eddie could definitely see you.

The band start their set and you're completely blown away. Not only are they actually pretty damn good, the way Eddie carries himself on stage is incredible. He's confident, charismatic, nothing new there, but he eludes this sexy rockstar attitude that makes your pussy clench as you watch him. He plays with an energy that should be for 80,000 people not just 0.01% of that.

You watch his skilled fingers running up and down the frets, effortlessly playing chords without even glancing down. And when he sang, god your heart skipped a beat. His voice was the perfect mix of soft melodic singing and raw yells and shouts. They played a mix of covers and their own songs, their musical influences clear in those original pieces. Your favourite so far had been their rendition of Paranoid by Black Sabbath, and a song called Shallow Grave of their own. You had screamed and shouted and applauded, probably too enthusiastically really, but you didn't care. They were good, and Eddie was hot.

As the notes of another original song, Strangers in the Dark, came to an end, Eddie spoke into the microphone.

"We're going to change things up a little bit now folks, with a new cover dedicated to a very special person who happens to be our number one fan. This one's for you, airhead." He shot you a smirk and you grinned back at him, your cheeks flushing. "Sing along if you know it, maybe even dance a little if you're drunk enough."

The opening notes of Edge of Seventeen by Stevie Nicks, but with a Corroded Coffin touch, began to play and your jaw dropped. You fucking loved this song, and your mind and heart race when you remember you had told Eddie that, probably about 3 weeks ago when you'd first started speaking properly, only mentioned it briefly when he'd seen the tape of Bella Donna sticking out of your bag.

He'd...learnt this, for you? Made his band learn this for you without even knowing if you'd ever come to one of his shows?

It's a good thing you were sat down because your knees felt stupidly weak.

"Just like the white wing dove, sings a song sounds like she's singing, ooh, ooh, ooh," Eddie croons; his voice could have brought tears to your eyes. He wasn't playing guitar for this, cupping the mic in his hands in a way that should have been illegal.

You sit in your seat, singing along, watching as a few drunks get up to dance, mostly middle aged women who look as if Stevie Nicks is their lord and saviour.

"Come on honey, your boyfriend is singing this for you! You gotta dance!" One of the Stevie-ites grabs your hand and tries to pull you up to dance.

"Oh, I cant-" you start, feeling a little embarassed. Ridiculous really, seeing as you were in front of two entire high schools nearly every week dancing and cartwheeling and splitting. Why the fuck was dancing in front of Eddie making you shy?!

You catch Eddie's eye as you're dragged onto the small dance area in front of the stage, the woman lets go of your hand to do her own Stevie style twirl, and you laugh, doing the same when she encourages you to do so. You glance up at Eddie and he grins back at you, still singing away as he pulls you up onto the small stage, twirling you around. You stay next to him, wrapped in his arms as the band finishes the song. When the last note plays, Eddie grabs you and you kisses you hard on the lips and you wrap your arms around his neck, the small crowd whooping and cat calling as you break apart, both of you panting and grinning like fools.

"You're amazing," Eddie says breathlessly, looking into your eyes.

"Me?! I'm not the one who just turned Stevie Nicks into a bad ass metal anthem! You gotta record that, you...you're incredible!" You pant, your face starting to hurt with how much you're smiling. You run one finger down his chest whilst looking up at him through your lashes. "How much longer is the set, rock star?"

Eddie swallows hard.

"Uh, th-three songs."

"Perfect, I'll be waiting by your van when you've packed up." You shoot him a sexy smirk, pecking his lips once more and hopping off the stage to watch the rest of the set.

*

True to your words you were waiting, leant up against the side of Eddie's van as he finished loading up his equipment.

"So, I've been thinking, that bed you've got in there?" You gesture to the back of the van. "Super fucking comfortable, perfect for laying down after a successful show, don't you think?"

"While every fibre of my being is going to hate me for saying this, Y/N-"

"Who said anything about sex?" You cut him off and he looks at you, confusion etched on his face. "Just wanna show you how appreciative I am that you learned a song for me, very cute by the way."

"Well, I have been known to be pretty cute," Eddie grins, letting you pull him into the back of the van, kicking the door shut. He grunts, letting out a breathless laugh as you push him onto his back and straddle him, pushing his shirt up his stomach. "Hey, you know you don't have to do anything you don't want to, right?"

"What about if I want to?" You smile, rocking your hips experimentally against him. Eddie groans, fingers biting into your hips. You lean down and kiss him, tongue immediately finding his. Eddie's hands travel from your hips to your ass, squeezing it softly at first, then harder as your kisses grows deeper and more desperate. You pull away from the kiss, sitting back on your heels and your hands hover over his belt buckle. "Can I?"

"Yeah, yes, shit, you can do anything you want to me right now, sweetheart." Eddie groans as you undo his belt, your hand ghosting over the bulge in his jeans. Once his jeans are also undone, he helps you by lifting his hips so you can pull his jeans and boxers down to his mid thigh. You can't help the gasp that leaves your mouth as his cock springs free, slapping his lower stomach.

"Holy...what the fuck, Eddie?!" You laugh, unable to process what you're seeing. He's big. And not just big, but thick too. Uncut, with a delicious thick vein running along the underside of his cock. His balls are - is it weird to say perfect?- big and round and your mouth salivates at the sight. Would you even be able to wrap your hand around him? Swallow him down? Would your cunt stretch enough to accommodate him? Your brain buzzed with arousal.

"Not really something I go around showing off," Eddie chuckles, hissing as you attempt to wrap your hand around him, slowly stroking him. You pull back his foreskin to expose the head of his cock, the same beautiful shade of reddy purple as his lips, and you watch in fascination as a small bead of precum blurts out and over your fingers. "Shit, Y/N, your hand feels so fucking good."

"I haven't even done anything yet," you giggle, moving a tiny bit faster, your other hand gently cupping his balls. You make sure he's looking at you before you let a glob of spit fall from your mouth onto the head of his cock, using it to lube his shaft for your hand to glide easier along it. Eddie fucking whimpers, whimpers, at that, his head dropping back onto the pillow beneath him.

"Fuck, babe, you're fucking...you're a dream."

"A wet one, I hope?"

"You're...everything. God the amount of times I've thought about this, about you...Jesus, how are you fucking real?" Eddie sighs as you work your hand over his cock faster, the mix of your spit and his precum making it easier. "Can I...fuck, can you take your shirt off? And...and put my jacket on?"

He prayed silently that you'd agree, it was all he'd been able to think about for about 3 weeks. You smile, nodding, taking off your shirt. Eddie almost blows his load there and then. Not only were you braless, but you also had your fucking nipples pierced, the two silver bars winking at him in the dim lights streaming in from the car park. You send him a knowing smirk briefly letting go of his cock to grab his previously discarded jacket and slip your arms into it, the leather cool and somewhat a little sticky against your damp skin.

"How do I look?" Your voice is low and sultry, laced with arousal. The throb between your legs is almost unbearable now, and you grind your crotch against his leg for some relief.

"Like every wet dream I've had since I was 13," Eddie groans as you spit on his cock again. "Shit, never thought you'd be so..."

"So what?" You challenge with a smirk, one eyebrow cocked as you continue to jerk him off.

"Jesus, so fucking...filthy." Eddie gasps as you run your other thumb over the slit of his cock, gathering some precum on the digit and sucking it into your mouth. You exaggerate a moan, this was purely for him right now but he did taste really fucking good. "Shit, gonna cum soon, don't stop baby."

"Not going to Eds, want you to make a mess all over me." You push the jacket off of your tits so he can clearly see them. Your free hand pinches one of your nipples, making you moan and grind down onto him again, a whimper leaving your mouth.

"Jesus fuck!" Eddie grunts, his cock twitching in your hand as he cums, streaking your tits, stomach and a little bit of his own jacket with thick white ropes. You stroke him through it, letting go of his thick cock when he starts to hiss in discomfort. "Fuck, princess, easy, easy," he lets a breathless laugh as you scoop up some of his cum off your tits with your finger, popping it into your mouth and sucking it off. "Jesus H Christ."

"I prefer Y/N." You grin, letting out a squeal as Eddie pins you down onto the floor of the van, kissing you hard. His hand wanders to the button of your shorts. "Hey, don't worry about me, handsome. This was all for you."

"You sure? I want to." Eddie's eyes flick to yours and you smile.

"I know, and believe me I really want you to but I have to get home, school night and all that." You sigh and Eddie groans, dropping his head to your shoulder. "My fingers will just have to do tonight."

Eddie groans even louder.

"Shit, Y/N, that isn't fair."

"Relax, Eds, my parents are away this weekend, so I'll have that big, empty house all to myself. You wanna come over and protect poor little old me?" You put on a fake pout. Eddie smirks.

"And by protect you mean-"

"Fuck my brains out until I can't fucking walk and make me scream so loud the neighbours will know your name? Yeah, that's what I meant." You giggle, pecking his lips softly.

"Oh, I'll be there baby, I'll protect you so hard, don't you worry."

Taglist:

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@50shadesofuncomfortable

@bibieddiesgf

@josephquinngirly

@mich-13

@wintersoldierbaby

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@letme-simp

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@eddiessweetheart86

@daysinthephoenix

@squishyturtle

[blogfullofemos]

That's NOT Music

*Ok so this is just a little headcannon event I believe would happen between Eddie and reader* Rated E for everyone.

Okay so hear me out... You and Eddie become the best of friends because "Your art is like SSSOOO out there and its scary you don't even dooo drugs man... Like not even a lick off a Mary-Wanna leaf." as Eddie so educatedly states. But when it comes to music.... Oh when it comes to music.

See Eddie is into Led Zeppelin, Black Sabbath, Iron Maiden, ANYTHING THAT CONSISTS OF BANSHEE WAILS FROM A GUITAR'S MOUTH!! But you.... YOU were into 'glam-rock'.

"A putrid stain resting on a dragon's shithole that when it farts. It sounds like Steven Tyler's iconic wail." as Eddie once again, states.

"Have you even listened to it? Like sit and fully give it a chance?" you push at him. Eddie stares at you with a dimpled smile but the light in his eyes, dim. Yeah he checked out before you even started. "EDDIE!!" you yell at him, highly annoyed by his blatant stubbornness.

"Aerosmith is sooo not-."

"Okay but have you heard of Bon Jovi?" you cut him off before he went on another 'fuck glam-rock' tangent. Eddie leans back and places his fingers on his chin, his music rolodex spinning as he scrambles for some semblance of a.... Bonjo? Banjo?

~~~

"THIS IS WHAT YOU CALL MUSIC?!!" Eddie yells, as he rips the earbud out of his left ear. Making the other pop out of your right ear, landing hard onto the kitchen counter and next to your CD player. "EDS!!" you exclaim, swatting his shoulder even harder.

"OUCHIE!!! Never would've guessed you were heavy-handed." he says rubbing the area you hit and leaning away from you. You check the earbuds, as they are sooo easy to break, and yup. The right one (the one Eddie had on) is barely audible. "This band is so mediocre. Simple chords, simple song-writing, and-." his voice dies off as you slowly look at him with dagger eyes. His brain quickly rendering his mistake. BUT!! He couldn't control it. It was just sooo. Natural. He bites his index finger as he gives puppy eyes "Whoops." he winces.

~~~

So now, Steve and Eddie go for a night drive in Steve's beat-up convertible. The radio lowly playing whatevers popular to the masses, as they both share a doobie. Eddie listening to Steve deciphering the female mind out loud when a hint of a guitar sound peeks through. "HOLD ON!!" Steve yells, turning the volume up so the guitar riff plays stronger.

Eddie knew, from the beating you gave him afterwords, that this was Bon Jovi. Steve taps onto the steering wheel "ITS ALL THE SAME, ONLY THE NAMES WILL CHANGE!!" Steve sings along as Eddie whips his head to the betrayal he was hearing.

"EVERYDAY IT SEEMS WE'R-!!" Steve continues giving little looks and egging Eddie to sing along.

"No.. No FUCKING way man."

"WHERE THE FACES ARE SO COLD!!"

"NO STEVE!! THIS IS HOW THEY GET YOU, THEY TRY WITH THESE-!!"

"COME ON HELLFIRE I NEED A BACK UP!! I'M A COWBOY!!"

Eddie bites his bottom lip because FUCK!! Not like this... Please to the Iron Maiden artwork Gods.. Not... Like... "DEAD OR ALIVEEE!!" they both belt.

"FUCK YEAH MAN!!" Steve exclaims, stepping on the gas pedal as Eddie hides his face in utter shame.

Look at what you've done. Now he's definitely going to force you to listen to Metallica.

[keeksandgigz]

more eddie thoughts (they’re fluffy with a bit of angst); minors dni anyway pls <3

ok so i see sometimes eddie being written as super romantic like number one boyfriend of the year.

and yeah he’s a good boyfriend, but this kid has never had like a true reference of what actual love looks like bc yk his mom died and al is a piece of shit.

anyways so he doesn’t really know how to express his feelings when it comes to love because of how he grew up and how he was treated even at school. kid didn’t have a good support system outside of yk hellfire and even then it’s a different type of love.

so when he starts dating you he’s kind of stumbling in the dark for most of the beginning of it. and you understand because he’s never actually dated anyone (because he thought he was incapable of being loved)but you’re taking your time with him and helping him figure out what a real and loving relationship is supposed to look like.

and it’s been a few weeks and you still haven’t said the big l bomb yet, but you’re sure you love him and he’s sure he loves you but he doesn’t know how to say it.

so one day you’re back at his trailer, just spending time together, yk getting high listening to music (not much else to do in the 80s) and he’s asking you to put a record on while he’s rolling a joint for you two to share. and your eyes fall on the first record in his pile, which is “sabbath bloody sabbath.” you don’t know better so you put it on while he lights the joint for you.

by the time you get to that third track, “fluff” which is just guitars and piano and nothing else, you’re both blissfully high. he’s nuzzled into your neck, enjoying the state you’re in, lulled by soft skin and sweet perfume.

he feels protected, guarded. soft hums escape both your mouths, while the forgotten joint rests on an ashtray on his bedside table. a soft lullaby in the background, one eddie had forgotten about, because it was often not his speed.

but the song plays and he’s sure you’re about to fall asleep. it’s like a lullaby, and he’s sure he’s never felt more at peace before. you glowing in the dim light of the small window in his room, a soft smile pressed on your lips.

you cradle his head in the blissful haze of your high, and he’s sure he’s never felt like that before. like you’re a warm blanket over his heart, like the warm glow of a candle in a dark and cold room. you really are a warm glow.

so he nudges you, and you open your eyes from your daze. neither one of you had spoken for the past 20 minutes, ever since the weed hit. eddie breaks the silent vow.

“you know how i’m not good with, y’know, words?” he mumbles, soft and a bit insecure against your skin.

you nod your head, a humming sound following it.

“and i really enjoy spending my time with you, like, i’m always saying that we could be spending the rest of our lives here just doing this over and over and over” he rambles, the high getting to him.

you smile, he’s really not good with words.

“and it’s funny you picked this album today, out of all the albums i have. because my dad would play it often, and i remember when i was like four- and i don’t even know how i remember this because i probably do have some memory loss because i probably fell and hit my head too many times as a kid- and it feels funny that i remember this, like some kind of irony” he continues.

you just lay there, playing with his hair as he rests on your chest, nodding along to his stoned ramble

“but i remember my parents dancing to this, like one night my dad played this album instead of my mom’s bluegrass ones, and she protested ‘cause she didn’t want this kinda music so late. something about me not being able to sleep” he toys with the hem of his shirt, he’s nervous. your heart shrinks.

“but this song comes on, and my dad grabs my mom’s hand and they just start dancing in the middle of the kitchen, while i’m just doing god knows what. but that’s one of my few memories of them actually liking each other.” he sighs, you’re still wondering what his point is.

“and i don’t wanna be like my dad, but this song is just, god, it’s really what it feels like to be with you, like this” he says, gesturing at his room, at you, at the roach on the ashtray.

you gasp because that’s the most he’s ever been able to express, and he’s all flushed, because the mask is off, and now you know he loves you. and a smile creeps up your lips, because this boy everyone thinks is the devil incarnate is actually the most genuine and lovable man in this town. and you love him.

and, apparently, he loves you too.

[mybeautifulchristianjourney]

The Ten Commandments

1 Then Moses called all Israel, and said unto them, Hear, O Israel, the ordinances and the laws which I propose to you this day, that ye may learn them, and take heed to observe them.

2 The Lord our God made a covenant with us in Horeb.

3 The Lord made not this covenant with our fathers only, but with us, even with us all here alive this day.

4 The Lord talked with you face to face in the Mount, out of the midst of the fire.

5 (At that time I stood between the Lord and you, to declare unto you the word of the Lord: for ye were afraid at the sight of the fire, and went not up into the mount) and he said,

6 ¶ I am the Lord thy God, which have brought thee out of the land of Egypt, from the house of bondage.

7 Thou shalt have none other gods before my face.

8 Thou shalt make thee no graven image or any likeness of that that is in heaven above, or which is in the earth beneath, or that is in the waters under the earth.

9 Thou shalt neither bow thyself unto them, nor serve them: for I the Lord thy God am a jealous God, visiting the iniquity of the fathers upon the children, even unto the third and fourth generation of them that hate me:

10 And showing mercy unto thousands of them that love me, and keep my commandments.

11 Thou shalt not take the Name of the Lord thy God in vain: for the Lord will not hold him guiltless that taketh his Name in vain.

12 Keep the Sabbath day to sanctify it, as the Lord thy God hath commanded thee.

13 Six days thou shalt labor, and shalt do all thy work:

14 But the seventh day is the Sabbath of the Lord thy God: thou shalt not do any work therein, thou, nor thy son, nor thy daughter, nor thy manservant, nor thy maid, nor thine ox, nor thine ass, neither any of thy cattle, nor the stranger that is within thy gates: that thy manservant and thy maid may rest as well as thou.

15 For, remember that thou wast a servant in the land of Egypt, and that the Lord thy God brought thee out thence by a mighty hand, and a stretched out arm: therefore the Lord thy God commanded thee to observe the Sabbath day.

16 ¶ Honor thy father and thy mother, as the Lord thy God hath commanded thee, that thy days may be prolonged, and that it may go well with thee upon the land, which the Lord thy God giveth thee.

17 Thou shalt not kill.

18 Neither shalt thou commit adultery.

19 Neither shalt thou steal.

20 Neither shalt thou bear false witness against thy neighbor.

21 Neither shalt thou covet thy neighbor’s wife, neither shalt thou desire thy neighbor’s house, his field, nor his manservant, nor his maid, his ox, nor his ass, nor ought that thy neighbor hath.

22 ¶ These words the Lord spake unto all your multitude in the mount of the midst of the fire, the cloud and the darkness, with a great voice, and added no more thereto: and wrote them upon two tables of stone, and delivered them unto me. — Deuteronomy 5:1-22 | 1599 Geneva Bible (GNV) Geneva Bible, 1599 Edition. Published by Tolle Lege Press. All rights reserved. Cross References: Genesis 15:13; Exodus 18:20; Exodus 19:1; Exodus 19:18; Exodus 20:2-3; Exodus 20:5; Exodus 20:21; Exodus 23:1; Exodus 34:17; Leviticus 19:11; Numbers 14:18; Matthew 5:21; Matthew 5:33; Matthew 15:4; Mark 2:27; Luke 13:14; Luke 18:20; Luke 23:56; Romans 7:7; Hebrews 8:9; Hebrews 12:18

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The Ten Commandments

[yuuuume]

nuclear family

content: stepcest, unprotected sex, daddy kink (slightly mentioned), body worship (i guess idk how to tag shit, im old)

pairing: stepdad!jushiro x afab!reader

rating: 18+ mdni

0.8k, tbh idk how to really categorize this since it’s not a full length fic. maybe something to stimulate y’all’s brainworms? there’s only been like 2 reqs in the box that i like lol

Nuclear Family; A couple and their children, regarded as a basic social unit. You could say you were a nuclear family of sorts. Perhaps a bit closer than most.

Appearances were everything and your mother did her best to keep those appearances up in public. You always dressed like a modest young lady even if you were grown but it didn’t bother you. Not in the slightest, actually. It made your pussy clench ever so slightly knowing how Jushiro was going to bend you over once you got back home.

Your mom grew less interested in him with time as she typically did but she made quick to find love elsewhere. It led to a fight one day between Jushiro and your mother. At least, as much of a fight Jushiro could hold up. He was soft spoken and you always found that endearing about him, even during sex he was the sweetest little pea. Always asking if you were okay, making sure he had your consent to everything.

Regardless of that, they argued and your mother came up with a solution for them to keep this facade of a happy, functional family for the public eye. Jushiro would have you. Of course, she asked for your permission first and you struggled to keep your expression together as you pretended to contemplate your mother's request. The answer came faster in comparison to when you played with yourself to the thought of him. Yes. Obviously.

You’d heard your mom and her boyfriend back when they had a healthy sexual relationship. He always sounded heavenly and your mother enjoyed herself before the novelty wore off. And so there you were one day when he returned from work, sitting in their bedroom donning a soft purple teddy. He was confused at first, apprehensive for good reason, but took your mother’s offer.

He had the gall to fill you with his cum all night, pent up from the lack of sex by your mother but you couldn’t complain. You even begged for it and that helped him settle the remaining qualms of the arrangement. Since then, he’s had you any way you’d let him. Pussy, mouth, ass, everything was open to him and he adored you for it. You were his princess and not a single person realized the truth of your relationship. You two were just another stepfather-stepdaughter duo that got along in public. Jushiro being the man who stepped up after your father left.

He certainly stepped up in more than one way.

“God…” you whimpered, your dress running down your back with each thrust of Jushiro’s hips.

Sunday. The Sabbath. A day of rest and worship. They were getting the worship part down to a T. Jushiro was a mumbling mess as he gripped your plush hips as if you’d slip out of his hands. He was whispering the sweetest things, eyes screwed shut as the sounds of your bodies filled his ears.

You’re so beautiful, princess. Such a good girl. Your body is a marvel to behold. That was some of the things he’d been mumbling under his breath as he fucked you raw, balls pressing into your slick pussy. You swore your pussy had its own mind with the way it gripped his cock as he pulled out to the tip and pushed back inside with urgency.

“Ah… princess, you’re so tight,” he said, a smile coming to his lips as if this were his greatest moment in life. His thumbs pressed into your plush body, the groomed nails digging into the skin as his body shivered, signaling the approach of his orgasm.

“Mm, fuck me, Daddy,” you moaned, face pressing harder into the sheets of your bed.

He winced slightly but his thoughts wiped out as he came, holding your hips into his as he panted, cock twitching as he emptied his cum inside of you. He loved breeding his princess, seeing his cum spill from your pussy as pulled out, fingers pulling apart your lips to see the white filling leave your body despite your body’s attempt to keep it all inside.

He sighed heavily, taking a seat on your bed as you laid down, looking at him with a satisfied smile.

“Did you enjoy that?” She asked sweetly.

He gave her a look, shoulders gone slack, the creases on his forehead equally relaxed. “Princess, I told you I don’t like that nickname.”

She pouted. “Why? It’s the truth.”

“Call me something else, please?” He begged, his tone gentle.

Despite enjoying the arrangement, Jushiro hated being reminded of reality. There’ve been plenty of times where he’squestioned his feelings about it all. The fact that he was supposed to be your father figure and not your lover but God… he swears every time he’s inside you, it’s like none of it even matters. Your pussy was divine, something to cherish. A gift from your mother, he felt it was an extension of her love.

“Oh okay,” she caved, sighing as she rolled over. “Can we cuddle?”

Jushiro chuckled softly and gave a nod. “Yes, Princess.”

do not steal or repost my works anywhere

© yuuuume

[thatgentlewife]

Living a Slow and Purposeful Life as a Christian 🍲✨☕️🌷

In today’s world, we are often told to do more, achieve more, and be more. Social media can amplify this pressure, showing us glimpses of others’ seemingly perfect lives, accomplishments, and busyness. It’s easy to fall into the trap of thinking we’re falling behind or not doing enough. But as Christians, we’re called to live differently. Our purpose isn’t found in worldly achievements but in living a life that glorifies God and reflects His peace.

Here are some ways to live a slower, more purposeful life centered on Christ:

1. Prioritize Time with God

Start and end your day with God. Spend unhurried time reading the Bible, praying, and meditating on His Word. This sets the tone for a day that’s focused on Him rather than your to-do list. Jesus Himself often withdrew to quiet places to pray (Luke 5:16).

Tip: Use a physical Bible instead of a Bible app to avoid distractions from notifications.

2. Focus on Relationships, Not Tasks

It’s easy to get caught up in rushing through our days, but Jesus teaches us to prioritize people over productivity. He stopped to heal, listen, and minister to others, even when He was busy. Make time to truly connect with others—family, friends, coworkers—and show them Christ’s love.

Tip: Schedule margin into your day so you have time to respond to others without feeling overwhelmed.

3. Simplify Your Life

Examine your commitments and let go of activities or responsibilities that don’t align with your God-given purpose. Overcommitting often leads to stress and distracts from what truly matters.

Tip: Ask yourself, Does this glorify God or bring me closer to Him? If not, it might be time to let it go.

4. Be Intentional with Social Media

Social media can create a false sense of urgency and comparison, making us feel like we’re behind in life. Limit your time online and follow accounts that inspire your faith, not your insecurities.

Tip: Set specific times for social media use and consider a day of fasting from it each week to refocus on God.

5. Embrace Rest as a Gift from God

God created us to rest. He rested on the seventh day (Genesis 2:2-3) and commands us to do the same. Rest isn’t laziness; it’s obedience and trust that God is in control. Take time to slow down, enjoy creation, and recharge.

Tip: Create a restful Sabbath routine that includes worship, prayer, and activities that refresh your soul.

6. Live in the Present Moment

Jesus told us not to worry about tomorrow because each day has enough trouble of its own (Matthew 6:34). When we rush through life, we miss the beauty of the present. Ask God to help you be fully present, whether you’re spending time with loved ones or doing mundane tasks.

Tip: Practice gratitude by pausing throughout the day to thank God for His blessings.

7. Let Go of Perfectionism

We often rush because we’re striving for perfection or trying to meet unrealistic expectations. Remember that your worth comes from Christ, not your accomplishments. Rest in His grace and allow yourself to slow down.

Tip: Replace thoughts of “I should be doing more” with the truth: God’s grace is sufficient for me (2 Corinthians 12:9).

Final Thought

Living a slow and purposeful life as a Christian isn’t about doing less; it’s about doing what matters most. When we make God the center of everything we do, we can step off the treadmill of busyness and embrace the abundant life He offers. Let go of the rush, and let His peace guide your steps.

“Be still, and know that I am God” (Psalm 46:10).

With love,

Thatgentlewife

[blessedarethebinarybreakers]

hi i just wanted to say, thank you very much for all of your posts and perspectives on the church hurt tags, it's very validating. the religious people around me are always pushing me to physically go to church and I've always been reluctant to despite feeling like im much closer to my faith and God as my best friend lately (all thanks to the numerous queer affirming religious blogs on tumblr btw!) and it's because of all the disagreement i have with the church and what they teach here (i live in a conservatively religious country where even supporting the queer community is frowned upon)

it makes me feel incredibly guilty that i don't feel the desire to go. not to mention, another reason is i work 6 days a week and also an introvert with not that many spoons and so i dont quite have the energy to go because sunday is the only day i get to recharge. but everytime i think about these reasons, i feel guilty as if im making excuses and that im just lazy, I can't never tell which is the truth and that only adds to my guilt.

everytime someone tells me to go to church, i long to find one where i am accepted for who i am, a place where i dont have to be afraid to be myself, a place that doesn't teach outdated beliefs that doesn't resonate with me. i long to feel the desire to go and to sing worship.

and at the same time, for me, worship and my faith lies in the small things that i do everyday, like looking at the sky and admiring the clouds, sending a quick prayer of thanks when the light turns back on after a blackout, enjoying the food that God has given me, listening to music on my way home to work, scrolling through affirming blogs and crying at the amount of compassion shown to me. but it feels like everyone says that's not enough, that we need to diligently attend church to truly be a christian but i just.. cant? which is shameful for me to admit.

im sorry this got long and became a sad rant but just, thank you for having that tag i really appreciate it, I've always been afraid to verbalize all of this thought because im afraid of being judged and being told the opposite but your posts have all been very helpful

Hey anon, I'm sorry the people around you are pressuring you to go to church, rather than doing any work to make the churches around you somewhere you could actually find spiritual flourishing. You deserve spaces where you can worship in community, but when those spaces don't exist, that is never your fault.

We can honor the sabbath in myriad ways: God's instruction to the first of humanity was not "go to church" but simply "rest," one day a week. If church is not a place you can rest in God's love, seek that rest elsewhere.

I pray that guilt will release its hold on you, that you can continue to find God in the small things, and comfort in knowing that the Divine Spirit blows wherever She will — outside church walls as much as inside them.

And I pray that you will find community that supports and celebrates you exactly as you are, whether it's among Christians or elsewhere, in person or online. We are communal creatures, created for relationship. Again, it is not your fault when others fail to extend a fully loving and reciprocal relationship to you; it is just my prayer that God will guide you towards those who can be that for you, and you for them. In the meantime, God Themself is as you say your best friend, holding you close through all things. <3

[ure-a-sunflower]

Truth, Dare, and Jealousy

Written by ure-a-sunflower

Eddie Munson x reader!all genders (Stranger Things fanfiction)

This is my first time publishing any of my work since I really wanted to gatekeep this stuff to myself. I’ll be honest, I wrote a lot of Eddie fan fics so I’ll see how this one turns out. Please be nice, I beg of you. I just did this for fun back in August of 2022.

CONTENT WARNING: alcohol consumption, mentions of smoking, some swearing, NO SPOILERS

Word Count: 3k

Eddie knew well that you hardly expressed crushes on real life boys aside from your beloved fictional characters. He was fine with that, honestly, because competition with some actually-not-real man that was good as paper and had as much depth as a kids blow up pool was nothing too personal for him. It was probably the dark brooding charm female authors would win you over with or the romantic promises these guys had that were downright unrealistic.

Regardless of that, you and Eddie connect really well and while he didn’t want to admit it, he was starting to develop feelings for you.

(Rest of the fic is below the cut)

This was kinda bad. You had only joined Hellfire a year ago and you got to Eddie real good. The other boys didn’t see it as much, but the way you both would squeal and jump for joy when you would come up with campaign ideas and talk about the most recent news of D&D… he never thought anyone else was like him. That was probably the first time he actually noticed you way past being a member of his club. Sure, you weren’t the biggest metalhead like the others, but when he saw you singing along to Black Sabbath and Iron Maiden in his van, he thought he was hallucinating.

But he was the group’s dungeon master and you weren’t held on the same freak level as him. You still hung out with your other best friends and your choice of aesthetic only dabbled in a bit of punk when given the chance. He thought you looked gorgeous when you would mix both. And considering how good you both got on already, Eddie was afraid he’d ruin what was between you. He couldn’t bear making it awkward.

At the end of a long week before a big school break, Eddie invited you to his trailer to hang out. The other Hellfire members had plans, which left the both of you alone.

“Truth or dare?” Eddie asked, while offering you another shot of the brandy. You downed it after swiping it from his hands and wiped your lips with your shirt. “Um, truth. Got nothing to hide.”

“Uhhh, alright.” Eddie leaned back to think. What useful information can he get out of you? He practically knew everything about you since you act like an open book around him. “Okay, I got one.”

“Shoot, Munson.” You didn’t like the clever smirk on his face.

“Who do you think is the most attractive member in Hellfire?”

Damn, you didn’t expect him to enter that territory. Eddie only took up your offer for a drinking game because you were getting sick of him being short of a human smoke machine. You weren’t planning to confess your stupid little crush on him that you’ve had for months now. What would he think of you?

“Wow, uh, you really wanna know?” you laughed it off awkwardly. Eddie noticed your uncomfortableness and chuckled. “I mean, you can answer my question or pick a worse dare, honey.”

God, his stupid nicknames. He wasn’t tipsy like you at the moment because unlike you, Eddie wasn’t a lightweight. “Let me hear the punishment then. I’ll consider my options.”

“That’s so against the rules but since you’re my favorite, I’ll tell you… I dare you to run around the trailer park, naked, and singing.”

“Eddie!” you yelled. “Are you trying to have fun or have me admitted to the nearest psychiatric ward?!” Soon, he was rollling on the floor, laughing. You couldn’t even bring yourself to imagine what you’d look like. Sure, you’d do anything for Eddie Munson, but that? You’d have to pass.

“So, ‘most attractive member’ then? Come on, sweets, we don’t have all night.”

“But won’t that sound like I’m attracted to them?”

“I mean, maybe. Be as objective as you want.”

You gulped. You really didn’t want Eddie to assume you had a crush on him but you also didn’t want him to think you had one on another Hellfire member. The least thing you’d want him to do is tease you with someone else. On top of things, inflating his already big sarcastic ego would end you.

“Um… huh, that’s tough…” You put your chin in your finger and thought hard. None of the freshmen were on the table. Jeff is sweet but he wasn’t your type— he was more like a brother to you, anyways. Last person left…

Everyone in Hellfire wasn’t afraid to admit that Gareth was handsome. Sure, he still had the baby cheeks and freckles from middle school, but you think his hair is really cute and fluffy even way back then. You always went out of your way to point that out and he’d blush super hard. He also gives you the best hugs, rivalring Eddie’s. Gareth is sweet and nice to you in and out of school, opposite of Grant and Eddie who are total pranksters. You have a soft spot for the guy. If only you weren’t so close with Eddie, you’d probably be fully head over heels with Gareth already.

You took a deep breath and shook your head in between a chuckle. “I guess I’m gonna go with Gareth.”

Eddie’s heart kinda stopped. Gareth? Gareth Emerson? He was already planning in his head how he would react when you’d say it was him. Ready to thank you and graciously shower you with praises while you roll your eyes and tell him not to take it too personally. That’s kind of why he asked the question, if he was being honest. He wanted to hear it from you.

You always loved teasing and calling Eddie your “pretty boy”, playing with his hair and braiding it whenever you both hung out. Once, you complimented his doe eyes while you were both out and about, and Eddie never forgot that moment since. It was the first time anyone has really noticed his features like that. The first time you met him, you even said his style was cool because he looked like a certified rockstar. But you thought Gareth was the most attractive when you were both alone right now? Seriously?

Eddie figured he’ll need to down a whole bottle and smoke himself to death once you go home. Then he just got more worried.

Why did he react that way?

“Eds, you good?” You waved a hand in front of his face as Eddie snapped out of his thoughts. You waited for his response after he kind of just blanked out.

He regretted asking you for the truth now. Should’ve just gone with like ‘what’s your go-to ice cream flavor’ or ‘who’s your favorite dungeon master and rockstar whose name starts with an E and rhymes with teddy’. Now, he just felt like some pathetic loser pouting because he didn’t like your answer. God, he felt like a stupid middle schooler all over again.

“Yeah, yeah, I’m alright.” He looked like he snapped out of his trance but his eyes look everywhere but yours. His hands seize the bottle and he downs some. “So, uh, Gareth huh?”

Completely oblivious, you giggle and shove his shoulder. “Don’t tell him I told you that. Besides, I only see him as a close friend.” You better, Eddie thought. You noticed the tension in Eddie’s jaw and put a hand on his thigh to calm him down. It only had the opposite effect. “Hey. Something’s bothering you, I can tell.”

“It’s nothing. Why did you choose Gareth?”

The way he so quickly changed the subject didn’t slip past you. But you figured it wasn’t worth pressing on more. “I mean,” you scratch your neck, “he’s really sweet and it’s no secret that he’s got good genes.”

Eddie’s eyebrows only furrowed. The grin of disbelief on his face looked less amused and more annoyed.

“Really? I mean, am I not sweet? It’s gotta be the hair, isn’t it?”

You tilted your head in confusion.

“Eddie… are you… jealous?”

You thought he was gonna have a whiplash with the way he snapped his head towards you. “What did you just say?” Despite the utter confusion in his face, you knew he heard you. You smirked and continued.

“Are you jealous of me saying Gareth’s attractive?” His poor best friend Gareth, having no idea that Eddie’s currently dunking his head in a barrel of water in his mind. How dare he look attractive to the person he’s had the biggest crush ever on. Now, they’re onto him.

Playing dumb was his only option. “No, I’m not. Why would I be jealous? Don’t be ridiculous. I’m teasing you about this!” Air quotes and all, you saw through his façade. The defenses were raised and you could tell Eddie was lying. His ears were a brighter pink than before and though you were tipsy, you still had a strong intuition that you just made your best friend envious. The alcohol in your system seemed to not only fuel your courage but also your audacity. You leaned in to mess with him further. “I just figured, y’know, since you reacted when I said that.”

“I did not react.” Such a child. You wiggled your eyebrows.

“Sure…” An idea popped in your head. “Then, you wouldn’t mind if I asked Gareth out after break?”

Eddie thought he was going to faint. Or combust. Whichever was faster.

“Are— Are you fucking serious?!” Eddie jumped in his seat, accidentally banging his knees on the table and staring at you like you’ve grown another head. You were laughing at this point, clutching your stomach and throwing your head back. If only Eddie didn’t hear your previous words, he would’ve thought you looked like a pure angel. But he was genuinely shocked.

“Munson, what has gotten into you?! I’m only joking!” Eddie’s been having heart attack after heart attack with each sentence you uttered. He didn’t know if he should be relieved or pissed off at you. “You really don’t like me going out with him, don’t you? Well, I know how much Gareth means to Jeff. Can’t get in the way of the most legendary bromance in Hawkins.”

Eddie slapped a hand over his face and groaned. He opened his mouth to say something when you beat him to it. “Or does it feel incestuous to date someone from Hellfire? I see why you’re so protective of them. I kinda see the boys as like my brothers—“

“Just shut up!” Playing cards, napkins, plastic forks— they scattered from the table to the floor as Eddie frantically attempts to quiet you. You stopped and stared at him. Usually, you would shrink away and tear up when someone raised their voice like that at you, but you knew Eddie would never mean you any harm. But then again, this was a first. And he sounded so serious.

After no one still said a word, you coughed and decided to change the topic. “… A-Alright, um, that’s enough truth or dare for one night.”

When you were about to leave and walk yourself home, because you were too tipsy as hell to even bike, Eddie insisted you stay. You gave up arguing with him when nothing could convince him to leave you there in the streets all by yourself. He couldn’t drive you either because he was slightly high, never wanting to lose his van because of a DUI arrest, and casually admitted that he won’t be able to sleep knowing you weren’t safe.

You were quite basically trapped in his arms as he cuddled you on his couch.

It was a compromising position, really. You never figured Eddie to be the cuddlebear, but the way he clung onto you was like you were going to disappear from his hands. To make yourself comfortable, you cuddled into him, placing your head on his chest, and Eddie’s heart melted at your gesture.

Your head in his chest, his legs over yours— he was going to be so pissed at himself in the morning.

He knew what he was doing but also not. So did you. This was how lovers would hold each other. It just felt right to be in the other’s arms and not care about the world, a crazy and cruel world. Yes, you were both good friends, but this was just you guys testing the waters of your friendship. No romantic shit. It was just two tipsy best friends cuddling closely on the couch, a thriller movie in the background as soft rain pattered outside. Super platonic. Yep.

You were drifting off to sleep time and time again because of how good of a white noise the TV and rain were, and Eddie couldn’t help but notice. However, he had something bothering him that he had to bring up to you before you start dozing off and become knocked off cold. He couldn’t wait until the morning to tell you since he knew well he’d chicken out again. Perhaps he invited you to drink some alcohol so he could finally confess using liquid courage, and in the case if you’d reject him, he’d just blame it on being drunk. Perfect foolproof plan.

“Hey,” Eddie whispered your name by the shell of your ear. You stirred from your sleepiness and turned up to him. “Hey, um… I’m sorry if I, uh, made an outburst earlier.”

It wasn’t easy to decipher what this was all about, especially when you were half-asleep and in the midst of sobering at this point. “For what? About Gareth? Don’t worry, I know we were being stupid.” You still didn’t understand why he made such a fuss, but you were just trying to move on from the situation. Nevermind figuring out his reasons. Your heart was pounding miles a minute. You were holding your crush like you were partners, and you wanted to be out of there and in between his arms more than ever at the same time. It was worth cherishing this position before you two part in the morning and just pretend nothing happened.

Eddie hated that you said his name again. “Yeah… I just…you know… I guess I was jealous.”

You took a pause to digest what he said. “You were? Oh, Eddie, I know I said Gareth but you’re still the pretty boy! I mean, you know I love your hair and your eyes—“

“No, it’s not that I’m jealous of Gareth’s looks.” Eddie took a deep breath. Yours hitched, waiting for his next words. He tried to look into your eyes but you could see them shaking and he kept averting your gaze. “I… well… shit. H-How am I gonna say this….?”

“… Yeah?”

“I-I got… I got jealous… that you like him.”

At this point you were grasping at sticks. What did that even mean? Was he jealous of the attention? Of your feelings? That another guy was held in a position higher than Eddie Munson, Hellfire’s Beloved Leader? It was starting to get annoying.

“Eddie, we’re so close and we’ve been great friends since I’ve known you. Fucking hell, you’re our Dungeon Master. I know you and Gareth are like brothers and I get it if you don’t want anyone dating in the club. You’ve got nothing to worry about just because I think he’s got looks—“

“No,” he shook his head, finally demanding your attention, “like, I like like you. I have feelings for you and I want to be with you. As your… boyfriend.”

You were certainly stunned.

Maybe you just waited and pushed for him to say it, but you still couldn’t believe it. Did Eddie just confess he liked you? First? You wanted to soar and you felt like you could touch stars. Holy shit. You wanted to pinch yourself to make sure you weren’t dreaming. Was it the alcohol that made you like this?

“…And I know I sound stupid or selfish but I guess I have to make my moves now since you want to ask Gareth out.”

Your mouth was still gaped wide open as Eddie continued rambling about how much he liked you. “—like we were alone in the drama room one night while cleaning and we danced to that stupid jazzy song you put on like my parents used to when I was a kid and I didn’t know it at that time but I think that’s when I realized I was falling really badly for you—“

You had scooted your way towards him the entire time he was going on and on, fully facing his direction, and took his hands that were wildly gesturing the entire time. “Eddie.”

“—because you’re just so nice and understanding and patient with me a-and— huh?” He was staring at you like a baby deer in headlights as you cupped his cheek. You could feel the warmth as his eyes widened. “I really like you too. I’ve fallen in love with you for months now.”

There was just silence. Silence on your end because you can’t believe you’ve finally said that, and Eddie was shortcircuiting with the words you’ve said to him. He had to repeat them in his head to make sure they really meant what he was thinking they meant. “You… You really—? But Gareth—“

“I only said Gareth because I didn’t know if I should confess I like you. I’ve had a crush on you since sophomore year.”

“You liked me for that long?! Wha— Wait, I, oh gosh so you actually like me?”

“Eddie, I want to be yours. I love you. I really do.”

That was the happiest he’s been in forever. If he had to put it in words, it felt like someone lit a firework and his heart was fizzing around the room.

Pulling you to him, he mumbled a “may I kiss you?” and you nodded eagerly. Eddie placed a hand below your chin and locked his lips with yours passionately, absolutely savoring this moment because he’s been waiting for it for sleepless nights and hopeless daydreams. It was finally happening.

He whispered in between kisses, “I love you so so much” which made you giggle. “I can’t believe I have the best, kindest, and hottest partner in all of the world.” When you rolled your eyes, Eddie shook his head disapprovingly and kissed you once again until you were literally gasping for air and telling him “okay! Okay! I believe you! Gosh, I love you so much, Eddie!”

At the next campaign, it was no doubt a surprise to Hellfire when Eddie suddenly announced you were his partner the moment you walked in the door.

[the-trans-folk-witch]

The Green Devil of the Ozarks: The little green fairy of... moonshine?

It was 2005. I was with my grandfather in an old shop similar to "dick's 5 and 10" outside of Branson, Missouri. This is where The Green Devil caught my eye.

My grandfather frequented little old fashioned stores like this. He loved collecting all kinds of gadgets. Old movie posters, salt water taffy, and soda parlor paraphenalia. It was heaven on earth to him in this little corner of the world that was stuck in an older Ozark time. His house wasn't too dissimilar to a crackerbarrel gift shop. All kinds of wooden toys and dolls. He loved his little knickknacks. But on that day he found it. A copy of an old French absynthe poster with "the little green fairy" smirking at the viewer. He had to have it. It was being sold for $8! frame included! If only the seller knew the true value of it. Or how it's mere existence was breaking so many copyright laws.

Maurin Quina, as it's named, is a French apéritif advertisement painted by Leonetto Cappiello in 1906. The drink was made illegal soon after its creation. But this poster is now being reused today. It was not well known in the US at all back then. Not even in the 2000's. but my grandfather being a moonshiner, absynthe fan, and art history drop out, knew all about it.

My grandfather was not as religious as the rest of my family. But he sure prayed to God when he was trying to avoid the law. He was selling homemade moonshine without any sort of license or proper knowledge of sanitary practices. It was an arte form he learned from his father that I never had the pleasure of learning.

He decided to hang this new poster up in his storm cellar where he kept his aging bottles of various liquors. Over time it developed A life of its own. My grandfather would kiss his hand and place it on the poster of the little green fairy after every jar was sealed or sales were made. I Don't think he saw this as devil worship so much as just a simple good luck ritual. Not too disimilar to his high school basketball team kissing the image of their mascot before a game. He always practiced these superstitions even though he didn't seem to really believe in them.

Fast forward to today. I'm an Ozark trad witch. So of course I now work with this image as if it is the devil himself. He is a devil that rules spring and summer. Drunkenness, poison, lunacy, fairies, and nature. He is associated with law breaking, alcohol, healing, harming, and fertility. With Easter coming up He is on my mind heavily. A time I feed him red dyed eggs symbolizing the blood of christ and the blood of good Christians. I feed him this with intentions of causing those which share the eucharist to lust. Poisoning the church so to speak. I attend mass in spirit form and dip my blessed turkey wish bone down in the communion wine. The turkey is symbolic of love in the Ozarks. And the wishbone is horned like the stang, and my devil. Midnight mass on Easter is filled with drunkenness and sex. Those consuming this spiritually poisoned wine are consumed with lust for others in the church. An orgy ensues in the great house of God. Only for all members to awaken Easter morning with no memory of the incestuous rituals performed with their brothers and sisters in christ. To do such things in the house of God and not confess them (due to not remembering) is damanble. This is my goal as a witch. To bring the witches Sabbath to the church and to pervert the souls of good men.

By turkey wand and lustful stang I complete my work in the devils name.

A call to the Green Devil:

"Envy is his name. Drunkeness and poisoning are his arte. He is Lord of the little people and plants alike; come little green fairy and bring your lust and your lunacy. Green devil rise from the roots below like a serpent. Green devil come down from the tree tops like a booger in the night who takes its flight. Join me in this witching hour oh beast of the green and hear my call to the wild. By my witches flame may it be so."

Look out for a post on the black and red devils later this year. Our horned one changes with the seasons

[ngkiscool]

A Time to Heal

My entry for @jewsinfandoms (summer of love) and @flashfictionfridayofficial (Fractured Forms) is about Anathema finding some peace and quiet, with Newt's help. Rated G, 460 words, title from Ecclesiastes Chapter 3:3.

"Come on, Newt, we have things to do!"

Newt buried his face in the pillow and thought that was there was something not natural about people who were so chirpy that early in the morning. It was not even 8AM! "I was hoping to do things in bed, if you know what I mean."

He heard the steps of his girlfriend, counted the seconds, and, as expected, it took her only seven seconds to reach the bedroom. "The animal shelter is doing a fundraising event and needs people to walk the dogs, the soup kitchen could always use extra hands for delivering the food, and the school is doing preparations for the new year and needs help organizing the classes…" Her smile was wiped out when she looked at him for the first time, "and you are not even dressed yet!"

"Why are you in such a rush? I think after everything that happened last week, with you helping to save the world and all that, you have earned a few days off." His hand patted the bed in a suggestive way, or at least he hoped it was seductive and not looking like it was shaking from low sugar. This whole seduction thing was more complicated than he imagined.

"But this is what I always do, save things!" She scrunched her face in frustration. "There is always someone who needs help, and this is why I was raised to do."

Newt patted the bed again, and this time she accepted the invitation. "You are allowed to rest, dear. You know that, right?"

"But… what about all the people who need my assistance?"

"You can't help anyone if you are exhausted. Even God took a day after finishing creating the world."

That, Anathema had to agree, was true. "What else am I going to do? All my life had been dedicated to one thing, and now that it has been fulfilled, it feels like drifting in the wind, without a structure or a goal to stabilize me."

"I can think of at least one immediate goal," answered Newt in a soft voice. He placed his hand next to her knee, allowing her to decide if to get up and continue to save the world, or take some time to herself. At first she just sat without moving, probably making a list of pros and cons in her razor-sharp mind, but after a few moments she sighed. "Well, if she can have a rest, who am I to not follow her lead. And," she looked at the calendar that was on the table, full to the brim with reminders and dates, "it is Sabbath today. Can't be a coincidence, right?"

"It is, as someone we know likes to say, ineffable."

[voidsentprinces]

Good Evening, it is now the last week of October. As a veil between the world of the living and the dead becomes its thinnest and spirits of those long departed wander the Earth. It seems only appropriate to end the Spooky Season by spending...a Night on Bald Mountain by Modest Mussorgsky

Classical pieces don’t exactly have lyrics, so I thought I’d post some pieces and make a poll to help this super niche set of people maybe find the music they have been looking for one day.

Mussorgsky was hired to work on the piece to be set to an opera known as St. John's Night. But initially it was composed to aid in a play by his military friend Georgiy Mengden known as The Witch. One that either never got off the ground from conception or was never shown more than once. Either way, the piece is meant to portray the gathering of witches and sorcorers upon the titular mountain. Gathering their magics and horrors before the ringing of the bell brings the dawn of a new day upon which rests the Sabbath, Sunday the Holiest of Days. Making the servants of the Devil scatter before the presence of the Father and the rising Sun.

It was, of course, played in obscurity, until a Walt Disney experimental work, known as Fantasia. Set out to have artists put classical pieces to imagination and animation. Night on Bald Mountain depicting the gathering of ghouls and goblins before the imposing figure of Chernobog. A dark god in Germanic Myth and Legend. Appearing, first, in Helmold's Chronicle. And most recently, depicted by Peter Stormare in American Gods. Were it not for Walt Disney, it is possible that Czernobog would of remained an obscure character in global fiction. But thanks to this piece, he would appear even as an obstacle and boss in the now reknown Kingdom Hearts' first installment.

[eretzyisrael]

STRANGE STATUTES

This is the statute of the Torah, which God has commanded… (Num. 19:2) This week’s Torah portion is Chukat, which means “Statute” and specifically refers to Torah laws that are difficult to understand or have no apparent purpose. Many Jewish laws, such as “Do not murder” or “Observe the Sabbath day” make sense to us. A society where people have license to kill each other will self-destruct. Having a day of rest is healthy for body, mind and spirit. But what about the law of the red heifer, the statute that begins parsha Chukat? The red heifer is an entirely red cow without blemish (very rare) that must be slaughtered and burned in a detailed ritual, after which the ashes are used in purification ceremonies. We follow the chukat statutes because God told us to, not because they make sense to us. The Torah tells us that following these incomprehensible statutes “will be proof of your wisdom and discernment to other peoples” (Rashi on Deut. 4:6). Why will non-Jews consider us wise for following laws that seem pointless, even absurd? Doesn’t this make us look silly rather than smart? Rabbi Moshe Kormornick answers this with a parable: there are three sick people who need medical treatment. Two are fools and one is wise. The first fool tells the doctor, “I refuse to take this medicine unless I understand exactly what it is and how it works!” Since he has no medical background, he is incapable of understanding the science behind the medicine, refuses to take it and dies. The second fool takes the medicine, but doesn’t bother to ask if the person offering it is a trained physician. If the “doctor” is a fraud, the medicine won’t work. The third patient is a wise man. He first confirms that the person offering medicine is indeed a trained and certified medical practitioner. Once he knows that, he agrees to take the medicine despite not understanding exactly how it works.  So, too, with God’s statutes. We don’t need to understand them as long as we know they were given to us by our Creator with infinite love. Rabbi Kormornick says, “It is most appropriate that the Jewish People receive praise for their wisdom in following these incomprehensible statutes, for our decision is not made on the statute itself, but on the One commanding it.”

Image: “The World Cow” by Franz Marc, 1913