#CS Professional Notes

[jjkbambi]

can i rec lulu dating a humanities major, specifically english/professional writing? i saw someone say that he’d love a partner who wasn’t into CS so he could learn more about their viewpoint on things, and i think with how much he likes to read, he’d find them rly special💌

luigi as your college crush ˙✧˖°📷 ༘ ⋆｡˚

<3 meeting you @ book club! he always recommends strange nonfictions (last time he suggested you all read the unabomber’s manifesto?), so it’s not too hard to get your attention.

<3 very small hi hellos at first, you think he’s too smart and he thinks you’re too pretty

<3 notices you always get iced lattes before showing up to meetings, so he starts showing up to the same cafe hoping to run into u even tho he doesn’t like coffee

<3 when you do finally run into each other he acts like it’s some sort of a huge coincidence, smiling ear-to-ear while asking you how your day is.

<3 you’re like what’d you order and he’s like “ i didn’t order anything 🤓 coffee kills! it’s overpriced and addictive and- ”

wait so why are u here???

“the ambiance!!!”🙂‍↕️🙂‍↕️🙂‍↕️🙂‍↕️

<3 walking you to meetings, insists on walking you home, and now he’s insistent on carrying your books around campus, even when it’s just a small notebook—it’s the gentlemanly thing to do

<3 and once he gets enough yes’s out of you, he’s around you all the time, texting you nonstop

<3 he’s honestly kinda weird

from luigi Are you in the humanities building right now?

to luigi no I didn’t go to class today

3 missed calls from luigi

<3 always looking over your shoulder when you pull out your phone

<3 inviting you on his morning runs so you get to see him shirtless

<3 if you can’t make it to the morning runs, he shows up to ur dorm after shirtless and SWEATY with your morning coffeee!!!

<3 god forbid you mention your ex-boyfriend or situationship. his face drops immediately and he’s immediately made a mental note to look him up later

<3 ur ex liked to cook??? all of a sudden his goodreads is flooded w an unprecedented amount of cookbooks. none of ur exes have facial hair??? he’s shaveddddd down. ur ex is in the most popular frat on campus??? luigi just joined the one across the street and pays for the most expensive djs and catering … ur ex plays for the penn football team??? the coach just found coke in his backpack :3

<3 doesn’t really use instagram but is always active after you post

<3 introducing himself to your parents on friends and family day, particularly smiley when your parents ask you if you’re dating

<3 + 1 million confidence increase once he knows your parents like him. expect a bunch of stuff like “your mom said you didn’t like seafood?!?!” when did you and my mom talk about that?!!!!

<3 obsessed with touching you. your hair your hands your waist

<3 is so scared to ask you out

<3 not too scared to tell everyone he knows that you’re already dating. and he knows a lot of people

you’re always on call with him like pep, everyone thinks we’re dating T-T and he’s just like yeah Lol super weird 🤗

<3 sometimes he can’t make plans bc hes been dealing w a lot of back pain lately so you suggest going to a korean spa downtown together!

<3 trying his best to look away from you in the sauna

<3 so fucking hard underneath his robe he has to “leave” “to take a call”

after a while you call him and ask him where he went but he doesn’t answer

from luigi Come to the showers

[uncouth-the-fifth]

i'd like to report a crime - Leon Kennedy/Reader

read it on Ao3.

Pairing: Agent!Leon/Detective!Wife!Reader Tags: anxious work stress + leon comfort!!, leon being a fucking goober Notes: when i'm at work I'm always picturing him swooping in to save me...... leon kennedy if you can hear me please protect me from 9-5 hell... and like I said before, I would LOVE requests or prompts for this fic, I have so many ideas but I can't commit to any of them lol.

Standing in the bullpen at work today, you had a thought. Maybe they called it “medieval torture” because that was a whole lot catchier than “a shitty day at the busiest police precinct in Washington DC.”

It certainly felt like medieval torture to you. Before you’d even stepped into your big girl pants this morning, you knew that today was going to suck. Plain and simple. Suck. Yet another presidential event was bringing the Secret Service’s jurisdiction into your already hectic station, meaning that big square dudes in suits were going to be breathing down your neck until quitting time. You had three huge active cases that needed your attention. One of those cases came pre-packaged with a deeply annoying lawyer, who, in your professional opinion, has his head shoved a foot up his ass. He will absolutely be showing up to bother you today.

And worst of all: in your haste to get to work (Leon had put some serious effort into making you late), you’d accidentally worn a pair of super uncomfortable shoes! So now every waking moment of your existence was bonafide torture.

Clamping your jaw, you glance up from the paperwork in front of you and check your watch. Three o’clock. Right, okay, you can work with that.

You slap your hands down on your desk as you push out of your seat, and it gets a satisfying yelp out of the man sitting cross-legged beside it. He bristles up like a porcupine and nasally complains, “Where are you going, Detective Kennedy? You said we could—”

“Coffee, Douglas,” you bite back to said lawyer.

The last thing you want right now is some of the lousy, watered-down coffee from the station’s breakroom, but taking mini-breaks at your desk is just not an option anymore. Douglas has been camped out there from the moment you clocked in, and since you both refuse to budge, he’s going to stay there. Breakroom it is. You wince the whole way there, cursing your shoes from hell.

Someone forgot to start another pot of joe, so you have the absolute pleasure of doing it yourself. A small blessing in disguise, really. You give the glass pot your best thousand-yard-stare the whole time it heats the water, and just when the outline of it is starting to burn behind your eyelids, you’re jolted out of your glazed reverie by a cheerful, “Detective Kennedy!”

The officer appears at your side like she was there the entire time, and you wouldn’t put it past her—Giana is the latest in a long line of rookies who have imprinted on you over the years. Good kid, but a little on the overeager side.

She gives you a sympathetic frown and launches into way too much bubbly talking for your aching head to handle. “Heyo! Man, it’s crazy today, huh? You look beat, detective. Hey, think of it this way—just a few more hours and we’ll be home free! Any fun plans tonight?”

The question triggers a movie-style flashback sequence in your mind, complete with black-and-white visuals and some tasteful dream fog. Leon, your husband, boredly poking around the aisles of a new Target by your place. Leon discovering the boys' toy section. Leon, your beautiful, amazing husband, going starry-eyed at the massive NERF Elite Titan CS-50 Toy Blaster, which you’re pretty sure you need a license to operate.

He’d tapped the Nerf box like a boy on Christmas morning. “150 foam bullets, baby.”

But it would take a lot of energy to relay all of that to Giana. So instead of explaining that you’re having an epic Nerf duel with Leon when you get home (no headshots, loser makes dinner), you cooly answer: “...Spending time with my husband.”

Giana hums. “It’s so weird to me that you’re married…” (Thanks.) “I can’t even picture you not grinding away at some case.”

The coffee machine burbles out its last sad spit of coffee. You pour a good amount into your mug, smiling, “Oh, Leon’s just as bad. We’re both married to our work. He’s just my favorite mistress, s’all.”

Giana opens her mouth to launch into another cheery tirade you can’t catch up with. You like the girl, but on top of being way too eager, she’s also painfully see-through. For example, you don’t even have to turn around to know that a gloriously hot guy has just walked into the bullpen behind you. It’s written all over Giana’s owlish look over your shoulder. Hell, you can even clock that he’s heading straight this way—not only does Giana cross herself to bid away impure thoughts of the stranger, but she evaporates into smoke out of pure shyness.

“Look out!” She stage-whispers.

Aw. Poor girl, you think as she waddles away. Considering who’s going to be unloading a clip of foam bullets into you later this evening, (what a strange double entendre), you’re basically immune to hot guys. You can handle this.

“Excuse me, detective, I’d like to report a crime?”

All sense of professionalism poofs off your face at that familiar voice. You whirl to face your husband, and in one swift slash, the ten ton weight of your stress is slapped clean off your back.

Leon’s resting stare has slowly been absorbed by his Serious Agent Face. But today, he’s smoldering less in the business way and more in the off-duty model way. In a white tee, jeans, and racing-striped leather jacket, he certainly looks the part, clean-shaven and dewy-skinned. Fuck him and his unblemished skin. What Umbrella moisturizer was he using back in the day, dammit?

You’re capable of joking again and fall flawlessly into the bit. “Of course. What kind of crime, beautiful?”

He isn’t really able to look flustered, but you think you get close to the impossible with the way his head tilts at that line. You notice that he’s hiding something behind his back.

“A theft,” he answers. The tiniest smirk twitches on his mouth. “My heart’s been stolen.”

…What a fucking cornball. The tragic part is that you find the joke pretty funny, and not completely in the ironic way. He waits for you to giggle and twirl your hair or what-the-fuck-ever, but you refuse to give him the satisfaction, ducking into his quick hug to grin into his shoulder.

You groan at his awful joke. “Jesus. You need a fork for all that corn, Leon?”

“I take mine off the cob,” he drawls in your ear. With that voice, he could make anything sound suggestive.

You’re about to pout at him for failing to return your hug, when you draw back and see that his hands are full. It’s then that Leon presents his bounty to you, bowing his head and holding his trophies aloft like a knight giving respect to his princess: in one hand, one of the stupid expensive coffees you like, and in the other… your comfiest work flats.

“How?” is the first thing your fish brain manages to say. Because, truly, how does he always know? The coffee, the shoes— “Did you put a tracker in me? One that tells you everything I’ve been complaining about all day?”

You go slumping down into the nearest seat, mystified by him. Leon sets the still-steaming coffee down in front of you and kneels, stooping to help you out of your shoes-from-hell. The strap around your ankle has rubbed the bone raw even through your tights. He gets the clasp loose on the first shoe with little fussing, then soothes the skin with tender brushes of his thumb.

“Mhm,” he hums. All you can see of him from this angle is the layers of color in his hair, deep browns and ash blondes blending into one another. The smug pride in his voice is obvious—he loves knowing he’s read you well. “Tells me when you’re hungry, too. Have lunch with me?”

Please god, your body begs. Just picturing it loosens some of the tension in your neck. Like last time, the two of you would play-fight over where to eat, and your cute little delivery boy would go pick up the winner. That way, you wouldn’t have to waste a single moment of your allotted thirty-minute lunch. Leon would pull up a seat at your desk (maybe scare Douglas off with a flash of his badge), and you’d get a blissful, uninterrupted dose of him. Enough to get you through the rest of your shift.

He’d be too deep in Professional Agent Mode to babble like he does at home, but Leon’s raspy chuckles and his hand on your knee would tide you over til’ five.

…But no, the universe is never that kind to you. You wince at Leon’s offer and drop an apologetic hand to his shoulder, still knelt at your feet and working on your other shoe. He’s too good to you. “M’ sorry, baby, but I think I’m gonna have to work through lunch if I wanna get home on time. Rain check?”

He doesn’t mind. He throws a squinty warning stare your way, not happy that you’re getting dangerously close to overworking yourself, but he understands.

A sly smile creeps onto Leon’s face as he helps you slip on a flat. “I could talk to your Captain. What if you were pulled away for a ‘federal emergency?’”

“Then I think me and my Captain would implode from stress,” you laugh. “He’d think I’d been drawn into some national crisis or something.”

Leon scoffs. “That’s only happened, like, once.”

The other flat welcomes your poor, aching foot like a jacuzzi hot tub, and you take a deep magical sip of the overpriced coffee he got special for you. It trumps the watery breakroom joe any day.

For a minute you’re so stupidly happy that you could easily punch a boulder clean off a cliff. Hell, you might even twirl your hair.

“One too many times!” You groan. Since he’s being all cute and kneeling at your feet, you can’t resist poking him a couple of times to be silly. In the chest. In the cheek. In the heart. Stage-whispering, you accuse, “I think you just like having excuses to work with me.”

Leon finishes helping you into your shoes, but he’s in no hurry to leave his spot. One of his rough hands finds yours in your lap and toys with your wedding band, twisting it, testing the groove where it’s been sitting for a few years now. Those big blue eyes fix on your face. You’re married to the guy, but something about being the subject of all his naked attention makes you feel like shrieking into a damn pillow. He’s the best. Judging by that mean little smile on his face, he knows it’s true.

He gives your hand a little squeeze and points out, “I was your partner before anyone else. We never got our buddy cop beat—so yes, I will shove myself into your world since I can’t pull you into mine.”

You’re grateful he still thinks that way. Getting him to talk about Raccoon is harder than pulling teeth, but this—your partnership, whether that be as cops in an imaginary second life, or as husband and wife—never fails to pry him right open.

You’d been asked before if it was frustrating, how your paths had split after the city had blown. The two of you had come from the same spot and endured the same things, but where Leon had soared up, you’d kept to what you knew. No part of you envied him for it. In his mind, the two of you were still the same unit you’d been then, endlessly loyal to one another. You watched Leon’s back and—clearly, he watched yours.

“You’re my favorite,” you tell him, sweetly petting his chin. “I’m gonna fucking destroy you at our Nerf duel when I get home.”

All the buttery tenderness wipes from his face, and in an instant he’s on his feet, clapping a scarred hand down onto your shoulder and bending to whisper fiercely in your ear. “I’d like to see you try.”

He smushes a kiss to your cheek, waves a friendly, “See ya,” and melts back into the current of the rowdy bullpen. You hate to see him leave, but by god, you love to watch him go.

A few seconds after Leon says his goodbye, Giana, your rookie, peers around the open door of the break room. Her patchy blush goes all the way down to her uniform collar. “...Nevermind. I can definitely picture you married, Detective Kennedy…”

-

Ask to be added to my Leon taglist!

[lucky-clover-gazette]

prince's gambit highlights & annotations

chapter 2

indented text is from the book. some quotes have commentary, some do not. some comments are serious, and some are definitely not. most of them will only make sense to people who have read the series. and, like, there are spoilers. so please read the books first if you're interested!

also: part of the reason i'm doing such a close reading is to study cs pacat's style, especially in terms of how she does romance and erotica. there are "craft notes" that might seem weird, like i'm being redundant or restating something rather than analyzing, but those are more things that i want to remember/take away from the writing!

i'm going to tag these longer posts with "sam reads capri" in case anyone wants to read them all at once.

this is a google doc i wrote with overall content warnings for the captive prince series. it's not perfect, but i do think it's important to include.

With a rabble like this, Laurent’s pretty face wasn’t doing him any favours. Damen must have heard a dozen slurs and sly insinuations before he’d even saddled his horse. No wonder Aimeric had been furious: even Damen, who had frankly no objection to men slandering Laurent, was finding himself annoyed.

“he’s a bitch but he’s OUR bitch” 😤

They would not be riding in a straight line south. Instead, it was to be a two-week journey southwest through the Veretian provinces of Varenne and Alier, their route hugging the Vaskian mountain border. It was a change from the direct route that had been planned by the Regent, and Laurent had already sent out riders to inform the keeps.

already, damen’s involvement in laurent’s life is starting to mess with the regent’s plans. GOOD.

As the night wore on, Laurent had abandoned his deliberate comportment for a relaxed, youthful pose, drawing one knee up to his chest and slinging an arm around it. Damen had found his gaze drawn to the easy arrangement of Laurent’s limbs, the balance of wrist on knee, the long, finely articulated bones. He had been aware of a diffuse but growing tension, a sensation almost like he was waiting . . . waiting for something, unsure what it was. It was like being alone in a pit with a snake: the snake could relax, you could not.

laurent: literally just vibing during a strategy sesh damen: He Is Going To Bite Me So Hard Any Second Now

If Laurent had slept at all, he hadn’t done so in the Regent’s bed.

>:(

Laurent’s pre-dawn arrival and whatever cold bitchy remarks he had made—sharpened by a night without sleep—had been enough to eject the Regent’s men out of their beds and into a semblance of lines.

There was no immediate disaster.

really setting your expectations high here, damen

Laurent looked like a figurehead, eye-catching and useless.

There was going to be a fortnight of this, with a fight at the end of it. Damen set his jaw, kept his head down and got on with the work he had been assigned. He saw to his horse and his armour. He pitched the Prince’s tent. He moved supplies and hauled water and wood. He washed with the men. Ate. The food was good. Some things were done well. The sentries were posted promptly, and so were the outriders, taking up position with the same professionalism as the guards who had watched him in the palace. The site of the camp was well chosen.

damen should have a tv show where he yassifies military camps to his personal standards. like queer eye

‘I heard you were good at carrying tales. And what will you be doing while Jord stops that fight?’ ‘Getting massaged,’ said Damen, succinctly.

“succinctly”

‘Well? Attend me,’ said Laurent. ‘Attend,’ said Damen. The word sank into him. He felt as he had in the training arena when he had been unwilling to go near the cross. ‘Have you forgotten how?’ Laurent said. He said, ‘The last time, this did not end pleasantly.’ ‘Then I suggest you behave better,’ said Laurent.

It was the normal duty of a body servant to dress and undress his master. Laurent accepted the service with the indifference of one long used to attendance. The opening in the brocade widened, revealing the white of an undershirt pressed warm against skin by the heavy outer fabric, and by armour atop that. Laurent’s skin and the shirt were the exact same delicate shade of white. Damen pushed the garment over Laurent’s shoulders and just for a moment felt, beneath his hands, the hard, corded tension of Laurent’s back.

in a theater au, these two would go fucking crazy doing each other’s mics

On the table was the familiar map, weighted by three oranges and a cup. Arranging himself in the chair opposite Damen, casual in pants and undershirt, Laurent picked up one of the oranges and started peeling it. One corner of the map rolled up. ‘When Vere fought Akielos at Sanpelier, there was a manoeuvre that broke through our eastern flank. Tell me how that worked,’ Laurent said.

this is so domestic ahhhhhhhhhh!!!

He caught the wooden practice sword instinctively when Orlant tossed it to him. ‘You any good?’ ‘Yes,’ said Damen.

yes bitch!

‘That’s right. You don’t like fights,’ said Orlant. ‘You prefer going behind people’s backs.’

is this because he breaks up fights and reports to laurent? tf do you want him to do (fiercely defend his prince, i knowww)

‘Afraid to spar?’ said Orlant. ‘No,’ said Damen. ‘Then what? Can’t fight?’ said Orlant. ‘You’re only here to fuck the Prince?’ Damen swung.

“I CAN DO MULTIPLE THINGS”

Damen supposed he should feel flattered that Laurent had set his best swordsmen to guard him in the palace.

they're so "i can't decide" by the scissor sisters

‘You were looking for me?’ Laurent didn’t answer, and Damen couldn’t interpret his expression. ‘What is it?’ said Damen. ‘You’re better than I am.’ Damen couldn’t help his amused breath of reaction to that, or the long, scrolling look from Laurent’s head to his toes and back again, which was probably a little insulting. But really. Laurent flushed. The colour hit his cheeks hard, and a muscle tightened in his jaw as whatever he felt was forcibly repressed. It was not like any reaction that Damen had ever seen from him before, and he couldn’t resist pushing it a little further. ‘Why? Do you want to spar? We can keep it friendly,’ Damen said. ‘No,’ said Laurent.

this might be the first moment where laurent is clearly flustered by damen in a non-disgusted way. the blush!!! i think laurent finds competence very attractive, especially in areas where he also excels. with some people it can just be a matter of platonic respect, but in this case it’s almost certainly hot to him that damen is such an impressive swordsman—even better than laurent himself.

‘When I fought Govart,’ said Damen, ‘I had my lungs full of chalis.’ Another slow nod. ‘I’m not sure how it is in Akielos,’ said Jord, ‘but . . . you shouldn’t take that stuff before a fight. Slows your reflexes. Saps your strength. Just some friendly advice.’ ‘Thank you,’ said Damen, after a long, drawn out moment had passed.

it doesn’t even occur to jord that laurent drugged damen before the fight. shows how highly he thinks of laurent, and gives us a hint about laurent’s typical behavior when he hasn’t just been jumpscared by his brother’s killer in chains

‘Aimeric’s not a child lured in with a honeyed treat. He’s Guion’s fourth son. He knows that his being here splits his father’s loyalty. It’s half the reason he joined me. He wants his father’s attention,’ said Laurent. ‘If you’re not here to talk to me about Aimeric, why are you here?’

laurent offering aimeric this, like, annoying your elders solidary… it’s strategic for sure, but maybe that’s a tiny part of it too?

I can’t believe you fear Govart. If you did, you’d never have set me against him in the ring.

WAIT so we’ve gone from “laurent hates me and wants me dead” to “i know you didn’t want me dead” ?? i guess it could make sense, though—laurent would have wanted to kill damen himself, right?

‘Why do you give me good advice?’ asked Laurent. Isn’t that why you brought me with you? Instead of speaking those words aloud, Damen said, ‘Why don’t you take any of it?’

this is like dirty talk to me. yessss consider each other as intellectual equals with mutual incredulity

He knew by now that Laurent never acted precipitously, but always walked away and gave himself time and space alone to think.

oh, that’s what you think? note to self: remember this line. it’ll be funny

[hysterotic]

vile, how did you write ‘the fastest way through a girl’s heart is a knife’ ? i’m having trouble putting together my fic and i absolutely adore your writing :( i wanna know if you like, made a mindmap, or stuff like that. your fic is so well put together and clear i just adore itt

i’m the worst person to ask this question cs it takes me 6 months to write one chapter 😭 but everyone has their own method to writing, especially when it comes to writing a series, like something that works for me wouldn’t work for other people so pls don’t view me as a professional bc i like to yap a lot in my fics </3 but just like you said, a mind map could help you for the direction you’re going for so it wouldn’t look like a hot mess, especially if you’re thinking about foreshadowing something that happens in the next couple chapters or make the characters’s “strange” actions be explained in later chapters etc. usually for me, dialogues and little notes are what help me write things smoothly, that’s why i like to start with that before anything else, it helps me see if i’m missing something. i treat it as if i’m creating a script for a movie then start writing from there.

example :

cop catches baji in the process of lighting a car on fire

cop rolls down his window

“what is you’re business here young man, don’t you got a home to go to? a mother to call? she must be worried sick.” the cop said

baji is holding an unlit molotov

“how ‘bout that.. a pig that chatters.” baji mocked

and so on.

i do that method for the whole chapter then rewrite it from there, i’m no professional but this has always worked for me, if this ends up working for you then i’m glad to be of help<3

[chuckle-lore]

Episode 126- June 18th, 2024- The Jeopardy Episode

Lore- Slimecicle STILL owns a third of the company despite his death.

Thoughts- I haven’t watched a single episode since my last post back in May but after hearing the Sandwich Men had a CS Jeopardy episode, I just had to watch it. Welp I did and I have mixed feelings on this episode honestly. On one hand it’s probably the hardest I’ve laughed in months and hearing the word lore actually said made me unreasonably happy, but then there’s the fact that I never felt so frustrated at an episode.

Don’t get me wrong, Tucker being a jeopardy host when he has no idea how jeopardy works is hilarious but it makes it frustrating when I want to play along too. Also the Tucker perspective made me want to yell at my TV. It makes more sense for both the viewers/listeners AND Ted/Schlatt to use the information that that’s publicly available instead of just Tucker’s memory. Even if the game was just for Ted and Schlatt, how is Schlatt supposed to know that Ted told Tucker that he got high for 26 hours and not 36 hours? Using Tucker’s memory instead of what’s online really bothered me. I also wish there were more lore related questions instead of technical ones but that’s just a really niche issue that I have that I doubt any of y’all would have.

To sum up my thoughts: Amazing episode to just listen to but frustrating if you want to participate, 8/10, I recommend the riddles episode or would you rather episodes if you want to join in… or episode two if you were expecting a lore packed video like I was.

Things I noted-

Give me the episode number in the thumbnail, Ted. Give it back to me.

The look of fear on Ted’s face when Schlatt said miners was priceless

Sponsor ad three minutes in was rather rude.

I fw Tucker’s setup

Schlatt does in fact have too many channels

I got the Slimecicle death question right and idk if I should be proud or feel like a loser

I wrote down “he’s such a nerd” on my notes and I have no clue who I am talking about, it can be any of them

(Original Notes, favorite comments +updates under the cut)

Hey y’all, sorry for announcing my return just to disappear for a month again.. Life really decided to pull multiple fast ones on me and I got really intimidated by how much I needed to catch up on. I’m not sure how frequent post will be but I will say coming back was nice. Let’s hope that I don’t get another life changing update and I can keep on chucking :)

Funfact: I was talking to my cousin about my thoughts on today’s episode and told me that I need to seek professional help.

[excessive-vampires]

Dealing with Demons Chapter 10: Something Unnecessarily Personal Part 1: Riley

Masterlist with CW

Taglist: @demyxdancer @softvampirewhump @d-cs

Cliff Mason no longer lived at his last known address, surprising none but disappointing all. The team went to investigate anyway, looking for anything that might suggest where he was or what he was trying to do. Well, the team minus Riley.

Riley was stuck in the library looking up everything the Bureau had on symbolism based rituals involving demons. As far as Riley could tell, the Bureau had absolutely nothing. At least nothing in the database or the few relevant books they could find.

Unlike the lack of information on demons, the reason the shelves were so bereft of information on symbolism based rituals was because not a lot of information existed.

Normal rituals followed a known set of rules, but the rules for symbolism based rituals depended on, well, symbolism and the associations and intent the caster brought to the table. So that meant that each ritual was different, and Riley had to go through the collection of old spellbooks at the back of the shelves hoping that someone somewhere had tried to do the exact same thing in the exact same way and then had their notes confiscated by the Bureau. Which was unlikely, since not a lot of people attempted symbolism based rituals. The outcomes tended to be unpredictable in unexpected ways.

Riley slammed shut another useless book and put their head down on their desk. It was the end of the workday and all the other researchers had gone home, so no one heard them as they let out a frustrated groan. They should be out with the others. Well, probably not seeing as this was all they could do to help and someone had to do it, but they wanted to be out with the others. They wanted to be good for something other than research. If only they could cast spells! Then they could train to be more useful out in the field. Mike and Sil were always facing horrible dangers and Riley just had to sit there in the library and hope their best friends didn't die.

"Oh, so you get to nap while the rest of us investigate? I always knew you researchers were slackers."

Mike's teasing brought Riley out of their rapidly spiralling mindset. They lifted their head and smiled in relief. "Hey, what did you find?"

"A whole lot of nothing. Mason knows how to clean out a place, there was no sign of his plans, and nothing Sil could use for a tracking spell."

"You're kidding."

"No toothbrush, no hairbrush, not even a coffee mug. I've moved into places that had more of their last owner left in them than this apartment."

"Are you sure the landlord didn't clean it out?"

"Mason had the rent for the place paid in advance up through the end of the year, but no one's seen him around there since April."

"Damn. I'm sorry, Mike."

"Yeah, well, at least we're not completely out of leads. Avi's with Sil trying to remember everything they can about the room they were summoned to since it wasn't that place's basement."

"How did it go? Working with Avi without..."

"Without you as a buffer? Well, Sil kept things professional, which helped a lot. If not for her, me and your demon might have had a fistfight to determine who got to be the funny one."

Riley laughed then stopped abruptly as Mike's words caught up to them. "Th-They're not my demon!"

"Relax, I'm just giving you a hard time. They did complain that you weren't there, though."

"Yeah?" Riley was curious despite themself.

"Yeah, kept going on and on about how you're the only one on our team that knows anything true about demons."

"Oh god, what did you say?"

"Hey, why assume it was me? Sil could've messed up!"

Upon seeing Riley's incredulous face, Mike looked down at the floor. "Okay yeah, it was me. I asked them if they used to be an angel. And you don't have to tell me why I'm wrong, they went on a huge rant about how the difference is arbitrary and sin and virtue are human societal constructs and seriously, Riley, they would not shut up."

Riley's chest felt tight as they were struck with a sudden jealousy. And not because Avi's rant would have undoubtedly contained information about demons that the Bureau didn't know. Mike and Sil were Riley's team and they had spent the day... not having fun but at the very least bonding with Avi. Angry tears started to well up in their eyes.

"So, did you find anything?" Mike looked at them critically. "Riley?"

"Oh, um," Riley wiped the tears away. "I didn't find anything either. I guess today was a bust for all of us."

"Are you okay, Riley? Did something happen?"

"No, no, I'm just frustrated about the lack of leads."

"Yeah, me too... I hope Clara's okay. To go through what happened with Bell and then this..."

"Don't worry, we'll find her and get her home and her and Jessica will invite us all to their wedding."

"Yeah, that'd be nice. Ian's been complaining that I haven't taken him anywhere fancy lately."

"I can't imagine you in a fancy setting, Mike, it's just not computing."

"Hey! I can clean up nice when I want to."

Riley didn't doubt it, Mike was a good-looking guy underneath the lack of care put into his appearance. But that didn't mean Riley was going to stop teasing him. "Sure you do."

"Aw, screw you, Riley."

They both laughed.

"Come on," Mike said. "Let's go and report our lack of progress to Coleman."

[anilsharma2]

Top 5 Reasons Why Anil Sharma Classes is the Best CA Coaching in India

When aspiring Chartered Accountants look for guidance, the right coaching institute can make all the difference. India is home to numerous coaching centers, but Anil Sharma Classes stands tall among them. Known for its results, teaching methodology, and personalized student care, it has earned the reputation of being the Best CA Coaching in India. Here are the top five reasons why it should be your first choice:

1. Proven Track Record of Success

Anil Sharma Classes has consistently produced top scorers in CA Foundation, CA Intermediate, and CA Final exams. With a long list of rank holders and students who have cleared all levels in the first attempt, the institute has become synonymous with success in the CA field.

2. Highly Experienced Faculty

Led by CA Anil Sharma himself, the institute boasts a team of subject matter experts who bring years of teaching and industry experience. Their unique ability to simplify complex topics and offer real-world applications helps students gain a deeper understanding of subjects.

3. All-in-One Course Structure

Whether you're preparing for:

CA Foundation Coaching in Jaipur

CA Inter Best Coaching

Best CA Final Coaching in Jaipur

Anil Sharma Classes provides comprehensive support, from conceptual teaching to advanced problem-solving and revision classes. Each level is handled with a unique strategy tailored to exam needs.

4. Modern Infrastructure and Learning Tools

From smart classrooms to online classes and mobile app access, students can learn at their convenience. Recorded sessions, PDF notes, mock test series, and daily practice papers ensure continuous improvement.

5. Student-Centric Approach

The institute is committed to student success not just in exams, but also in careers. With career guidance, motivational sessions, and mental wellness support, Anil Sharma Classes ensures every aspirant is on the right path.

Conclusion: If you're seeking the Best CA Coaching in India, Anil Sharma Classes offers the ideal combination of quality teaching, resources, and results. It's more than just coaching—it's a launchpad for your professional success.

Stay tuned for more blogs on:

Best CS Coaching in Jaipur

CS Executive Coaching in Jaipur

Best CS Professional Coaching in Jaipur

and more!

[groovytyrantkingdom]

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[bhagyaachievers12]

How to Improve Your CS Executive Score Using Online Test Series

When studying for the CS Executive exam, it might be challenging to sort through a variety of study guides, past tests, and revision plans. To boost your confidence and score before the big day, however, including an online test series into your study plan can be the turning point you need.

The importance of online test series, their effective use, and helpful tips to help you achieve the highest possible score on the CS Executive exam will all be covered in this blog. Now let's begin!

The Importance of Online Test Series in CS Executive Prep

Before we get into the how, it’s important to understand the why. Here’s what makes online test series so impactful:

1. Exam Simulation

Taking an online test series is like doing a practice run of the real exam. It gives you the same pressure, time limits, and question format as the actual CS Executive exam. This helps you get used to the exam environment so you’re not nervous on the big day.

2. Self-Assessment

After each mock test, you get to see your score and figure out how well you're really doing. It shows which topics you’re strong in and where you’re falling behind.

3. Revision Boost

Mock tests highlight your weak areas, so you can focus your revision there. Instead of reading everything again, you can revise smarter and faster by concentrating only on topics where you're making mistakes.

4. Instant Feedback

Many online test series give you quick feedback right after you submit your test. This includes correct answers, explanations, and even tips to improve.

5. Flexibility

One of the best things about online test series is that you can take them whenever and wherever you want. Whether you're a student, a working professional, or preparing part-time—you can fit the tests into your own schedule.

A Complete Guide to Using Online Test Series to Raise Your Score

1. Select the The right Platform for the Test Series

Choosing the right test series platform is key to effective CS Executive preparation. Look for one that offers:

Updated syllabus and exam pattern

Quality, exam-level questions

Detailed performance analysis

Descriptive answer evaluation

Flexible timing and device access

Instant feedback with solutions

Good student support for doubts

Pro Tip: Opt for a free demo test before purchasing a full package to assess the quality.

2. Create a Realistic Test Schedule

Consistency is key when it comes to improving scores. Design a test schedule that aligns with your study plan:

Start with subject-wise tests to strengthen individual topics.

Move on to module-wise mock tests once you’ve completed each section.

Practice full-length tests in the final month to improve speed and accuracy.

Example Weekly Schedule:

Day

Task

Focus

Monday

Subject-wise Test (Tax)

Concept clarity

Wednesday

Subject-wise Test (JIGL)

Problem areas

Friday

Module 1 Mock Test

Time management

Sunday

Full-Length Mock Test

Exam simulation

3. Analyze Your Performance Thoroughly

Taking mock tests without proper analysis is like solving a puzzle without looking at the bigger picture.

After each test:

Review incorrect answers and understand where you went wrong.

Note recurring mistakes—whether it’s misinterpretation of questions or time mismanagement.

Track your scores using a simple spreadsheet to visualize progress.

Key Metrics to Track:

Accuracy rate per subject.

Time spent per section.

Improvement in weak topics.

Maintain an error log to avoid repeating the same mistakes.

4. Focus on Weak Areas

Once you’ve identified weaker topics, revisit them using:

Reference materials (ICSI modules or trusted coaching notes).

Conceptual videos for better understanding.

Additional subject-wise tests for targeted practice.

For example: If "Company Law" repeatedly lowers your overall score, dedicate specific study slots to revising its core concepts before attempting another mock test.

5. Practice Time Management

Completing the paper on time is one of the most difficult challenges in the CS Executive exam. Make use of your practice exams to: Try out various approaches to answering questions (e.g., starting with easy sections).

During full-length tests, establish time limits for each section.

To increase your chances of getting a good score, learn when to skip long questions.

Pro Tip: Set a timer for each practice test and avoid distractions to replicate actual exam conditions.

6. Revise & Retake

Don’t hesitate to retake tests after revising weak areas. This:

Reinforces learning.

Helps you gauge improvement.

Boosts confidence as your scores increase.

Additionally, attempt previous attempts’ questions to observe patterns and understand frequently tested topics.

Additional Tips to Maximize Your CS Executive Score

Stay Consistent : Taking tests regularly helps you remember topics better and keeps you in the study zone. It also reduces stress before the actual exam because you're already used to the pattern and pressure.

Mix It Up : Don’t just stick to one type of test. Try subject-wise tests to focus on one topic at a time, and also attempt full-length mock exams to build stamina for the real exam. It keeps things interesting and prevents boredom.

Stay Updated : Always check that your test series includes the latest changes in laws, rules, and syllabus. Studying outdated material can hurt your score, even if you're working hard.

Stay Calm : It’s normal to have low scores sometimes. Instead of feeling upset, treat it as a chance to learn and improve. Every mistake is just another step closer to success.

The Results You Can Expect

By systematically using an online test series:

You’ll gain a clearer understanding of the exam pattern.

Your time management skills will improve significantly.

Weak subjects will gradually turn into strengths.

Most importantly, you’ll feel more confident walking into the exam hall.

Remember, success in CS Executive isn’t just about hard work—it’s about smart work. Utilizing an online test series effectively can bridge the gap between where you are now and the score you aspire to achieve.

Final Thoughts

Online test series are an excellent way to gauge your level of preparation, identify your areas of weakness, and practice performing under pressure. When used purposefully, they will significantly improve your speed, accuracy, and self-assurance, which will raise your CS Executive score. Among the several platforms accessible, our CS Executive Test Series is unique due to its updated question sets, comprehensive comments, and exam-like setting. It is used by thousands of students throughout India, and it is especially well-known for helping test-takers become more confident and clear-headed. If you are dedicated to improving your performance, starting with a test series with Bhagya Achievers could be a smart and successful first step toward your achievement.

[capslearning]

Why Commerce Coaching Matters in the 11th and 12th Grades

The transition from school-level general subjects to commerce-specific studies in 11th and 12th grade is often underestimated. For students choosing the commerce stream, these two years are more than just academic—they form the stepping stones to some of the most rewarding professional careers such as CA, CS, CMA, MBA, and beyond. With growing competition and evolving exam patterns, relying solely on school education might not be enough. This is where commerce coaching becomes crucial, especially for students who aim for excellence and wish to secure a solid foundation for future success.

Unlike traditional learning methods in schools, coaching institutes offer a deeper, more analytical approach. Subjects like Accountancy, Economics, Business Studies, and Mathematics require not only conceptual clarity but also practical understanding. Experienced educators at coaching centers break down these subjects in a way that students can absorb and apply effectively. This tailored attention allows learners to grasp the "why" behind every concept, not just the "how," making them more confident and capable.

11th 12th Commerce coaching also plays a pivotal role in time management and exam strategy. With board exams becoming increasingly competitive, students must learn to handle pressure, write efficiently, and manage their preparation timelines. Coaching institutes provide a framework with regular assessments, mock tests, and performance feedback, helping students identify their strengths and work on weak areas well in advance. This exam-readiness helps reduce anxiety and enhances results.

In places like Nagpur and other parts of Vidarbha, there’s a growing demand for specialized commerce coaching due to the region's focus on academic excellence. Institutes like CAPS Nagpur have responded to this need by creating comprehensive learning environments tailored specifically for commerce students. CAPS offers structured modules that align with both school syllabi and competitive exam requirements, giving students a dual advantage.

Another critical factor that highlights the importance of coaching is career direction. Most school curriculums provide little exposure to career planning in commerce. On the other hand, coaching centers introduce students early to professional avenues like CA Foundation, CS Foundation, and other commerce-related exams. This kind of insight allows students to map their academic goals with future ambitions, enabling them to stay focused and make informed decisions.

In addition to academic learning, coaching classes foster peer-to-peer interactions, group discussions, and concept-building sessions that encourage collaborative learning. This environment promotes healthy competition and motivation among students, which is often missing in regular school setups. Having mentors who are subject matter experts further enriches this experience. They are not only educators but also career guides who understand student struggles and provide personalized solutions.

It’s also important to note the consistency and discipline that structured coaching brings. Regular classes, well-defined study plans, and frequent revisions help students build a study habit, which becomes essential when preparing for board exams and professional entrance tests simultaneously. This rhythm of consistent study, regular testing, and timely feedback makes a remarkable difference in a student’s confidence and performance.

For commerce students in Nagpur, particularly those in 11th and 12th grades, coaching has emerged as more than a support system—it’s a catalyst for long-term success. Institutions like CAPS Nagpur have set a benchmark with their innovative teaching techniques, expert faculty, and focus on all-round development. Their emphasis on conceptual understanding, practical application, and continuous mentoring ensures that students don’t just study—they thrive.

In conclusion, 11th 12th commerce institute is not just a convenience; it is a necessity for those who want to excel in academics and plan a stable, prosperous future. With the right coaching, students are not only able to navigate the complexities of commerce subjects but also prepare themselves for higher education and competitive professional pathways. Coaching provides clarity, confidence, and competence—all vital ingredients for success in the modern academic landscape.

If you are looking for top-quality 11th 12th commerce coaching in Nagpur, look no further than DGS CAPS. With a legacy of excellence and proven results, we are committed to shaping tomorrow’s financial leaders and business professionals.

🚀 Start your journey towards academic success with DGS CAPS today! 🚀

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Email Address: dgscaps@gmail.com

Website: https://capslearning.org/

[unabashedbluebirdsuit]

Income Tax Bill 2025: Key Changes, Reforms & PDF Access

A Comprehensive Guide to the Income Tax Bill 2025

The Income Tax Bill 2025 marks a revolutionary shift in India’s taxation landscape. Introduced in Parliament on February 13, 2025, this restructured legislation simplifies tax compliance, improves legal clarity, and adopts digital tools to assist both taxpayers and professionals. Unlike the older, complex framework, the new Income Tax Bill aims to bring transparency, accessibility, and consistency to the system. With the rollout set for April 1, 2026, individuals, businesses, and students alike must prepare for the upcoming changes. Here's everything you need to know.

Streamlined Structure for Easier Understanding

One of the most trans formative changes in the Income Tax Bill is its simplified format. The number of sections has been reduced from over 800 to 536, now spread across only 23 chapters. Consequently, navigating tax regulations is far less daunting.

In addition, the bill adopts plain language, includes tables, and uses easy-to-read formats. Therefore, whether you're a seasoned tax professional or a first-time filer, understanding and complying with the rules becomes far more manageable.

Unified Terminology: Goodbye Assessment Year

Previously, taxpayers had to grapple with terms like "Assessment Year" and "Previous Year." Thankfully, the Income Tax Bill replaces these with a single term—Tax Year. This change not only simplifies terminology but also reduces confusion, particularly for new taxpayers and small business owners.

It's important to note that while the bill becomes effective in 2026, students pursuing CA, CS, and CMA courses will continue with the old law until March 31, 2026. Educational institutions will then adopt the new law from April 1, 2027.

Dual Tax Regime – Now with Smarter Tools

The new Income Tax Bill continues to offer both the old and new tax regimes. However, what truly sets it apart is the inclusion of helpful tools. For instance, side-by-side comparisons, practical examples, and built-in tax calculators are now part of the official guide.

These enhancements are designed to make the decision-making process more intuitive. As a result, taxpayers can confidently choose the regime that works best for them without always relying on a consultant.

Digital Assets Now Officially Taxed

With the rise of digital finance, the Income Tax Bill has taken a significant step forward by bringing cryptocurrencies and NFTs under the tax net. These Virtual Digital Assets (VDAs) now have clearly defined rules for classification, reporting, and taxation.

This move not only legitimizes the growing digital asset market but also ensures better regulatory control. For investors and institutions alike, this means more clarity and less guesswork when it comes to digital transactions.

Legal Precedents Included to Reduce Disputes

One of the most forward-thinking aspects of the Income Tax Bill is its integration of landmark judicial rulings into the text of the law itself. This provides instant legal clarity and significantly reduces the risk of future disputes.

By embedding court decisions directly, the bill streamlines tax interpretation, thereby fostering a smoother relationship between taxpayers and authorities.

Familiar Income Heads, Fresh Numbers

The fundamental income categories—Salary, House Property, Business or Profession, Capital Gains, and Other Sources—remain intact. However, their section numbers have been updated. For example, salary income is now governed under Sections 15 to 19.

Moreover, the bill offers considerable relief to the middle class. Incomes up to ₹12 lakh may now be entirely tax-free, which is a huge step toward making taxation more equitable and citizen-friendly.

Download the Income Tax Bill PDF for Complete Access

To dive deeper into all these changes, you can download the official Income Tax Bill PDF from the Ministry of Finance’s website. This comprehensive document includes detailed breakdowns, updated sections, and practical guidelines to help you adapt seamlessly.

Having access to the Income Tax Bill PDF ensures you're not just relying on summaries but are fully informed of every nuance the new law introduces.

Final Thoughts: Get Ready for a Smarter Tax Future

In summary, the Income Tax Bill 2025 stands out as a bold, digital-age reform. Through its simplified language, unified terminology, digital integration, and legal transparency, it redefines the Indian tax experience.

With the implementation date around the corner, now is the perfect time to align your financial planning. Don’t forget to download the Income Tax Bill PDF and stay ahead of the curve. Transitioning early could mean fewer surprises and greater confidence in your tax filings.

Let me know if you'd like this in a downloadable format or need a visual summary for presentations or educational use!

[smithblogger]

Explore the Best Commerce Courses After 10th & 12th – Your Complete Guide to a Successful Career

Introduction Commerce is one of the most promising and diversified academic streams a student can opt for after Class 10 and Class 12. Whether you wish to be a Chartered Accountant, an entrepreneur, a finance professional, or an executive with a multinational company—commerce courses give you the best platform to excel in a myriad of careers.

At ACC Commerce Coaching Jodhpur, we guide students in finding the best commerce course as per their passion, aptitude, and career goals, and provide expert coaching to achieve their chosen careers.

What Are Commerce Courses? Commerce courses are academic and professional courses that specialize in topics like accounting, business, finance, management, marketing, and economics. These courses aim to provide students with the necessary knowledge and skills to work in corporate, public, or entrepreneurial sectors.

These courses can be categorized into: ✅ Academic Degree Courses (such as B.Com, BBA, BA Economics) ✅ Professional Certification Courses (such as CA, CS, CMA, CFA) ✅ Vocational and Skill-Based Courses (such as Stock Market, GST, Digital Marketing, Tally)

Top Commerce Courses After Class 10 One can study Commerce Stream in Class 11 & 12 with essential subjects such as:

Accountancy

Business Studies

Economics

English

Optional: IP, Applied Maths, Mathematics

This is the foundation of all top commerce degrees and professional exams. Selecting subjects at an early stage will save time and provide a clear path to success.

We provide professional, special coaching for Class 11 and Class 12 Commerce at ACC, so that students understand core concepts and are ready to pursue further studies at the same time.

Best Commerce Courses After Class 12 When Class 12 is over, students may take up the following:

Bachelor of Commerce (B.Com) India's most sought-after undergraduate course in commerce. It includes subjects such as accounting, taxation, economics, and business law. It is offered in General and Honours streams.

Chartered Accountancy (CA) Provided by ICAI, this is one of India's most renowned and demanding commerce qualifications. It consists of CA Foundation, Intermediate, and Final levels.

Cost and Management Accountancy (CMA) This ICMAI course is centered around cost control, budgeting, and management accounting. Suitable for analytical and finance-oriented students.

Company Secretary (CS) This course is conducted by ICSI and is ideal for students interested in corporate law, compliance, and governance.

Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA) A career-oriented degree in the areas of management, business management, HR, and marketing. Excellent for MBA or business-related careers.

BA Economics / BMS / B.Com LL.B. / BIBF Specialized degrees for students pursuing economics, finance, law, or international trade.

Short-Term and Certification-Based Commerce Courses

Tally & GST

Digital Marketing

Investment Banking & Stock Market Courses

Data Analytics for Business

Financial Modeling

These courses are ideal for skill development and job preparation.

Why ACC for Commerce Coaching in Jodhpur? ✅ Highly Experienced Faculty for Each Course Level ✅ Foundation to Final Level Coaching for CA, CMA, CS ✅ Guidance for B.Com, Class 11, & Class 12 Students ✅ Customized Study Plans & Batch Flexibility ✅ Mock Tests, Notes, & Personal Mentoring ✅ Interest & Aptitude-Based Career Counseling

Our students don't learn—they thrive, qualify, and excel.

How to Pick the Ideal Commerce Course? The right choice depends on:

Your interest (finance, law, management, data, etc.)

Your strength (numerical ability, communication, analysis)

Your goals (job, entrepreneurship, government, international career)

Don't know what to choose? Our experts at ACC take students through a customized counseling session to assist in selecting the ideal course.

Conclusion: Shape Your Future with Commerce Commerce courses provide limitless avenues—from secure employment in MNCs to starting your own business. The only thing needed is to pick the correct course, begin well, and learn from the best teachers. Be it school, college, or CA/CMA/CS certification, ACC Commerce Coaching in Jodhpur is with you throughout.

Visit Us: https://acceducation.in Google Location: ACC Commerce Coaching - GMB Call Today and Start Your Commerce Journey with Confidence!

[lucky-clover-gazette]

prince's gambit highlights & annotations

chapter 1

indented text is from the book. some quotes have commentary, some do not. some comments are serious, and some are definitely not. most of them will only make sense to people who have read the series. and, like, there are spoilers. so please read the books first if you're interested!

also: part of the reason i'm doing such a close reading is to study cs pacat's style, especially in terms of how she does romance and erotica. there are "craft notes" that might seem weird, like i'm being redundant or restating something rather than analyzing, but those are more things that i want to remember/take away from the writing!

i'm going to tag these longer posts with "sam reads capri" in case anyone wants to read them all at once.

this is a google doc i wrote with overall content warnings for the captive prince series. it's not perfect, but i do think it's important to include.

Across the courtyard, a couple of alaunt hounds came bounding down the stone stairs to throw themselves ecstatically at Laurent, who indulged one of them with a rub behind the ears, causing a spasm of jealousy in the other.

AHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!!!!!!

the first thing laurent does in this book is pet a dog. i love him so much.

craft-wise, this foreshadows the shift in damen’s perception of laurent that occurs throughout book 2. his/our first impression of laurent in book 1 is him cruelly demeaning damen, almost like a dog, which is something we’re meant to hate. our first impression here is him affectionately indulging actual dogs who clearly know and love him. this might make the reader ask: why do these animals love laurent, when we understand him to be cruel? is our understanding incorrect, and/or incomplete?

context: in arles, the regent closely observes laurent’s attachments. he can and will destroy anything or anyone laurent cares about. but here, outside of arles, it makes sense that laurent would immediately feel more comfortable being affectionate.

laurent’s hot girl summer has officially begun ✨

Damen craned for a glimpse but, not being an owl, saw almost nothing.

The physician rummaged in the satchel and produced one of his endless ointments.

doesn’t this become a running gag? ointment reference #1

That was really too much. ‘It’s cosmetic?’

does damen take pride in his scars, and other physical indications of his experiences? that could be an interesting parallel to the cuffs throughout the series. or maybe he just knows he’s hot either way. or doesn’t want to be fussed over.

he is technically still laurent’s property—has laurent given any kind of indication that he finds the scars unattractive? or did paschal simply make that assumption, which laurent then went along with, knowing it would annoy damen?

The physician said, ‘I was told you would be difficult. Very well. The better it heals, the less your back will trouble you with stiffness, both now and later in life, so that you will be better able to swing a sword around, killing a great many people. I was told you would be responsive to that argument.’ ‘The Prince,’ said Damen.

paschal, sighing deeply as he commits laurent’s exact words to memory: i’m about to become the first homophobe in vere because these petty gay bitches can’t keep their nonsense to themselves

actually, new thing to count—every time a minor or secondary character has a valid reason to complain about damen and laurent’s lack of professionalism in the workplace. this is lamen hr complaint #1 (paschal).

But of course. All this tender care of his back, like soothing with a kiss the reddened cheek you have slapped.

great line.

connects to an ongoing theme: niceness vs. goodness. damen “sees through” laurent’s niceness, as it conflicts with laurent’s meanness that he personally has experienced. in the same way damen has a favorable bias towards kastor and the regent, he has an automatically unfavorable bias against laurent. which is totally fair, given the events of book 1! but this is a new book, and a new stage in damen’s overall series arc.

additional theme for books 2&3: tenderness. a wound is tender; it aches in need of soothing. but what soothes an ache? tender care. if nice is good and mean is bad, where does a concept like tenderness fit in? how exactly will we go from “all this tender care of his back, like soothing with a kiss the reddened cheek you have slapped” to “i think if i gave you my heart, you would treat it tenderly”?

Damen snorted. ‘It wasn’t that bad.’

a consistent damen behavior: the refusal to admit that he is helplessness, and/or experiencing circumstances beyond his control. i would call it toxic masculinity, but i don’t think it’s meant as gender commentary—it has more to do with being a prince and a king, worthy of the throne. toxic royalty, if you will.

‘If you served the King,’ said Damen, ‘how is it you now find yourself in the Prince’s household, and not his uncle’s?’ ‘Men find themselves in the places they put themselves,’ Paschal said, closing his satchel with a snap.

laurent of vere: the people’s prince ✨

also, interesting juxtaposition with previous dialogue about damen and paschal both being at marlas, on different sides of the battle. can we truly say that damen, at age 19, had put himself there? what does that suggest about his character and his kingdom?

‘Yes, of course,’ said Damen. Then stopped. Jord didn’t notice.

he needs acting classes from laurent

Damen said, ‘If you’re not going to tip your head back, why don’t we go find Paschal? He can give you a scented ointment.’

HA. ointment reference #2.

Damen thought of the ivory and gold casing that held a creature duplicitous, self-serving and untrustworthy. ‘You’re so loyal to him. Why is that?’

really nailing in the damen perspective subversion setup. also, the irony re: aimeric's loyalty!

Damen joined the work, where he was the only man to smell, expensively, of ointments and cinnamon.

ointment reference #3. he’s expensive.

‘Aimeric’s young. He says it won’t happen again,’ said Jord. It will happen again, and once the two factions in this camp start retaliating against one another your campaign is over, he didn’t say.

i love how we finally get to see damen in his element here, after experiencing The Horrors for 13 + prologue entire chapters in book 1

‘The Captain is in one of the horse stalls, up to his waist in the stableboy,’ said Jord. ‘The Prince has been waiting for him at the barracks. Actually . . . I was told to have you fetch him.’ ‘From the stables,’ said Damen. He stared at Jord in disbelief.

laurent wastes no time before assigning damen unpleasant tasks. does this count as an hr complaint? i mean it would be damen doing the complaining, am i counting charges they have against each other? no. they’d wreck the curve.

Inside, Govart was unambiguously fucking the stableboy against the far wall.

“unambiguously”

‘The Prince stays here often?’ The castellan mistook him to mean the keep, not the rooms. ‘Not often. He and his uncle came here a great deal together, in the year or two after Marlas. As he grew older, the Prince lost his taste for the runs here. He now comes only rarely to Chastillon.’

context: >:(

Laurent said, ‘I have saved you till last.’ Damen said, ‘You owe the stableboy a copper sol.’ ‘The stableboy should learn to demand payment before he bends over.’

“honey, i’m home!” sitcom entrance

‘Your virtue’s safe. It’s just water. Probably.’

somebody’s feeling playfulllll

Laurent placed the goblet carefully back on the table, and picked up the knife. It was a sharp knife, made for cutting meat. Damen felt his pulse quicken as Laurent came forward. Only a handful of nights ago, he had watched Laurent slit a man’s throat, spilling blood as red as the silk that covered this room’s bed. He felt shock as Laurent’s fingers touched his, pressing the hilt of the knife into his hand. Laurent took hold of Damen’s wrist below the gold cuff, firmed his grip, and drew the knife forward so that it was angled towards his own stomach. The tip of the blade pressed slightly into the dark blue of his prince’s garment. ‘You heard me tell Orlant to leave,’ said Laurent. Damen felt Laurent’s grip slide down his wrist to his fingers, and tighten. Laurent said, ‘I am not going to waste time on posturing and threats. Why don’t we clear up any uncertainty about your intentions?’

laurent explaining to damen that his behavior in arles was a bit in the most insane way possible

He was so infuriatingly sure of himself, proving a point. Damen felt desire come hard upon him: not wholly a desire for violence, but a desire to drive the knife into Laurent’s composure, to force him to show something other than cool indifference.

they’re so normal and well-adjusted

He said: ‘I’m sure there are house servants still awake. How do I know you won’t scream?’ ‘Do I seem like the type to scream?’ ‘I’m not going to use the knife,’ said Damen, ‘but if you’re willing to put it in my hand, you underestimate how much I want to.’ ‘No,’ said Laurent. ‘I know exactly what it is to want to kill a man, and to wait.’

“yes, and” “yes, and” “yes, and”

Laurent said, ‘When this campaign is over, I think—if you are a man and not a worm—you will attempt to gain retribution for what has happened to you. I expect it. On that day, we roll the dice and see how they fall. Until then, you serve me. Let me therefore make one thing above all clear to you: I expect your obedience. You are under my command. If you object to what you are told to do I will hear reasoned arguments in private, but if you disobey an order once it is made, I will send you back to the flogging post.’

this is their starting place for the book! “we hate each other, we owe each other nothing, we know that we are going to eventually attempt to kill each other—but for now, we are calling a truce and working together”

also. would laurent still love damen if he was a worm 🥺

Another pause, and then Laurent indicated once again to the chair. This time Damen followed his prompt and sat. Laurent took the chair opposite. Between them, unfurled on the table, was all the intricate detail of the map. ‘You said you knew the territory,’ Laurent said.

this is part of why i love damen and laurent so much as a pairing. they have interests and skills in common, and they make a genuinely good team. they’re intellectually compatible, in addition to sexually and romantically compatible.

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[incometaxbill2025]

Income Tax Act 2025: Key Highlights, Applicability & PDF

Income Tax Act 2025: Key Highlights, Applicability & PDF

The much-anticipated Income Tax Act 2025 was presented in Parliament on February 13, 2025. A dedicated committee is reviewing the bill and is expected to submit its findings by the Monsoon Session. This article provides an in-depth analysis of the new tax law, its effective date, significant changes, and how it impacts taxpayers and professionals.

Introduction to the Income Tax Act 2025

The draft of the Income Tax Act 2025 is now publicly available, allowing professionals and taxpayers to understand its new provisions. While earlier speculations suggested renaming it as the Direct Tax Code, the government has officially retained the name as Income Tax Act 2025.

For complete details, you can download the Income Tax Act 2025 PDF, which includes all provisions and updates in the tax law.

Implementation Date and Applicability

A common question among taxpayers is: When does the Income Tax Act 2025 take effect? The new law will be applicable from April 1, 2026, meaning the first financial year under this act will be FY 2026-27.

Guidance for CA, CS & CMA Students

Students preparing for taxation exams should note the transition timeline:

Exams conducted before March 31, 2026, will follow the Income Tax Act, 1961.

Exams held after April 1, 2027, will be based on the Income Tax Act 2025.

Objectives of the Income Tax Act 2025

The government aims to modernize India's tax system with the Income Tax Act 2025 through:

Simplification of tax laws by reducing complexities and using clear language.

Modernizing tax regulations to align with global best practices.

Enhancing efficiency and transparency in tax calculations for individuals and businesses.

To meet these goals, several structural changes have been introduced. Let's explore the most significant changes in detail.

Key Highlights of the Income Tax Act 2025

1. Reduction in Sections for Simplification

The old tax law had 298 sections, but with various sub-sections, the count exceeded 800 provisions. The Income Tax Act 2025 has streamlined it to 536 sections, eliminating redundancies.

2. Chapter Restructuring

The previous law had 47 chapters, while the new act consolidates them into 23 concise chapters, improving clarity and ease of reference.

3. Reduction in Word & Page Count

Old law: 5.12 lakh words

Income Tax Act 2025: 2.6 lakh words (almost half!)

The new law spans 622 pages, making it 200 pages shorter than before.

4. Simpler Language & Structure

The government has introduced simplified wording, tables, and formulas to make tax calculations easier to understand and apply.

5. Measures to Reduce Litigation

By incorporating past judicial rulings, the Income Tax Act 2025 aims to minimize disputes and promote a more predictable tax environment.

6. New 'Tax Year' Concept

The terms 'Previous Year' and 'Assessment Year' have been replaced by a single term, 'Tax Year', running from April 1 to March 31. The first tax year under this system will be 2026-27.

7. Continuation of Old & New Tax Regimes

Contrary to speculation, the government has decided to retain both tax regimes, allowing taxpayers to choose the one that benefits them the most.

8. Inclusion of Virtual Digital Assets (VDA)

Cryptocurrencies and NFTs are now recognized as taxable assets. The new framework ensures undisclosed digital income is also taxed.

For full provisions and regulations, get the Income Tax Act 2025 PDF now.

9. Unchanged Tax Slabs

The tax slabs remain the same as announced in Union Budget 2025. The effective tax on an income of INR 12 lakh is nil, thanks to applicable rebates.

10. Retention of Five Income Heads

The fundamental classification of taxable income remains unchanged:

Salary

House Property

Business/Profession

Capital Gains

Other Sources

11. New Section Numbering for Clarity

To enhance organization, section numbers have been updated:

Salary Income: Old 15-17, now 15-19

House Property: Old 20-27, now 20-25

Business Income: Old 28-44, now 26-66

Capital Gains: Old 45-55, now 67-91

Other Sources: Old 56-59, now 92-95

Conclusion

The Income Tax Act 2025 marks a significant step towards a modern, efficient, and transparent tax system. It simplifies compliance, reduces litigation, and includes emerging digital assets within the tax framework. Taxpayers, professionals, and students should familiarize themselves with these changes to ensure a smooth transition.

[douchebagbrainwaves]

THE COURAGE OF ERROR

I thought I'd already been cured of caring about that. Google is not just that you can stop judging them and yourself by superficial measures, but that so many judge themselves by it. They try to convince with their pitch.1 It might seem foolish to sell stock in a profitable company for less than you think it will later be worth, but it's also hard work and at times very stressful. They don't project any kind of work. He turned out to be as big a problem as they might think. He even has a sense of humor, which is less than a good programmer makes in salary in Silicon Valley. And act. Any public company that didn't generate sufficient returns on its assets risked having its management replaced with one that would. More recently the recipe is often one founder, one VC, and one independent.

Iterate. The best I can think to myself If someone with a real thirst for knowledge will be able to show the experiment worked. That can't be happening by accident. Robotics, for example, the wisdom of the engineer who knows certain structures are less prone to failure than others. Most are interested in you if you seem like a winner, they'll like your idea more. That was contrarian advice 10 years ago, they'd just get into an ideological argument. It seemed to people at the time it was a relief just to realize it wasn't the last word after all. I'm hoping it might be intelligence. This is a talk I gave at the last Y Combinator dinner of the summer.

It's populated by people who talk a lot with one another for deals, but they must both squeeze equally or the seed spins off sideways. Google had moments where things seemed hopeless. The stronger your will, the less anyone will be able to show the experiment worked. A lot of VCs still act as if founders retaining board control after a series A round. But not all young professionals benefitted. If this works, it would be suggested that executive salaries are at a maximum. One is the example of very smart people tend to be different: just as you can, give the best advice you can based on your experience, and some trains of thought just peter out. To me it was a relief just to realize it wasn't the last word after all.

Except you judge intelligence at its best, and wisdom by its average. The difference is that in the head of the twelve year old. Most investors are genuinely unclear in their own minds why they like or dislike startups. There's no thread of reasoning you have to understand the relationship between intelligence and wisdom, and particularly what seems to be more important than nurture. No amount of discipline can replace genuine curiosity. Some wisdom has nothing to do with people: for example, the wisdom of the engineer who knows certain structures are less prone to failure than others. Time after time, something that seemed a small and uninteresting area—experimental error, even—turns out, when examined up close, to have a mistakenly high opinion of your abilities, because that encourages you to keep working on the startup, you are. This idea was strongest at Harvard, where there wasn't even a CS major till the 1980s; till then one had to major in applied math. All the deals he gets to invest in do things a certain way, what difference does it make what the others do?

Notes

In Jessica Livingston's Founders at Work. And if you saw Jessica at a large organization that often doesn't know its own momentum. I mean that if there were some good ideas in the startup eventually becomes. The problem is not how to value valuable things.