#i often hesitate to say china is really behind on certain things but for this theyre Definitely behind

[wanghedi]

um president biden we need sanctions against china immediately can we send some warning shots i just saw someone on bilibili say under a video of zendaya that “americans are just being politically correct when they say shes out of tom holland’s league cos OBVIOUSLY we all know tom holland is better looking than her" and that was the Popular opinion... the white = better notion is so ingrained that it even applies to zendaya and her five foot nothing british orphan core boyfriend its BEYOND sick. i really thought there would be more conflicting voices bc we all have eyes but racism is literally so powerful

#all the comments like hmm theres just Something i can't get about her beauty shes just not for me no i wont examine this any further #chinese ppl will say i guess its just us/european beauty standards about women with darker skin (which is not even true) #and turn around and complain that beauty standards in east asia is too restricted to borderline pedophillic pale skinny and young #and thats the more feminist take bc theres a lot of ppl who are still defending the pale skinny young standard #i often hesitate to say china is really behind on certain things but for this theyre Definitely behind #not like legislation wise idk how that is but the average opinion accepted in society about women and beauty gives me culture shock #and how comfortable they are to comment on peoples weight even though they know how sensitive that could be for people #which is why when idols are getting lashings on twt about saying something about their members weight im like #yeah its wrong and they shouldnt do it but this wouldnt even register as something thats societally unacceptable #to them . i think it reinforces it more as cultural difference when the outrage is only coming from western sources #which is not to say people shouldnt say anything about it but i think for it to mean anything it has to be coming from their culture first #and idk if thats ever gonna happen from the current view of the landscape #sidney talks shit

[novelconcepts]

omg can you do a print of damie in canon just interacting with flora bc i would love that

She’s lost Flora. 

There is, Dani thinks with the forced calm of one already beginning to spiral, little cause to panic. The house is big, but it’s not that big--and Flora is a good kid. She’s not exactly prone to just wandering off. She certainly wouldn’t, say, vanish from sight and reappear somewhere unexpected, suddenly acting like she didn’t entirely remember the time in between.

That doesn’t sound like Flora at all.

She isn’t running, per se, from room to room. Running would suggest there is a problem to be handled, and if she starts thinking along those lines--if she starts obsessing about Flora’s distinctly off-putting way of gazing over her shoulder, of saying things just a little too odd to be hand-waved away, of looking at Dani as though she can see straight through her to the unease thrumming under the surface--well. That way lies nothing useful. Nothing at all.

“Have you seen Flora?” The kitchen had seemed a good bet. Here, after all, is Owen, puttering away over the ingredients for the evening’s meal, his mood somber as he uses the manor to avoid reflecting on his mother’s upcoming funeral. Here is Hannah, dutifully rearranging the china, pretending not to steal glances at Owen’s lanky frame every few seconds. That spot at the table is made for Flora, little legs hanging off the chair, brimming with questions--

But Flora isn’t there, and Owen is shaking his head. 

“Not since lunch. Lost her, have you?”

No, she almost snaps. A count of three, a long-held breath; she smiles tightly, reminding herself that this is not Owen’s fault, nor Owen’s job. The children will be your responsibility alone, after all. 

“She’s quick,” she says instead. Hannah purses her lips.

“Perhaps upstairs with Miles?”

She isn’t. Miles, bent over a book with a solemn expression, blinks up at her as though she’s dragged him by the shirt collar out of the actual wardrobe to Narnia. 

“She asked me to color--what time is it?”

“Two,” Dani says, sparing the briefest glance for her watch. He shrugs. 

“An hour ago, I think? I told her to ask Hannah.” A flash of concern crosses his face, a too-adult creasing of brow. “Was that wrong? I just wanted to finish my book--”

“It’s fine,” Dani assures him, ruffling his hair. Too-adult, his expression may be, but this is the most kid she’s seen Miles in days. The last thing she wants is to dissuade him from reading, or from the loose sprawl of his posture. 

An hour, though. In the days since coming to Bly, Dani can’t remember twenty minutes passing without Flora turning up underfoot. 

Outside, she thinks with another swell of barely-restrained panic. She’s outside. By the lake, probably, where Flora can so often be found keeping company with dolls and talismans and snatches of ethereal song. 

It isn’t exactly a reassuring thought, particularly with summer rain sluicing down the windows, scattering over the roof like pellets. A storm, it isn’t, but an eight-year-old girl has no business wandering in weather like this. 

You'd have loved it, at her age, Dani reminds herself. There’s nothing at all wrong with a little girl puddle-jumping for the sheer joy of it. Flora probably got bored, cooped up with a bunch of busy adults and her brother uninterested in playing games. She’s fine. She’s almost certainly fine.

An umbrella is waiting beside the door, still damp from Owen’s trip in before breakfast. Dani takes a breath, pops it open, steels herself for the brisk wind. 

The grounds are gray, the puddles turning the grass to a squelchy mess beneath her shoes. She keeps her head up, her eyes carefully turned away from the puddles which sit like recklessly-dropped mirrors at every turn; if she so much as glances down and spots a flash of glasses, she’s not sure she’ll be able to keep her composure. 

Flora is not by the lake, as it turns out. Nor the statue gardens. Nor the rose bushes. Flora is nowhere, she’s starting to think, and her mind is finally turning toward the worst--toward the depth of that lake, how easily a small girl might slip off the embankment and tumble headlong into its hungry waves without notice--when she remembers the greenhouse.

Jamie will help. The thought rises without warning, a solid patch of sunlight at the center of the storm. Jamie will help--because Jamie knows every corner of these grounds as well as her own hands. Jamie, who maybe doesn’t know Dani all that well, but didn’t seem to mind offering gentle reassurance, exchanging unexpectedly deep conversation on the couch...or Dani taking her hand in the dark. Jamie, who had said, Who the hell knew? Jamie, who had worn an expression a little like awe.

They haven’t had time to talk about it since, but even so. Even so, for Flora, Jamie is sure to--

She hesitates at the door, fist raised to knock. It feels foolish, rapping on the entry to a greenhouse like it’s Jamie’s own bedroom--but this is, she reasons, as close to Jamie’s home as she’s ever likely to get. 

“Jamie, are you...”

“Here,” her voice comes from somewhere just out of sight. Dani takes a cautious step in out of the rain, jostling the umbrella and pulling it hastily shut. Best not to invite bad luck--she’s certainly already had her share. 

“I’m looking for Flora,” she calls, feeling a bit silly. There’s so much going on in this room--plants and tables, pots and a variety of outdoor furniture draped with old blankets. Normally, Jamie is easy to spot amid the riot of greens and pinks, her hands busy coaxing seedlings to life. Today, Dani feels as though she’s tripped and fallen into a game of hide and seek. 

“Don’t have to look far,” Jamie’s voice comes again--from behind the sofa, Dani thinks. “C’mere.”

“Miss Clayton!” Flora pipes up, and Dani feels the tension leave her body in a violent rush. Her hand grips the nearest table for support, her eyes closing in relief. “Come color with us”

“Come--sorry?” She can’t have heard right. Jamie? Jamie the gardener, putting aside work and temper to waste an afternoon on crayons?

Yes--yes, that appears to be exactly what Jamie is doing. Sprawled on her stomach, still dressed in her coveralls, she’s got a blue crayon in hand and a green one tucked behind her ear. She glances up as Dani steps nearer, a smile lighting her face. 

“Kid came stumbling in out of the rain an hour ago. Expect she didn’t think to warn you in advance?”

“Sorry.” Flora offers a sheepish smile, sitting up quickly. “Are you very cross?”

“No, of course not.” Just going to need a minute to purge the image of finding you facedown in the goddamned lake, is all. “Next time, though, you’ll have to tell me you’re leaving the house alone. I need to know where you are at all times, Flora.”

She expects Jamie to scoff at this--to say, Ah, she was with me, she’s fine. Instead, Jamie stretches over to land a sharp flick on Flora’s upper arm. 

“Rude to make Poppins worry. Look, she’s gone all pink.” She looks up at Dani, grinning. “Not a bad look, if we’re in the market for honesty.”

Dani suspects pink is the lightest shade she can manage, with Jamie gazing at her that way. It’s too easy, all of a sudden, to remember an unexpectedly soft hand under her own fingers, Jamie turning reflexively at the wrist to hold her back. 

“I’m terribly sorry,” Flora says, a phrase Dani is starting to think is more Flora than even perfectly splendid. “Here--I was just about to do one of you!”

Jamie gestures with the blue crayon, a silent suggestion for Dani to sit beside her. “Might as well. Rain doesn’t look like it’s letting up anytime soon.” She lowers her voice, eyes fixed on Flora’s determined rummage through the crayon box. “Sorry about that, Poppins. Know she’s been unpredictable lately, didn’t like the idea of her stumping around in the cold. If I’d known you were worried--”

“It’s all right.” In truth, she’s glad Flora made her way out here. Growing more pleased by the moment with this development, really, as Jamie slides a blank sheet of paper in front of her and presses a purple crayon into her hand. 

“Join us. We’re doing portraiture.”

“I can see that,” Dani laughs. Jamie’s handiwork speaks of a distinct lack of care for detail--each sketch on her page is, at best, a stick figure with a single defining feature. “How does Owen hold up his head, carrying a mustache the size of his torso?”

“With minimal decorum,” Jamie says, grinning. “And she’s right, it’s your turn.”

Dani suspects she’s going less pink, more a volatile shade of maroon, with both parties squinting at her face, their papers, her face again. Flora is doing her very best work, taking several minutes just to select the closest shades of blue, yellow, pink. Jamie makes an enormous production of holding up a crayon, closing one eye, gauging proportions--and then, cheerfully, scrawling a figure identical to the other four already on the page. 

“I’m taller than Hannah?” Dani asks, unable to resist a giggle. Jamie frowns.

“Ah, you’re...standin’ on a crate.” She adds a box beneath Dani’s non-existent feet with a flourish, nodding. “There. It’s symbolic.”

“Of what?”

“I’ve ranked you all on how much I like you. Takin’ into account, of course, certain accusations pointed my way regarding mud and shiny floorboards.” Jamie winks. Dani finds herself gripping her crayon almost hard enough to hurt. 

“You’re not drawing, Miss Clayton!” Flora observes. Dani glances away from Jamie’s smile--a difficult act only a few days ago, nearly impossible now--and clears her throat. 

“Well. Maybe just until the rain stops.”

There are, she thinks as a comfortable quiet settles over the greenhouse, infinitely worse ways to spend her afternoon. 

#fanfiction #ficlet #the haunting of bly manor #dani x jamie #flora wingrave #soft prompts #hope this is about what you were looking for #soft it certainly is

[hetalia-has-a-secretary]

kids au? or better human au? I do not know, but the allies and the axis are reunited with their first love s / o. To which they never managed to confess what they felt and S / o is better than they remembered. Some headcanons of the school time in the past and of the reunion of both.

This is a Hallmark AU (Hallmark is an American channel that has the most romantic, but cheesiest and slightly annoying romance movies. I'm talking like, that one miscommunication that messes up the almost official relationship, despite both the man and woman finally getting along after they tried to dislike each other even though it was painfully obvious they liked each other). But yeah, this would be a Human AU lol.

Allies an Axis reconnect with S/O!

Allies:

America:

His heart and body stopped dead on the college campus.

Standing in front of him was S/O. Someone he hasn't seen in years.

They had moved away the day he was going to admit his feelings to them.

He remembers the times they ran across the road they lived in, and played underneath a tree in the field.

He remembered the one time they cut open their knee, and he had to carry them back home. Even though they could still walk, he wanted to be their hero.

Time skip back to the present, they were back!

He ran to them full speed, and hugged them, telling them how much they missed them, and how much he loved them.

"Alfred? Alfie!?"

He sputtered as he realized what he had admitted too, and hearing the childhood nickname brought blush to his face.

His S/O smiled and pulled him in, repeating his vows of affection.

England:

He scoffed at the group of people who were being a bit too rowdy in the town library.

He eventually had enough and was about to ask them to tone it down when he caught sight of a familiar face.

His S/O was standing in a group of their friends. Their happy aura making them twice as lovely as they were the day the had to go back to their hometown. Supposedly to help an old friend.

It seemed that even back then they spent most of their time reading the worst rated books to each other.

Joining all the little craft fairs the librarians held at the establishment. He still has the bracelet S/O made him.

He had to swallow the lump in his throat. Eyes eventually locking.

S/O had excused themselves from their group, and immediately ran to him, hesitating to hug him.

Arthur stopped them from doing so, and for some reason did the most cheesiest thing. He kissed the knuckles to their hand. No turning back now.

He complimented them, saying they looked just as beautiful they day he wanted to admit his feelings to them.

He was lucky they felt the same.

France:

He spent his whole college career trying to make it into the modeling industry.

He had books and books of clothing designs to submit, but all had failed. And he was left working as a barista in some shady coffee shop.

He sighed as he heard the bell ding, a new customer who would probably complain about the mucky drinks.

But as he turned he was immediately taken back to the day his S/O first moved to town.

They lived across the street from him, and his S/O had turned around seeing him standing on the sidewalk, getting the mail.

They had both shyly waved to each other, and for a few days Francis left them small gifts, too shy to talk to them face to face, and never able to tell them his feelings.

But now, they're standing in front of him.

They hadn't recognized them, but he was so lost in thought the only thing he could manage was to wave at them

That waved must have rang a bell Because his S/O went "Wait- Are you the kid from across the street? The one who left me like, a pink paper airplane on my porch?"

His face went 50 shades of red as he started spitting out excuses and apologies.

After taking his order, he noticed they left their receipt behind. And a cell number.

China:

Balance. Focus. Deep breathing.

All things Yào had for his martial arts training in the park. He was working on his Tai chi when some stranger's dog had ran under his legs, knocking him over.

All he could hear was someone apologizing, finally getting control of their dog.

He shot up to yell at the stranger but something stopped him.

The stranger looked painfully familiar, so once introductions were made, it dawned on him.

It was S/O. The two of them use to hide away from the other kids in grade school. He was the only asian in their class so he got picked on by everyone but S/O.

They had found an abandoned shack in the woods and they cleaned it up, making it their own. A base to go to when they were troubled.

Yào cracked a smile at them, and teased them about how he use to have a crush on them, a way to see how they felt.

He couldn't stop the blush that came with S/O admitting to crushing back at him.

Russia:

He had met his S/O in his second year of College. It was unexpected.

They had came into the school year almost half way through so they seemed extremely lost.

Knowing how akward and hard it was to be in that situation he built up the courage to try and talk to them.

"E-excuse me. Do you need the- to be- shown round school?"

His broken english wasn't as bad as it once was, but his nerves caught up to him. Even hearing S/O laugh made his heart flutter.

He was surprised when it wasn't at him, and when they said yes- his stomach was doing backflips.

That was then, this is now. He had to go back to Russia, and they had said their goodbyes, thinking they'd never see each other again.

But after a year or so he decided to move back to America. Back to the town that gave him so much.

He'd be lying if he wasn't hoping to meet his S/O and maybe, just maybe, admit to what he felt.

He already knew S/O wanted to work at a certain place in town, so when he got the chance he went straight there.

To his sadness though, they weren't there. Nor did they ever work there.

Passing by the campus he was surprised at what he saw.

They were still in college?

Turns out a few class credits from high school didn't take, so they were slowly working on earning them back.

But the reunion was a welcomed one. Both had run into each other's arms at the sight. Ivan immediately showing confidence and asking if they were dating anyone.

"No, why?"

"Well, now you can be dating! Me, da?"

The smile his S/O was all he needed for a yes.

Axis:

Germany:

His college days were long behind him, including his dating days.

They were on his mind often, and even though he never told S/O how he felt, in his heart the time they spent together was all he needed to satisfy him.

That was until one day someone called his construction company to help get a roof fixed.

There was something about their voice that sent an odd, familiar sensation down his spine.

Curiosity getting the better of him, he went to the site himself.

The person who opened the door was S/O

The same person who helped him bring Feli to the nurse's office when he was "accidentally" pushed down some stairs.

They helped Luddy calm his anger and nerves over the days Feli had to recover from a fractured ankle and a broken finger.

Now he stood at the door, just as pleasantly stunned as S/O.

They hit it off like they weren't apart the last 5 years.

Japan:

His heart sank the day his parents were rejected the ability to go to America.

The day they were supposed to fly in, was the day someone in an office lost track of some documents. Preventing them from even getting a green light to even go.

Even with the sad news, it wasn't going to stop him. He made all the calls he could, and decided to take a break after two hours.

Walking through town he soon spotted someone working outside at a cafe.

It was an old friend of his. It was S/O.

He wasn't planning on eating just yet, but he had to know for sure if it was them.

Years ago they had ran into him, more literally than metaphorically, and since then they would hang out when they could.

One specific memory was during high school, and they decided to play tennis. He couldn't help but laugh as his S/O got the ball stuck in the fencing more than once.

Sitting down, he waited for someone to take his orders.

To his surprise his waiter was S/O, who recognized him off the bat.

Deciding to take their break early, they got them and Kiku their desired food, and chatted.

Before going back in the clock, Kiku had asked them when they could talk next.

His S/O gave a day and address, and said "So it's a date then?"

Kiku could do nothing but blush and nod, maybe a bit more agressively than he wanted too.

Italy:

Deep breaths. One step at a time, he tells himself. The very first day of middle school.

He was always a really shy kid, especially at school.

He can be a bit loud at times but he's really a gentle soul with a heart of gold

Sometimes, even in your own country, that can get you looked down upon. Sometimes it just takes someone from the outside to remember there's more on the horizon.

He first met his S/O (a transfer student for the next couple years) the first day school started. He was already too nervous, but his S/O saw the amount of alone time he has, minus his brother being near by, and decided to try and make friends.

The conversation went okay, the language barrier being a slight set back, but the more they hung out, the easier both of their languages became. By the time his S/O left, they were pretty fluent and Bilingual.

It's been almost years since then, but he spotted his S/I, ironically, the first day of College.

They were unmistakable from their signature laugh, and Feli had gained a lot of courage talking to people since he met them.

Tapping them on their shoulder, an odd wave of giddiness filled him. What he once thought was happiness from having a friend, he now recognizes as love.

It took him a few weeks, but he eventually asked them out, and the beating in his chest filled his ears as they said yes.

Thank you so much to the Anon who spotted the fact Italy was forgotten! Thank you~!

#hetalia american #hetalia england #hetalia france #hetalia china #hetalia russia #hetalia germany #hetalia japan #hetalia Italy #human au #hetalia #hws #aph #hetalia world stars

[betweentheracks]

Are you willing to speculate about Yizhan? If not kindly ignore this ask. I'm just wondering from your perspective which of the "sharing clothes" pics on the internet is more likely to be actual personal choice between those two, if any?

Hello! Sorry for the delay in getting to this, been rather chaotic on my end of things as I adjust to being home from the hospital and establishing a new routine to manage my health from now on. I’ve been thinking on this ask for a while and how I wanted to approach it and think I have finally settled on a proper way to tackle it. 

First, I am not unwilling to speculate on yizhan given that I am very keen on the developments of both their careers and their perceived relationship, whatever it may be. However, I will only be comfortable discussing them from the POV of my role as a stylist and fashion worker/enthusiast. I don’t want this blog to become another rumor mill or become a look-to for “proof” of things in regards to their relationship. There is no true way to prove whether they do in fact share clothes, gift each other accessories, or purposefully “match” their looks. To do so I would have to be their personal styling manager and, dream of exactly that as I may, I am merely a fan with the eyes of someone that works in the field and can therefore only offer my own thoughts and opinions on these so-called candies hidden through their styling choices. 

To avoid any further chafing like my post about the DS2 jeans created I will only speak to what I know firsthand of the operations of the Asian fashion circuit and styling industry. I can provide insight into how their trends rise and fall on a cycle, how they often use fashion and style as a means to express not only their cultures but sometimes reflect the current climate of the entertainment world, and of how China specifically all but corners the market on underground fashion and streetstyle. This would then be laid over the context of, let’s say, Wang Yibo and Xiao Zhan’s evolution of style throughout their career and highlight the key features of how their looks tend to be tailored with a subtle nuance of their status combined with their country’s current trends. You can expect a post at a later time (after some thorough investigating and proper sourcing) which will look into exactly all of this and touch specifically on the best known looks they’ve been styled in with a breakdown on how those styles were framed, layered together, and then finally restyled to give emphasis to each of their unique features and overall image promotion. 

I will also provide my insights on which features are almost surely items they themselves chose, brought in, or otherwise requested be included. These are mostly accessory pieces that, to my trained eyes, do not fit or flow with the overall intended aesthetic and yet have been properly enmeshed by the style as if to blend them into the final result. My own experience lends many points of reference for artists that have comfort items they refuse to part with that I have had to later find ways to make appear to be a legitimate choice which neither clashes with nor belongs to the finished look. This extends to this ask in that this is why my answer on what my perspective on yizhan “sharing clothes” will be short. 

So, what is my perspective on them sharing clothes? It isn’t outside the realm of possibility, nor is it anything I can verify from my lack of personal interaction with them or any of the rumored articles of clothes. What I am willing to comment on is that celebrities and idols, no matter where they are located, overlap in a style and fashion sense both in public spaces and platforms and also in their private lives. It’s not uncommon to buy a brand or even exact style of something and later see that someone else has it as well, and from what I have seen I can say with some degree of certainty that Yibo and Zhan have similar tastes, though still incredibly diverse. 

I will later make a post speculating on which brands they each frequent and, by extent, share preference for as well the alleged gifts of accessories they are often seen to be wearing which are widely talked about. I think less of the clothing they are rumored or thought to share and lean more into the idea of them having exchanged items which would be easier to wear under the watchful gaze of public interest and also the inherently personal or intimate nature of giving someone a necklace, ring, bracelet, or set of earrings. It is also much easier to talk a stylist into making an allowance for such items since they are small and can be properly incorporated into an ensemble, or even tucked away into a pocket or beneath the high neckline of a good shirt. As I said, many artists tend to have comfort items or good luck charms or any matter of small in size items that they are hesitant to leave behind when making public appearances. Artists are still people beneath the veneer we stylists mask them in and sometimes need that little bit of themselves to take with them and be grounding in the face of media being in their personal space and making assessments of the them that is being presented. 

Apologies for the overall evasive answer, but this ask really did get me thinking and rather than leaving it to sit and idle in my box and make the person asking wait until who knows when, I chose to do it this way. The ask itself is the inspiration for why I want to make the posts I mentioned - it really tripped my thinking on all of this and the fashion enthusiast in me is frothing at the mouth with the prospect of real time breakdowns to expose the amount of work that went into some of your favorite yizhan ensembles. The accessories thing also sparked from a similar desire to be as thorough as possible before I give any careless answers. 

You all are very dedicated and passionate and deserve to be treated with a sense of professional courtesy in that I can give you a glimpse into understanding the styles that rendered you speechless or blew you away. Likewise, I think the only responsible way to handle any of the candies that are trademarks of BJYX fandom would be to offer you a different type of breakdown that would adhere to why certain things that you tend to perceive as candy is given context of why some things, to me, look out of place and could truly be a personal touch. This would both exonerate me from having confirm or deny topics I have no means of knowing about while offering a gratifying alternative analysis that stands neutral. 

Thanks for the question! I will surely be back with more and also to let everyone know more about these posts as I get nearer to establishing them! 

#racks asks #yizhan #bjyx #style #wang yibo #xiao zhan

[camillemontespan]

her one constant [part thirteen: moments] [drake the bodyguard AU]

Master List 

Warnings: NSFW. Violence. Assassination attempt  - oh yeah, we’re at THAT canon scene. 

As usual, some TRR canon with a twist. 

A/N: So my timeline has been changed a little because after the previous chapter, Drake and Camille screwed up my timeline by admitting feelings. That wasn’t meant to happen.. so there will only be a few chapters left. I’m sorry! Tbh this series was only meant to be a trilogy (lol I know right) so it’s gotten much longer than I thought. I’ve really enjoyed writing this! 

@ibldw-main​​​​​​ @jovialyouthmusic​​​​​​ @katedrakeohd​​​​​​ @moonlightgem7​​​​​​ @pug-bitch​​​​​​ @princessleac1​​​​​​ @burnsoslow​​​​​​ @notoriouscs​​​​​​ @dcbbw​​​​​​ @saivilo​​​​​​ @rainbowsinthestorm​​​​​​ @marshmallowsandfire​​​​​​ @marshmallowsaremyfavorite​​​​​​ @gardeningourmet​​​​​​ @kingliam2019​​​​ @nomadics-stuff​​​​ @kimmiedoo5​

**********************************

I love you too. I love you too. I love you too.

Drake’s words hung in the air, suspended between Drake, the bedroom door, and Camille. Had she heard him? Had Drake just screwed up everything he had worked so hard to keep?

I love you too. I love you too. I love you too.

Camille gathered herself up from the silk sheets of her bed. She had heard Drake. With her heart pounding, she ran her hands through her tousled hair and arranged her silk pyjamas, trying to look.. well.. right for this moment. Because this was a moment. This was the decisive moment that she had been waiting for, hoping for, dreaming of.

I love you too. I love you too. I love you too. 

Drake closed his eyes and turned around to leave. She hadn’t heard him. Or she had but was too angry to say anything back. 

He heard her door click open and her voice, low and almost in disbelief, say, ‘You love me?’

Drake turned around to face her. His heart was hammering in his chest and his throat was restricting from anxiety. His eyes scanned Camille’s face; she looked like she had seen a ghost.

‘I love you,’ he croaked. 

Camille bolted towards him, jumping into his arms and wrapped her arms around his neck as she kissed him hard. Drake reached down to hold her leg around his waist while his other hand cupped the back of her head as he kissed her back urgently. 

I love you too. I love you too. I love you too.

Still kissing, he carried her into her bedroom and kicked the door shut. Flashbacks to the first time he ended up in her bedroom, kissing her like this, flooded his mind but he discarded the intrusive thoughts. Focus on this moment. This moment right here. 

Drake threw her down onto the bed.

Camille’s eyes widened at the surprise force he had used. She watched as Drake pulled his suit jacket off and advanced on her, his eyes darkening. Camille felt her heart skip a beat. This was happening. 

Drake suspended himself above her as he kissed her with abandon. He felt Camille’s hands skim under his shirt, her fingers sparking electricity across his chest as she explored.  Drake unbuttoned his shirt and threw it to the floor. Camille let out a content sigh as she took in his broad chest and muscled arms before leaning up to kiss him again. 

‘I love you, Drake,’ she murmured against his mouth.

‘I love you too,’ he whispered, tugging her lower lip with his teeth. Camille’s fingers dug into his back as she lost herself in what he was doing to her. This Drake, this man, was a pure animal. She had wondered what he was like in bed; often, he would kiss her and treat her like fine china before stopping them from going further. But this Drake wasn’t holding back. It was as if every feeling he had been keeping inside himself had erupted and now he was laying waste to Camille herself.

Camille pulled her silk pyjamas off so she lay in her lace underwear. Her fingers unclipped her bra and pulled down her thong, eager to lay herself bare to him. She lay atop the silk sheets, her hair fanned out, her skin glowing from the golden light of her bedside lamp. 

Drake let out a groan, making Camille smile mischievously.  ‘Like what you see?’ she asked.

‘I’ve imagined this for so long..’ Drake murmured, leaning down to brush his lips down her stomach, travelling further down south until he hovered above the space between her legs.

‘What have you imagined?’ she whispered.

‘The feel of you,’ he whispered back, his breath causing her skin to tingle. ‘The taste of you.’

Camille watched Drake as he lowered himself down. She let out a gasp as his tongue darted against her, circling and twirling, spinning her into an adrenaline fuelled mess. Her fingers clutched the back of his head, pulling him in further.

‘Jesus Christ,’ Drake groaned against her. ‘This is like fucking honey.’

Camille felt her stomach flip. The waves inside her were building, close to breaking point. She could feel his fingers digging into her hips; she was certain his fingers would leave marks that would fade after a few hours. She didn’t want them to. She wanted a physical reminder that Drake had claimed her. 

‘I want you,’ she breathed. ‘Please.’

Drake broke away and moved his body so he was suspended above her again. His eyes bore down into hers and the darkness cleared to show true clarity.

‘If we do this..’ he murmured. ‘There’s no going back.’

‘I know,’ Camille said. ‘I’m aware of this.’

‘If we do this, then you will know every single feeling and thought I have kept inside myself for so long,’ Drake told her, his voice shaking. ‘You will know how much I’ve wanted to do this but have held myself back from doing so.’

Camille reached up to cup his cheek with her hand. ‘Breathe,’ she whispered. ‘It’s okay.’

Drake closed his eyes and leaned his forehead against hers. ‘Tomorrow, we can’t be normal,’ he croaked. ‘If we do this, normal no longer exists. We can’t pretend that nothing happened. This is too big.’

Camille moved to roll him onto his back so she straddled his lap. Her hair fell down into a curtain; Drake reached out to tuck her hair behind her ear so he could see her face. God, she was stunning. 

‘I don’t want normal,’ Camille told him firmly. ‘I don’t want us to go back to being a Duchess and a Bodyguard, pretending we are professional when really, we are not. I don’t want to lie to myself everyday. I want you, Drake. Fuck normal. I love you and that is the most important thing-’

Drake’s mouth crashed against hers. His fingers tangled in her hair as he devoured her; because that was what he was doing. He ached for her. 

The moment. The moment she had been waiting for. Hoping for. Dreaming of. 

Camille slid down onto him, letting out a visceral groan as she felt him fill her entirely. Drake hissed, closing his eyes as he focused on the feel of her around him. 

‘Fucking hell..’ he groaned.

Camille rested her hands on his chest as she began to move her hips against his. Her head fell back as she concentrated, the occasional gasp and groan being pulled from her throat without hesitation.  

Drake let out a growl and sat up, pulling her closer into him. Camille wrapped her legs around his waist as she straddled him, her fingers scratching along his back, making marks that Drake would wish would stay like a reminder on his skin. The marks would fade but this moment wouldn’t. This moment would remain in Drake’s mind for as long as he lived.

He kissed her shoulder. The scent of her Chanel perfume caught in his nose and he inhaled the jasmine and musk notes. Beads of sweat trickled down his forehead; he could see that Camille was also a hot, frantic mess. 

Drake kissed her lips, his hands supporting her neck as he kissed her with all the feeling he could muster. 

‘I love you,’ he murmured. ‘I’ve always loved you.’

They were both close to the edge now. Their speed had increased as their hips rocked together, colliding. Camille held onto his broad shoulders, biting down on his skin as she felt herself about to lose control. 

‘I love you too,’ she gasped. ‘God, Drake, I love you.’

They crashed together. 

************************

Moments. 

Every life is formed by a series of defining moments that shape the path you will take. Once you choose a moment, any competing ones are lost forever. That is why you have to make the moments count. This is the moment you chose, the moment you settled for, the moment you decided on. 

Drake was appreciating this moment right now. This moment where Camille lay wrapped around him, her arm slung across his chest as she pressed her face into the crook of Drake’s neck. She was smiling; Drake could feel her smile against his skin and he was happy that she was content. 

‘Drake?’

Drake blinked, his reverie broken. ‘Yeah?’ he asked. ‘You okay?’

Camille smiled and sat up. Drake trailed his finger down her spine, making her shiver. ‘I’m really good,’ she told him. ‘I was just wondering if you wanted to settle in for another Book and Whiskey Club?’

Drake chuckled and snuggled into the silk pillows. ‘What book have you got for me now?’ he asked. 

Camille grinned and reached over to her bedside table to show him the latest book she was reading. She had finished The Beautiful and Damned a few days ago and had moved onto A Moveable Feast by Ernest Hemingway, another favourite book of hers.

She got out of bed, instantly making Drake feel lonely even though she was still in the room. How was that possible? 

He watched as she picked up a crystal decanter of whiskey and poured the alcohol into two glasses. She passed him a glass and with hers in her hand, she snuggled down into the crook of his arm and picked up the book. Drake listened to her as she began to read to him, her voice like caramel as it carried the words from the pages, entering Drake’s soul. 

‘We would be together and have our books and at night be warm in bed together with the windows open and the stars bright.’

Drake smiled and pressed a kiss on top of her head. ‘Is that what you want?’ he asked her softly. 

Camille looked up at him, her eyes clear and sparkling. ‘I already have it,’ she whispered. 

***************************************

The following night, Drake watched as Camille prepared for another ball. She had wanted him to sit on the edge of her bed so he could give her fashion opinions; a ridiculous idea, if Drake said so himself. He knew nothing about fashion. In his downtime, he liked to wear a denim shirt paired with denim jeans. He had a feeling that double denim was a sin to fashion but quite frankly, he didn’t give a shit.

Camille was dashing around her room with piles of clothes in her arms. ‘Apparently Liam has an announcement,’ she said. ‘A big one. So I feel like everyone else is going to go really OTT with their clothes and I’m just going to look pale in comparison…’

Drake sighed. ‘You will never be pale in comparison,’ he assured her. ‘You’re the most beautiful woman in the room.’

Camille blushed, still not used to Drake saying such lovely things to her face.

‘What about this?’ she asked, holding up a silk coral pink dress. 

Drake studied the dress. He loved that Camille always wore silk; it seemed to be her favourite material and rightly so. It was still elegant while remaining simple compared to the satin and tulle that the other noble women favoured. 

‘That colour will really suit you,’ he told her honestly. 

Camille grinned and changed into it. Her hand couldn’t reach the zip on her back; Drake automatically stood up to help her zip the dress. Always watching out for her, always helping. 

‘Thank you,’ Camille whispered. 

She turned to show Drake how she looked. His eyes roamed down her body, drinking her in. 

‘You look beautiful,’ he murmured. 

Camille leaned up and kissed him softly, enjoying that she was now allowed to do this. Slowly, she broke away and looked up at him through her eyelashes. ‘I really want to hold your hand when we go into the palace,’ she said, haltingly. ‘But because of Liam’s announcement, I’ll hold off. I don’t want to steal his thunder.’

Drake smiled. ‘Probably for the best,’ he said. ‘But..’

‘Yes?’

Drake swallowed. ‘After this night is over, we need to talk. About us.’

*****************************

Liam was engaged to Madeleine. 

Nobody was surprised. Madeleine had always been a crown chaser. Being engaged to Leo and then being swiftly abandoned clearly hadn’t broken her determination.  As Liam and Madeleine kissed and danced, the nobles chatted amongst themselves. Only Maxwell and Hana dared to join Camille in conversation; everyone else ignored her.

‘It’s all lies,’ Maxwell hissed, tossing back his champagne. ‘I can’t believe everyone thinks you’re fucking your bodyguard. You have class! You’re like the classiest person I know, Camille!’ 

Camille sipped her champagne, trying not to laugh. 

‘I’m sorry we haven’t defended you,’ Hana said, squeezing Camille’s hand. ‘We really let you down.’

‘Bertrand kept saying he would disown me,’ Maxwell admitted. ‘Even though he isn’t my dad.. But apparently, spending time with you is a black mark against my name. Well, I don’t care! You’re my best friend!’

‘She’s my best friend!’ Hana protested, gently hitting Maxwell in the arm. 

As the two of them argued, Camille let her eyes wander to Drake, who stood in the corner of the room with Lou beside him.  As always, his eyes were on her. He stood with his hands clasped to his front. Those hands that roamed her body, touching her skin. The very thought of him on top of her was enough to make Camille shiver with anticipation. 

Camille’s eyes lingered on his. Time slowed down and all Camille could see was Drake.

****************

Drake’s eyes stayed locked on Camille’s from across the room. He didn’t care if their stares were blatant; he wanted to look at her for as long as possible. He wanted to focus on her. As Lou spoke in low tones, his voice faded and time stood still. All Drake could see was Camille. 

*****************

A loud bang echoed around the ballroom, making everyone shriek in surprise. 

The lights went out.

The room turned dark and all that was heard was the frantic whispers of the nobles who had been enjoying the engagement celebrations. 

The lights shot back on and amongst the nobles stood an army of black clad men, their faces hidden by masks. They were holding weapons. 

Everyone screamed. 

********************

Drake bolted from his position beside Lou, who had followed suit and was now running towards Olivia. Drake kept his eyes on Camille as he ran towards her, cutting through the crowd of nobles who were trying to rush out of the ballroom. 

Camille was holding onto Hana’s hand. The two women looked like deer caught in headlights, their eyes wide as they watched the drama unfold in the ballroom. As Drake kept his eyes on Camille, he saw Hana let go and follow the other nobles who had found an exit. But Camille stood frozen in the corner, unable to move. 

*********************

Camille’s mind was swimming. Past memories flooded her mind as she stood frozen. Memories of being in this very ballroom, armed assassins like these one surrounding her, the sound of screams and gunshots echoing around the gilded room. 

‘Oh god, oh god, oh god..’ she gasped, trying to breathe. She couldn’t breathe. Her heart was pounding and she felt like she was stuck in time. 

‘Camille!’ she heard Drake’s familiar shout echo through the room. She looked across and saw him running towards her, trying to push past the nobles who were getting in his way. 

‘Drake..’ she croaked. 

*************************

An armed man hit Maxwell in the face with his gun before he turned to find another noble to hurt. His eyes scanned the room before finding a woman dressed in a coral pink silk dress standing in the corner, looking utterly terrified.

He stalked towards her, raising his gun. 

***************************

Camille let out a scream as she saw the armed man advancing on her. His weapon was raised and his finger was close to the trigger. 

‘Camille!’ Drake roared.

The man fired. 

***************************

Moments. 

Every life is formed by a series of defining moments that shape the path you will take. Once you choose a moment, any competing ones are lost forever. That is why you have to make the moments count. This is the moment you chose, the moment you settled for, the moment you decided on. 

Drake took the moment to dive in front of Camille. His body shielded hers as he protected her from the bullet that was racing towards her. He let out a sharp gasp as he felt impact. The pain was blinding. 

Drake had never been shot before. As he fell to the ground, all he could hear was Camille screaming his name and her hands on his body as she fell to her knees beside him.

He could smell the scent of her Chanel perfume, the coconut in her hair and the copper scent of his own blood mixing together, drowning his senses as everything faded to black. 

#drake walker x mc #trr au #trr fanfic #drake x camille

[emmalovesu]

Kuan

By Emma Angela Cayton

The word 'kuan' had been an arguably, great part of our daily lives. It had spread just like a virus, in which any person can be infected. "Shhh! Dili lagi magsaba saba ba kay makuan ka sa kuan." The word 'kuan' had been one among the same old words that at all times I hear. 'So what is the purpose of your study?' our research adviser asked 'Uhm... Kuan ma'am... Kuan...The purpose of our study is kuan.. " Kuan here, kuan there, kuan everywhere.

So for now, let us all see how does the word 'kuan' being used. The word kuan is applicable in hesitant speech, or in order to show uncertainty in reference to something. The word kuan is used as a placeholder name on occasion of a thing, person, time, quantity, quality, place, is temporarily forgotten, unknown, irrelevant, deliberately being avoided, or understandable by means of the context to the people involved within the conversation. The proposed meaning can also be understood depending on the preposition or article used. For example, si kuan will always refer to a person (For the word si in Bisaya means he/she), while sa kuan can refer to a time, place, or thing (depending on context and its position in the sentence).

Different situations where we usually face the word 'kuan'.

'Asa man nimo gibutang ang kuan? Where did you put the whatdoyoucallitagain? Instead of saying, "Asa man nimo gibutang ang charger?" (Where did you put the charger?) The situation here is that someone is actually looking for the charger but has forgotten the word for "charger". And what does he use as a filler for the word "charger"? He used "kuan." This it the kind of situation that I wanted to avoid as much as I can. Let me just illustrate to give you a broader understanding about this situation. My mom would say, 'Kuhaa sa tong kuan kaw' then I just stand there waiting for her to finish the sentence she wanted to convey. But ofcourse since she already forgot that she did not actually said the word, she will just scold at me and I need to shut my mouth and absorb all the things she wanted to say. Sometimes 'kuan' is also used to replace a word that is something that you don't want to mention, especially in the event of the word has a sexual meaning or if the word is actually inappropriate or offensive. She is such a flirt. Kuan kaayo siya. Another situation is when of the people involved in the conversation already knew who or what they are actually talking about. 'Hoy nakita nimo tong myday ni kuan? ' (Have you seen his/her facebook story?) Familiar? Or even when the people involved in the conversation and the person they are talking about is around. 'Hoy naa si kuan sa imong likod oh! ' (Hey he / she's behind you!) More likely my friends and I usually get involved in this kind of situation when their crushes are around.

In this part of my essay we would try to see how he word 'Kuan' is being used in the Chinese culture. Surprisingly the word 'kuan' is kinda popular in their country. Since the word 'kuan' is used to name a child in China, I have included a statement that would explain why in their cultures names are important. Names in China are very crucial since it gives you a great insight into their family and background. Unlike the other countries, (where names are often chosen based on whether the parents happen to ‘like’ the name). Sometimes parents name their children based on their forebears. Where parents recycle their forebear's name in naming their children. But let us all try to focus why does name play a very crucial value in Chinese culture. According to Paul Chong (2010), "Since history began, Chinese have always believed in the significance of one’s name. They have developed a very comprehensive system of naming their children as it is believed that the name of a person strongly influences one’s destiny and fate. Astrologers, fortune tellers, academics and monks are often consulted when choosing a name for the new born. The other cultures, however do not really believe in it and tend to brush it off as superstition." This just show how inclined the Chinese in their culture are. The word 'Kuan' had been used in China as a name. The true meaning of ‘Kuan’ (in China) cannot be described with just a few words. Kuan is a name that means a highly charged personality that attracts potent ideas. Kuan are diplomatic, gentle, intuitive, cooperative, and might even be a psychic.

But wait there's more. Kuan had been also a name of a Chinese pottery of the Sung period in the 12th century. Let us try to know the origin of 'Kuan' pottery in China. The editors of encyclopaedia Britannica explains that, "Guan kilns, Pinyin Guan yao, or Wade-Giles Kuan yao, Chinese kilns known for creating an imperial variety of stoneware during the Song dynasty (AD 960–1279). After the Song royal court moved to the south, Guan kilns produced ware from about 1127 at Hangzhou, Zhejiang province. One of the official kilns, Jiaotan, has been located by scholars near Wugui Shan (Tortoise Hill); many rich examples of the ware were unearthed there. Guan ware was characterized by a wash of brown slip and by glazes varying from pale green to lavender blue. Artisans often applied brown pigment to emphasize a wide-meshed network of cracks."

I have found out that the word 'kuan' is also referred to a goddess of compassion in Chinese Bodhisattva. (A bodhisattva is defined by Kosho Uchiyama (2016) as an "ordinary person who takes up a course in his or her life that moves in the direction of Buddha.") Goddess Kuan Yin or Quan Yin is again referred to the goddess of compasion and mercy. Because of this Quan Yin/ Kuan Yin is portrayed in pouring wisdom and compassion from a sacred vase, also she you can also see images of her holding children or giving something to those who are in need. She is also defined by Rodika Tchi (2019) as "one of the major deities in Buddhism and one of the most popular deities used in feng shui." Rodika Tchi also stated that "The One with a Motherly Compassion, She who Hears the Cries of the People are the Quan Yin's attributes. A great protector and benefactor, her heart is full of deep compassion and unconditional love; her energy is God-like. As such, Quan Yin is welcomed in many feng shui applications and is one of the most popular (and sacred) feng shui cures. Due to her commitment to helping humans, she is approached with any concerns, troubles, or worries. Be it family, career, health or relationships, no trouble is too big to be brought to the motherly and all-powerful energy of Quan Yin." I know you have been really fascinated at the same time infowhelm by how the word 'kuan' had been used by the Chinese but wait there's more! The word 'kuan' is also a courtesy name of a Chinese landscape painter of the Song Dynasty. The Travelers among Mountains and Streams, a large hanging scroll, is Fan Kuan's best known work and it had been given idea to the new generation painters (in which it have been given them an inspiration). The historian Patricia Ebrey explains her view on the painting that the: "...foreground, presented at eye level, is executed in crisp, well-defined brush strokes. Jutting boulders, tough scrub trees, a mule train on the road, and a temple in the forest on the cliff are all vividly depicted. There is a suitable break between the foreground and the towering central peak behind, which is treated as if it were a backdrop, suspended and fitted into a slot behind the foreground. There are human figures in this scene, but it is easy to imagine them overpowered by the magnitude and mystery of their surroundings."

Too bad for the word 'kuan' due to the fact that in our culture 'kuan' more likely to be used as an interjection. Unlike in the Chinese culture where using the word 'kuan' are used on the occasion of naming a child that is incorporated with a certain personality. Also the word 'Kuan' in China had been also a part of their culture in the terms where, China used to call a type of pottery as 'Kuan'. Although hearing the word 'kuan' again and again might be really annoying, but it was really fascinating to learn that this word actually means more than what we already knew. After all the information that I had throughout this essay. I've remembered the quote 'Never stop learning because life never stops teaching.' This made me realize that we should never settle for the things that we already knew and always yearn for something new.

Lastly, may the 'kuan' be in your favor.

References

https://www.google.com/amp/s/paulchong.net/2010/09/02/the-significance-of-chinese-names/amp/

https://www.britannica.com/art/Guan-kilns

https://tricycle.org/magazine/what-bodhisattva/amp/

https://www.thespruce.com/quan-yin-statue-as-feng-shui-cure-for-your-home-1274917

https://www.comuseum.com/painting/masters/fan-kuan/

@queenlupitajones

[anxietywontmakethewordsgo]

This fucking episode, you guys

I wasn’t going to make a post like this for this ep originally, but...I went through the clips of this episode, and two scenes in particular wouldn’t leave my mind - the one where Gabriel pins Loki, and the one where he yells at the boys.

Also, a head up; this is probably going to turn into a long ass post, so buckle your seat belts and bring the popcorn and soda with you.

So, starting chronologically

(That’s not the gif I had in mind, but it’ll have to do)

In this particular scene, Dean (and Sam, but mostly Dean) are antagonizing Gabriel, giving him shit for not staying and helping them take Lucifer down. This is the converstion that follows;

Gabriel: “I call that art- but yes, without me, you two chuckleheads never would’ve known how to throw Lucifer back in the cage.”

Dean: “But instead of giving us a hand, you ran. And you just did it again when you ditched us in the bunker.”

Gabriel: “I have more important things to do than to join your little band of merry men.”

Dean: “What you’re doing, this, this is not important.”

And THIS is when Gabriel snaps, his anger, his frustration, his TRAUMA evident in the next few sentences (while all the Gabriel fangirls such as myself were crying hysterically);

Gabriel: “Everyday, Asmodeus tortured me. EVERY. DAY! He fed off my grace for years - he used me, he DEBASED me until I was-”

He then cuts off, looking over at Sam. We then see the “on the brink of tears jaw clenching™” that we often see in Dean (seriously, you guys. I could make an entire post about how many attributes these two share). Anyway, Gabriel continues with this;

“What I went through...you don’t forgive.” 

The camera then flips to Dean, who is staring at Gabriel with what I interpret as a look of mistrust. He then goes on to say, “Everyone that had a hand in it, will die. Get me?”

This is particularly important, because Dean’s next words combat this point.

Dean: “Alright, you went through it. We get it. But killing Loki - not gonna change any of that. It’s not. In fact, it’s probably not even gonna make you feel better.”

To which Gabriel replies with “Well, agree to disagree, Dean-o.” (love that nickname XD)

Anyway, there are a couple different things I want to point out about this scene;

Dean’s comment on this little mission of his “not being important” is what sets Gabriel off. It may not be important to Dean, but the comment about him  “getting it” seems like bullshit after he basically shot down Gabriel’s idea of self recovery. Sure, it may not help Gabriel in the grand scheme of things, as he well knows, but...it’s the first step to truly healing himself, and I don’t think Dean gets that, which absolutely pisses me off to no end.

As @flamerush101 has pointed out multiple times, he stops yelling and calms down somewhat WHEN HE LOOKS AT SAM. He looks concerned and slightly scared of/for Gabriel. I also think part of it was not wanting to break down in front of them, but THE SABRIEL IN THIS EP, Y’ALL.

One word Gabriel used really stuck out as odd to me. When he says “He debased me”, I had to stop and process for a minute. Now, I didn’t actually have the best idea of what the word meant at the time, but keep in mind; this is coming from the guy who says ‘superdoops’ and ‘raspberries’ in the same episode. Gabriel has NEVER really used words that are too far off the radar of basic language and slang. I was curious, so I looked up what it meant. the general idea is, “reduce something/someone in quality or value; degrade.”. you know what some of the synonyms were? degrade, demean, disgrace, shame, damage. Honestly, i can’t tell if this is the writers trying to keep it as vague as possible, or if its Gabriel trying to steer clear of the details of what happened to him. either way, I felt I had to point this out, so you can all cry with me.

Okay, moving on.

So they agree to help him if he helps them afterwards. Okay, cool.

...Except that we all know how flighty Gabriel is (excuse the pun). At this point in the ep I was almost CERTAIN he would still be extremely hesitant to stick around in the end. I thought maybe he would go his own way, have the boys call him up when they needed his grace, thus his appearance in episode 21. (My sabriel side said otherwise, but let’s stick to logic, shall we?)

So some action happens, Gabriel mocks Sleipner before stabbing him (ah, yes. There’s my favorite asshole). Dean does his usual reckless “bull in a china shop” move, taking the stick for Loki and going after him himself. You know, the usual.

Eventually, we wind up with Gabriel running into Loki, who looks like he has been waiting for just HIM to show up, based on a later comment.

anyway, here are some highlights of the convo, mostly from Loki;

“You think you’re some poor innocent victim. Gabriel, with his deadbeat daddy and his mean older brothers. Who will help me, who will save me?”

And then we have this back and forth;

“Of course - of course you would need someone to swoop in and save your pitiful ass.”

“Shut up!”

“Face it, old friend - you’re a joke. You’re failure. You live for pleasure, you stand for nothing. And in the end...that’s exactly what you’ll die for.”

“You first.”

Okay, SO. Here is what stuck out to me in this scene;

Gabriel looks alarmed when he sees Loki, and rightfully so. He doesn’t have the right stick, he is low on grace. He has no real way to fight him and win.

The desperate tone of Gabriel’s voice when he tells Loki to shut up. Keep in mind, Loki KNOWS his story, and  Gabriel has always run away, always gone off to do his own thing. The thought that occurred to me here was that Loki knows how broken and weak Gabriel is. He can see it, and he takes advantage of it. Except, what Gabriel fears here is feeling even more vulnerable, especially in front of the boys. I think this scene in particular is what stopped Sam from pressing any further in the end, when Gabriel claimed he was fine. Gabriel and Dean are similar in those aspects, and he knows that it is best to let Gabriel keep the facade, to deal with it later.

It must be pretty damn painful for Gabriel to see a mirror image of himself spitting these truths out, made even worse by the fact that Loki used to be his friend. It is very reminiscent of season 3 episode 10, When Dean is facing off against his dream/demon self, and I think it ties perfectly into their similarities (I am so sorry, but C’MON, YOU GUYS. I CAN’T BE THE ONLY ONE WHO SEES THIS).

That split second before he stabs Loki and then when he turns back to look at the body. I am fairly certain that I speak for everyone when I say that I fucking LOVE how expressive Richard’s eyes are; he can depict an entire emotion without even speaking. Well, his eyes here...they are filled with sadness, regret. He did it, but he didn’t feel good about it. He knows Dean is right, has probably always known, but I think the revenge really was the first step to healing, to rediscovering who he is after all those years of dissociation.

Loki’s last comment, about standing for nothing. I think this is one of the BIGGEST reasons for why Gabriel wanted to stay and help them. He knows that the statement is spot on, knows that Loki is simply telling him the truth. This is especially clear when Loki uses the term ‘old friend’ rather than just calling him Gabriel. When Gabriel replies with “you first”, I feel it is a declaration, a promise - to stop running, to stand for something, even if it means giving them more grace, or going as far as to kill AU Michael. The surprised look on Loki’s face at this response confuses me somewhat - he knew he was antagonizing someone who basically had a blade to his heart. And yet, he actually seems SHOCKED that Gabriel stabbed him anyway. Perhaps because he could see the meaning behind those words as well? Either way, I feel that Gabriel wants to prove himself, wants his new non trickster persona to be different.

Also, I would just like to give Dick Speight a ROUND OF FUCKING APPLAUSE, for both his portrayal of two different characters in one episode, and for being the fucking DIRECTOR as well. 

Bravo, good sir. The angels bow to you.

This is Chaos, signing out!

#spn season 13 #spn spoilers #richard speight jr #gabriel #samwinchester #dean winchester #theory #meta #i guess

[ask-omegaverse-rochu]

This is my first ask ever! But I wanted to know why Ivan fell in love with Yao. If he had to list the reasons! You can go the extra mile and write what Yao loves about Ivan but I mainly want to know Ivan’s side to their story. Was there times Ivan didn’t like Yao? Or was it instant connection?

((Sometimes Mun gets a little… enthusiastic))

“I couldn’t possibly list it all,” Ivan says. “My reasons to love Yao are countless. But if I had to name a few things… I’d say his whit, his tenderness… The way his words rile me up and keep me on my toes, while his eyes make me feel like I’m being wrapped in a warm blanket. Yao and I tease each other all day long, but he’s also so very gentle, yet tough when needed. He’s… From the first time I met him, I’ve never stopped being in awe of him.” 

Some years earlier…

Ivan didn’t bother to take his car; the restaurant was close by. A colleague had recommended it, and he hoped the low prices didn’t say anything about the quality of the food. He sat down at a table and ordered some things from the menu. Feeling out of place, he sipped his wine and looked around him. There was some noise from the kitchen, even more than there already was before, as the afternoon shift ended and people relieved each other. One of them sat down not far away from Ivan with a small plate of food. They made eye contact and exchanged a friendly smile.

Ivan’s food came out and he tried to enjoy the tiny dishes. He made eye contact with the staff member again, who seemed a bit puzzled by his collection of foods. Had he done something wrong? Even though he’d lived in China for a while now, he still felt like he was stumbling in the dark more often than not. He raised his glass at the stranger, who seemed to settle back in mild shock. Nervous, Ivan took a big gulp from his wine. He was certain he’d done something wrong. He pushed the food around a bit, his appetite declining rapidly.

A sudden flash of movement startled him and when he looked up, the stranger had flopped down on the chair opposite of him. Too surprised to say anything for a moment, he just watched as the man started to steal bites from his plate. “Excuse me?”

“Mm?” the man responded, not looking up from the plate he was raiding.

“…That’s my food.”

“Nonsense.” He took a sip of the wine and grimaced.

“Should I go have a word with your manager?”

“Go ahead.”

Ivan sighed angrily. “I came here to eat, not to be used as a tool for you to get yourself fired.”

“No, you came here to shove food down your throat. Big difference.”

He threw his napkin down on the table and slammed down some bills. “Enjoy my dinner.” He turned to walk away.

“You don’t use it correctly.”

He stopped, considering for a moment to just keep walking. But he also happened to be curious.

“You’ve got the discipline. Now you need to hack it.”

He turned around with a glare. “I know people here are lightweights, but you had one sip.”

“Sit down and I’ll explain.”

Ivan eyed the chair. “You’ve ruined my appetite.”

“Then I’ll eat for you. Sit.”

Ivan slowly sat down. “If you annoy me any further, I walk.”

“Yeah, yeah. Order some food from me and we’ll begin.”

“…What?”

“You’re wearing a fancy suit, which means I can justify serving you personally. All you have to do is place an order.”

Ivan stared at him for a moment before getting up again.

“That’s not how you order food.”

“Good day,” he spat.

“Free food, how does that sound?”

“It’s not free if I’m forced to eat it in your company.”

“How rude. You don’t have what it takes after all.”

“Have what it takes?” he snarled.

“To control everyone.”

His Alpha instincts awoke and he hesitated once more. “What’s your name?”

“Wang Yao.”

“Well, Wang Yao, you haven’t been very convincing.”

“Here’s the plan: I give you a question to ponder on, and in the meantime, I’ll make you something delicious.”

Ivan raised a brow in disbelief.

“When I come back, we’ll have a nice conversation. Sounds better than takeout in front of the TV, if you ask me.”

He smirked. “That better be one excellent meal then.”

“Sit and I’ll make it happen.”

He lowered himself into the chair once more.

Yao smiled. “Wait a second.” He got up and disappeared into the kitchen.

Ivan drummed his fingers on the table. This better not be some sales trick.

Yao emerged with a teapot and two cups. He poured one cup and moved Ivan’s wine glass all the way over to another table. “While I cook, think about this question: What do we have in common?”

“What do we have in common?”

“Good luck!” He hurried to the kitchen again.

Ivan sat back and sipped his tea, not even really thinking about the question. If the food didn’t please him enough, which was very likely, he’d leave right away.

Yao rolled in a cart filled with steam baskets and some small plates. Ivan recognized some of the things he had ordered before. “Dim sum,” Yao said, unloading the card, “is shared dining. One does not simply order a bunch of things for themselves. Also, you have a bad taste in wine.”

“I don’t drink it often.” Why was he defending himself?

“It doesn’t matter right now, because you’re not going to drink wine with this food. You can only drink tea on my watch.”

“So, what’s the answer to your question?”

“You couldn’t figure it out? I’ll give you a bit longer.” He refilled Ivan’s cup and poured one for himself as well. “Dim sum is meant to be enjoyed with company. Therefore my presence will make this food taste better.”

“I don’t think that’s how food works.”

“Shush. Eat the food and tell me the answer to the question afterwards. What do you and I have in common?”

“If this is some trick to get money from me…”

“It’s not. Eat.”

Ivan pulled one of the vegetable dishes towards him and stuck a decently sized bite into his mouth. He froze, his eyes going wide. It was delicious. He quickly tried one of the dumplings and nearly moaned at the taste.

Yao smiled softly. “Do you know the answer?”

Ivan shook his head and went for another dumpling. “I can’t cook like this.”

Yao chuckled, a sound which distracted Ivan for a moment. “What we have in common, is that we’re both underestimated.”

Ivan stopped eating and looked at him. “Underestimated?”

“You have it written all over you. I’m sorry if it hurts your Alpha pride.”

He sat back in his chair. “You knew I was going to doubt you.”

“I’ve had to learn how to read people. Let me guess, another disappointing meeting?”

“…Something like that.”

Yao stuck a dumpling in his mouth.

“So, what divine knowledge am I here for?”

“It starts with patience, really. Something which you haven’t really been showing so far.”

Ivan glared at him and Yao felt a shiver run down his spine. He had to remind himself that he was speaking to what seemed to be a powerful Alpha. A particularly attractive one at that. He couldn’t get distracted again.

“You’re fighting with the wrong weapons,” Yao said, trying to get himself together. “The more you aggressively try to prove yourself, the more they’ll look down on you. You’ll become a target to them.”

“I don’t aggressively defend myself,” Ivan grumbled.

Yao raised a brow.

“…Anyway, continue. What should I do, according to you?”

“Let them.”

“What?”

“Let them underestimate you. Then, when you rise above them, they won’t see it coming until you’ve kicked them down already.”

“So I should let people walk all over me?”

“You need to let them think that they can walk all over you.”

“How?” He actually found himself putting down his chopsticks to listen to this stranger’s words.

Yao leaned forward, spurred on. “Judging by those muscles, you’ve got a fair share of discipline. Grow some patience. Practice your fake smiles. When someone doubts you, give them a friendly nod and surpass them behind their backs. Do it often enough and people will start looking up to you and respecting you without you having to throw fits just to get heard.”

“I shouldn’t have to,” Ivan muttered.

In an instant, Yao’s hand was on his arm, and when he looked up, he looked straight into the most intriguing brown eyes he’d ever seen.

“It’s not fair,” Yao said with a soft voice which sparked something deep inside of Ivan. “But if you’re going to fight, then this is the way to do it.”

Ivan noticed too late that his mouth was hanging open and he quickly closed it.

Yao leaned back again and Ivan fully took him in for the first time. Definitely good-looking. “Who are you?”

“I’m Wang Yao, a cook at the restaurant you stumbled into and made poor choices at.”

“Ivan Braginsky.”

Yao smiled. “Nice to meet you. So, how about another cup?”

#omegaverse rochu #alpha ivan #omega yao #hetalia #rochu #aph rochu #ask

[thehardy-boys]

The Maid Tommy Shelby x Reader Request

Hey everyone! It anyones listening... I haven't actually been able to watch season 4 of Peaky Blinders so I just kind of did the story to my best ability. I had a lot of fun writing this though. If you anyone wants a second part to this please let me know.

Request: Working as a maid for Tommy and him slowly falling in love with you

"Come on Charlie, Come on." You soothingly bounced the toddler on your hip while pouring hot water from the china teapot decorated with lavender stalks into a beautiful delicate white china teacup. You placed Charlie on the table you were working on to arrange the plate of biscuits that you were asked to bring out to the study.  You careful picked up the teacup and saucer and held it in your right hand and with your left you careful balanced the plate of biscuits on your forearm. You then carefully very carefully picked up Charlie with your left arm holding him against your hip. You complimented yourself on your fine ability. You slowly started to walk out of the kitchen and into the drawing room, that was cozily decorated for Christmas. A big tree was planted in the corner. You smiled gently remembering helping pick Charlie up to help him put the star on the very top. The fire was burning brightly helping maintain the warmth. Ada and John were sprawled out on the overstuffed armchairs talking loudly and laughing at the littlest things. You walked through and entered the front room. Arthur and Micheal were in a heated discussion over something probably not that important. Both were grasping a cup of whiskey. Lizzie was sitting on the recliner in the corner reading a book contently. You continued to walk through until you were met with the door to the study. You stood for a second a bit stumped at how you were going to knock but soon you realized you had an extra pair of hands. "Charlie, Charlie." You cooed. "Could you knock for me?" You spent the next couple minutes trying in vain to get Charlie to cooperate but the poor little boy didn't know what you were saying to him. You finally gave up and started to knock with your head when the big oak door swung open. Revealing Tommy standing there with an amused smile on his face. "I heard you were having a bit of trouble." He chuckled. "Charlie wasn't cooperating with me." You teased. You entered the big room, happy to find Polly sitting on a couch smoking a cigarette. She looked over at you as you walked closer. "Darling, I don't know how you do it all." You smiled humbly and set the tea down for Tommy and the plate of biscuits most likely for Polly. Tommy came up behind you and gently lifted Charlie from your arms. You watched fondly as Tommy sat down with him talking to him quietly, making him laugh. "Do you need anything else?" You asked politely to the both of them. Tommy looked up from Charlie. "We're fine, why don't you get an early night? You deserve it." "Do you want me to put Charlie to bed?" You offered. "No, it's okay. I'll do it."Tommy responded looking up from his son. "Good night." You said and turned around and headed back through the rooms until you reached the kitchen. You closed the door to gain some privacy from the rest of the Shelby's. You went about preparing yourself some dinner.  You had been Tommy's right handmaid for about three years now, three long years. He had hired you after his wife's death to help run the house. You didn't really mind the job. It wasn't a huge amount of work, it was only really Tommy and Charlie, which was a bit sad. You always glanced up at the painting of Grace Shelby as you passed it in the hall, and she was captivating, remarkably beautiful.  Over the years you had worked for Tommy the two of you started to share a connection a special connection. He would never let any other servant into his study except you. He preferred you to take care of Charlie, he never minded when you sparked up a small chat with him when he wasn't busy and he also never minded you cleaning the room he was in, which he could never stand with any other maid.   You liked that he allowed you to do these things. They were small in some peoples eyes but to Tommy, they were a big step. You had also grown to do certain special things tailored for Tommy. You know the time he comes home so you always put a glass and bottle of his favorite whiskey on his desk. You also decorate the house for him around the holidays which he would never admit but truly loves. When he forgets presents for his family you always buy and wrap some for him. And if he's had a really bad day then you run a bath for him. You sigh gratefully as you sit down in the chair at the kitchen table with your sandwich and cup of tea. You reach across the table and grab your book and begin to read. After a couple minutes, you hear a few attempts at someone trying to open the door. You reluctantly get up from your comfortable seat and go open the door, only to find little Charlie staring up at you with a smile on his small little face. "Whacha ya' doin here little one?" You asked picking him up. You closed the door with your hip and plodded on over to the cabinet rustling around for a box of biscuits. When you found them Charlie made a noise of happiness. You chuckled. "Just like your dad, aren't you? He loves these as well." You go over to your chair and sit down pretzel style and place Charlie on your lap and give him a couple of biscuits while you continued eating.  You both fell into a nice quiet silence, Charlie eating his biscuit and you eating your dinner while sipping your tea.  Soon Charlie fell asleep leaning against your chest and you continued reading your book in peace. A little while later you were brought out of your content little world when you heard a chuckle. You immediately looked up. Tommy was leaning against the door frame with a genuine smile on his face. "He really does like you." You blushed a little under the watchful eye of Tommy. You glanced down at Charlie and smiled. "Do you need anything, Mr. Shelby?" You said looking up at the man. "I just wanted to see where my son went running off to. I was going to put him to bed now everyones left." You immediately leaped up holding onto Charlie. "I'm really sorry Mr. Shelby! I didn't know they were going so soon, I would have gotten there jackets!" You looked at him apologetically. "Don't worry. I had a hunch you were with Charlie, I didn't want to disturb you." "That's very kind of you, Mr. Shelby. I'll go collect all the dishes."  You walked towards the door, stopping to give Tommy Charlie so he could put him to bed. "Good night Mr. Shelby, good night Charlie!" You called over your shoulder as you started tidying up. You were peacefully sleeping in your room on the third floor which was the same floor as Tommy and Charlie. Tommy had insisted on it for the sake that Charlie like you best. You were awoken from your slumber by a loud wailing. You slipped on a light robe over your thing night dress and walked slowly towards Charlies room. "Charlie, Charlie." You softly sang as you sat down with him in your arms. You slowly rocked him on your lap. You thought for a moment and then began to softly chant a few lines of a poem. "In the bleak mid-winter Frosty wind made moan; Earth stood hard as iron, Water like a stone; Snow had fallen, snow on snow, Snow on snow, In the bleak mid-winter Long ago." You repeated those few lines a few more times and eventually, Charlie was fast asleep. After you had laid Charlie in his bed you turned around and let out a yelp at the sight of a figure in the door. "God! Mr. Shelby, you scared me." You tried very hard not to look at his bare, perfectly sculpted chest. "Where did you hear that poem?" He asked quietly. You gestured to Charlie sleeping and walked out into the hallway that was dimly lit. "I was a nurse in the war. I heard the poem said by a soldier before he died. So whenever a soldier was close to death and had no comfort I tried to bring it to them with soothing words. Why?" You answered in a whisper. He looked a bit surprised, which you didn't see quite often. "I didn't know you were in the war." "There are a lot of things you don't know about me." Before you registered what was happening Tommy had brushed a few loose strands of hair that were covering your face. "I like your hair down and a bit messy." He whispered. "I like your hair a bit messy too." You said while reaching up and brushing his bangs aside. "Good night, Mr. Shelby." The next couple weeks were calm and unchangeable Tommy went out to work early in the morning and came back late as usual. On one particular wintery day, Charlie had drawn a picture of Tommy that was quite endearing.   "You want me to show this to dad?" You asked as you stroked Charlie'shair as he was about to fall off to sleep. He nodded and whispered a sleepy, "Yes, please." You smiled and kissed his forehead feeling bad for the little boy, growing up with no mother, and having a sweet but distant father. You loved this time of night. When the house was still. The few cooks Tommy hired were cleaning the kitchen. The other two maids were cleaning the upper two floors, leaving you the ground floor.   You hummed a quiet tune as you dustied around and cleaned up things that were left around. You had just started to dust the study when you heard the door open behind you. You looked around and saw a very tired looking Tommy. He gave you a solemn nod and sat down on the couch with a sigh. You queitly coutinued your tidying taking care to be extra quiet You could sense Tommy's tiredness. As you finished up you made your way towards the door, and said a quiet "Good night Mr. Shelby." But just before you left you heard him mumble a few words. You turned around to make sure you werent hearing things and you watched as Tommy gestured for the seat across from him. "Please, sit." You hesitated for a moment but you gave in and went to sit down on the carefully polished leather couch. "I'm tired," Tommy said suddenly letting out a stream of smoke. You looked up from fiddling with your hands in surprise, Tommy had never expressed his emotions to you before. "Me too," you responded quietly. You stared at eachother for a long time. "Where are you from?" Tommy asked. "London." You said simply. "You're smart, why did you end up as a maid?" He said in his deep monotone voice. "I was in school until the war came and they needed nurses, so I stopped doin math and started stitching up soldiers instead. When I got back, I had no experience for anything then a household job." "What was your job before this?" You suddenly found it quite hard to look Tommy in the eye. "I didn't have a job before this." Tommy looked at you with confusion written on his face. "How did you make money?" You glanced away from Tommy and began to inspect the vase that sat on the side table. "I was married. My husband had the job." Tommy suddenly sat forward. "You're married?" He asked. "Was." You whispered looking back at Tommy. Tommy was now the one that found it hard to look you in the eye. "I'm sorry, I understand how it feels." "I wish you didn't" And with those last few words you stood up and remembering Charlies drawing you took it from your apron pocket and unfolded it and handed it to Tommy. You walked out of the study. Only to stop when you heard his voice, "Tommy," You turned around, "Sorry?" You asked in confusion. "Please, call me Tommy."

#Tommy Shelby #tommy shelby imagine #tommy shelby x reader #Peaky Blinders #peaky blinders imagine #peaky blinder fanfic #peaky blinders season 4 #Tom Hardy #Alfie Solomons #TV show #polly shelby #Helen McCrory

[patriotsnet]

Who Raises Taxes More Republicans Or Democrats

New Post has been published on https://www.patriotsnet.com/who-raises-taxes-more-republicans-or-democrats/

Who Raises Taxes More Republicans Or Democrats

Republicans Vs Democrats On Taxes: An Overview

Republicans Threaten To Cut Taxes Again If Democrats Raise Them To Pay For Infrastructure

We often boil down the tax policy of our major political parties to its simplest form: Democrats raise taxes to fund social programs, and Republicans lower taxes to benefit big businesses and the wealthy.;Both ideas oversimplify the policy of each party, yet both ideas are essentially true.

Whether you agree with more government spending or tax breaks for corporations, each party’s agenda will affect your taxes.

Which Party Is The Party Of The 1 Percent

First, both parties receive substantial support. Much of it comes from registered voters who make $100K+ annually. However, Democrats actually come out ahead when it comes to fundraising for campaigns. In many cases, Democrats have been able to raise twice as much in private political contributions. But what about outside of politicians? Does that mean Democrats are the wealthier party? Which American families are wealthier? Republicans or Democrats?

Honestly, it is probably Republicans. When it comes down to it, the richest families in America tend to donate to Republican candidates. Forbes reported out of the 50 richest families in the United States, 28 donate to Republican candidates. Another seven donate to Democrats. Additionally, 15 of the richest families in the U.S. donate to both parties.

Republicans Are Setting A Tax Trap For Biden

Republicans in Congress want to raise the federal gas tax. Yes, the same Republicans who oppose tax hikes most of the rest of the time.

You wont hear them say, lets raise the gas tax, exactly. Theres a code phrase: user fees. Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell, for instance, says Republicans will support $600 billion in infrastructure spending, as long as user fees cover the cost. Were happy to look for traditional infrastructure pay-fors, which means the users participate, McConnell said in Louisville on May 3.

The conventional wisdom on infrastructure is that its one rare area of bipartisan agreement, since everybody wants better transportation and a more efficient economy. But theres not really bipartisanship, because of the clash over how to pay for it. Its like a husband and wife saying they agree on the importance of money, except he wants to spend it while she wants to save it.

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The Salt Cap Has Yet To Be Addressed

Democrats from high-tax cities and states have agitated for months to address a limit on how much taxpayers can deduct in state and local taxes, after the 2017 Republican tax changes imposed a cap of $10,000 for single filers and $20,000 for married couples filing jointly.

None of the tax proposals so far have formally addressed a partial or full repeal of that limit, although it has support in both chambers and Senator Bernie Sanders, the Vermont independent in charge of the Budget Committee, has signaled openness to a partial repeal of the cap.

And while it was left out of the legislation released on Monday, Mr. Neal and two Democratic advocates for the proposal, Representatives Bill Pascrell of New Jersey and Tom Suozzi of New York, issued a statement pledging that we are committed to enacting a law that will include meaningful SALT relief that is so essential to our middle-class communities.

Mr. Suozzi, who has stood behind a mantra of No SALT, no deal, issued his own statement expressing confidence that a change to the limit would ultimately be included in the package. Some liberal Democrats, however, have pushed back against its inclusion because of its cost and because it could counter some of their tax increases on the wealthy.

What The House Democrats Are Proposing

The 10-year spending plan is the latest step in Democrats campaign to expand education, health care and child care support, tackle the climate crisis, and make further investments in infrastructure.

Party leaders are hoping to use the annual budget process to push forward several measures in Bidens jobs and families proposals that have been blocked by the Republican opposition.

It includes a number of provisions to combat climate change and to invest in infrastructure and jobs.

This story has been updated with additional information.

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‘we’re The Party Of Lower Taxes’

Sen. John Cornyn, R-Texas, said he “would not be surprised” if Republicans move to undo Biden’s tax hikes the next time they control Washington.

“They’re the party of big government. We’re the party of lower taxes and more freedom,” he said. “That’s kind of the problem with doing business this way on a purely partisan basis.”

Sen. Jerry Moran, R-Kan., who is up for re-election next year, said avoiding sharp swings in policy is “a reason not to” govern on a party-line basis.

“We ought to avoid the ups and downs, the uncertainty that comes with a change after every election,” he said.

Senate Finance Committee Chair Ron Wyden, D-Ore., said it’s “absolutely crucial” for Democrats to emphasize the need for economic investments to voters and to make the case for tax “fairness” on top earners to set up a safety net that can stand the test of time.

“I say this to everyone: If you’re a nurse in Medford, Oregon, treating Covid patients, you pay taxes with every single paycheck no tax havens for you. If you’re somebody who’s a well-connected billionaire, it’s very different. It’s to a great extent optional,” he said. “People have never heard that. They say that’s not right. Everybody should have to pay their fair share.”

Rep. Brendan Boyle, D-Pa., said Democrats should ignore GOP warnings about taxes, arguing that they would seek to cut social programs and lower taxes on the wealthy no matter what Biden does.

The Income Tax Arrives

19011902190419061907 1908 190919101913A hand from Washington will be stretched out and placed upon every mans business; the eye of the Federal inspector will be in every mans counting house . . . The law will of necessity have inquisitorial features, it will provide penalties, it will create complicated machinery. Under it men will be hailed into courts distant from their homes. Heavy fines imposed by distant and unfamiliar tribunals will constantly menace the tax payer. An army of Federal inspectors, spies and detectives will descend upon the state . . . Who of us who have had knowledge of the doings of the Federal officials in the Internal Revenue service can be blind to what will follow? I do not hesitate to say that the adoption of this amendment will be such a surrender to imperialism that has not been since the Northern states in their blindness forced the fourteenth and fifteenth amendments upon the entire sisterhood of the Commonwealth.1914-19151916 19171918-1919Audio clip: McAdoo on the need for tax reduction, probably 1919.1920 Audio clip: George White, on Republican tax promises 1921 Andrew Mellon19241926against 19281929-1932whether

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Of The Founder Of The South Korean Megachurch Died At The Age Of

The draft proposal, which may still change before it is officially released on Monday, calls for raising the top marginal rate on individuals to 39.6%, up from the 37% rate set by Republicans 2017 tax cut law. . Plans aired Sunday and obtained by CNN.

This rate will apply to individuals whose taxable income exceeds $400,000 per year and married couples who jointly earn more than $450,000 annually.

The top capital gains rate will increase from 20% to 25%.

In addition, lawmakers would impose an additional 3% tax on individuals with an adjusted gross income of more than $5 million.

And it would broaden the net investment income tax to cover net income received in the ordinary course of a business or business for single taxpayers, joint filers with more than $400,000 in taxable income, or joint filers with more than $500,000 in income.

Currently, as part of the Affordable Care Act, some high-income Americans are subject to an additional 3.8% Medicare tax on certain investment income and a 0.9% Medicare surcharge on wages.

The proposal also calls for raising the top corporate tax rate to 26.5%, up from the current 21% set by Republicans 2017 tax cut legislation. This would only apply to businesses with incomes in excess of $5 million.

And the House resolution would increase the minimum tax on foreign income of US companies to 16.5 percent from the current 10.5%. Biden had suggested increasing it to 21%.

The Biden Tax Proposal Is Still In Its Early Days

Rep. Malinowski: Some Republicans are willing to raise taxes for infrastructure

Bidens follow-up recovery plan is still taking shape, as are plans to accompany it with taxes. The White House wants to be deliberate in how it goes forward not just in addressing the immediate issues, but also in making strategic decisions about whats on the horizon.

What Bidens trying to do is to make some long-term structural changes for this economy and the investments that we need to be competitive with China and to really bet on American workers and to pay for some of that, Bianchi said.

But there are obstacles. For one thing, the US economy is hardly firing on all cylinders: The US economy is still hamstrung by the Covid-19 pandemic, and millions of jobs still arent back. There is increasing optimism that between the stimulus package and vaccines, the economy is about to bounce back fast, but that doesnt make the politics of the issue a walk in the park.

Were still in the midst of a recession, and it would be pretty easy to make the argument that this isnt a great time to be talking about tax increases, said Leonard Burman, co-founder of the Tax Policy Center and a Syracuse University economist. If the economy comes roaring back, then it would be the appropriate time to be talking about tax increases.

Policymakers could have some levers here perhaps phasing in tax increases, or making sure theyre not put in place until unemployment hits a certain level but its still a tricky situation. After all, 2022 is an election year.

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Hearings This Week Could Also Expose Divisions Within Party

Top Democrats argue voters would prefer tax increases on a small group of wealthy individuals and corporations to pay for infrastructure spending over broad-based user fees that would take a bigger chunk out of lower-income voters wallets.

Thats despite Senate Republicans putting transportation fees on the table as well as new taxes on electric vehicle drivers who dont currently pay into the Highway Trust Fund.;But President Joe Biden pledged not to raise taxes on anyone making less than $400,000, and Democratic leaders are anxious to protect vulnerable members facing tough midterm challenges.

Rep. Ron Kind, D-Wis., said his constituents werent troubled by Bidens proposals to raise taxes on the top 1 percent of households and corporations, which would be an easier sell than increasing gasoline or other user fees.

If the feedback back home is any indication, it sure is, said Kind, a member of Democrats Frontline program for top House GOP targets. He won reelection last year by the closest margin of his career in a district Donald Trump carried twice.

A Morning Consult poll conducted April 21-25 supports Kinds assessment. The survey found that 51 percent support raising the corporate tax rate to 28 percent, versus 31 percent support for a gas tax increase and 29 percent for a vehicle-miles-traveled tax to finance infrastructure.

Stock Market Performance Under A Democratic Or Republican President

Updated: by Financial Samurai

Let us take a look at the historical stock market performance under a Democratic or a Republican President. The annualized S&P 500 return by President is quit consistent over history.

Before finding out the answer, Id like you to guess under what party do you think the S&P 500 has performed the best? From there, we can compare the reality with your beliefs.

After all, one of the keys to being a good stock investor is to remove as much bias from your investing process as possible. It is suboptimal to invest on emotion.

For example, I know several people who decided to sell a majority of their stock holdings in 2016 once Donald Trump won the election. They hated Donald Trump. As a result, they missed out on over 50% in S&P 500 gains.

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Republicans To Increase Taxes For More Than 5 Million Older Americans

email

Republicans are trying to force a vote on their tax bill before people know whats in it, because they know how unpopular their proposals are. But what we already know is damaging enough, including that more than 5 million older Americans would pay higher taxes, while big corporations and the top 1% get massive tax giveaways.

More than 5 million older Americans could pay higher taxes, and more than 10 million would not receive any tax cut under the Republican tax bill.

AARP: As a result of sunsetting the SFCs middle-class tax cuts, the projected number of taxpayers 65+ experiencing a tax hike would jump more than four times in eight years from 1.2 million in 2019 to 5.2 million in 2027. Add the 5.6 million older Americans who would see no tax change in 2027, and the total number of taxpayers 65+ not receiving a tax cut rises to 10.8 million.

Experts and CEOs continue to oppose the Republican tax plan, calling it a grand deception.

Reagan Tax Cut Architect: What they have here is a big tax cut for the rich paid for with random increases in taxes for various constituencies. Its ridiculous. And its telling that they are ramming this through without any debate. All of the empirical evidence goes against the tax cut.

Former CEO of Stride Rite: This tax bill is a grand deception. It hurts the most vulnerable, and hurts health care and education, which are essential for a healthy economy.

Favoring The Biden Strategy

Lamont and Republicans both say the timing is bad for tax increases as the states finances are finally stabilizing allowing for the first Wall Street bond rating increase in the past 20 years. The state is projecting a budget surplus of nearly $250 million in the current fiscal year, and the rainy day fund for fiscal emergencies is projected to rise to $3.8 billion later this year. Those numbers have continued to increase due to a record-setting pace on Wall Street as Fairfield County millionaires and billionaires pay hundreds of millions of dollars in capital gains that are paid through the personal income tax.

After the Twin Towers fell, many raced to help or went back to work. Now, for those suffering with cancer or lung disease, 9/11 did not end on 9/11. »

In addition, the major federal stimulus package that was passed by Congress and signed into law by President Biden will send $6.2 billion to Connecticut for state and local government over the next three years, including $1.75 billion directly into the state budget over the next two years.

Lamont, though, doubled down on his views about the timing and against capital gains taxes. Instead, he said in an interview that President Joe Biden should set the tone on tax increases at the national level so that taxpayers in all states are treated the same.

Connecticut honors, mourns the fallen on the 20th anniversary of 9/11 attacks »

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User Fees Would Force Biden’s Hand

If Republicans controlled Congress, its extremely unlikely theyd raise user fees or impose new ones to pay for an infrastructure plan. The federal gasoline tax, which is supposed to cover the costs of the national highway system, is a classic user fee because people who buy gasdriverspay into the fund that maintains the roads they drive on. But the gas tax has been stuck at 18.4 center per gallon since 1993, and its now too low to cover all the costs its supposed to. President Trump supposedly wanted a big infrastructure plan, and his fellow Republicans controlled Congress during the first two years of his presidency. Yet they never mounted a serious infrastructure plan, let alone new user fees to pay for it.

So why do Republicans favor user fees now? Because they would force Biden to break a core campaign promise, damaging him politically. Biden pledged not to raise taxes on households earning less than $400,000 per year, and any user fee applied broadly to the public would violate that pledge. User fees are actually a sensible and proven way to pay for big projects, yet Biden, for better or worse, has effectively ruled them out as a funding source for his ambitious plans.

Rick Newman is the author of four books, including “Rebounders: How Winners Pivot from Setback to Success. Follow him on Twitter: . You can also , and click here to get Ricks stories by email.

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The Trump Tax Reform Conspicuously Targeted High

New York Governor Andrew Cuomo has always been more reluctant than other Empire State Democrats to soak the richjust last summer he warned that raising taxes on the states billionaires would mean theyd . But last week he agreed to a budget deal that boosts state income tax rates on millionaires and would leave New York Citys richest paying the highest combined state and local income tax rate in the nation14.8% on income above $25 million. New York hadnt held that dubious title since 2012, when California voters hit millionaires with a 13.3% rate.;

Cynics might suggest that Cuomo caved now because hes been politically weakened by allegations he sexually harassed subordinates and misled the public about the number of Covid-19 deaths among nursing home residents. But the Governor himself offered another explanation for his change of heart: taxes for the richest New Yorkers will actually go down. Huh?;

While attention has focused on Bidens plan to raise federal taxes on and earning more than $400,000, another tax war has been raging around the countryand is itself affecting Washington maneuvering. According to data collected by the Urban Institute, between April and December of 2020, a majority of states collected less tax revenue than in the year before, even as the pandemic put increased demands on their budgets. The five hardest hit statesAlaska, Hawaii, North Dakota, Nevada and Floridaare heavily dependent on tax revenue from either oil or tourism.

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