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chirp-a-chirp · 1 year

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Court of Darkness: The Moment

Description: A series of short stories with MC (named Carla) and the princes showing the moment MC knew she and her prince’s relationship would last. For Voltage Fandom Content Creation Challenge @voltagefandomproject

Some content may contradict Makai Book 2s. But then, Court of Darkness events often contradict book ones and twos anyways thanks to alternate timelines so 🤷‍♀️

Princes: Guy, Lynt, Roy, Rio

…

GUY - My Queen

Today is an important day. Guy is at an Avari convention at Colde, and it is the first public event Carla is acknowledged as Guy’s paramour. For weeks, Carla studies Avari history, memorizing countless noble families and their lineages. She trains on the proper ways to speak with dignitaries, absorbing all she can through countless lessons from Guy and, when he is not available, Jasper.

At the convention, Carla and Guy spend most of their time apart, Guy being surrounded by dignitaries and members of the royal court. When Carla isn’t conversing with nobles, she’s standing with Jasper. As the hours tick away, Carla becomes more anxious.

“Jasper, have I done something wrong?” Carla pitches her voice low so that only Jasper can hear. “Does Guy not want me at his side?”

“Not at all, Miss Carla. You have performed brilliantly.” Jasper notes a small frown on Carla’s face. Jasper adds, “So brilliantly that he’s been able to focus on more important discussions.”

“I want to believe you Jasper. Or at least hear it from him.” She sighs, embarrassed to admit a need for reassurance.

“His Highness has his own ways of showing he cares. He—“ Jasper stops talking and moves his head, seeing Guy motion a command with two fingers from across the room. Jasper nods and turns to Carla. “I suspect he might show you now. Go to him.”

Carla walks with steady steps to Guy. As she approaches Guy, she sees an older portly man gesturing to a much younger woman. When Carla is within feet of the older man, she catches their conversation. “So as you can see, my daughter would be a much better prospect as a paramour for you. Wouldn’t you agree?” The young woman eyes Guy for what he is to her—the ultimate prize on the Saligia marriage market.

Before Carla can react, Guy pulls her flush against his side. His arm encircles her waist possessively, yet with a touch of tenderness. Guy’s eyes flash ominously at the man. “As you can see, I already have my Queen. And soon she will be yours.” Guy turns to leave. Carla follows, holding her head high.

The pair walk to an empty balcony. Guy mutters “What a bother.” He stares out at the night sky.

“Are the nobles always like that with you?” Carla grasps the sleeve of Guy’s formal jacket.

“Yes. You need to be aware of what it is like.” The pieces start falling into place for Carla. Guy not only declared his intentions for her to the noble (and countless others watching them), he no longer shielded Carla from the realities of the scheming Avari court. In short, he loved her and now he trusted her.

Carla wraps her arms around Guy, burying her head in his jacket. “Thank you,” she whispers.

“You’re a strange creature.” Guy tilts Carla’s chin up so she can see his crimson eyes; they blaze with power and passion. Guy smirks as he says, “but you’re mine.”

“Just as you are mine?” Carla matches Guy’s smirk. She closes her eyes and leans upward for a kiss. As Guy’s lips are a breath away from Carla, he murmurs “Yes.”

LYNT - A Sleepless Night

Carla excuses herself from the S:Rank lounge and asks Lynt to accompany her. Her eyes are dull, her forehead sweaty. Lynt wraps his cloak around Carla’s shivering shoulders as they leave. Carla holds her hands to her ears, complaining of intense throbbing whenever someone speaks loudly—Toa and Guy’s sparring and Fenn’s subsequent laughter causing the most recent pain.

Lynt mews with understanding and sadness. Carla has a cold and ear infection. He knows it will be difficult for her to sleep. Lynt leads Carla to his room and asks Tino to prepare green tea and to get medicine from the infirmary.

“At once! Miss Carla, don’t despair, you’ll get better soon!” Tino claps his hands enthusiastically. Carla covers her ears and trudges to Lynt’s bedroom, wincing at Tino’s well-meaning enthusiasm. Lynt envelops Carla in a soft blanket and lays her in his bed. He then moves to wait in the sitting room until Tino arrives back.

Lynt gives Carla a spoonful of medicine and makes her drink the tea. Afterwards, Carla tosses and turns most of the night. Carla’s vaguely aware of Lynt moving a lot, and something being poured down her throat at regular intervals, but she is so exhausted and in pain she barely notices. When the medicine starts to work, Carla settles and sleeps a few hours. Long after sunrise, Carla awakens and is startled at what she sees.

Her feet, which are sticking out from underneath the blanket, are covered in a pair of woolen Akedian socks she was definitely not wearing the night before. A cold wet cloth is magically set to her forehead. Bowls of broth and medicine bottles are waiting at a nearby table. But most importantly, she sees Lynt’s face inches from hers. His eyelids are droopy and bags are under his eyes from lack of sleep. Lynt holds Carla in a loose embrace as he strokes her hair.

“L-Lynt, did you sleep at all?” A gigantic yawn escapes Lynt’s lips as he tucks Carla’s hair behind her ears. “No. You were quite sick.” Lynt gestures to a pile of dirty tissues and towels by the side of the bed. Carla’s face turns red in embarrassment. “Oh God, did Tino care for me like this?”

“No, me. Tino’s voice seemed painful to you, so I watched you.” Carla put the pieces together—the empty medicine bottles, soup bowls, socks on her feet—Lynt took care of her throughout the night alone. When Lynt put his mind to do something, it was done. Lynt pats Carla on the head. “Hmmm. You seem better now. Good.”

“I wish I could say the same for you,” Carla murmurs. “You need your rest.”

“But who will watch over you?”

Carla chuckles quietly. “I can’t believe I have to convince you to sleep.” She places her arms around Lynt’s shoulders, scratching the back of his head. “You’ll watch over me in your dreams, just like I will for you, yes?”

“Hmmm. Yes.” Lynt’s eyes close as he gives in to slumber. “Love you Carla.”

“And I you Lynt.”

ROY - The Letter

From the first time Roy and Carla express their love for one another, Roy’s heart is light and full of joy. Everything about Carla from her empathy to her diligent persistence to the sparkle in her eyes enchants him. Roy is utterly spellbound with Carla; so much so, that it’s only a few weeks into his courtship that he begins sketching ideas for potential rings to give her.

Carla is equally taken with Roy. But a shadow of fear enters her heart. Roy has always been kind, gracious, patient with everyone, and ever passionate for his country. But now Carla sees a new kind of passion to Roy—one that’s intense, playful, romantic—geared for only her. Carla wonders when that passion will fade away and Roy will come to his senses and realize she’s not good enough for him.

About two months into their relationship, Roy and Carla sit on a L-shaped couch in the rooftop garden. Roy is sitting up, his legs draped across the cushions on one side of the couch. He works on grading papers and reading various royal correspondence. Carla sits between Roy’s legs, the back of her head resting against Roy’s chest as she read a book from one of Lynt’s lectures. Carla hums pleasantly as an arm circles her waist—Roy’s proved himself to be a cuddler these past weeks, especially when no one else is around.

Eventually, Carla falls asleep. She awakens some time later to a gentle breeze tickling her nose, the scent of roses in the air. Carla turns her head slightly against Roy’s chest and looks up. Roy is still sitting up, his back pressed against the cushions, both arms wrapped around Carla’s waist, his head held up by a cushion propped on top of the couch. Roy’s hair flutters in the wind as he sleeps blissfully, looking like the male-equivalent of sleeping beauty. Well, almost—his mouth is slightly open as he snores lightly.

Carla holds in her laughter—the perfect prince snores! A sense of contentment fills her. Roy is comfortable enough with her to fully relax like this, even if someone were to find them. Carla then hears the sound of papers rustling from the breeze. In Roy’s hands is a letter that stays in place within his grasp with magic. She recognizes the writing as Roy’s and sees it’s a letter to his mother. Carla intends to respect Roy’s privacy and not read it, but she sees her name in it. Curiosity gets the better of her as she scans the letter.

My soul has transformed from simply knowing her. Carla is goodness, kindness, and light. I want to provide her the same strength and love she gives me. You will adore her. I cannot conceive of possibly loving anyone else but her. Please, give us your and Father’s blessing.

Happy tears fall from Carla’s face. She sees Roy for who he is now—a man in love with a woman, who wants the approval of his family. Roy’s snoring stops. Carla kisses Roy lightly on his chin and snuggles back in his grasp. Suddenly, Roy’s arms squeeze her tightly—the letter floats from Roy’s hand and lands in his jacket pocket.

“I meant every word in that letter Heartspell,” Roy whispers in her ear. “Remember that.”

RIO - Bride of Voleri

There is not a precise moment Carla discovers her relationship with Rio is serious while they’re dating. The moments of friendship, happiness, and honesty all blend together into a ball of affection so profound that Carla never wishes to leave Saligia, even if she could.

The day of her engagement, however, Carla remembers in perfect detail.

Carla, Sherry, and Rio are in a potions class taught by Toa. Having finished their assignment early, Rio goes to another student to help them with their assignment. Carla smiles as she steals a look at Rio. “His kindness is so wonderful Sherry. I don’t know what I’d do without it.”

“I think the same about you Sunbeam!” Rio trots back to Carla and Sherry and holds Carla’s hand. His eyes light up as he stares at his and Carla’s interlocking fingers. “In fact, I don’t wanna live without your sweetness in my life. Marry me?”

Carla’s heart pounds in her chest. This is just like her Rio—oblivious to his surrounding and the gasp of shock from Sherry, his words of love spontaneous, sincere, and unadorned. “Rio I—“

A beaker falls to the ground. The entire classroom turns at the sound. “Prince Voleri just proposed marriage! How romantic!” The student whom Rio was helping out earlier points an excited finger at Carla and Rio, ignoring the beaker she broke. Most of the other students crowd around the pair, offering their congratulations. Several Voleri students shout “Three cheers to the future bride of Voleri!”

“AHEM.” Toa slams a book on his desk to gain everyone’s attention. Most of the students sheepishly duck their heads and start to apologize. Toa holds up a hand for silence.

“Carla—“ Toa begins.

“Toa I’m SO sorry—“ Carla stops talking as she looks at Toa. While clearly annoyed, the corners of Toa’s lips lift in a small smile. Toa continues. “You did not give Voleri a proper response.” Toa gestures to Rio; Rio’s hand still clutches Carla’s in nervous anticipation.

“YES!” Carla pulls Rio in for a hug. The class erupts in celebration.

A week later, Rio and Carla are back in potions class. The door flies open and Rio’s Dad, King Aiden, strides in, arms open as he spies Rio and Carla. “Ah, there she is, bride of Voleri!” Aiden’s voice booms with joy. “I could not wait a moment more to see you both!”

“Like father like son,” giggles Sherry.

Toa grumbles. “Can I have ONE class uninterrupted from Voleri?”

#court of darkness #voltage games #voltage inc #guy avari #lynt akedia #roy invidia #rio voleri #toa qelsum #jasper lane #otome fandom

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slimeypuppy · 2 years

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Could I request a soft RomeLukas moment for agent au? Or as soft as these two can get with each other anyway

The morning sun is a gentle glow through the gauzy hotel room curtains, soft when it falls across Roman's eyes and wakes him up. He blinks a few times as he comes to. It takes a moment to process where he is, the room too bright and warm to be his own, where the blackout curtains and dark gray walls form a dim enclosure that feels safer than something so inviting such as this room. He sits up slowly, conscious of the ache in his lower back and thighs, gaze falling onto the empty other half of the bed.

He notices Lukas a moment later, sprawled out on the luxurious couch with his laptop balanced on his knees and his phone tucked against his ear. Though his voice is quiet, his Swedish is rapid with an agitated tone. It's a language Roman has been learning for a couple weeks, just long enough to get an idea what's being said, but not quite to the point that he understands it fully. Lukas doesn't know, which gives Roman the advantage of learning more than he's supposed to. He makes a point not to seem interested as he slips out of bed and hunts for his overnight bag for a clean pair of boxers. Lukas had herded him into a shower last night, so at least he's not still sticky.

Lukas tells the person on the other line to wait a moment before turning his lovestruck eyes to Roman. "Good morning, puppy. Room service will be delivered soon: waffles, sausage, a fruit meddley, and mimosas."

"Thanks," he says, not even bothering for it to sound sincere. He's not really one for breakfast. "You sounded upset. What's going on?"

"Oh, nothing."

He nods as though he believes him, but that's not quite the case. The parts he did understand of Lukas' side of the conversation indicated a massive issue regarding his influence in the state congress. A senator he was supposed to have in his pocket did something bad, though the details didn't quite make it through Roman's rough translation, and it spells a massive financial issue for Lukas. It's not as if Lukas isn't exorbitantly wealthy, just as if not more so than the Roy family, but no one likes to take a loss, especially a big hit. Beyond that, a paid resource that flips is one that can't be trusted anymore. It wouldn't surprise him for that senator to wind up dead within a matter of days, possibly even by Stewy and Kendall's capable hands. Those two ought to be grateful for Roman's relationship with Lukas for how many jobs they get out of it.

"I wish you'd come in with me," Lukas says. "Be my right hand, Roman, I mean it. You and I could bring the world to their knees."

"I don't need your help with that," Roman reminds delicately. "I'm plenty capable without you, Luke."

Lukas smiles in spite of the frustration just barely skirting his features. "And I without you, but together, we could be something great."

"I'll keep it in mind. You haven't impressed me."

Lukas sets his laptop aside and grabs Roman by the hip to pull him closer. The sudden touch makes him jump before he can suppress it, a weakness that makes Lukas so proud it shows on his smug face. Roman hates him. He really does, but he needs him right now, and with the way he's played their game so far, he could have Lukas wrapped around his little finger very soon. He allows himself to be brought into Lukas's lap, knees on either side of Lukas' legs, and studies his face now that they're closer.

Roman has had to work hard to read people, but it gets easier the more time he spends with someone. By now, he can easily dissect the tilt of Lukas' lips and the angle of the lines by his eyes. He's irritated, both with Roman and the senator, but too enamored by the prospect of having him to do anything more than skate his hands up and down Roman's sides.

"How can I convince you?"

"You'd have to prove you're better than me, which I honestly don't think you can. How many weeks have you spent trying to break me down by now?"

Instead of crafting a response, Lukas pulls his head to the side by his hair and bites down on his neck. The pressure is enough to spark pain that brings an involuntary gasp from Roman's lips, and will likely leave a mark when he's finished. Marks are unprofessional, but sometimes sacrifices must be made. When he starts to squirm, Lukas moves down toward his shoulder and bites again. He's getting hard beneath Roman's ass, the loose sweatpants he must have thrown on upon waking doing nothing to hide it.

"Excited, are we?"

"For you," Lukas murmurs against his skin, "always."

Roman scoffs but allows Lukas to continue his task until it becomes boring and he stands up, hands firm under Roman's thighs to support his weight as he carries him back to the bed. It's not as if Roman has never been manhandled before, but it still sends a thrill through his stomach every time. The sound he makes when tossed onto the mattress is involuntary. Real.

"You're stunning, puppy. I'm lucky."

Lukas drapes himself over Roman's body and tugs at the waistband of his freshly dawned boxers. If Roman had known they would be going for another round, he wouldn't have bothered. As he contemplates this, he realizes Lukas has changed tasks. Rather than continuing to leave marks and imprints of teeth, Lukas shifts to rest between Roman's spread legs. He's going to blow him. Another sharp inhale breaks through the tense air before he can hide it.

"Relax, I'll take care of you. I take good care of my things."

Before he puts his mouth on him, he presses down into the muscles of Roman's thighs, forcing the tension from them. Only when Roman starts to relax does Lukas take the head of his cock into his mouth. His soft tongue plays at the slit for a moment before Lukas begins to sink down, taking more and more until Roman is bumping the back of his throat and Lukas' nose is against his pubic bone. It used to embarrass him, being on the smaller side, but he's confident and experienced enough to not be bothered anymore. Men like Lukas, like Jeryd, like Skye, appreciate a dick that doesn't make them feel insecure or heaven forbid emasculated.

Roman tangles a hand in Lukas' short hair and pulls him back slightly, holding him in place with the perfect amount of room to lazily fuck his mouth. At first, it surprised Roman that Lukas is so receptive to a more submissive role, but he quickly recognized the power it gives him. He's in control of this. He revels in the warmth of Lukas' mouth and the wetness inside. On one cold evening, he had kept Lukas at this long enough for drool to drip down his chin.

"And people say I'm a whore," Roman breathes.

He tracks the motion of one of Lukas' hands down to palm his own crotch, subtly grinding up into the friction without faltering on the head he's currently giving. Roman is struck with the urge to call Lukas a good boy but holds it back. He can't do that, not now when the prospect of control lingers just out of his grasp. Instead he props himself up on one arm as he lazily fucks his throat. There's no need to talk. He has Lukas right where he wants him.

He pulls Lukas down all the way again, keeping himself fully inside his mouth and enjoying the way Lukas hollows his cheeks as he looks up at him. He's so eager to please Roman. It's almost like worship, and for his devotion, Roman will tear him apart one day with nothing more than a flick of his wrist. He considers that he may even be able to convince Lukas to self destruct with enough time.

"Ivrig," Roman offers, just to see how the realization makes Lukas' eyes darken and his hips jerk up into the pressure of his own palm. "Aren't you?"

Lukas nods as much as Roman's grip on his hair allows.

Roman doesn't give him anything else as he returns to using Lukas' mouth as little more than a toy to get himself off, attention flickering between his flushed face and the desperate way he touches himself through his sweatpants. He allows himself to take mercilessly, even if it doesn't wreck Lukas the way it would wreck him, until he's close and Lukas is borderline whining around his cock.

At the last moment, Roman yanks his head back, Lukas taking the cue to use his right hand to jerk him off until Roman coats his face in come. The action of it seems to be the thing that makes Lukas shut his eyes tight and come in his pants, a wet spot spreading on the gray fabric.

Roman abandons the moment first, getting up and cleaning himself with a tissue before tucking his dick back into his boxers. Room service will be here soon, he reminds himself, as he redresses from the suit hung up in the wardrobe. Lukas will eat and feel guilty over Roman's refusal, slowly sinking deeper into the corner Roman has pinned him into until he's nothing but putty in the palm of his hand.

#agent!au #romelukas #roman roy #lukas mattson #emwrite #nsft

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fluffykitty1999-blog · 3 years

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Dog of the Military- Chapter 6

So to be honest, I just intended this to be some good old humor and relief of Ed sleep talking while he's drugged up. But in reality, it turned out a little bit darker. And I'm perfectly okay with that lol. What’s this? A button to donate to my caffeine habit? Here ya go...

Chapter 6- Nightmares

"Nuugh..." Roy looked over as the lump of blankets that was Edward Elric shifted on his bed. Roy had finished his calls- back to Central, alerting Hawkeye that he'd found Fullmetal and intended to bring him home tomorrow. To Hughes, asking just what hell he could wreck on someone who unjustly imprisoned and tortured a state alchemist. And to General Gruman himself, to report Colonel Bank's misconduct and begin the proceeding for an official court martial.

Now, it was nearly midnight and he was up to his elbows in paperwork for all of the above reasons.

Still, he couldn't really be mad at Ed, since it wasn't like the boy had asked to be held captive by that bastard.

Roy was loathe to admit it, but Ed looked much more childlike when he was asleep. It was almost... cute. Almost.

"Alfonz..." Ed slurred, twisting around on the bed.

Roy pursed his lips, frowning. The doctor had promised Ed would rest through the night, but he certainly didn't sound asleep.

"M-mom!"

Ed's voice rose an octave, and Roy frowned. He was about to say something, try and convince the boy to roll over and go back to sleep. Ed was silent for one moment, two... maybe he'd already fallen back asleep.

"Don't do it! Don't! I said stop dammit!"

Ed vaulted out of bed, stumbling like a drunk and barely managing to catch himself on the nightstand and stay upright.

Roy quickly got to his feet, intent on putting the boy back into bed, but Ed saw him and wove his was over to him, grabbing onto his coat and looking up at him with terrified eyes.

"T-the hands. So many tiny, black hands. L-let him go! I told them to let him go, but they wouldn't, and Alphonse- gone!" It was something in the tea, Roy realized. The laudanum the doctor gave Ed might've acted as a painkiller, but he also was no longer lucid, and apparently having a night terror of some sort.

Ed looked at him with wide, teary eyes. His pupils were smaller than usual, Roy noted- it just made his golden eyes look bigger.

"Don't do it. Don't activate the array." he pleaded, a tear finding its way down his cheek.

"Edward." the boy looked like he was going to fall over any minute, and Roy placed both hands on the boy's shoulders, trying to steady him.

"We didn't know what we were doing!" Ed burst out.

Roy had heard rumors about what happened when one committed the ultimate taboo. Alchemists who saw things- stories of black hands that dragged people to a strange place, one not meant to be touched by humans.

Not knowing what else to do, Roy pulled Ed into a rather awkward hug, pressing the small blond head to his chest.

"Edward. Shh, Ed, it's alright. I know. You were just a kid, you didn't know what you were doing..."

Ed was trembling like a leaf in his grasp, and Roy looked down to see the boy looking up at him with those impossibly large eyes, pupils dilated from the medicine.

Ed reached up, grabbing a fistful of Roy's coat. "D-dun ever do it." he muttered. "Pure white. All of it. So much noise and I couldn't scream. And that... thing- he took my leg. He didn't have a face... just teeth." Ed paused, looking into the distance but not really seeing anything.

He swallowed thickly. "All white." his voice was barely above a whisper, and it had a sing-song quality to it. "No color. I hated it there. Bit my own arm until there was blood just so there was color..."

Ed's body seemed to decide to give into the pull of sleep, and he sagged heavily against Roy, who gathered the teen into his arms and deposited him back onto the bed.

Ed still hadn't let go of Roy's coat.

"Don't ever do it." Ed whispered, looking at him desperately.

"I won't, Ed. I won't." Roy assured him. Ed didn't look much more at peace, and Roy found himself sitting on the bed beside the boy, carding a gloved hand through his bangs.

"I know you probably feel quite odd right now, Fullmetal. That's okay. The doctor gave you some medicine- I think it's given you some vivid dreams..."

"It's real." Ed insisted, reaching up to grab Roy's hand and holding it in both his own, as though he were afraid Roy would disappear if he let go.

Ed looked so... lost, Roy couldn't bring himself to pull away.

"Yes, it is real, Ed, but you're not there anymore. You're here, with me, in the inn, remember?"

Ed blinked drowsily.

"Let me get you some water..." Roy stood, gently disentangling his hand from Ed's hold and grabbing the mug off the beside table, moving to the bathroom and filling it at the tap.

He moved back beside the bed, handing the mug to Ed, who looked impossibly pleased as he took it the mug and held it in his hands. "Thank you."

Ed sat there for a solid minute, grinning at the mug in his hands as though it were the best thing in the world.

Roy chuckled. "You're supposed to drink it, Ed."

Ed blinked at him before doing as he was told, lifting the mug to his lips and taking a large sip, smacking his lips.

"It's delicious." he declared, looking into the distance.

"I'm glad the tap water here is to your liking, Fullmetal." Roy was having a very, very hard time keeping the amusement from his expression. He chuckled.

Ed looked up at him with those golden eyes. His large pupils and golden irises gave him a cat-like look. "Why are you laughing? What's funny?" Ed gave him an easygoing smile and wiggled beneath the blankets. "I wanna know the joke!"

Roy paused. There really wasn't a joke- except that the Fullmetal Alchemist, Hero of the People and dog of the military was a 13 year old boy who acted like an adorable child when dosed with launadum.

Still, Roy couldn't miss the opportunity to mess with the kid. He smirked. "Alright. I know a really good knock knock joke, but you have to start it."

"Knock Knock!" Ed said eagerly.

"Who's there?" Mustang said with deliberate pleasure.

Ed's face went from excited to the prospect of the joke to confused, since he didn't know what to say to continue the joke, before his expression was alight again when he realized that was the joke. He laughed a little. "A-alright. You got me with that one."

"Did I now?" Roy feigned innocence.

"Yeah. But it's my turn. Knock knock."

"Who's there?"

"I eat mop." Ed said with certainty and intensity.

Roy paused, frowning. He didn't see where this joke was going. Maybe it was some drugged out thing that only made sense in Ed's head?

Ed looked as though he was about to burst with excitement, he was practically vibrating on the bed waiting.

"...I eat mop who?"

Ed looked as though he was about to piss himself from laughter just as Roy got the joke.

"Y-y-you just said..." Ed trailed off, unable to stop laughing. "Y-you s-sah-said..."

Roy sighed, though he couldn't help the smile on his face. "Very clever, Fullmetal."

"Y-you said you... eat poo!" Ed was doubled over laughing now, clutching his stomach.

"Easy there, Fullmetal." Roy reached out to rub the boy's back. Ed couldn't help but laugh, but he was breathing harder and Roy could see the pain creeping onto his expression.

It took a minute for Ed to fully calm down and stop laughing, and by then a tear or two had trickled down his cheek.

"Gah, it hurts..."

"I know. Just relax. It'll fade if you take a few breaths." Roy kept rubbing gentle circle's on the boy's back through his shirt, being careful to mind the areas he knew were injured.

Once Ed had settled down, he laid back against the pillow. The kid looked pretty spent.

"Anything else hurting, Ed?"

Ed shook his head, eyes half closed.

"Alright, Fullmetal. Get some rest..." he moved to stand and go back to his paperwork.

"Wait! Don't go. I'll miss you." Ed looked up at him sadly. "Stay... a little longer? Please?"

Maybe it was because it was such a childish request. To not be left alone. Or maybe it was because the boy was out of it on painkillers. Or maybe because it was the first time he could remember Edward had used the word please when talking to him. But he sighed, taking a deep breath and pulling his desk chair over to sit beside the kid's bed. "Alright, Ed, I'll stay for a little while."

"Yay." Ed's voice was nearly a whisper. He really was almost asleep. Within ten minutes, the kid was out.

Roy found himself watching the boy's expression for a few moments- Ed was resting easy again, features relaxed, lips slightly parted- the boy really was just a child. And, as the cuts and scratches on the boy's face reminded him, he'd taken a pretty horrific beating from the sounds of the doctor's report. Why hadn't Ed just given up the information? It would've saved him so much pain...

"Rest up, Edward." he reached over, tucking the blankets further around the boy's chin before he stood up, and with some difficulty, dragged his chair back over to the hotel room desk. Somehow paperwork seemed much less fun after sharing knock-knock jokes with his drugged up alchemist.

Roy stopped the pen mid-stoke, turning to look at the sleeping boy on the bed. He couldn't make out much, but Ed was still fast asleep. Still, since when had the boy become his alchemist?

Roy stopped to think. Ed had always been under his command, he was new, rash, impulsive, but... It'd been after the Shou Tucker Incident, he realized.

He'd gotten a call late at night from Hughes- Ed and Al had just been told they could no longer stay and study with Shou Tucker after Ed had tried accessing the man's research in Central. The boys had gone to stay the night at Hughes.

"I just got a call. They want me team to deploy to the Tucker Estate. Something bad had happened. And..."

"What is it, Hughes?"

"Ed and Al aren't in their rooms."

"I'll be there in five minutes."

He'd ridden with Hughes to the Tucker estate- his eyes eagerly scanning the road, the yard, everywhere. He'd busted into the room filled to the brim with chimeras- abused, suffering beasts in pain. The investigations personnel on the scene looked up, surprised, at his entrance.

All Roy could see was the rather large spatter of blood on the floor.

"Where's my alchemist?" he asked the nearest officer.

She frowned. "Shou Tucker has already been taken into custody, Sir..."

"Not Shou. My alchemist, the Fulletmetal Alchemist, Edward Elric... He should have a seven foot tall suit of armor with him."

The woman frowned. "No one was here when we got here but Tucker, Sir."

He'd found Edward in the alley later that night. Sobbing his heart out over a dead chimera he couldn't save. And selfishly, as he and Hawkeye sat in the car and watched over the boys in the distance, Roy had been relieved. Horrible things had happened. But at least his alchemist- his Ed- was okay.

That was probably the moment Ed had become 'his alchemist'. It was as close to it as he could remember, the first time he'd said it out loud, anyways. But he'd probably been calling the boy that longer in his head.

Ed wiggled around a little under the blankets, and Roy sighed.

Ed. Leave it that boy to worm his way into his heart.

#fma #fma fanfiction #Fullmetal Alchemist #fullmetal alchimist brotherhood #Roy Mustang #edward elric #Parental Roy #parentalroy #whumph #whump #hurt/comfort #hurt #comfort #dogofthemilitary #injury

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firewoodfigs · 4 years

Text

amendes honorables

Summary: Riza Hawkeye is appalled to discover that her fifteen-year-old daughter has indicated interest in a boy. Her husband thinks she’s being a little bit of a hypocrite.

(thank you @waddiwasiwitch for hosting @moms-made-fullmetal-2020 ! ^_^)

read on ao3

~x~

Roy Mustang was having a very hard time trying to contain his laughter while lazing on the bed with his morning coffee in hand. He was trying, really - his absolute, darnedest best - palms over mouth, holding his breath, distracting himself with boring, draggy books about legal positivism. But try as he might, it was very, very entertaining to see his stoic Captain, now beloved wife, getting so riled up over their daughter’s predicament.

Between the two, everyone always assumed that he would be the overprotective parent, but Roy knew better. He knew his wife like the back of his hand and had correctly predicted that she would be the paranoid parent who would impose a stringent “no-dating-until-you’re-an-adult” rule. Of course, every rule came with loopholes, and the definition of an “adult” was left up to her (legally, it should have been eighteen or twenty-one, but Roy believed that in Riza’s mind it probably ranged between thirty to forty, or more).

“Stop laughing, Roy. This is serious!” Riza exclaimed, thoroughly flustered by the fact that their daughter had been the recipient of so many confessions, letters, chocolates and whatever frivolities teenage boys thought girls their age enjoyed receiving on Valentine’s Day.

Given how attractive her parents were it was no surprise that Rae Mustang was the apple of many young boys’ eyes at the juvenile age of fifteen. With thick, raven black hair like her father’s, her mother’s sharp features, and eyes like wood smoke in autumn - a lovely blend of her parents’ - it was hardly surprising that boys were attracted to her like moths to light, and while some girls were envious of her for winning the genetic lottery others had graciously accepted defeat.

Her mother was of course, acutely aware of this curse, or blessing, whatever one might choose to call it, and had taken it upon herself to confiscate gifts and letters she had received on that wretched holiday, on the excuse that it was hardly inappropriate for a girl her age to receive such things, and really, what did boys know about love at that age?

Riza had declared over dinner that night that professions of undying, profound love at that age were nothing but intricate lies designed by deceitful young boys, and Rae shouldn’t bother herself with it.

(Roy wanted to call her out for being a hypocrite there and then, but she shut him up with a threatening glare before the first syllable even left his mouth.)

In response, she’d nodded dutifully before returning to the steak and frites on her plate - courtesy of her father, who had taken it upon himself to “whip up a fantastic dinner for my lovely girls on this holiday about love” and “blessed it with a chef’s kiss” afterwards, but alas.

Alas. Her little girl had inherited their talents in covert operations and somehow managed to hide a very important gift and letter from her mother’s prying hands, and it didn’t take a genius to guess that it was gifted by someone she was interested in.

Riza had been utterly mortified when she found the traitorous piece of evidence sandwiched in between her chemistry textbooks (Rae had attempted to use some kind of alchemy she’d learnt from her Uncle Ed a few weeks prior to seal it, but there was something faulty with the array that foiled her plans in the end), which therefore led to the current situation of her pacing frantically around their room as she rambled on and on to her husband.

(She still didn’t know whether to be disappointed or proud of her daughter for possessing such a natural penchant at hiding things, but it was probably the former.)

Finally, she stopped pacing and turned to glower sullenly at her husband, who was hiding his laughter behind a book that he was pretending to be engrossed in. “I think she should be grounded, Roy. We can never know for sure if she’s been secretly planning dates behind our backs with this - this boy - mmph -” her words were muffled by a passionate kiss and a suffocating embrace.

“Relax, Riza,” he chuckled as he held her close in his arms to soothe her frazzled nerves. “We don’t even know what the boy is like. What if he was like me when we were younger?” He lifted his index finger and thumb to his chin, as if stroking an imaginary beard (Riza and Rae had conspired together to shave that blasphemous mustache off his face in his sleep) and pretended to be deep in thought.

Riza balked. “I didn’t like you when I was fifteen, Roy.”

He put a hand up to his heart in mock hurt. “Don’t be cruel, Riza. I know you did -”

“You did, I didn’t. Back to the topic at hand. I believe the appropriate punishment would be to ground her, and she most certainly owes us an apology for lying and hiding such scandalous affairs behind our backs.”

“Alright, alright,” he raised his hands in surrender, hoping it would ease the scowl on her face. It did somewhat, and so he decided to help his daughter with a little… negotiation. “You can ground her if you think that’s proportionate and necessary, but let’s give the boy a chance. We could have him over for dinner,” her frown was returning, and he hastened to add, “which would give us the perfect chance to interrogate him and analyse their rela - friendship, of course.”

The thought of being able to question him excited Riza just the slightest. She did love a good cross-examination, after all, and no one would touch her daughter without first crossing her. “Fine,” she relented. “I’ll talk to her tonight.”

Roy grimaced at that thought. His wife could be the living personification of the Spanish Inquisition when she put her mind down to it, and he hoped that it wouldn’t be a bad mix with the notorious teenage hormones that plagued everyone at fifteen. “Be nice, Riza.”

~x~

“You can come in, mom,” came her daughter’s trembling voice from behind the door.

Well. It seemed like they were already off to a bad start. As she opened the door slowly she could see her daughter’s quivering frame hunched over her literature homework, the likes of Austen and Bronte all strewn across her table messily as she tried very bravely to hold in her tears.

She groaned internally. Already, Riza felt her resolve weakening, and it was difficult to remain angry at such a sweet child (she often wondered what she and Roy did to deserve such a lovely daughter, but her husband deemed it necessary to discuss, in great detail, how Rae was made, so she never vocalised that thought ever again). She sat on the corner of her bed and beckoned for Rae to come sit with her, and as soon as she sank into the duvet as she placed a comforting hand over her shoulder.

So much for being strict.

Before she could even say anything, though, Rae started apologising frantically, words tumbling out of her mouth like a gushing stream. “I’m so sorry, mom, I know I shouldn’t have lied to you and I know I’ve disappointed you and I know I shouldn’t have and I’m just, I’m so sorry,” she stuttered, choking over her sobs. “I just… I know it would’ve upset you, but he’s… he’s a really nice boy, but I know what I did was wrong, and I’ve let you down, and I’m so -”

“Rae,” Riza called, her tone stern but gentle. “Okay, one thing at a time. I’m not going to lie, I am disappointed that you hid this from me, and there will be consequences, but I forgive you. I always will,” and she pulled her in for a hug, stroking her soft tresses tenderly as Rae sobbed into her shoulder and threw herself into the embrace.

… It truly was a challenge trying to pull a stern hand on her daughter. Her colleagues would’ve found this incredulous, and she never thought austerity was something she would ever struggle with, but Rae had proved her wrong. While she was supposed to be at the age of rebellion - Riza supposed this was it, the defining act - her daughter was quite the little darling, full of sunshine and joy, and it made it very hard to remain angry with her for long. In some ways, she reminded her a bit of Alphonse, although Rae had been adamant that her Uncle Al was wrong - dogs were better than cats.

Another point to Rae.

And though it was equally difficult to swallow her pride and admit that she had overreacted a little, just the slightest, over the gifts that had swarmed her table, she supposed it would only cause Rae to feel like she couldn’t trust her. “You… you can tell me these things, Rae.” Riza wanted to say she wouldn’t get mad, but that would just be an outright, blatant lie. “It’s better than hiding, or lying.”

“Really, mom?” her eyes glistened with hope, and really, it was hard to say no to a face like that. Riza would give her the stars and a mountain made of gold and diamonds if she just asked for it.

“Yes, really. In fact…” she remembered her previous discussion with Roy. Compromise, Riza. “You can invite him over for dinner one of these days.”

A watery smile crossed her daughter’s face, and it was so hopeful that Riza couldn’t resist chuckling a little. “But you, young lady, are still grounded, and will continue to be so for two weeks.”

She nodded glumly, as any other fifteen-year-old would be at the prospect of having to come home immediately after school, but otherwise relented and gave her mother another hug. “I understand, mom. I’m sorry.”

“It’s okay, I forgive you.” She grinned at the thought of being able to grill this young man, both literally and figuratively. “So, when’s a good time for dinner?”

~x~

Riza had been… surprised, to say the least, when she opened the door to come face to face with a tanned-skin boy with white hair and distinctly red eyes that shone like a dreadful mix of rubies and garnets.

An Ishvalan.

Her immediate response had been to apologise to Rae instead - for how could he bear to look at her and Roy in the eye and seriously say that he was alright with who they were? If he’d bolted there and then, or threw the bag of cookies that he’d painstakingly prepared as a present in her face out of anger or animosity, Riza would have honestly accepted it and forgiven him regardless.

But instead the boy - who introduced himself as Elyas - had proceeded to remove his shoes before asking politely if it would be alright to come in, holding out the dessert he’d prepared with such a delightful eagerness and enthusiasm, and really, it was impossible to reject him.

“Of course, come on in,” she said invitingly, swallowing the bile rising in her throat as she observed Roy’s equally shocked expression. But he said nothing, only smiled welcomingly as he set up the dinner table and thanked him for the wonderful gift.

She’d almost lost her composure when he mentioned that he was an orphan, when Roy asked about his family, but as if reading her mind Elyas immediately sought to qualify his statement with “I’m very sure you two had nothing to do with it, Mr and Mrs Mustang. They died in an accident not too long ago, not because of the Ishvalan War. I’m sorry I brought it up.”

“You have nothing to be sorry for. If anything, we should be the ones apologising. I understand if… if you are uncomfortable being here,” Riza whispered quietly, suddenly feeling like an incorrigible mother.

Underneath the table, Roy stretched out his hand to rest a palm on her thigh, rubbing soothing circles with a padded thumb. She responded in kind, knowing that the same sentiments, though unsaid, were on his mind as well.

Elyas, though, amazed them all by thanking them. Them, a pair of cold-blooded war criminals.

“Ah, well,” he rubbed the back of his head awkwardly with an open palm. “I’m alright. If anything, I’d like to thank the both of you for rebuilding Ishval. My parents often emphasised that it was General Mustang’s office that improved the lives of many Ishvalans because of the trade relations with Xing, and we’ve all benefited greatly from that.”

He flashed them a sunny smile, and his eyes conveyed everything they needed to know - that’s in the past now. “Thank you, Mr. and Mrs. Mustang, and thank you for having me over for dinner.”

“Not at all, we’re more than happy to have you here, Elyas.” Riza was unequivocally sure that she owed Rae an apology instead, and vowed to speak with her again tonight.

Her husband had offered to do the same as they stood at the sink together to wash the dishes, but after what happened she thought it best to speak with Rae separately herself first, and so his only response was a reassuring, understanding kiss to her forehead.

“We’ll work it out together, Riza.”

~x~

“Can I come in, Rae?” Riza knocked hesitantly, the nausea and guilt that had settled in her gut previously making an unwelcome resurgence.

“Of course, mom!” Rae skipped happily to where her mother was as soon as the door was open and gave her a tight hug. “Thank you so much for tonight.”

“Not at all,” she smiled weakly. “I think I owe you an apology, Rae. I… I wasn’t expecting him to be an Ishvalan.” Her daughter was not ignorant to the sins that they had committed decades ago, because she’d made it her personal duty, alongside Roy, to explain history accurately to her - for both of them had agreed that it would be worse if she found the truth out by herself.

And Rae, kind, innocent Rae - bless her heart - had accepted the harsh reality of who her parents were with a grim nod, but after a few hours of introspection she’d knocked on their door to tell them that she still loved them regardless, and that she was proud to have parents who were working so hard to rectify the injustices they’d committed.

But this… this was quite a different story. She wasn’t sure if Elyas was just being courteous earlier, or if he was genuinely alright with who they were, with the wrongs they’d done against him and his hometown and entire culture. How could he? “I do apologise, Rae, if I’ve ruined anything.”

“What? No, mom, you didn’t! When I sent him off at the porch just now, he said that he really enjoyed dinner - said that you and dad are great cooks - and that it was an honor getting to know the both of you personally.” She grinned giddily, like a young girl happily in love. “I… I know why you feel that way, mom. But believe me, you can believe whatever he said. He’s the most genuine person I’ve ever met, and…” her feet shifted in embarrassment as she confessed quietly, “that’s one of the reasons why I…”

“Why you like him?” Rae nodded shyly, pink mottling her pale cheeks flatteringly.

“I see. Well, I can understand that, Rae.” She bent down to whisper a secret in her ear, one that only she could hear - just in case her ridiculous father was snooping around somewhere trying to eavesdrop on their conversation. “I liked your father when I was fifteen, too.”

Rae giggled and smiled brightly at her mother when she heard her admission. Then, looking up at her mother curiously with her best set of puppy eyes, she asked, “Does that mean I’m not grounded anymore?”

“No, you still have a week more to go, Rae,” and while her daughter responded with a petulant, disappointed sulk she could still see the happiness sparkling in her eyes. “But feel free to ask him over for dinner anytime.”

#moms-made-fullmetal-2020 #fma #royai #Royai fic #royai fanfic #fma fic #senseless fluff #the fluffiest thing I've written all month methinks lmao #rae mustang #Elyas #Elric uncles LOL

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scentedbygunpowder · 5 years

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Royai Week, 2019 Day 1—Coincidence Word count: 1,876 Author: Katie/Ally (scentedbygunpowder) Rating: PG Summary: Under stress from being a living hostage for the homunculi and knowing that Pride could very well be watching her every move, Riza Hawkeye spends sometime in the marketplace crowds, hoping to feel less alone, and less afraid.

Coincidence

“Lieutenant?”

Riza looked up from her shopping in surprise and swiveled her head around, looking for the voice. It was only when she saw another woman responding, and smiling at another soldier that was nearby that she realized that her hopes had risen at the familiar word. The man’s tone wasn’t even that close to the one she wanted to hear. She must just be that desperate. She felt her heart fall a bit, before she steeled herself. How silly of her, to think she’d run into the Colonel out here.

No, she knew that neither she nor the Colonel could afford to be together right now. There were too many people watching them—too many eyes on them. She shuddered a little as she thought about Selim Bradley, Pride, watching her from the shadows. Those tendrils and little hands, and the eyes she could just feel. No. No matter how badly she wanted to see Roy Mustang, Riza knew that she shouldn’t hope. They couldn’t risk meeting outside of work. They could barely risk meeting at work.

There was a slight whine, at her side, and Riza looked down to see Hayate, whining a bit, then wagging his tail at her, as if he were trying to cheer her up. She smiled at her dog. He really was a good boy, trying to stay positive for her lately. She was certain he could sense how stressed and afraid she was. Riza readjusted the basket she had, reaching to pay the vendor for the fruits she had bought and then with a “Come on, boy,” turned to face the crowds again.

The market was often lively at this time of day, the crowds made up of both people coming home from work, and people heading out for a little fun. You could see all sorts, from the beleaguered mother trying to reign in her enthusiastic kids, to the couples walking hand in hand, to the people who were dead tired and just wanted to get home. Talking, shouting, playing and oftentimes music and singing could be heard breaking out there and there as people just interacted with each other. It really was a nice feel, and something that Riza had always enjoyed. She enjoyed it more now, because it made her feel at least a little more connected to the world, instead of just feeling like a hostage.

Riza turned to head home, walking along and enjoying the moment of life around her, enjoying just blending in, in civilian clothes for once. Her basket was weighty, full of vegetables and fruits, and ingredients for her to go home and fix herself a supper. But tonight she didn’t want to leave the market. She didn’t want to leave the life around her. She wanted to stay here, and not go back to her cold apartment where it felt like she could feel the shadows spying on her constantly.

A familiar and delicious smell caught her attention, the cooking of a little local street café that was one of her favorites. It was incredibly popular, and the chances of her getting a seat at it, at this time of night, was not very likely. But still, she was going to try. If nothing else, Riza could get herself something to carry home, and instead stop and eat it somewhere here in the market. The prospect was enticing, and she found herself moving just that little bit quicker towards the café.

It was, as expected, crowded and lively. The opposite corner had an impromptu band that seemed to have struck up, and everyone was clearly enjoying themselves. However, she was able to, surprisingly, find a seat at the café, and there was even enough room for Hayate to settle under her feet. The waitress came, took her order and left again, leaving Riza to her thoughts and observations.

For a while, she didn’t think about anything in particular, just letting herself observe the atmosphere around her. She could pretend, even for a moment, that things were normal, that she wasn’t under all the pressure she was, that there wasn’t a grand conspiracy at the highest levels of the government, that her team (friends, family) weren’t scattered around the country, their lives in danger. For a moment, she could pretend that things were as they were supposed to be.

“Excuse me? Ma’am?”

Riza was brought out her reverie by the voice of the waitress, and looked up at the girl. “Yes?” she responded.

“Well, as you can see, we’re pretty busy tonight, and it’s crowded. If you’re alone, would you mind sharing your table with other customers?” The waitress bit her lip a bit, her fingers linking together as she asked.

The poor thing was nervous, and Riza smiled at her, trying to put her at ease. “Of course,” she said. “I don’t mind at all.”

The waitress let out a breath, and her eyes seemed to lighten a bit. “Thank you very much, ma’am. I really appreciate it!” Much lighter then she came, the waitress dashed off, and Riza smiled, returning herself to her observations.

“Lieutenant?”

Her heart stopped, her eyes widened as she heard that voice, and she turned to look. Standing next to her table, a beautiful woman on his arm, was Roy Mustang.

“Colonel!” she said in surprise, making to stand before he motioned her back down. “We’re not in the office, Lieutenant, and off duty. Don’t worry about it.”

“Of course, sir.” She replied, looking curiously between him and the woman.

“Oh dear—oh—is this going to be a problem?” The nervous waitress asked.

For a moment their eyes met, and it was the connection that Riza had been missing.

“No, not at all,” he said, smiling at the waitress. “She’s a work friend,” he explained. “I’m sure that Veronica won’t mind, will you?”

The girl on his arm giggled, and Riza tried to categorize her name. Ah, yes. Veronica. One of his sisters. She felt herself relax a bit. Nothing to worry about then.

“No, not at all! I want to meet more of your friends, Roy!” Veronica said.

The waitress looked relieved, and left to go bring them some drinks, while Roy pulled out a chair for Veronica and then sat down himself.

“I didn’t expect to see you here, sir,” Riza commented. “Especially not on a date.”

“Well, Veronica wanted to go shopping, and then I told her about this place. After all, I do believe it was you who recommended it to me before.” He said.

“Oh did you?” Veronica asked. “How did you find it?”

“It was recommended to me by a friend. She had eaten here before when she was in the city. I believe it was on a date. The date was abysmal, if I remember correctly, but she said that the food was divine.” She watched Roy almost choke on the water he had just been brought. “I can’t speak for her date, but she was right about the food.”

Veronica giggled again. “Your friend sounds like a fun time!”

“If its Catalina, she is,” Roy muttered with a slight scowl.

Riza turned a placid smile on him. “As a matter of fact, it was. You can’t deny that she was right about the food here, though, Colonel.”

“No, that’s true,” he admitted, settling an arm around Veronica. Riza tried not to let her eyes linger on it too long. “So what brings you here, Lieutenant?”

“Hayate and I were out shopping. But to be honest I was tired, and didn’t want to make supper tonight. I could smell the food from here, and decided to stop.” She explained, picking up her own water.

“Hayate?” Veronica asked.

“Yes. My dog,” Riza explained. “Hayate, come.” She said. The dog stood obediently and Veronica immediately began cooing over the dog. Hayate didn’t move until he received Riza’s command that let him go see the other woman, who immediately began showering the pup with attention, much to his delight.

“It seems working for the Fuhrer is hard,” Roy said, raising his eyebrows.

Riza could hear the unspoken question in there. Are you alright?

“It keeps me busy, but I’ve been busier,” she responded. I’m alright.

“Still, I’m surprised to see you out. I know he keeps you late often.” Is everything alright? Are you being followed? Watched?

“He does, but tonight he let me go early, and decided it would be nice to spend some time among other people.” Yes I am. I needed to be around people tonight.

The Colonel’s eyebrow raised slightly. “I see. You should spent some time with some friends then, Lieutenant. Go have some fun.” Remember that if it gets too much, you have allies here.

“I wouldn’t want to bother them, sir. Not when I’m sure they’re just as tired as I am.” I don’t want to drag them into this unless it’s absolutely necessary. It’s too dangerous.

“I trust you know what you’re doing, Lieutenant. Although I still think you should loosen up and have a little fun. Hey, Veronica! Don’t you know someone that would be good for the Lieutenant here?” Please be careful. Remember your contacts. Let’s get one in touch with you.

“Hm?” Veronica looked up from Hayate, blinking as if she hadn’t heard the conversation, then lighting up as the last question registered. “Ohhh, I bet Gerrard would be good for her! Or maybe, if you like them more exotic, Miss Lieutenant, Jean-Luc. He’s an experienced one!”

Veronica chattered on about the different men she could set Riza up with—different contacts, they all knew—and they talked amicably about such things for a bit, only stopping when the food had arrived, and they all dug in. It was, as usual, delicious, and Veronica declared that it was to die for. It wasn’t long after that, that they all stood to leave, Veronica once again on Roy’s arm.

“Well, our date night has just begun,” Mustang said, “And there’s plenty more to do. But I trust I’ll see you around tomorrow, Lieutenant?” We have more information to gather. Will you be okay?

“Then I hope you have a good time,” she said, looping Hayate’s leash around her wrist and picking up her basket. “I’m sure we’ll at least see each other in passing.” Good luck. I’ll be alright.

“Then have a good night, Lieutenant.” Roy said, a slight tip of his hat to her. Be safe.

“Bye, Riza!” Veronica called back as the two began to walk away. “I’ll see about setting you up with someone! I’ll send the details with Roy here!” I’ll set you up a contact too. And give you a reason to talk to Roy.

Riza laughed. “I’ll look forward to it. Thank you.” Thank you for giving me a reason to talk to him.

She watched them walk away for a moment, settling her basket on her arm a little better before she too sat out for home. Her heart felt lighter, and her steps more sure as she walked, Hayate trotting by her side. Perhaps it was just foolishness, but this was just the coincidence that she needed tonight.

#royaiweek19 #royai #fanfic #fma fanfiction #royai fanfiction #Riza Hawkeye #Roy Mustang #holy crap its been years since I wrote any fancfiction #or at least any that I shared!#I hope this is decent!

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heartfeltheroes · 5 years

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FRIDAY, I’M IN LOVE

[ tibarn x summoner! reader ] — love at first sight.

“I don’t care if Monday’s black. Tuesday, Wednesday heart attack.

Thursday never looking back. It’s Friday I’m in love.”

»»————-　♡　————-««

“Daydreaming? Again?” Sharena teased, noticing the dazed look on your face. You blinked once, then twice, comprehending the playful question sent by Sharena. “You know me, Sharena,” You joked, resting your cheek in your hand, “I’d rather think about strategies all day than daydreams.”

You stirred the bowl of soup before you dully. You’d have to thank Anna for the soup later, you noted, before catching sight of the sly, excited smile that spread across Sharena lips. You lifted a brow, “What’s up with the smile?” You asked, eyeing her warily as you took a sip of a spoonful of soup.

Sharena was no stranger to tricks, it wasn’t uncommon for the Princess of Askr to play the occasional mischievous prank on a hero or two in the castle every now and then. Today though, it seemed she had no trick in mind, for her mouth fell in an exaggerated manner, simply shocked that such a question fell upon her ears, “It’s February, [Name]! Don’t you know what that means?” You spared her no answer, just a simple, confused look that begged her to elaborate. “Valentine’s day is coming! Oh, I’m just so excited!” She exclaimed.

You gave her a blank look, “Oh, that’s it?” You replied, almost blandly. In previous years you’d be ecstatic for the day reserved for lovers, yet with the crusade against Hel coming, you had no time to be enamored by the wonderful heroes that surrounded you. Instead, you were buried to the neck in work. Balancing being the Order’s tactician and summoner was easier said than done, but you wouldn’t have it any other way.

It was nice to summon a hero that someone else had been looking forward to, witnessing the reunion of lovers or family. It was always a soft sight to see, happy tears and cries of love being exchanged. It was more often than not would a hero insist on following you to Vaskrheim, hopeful to see someone from their own world step through Breidablik’s light.

When you first summoned Roy, he would insist on following you like a lost puppy to the holy ruins, desperate to see anyone he knew from his own world. He went at it for weeks, his eyes shining with hope whenever you fired the rays of light into the summoning stones. Until, finally, one day you summoned Eliwood.

You had never seen him cry harder in his life, not even when Alfonse had bested him in a match. Now, though, his tears were falling freely. He cried hard as he held his father in a warm embrace. It was a touching sight, one that was engraved in your mind forever.

You really did enjoy being the summoner and tactician of the Order of Heroes, no matter how taxing it was.

While you were the esteemed summoner, Sharena was Askr’s resident Princess: happy to help whoever needed her help. She had her role and you had your own, and now she’s decided to help you with your problems in love. “That’s it?” She copied, “That’s it? [Name], Valentine’s is a day of love! It’s when people give each other sweet, sweet chocolates, and red roses!” She declared. You stifled a laugh, “You know, if you wanted chocolates and roses I could just buy you some,” You offered, which she adamantly shook her head to.

“As much as I appreciate the sentiment, it doesn’t count cause you’re not in love with me,” She pointed out, “Or. . . maybe you haven fallen in love with me!” She jokingly swooned, resting a hand over her heart. “Is this what they call true love, [Name]? My heart is beating!”

The two of you bursted into a fit of laughter, one that was quickly interrupted by the familiar hoots of your beloved owl. It wasn’t uncommon for Feh to appear randomly, so you lifted a finger in the air to allow her to perch her tiny legs against your finger.

The owl was quick to let out a pleased hoot; a small, happy thrill from the bird echoed in the mess hall. “Hey, Feh,” You greeted, brushing her snow white feathers back with a gentle finger. “What do you got for us today?” Sharena inquired curiously with an outstretched hand, eyeing Feh’s feathers for any secret treasures.

In an instant, Sharena had a small bag in her hand, given to her by the small owl perched onto your finger. You gave Feh a smile, “Thanks, buddy, now go mess with Alfonse!” You ordered, receiving a loud hoot in response. “Yeah, go get my brother, Feh!” Sharena encouraged. It only took a second for Feh to fly off your finger in the direction of, what was hopefully, Alfonse.

The two of you watched Feh fly off, somewhat proud of the owl. “We should really think about getting Feh some treats or something,” You pointed out, as Sharena opened the gift the two of you received from Feh. “I’ll ask Anna if she has any stuff for Feh, I’m sure she does! She has, well, everything!” Sharena giggled, then poured the contents of the bag out into her open palm.

In her palm were five, iridescent orbs, sparkling in the light that poured in through the castle’s clear windows. “Where does Feh even get these?” You wondered aloud, genuinely curious. Sharena, on the other hand, was bouncing with excitement at the prospect of new heroes.

“Five orbs! You know what that means, [Name]!” She grinned, and this time you understood what she meant. “It means that we can summon a new hero?” You finished, now equally excited as the Princess of Askr.

“We’ve got to summon you a Valentine’s day cutie! Who knows, maybe it’ll be love at first sight!” Sharena beamed, causing you to furrow your eyebrows with a pause. “Wait, don’t tell me you don’t actually believe in love at first sight?” You questioned, expecting her to laugh it off as a joke.

“Uh, of course!” She remarked, “It’s the most romantic thing in the world, to meet the one and feel that spark in your soul, like you're meant to be. I’ve always believed in love at first sight, it’s just so. . . incredible!”

Sharena continued to fawn over the concept of love at first sight, something you could never truly wrap around your head.

You had never been a believer in love at first sight.

To you, it was a ludicrous concept created by lonely, hopeless romantics simply enamored by the concept of love. It just seemed impossible to feel a connection — a spark — from a person you’ve just met. Those who believed in love at first sight were just desperate to feel wanted and loved by someone, anyone. As cruel as it was, you believed you were only speaking the truth.

Yet, you learned first hand that it was possible for hopeful fantasties to become reality.

If you had been told that you would one day be the summoner of a kingdom called Askr, you would laugh in their face. Now, you had to face that situation head on. It wasn’t everyday that someone was whisked away from their boring lives to the land of Zenith, yet here you were, living proof that the impossible was possible.

You had never imagine, not even in your wildest dreams, that you’d be swept away from your world and into a completely different, new land.

The day you arrived in Askr was still vivid in your mind. The sky was blue, the white clouds formed wonderful shapes, the grass was green; it was a scene straight out of a fairy tale, the approaching army of the Emblian Empire included.

With Breidablik, the legendary weapon that summoned you, thrusted into your hands, you had no choice but to act. To your utter surprise, you first battle was a victory, a much needed one at that. The Kingdom of Askr was in dire need of help against the Embla Empire, and you appeared to be an angel sent to hear their prayers.

Anna bestowed upon you the legendary relic named Breidablik, the weapon that had summoned you to the land of Zenith in the first place. To no surprise, you were quickly welcomed by the Sharena, the Princess of Askr. Alfonse, on the other hand, stayed distant, yet eventually he came around and befriended you.

From that day on, you were no longer [Name] [Last Name], college student extraordinaire; you were [Name] [Last name], Summoner of the Order of Heroes.

The title was as marvelous as it sounded. To be honest, “Summoner of Askr” had a nice ring to it, and you had found yourself flaunting it off more time than you could count. It was something you were always proud of since you arrived to the land of Zenith, but with it came the burdens of war.

When there was war, there was a need for soldiers — heroes, preferably. As the summoner and tactician of the Order of Heroes, it was your responsibility to summon brave and legendary heroes from across the worlds and recruit them to your cause.

It was a rinse and repeat cycle: gain orbs, set off to Vaskrheim, fire Breidablik at the summoning stones, pray that you didn’t get another Wrys, then welcome your newest hero with open arms. It wasn’t rare to summon the occasional villain or the fallen hero, but you often chose to recruit them anyways. The Order of Heroes needed all the help it could get with crusade against Hel quickly approaching.

As much as you despised Sharena’s reference to love at first sight, you set off to Vaskrheim anyways. Vaskrheim felt like a second home, really. You were constantly in and out of the ruins in your frantic pursuit of summoning heroes, and your connection to Breidablik gave you a special connection to the ruins of the once wonderous temple.

It was almost comforting to stand before the familiar summoning stone once more, you felt at peace. Whether it was Breidablik’s fault or your own feelings was unknown, what mattered was that you had enough orbs for one summoning.

You calmly pulled Breidablik from its holster on your hip, taking a deep breath as you did so. It was always nerve wracking to summon a brand new hero, you never knew what kind of hero you’d get. You shook your head, dispelling any bad thoughts. You could deal with it today, you decided, even if you did get another Oliver.

You extended your arms before you, both hands holding tightly onto Breidablik’s golden grip. Your finger hovered over the trigger, ready to fire away and summon the Order of Heroes’ newest addition at any moment. Breidablik was already loaded with orbs, it was locked and loaded.

You closed your eyes, the light that flew from Breidablik tended to be blinding — literally, it hurt the eyes. With a prayer for a legendary hero on your tongue, your let your finger pulled the trigger.

Instantaneously, five colorful rays of light flew from Breidablik’s barrel, merging into one white light before it made contact with the summoning stone. The stone began to glow and shift, causing a wave of air to carry your hair away in its current. With each passing second, it flashed and pulsated, until eventually the light faded away.

Finally, you opened your eyes, drinking in the sight of the your newest hero.

Amber eyes fell upon your own [eye color] eyes, and suddenly it felt like time had stopped. You quickly averted your eyes to something else, anything but his piercing eyes that were just so dazzling; in this case it had been the giant wings behind the tall man.

As much as you wanted to stop staring, you couldn’t tear your eyes from his magnificent wings

protruding from his back. They were large, almost as tall as him, if not taller. His feathers were brown, resembling the wings of a great, strong hawk.

Your heart was beating rapidly in your chest, ramming against your ribcage; you wished for nothing more than for your beating heart to just stop. Despite the incessant beating of your heart, you felt relaxed and warm in his presence, but that didn’t stop butterflies from fluttering in your stomach though.

You hadn’t even realized your mouth had been ajar until you caught yourself staring for a second too long. You felt your cheeks flush red from what you hoped was embarrassment, because you were most definitely not planning to fall in love at first sight today. Nope. Not at all.

“I’m Tibarn,” The man spoke gruffly, “I may be a king, but don’t make a big deal out of it. Fawning praise does me no good.”

You hated that you struggled to say words before him, much less form coherent sentences. You were just so. . . stunned that you had summoned a person as magnificent as him. You had always try to keep up an air of professionalism, but with Tibarn you seemed to trip and stumble of your words.

“I’m, uh, [Name], summoner and tactician for the Order of Heroes,” You introduced briefly, seemingly forgetting your own name for a moment. You shook your head lightly, knocking yourself out of you love-induced stupor, then smiled bright at him, “Welcome to the Order of Heroes, Tibarn!”

He looked into your eyes once more, but you made an effort to avert his gaze, too flustered to be look into his amber eyes.

You weren’t sure how he did it, but Tibarn made you believe in love at first sight.

If there was one thing you did know, it was that you were going to have to ask Anna for some Valentine’s day chocolates later.

#fire emblem: heroes imagines #feh imagines #fe imagines #fire emblem imagines #summoner! reader #tibarn #oneshot #imagines #tibarn x summoner #tibarn x reader #fe #fire emblem

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spacetimewraithwrites-archive · 5 years

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Character Study: Warren, Pt. 2

↠ Pt. 1 ↞

Date of Birth: June 1st, 2016 Current Year: 2030 Location: Somerwilde, Alaska

"Here's a card for you."

Warren snatched the envelope from Roy's hand as he made his way to the kitchen. "Thanks, Grandpa. Who sent it?"

"Why don’t you see for yourself?"

Warren halted his stride and stood in the center of his grandparents' cabin, eyes glued to the return address in the corner. He hadn't seen that series of words and numbers for a long time, and frankly, he was somewhat surprised he recognized them. The last time he'd seen the address, he was six or seven.

"...Adam sent me a birthday card?"

Roy seated himself on the couch and glanced over from unlacing his muddy boots, his long grey ponytail falling over his shoulder. "Could be money in there!"

Warren threw him a mightily skeptical look. "Why would he send me money?"

"You only turn fourteen once. And he's your brother, after all."

Sighing, Warren ripped the sticker of a globe that had acted as a seal and pulled out a generic greeting card. Curious, he shook it over the floor. A twenty dollar bill fell out, so that was cool. He peered inside the envelope before picking the money up off the hardwood.

"I don't think he's my brother."

Roy stood and pulled his wool sweater down over his belt. "He does love you, Warren."

"Sure, so does Layla. That's why I haven't heard from her since Dad died, right?"

Just in time to cut the sudden mood swing of the room, Warren's grandmother arrived at the front door, removing her boots and knocking the mud from the snow off of the soles. "It's bad out there for June, isn't it?"

"That's climate change for you," Roy said.

"Someone sent you a card?"

Warren blinked as he realized the question was directed at him. "Oh...yeah. Adam."

"Oh," Evelyn said. Her shoulders tensed. "...What does it say?"

Warren watched his grandmother's aqua eyes, the ones that were identical in color to his own even as they shone with sadness. He knew she missed his siblings terribly even though she never quite said as much. The look he exchanged with Roy confirmed the fact that even just hearing Adam's name was hard for her.

"Uh...I didn't read it yet."

He scrutinized the embossed leaf pattern on the front of the card. It said "For my brother…" in fancy cursive writing, something decidedly strange for something picked by Adam, who liked to poke him hard in the belly or swat the back of his head while walking by on the rare occasion he did come to visit when their father was still alive. Adam was passive jokes and stupid puns, not sentiment and affection.

"I think his girlfriend picked this out," Warren muttered.

"Well, you don't know that yet," Roy said.

Warren ignored him long enough to skim the inside of the card. "'Sometimes we fight, but I still love you, blah blah blah,' yeah, he picked it out alright." The sarcasm dripped off his words. "Just another obligation to fulfill before we all inevitably die."

Evelyn placed her hands on her hips, brow crinkling in a frown. "Warren Levi, don't say things like that."

Warren rubbed the card between his thumb and forefinger. "Sorry, Grandma."

She approached him and delicately brought him in for a tight hug. She smelled like the forest and crisp air, pastry dough, sweet apples and strawberries.

"You been bakin' pies again?" Warren asked, his mood lifting marginally at the prospect of his favorite dessert.

"How'd you know?" Evelyn chuckled. "I was going to surprise you—if you'd rather have a cake, I can certainly whip one up for you instead."

Warren grinned. "Are you kidding me? Cake's overrated."

The three of them migrated into the kitchen, where Evelyn produced a beautifully baked cinnamon apple pie and three strawberry tarts. The card lay temporarily forgotten on the desk as they enjoyed their pastries.

—

In the blanket of night that tucked the forest under the stars, Warren sat at the edge of the lake, Adam's card in one hand and his phone in the other. The ringing echoed out of the speakers and across the wilderness, the wind cutting into Warren's skin.

A bleary voice croaked at the other end. "Hello?"

Warren only felt mildly guilty at having woken him up. "Is this a bad time?"

"Warren? What…? Uh...yeah? It's the middle of the night?" Adam sighed loudly into the phone. "What do you want?"

Something rock-like gripped Warren's chest. Something like dread or anxiety, he couldn't tell which, held his breath inside of him and he remembered with sudden clarity the last time he saw his brother, two years ago. The boxes, the labels, the stagnant grief hanging within the walls of his childhood home as Layla impatiently dragged their newly-late father's fishing gear out the door. His own backpack full to bursting with stuff, stupid things he never kept, clutching his suitcase in a shaking grip as it slammed him with unforgiving force that it was the last he'd ever see of that house.

He pressed his fingers to his forehead, gaze falling from the glass surface of the lake. "Your girlfriend choose that card or what?"

"Fuck’s sake, Warren, what card?"

The rock around his heart burst. He felt the debris drop into his gut, the surprising nothing that came out of that. He smiled—no...grimaced—his reflection in the dim screen of the phone appearing false, a funhouse mirror of which no one could pinpoint the distortion.

He tapped the red phone icon with a feather-light touch. Didn't need to think about launching the card into the water with the flick of two fingers. Dug a loose cigarette out of his jacket pocket along with his cheap plastic lighter and stared after the floating white rectangle through the veil of smoke until it disappeared from view.

"I know it was you," he sniffed when he entered the cabin again later.

Roy calmly exhaled from his place on the couch, reading a book in low light. "I'm sorry. I thought it'd make you feel better."

Warren stood at the door for a little while. "You were wrong."

Roy lifted his eyes from the page and fixed Warren with a worried look. "We're doing our best, kiddo."

Fingers, toes, nose, and soul cold and unaccounted for, Warren bobbed his head in somewhat of a nod. "Yeah."

He shuffled through the living room and locked himself in the bathroom until the rest of the house was asleep.

#WLC birthday asks #though it's not technically an ask lol #I didn't mean to make this so sad I swear to god #it just happeneddddd #profile: Warren #uhhh happy birthday?????

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angelgirlsko12 · 5 years

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On a High Note

Royai-related since it’s based on the Todomomo/Royai FMA AU I’ve been working on, but this one’s Havolina/Kamijirou-centric~

AO3

Prelude in J Major

“You seem to be in a very good mood this morning.”

Jean stops whistling, setting down the soapy plate in his hand and turning off the faucet to look at his wife. “What?”

She doesn’t look up, focused as she is on her current task of sweeping the kitchen floor. “I’m fairly certain it has nothing to do with me, so what’s up?”

He grins. “What are you talking about Becks? You always put me in a good mood.” He reaches out with two soapy and dripping wet hands in an attempt to hug her and she yelps when she notices, jumping back and holding up her broom in defense.

“Don’t you dare touch me with those hands, Jean Havoc!” She screeches, waving the broom threateningly—but the quirk at the corner of her mouth betrays her. He chuckles as he turns his attention back to the sink, picking up the sponge to scrub at the dish he had set down earlier.

“C’mon, aren’t you at least a little excited Ed’s son is coming to stay with us?” He says over his shoulder.

She laughs. “Clearly not as excited as you,” she says as she resumes sweeping. “I’d be a little more excited if we didn’t have all this cleaning to do.”

To be honest, he isn’t thrilled about the cleaning, either—but the prospect of having one of the Elric kids over far outweighs the chore of tidying up the house. Jean loves kids. If it weren’t for the fact his time as a paraplegic had left him and Becky unable to have any of their own, he’s sure they would’ve had two. Three, maybe. Even more if his wife were up for it. But she’s never been much of the maternal type.

“What if it was Momo staying over, hmm?” He asks, though he already knows her response.

She sighs, smiling. “Okay, Jean, Roy and Riza’s daughter is an actual angel, though.”

He can’t deny that—they both dote on the only child of their Fuhrer and First Lady. All of Team Mustang does. It’s a good thing Hawkeye is as disciplined as ever because their daughter would have otherwise become an exceedingly spoiled child.

Momo is quite possibly the most angelic child he has ever known and is, perhaps, the sole reason Rebecca had considered the notion of adopting kids.

She had brought it up one night after they had had dinner at the Fuhrer’s estate. Momo had been maybe six or seven at the time and had spent the majority of the evening glued to “Aunt Becca’s” side, small hand clinging to his wife’s as she listened to her talk about what eastern Amestris was like. Evidently the girl’s actions had entirely melted her heart—Jean had never seen his wife so flustered by someone so small.

“She’s so cute, Jean!” she had squealed, arms flailing before she brought her hands up and pressed them against her cheeks. “I want one, too!”

So they had discussed it, but ultimately resolved to stick with being good godparents to Momo. They had gotten used to it being just the two of them after all. And given how much extra time not having kids left for them to attend to...other things—well, he wasn’t complaining about the arrangement.

Still, an opportunity like hosting one of the Elric kids was something to look forward to.

“I’m sure Denki’s a good kid, too,” he says, turning off the faucet as he grabs a towel to dry off the newly washed dishes. “He doesn’t have Edward’s infamous temper, at least.”

That’s what he says, but it’s been a few years since they’ve seen the Elric children so who knows how much has changed. Denki Elric is hardly a kid anymore—he’s older than Ed and Al had been when they had made the trek up to Central. But in Jean’s mind, even Edward and Alphonse are still kids, despite the fact they’ve both been married and had children of their own for quite some time now.

“Yeah, yeah, you’re probably right,” she responds, dumping the contents of the dustpan into the trash. She disappears into their room and returns wearing a fresh outfit, hair brushed back and makeup lightly done. He stares a moment too long—while he loves his wife no matter how she looks, he can’t deny that small moments like these remind him just how beautiful she is and how lucky he is to have her.

“I’m going to head to the market to pick up some more groceries,” she says, smiling up at him as she slips on her shoes. “You consume a buttload of food on your own and with Denki here I can’t imagine how much two of you can eat.”

“Sounds good,” he says, walking over to her to wrap his (now dry) hands around her waist, placing a peck on her cheek. “See you in a bit.”

She turns to leave but suddenly stops, as if she remembered something.

“Oh, and Jean?”

“Yeah?”

“I do hope you’re planning to wipe up all the water you dripped onto the kitchen floor.”

Part 2 will be up on Tumblr in a bit. The entirety of this fic is up on AO3 already if you’d prefer not to wait, though. Thanks for reading!

#havolina #kamijirou #fma fanfiction #bnha fanfiction #jean havoc #implied royai #denki kaminari #rebecca catalina #jirou kyouka

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lifewithboys · 7 years

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You Smell Nice

So, I'm a magazine junkie. Real Simple is one of my favorites and I always enjoy reading their human interest stories-love stories, how we met stories, stories about parenting, etc. This month there were four stories of how couples met, and it got me thinking that in all the posts I'd done here this is something I'm not really sure I've touched on.

Anyways, I was 24 and working at a Books A Million at one of our local malls. I was actually an assistant manager, lots of fun. (were is the eye roll emoticon when I need it?) Anyways, one night I'm running the cash registers by myself. I'm ringing someone up when out of the corner of my eye I see this tall guy step up to the counter.

Blond hair, blue eyes, nice smile. But I liked his broad shoulders.

"Hey," he said to me when I had a moment, "I'm here to talk to Debbie."

Nice voice I thought to myself, and smiled at him as I paged the store manager over the loud speaker.

Since I was at the registers alone, I didn't pay much attention to what was going on. About an hour later, Debbie hands me a booklet and asks me to 'grade it.' The bookstore had this insane 'quiz' that all prospective employees had to take-about 150 questions designed to-well I don't know what as the questions are all similar just worded differently. (Yes, I know it's designed to judge our morals and ethics, but it's a silly quiz)

So, later that night I 'graded' his quiz. He got the ok, I recorded the score, put a sticky note on it and locked up.

About a week later, I ran into the store. Out of breath and lugging my bags.

"Hey, Christine?" Debbie said to me. Not my name, but I stopped correcting her after the second week, "I need you to show Roy around the store."

I nodded and went to put my things up. I came out of the office and ran into the tall guy-still had a nice smile and broad shoulders.

He was a flirt from the get go. Nothing too flashy or pushy, but he made me smile.

"You smell good. " he whispered to me softly, "What perfume are you wearing?"

I'm pretty sure my mind went blank. It had been awhile since anyone had flirted with me, and I was at a loss. I think I giggled like a 12 year old girl and told him it was my soap or my shampoo. Whatever I said must have worked as he kept on talking to me and flirting with me.

"So, when are you going to go out with me?" he asked.

And now, 18 years later we still fuss about this. He said I turned him down, I thought he was joking and didn't want to embarrass myself by being too eager and then put him in a weird spot if he WAS joking.

BUT, just to set the record straight: IF I would have known he was serious, I would have said yes in a heartbeat.

Anyways, we went on our first date about two or three weeks later. Nothing fancy, we had pizza and played pool-he beat me badly. We watched Starship Troopers.

"Are you sure you want to watch this?" he asked me. I'm assuming he figured me for the romantic comedy type of gal.

"Yes, I'm sure." it was a cheesy movie, and to this day if it's on I stop and watch it.

We went on our second date about a week later, and the rest is history. He was very proper and actually asked me if I would like to be exclusive. I was surprised and struggled to find a way to say yes. But I stammered through my answer and we've been pretty inseparable ever since.

Our relationship, now is pretty traditional. He has a demanding career, and I do what I can to support him. We raise our boys together, take care of the home together and as the years go by we continue to grow closer. Though he drives me crazy sometimes (and I KNOW it goes both ways!) there is no one I'd rather be with. After almost 20 years, I still get the same butterflies I did the first time I knew he was going to kiss me.

So, Thanks Books A Million!

#relationships #marriage #dating

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getseriouser · 5 years

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20 THOUGHTS: Bald-headed flog

CARLTON are on the winners list.

A rare victory last week and all of a sudden the aroma of optimism reeks again down at Princes Park.

But to those who could see, despite the roof being open, it appeared they were playing Fitzroy. The Roys haven’t won a game in 20 years so I don’t want to read too much into it for the Blues.

Although, on a serious note, how good was that jumper – and we’ll touch on that shortly.

Let’s go.

1. Let’s not get bogged down in the umpire abuse-fan eviction on Saturday. If we had endless instances of similar incidents, sure, but it’ll be a one-off stuff up with an overly power-tripped security guard, and for anyone whose been out after dark the last 100 years we know that situation all too well. Nothing to see here. It’s just fodder for talkback radio.

2. Speaking of crowds though, lets address booing. Firstly, Cricket World Cup, Steve Smith and David Warner will cop it, especially in 12 days time when the Aussies have England, let alone the Ashes in two months, I wouldn’t have thought it was an issue, but how good was Virat Kohli? Walks over, mid-innings, to the Indian fans giving Smith shit on the boundary, and requests they 180 their behaviour to clap the former-Aussie captian instead. That’s massive class. Virat Kohli – a Buy.

3. And given it will not go away up until and then after Channel Ten airs it probably around August – the Adam Goodes doco. Apparently its very confronting and its nothing but evoking total remorse and guilt from those who watch and feel somewhat responsible. And no question, its horrible someone felt that way about the end of a stellar career.

However, the Sunday Footy Show, a reasonably conservative, knockabout program who are happy to have strong onfield opinion but very rarely venture outside of that, were unanimous in their view on the infamous booing. Billy Brownless suggested some of the booing might have been racist, but the majority wasn’t. The rest of the panel agreed. So either that’s properly racist television or there’s massive divide this doco will create and not unity.

Disappointing.

4. We mentioned Fitzroy, bloody hell that’s a sharp jumper. We like that Brisbane decided to wear Fitzroy colours for Melbourne games, and that on the day of the Hall of Fame dinner they donned a one-off Roys replica. But why can’t there be an annual ‘Fitzroy’ game at worst, that if you’re going to call all old-school Fitzroy folk to a game once a year, that’s the game, and really Fitzroy it up, make sure you acknowledge what until 1996 was a properly historical, important and beloved inner-Melbourne club…. Up the Roys!

5. And same for Sydney. For example, they play Essendon Saturday the 6th of July at the MCG. Wear an old South jumper that day and engage the huge Melbourne-based Bloods supporter base and get some good back in the footy. Crowds and booing will be less an issue if there’s good stuff like that going on. Bloody hell.

6. As for other stuff we don’t like – the score review. Now, the NRL has its bunker, the NHL has its centralised room in Toronto, a lot of leagues have these sorts of systems. But the technology and process is only as good as the organic organisms watching the vision. There was nothing wrong with the technology at the Collingwood-Freo game, nor on the weekend gone with Richmond-Geelong. It was the moron entrusted with and then pressing the buttons. If the bunker prevents the morons, I’m in, otherwise solve that issue first Gillon.

7. Luke Shuey, Elliott Yeo and Shannon Hurn. Unless all three blokes are playing, and are unencumbered, the Eagles can win flags. But if they miss any or if someone’s got the hard tag on one of them – they’re trash. Look at their losses this year, utter dogs breakfasts. In hindsight Sydney were morals on the weekend given Hurn and Yeo missed, and whilst Shuey looked brilliant he was a lone hand with about 21 passenger mates. Kennedy is no good if Yeo doesn’t play. Gaff looks like a waste of time if Hurn isn’t playing. And so on. The underbelly is ripe for the taking with the reigning premier, don’t get sucked in.

8. Called Patrick Naish last week and in a crap game for the Tigers he looked pretty good. He is an absolute keeper for that footy club, the father-son once again a brilliant innovation this league can be proud of.

9. Gotta mention Ash Barty in the first half of this column, surely. I know, I went with Chris Naish’s boy first but don’t get bogged down in the detail. Yes, a softish draw, only copped one seed the whole way or something, but other than Serena or maybe world no.1 Naomi Osaka there’s probably no-one better than her at the moment, which is fantastic. And her best surface is grass – if only there’s a Grand Slam upcoming that would suit…. Well done Ash, bloody good on you!

10. Whilst we’re hijacking the middle of this with tennis – Roger Federer. Now he is seen as the GOAT. However, there’s a bloke whose won 24 of 39 head to head contests with Fed, won 10 of 13 times they’ve met in a Grand Slam and six of nine times in Grand Slam finals, is four years younger and only two Grand Slam titles behind. So if Federer is the greatest of all time, and Rafa Nadal is better than him, then……?

11. Back to footy – Patrick Cripps. I’ve said Nat Fyfe is the best player in the comp, but gee, I can barely get the burnt matchstick between those two, both big-bodied country boys from regional WA. Cripps won that game for Carlton on the weekend basically on his own, credit to Sam Walsh for his impact too. But it was essentially Cripps v Brisbane and the former got up, an absolute gem.

12. Chuck in Charlie Curnow who’s as good a centre-half-forward under 23 we’ve seen for a while, this footy club will win plenty more in good time. So any heat on SOS’s position, that he should feel the squeeze, no thanks, he has done as good a job as most in his role.

13. How are the Dees fans with 6-6-6 right now? How’s the irony in that, the devil’s number itself is pretty much the main reason for the Demons shit season after a Prelim last year. Melbourne was strong in starting extra men in defence and running through, and now with teams holding their structure longer they’re re-working from scratch what made them good last year.

14. Jake Lever and Steven May make the footy side look so much better though, but their impact is far too late for it to bear fruit in 2019. So that’s a bit of bad luck and it needs to soften the fallout for Melbourne come the end of the season. This is all not doom and gloom, the team that won two finals last year hasn’t fallen in a complete heap – you don’t call this year a write off, sure, but it’s not a totally accurate reflection of where they’re at.

15. Geelong, wow, could not be going any better. One loss to the third best team in the comp aside it’s a blemish-free first half of the season. But the 2007 Cats, who reigned supreme like few other sides, even they had some stumbles that year so for the 2019 edition this team will have some hiccups along the way no question. The query is will it be soon enough or have they gone too hot too early, clubs can work them out and by the Spring they haven’t the time or personnel to adjust?

16. Good news at St Kilda. Jack Steven is back and is training. Jake Carlisle, yes, remember him, he trained too and he will play VFL this weekend for Sandy. He will join Dan Hannebery and Max King who both are finding touch and both are likely to debut for the Saints after the bye. It’s all looking much better all of a sudden down at Moorabbin.

17. Good news too at West Coast – Nic Naitanui looks like playing WAFL next weekend, so his return isn’t far away and his impact upon doing so is the catalyst for the Eagles back-to-back prospects.

18. Brayden Sier is one of the most important mids down at Collingwood and his return was timely. This was becoming a team that wasn’t winning enough of the tough ball and starting to suffer at clearances, despite having the game’s number one ruckman. The kid had four clearances but critically laid a game-high nine tackles and had too a game-high seven inside 50s from his 23 touches. Adam Treloar was best on ground, but Brayden Sier was more important.

19. State of Origin, the best prime time TV all year Wednesday last week. Shame the next one is in Perth, and it’ll be rugby league players on show and not Fyfe and Cripps and Franklin and Naitunui and Tom Mitchell and….. you get the picture.

20. And lets finish with ice hockey – today the St Louis Blues won the city’s first Stanley Cup defeating the Boston Bruins in the winner-takes-all Game 7. And the message here for Carlton fans is clear, not only do they share a moniker with the new NHL champions, but the optimism for resurgence is there for all to see. The Blues, of the hockey variety, were dead last in the competition on January 3, roughly halfway through the season. 31st of 31. But got going late January, made inroads, shot up the standings and created an irresistible momentum into the playoffs. From there, as the form team, they were hard to beat. Great comeback story.

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imapplied · 5 years

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Our Top 10 Blog Posts of 2018

The time has come, friends: 2018 is drawing to a close. Maybe you feel like it flew by. Maybe you feel like it dragged on forever.

Either way, you’re wrong. As is the case with nearly every calendar year, 2018 was, in fact, 365 days long. Our planet went around the sun exactly once. Isn’t that right, Copernicus?

Yes.

Regardless of how long or short this year felt to you, we can all agree on one thing: a lot went down in the online advertising space. Whether you specialize in paid search, paid social, SEO, or all of the above, there has been no shortage of trends, changes, and innovations to keep track of.

And that’s why we do our annual wrap-up: to give you a quick recap of the most important lessons you can bring with you into the new year.

Let’s get started!

You’ll often hear people refer to Instagram as a visual platform—a place to escape the wordiness of Facebook and Twitter.

And that’s largely true. But, as Gordon points out in this post, the caption beneath (or to the right of) your photo can make a huge difference in terms of post performance. It’s with words that savvy Instagram users drive their engagement numbers through the roof.

In this post, Gordon walks you through four categories of Instagram captions—self-deprecating, “imagine what they would say,” wordplay, and “call out a friend”—and provides over 30 examples of posts that execute them perfectly.

Implement these strategies, and you’ll give your Instagram account the boost it needs to reach new audiences and grow your brand.

When you’re tasked with managing and optimizing several social media accounts, stress is pretty much guaranteed.

You have to keep track of different usernames and passwords. You have to create and keep up with various posting schedules. You have to assess the performance of each individual account over time.

Enter social media management tools. Although each platform is unique, the core selling point remains the same: spend less time managing your accounts and drive better results.

Take Hootsuite, for example. Within a single, easy-to-use platform, you can do the following for free: manage three social accounts in one spot, schedule up to 30 posts in advance, and leverage contest to drive quality leads.

Check out Margot’s full post to get her inside scoop on six more budget-friendly social media management platforms!

Simply put, pain points are the problems your prospects experience. As a marketer, you want to convince your prospects that your product or service is the solution to their pain points.

To do that, of course, you have to know what your prospects’ pain points are.

That’s why qualitative research is so crucial. By giving your prospects the opportunity to vocalize their frustrations and challenges, you deliver to your marketing team the insights they need to develop more focused and effective campaigns.

Customer insight round tables are a fantastic way to uncover pain points.

After breaking down the different approaches you can take to conduct solid research, Dan discusses the four types of pain points: financial, productivity, processes, and support.

A common financial pain point is spending too much money. Similarly, a prospect experiencing a productivity pain point feels that he or she is wasting too much time. When someone seeks to resolve a processes pain point, he or she needs help with the inner workings the business. Finally, support pain points refer to those instances when your prospects feel as if they’re not getting the help they need.

To get Dan’s advice as to how you can navigate your prospects’ diverse pain points across paid search and paid social, check out the full post!

Facebook Ads is an exceptional platform for many reasons. The biggest one: it gives you the extra-granular targeting options you need to serve your ad creative to the most valuable audiences possible.

For real estate marketers—whose target demographics range everywhere from newlyweds to grandparents—this ability is huge. Facebook Ads is the ideal place to deliver visually engaging property advertisements to perfectly crafted audiences.

Without well-informed strategies, however, you’re not going to drive the ROI you’re looking for.

Accordingly, Margot uses this blog post to provide seven expert Facebook advertising tips specifically for real estate marketers.

Here’s a sample: be transparent with your prospects. As you know, selling an apartment or a house is nothing like selling a pair of sneakers—it’s a huge decision. That’s why it’s particularly important for you to cultivate a reliable, trustworthy brand through your Facebook Ads.

So how do you do it? With honesty and directness. If your ad involves pictures—and it probably should—make sure they’re realistic. When you’re describing the features of the property, be as simple and as accurate as possible. Your prospects will truly appreciate the authenticity.

For the rest of Margot’s insights, head over to the full post!

Back in May, the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) went into effect in the European Union. In a nutshell, the GDPR requires the utmost transparency from businesses that sell products to and/or collect data from European consumers.

You may wonder: transparent in regard to what? Per the GDPR, after obtaining the consent of the consumers, businesses must make accessible 1) the kinds of personal data they collect and 2) they ways in which they use those personal data.

Basically, the GDPR allows consumers to demand access to the data that’s been collected on them AND to outright block attempts to collect such data in the first place.

Facebook, of course, is one of the businesses that must comply with the GDPR. Given their past scandals involving breaches of user data, they took it seriously. And that affects those who advertise with Facebook Ads.

Check out Allen’s full breakdown of the GDPR and what it means for your Facebook Ads account.

The Facebook team kicked off 2018 with a bang when they announced a massive change: the prioritization of social interactions over businesses’ paid and organic content in the News Feed.

According to Facebook founder Mark Zuckerberg, the drive to deliver users more meaningful, positive experiences inspired him and his colleagues to initiate the change. They want, in other words, to make Facebook more about engagement between friends and less about engagement between consumers and brands.

As Allen emphasizes, this change does not mean that promoting your business through paid ads and organic content is useless. What it does mean is that you have to legitimately engage Facebook users—by delivering valuable information, by catalyzing discussions, and so on—if you’re going to have any chance of driving ROI.

That’s an entirely attainable goal. But, as is the case with all forms of digital marketing, it requires strategy and forethought.

Dive into the full blog post to get all of Allen’s advice.

Although Google Marketing Live makes a splash in the online advertising world year in and year out, the 2018 conference—conducted in mid-July—was uniquely important.

Why? Three words: Responsive Search Ads.The best way to describe Responsive Search Ads, believe it or not, is describe its older sibling: the traditional search ad. When creating a traditional search ad, you write your headlines and descriptions together, thus generating a single static text ad.

Responsive Search Ads, on the other hand, are far more dynamic. With this new Google Ads format, you can write up to 15 headlines and four descriptions for a single ad. Then, Google uses machine learning to test the tens of thousands of possible combinations and determines which mixes of headlines and descriptions drive the best results for your business.

That’s not all—Responsive Search Ads are bigger, too. Thanks to a bonus headline, a bonus description, and more characters per description, this new format gives you up to 300 total characters to work with. That’s double the size of an Expanded Text Ad.

Evidently, Responsive Search Ads are powerful tools. Check out Mark’s complete list of features and best practices!

Frankly, people tend to blow the scope of the ecommerce revolution just a touch out of proportion. No—traditional, brick-and-mortar retail outlets aren’t dead in the water.

That being said, ecommerce has certainly become a force to be reckoned with—and it’s growing at a stunning rate. As Dan points out in this blog post, total global ecommerce sales are expected to surpass $4 trillion in 2020. For reference, that’s one-fifth of the U.S. economy.

Demonstrably, there’s never been a better time to sell products online. At the same time, however, the breakneck speed at which ecommerce is expanding may leave you feeling out of breath and overwhelmed. That’s normal.

Luckily, Dan is here to help. With this post, he provides in-depth analyses of the seven biggest trends in the online retail industry. Thanks to his expertise, you can leverage his insights to better prepare your business for the developments barreling towards us.

For example, take his thoughts on trend #6: Research Online, Purchase Offline (ROPO). Of the consumers who do purchase goods in physical stores, 39% still do their research online first.

Dan’s advice: use the suite of tools at your disposal—geolocation tracking, POS systems, targeted advertisements—to build detailed shopper profiles. With that kind of information, you uncover the extent to which your prospects are participating in ROPO.

I’m going to tell you something you likely already know: voice search is a big deal. Increasingly, consumers are choosing to seek information by speaking to smart devices rather than by manually typing into search engines.

And the implications for search marketers are real. For years, you’ve been attaching snazzy text ads and informative blog posts to the keywords consumers include in their traditional, basic searches. Now, they’re turning to their phones, tablets, and speakers and asking them full-blown questions. Paid search experts and SEOs alike are scrambling to figure out the best strategies they can adopt.

The problem, we find, with conversations about voice search is that they’re seldom grounded by data. Everyone wants to vocalize their opinion on the matter, but nobody wants to back up their bold claims with cold, hard statistics.

Gordon refuses to participate in such alarmist culture. That’s why he put together the comprehensive list of voice search statistics that you need to make informed decisions about your search marketing strategies going into the new year.

We began with Instagram, and we will conclude with Instagram. Considering the platform’s recent achievement of over one billion users, this seems appropriate.

Instagram, like its parent company Facebook, is a hybrid—it’s a platform people use to engage with both the people and the brands in their lives. As such, when you post a photo (with a stellar caption!) from your business’ account, you’re not only competing with the other firms in your industry—you’re competing with prospects’ friends, families, and pets, too.

This makes it rather difficult to stand out against the clutter and make meaningful, lasting impressions on consumers.

Fortunately, thanks to years of experience in the field, Margot knows a thing or two about social media marketing. In this blog post, she walks you through seven proven strategies you can implement to reach more consumers, earn more likes, start conversations, and drive returns.

If that’s not enticing enough, here’s a sneak peek: there are free tools you can use to make your photos look better.

Whether you’re looking to enhance your photos with sleek text-based messages or to simply expand the range of editing capabilities at your disposal, there’s a tool out there for you.

Head over to the full post to get the rest of Margot’s tips!

First Found Here

from https://www.imapplied.co.za/seo/our-top-10-blog-posts-of-2018/

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dorothydelgadillo · 6 years

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"Podcast Guest Interviews Ft. Dan Moyle of Interview Valet" (Inbound Success Ep. 38)

Looking for a quick, inexpensive and effective way to build thought leadership while promoting a personal or corporate brand?

In this week's episode of The Inbound Success Podcast, Interview Valet CMO Dan Moyle explains why participating in podcast guest interviews is an impactful strategy for expanding brand awareness and shares the process Interview Valet uses to book interviews and ensure their clients are fully prepared to ace guest appearances.

Listen to the podcast to learn why podcast guest interviews are a winning inbound marketing strategy, what goes into Interview Valet's strategy, and how Dan's clients are realizing ROI of 1000%+.

Transcript

Kathleen Booth (host): Welcome back to The Inbound Success Podcast. My name is Kathleen Booth and I am your host , and this week my guest is Dan Moyle, the Chief Marketing Officer of Interview Valet. Welcome, Dan!

Dan: Thank you, Kathleen, it's a pleasure. I'm happy to be here.

Kathleen: Yeah! It's great having you. We've talked and you've put me in touch with some amazing podcast guests so I'm interested to talk to you and get a peek behind the curtain of what you do with Interview Valet. Before we dig in too deep, though, can you tell the audience a little bit about yourself and about the company?

Dan: Sure. So Dan's my name, obviously. I'm a marketing geek, but outside of that, professionally, and just doing it out of passion, too. I'm a dad, I'm a husband, I'm a biker. I have my Harley that I love to ride when it's nice out, and I'm waiting for that right now. Let's see, I love to read and educate myself. I just recently started a reading program, and every morning I'm up early to educate myself and develop myself.

I'm a podcast host myself. I love listening to podcasts. I've been doing marketing for a number of years now, maybe 10 years or so, something like that. Started off in the TV news business and moved into marketing and did some amazingly fun inbound marketing.

So yeah, it's been quite a ride. And now I'm working with Interview Valet, and, basically, we work with clients -- inspiring thought leaders, we call them, so, coaches, consultants, authors, brands, emerging brands, SaaS companies -- to get them to a new audience. You know, it used to be you could guest blog and reach a new audience and get great SEO and that kind of thing. Well guest blogging has become a very crowded marketplace, but it still works for a lot of folks. Now, instead of trying to interrupt or shout above the noise, we have helped our clients become part of the conversation with an engaged audience through podcasts.

So we get them podcast interviews that are relevant and engaging and bring them value.

Kathleen: You said your client base is inspiring-thought leaders, so if somebody is listening to this, how might they know if they're a good candidate to become a client of Interview Valet?

Dan: Yeah, absolutely. We look at somebody who has a budget to invest in their advertising and marketing promotion, so it's not just "I wanna get on podcasts." Right? You can go do that yourself and get on a bunch of-- at least a few shows anyway. But we want to make sure they have the budget and the means to invest in themselves, to get ROI. That's one of the things.

Authors are great connections for us and great clients for us, so doing a book launch with them has been awesome. We've worked with Morgan James and Simon and Schuster for some of that. With that said, it's generally gonna be non-fiction books, so somebody who's written a book about business or sales or marketing or leadership or something like that -- and they often will have something else besides the book, right? A consulting business or reaching a new audience for speaking gigs, that kind of thing.

So, if you wrote a book and you just want to sell it, podcast interviews may not be the best way to go. However, if you have other things in that whole machine behind the scenes, that's very good. And then for us, it's working with people in, basically, three areas. We work with anything to do with business, that could be sales, marketing, leadership, development, coaching, real estate investing or financial stuff. One of our clients is a CPA, so it runs the gamut as far as business goes.

The other one is health, wellness, and nutrition. So, fitness coaches that have online courses -- that kind of thing. And the other one is faith and Christianity, and we have a lot of connections to faith-based podcasts. So we help with that as well. So that's kind of our world.

Kathleen: It sounds like what I'm hearing you say is that your best clients are really individuals interested in building their personal brand and being a guest on a podcast is one way to do it as opposed to individuals interested in promoting a corporate brand.

Dan: Well, that's a big part of what we do, but we also will sign on some great companies that want to promote their brand through their people. So if it's only a brand, probably not. But if it's your brand through people... For instance, one of our clients is a software as a service company that helps people with their social media advertising. Two of the co-founders are our actual clients so they talk about their company, they talk about their story as co-founders and one as the marketing person and one as the business set-up person. Not set-up, but the kind of nuts and bolts of it all, right? So, like that.

We work with HubSpot as one of our clients. We've worked with a couple of different executives to get out there or their different personalities to get out there for the brand and for themselves.

You're right Kathleen, it's not just the brand, but it's somebody within that brand.

Kathleen: And fair to say that somebody within the brand needs to be someone who's really passionate about and dedicated to content creation?

Dan: Absolutely, yeah. The nice thing about podcast interviews is that you are creating content as you're just talking. Like, we're just having coffee talking, right? You're creating that content, but you definitely have to be passionate about it. It takes time, it takes effort, and it takes a knowledge base to be able to comfortably talk with podcasters around the world.

Kathleen: So, as you said earlier, anybody can go be a guest on a podcast. And certainly there are people who hustle and get out there and make the contact. I feel like, from the little exposure that I've had to Interview Valet, I was able to immediately see you have a much more structured process around this.

Talk to me a little bit about the process that you all use for positioning your clients and doing outreach and securing these interviews. And there is even a process around how you follow up on the interviews you secure.

Dan: The success is in our systems, right? And relationships. It's not just a system, it's relationships, but the systems are huge for us. If I want to go out and just be on a bunch of podcasts, I'd have to go search for the right kinds on my own . And so often, I don't know who my audiences is, so we work with our clients to figure that out. Me as an individual, I could just try and go research a bunch of shows, but I'll tell you what, Kathleen, there's over 400,000 podcasts on Apple podcasts alone. So, good luck with that.

And how do you figure out what kinds of terms and keywords and that kind of stuff? They have some of that, but not everything's great. How are the numbers? Do they have a good audience? So all that research -- we have those systems in place, we have a team -- we call them podcast porters -- and they have those relationships. And those porters are the ones who research shows, who know them, who have that relationship. The system's in place to find them and then that relationship is built on people.

You don't talk to a dozen people at our company, Kathleen. You had one person, probably, that reached out to you and said "I've got a few guests, how do these look?" so that you're not being inundated with a bunch of stuff from our company. So, those systems are in place to be able to find those podcasts.

And then outreach... I mean, gosh. Our State of Podcast Interviews report recently found that the more downloads a show has or the bigger the audience, the much less likely they are to take a cold pitch. So me as an author, Dan as an author, if I want to go try and pitch myself to a show and they get a lot of downloads -- if they've never heard of me, they're not even going to take my pitch. But if they've heard of that agency that they trust, now all of a sudden it's got more weight and it's not a cold pitch anymore, it's a warm introduction.

So those processes and systems are in place for us and, you know, it's things like regular email. We use a little bit of automation, we love automation, but in this age of automation, the relationship is so important. We do outreach very organically, using things like videos. You know, Loom video in an email goes so much further than just a bunch of text. The one-sheets that we created for our clients are all very consistent in their quality, and so it's not just some person on MS Paint with a Word doc. This looks good.

Kathleen: So talk for a second about those one-sheets because that was one of the first things I noticed when you all reached out to me. I should clarify, Interview Valet reached out to me not to book Dan, so he's here because I actually chased him down and said: "You need to come on my podcast!"

It was about somebody else, about a client of theirs and that was part of what reminded me I needed to contact you. But you had a really nice, as you call it, a one-sheet, which is sort of like a prospective on the potential guest. So can you describe that a little bit and maybe we can put a link to an example of one in the show notes?

Click here to see an example of an Interview Valet One Sheet

Dan: Oh, sure! Yeah, absolutely. So a one-sheet has two functions. Number one, it gets the hosts' attention or the producer of the show (some shows are big enough to have producers or a gatekeeper of some kind). It gets their attention. It has to look good and be consistent. You know, our branding is very consistent, so as they get used to seeing those, it's easy to just glance at it and go "Okay, I know who this is."

Kathleen: I wish that listeners could actually see what I'm seeing right now. So Dan was saying his brand is consistent, and we're recording this on Zoom. I use the audio but I get to see Dan when we talk. The colors of Interview Valet are black and red. And I know this because he's sitting there in a pullover that is black and red that has "Interview Valet" embroidered on it in red and white. And he has his mic with the red cover and then the sleeve that he has over his mic that says "Inbound Evangelist Dan Moyle" and it's all black and red. It's all on-brand. So he is walking the walk.

Dan: We do. We try to, anyway.

Kathleen: Great! I think it's great!

Dan: We learn from the best, with IMPACT and HubSpot and all those guys. There are so many great marketers out there doing it that we just try to learn from the best.

So these one-sheets are ready to get your attention as a host. They're going to have the headshot on there of the client so you can see them. We like to see people, right? It has their name, obviously, and a tagline of some kind. So on mine, it's "Dan Moyle, an inbound evangelist." And then there's a key-focus of some kind. You know, "empowering business leaders to be better or whatever that might be." And then there's the bio, and we try to keep it concise. I try not to have a ton of paragraphs and a ton of words because we know, everybody is busy and you've seen the same bio again and again. So we try to make it a little bit unique compared to the every other bio that that client might have.

We'll try and keep it concise and then there's typically a suggested show intro, you know maybe one paragraph, maybe two at the most. Because again we know that show hosts are very busy and if we can give you the tools to create your own intro from what we have, or if you wanna read ours that's fine. We try to make it as easy as possible, so all of that adds up to a "yes," right? The other function of that one-sheet is to help fuel the conversation, right?

So the suggested interview topics. These are the things that the client -- the certified guest that were offering up -- is very versed in. It's their talking points basically. So as the host sees it, hopefully they say "Oh yeah, these are great headline looking subjects, I'm very curious. I want this for my audience." And then it helps fuel that conversation during that interview of, "So tell me more about this ... you know, tips to be a great guest, Dan." That's my one-sheet.

All that adds up to be this professional looking document that we create for our clients -- to help a host say yes and then have a great conversation.

Kathleen: Now I feel like I have to ask you about your tips to be a great guest.

Dan: Yeah, gosh. You know-

Kathleen: Is that something that you ... do you actually coach your clients on that?

Dan: We do. When a client comes on, we have what we call a kick-off call, and I take off the CMO hat and put on the onboarding coordinator hat, and I talk them through all this. We coach them on how to promote the show afterwards, how to be a great guest. We send them a welcome package that has a professional microphone. You mentioned my mic and everything here. This is what we send them, we send them a microphone, an Audiotechnic ATR 2100 professional mic, so that they really sound good.

Being a guest -- being a great guest -- means that you sound good, you have a solid internet connection, you're not doing it on a phone, in a tunnel. We coach them through all of that. Of course we're always in the process of improving, right? So right now, I'm improving the process of all that and I'm creating video training that walks them through each one of these steps. "Here's some tips on how to be a great guest, here's how to set up your microphone, here's how to help us with the one-sheet." All these kinds of things.

We do that on the kick off call. So yes, we coach them through that and that's why we call our clients "certified guests," because they've gone through that coaching and we try to go back and listen to their shows as often as we can and if we have constructive feedback to give them, we will. They want that, so we try to help them improve all the time.

Kathleen: It's amazing how much the little things make a difference on podcasts. Because as somebody who has a lot of guests come on -- and some are clearly more experienced than others -- I found myself putting together an email that I send out in advance. I don't think I sent it to you because I knew that you would know all of this.

I have to cover things like, please don't rustle papers on your desk as we're talking because I don't think people realize how much their microphones pick up on and all of the sudden ... you know, I should do it right now, just as a ... here, I'll do it. Like that sound, or if I started to type, you know ... it's only pounding but people don't realize it and so sending that guidance out and letting people know in advance to not, you know, leave the ringer on their cell phone.

It all sounds really obvious but it's kind of like when you go to the movies and they have to tell it to you before every movie. You still have to tell it to people beforehand, so it is great that you guys are covering that and preparing your guests.

Dan: Some of that feedback came back from our survey that we did. it's things ... like you said Kathleen, well no kidding, common sense right? But we don't think about it.

Kathleen: Yeah.

Dan: When I launched the podcast and starting recording interviews, I would take notes thinking I'm going to be a great interviewer, I'm going to take notes. As I'm typing, it's super loud. I had to stop that very quickly.

Kathleen: Yeah.

Dan: You call them little things but they're big things.

Kathleen: They are, they're big things. Even the click of a mouse, I remember one of the first podcasts I did and I ... I was like what is that sound? What is that sound that keeps happening? It was my mouse clicking.

Dan: Same.

Kathleen: So you learn those lessons very quickly.

Dan: Mm-hmm (affirmative)-

Kathleen: Well I want to turn to the most important thing, which is how does being a guest on podcasts get you better inbound results? Because that's really what this podcast is about. It's about, you know, improving the results you're getting from your inbound marketing campaigns. So you must have plenty of stories -- whether they're anecdotal or actual data -- that you can cite about the impact that being a guest has had on either yourself or your company or your clients.

Dan: Absolutely. So the nice thing is, when you talk about inbound marketing there's ... of course there's all the official definitions, one from HubSpot, some from others or whatever. But really what it comes down to is drawing ideal customers to you with your concept. Right? Doing it through content and everything else, but drawing them to you means becoming part of that conversation. So being on a podcast and being in that conversation -- being a thought leader -- is step one.

Having listeners is great but that's like views on a website. it's a vanity metric. You can't have conversions without views but only views is the same thing as listeners. It's only a vanity thing. We like to turn them into leads by coaching our certified guests on sending them back to your website. As you're talking to someone and you're giving those tips, and the host says "Well that's really great, you know where can we learn more about that?" Well, go back to my website and learn more.

Heres the thing, here's the magic sauce. Pull back the curtain a little bit ... it's not just go to the home page, right? We send people back to what we call a welcome page. The listeners hear it on the podcast and then they see it in the show notes, for those who go to the show notes. It's a link which creates that SEO link and sends value back to your website as the certified guest, right?

It all works together. It's "mywesbsite.com/thispodcast" is the structure -- very simple. So like even, even for us on your show Kathleen, I've got InterviewValet.com/inboundsuccess.

Kathleen: I was going to say, you better have a link, right?

Dan: I do.

So Inbound Success listeners can go download a tip on how to be a great guest, right? They can connect with me on social media, they can read a little more about me and get to know me and they'll see your show's artwork so that they begin to go "Okay, yeah. Dan was on Kathleen's show, I do remember that. This is really cool, Kathleen obviously had him on there so now I trust Dan." Right? If your listeners know, like and trust you, they're going to get to at least know me and hopefully trust me from that.

So we send them back through that welcome page -- you know in digital marketing we often use the term landing page. I think of a landing page as a page with a form and no navigation. I have to take that one single action.

We like to tell our certified guests that listeners are at different points in their path with you after listening to you on that podcast. They might kind of like you, so they're willing to take a small action. So we have a CTA on that page, that's a small action -- very little barrier to entry. Maybe it's an infographic with no email-gate.

Then there's a medium yes, and for some people that might be buy the book. If I'm a sales evangelist type author, maybe they have my sales evangelist book on there and you can buy the book. Twelve bucks on Amazon is a pretty low barrier to entry, but it's still something. Or maybe it's a video, a free video tutorial that you have to give me your email for, and you watch my videos.

Now I'm hearing you on podcasts, and I'm seeing you on video ... now we've got a relationship. Then the heck yes, is the "buy now" button basically. So for a consultant that might be "book time on my calendar," for a speaker it might be "have a discovery call to see if I'm right for your event." Whatever that might be, it's the "heck yes," the big yes.

So that's the inbound part of it, is getting those listeners to go back to that website. It should always be very easy, if I've got a very complicated name ... you know Schwarzenegger or something? We all know Arnold, right? If you have a hard to spell name, make that URL as simple as you can, and then the slug afterwards as simple as you can. If you have a long show name, were gonna make that a concise, you know, slug as it were.

That's really important to us, too. That's kind of the inbound side of it.

Kathleen: So you've got these welcome pages and obviously people will be able to see an example of that when they if they check out the show notes and click though on yours. What kinds of results in terms of conversions -- well traffic and conversions -- do you see on those?

Dan: Conversions are awesome. We've seen them as high as 75, 80%

Kathleen: Wow.

Dan: Yeah, it's incredible. Way back in my mortgage marketing days, I was happy with my landing pages getting a 40% conversion rate.

Kathleen: Yeah.

Dan: That was unbelievable. 20% was like, "Okay, we're good." These are converting at 50% and above for the most part. Now, traffic -- that's the other side of it. How often is the host putting the actual welcome page link in their show notes? That all depends, obviously, on their audience, right? We've found conversions to be incredible.

I want to tell you one of my favorite client stories. Craig Cody is a CPA, and he lives in New York and he wanted to expand his reach beyond just his borough in New York. I don't know if he's in Manhattan, Brooklyn, where he is exactly. But he's in a borough in New York and he was doing pretty well. He wanted to help other companies and other people expand their reach -- entrepreneurs, expand their portfolio as it were.

So he decided to do podcast interviews. When working with us, it's 12 interviews minimum and we suggest two interviews a month, minimum. And it's going to be $700 a month.

Kathleen: I was just going to ask about pricing, so you've already answered my question on that.

Dan: Yeah. So pretty plain pricing, and of course that includes everything that we just discussed, right? There's no upsell, there's no premium, there's no ... we will do all this for you. We will help you with getting promotion, we do all the prospecting, all the follow up, I mean all these things.

Kathleen: So am I right that that comes out to about $350 an interview?

Dan: Yep.

Kathleen: That's really reasonable, I mean if you were trying to get interviews yourself and you've factored in the time value of money, you've probably spent that anyway.

Dan: Oh at least, yeah.

So Craig decided that this was going to work for him, so he goes out and he starts getting interviews. $350 per interview isn't cheap, but it's reasonable depending on what you're doing right? It's not just twenty bucks a pop, right? So he goes out and he finds the value of a new customer for him, whatever that is ... he figured out that in the first nine months of working with us, he had a 600% ROI. So whatever he spent with us, he made back six times.

Kathleen: That's great.

Dan: Incredible. Well then, after working with us for 18 months, that 600% became 1200%. Part of that is because of the evergreen nature of podcasts right? I mean, if I'm listening to this podcast six months from now, all of a sudden I hear, you know, the value ... and I go back to the show notes and I come back. Now all of a sudden, I've got returning people which is awesome. So Craig found that and after 18 months it was like 1200% ROI.

Just incredible. He's growing his brand well beyond just his area as a CPA. He's consulting companies around the country. That return value for his clients is huge.

Kathleen: I imagine that's like the gift that keeps on giving. Because it's a little bit like when you discover a great new series on Netflix, and you're coming in on season three, but you can go back and binge seasons one and two. I think a lot of people do the same thing with podcasts. I know I certainly do. I just started binging a new one this past week, and so you're absolutely right. The actual episodes may have been recorded awhile ago, but for those people just discovering the podcast ... they're just hearing it. There's certainly a lot of evergreen value there.

That's really interesting. Do you find that once your guests have worked with you for a little while it starts to snow ball and they begin to get asked to come on podcasts, you know, on their own? Is there a graduation phenomenon if you will?

Dan: It's funny you say the word snowball because first of all, it snowed this morning here where I'm at in Michigan. But secondly, I just actually wrote this idea for our team about how every interview is a snowflake that adds to a blizzard of awareness that you create. So it's funny that use that -- it's like you were in my head there.

Kathleen: ... and then it turns into an avalanche.

Dan: Yes.

It does. it's funny because as you build your brand you do get invited on other podcasts. You know, the podcasting world, as big as it is, it's a small world. So as people are listening to it, or as a host of my own show I listen to other podcasts and I say "Oh, that's a great guest, I'm going to go call them or email them." Or whatever it is "Or tweet at them, and invite them." And so that definitely happens out there. We have clients that have been doing this for three or four years with us now, and they've stuck around. That's great, and we'll keep doing it and we'll keep going forward because they know that we help them manage those invitations, too right? We've got a guy named Aaron Walker, who wrote a book View From the Top. He's a big business coach and he's a big speaker, he's got a huge business he runs, and masterminds and stuff.

We run his podcast interviews because he doesn't have the time to even answer, "yes this is a good podcast" or not. We could say "Yep, we'll schedule him. Here ya go." And then we'll get him the brief sheet that helps prepare him for the interview, we'll get his one-sheet over to the host, as you've seen ... all that stuff that we do, we do for him. So he stuck around. We have other guests that come on and they'll do 12 or maybe 24 interviews with us, and do it for one year, and they'll say "Okay. I think I'm feeling pretty good." And they'll move on. Okay great, no problem.

We've taught them how to be a great guest and the value of interview marketing, as a tool. So the bigger we can create that category and make great guests out there, the more we all win. We love that part of it.

Kathleen: Yeah. I think if the ROIs there it's a no-brainer.

Dan: Oh yeah.

Kathleen: Even the cost itself is very reasonable ... just before you consider ROI. So what I'm dying to ask you, is what are some of the gets that you've gotten most excited about -- like, the show placements. Is there somewhere you were like "We just got so and so on this podcast, you're not gonna believe it"?

Dan: Yeah. We've worked with some amazing shows. We've been able to place guests on the HBR Ideacast from Harvard Business Review. Of course some of that is the guests themselves, right? If you're on HBR, it's because you've either been published by HBR or you went to Harvard or something like that. Because we had that connection, that was awesome.

We had a guest placed on Lewis Howes, which is a pretty big up and coming show. We work regularly with the Ziglar Show, the Zig Ziglar brand. Kevin Miller, the host of that, is a big fan of ours and we place guests on there. We work with some great shows.

It's funny because we really aim to work in the top 20% of all shows when it comes to audience. So the biggest shows out there, the Joe Rogans of the world, the Gary Vee's of the world, that's like the top .1% Right? And it's gonna take a PR agency, $35,000 just to even have a meeting with them. They only have 50 slots in a year. They're a weekly show and they have fifty guests, right? They're bringing on former first ladies or whatever, like you know, "good luck."

But we work with the top 20% and we work quite often with the top 5% of shows. Some of them are some of our favorite people; A finance show that we work with, Stacking Benjamins, Joe Saul-Sehy.

Kathleen: What a great name.

Dan: Right? It's a great show, and it's got a huge audience. Craig Cody that I mentioned, he was a guest on their show twice. So there have been some great guests, and it's funny when you try and name drop some people. If you're not a regular podcast listener, some of them you may not know. Or if you are, but you only listen to business shows, Stacking Benjamins may mean nothing to you, and that's okay.

Kathleen: Right.

Dan: Or you know, if you're in the health and wellness area, you may not have never even heard of Zig, let alone the Ziglar show. So you know, it's all perspective, right? They're big in that world.

Kathleen: It's all about who their audience is really because that's what matters the most.

Dan: Right. Yeah, absolutely.

Kathleen: So what tips do you have for somebody listening who is interested in building their personal brand, and may be considering this as an option?

Dan: Absolutely. I think podcast interviews are absolutely amazing and powerful, so for anybody even thinking about it, I'd say do it. Just do it. One of the first things is to get a professional microphone and use your laptop on a wired internet connection. Don't think of podcast interviews as "I can just plug in my air pods, or plug in my earbuds or whatever to my phone, and that'll be good, right?"

It'll work, but honestly having quality conversations is so much better. So that's number one. Get a microphone and the Audiotechnica ATR2100 I think is around $60, maybe. So it's not a big barrier to entry. The other thing is, figure out who your audience really is. You want to build your personal brand. Who is that brand going to matter to? Who is your ideal customer, your ideal listener, who do you want to work with?

Go find the shows that you think they're listening to, right? If you have a big value to millennial entrepreneurs, who are they listening to? You know, find those kinds of shows and then follow them on social media, leave them a review in Apple podcasts, and get to know them, pitch them. Right? Reach out to who you think is in charge of that show, and you can get that through the host, you know is one of the gate keepers. If they're a big show, they might have a producer, or a scheduler. That's a big one.

If you can afford it, go to one of the amazing conferences out there that focuses on podcasters. Pod Fest in Orlando, Florida is awesome. Podcast Movement, that moves around the country, they were in Philadelphia this year, a great conference ... you can meet podcasters and get to know them, that kinda thing. Obviously you don't want to walk in just trying to pitch yourself with the guests. Going to meet people is awesome. Those are a couple of tips.

Then finally, be a great guest. Right? Be prepared, be on time. Know your story, don't be too salesy, know the lingo of the audience. Know the host name, and use it. All those kinds of tips, just be a great guest.

Kathleen: Yeah. That's great advice. If somebody was interested in working with Interview Valet, what's the best way for them to reach out and contact you all?

Dan: I mean, I'd say listeners ought to go to InterviewValet.com/InboundSuccess and download the tips to be a great guest, there's nine of them I've got prepared. They can read a little bit from our blog or whatever there and figure that out, and if they're interested, there's a very easy connection right there. They can get on my calendar and talk about it, they can just go to one of our many different ways of contacting us and learning more about us there, and visit it with us if they want to.

Kathleen: Great. I want to ask you the two questions I ask all of my guests.

First of all, company or individual, who do you think is doing inbound marketing really well right now?

Dan: There's so many amazing people that I follow and that I'm fortunate enough to be friends with, and acquainted to, it's hard to pick just one. I think my current obsession though is George B. Thomas. George is such a good dude. Such a heart to serve others and I love what he's doing with teaching people how to do video, and bringing people to him and his story. I think he does marketing amazingly well. That guy's just got a good heart.

Kathleen: Second question. You're somebody whose been in marketing -- particularly inbound marketing -- for awhile. It's a field that is changing all the time, as any aspect of digital marketing is. How do you stay up to date, how do you stay on the cutting edge, what are your favorite ways to educate yourself?

Dan: I love listening to podcasts. Listening to shows like Inbound Success, listening to other podcasts out there that talk about it, and have thought leaders ... that's huge. I listen to podcasts on 1.5 speed, so I can listen to more. When something catches my attention -- like I really want to go back -- I can always go back and listen to it again, or whatever. Obviously reading is huge. In fact I set my alarm for about an hour and a half earlier every morning to get up and have some me time to read specifically professional development books. I just, I know that that's important. As the weather the warms up ... I'm in Michigan, so as we get out of winter eventually here, I want to be able to go on morning walks and listen to audio books.

So those are a couple of my things. And then ... I mean the other thing, just think of ... you can't think of only one person as an ideal audience, right? But I think about me, as a consumer. What do I wanna ... how do I wanna take in information? How do I wanna find a new company? How am I turned off by promotional marketing or advertising? I just keep trying to stay ahead of that curve, right? If I get annoyed with Facebook feed interruptions, is everybody? I don't know, maybe. Then I go look at that data from ... to support that obviously.

I just think of my ideal customers and how would I want to interact with them if the tables were turned. I'd like to think that keeps me on the edge a little bit, 'cause I'm trying to not be annoying as a marketer. I don't wanna ruin everything like marketers like to do. So podcasts, setting aside time everyday to bring purposely and deliberately prove yourself through books and podcasts, I think is huge.

Kathleen: What are some of your favorite books and podcasts right now?

Dan: Let's see, my favorite books ... I love reading anything from Scott Stratten, Unbranding was his newest one. I go back to Unmarketing sometimes. One of my favorites is Marcus Sheridan. I love They Ask You Answer. I want to go read From Good To Great. That's come up in conversation a couple times recently. I haven't read it. That's part of my new push to read new books. That's gonna be my next one. One of my favorites isn't necessarily a marketing book but it was life-changing, The 12 Week Year. That was huge for me, and I think of my life now in 12 week years, rather than just quarters. it's a whole different mind shift. So The 12 Week Year is a big one. Those are my favorite books. Podcasts is hard, there's so many Kathleen-

Kathleen: You can't pick, that's like picking favorite children for you.

Dan: Right.

Kathleen: You're not ... even if have one, you're not allowed to say it, right?

Dan: Right.

And I go back and forth -- I mean you do this -- I'll listen to one, you said binge, right?

Kathleen: Yeah.

Dan: I'll go listen to one and it'll be great, and then I'll find a new one, not that the other one's bad but I'll kinda forget about it. I don't have enough time in the day. Even at 1.5 speed, I bounce back and forth between shows. I'll listen to a few, then I'll come back to a different one, and I'll go back ... there's just too many.

Kathleen: I'm the same way. I too, listen to them when I'm walking or working out or ... my other favorite places to listen to podcasts are grocery shopping and vacuuming.

Dan: Yeah. Absolutely.

Kathleen: I tend to have two or three at once that I'm really focused on, but probably ten to fifteen in the total list that I bounce amongst. There you have it.

All right, well Dan, thank you for sharing all of this with us, that was really interesting. Anybody who is interested in doing more podcast guest interviews should definitely check out Interview Valet, there are some really great resources there. If you're a podcaster, there are some really great guests that you can get through Interview Valet. So I will put those links in my show notes, but if you enjoyed what you heard this week, I would appreciate if you consider giving us a review on iTunes, Stitcher, or the platform of your choice. Of course, if you know someone doing kick-ass inbound marketing work, please tweet me @workmommywork because I would love to interview them.

That's it for this week. Thanks for joining me, Dan.

Dan: It was an absolute pleasure, Kathleen. Thank you so much, it was an honor to be on your show.

Kathleen: Thanks.

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everettwilkinson · 7 years

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RUSSIAN-OWNED MEGAYACHT makes its way to Palm Beach as Trump readies for Florida — WHAT AMERICA IS READING — WH aides give up on trying to control Trump’s Twitter — TOM RICKS: Why I left Washington

WHAT AMERICA IS READING — ANNISTON STAR (Alabama): “Moore’s poll numbers down in allegations’ wake” http://bit.ly/2iuF2cA … DENVER POST: “Tax bill’s winners, losers: Ultra-wealthy do well under plan passed by House this week” http://bit.ly/2jD90i1 … DETROIT FREE PRESS: “Rep. Dingell: I was also harassed … She says ‘prominent’ person touched her as allegations mount in D.C.” http://bit.ly/2hJiPdZ …

… CLEVELAND PLAIN DEALER: “‘Trickle-down’ idea floats back up: GOP says corporate tax cuts would speed growth despite spotty record” http://bit.ly/2mFjjTS … AUSTIN AMERICAN-STATESMAN: “White House relief plan gets panned: Abbot, other Texas leaders blast $44 billion disaster aid proposal” http://bit.ly/2itI40E … PALM BEACH POST: “Russian oligarch’s huge yacht docks at Port of Palm Beach: No word on whether Roman Abramovich will meet with Trump” http://bit.ly/2lXAawG

Story Continued Below

— FASCINATING, via today’s Palm Beach Post’s front page: “Days before President Trump flies into town for Thanksgiving, one of the world’s most expensive yachts, owned by Russian oligarch Roman Abramovich, sailed into the Port of Palm Beach Friday afternoon.

“The 533-foot Eclipse, valued at $400 million to $500 million, comes equipped with a pool, helipad, submarine and room for a crew of 92, according to marine websites. It made its way past The Bahamas and docked at 1:15 p.m, taking the slip normally reserved for the Grand Celebration, a cruise ship currently on hurricane-relief duty in St. Thomas, Virgin Islands. Originally booked to stay through Dec. 5, the Eclipse may have to leave Dec. 1, as it is being followed by the 644-foot World, billed as ‘the largest private residential ship on the planet,’ which is scheduled to arrive that day.

“Where will the Eclipse go? According to the MarineTraffic app, she plans to head south on the Intracoastal Waterway, toward downtown West Palm Beach. Note to Transportation Security Administration: That would put a Russian submarine within a mile or so of the winter White House.” http://bit.ly/2AbRhp1

**SUBSCRIBE to Playbook: http://politi.co/2ARWrD3

TALKER — TOM RICKS in FOREIGN POLICY: “Babylon Revisited: Melancholy Thoughts After a Short Trip to Washington, D.C.: As a young reporter in political Washington in the late 1980s, I noticed that there was a type of person who thrived in the driven, transactional environment of the capital.” http://atfp.co/2yXIIKh

HARDSHIP ASSIGNMENT — JONATHAN MARTIN and ALEX BURNS in Austin: “Republican Governors’ 2018 Dilemma: What to Do About Trump?” http://nyti.ms/2zNR8HS

Good Saturday morning. REALITY FINALLY SETS IN — “Aides give up on trying to control Trump’s tweets,” by Annie Karni: “When candidate Donald Trump waged a Twitter war against Khizr Khan, the Gold Star father who rebuked him from the stage of the Democratic National Convention, former House Speaker Newt Gingrich and New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie were sent in for a ‘tough love talk’ about the efficacy of the tweets, two former campaign officials recalled. Controlling potentially damaging tweets was a job left mostly to the legal team in the early days of the administration. Former attorneys Marc Kasowitz and Jay Sekulow gave Trump one simple rule to guide his tweeting habit: don’t comment online about the Russia investigation.

“‘The message was, tweet about policy, tweet about politics, but don’t attack the special counsel,’ recalled another former aide. None of the advice seemed to have any lasting effect on a president who views his own impulses as a virtue. And these days, the staff has basically stopped trying: there is no character inhabiting the West Wing who is dispatched to counsel the president when he aims the powerful weapon of his Twitter feed at himself.” http://politi.co/2AYJPdQ

NYT’S PETER BAKER — “In Mocking Franken Over Claims of Sexual Misconduct, Trump Joins a Debate He Started”: “[T]he notion that Mr. Trump himself would weigh in given his own history of crude talk about women and the multiple allegations against him surprised many in Washington who thought he could not surprise them anymore. A typical politician with Mr. Trump’s history would stay far away from discussing someone else’s behavior lest it dredge his own back into the spotlight. But as Mr. Trump has shown repeatedly during his 10-month presidency, he is rarely deterred by conventional political wisdom even as he leaves it to his staff to fend off the cries of hypocrisy.

“‘Like everything else Trump touches, he hijacks it with his chronic dishonesty and childishness,’ said Mark Salter, a longtime adviser to Senator John McCain, Republican of Arizona. ‘The intense, angry and largely ignorant tribalism afflicting our politics predates Trump’s arrival on the scene. But he has infused it with a psychopath’s inability to accept that social norms apply to him.’” http://nyti.ms/2hJ8PkX

CLINTON WEIGHS IN ON FRANKEN, MOORE — “Clinton blasts Trump and Moore over sexual misconduct allegations,” by Cristiano Lima: “Hillary Clinton slammed President Donald Trump and Alabama Senate candidate Roy Moore on Friday over their alleged sexual misconduct, criticizing them for not ‘accepting responsibility’ and ‘apologizing’ for their reported transgressions as Sen. Al Franken did. Clinton said that Franken, who was accused this week of groping a female broadcaster in 2006, acted responsibly by owning up to his actions and publicly apologizing for them — a far cry from the response given by Trump and Moore, she said.

“The former secretary of state and Democratic presidential nominee said that Franken’s request to have the Senate ethics panel investigate his sexual misconduct ‘is the kind of accountability I’m talking about.’ ‘I don’t hear that from Roy Moore or Donald Trump,’ she added during an interview with New York’s WABC radio. ‘Look at the contrast between Al Franken, accepting responsibility, apologizing, and Roy Moore and Donald Trump, who have done neither.’” http://politi.co/2hzuE2m

— CLINTON ON TRUMP’S PRESIDENCY: “Trump ‘has disgraced the office’ … Asked whether there was anything she admired about the Trump’s tenure in office thus far, Clinton replied: ‘No. The answer is absolutely no.’ ‘I didn’t think he’d be as bad as he turned out to be,’ she added.”

TRUMP RESPONDS — @realDonaldTrump at 8:31 a.m.: “Crooked Hillary Clinton is the worst (and biggest) loser of all time. She just can’t stop, which is so good for the Republican Party. Hillary, get on with your life and give it another try in three years!”

ABOUT THOSE GILLIBRAND-CLINTON COMMENTS — “Gillibrand remark on Clinton resignation shocks Democrats,” by Gabe Debenedetti in New York: “Kirsten Gillibrand is having a moment, whether she meant to or not. Going where no other prominent Democrat had before on Thursday evening by declaring that Bill Clinton should have resigned the presidency during the Monica Lewinsky scandal, the New York senator and potential 2020 presidential contender yet again found herself the face of a national conversation with the potential to dominate headlines and divide her party. …

“The longtime Clinton ally’s answer to the New York Times question neatly encapsulated how Gillibrand has placed herself front-and-center on the dominant issue of the day, even if it forces a debate her own party is uncomfortable confronting. And it highlighted the political dexterity that her critics and rivals often deride as opportunism: A former conservative Blue Dog House member, Gillibrand has reinvented herself as a leading progressive and face of the Trump resistance ahead of a potential presidential run.” http://politi.co/2hzVmIj

****** A message from Chevron: We’re piloting a program that uses drones to keep an eye on Chevron wells, tanks, and pipelines—all to keep DOERS and what they’re doin’ safer. Watch the video: http://politi.co/2zOnTVE ******

SHOW ME THE MONEY — “Roy Moore scandal ignites fundraising explosion for Democratic challenger Doug Jones,” by NBC News’ Alex Seitz-Wald: “The Roy Moore scandal has unleashed a torrent of online donations to Democrat Doug Jones, who was collecting around $250,000 per day in its immediate aftermath … Democrats may end up in the unlikely situation of dramatically outspending the GOP in the Senate contest in deep red Alabama now that national Republicans have abandoned Moore.” http://nbcnews.to/2zSy4FM

PRESIDENT TRUMP WEIGHS IN ON BIG GAME CONTROVERSY — @realDonaldTrump at 7:47 p.m.: “Put big game trophy decision on hold until such time as I review all conservation facts. Under study for years. Will update soon with Secretary Zinke. Thank you!” Trump also retweeted Greta Van Susteren and Piers Morgan this morning supporting his decision on trophy hunting.

— STATEMENT FROM INTERIOR SECRETARY RYAN ZINKE: “President Trump and I have talked and both believe that conservation and healthy herds are critical. As a result, in a manner compliant with all applicable laws, rules, and regulations, the issuing of permits is being put on hold as the decision is being reversed.”

IT’S ALL ABOUT THAT BASE — “Trump adds five conservatives to list of possible Supreme Court picks,” by Reuters’ Jim Oliphant and Andrew Chung: “In a move certain to please conservatives, President Donald Trump on Friday added five names to his list of candidates for a prospective U.S. Supreme Court vacancy as he presses ahead with a campaign to move the federal judiciary to the right. Two of them are appellate judges who were nominated by Trump earlier this year and confirmed by the Senate: Amy Coney Barrett and Kevin Newsom. Another, Brett Kavanaugh, sits on the U.S. Court of Appeals in Washington, long viewed as a stepping-stone to the high court. The others were Britt Grant, a Georgia Supreme Court justice, and Patrick Wyrick, a Oklahoma Supreme Court justice.” http://reut.rs/2yVce3h

SOME THINGS NEVER CHANGE — “Trump still loves polls,” by Josh Dawsey and Steven Shepard: “As a TV host, Donald Trump loved ratings. As president, he loves polls—as long as they show him on the upswing. He crowed on Twitter hours after landing back in Washington from his 12-day Asia tour about his Rasmussen number—46 percent—noting it was ‘one of the most accurate’ in 2016, and decried ‘fake news’ polls showing his approval in the 30s while also suggesting, with no evidence, that ‘some people’ think his numbers could be in the 50s. (The Rasmussen poll sank to 42 percent on Friday.)

“Aides in the White House often show Trump polls designed to make him feel good, according to aides and advisers. Usually they’re the ones that focus just on voters who cast ballots for him in 2016 or are potential Trump supporters —Trump’s base—but occasionally include public polls like Rasmussen, depending on what the numbers say. ‘You know, I thought that he’d be a little less in campaign mode than he’s been. I think he’s never really kind of gotten out of campaign mode and I thought he might,’ said New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie, a Trump adviser. ‘I guess it’s his judgment that that’s what he has to do but that’s surprised me a little bit.’” http://politi.co/2jAobZp

A PROBLEM FOR REPUBLICANS — “In towns and cities nationwide, fears of trickle-down effects of federal tax legislation,” by WaPo’s Renae Merle and Peter Jamison: “[I]n small towns and thriving cities, in Republican- and Democratic-leaning states, local leaders are warning that the $1.5 trillion tax legislation moving through Congress threatens to undermine their ability to raise money for government services, including police and schools. The Republican measures would eliminate or severely curtail taxpayers’ ability to lower their federal tax bill by deducting the cost of their state and local taxes. Without that offset, local leaders say, taxpayers will begin to seek relief closer to home, potentially making it more difficult to provide basic services.” http://wapo.st/2j6vAeX

FOR YOUR RADAR — AP at 9:01 a.m.: “PARIS (AP) – Lebanon’s Hariri says he is returning to his country, confirms he is resigning amid political tensions.”

ANOTHER TWIST IN THE RUSSIA INVESTIGATION — “Congressional aides may have answers on pro-Russia GOP platform change,” by Kyle Cheney: “As U.S. investigators probe whether President Donald Trump’s campaign orchestrated a Russia-friendly change to the Republican Party platform last summer, three senior Capitol Hill aides — including Speaker Paul Ryan’s chief of staff — may have answers about how the episode unfolded. The three staffers, who have not been accused of any wrongdoing, advised the GOP convention’s platform committee on foreign policy matters and had front-row seats when a low-profile group of delegates, acting in conjunction with Trump campaign officials, spiked a proposal urging a tougher U.S. policy against Russian aggression in Ukraine.

“That change has drawn scrutiny from the House and Senate intelligence committees as they investigate whether any Trump campaign officials cooperated with Russian meddling in the 2016 election. Some witnesses say they expect it to become a topic of interest in special counsel Robert Mueller’s parallel criminal probe. Spokespeople for the offices of two of the staffers told POLITICO they have not been in contact with Mueller or his team. But Ryan’s top aide, Jonathan Burks, would neither confirm nor deny whether he had heard from the special counsel: ‘I’m not going to have any comment,’ he said.” http://politi.co/2A7atUM

— “Moscow meeting in June 2017 under scrutiny in Trump probe,” by AP’s Desmond Butler, Mary Clare Jalonick and Eric Tucker: “Earlier this year, a Russian-American lobbyist and another businessman discussed over coffee in Moscow an extraordinary meeting they had attended 12 months earlier: a gathering at Trump Tower with President Donald Trump’s son, his son-in-law and his then-campaign chairman. The Moscow meeting in June, which has not been previously disclosed, is now under scrutiny by investigators who want to know why the two men met in the first place and whether there was some effort to get their stories straight about the Trump Tower meeting just weeks before it would become public … Congressional investigators have questioned both men — lobbyist Rinat Akhmetshin and Ike Kaveladze, a business associate of a Moscow-based developer and former Trump business partner — and obtained their text message communications.” http://bit.ly/2hKpTqC

KEEPING HIS SENSE OF HUMOR — @charlie_savage: “At Mayflower Hotel, Sessions jokes: ‘Is Ambassador Kislyak in the room before I get started? Any Russians? Anybody been to Russia? Got a cousin in Russia?’ #FedSoc2017”. 30-second video http://bit.ly/2A9Cvz7

HMM — “U.S. Flagged Russian Firm Kaspersky as Potential Threat as Early as 2004,” by WSJ’s Paul Sonne: “A Russian cybersecurity firm whose products current and former U.S. officials suspect Moscow has used as a tool for spying was flagged by U.S. military intelligence as a potential security threat as early as 2004, according to new information the Defense Department provided to Congress. … The DIA ‘began producing threat reporting referencing Kaspersky Lab as a threat actor as early as 2004,’ according to the email, reviewed by The Wall Street Journal, raising questions about why other federal agencies continued to use the firm’s products.” http://on.wsj.com/2mCiHyl

JARED WATCH — “Kushner failed to disclose outreach from Putin ally to Trump campaign,” by NBC News’ Ken Dilanian and Carol E. Lee: “President Trump’s son-in-law and senior adviser, Jared Kushner, failed to disclose what lawmakers called a ‘Russian backdoor overture and dinner invite’ involving a banker who has been accused of links to Russian organized crime, three sources familiar with the matter told NBC News. An email chain described Aleksander Torshin, a former senator and deputy head of Russia’s central bank who is close to Russian President Vladimir Putin, as wanting Trump to attend an event on the sidelines of a National Rifle Association convention in Louisville, Kentucky, in May 2016 … The email also suggests Torshin was seeking to meet with a high-level Trump campaign official during the convention, and that he may have had a message for Trump from Putin …

“Kushner rebuffed the request after receiving a lengthy email exchange about it between a West Virginia man and Trump campaign aide Rick Dearborn … Kushner responded to the email by telling Dearborn and the handful of other Trump campaign officials on the email that they should not accept requests from people who pretend to have contacts with foreign officials to aggrandize themselves … ‘Pass on this,’ Kushner responded … ‘A lot of people come claiming to carry messages. Very few we are able to verify. For now I think we decline such meetings.’” http://nbcnews.to/2AamRDs

— “Kushner attorney fires back at Senate Judiciary Committee,” by CNN’s Jeremy Herb and Evan Perez: “In a letter Friday to Senate Judiciary Chairman Chuck Grassley of Iowa and ranking Democrat Dianne Feinstein of California, attorney Abbe Lowell wrote that there were no ‘missing documents’ as the committee has alleged, while criticizing the panel’s leaders for going to the media on Thursday with their accusations ‘I would have assumed that, if there were any questions about our productions or exchanges, that would have been communicated to me directly before you made this a media event,’ Lowell wrote.” http://cnn.it/2isWU7A

PUTTING THE SQUEEZE ON MIDDLE EAST PEACE — “U.S. puts Palestinians on notice: D.C. office may be shuttered,” by AP’s Josh Lederman and Matt Lee: “The Trump administration put the Palestinians on notice Friday that it will shutter their office in Washington unless they’ve entered serious peace talks with Israel, U.S. officials said, potentially giving President Donald Trump more leverage as he seeks an elusive Mideast peace deal. Secretary of State Rex Tillerson has determined that the Palestinians ran afoul of an obscure provision in a U.S. law that says the Palestine Liberation Organization’s mission must close if the Palestinians try to get the International Criminal Court to prosecute Israelis for crimes against Palestinians. A State Department official said that in September, Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas crossed that line by calling on the ICC to investigate and prosecute Israelis.

“But the law leaves the president a way out, so Tillerson’s declaration doesn’t necessarily mean the office will close. Trump now has 90 days to consider whether the Palestinians are in ‘direct and meaningful negotiations with Israel.’ If Trump determines they are, the Palestinians can keep the office. The official said it was unclear whether the U.S. might close the office before the 90-day period expires, but said the mission remains open at least for now.” http://bit.ly/2yTYzcS

— “The Mooch is headed to Israel just weeks after ‘tone-deaf’ Holocaust poll,” by Page Six’s Kevin Dugan: “A month after Anthony Scaramucci’s ‘media venture’ posted a tasteless poll on the Holocaust, the short-lived White House communications director is taking a four-day trip to Israel, The Post has learned. ‘I’ll meet everybody,’ he told The Post on Friday, hours before he was to take off. ‘I’m having dinner with Dave Friedman, the ambassador, who’s a great friend of mine.’ The one-time hedgie is also heading to Yad Vashem, the Holocaust memorial site in Jerusalem, he said.” http://pge.sx/2j6XJCy

CLICKER – “The nation’s cartoonists on the week in politics,” edited by Matt Wuerker, whose birthday is today — 17 keepers http://politi.co/2AQIdlU

PHOTO DU JOUR: Maryland lacrosse player Dylan Maltz (right) of Ashburn, Va., shows off his pro-Trump tie to President Donald Trump as the president meets with NCAA championship teams at the White House on Nov. 17. | Evan Vucci/AP Photo

THE GRINCH — “CIA nixes holiday party invites for media,” by Ali Watkins: “CIA Director Mike Pompeo has opted not to invite reporters to the CIA’s annual holiday party this year, ending a years-long streak of inviting the intelligence press corps to the upscale event. The event has historically provided a rare opportunity for reporters to mingle with agency officials who typically shun or avoid them — but that the idea has been nixed by Pompeo, who has been openly critical of the news media, was hardly surprising. … The party, held in the agency’s iconic headquarters lobby, is also a famously bizarre Washington exercise. Reporters, closely minded by the CIA’s press staff, are able to mingle in the hors d’oeuvres line with station chiefs, foreign partners and occupants of the CIA’s executive offices.” http://politi.co/2zPqD48

BRETT TALLEY PROFILE – “Law clerk by day, ghost hunter by night, now Trump’s judiciary nominee,” by WaPo’s Robert O’Harrow Jr.: “Few in memory have been nominated with credentials quite like those of [Brett] Talley, 36, an Alabama native, a political speechwriter, an author of horror books and a fledgling lawyer who has never tried a case. In 2009 and 2010, he was a member of the Tuscaloosa Paranormal Research Group, a volunteer operation that since the early 2000s has held all-night vigils and used infrared cameras, handheld sensors and other devices to search for spectral entities in plantation mansions, abandoned hospitals and other buildings. … In 2014, when he was a speechwriter on Capitol Hill, Talley took a Post reporter ghost hunting in a District cemetery.” http://wapo.st/2ze5jGK

NOT THE ONION – “Candidate for Ohio governor reveals sexual past on Facebook,” by AP’s Julie Carr Smyth in Columbus: “A state Supreme Court justice running for governor volunteered candid details of his sexual past on Facebook on Friday, saying he was taking a swipe at the ‘media frenzy’ over sexual misconduct. Democrat William O’Neill’s post was immediately attacked as inappropriate and led to calls for his ouster. In it, he wrote that he has been ‘sexually intimate with approximately 50 very attractive females,” including ‘a gorgeous blonde’ with whom he ‘made passionate love’ in a hay loft and a ‘drop dead gorgeous red head’ from Cleveland.” http://bit.ly/2zPfuAH

WES GOODMAN UPDATE — “How a conservative group dealt with a fondling charge against a rising GOP star,” by WaPo’s Kimberly Kindy and Elise Viebeck: “On a fall evening two years ago, donors gathered during a conference at a Ritz-Carlton hotel near Washington to raise funds for a 31-year-old candidate for the Ohio legislature who was a rising star in evangelical politics. Hours later, upstairs in a hotel guest room, an 18-year-old college student who had come to the event with his parents said the candidate unzipped his pants and fondled him in the middle of the night.

“The frightened teenager fled the room and told his mother and stepfather, who demanded action from the head of the organization hosting the conference … Tony Perkins, president of the Council for National Policy [and head of the Family Research Council] … Goodman, 33, abruptly resigned this week after state legislative leaders learned of what the House speaker called ‘inappropriate behavior related to his state office.’ Local media outlets have reported the behavior involved a consensual sexual encounter with a male visitor in his legislative office.” http://wapo.st/2AYMkgf

DRIP, DRIP, DRIP — “Rep. Gianforte’s account to police on assault of reporter appears to contradict his later apology,” by WaPo’s Ellie Silverman: “Documents released by law enforcement officials in Montana on Friday show that Greg Gianforte, then the Republican candidate in the state’s special congressional election, told police in May that a reporter from the Guardian had grabbed his wrist during a physical altercation at his campaign headquarters, blaming the ‘liberal media’ for ‘trying to make a story.’ His statement appears to contradict the apology he later issued to Ben Jacobs, saying the reporter ‘did not initiate any physical contact with me,’ raising questions about whether the congressman was truthful with authorities. Travis Hall, a spokesperson for Gianforte, referred The Washington Post to a statement given to the Associated Press, in which he said the information in the documents was ‘nothing new.’” http://wapo.st/2jyIgPE

****** A message from Chevron: This is a story about energy, safety, and some truly high-flyin’ doin’. We’re piloting a program that uses drones, HD imaging, and thermal mapping to help keep a close eye on Chevron wells, tanks, and pipelines—all to keep DOERS and what they’re doin’ safer. Watch the video: http://politi.co/2zOnTVE ******

VALLEY TALK — “The TED talks empire has been grappling with sexual harassment, interviews and internal emails show,” by WaPo’s Elizabeth Dwoskin and Danielle Paquette: “[B]ehind the scenes, TED owner Chris Anderson and other senior officials [has] been grappling with accusations for much of the year that their own conferences, famed for turning short speeches by leading figures into viral videos, had not been a safe place for women — and that the atmosphere of predatory male behavior was getting worse. At least five people, including a past main stage speaker, told TED officials that they were harassed or groped during the organization’s flagship conference in Vancouver in April.” http://wapo.st/2iu1DWJ

— “Y Combinator Cuts Ties With Peter Thiel After Ending Part-Time Partner Program,” by BuzzFeed’s Ryan Mac: “Billionaire venture capitalist and Facebook board member Peter Thiel is no longer affiliated with startup accelerator Y Combinator, according to an edited company blog post. Thiel was formerly a part-time partner with the accelerator.” http://bzfd.it/2zNwd7C

CHRIS FRATES talks to former Obama WH ethics czar and Amb. Norm Eisen about “suing Trump, returning to his mother’s homeland as ambassador after she was driven out and sent to Auschwitz by the Nazis, and being the inspiration for a Jeff Goldblum character.” “Politics Inside Out with Chris Frates” airs today at 9 a.m. and 9 p.m., Sunday at 1 p.m., and Monday at 2 p.m. on SiriusXM channel 124 and on demand on the SiriusXM app. Clips for Playbookers: Eisen on resisting Trump https://goo.gl/vhTdtd … Finding Nazi artifacts in the U.S. ambassador’s house in Prague https://goo.gl/BnchFU … Goldblum https://goo.gl/HF8J8A

MEDIAWATCH — “The Kochs Are Inching Closer to Becoming Media Moguls,” by NYT’s Sydney Ember and Ken Vogel: http://nyti.ms/2mACNsE

— “Daily Beast among digital sites eyeing sale,” by CNN’s Dylan Byers: “Digital media is facing a reckoning. The start-ups that were once the darlings of the industry are facing budget shortfalls and revenue declines as they struggle to survive in an over-saturated market where Google and Facebook lay claim to the vast majority of ad dollars. Now, the bubble is bursting and many of these companies are looking to sell. In the latest evidence of volatility, CNN has learned that IAC is entertaining potential buyers for The Daily Beast, the news and opinion site launched nearly a decade ago by former Vanity Fair editor Tina Brown.” http://cnnmon.ie/2ze19yu

— CHRIS WALLACE in WaPo, “The media is giving up its place in our democracy”: http://wapo.st/2jzPyTf

— TYLER BRULE’s final FT column http://on.ft.com/2zRvgZy

LATE-NIGHT BEST — BILL MAHER’s segment last night pushing back against efforts to conflate Al Franken’s action with the sexual abuse allegations facing Roy Moore, Harvey Weinstein, Kevin Spacey, Donald Trump and others. 7-min. video http://bit.ly/2AWQ7Lc

GREAT WEEKEND READS, curated by Daniel Lippman, filing from Middleburg, Virginia:

— “Your Reckoning. And Mine,” by Rebecca Traister in NYMag: “As stories about abuse, assault, and complicity come flooding out, how do we think about the culprits in our lives? Including, sometimes, ourselves.” http://bit.ly/2zMLsOp

— “The Tech Industry’s Gender-Discrimination Problem,” by the New Yorker’s Sheelah Kolhatkar: “The dramatic imbalance in pay and power has created the conditions for abuse. More and more, women are pushing for change.” http://bit.ly/2A7pcyZ

— “How One Woman’s Digital Life Was Weaponized Against Her,” by Brooke Jarvis in Wired – per Longform.org’s description: “After the relationship ended, the harassment began.” http://bit.ly/2hJ1uBT

— “The Meaning of Sharp Power,” by Christopher Walker and Jessica Ludwig in Foreign Affairs: “Over the past decade, China has spent tens of billions of dollars to shape public opinion and perceptions around the world, employing a diverse toolkit that includes thousands of people-to-people exchanges, wide-ranging cultural activities, the development of media enterprises with global reach, and educational programs. The most notable of these is the ever-expanding network of Confucius Institutes.” http://fam.ag/2zOSvWc

— “The Lost Genocide,” by Doug Bock Clark in Longreads: “Why the United Nations may never be able to prosecute the Rohingya genocide.” http://bit.ly/2yTOcWw

— “On Being Midwestern: The Burden of Normality,” by Phil Christman in the Hedgehog Review — per ALDaily.com’s description: “What’s it like to be from “an abstract nowhere”? Midwesterners have a regional identity built on the idea of unqualified normality. But that isn’t as simple as it sounds.” http://bit.ly/2AXOnRW

— “Avengers in Wrath: Moral Agency and Trauma Prevention for Remote Warriors,” by Dave Blair and Karen House on Lawfare – per TheBrowser.com’s description: “We think of remote drone pilots as somewhat akin to high-powered video-gamers, wreaking havoc on a screen. And perhaps they are. But they experience their role as something much closer to real-world combat and killing. The imperative is not ‘kill or be killed’, as it would be in localised combat, but rather, ‘kill or someone else will be killed’ — and the stress is almost as great. ‘A world without your fire support could easily become a world without your comrades.’” http://bit.ly/2zSat8e

— “Iraq’s Surprise: The Persistence of Democracy,” by Yaroslav Trofimov on the cover of WSJ’s Review section: “Long fractured, the country stands out in the Middle East for maintaining free elections and a robust press.” http://on.wsj.com/2hJP2Sk

— “The Brothers Who Bought South Africa,” by Matthew Campbell and Franz Wild in Bloomberg Businessweek: “The continent’s most important economy now appears to function for the benefit of one powerful family.” https://bloom.bg/2j37KAO

— “Two Murder Convictions for One Fatal Shot,” by Ken Armstrong in The New Yorker: “In dozens of criminal trials, prosecutors have put the same gun in the hands of more than one defendant.” http://bit.ly/2zcvmhe

— “The myth of the male bumbler,” by Lili Loofbourow in The Week: “Allow me to make a controversial proposition: Men are every bit as sneaky and calculating and venomous as women are widely suspected to be.” http://bit.ly/2zPE4Br

— “Rug Money,” by the Weekly Standard’s Alice B. Lloyd: “Paul Manafort ruined a solid scam, says former middleman for Iranian regime, as well as IRS and Treasury agents.” http://tws.io/2jyDbHd

— “How Did Two All-Americans Fall In With ISIS?” by Mike Mariani in Psychology Today – per Longform.org’s description: “In 2015, two bright Mississippi State college students started dating. Months later, they were planning their life together—alongside ISIS.” http://bit.ly/2j3W695

–“How an Atlanta power couple’s business has heightened Hollywood and Silicon Valley’s piracy anxieties,” by LATimes’ Ryan Faughnder: http://lat.ms/2jBOf6m

— “Spurned by ESPN, Barstool Sports Is Staying on Offense,” by Jay Caspian Kang in tomorrow’s NYT Magazine: “There exists a swarm of angry sports fans who maintain that they do not want to talk about Colin Kaepernick or the national anthem, and Barstool has cleared a space for them to gather and talk, mostly, about just how much they don’t want to talk about politics. They claim to be an overlooked majority — the vast market inefficiency that will richly reward anyone who will let them watch their games, memes and funny videos without having to feel bad about themselves. Barstool is their safe space.” http://nyti.ms/2hHvY7k

SPOTTED: Stephen Miller dining at DBGB last night in City Center … Larry Rasky, Dick Keil and Mark Paustenbach at the Dead & Co. show last night at the TD Garden in Boston … Sen. Sherrod Brown (D-Ohio) on an early Friday morning United flight to Cleveland from DCA

REMEMBERING BOBBY BAKER – WaPo’s Jon Thurber: “Bobby Baker, a protege of future president Lyndon B. Johnson whose career of wealth and privilege came crashing down in an influence-peddling scandal, died Nov. 12 — his 89th birthday — in St. Augustine, Fla. Mr. Baker [was] once the most influential staffer in the U.S. Senate … ‘Mr. Baker, I understand you know where the bodies are buried in the Senate. I’d appreciate it if you’d come to my office and talk with me,’ the newly elected Sen. Johnson (D-Tex.) said in his first telephone conversation with Mr. Baker in late 1948. Mr. Baker was just 20 at the time and a staffer for the Senate leadership … His vast knowledge of the operations of the Senate and his facility in the art of accommodation — moving pet legislative projects ahead for some senators or helping fulfill the proclivities of others for drink, sex or cash — would make him an invaluable asset to Johnson.” http://wapo.st/2zNz94k

HAPPENING TODAY — The Clinton School and Clinton Foundation are hosting a conversation in Little Rock with Bill and Hillary Clinton, moderated by James Carville at 3:30 p.m. Livestream http://bit.ly/2Aasphn

— SPOTTED at the Capital Hotel Bar and Grill in Little Rock last night for the 25th Clinton campaign: DeeDee Myers, Gene Sperling, Mary Streett, Stephanie Streett, John Podesta, Tamera Luzzatto, Jim Kennedy, JoDee Winterhof, Jill Alper, David Beaubaire, Kris Balderston, Adrienne Elrod, James Carville, Amanda Crumley, Patrick Mellody, James Greelish, Catherine Cornelius

BIRTHWEEK (was yesterday): Jeff Watters, director of government Relations at the Ocean Conservancy (hat tip: Samantha Bisogno)

BIRTHDAYS: NYT’s Sheryl Stolberg … Megyn Kelly is 47 … Politico cartoonist Matt Wuerker … USA Today’s Heidi Przybyla … Margaret Capehart … ABC News’ Gregory Simmons … Brian Forest, who is joining NAM on Monday as director of strategic messaging and most recently served as McConnell’s chief speechwriter … Carrie Matthews of Hamilton Place Strategies … Dan Sadlosky, policy adviser to House Majority Whip Steve Scalise … Politico’s Theo Meyer and Patricia Kolby … Tom Namako, deputy news director at BuzzFeed and a WSJ and N.Y. Post alum … Andrea Stone, director of career services at CUNY’s Graduate School of Journalism … Cassi Gritzmacher, head of executive comms at Away … Robert Dougherty, Rep. Julia Brownley’s senior LA and the pride of Syracuse, NY (h/t Samantha Greene) …

… Cornyn comms. director Drew Brandewie is 33 … Teddie Norton, director of government affairs operations at the Independent Insurance Agents & Brokers of America (h/t Mike Reilly) … Abby Tinsley … Trisha Farr … Brian Knapp … Rep. Tom Reed (R-N.Y.) is 46 … Rep. Bruce Westerman (R-Ark.) is 5-0 … former Rep. J.C. Watts (R-Okla.) is 6-0 … Rep. Salud Carbajal (D-Calif.) is 53 … Nick Ragone … Nima Faz … Arshad Hasan … Waldo Tibbetts … Nicole Ianucci … Gregory Kallenberg … David Frank … Noelia Rodriguez … Hanna Skandera … Richard Maopolski … Gregg Holman … Erica DeVos … Jon Kaplan … Meg Gage … Ace Smith (h/ts Teresa Vilmain)

THE SHOWS by @MattMackowiak, filing from Austin:

—“Fox News Sunday”: Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin. Panel: Jason Chaffetz, Jessica Tarlov, Jason Riley and Juan Williams … “Power Player of the Week” with Rep. Elise Stefanik (R-N.Y.)

–CBS’s “Face the Nation”: Sen. Tom Cotton (R-Ark.) … Rep. Jackie Speier (D-Calif.) … OMB Director Mick Mulvaney. Panel: David French, Jennifer Jacobs, Ruth Marcus and Ed O’Keefe

–NBC’s “Meet the Press”: Rep. Barbara Comstock (R-Va.) and Rep. Debbie Dingell (D-Mich) … OMB Director Mick Mulvaney. Panel: Bob Costa, Rich Lowry, Joy Reid and Amy Walter

–CNN’s “State of the Union”: Sen. Susan Collins (R-Maine) … OMB Director Mick Mulvaney … Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.). Panel: Amanda Carpenter, Neera Tanden, Michael Caputo and Rep. Robin Kelly (D-Ill.)

–ABC’s “This Week”: Marc Short … Sen. Susan Collins (R-Maine) … Del. Eleanor Holmes Norton (D-D.C.) … Rep. Mary Bono (R-Calif.) … Carly Fiorina … Ronan Farrow. Panel: Matthew Dowd, Cecilia Vega, Lanhee Chen, Stephanie Cutter and Megan Murphy

–CNN’s “Inside Politics” with John King: Karoun Demirjian, Michael Shear, Eliana Johnson and Rachael Bade (substitute anchor: CNN’s Nia-Malika Henderson)

–CNN’s “Reliable Sources”: Panel: Birmingham News’ Anna Claire Vollers, Washingtonian Magazine’s Elaina Plott, Michelle Ciulla Lipkin and Marc Fisher … Bill Carter … Angelo Carusone … Jacquelyn Martin … Anthony Atamanuik

–Fox News’ “Sunday Morning Futures”: Eric Trump … Rep. Peter Roskam (R-Ill.) … Rep. Darrell Issa (R-Calif.) … Bud Cummins. Panel: Ed Rollins and Mary Kissel

–Fox News’ “MediaBuzz”: Emily Jashinsky … Francesca Chambers … Michael Tomasky … Susan Ferrechio … Lynn Sherr … Leslie Marshall … Amy Holmes … Mara Liasson

–CNN’s “Fareed Zakaria GPS”: Niall Ferguson, The Economist’s Anne McElvoy and author and former Polish Defense Minister Radoslaw Sikorski … Ray Dalio … Salman Rushdie

–Univision’s “Al Punto”: Rep. Linda Sanchez (D-Calif.) … undocumented immigrants and former sanctuary church refugees Jeanette Vizguerra, Jaime Flores and Amanda Morales … Isabel Allende … Univision Investiga director Gerardo Reyes and Univision News investigative journalist Peniley Ramírez … musician Alejandro Sanz

–C-SPAN: “The Communicators”: Adam Alter … “Newsmakers”: Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton, questioned by the Houston Chronicle’s Kevin Diaz and Politico’s Josh Gerstein … “Q&A”: Musician and author Daryl Davis

–PBS’ “To the Contrary”: Rep. Marcia Fudge (D-Ohio)

–Washington Times’ “Mack on Politics” weekly politics podcast with Matt Mackowiak (download on iTunes, Google Play, or Stitcher or listen at http://bit.ly/2mCW4tB). Syndicated columnist and American Commitment president Phil Kerpen.

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