americana.

   “I snagged an invite because Louisiana, France, and the US were all in one big beautiful threesome at some point in the past. Ya know that whole Louisiana purchase thing? The US spent a pretty penny buying us from the Frenchies, so it only seemed right that the Senators from Louisiana get invited to this little soiree.” Tapping Isaac in the abdomen, before chuckling. “Doubt it’s your face he’s thinking of. You’re cute though trying to stay humble. Who knows though, wear a tank top and flash those guns and you might find yourself at the Easter Egg Roll. Start using those good looks the right way, and you could end up President.” Chuckling, “You’re still letting him take you to those things?” Augustus himself wasn;t a fan of strip clubs, they smelled of desperation, “You worried that pretty mug sitting in a strip club gonna end up in the papers? Sorta ruins the whole family values angle.” 

     She found it sweet, really, that he wanted to make sure they were okay. Granted, he was an elected official with an election coming up ( in her state, nonetheless ) and she was a reporter known for her less-than-subtle drags at people she disliked, but, in her naïve eyes, this was a genuine moment from him. One she might spoil all too soon. “We’re good,” she assured him, lacing her fingers together in front of her lap. It took her a moment of chewing on the insides of her cheek to decide to say the following words but she believed that, maybe, she owed him that much. After all, she’d been the one to make this all so uncomfortable for the two of them by agreeing to go to his place… And sending the night. “I’m here with someone,” she said simply with a weak smile that she tried to morph into a more confident one. “I mean, I wasn’t invited, the White House isn’t my biggest fan…” she let out an unamused chuckle. “So… I’m here with someone.”

Isaac let out a small sigh of relief when Sarah said the pair were okay. It was one thing to screw over someone he barely knew... but as his constituent and a reporter, Isaac didn’t really want to get on Sarah’s bad side. “I’m glad we’re good,” he said, his tone of voice doing the talking - truthful, honest. He uncontrollably raised his eyebrows a little, interested when Sarah said she was here with someone, gave her a gentle smile. “That’s - that’s great, I’m really happy for you, Sarah,” he said, always the worst at conversations like this. Before... “I’m actually... I’m here with someone, too,” he said. Half truths. Yes, he was here with an old colleague, but not as a date. She had extended the invite in hopes they could talk about connecting on a more moderate issue. Isaac knew how to read between the lines. “Speaking of, I should really... really get back. We’ll talk soon, though?”

@isaaccdaniels​ 

Diplomacy is as beautiful as it is boring. Those well versed in this game of pretend were also the ones who got to succeed at it, and the results showed through at the dinner tonight. State officials running over themselves to catch a second of the French President’s attention, only to lose it the following moment. With no real business here, it’s a rather entertaining scene to watch — mentally marking how their mistakes and how pathetic it made each and every one of them look, desperation seeping through every crack. 

Normally, the low-hanging fruit of the political game were exactly the ones Hans would come out and poke, eager for something to entertain himself with. Tonight, as he spots from across the ballroom, there just might be something better. 

From afar, he’d watched Isaac down more drinks in thirty minutes than he’d gotten to witness across an entire month. Good boy façade, and all. He understands that. Respects it in a way, the perception Isaac has that that’s who he needs to be. 

But as Hans would know first hand, masks aren’t all that simple to keep intact. 

“My man. Are we celebrating?” He asks, practically materializing at Isaac’s side. “Or mourning? Tell me your count, I’ll match ya.” 

Isaac really thought he could get through the night, didn’t he? Everything was going fine until he saw her across the room, dress sweeping the floor as if she was royalty. It wasn’t unlike Isaac to run into a few not-so-pleasant faces at events like these, but he really hadn’t expected to spot her here tonight.

He near made a beeline for the bar. His stomach turned inside out, a harsh reminder of who he had been that one night, those couple of nights... those weeks where she wasn’t around or he was traveling. One thing led to another and his confidant became more than. He was great at putting on face for masquerades like these, but she broke him.

He felt Hans’ cocky demeanor exude off of the other man. Isaac only gently raised his glass. “This is number six,” he said, still looking straight ahead before finishing it. “Take your guess...” he scoffed, paused, placed the glass carefully down on the table, back onto the napkin. Six drinks in and Isaac was either the life of the party or ready to snap, and he was sure his friend could tell if he looked close enough, but he gave an answer anyway, alcohol prompting him. “She’s here.... the woman I- the woman I cheated on Celina with... I haven’t seen her in... years...”

   “Really a lovely invite from a friend? So you’re here as someone’s plus one? Or did you somehow seduce someone over at the Social Office?” Gently tapping Isaac in the chest, chuckling a little, grin on his face. “I hear you’re the Social Secretary’s type, is that how you get the invite? Cause I’m still trying to figure out why the hell the White House invited me to this thing.” Another small laugh left his lips when he was told how when you were headlining the GOP you needed to look good, and how only one of their friend group was tied down. “Hey if you’re that jealous, you can come home with me tonight and I can tie you down.” Waving his hand when he was asked if there was anything new in his life beyond the election. “Not really. I hate to say it, but I’m starting to get boring, I’m worried that’s a sign I’m getting old.” 

   Hearing the voice of his friend, the smile on Augustus’ face quickly grew from ear to ear. “Isaac, I can’t believe they’re letting people like you into State Dinners now.” Taking his fellow Senator and friend’s hand, he gave it a good hearty shake. “Who’d you intimidate into getting an invite? Some poor intern working for the First Lady? It has been awhile though, too long for my taste, I need to see that pretty face more.” When his reelection was brought up Aug waved his hand a little. “It can hardly be called an election, all my opposition are a bunch of nobodies. At worst my main opposition will be a Mayor of a city with a population of not even 200,000 people. It’s got almost a hundred thousand less people living in it than my hometown of Baton Rouge. So I’m not worried, now if this was the Mayor of New Orleans, maybe then I’d at be at least a lil worried, this was his sister’s senate seat before I took it. He probably wants the Governor’s mansion, and he can have it for all I care.” 

     It had been a pretty good interview, and Sarah hadn’t simply caught it by chance, she’d purposefully turned her TV on when she knew he’d be on. If anyone asked, the easy excuse was that Esther Danvers was on and she hadn’t missed her show in months. Now that they were – friends was a strong word, but acquainted with each other, it was even more rewarding to listen to her take on the current state of politics. “I wouldn’t have missed it,” she started to say, but his apology made her stop mid-sentence. She’d obviously read him completely wrong ( again ); she’d never been too good with thinking on her feet but the smile she’d mastered was still intact on her face as the wheels in her head turned. “Isaac,” she was even bold enough to let her hand linger over his forearm for a moment before pulling it back and leaving it hang by her side. “Nothing happened,” she reminded him, forcing her eyes to fixate on his. 

Isaac felt his face flush a little at Sarah’s words. It was always nice to feel like an important member of the community, and the fact that Sarah was apart of that community was something that made Isaac... well... happy. He winced a little, knowing maybe he shouldn’t have said anything, but he couldn’t help it. He noticed her hand grazing his forearm ever so slightly, looked down and catching a glimpse at her dress for the first time in all its tight-fitting and short glory. His eyes flicked back up instinctively so as not to linger. “I know... I just... I feel bad, that’s all. Are we good? I just want to make sure we’re... yknow...”

     Her smile tightened slightly when he asked about her – ah, she knew this would happen eventually, she’d run into him and he’d pretend nothing had happened. She was both grateful and disappointed that he’d behaved exactly like she’d imagined. On one hand, this would make it easier to ignore that one night that still echoed in her mind and treat him professionally; on the other hand, she had hoped he’d surprise her. In her wildest dreams, he’d say he remembered and she wouldn’t stand a chance. This was easier, all things considered…

     “Yeah, it’s been crazy… With the election and everything– well, you know,” she offered, standing up straighter and smoothing the front of her dress with the palms of her hands. “I’m good, yeah, actually, it’s been a good month for the most part,” she told him, forcing her smile to appear sweeter. “I saw you on Fox a few weeks ago. You don’t need me to tell you how good you were,” she admitted with a kind chuckle.

Isaac nodded. It was true, he had felt it as a politician, and he was sure that Sarah was more than busy covering everything left, right and center. “That’s - that’s good. I’m glad,” his voice soft, gentle. “Thanks. I’m glad you got the chance to catch it. It was a pretty good interview, but then again, Esther Danvers knows how to make her guests look good, that’s for sure,” he chuckled. He knew that without her hand, that interview could have been a lot rockier. “I uh... hey, I’m sorry... about... yknow...” he trailed, unsure how to breach the subject without making everything more awkward, but he really didn’t want to pretend it didn’t happen at all.

     Date: September 17th, 2020 – State Dinner.

     Normally, when someone was invited to a State Dinner ( or any event at the White House ), they’d stick to the traditional dress code. Sarah Modrik was traditional in many ways, but the small print in the fourteenth page of her contract ( and the number looking at her from her bank account ) prevented her from wearing anything but what dress was lent to her. Clad in the most elegant yet extremely inappropriate short black dress with sheer tulle and embroidered gems, she knew she’d have heads turning in no time – not because she thought she was so stunning but because of how out-of-place she looked ( and felt ). 

     The first hour she spent mostly engaging in whatever conversation she was dragged to and hiding in the bathroom ( ‘to touch up her mascara’ was the only excuse she could think of ); as luck would have it, when coming out of the restroom after her third venture into her safe space, her reflexes failed her and she nearly slammed the door in someone’s nose. I am so sorry, I wasn’t looking–” when she finally swung the door closed and stood in front of her near-victim, the smallest smile curved her lips. “Are you okay? I’m sorry, I should have been more careful,” her voice was steadier now, for some reason, as if the man in front of her didn’t bring up the most confusing memories. 

     @isaaccdaniels

Isaac had been sweet-talking every politician that came his way - after his less than stellar performance at the White House Correspondent’s Dinner (and a couple of glasses of alcohol too far in), Isaac knew that tonight was more than important, especially if Will and Silas happened to lose the election in the coming months.

If it wasn’t for his (mostly) sobriety, Isaac very well would have been smacked in the face with the swinging bathroom door - but his hand reached up to catch it, spotting Sarah on the other side. “I- Sarah,” Isaac said, formality falling as he saw her, looked at her for a moment, noticing a fraction of tension between them. Maybe that was just him, though. “I’m fine, no worries. How are you? It’s... been a while...” he trailed.

Isaac knew the importance of dinners like this, ones where interactions could mean the difference in confidence in international relations, and the start of a headache if things went poorly. So, as per any future president would be, Isaac was more or less on his best behavior tonight. However, it was still a pleasure to run into familiar faces - into friends. It had been a while since he, Hans and Auggie had been in the same room, but it was always nice to catch up. “Callaway,” Isaac chuckled, holding out his hand in familiarity for him to shake. “Been a while, hasn’t it, eh? How are things going in Louisiana? I hear you’re about to win by a landslide again, congratulations.”

event: state dinner

“It could get traction if the president throws his support behind it. I’m sure he’d like to add another Democrat bill on his list of personal achievements,” he reasoned, refusing to so casually believe the bill was a dead man walking. Over the last year he has seen less contentious bills pass, despite his belief that they would. “And isn’t all of this eco-friendly stuff in fashion right now?” He added, knowing that more and more people on the left were falling in line with that kind of thinking. 

Isaac concedes on that one - if the president supported it it’d certainly be more of an uphill battle. As long as the president remained skeptical, tried to play devil’s advocate, be moderate, then the bill might have less of a chance - but Isaac wasn’t sure how Berkeley was going to play this bill. They’d seen the administration pass some pretty Democratic bills, Sanford was right. “In fashion as long as it doesn’t uproot everything we’ve ever built - but no one wants to invest billions of dollars into redoing infrastructure. We’ll send ourselves into spiralling debt trying to ‘rebuild,’“ Isaac shrugged. “So much of our country runs on fossil fuels, what happens when all those industries get shut down in the name of environmentalism? All those jobs? All those people with specialized skills? It’s a slippery slope, that’s all,” Isaac said.

He nodded as he confirmed that this was indeed the bill he was referencing. He had a feeling that Isaac was going to be against it, but there was no harm in confirming that this was the case. “I agree with your thoughts that this bill is poorly designed.” Truthfully, Silas wasn’t opposed to all of the bill, at least where his personal values stood, but he was naturally going to vote against it. “A flagrant dismissal of state rights,” he added in, to show his own grounds for being opposed to it. “I wouldn’t be so skeptical about its chances, though, given the last  year’s show of Democratic championed bills getting through,” he cautioned, and he can only imagine that it had the president’s support. But truthfully, Silas isn’t that concerned about it. It’s not a flashy issue like guns that warranted a filibuster. 

It wasn’t like Isaac wanted to dismiss bills entirely, but this one... he had a hard time seeing be passed through both sides of congress. “I hear what you’re saying Senator... I guess I’m just a little more skeptical of its chances as this isn’t something that all democrats seem to ever be able to agree on, either. Not that Keeting doesn’t have any support... I’m sure he has quite a bit... It’ll be an interesting next few months, to say the least,” Isaac shrugged.

“What would you call it, then?” Sybil questions, though aware she might just be threading along enemy lines. “Would you give up brave, for another shot at this?” Again, Sybil tends back to her own drink, both sets of fingers wrapping gently around her coffee cup. “You know, back in college, we were made to choose the one human trait that meant most to us. The one we would always look for, or reprimand if someone rebelled against it. I chose loyalty.” If one knew her well enough, such a choice wasn’t at all shocking — but simply a destination, given her views up until then. “What would you choose?” 

Then, she can only sigh. “Perfection. While I know I don’t fit the spot, I can respect you for knowing it’s what you need. It’s bittersweet.” Beat. “I hope, whatever you choose, earns you those votes. No matter what, I’ve never rooted against you.” Admittedly, she’d never rooted for him, either. “I hope you know that.” 

“Selfish,” Isaac says bluntly. It’s the truth - he’s selfish. He wants everything and then some, and he wants it exactly how he’s planned it. “It’s hard to say. We’re all a little selfish, aren’t we? In our personal lives, at least. We have to be when we’re public figures for others. Hell, If we weren’t selfish, things would never end.... You know the future means too much to me. I won’t give up what I’ve been working so hard for. Not now. Not this close,” he says. It’s the honest truth. Perfection’s a better word for it, I guess. Thank you Sybil. I do... I do appreciate it,” he takes a sip of the remainder of his coffee, finishing it up. “I have to get back,” he said, looking down at his watch for a moment, noting that he’s got a meeting coming up soon across the street. Another lunch. “I’ll have to think about that word. But I have a feeling you already know my answer better than I do,” Isaac shrugged.

“Senator - nice to see you.” Adam had always liked Isaac well enough, the other man the type who held the mantle of model young Republican alongside him and the small handful of others. Sitting at lunch, he unfolded his napkin to put into his lap, polite. “I’m doin’ alright. Just - keepin’ busy, you know the drill.” He reached for his water glass and sipped from it slowly. “Yourself? How’s the other side of the Hill treating you?”

Isaac nodded at the pleasantries. Vocally, he might not have been the biggest supporter for Adam’s Tobacco bill back in 2019, but he respected the other politician across from him. And another young face in a sea of what often seemed to be a much older crowd was always nice. “Not quite clockwork, but almost so, with the amount of work that picks up during election season,” Isaac nods, confirming that he too has been kept busy. “Doing pretty well... Between the election, the new bills that are being proposed, our own election years for most of us... It’s been busy. But I wouldn’t trade it for anything, yknow?”

Sybil nods. That’s something nor she or anyone could argue with. “Yes, it is,” she says, setting her cup back in between them. “Both are complicated enough on their own, let alone combined. Very brave are the ones that try to navigate it regardless.” Not that Sybil considers herself to be brave. She isn’t. Not in that aspect, anyway. “Yes. You’re looking at the entire country now. The world.” She shrugs, “So it needs to be perfect.” 

“I wouldn’t call it brave,” Isaac shrugs softly. Brave would be a hell of a lot more than whatever he was doing with his life right now. Brave would be willing to give up politics to find the woman of his dreams. Brave would be... anything else. But Isaac wasn’t brave, he was strategic. Determined. Passionate. Probably to a fault. “If the GOP doesn’t win this election, the next four years are going to be a fight, that’s for sure. And I have to be ready to play the game, is all. So you’re right - it needs to be perfect.”

Isaac saying that he would help him and having that actually happen were two different things. If Isaac meant to undermine him, he was at least playing the game of smiling and agreeing well. So Silas doesn’t necessarily completely believe him, but there’s something to be said about making a man promise something and then calling him out when he broke it. So to say that Silas trusted him any more than he did before he walked in the door was incorrect. “Ah, isn’t she splendid?” He said with a light smile. But he did like Esther, truly, as she seemed to be an ambitious and smart woman. And he supposed, while he was here, he would ask Isaac about something else. “Have you seen the ECO-Conscious Transportation Act that’s been proposed?” He asked, opening it up to hear the other man’s thoughts about it first, though one could probably guess what Silas’ stance was. 

Isaac let his mind wander to Esther for a moment - a passionate, dedicated journalist. There was no doubt in his mind that she was talented at her craft, and it was clear that Senator Sanford agreed. “Absolutely,” he confirmed, before turning his head onto the second question that Silas proposed. “Keeting’s bill?” Isaac asked, clear that indeed, he had seen it. “He’s gonna run my state into the ground with all this eco-friendly nonsense. It’s completely unnecessary. Not to mention, there’s a hundred other places in our budgets that could use that money... If the bill makes it past the house that is... Yes, I have seen it.”

Merely half a step into the place, and Hans already rolls his eyes up, heavenward. He’s exhausted by the subject before it even begins, though still, he makes the effort. And this is what he’s met with.

“What’s your crisis now?” Hans asks, ever dismissive, settling down onto his seat, and already ordering one for himself. Surely, he’d need it. “Should you text Sandra? No. Should you be able to talk to women unsupervised? Also no.” The bartender’s quick, and the drink soon arrives. “Any further questions, your honor?” 

Isaac chuckles. “I... you know what, Starke? I’m insulted that you just said I shouldn’t talk to women on my own. I’ll have you know I can be a great flirt when I try hard enough...” he chuckled. Although it didn’t seem like he was going to be able to try very hard tonight, especially at the rate things had already seemed to be going with him. “I just want to have a good night,” Isaac sighed. Paused. Thought for a moment. “What can you offer?” he asked, eyebrow raised, hoping Hans would catch the hint of what he was really asking for.