#and I’d have days where I love Uzi more

[ashdash2417]

K, y’all. Can we talk about the abandonment issues Uzi may have?

(The info I’m about to share is just my thoughts on all this. I could be right on some parts, and I could be wrong. Again, I’m just sharing what I think based on stuff we’ve seen from the series. Anyways.)

What inspired me to make this was this very moment right here.

“Are you like, gonna leave me?”

You can tell by her voice that she was scared. Scared that the only friend she’s ever had, the only friend that she’s made her whole life was going to leave her, and it certainly didn’t help that N and V got along well with the other students. Doing some activities together, having fun, playing around and stuff.

I think seeing this, this was the starting point of that fear in this episode. (I’m a little certain that in general, this may go back as early as the first episode, but I’ll talk about that in a bit.)

Here’s that fear she shows after investigating a little bit in the cabin, watching her closest friend get along and interacting with her classmates, despite having been a literal killing machine. And to add salt to the wound, he did so in such a short time. Something that she herself has never really accomplished the whole time she’s been in school.

Some jealousy may also be shown because of this, as she was talking to V, who was also doing well interacting with her classmates.

“Just.. so glad you guys fit right in. Suuuper cool.”

As we all know, Uzi certainly isn’t the most popular girl in school (which btw… relatable imo). In fact, Rebecca had said that she was “super unpopular” when she (well, the top half of her anyways, hehe) reunited with a few drones, whom I’m assuming are her friends.

Uzi doesn’t fit in. She’s like an outcast to her classmates. The “freak” of the bunch. She stands out from the rest of them.

“… You freak us out.”

“But mostly bite me!”

(I’m sorry, I wanted to include that second part here, whether it was relevant or not pfbt. Anyways.)

And it’s not just her classmates that practically outcasted her. Hell, her own father left her to be murdered by the same kind of drone that took away his wife (well, technically, the same kind of drone that struck her with nanite acid, leading to him putting her out of her misery, according to himself from the pilot, but anyways). Now, he may have been too terrified to take action and save his own daughter, possibly reliving the trauma of what happened to Nori. He probably couldn’t fathom having to do the same thing he did to his wife to Uzi. But it still does not justify leaving her, his own daughter, for dead. That is a really shitty dad move there, Khan.

(Or I could be overthinking on that part, and Khan could just be a really shitty father, but anyways)

The way Uzi may have taken it, was that he prioritized his precious doors over her. Having put up more doors to keep himself, and everyone else in the bunker, safe from drones like N. She wasn’t important enough to be saved at the moment she needed him most. Her father- the one who’s supposed to have her back, no matter what happened, the one who’s supposed to protect her whenever things go from bad to worse- had left her to be killed by a murder drone. (Possibly, I’m just spitballin here)

Once this happened, Uzi now has no one she can really trust to stick with her, no one she can rely on for support. She has no friends, barely has family; her father isn’t much like a father to her at all, let’s be honest.

(I would say Thad is the only one she kinda had, but if I remember correctly, they barely knew each other to be considered close friends in the pilot. The only reason Thad knew Uzi (or knew of Uzi) was because she’s Khan’s daughter. That was it.)

(Another thing I wanna add is how neglectful as a father Khan has been, even before the pilot. Hell, the posters that we see can speak volumes of how their relationship is. Not to mention he’s never really spent much (if any) quality time with her, too busy focusing on his obsession with doors.)

(One more thing to add: remember when Uzi told Thad one of the reasons she made her sick as hell railgun was to earn her father’s respect? …That’s just another point I wanna make about the infamous Doorman and how well he’s raised his daughter.) :)

So yeah, Uzi never really had anyone close to her in her life, meaning that she didn’t have anyone to trust, either.

Until this goober shows up.

(Or more like, he was about to kill her until she blew his head off, but that’s not the point.)

Of course, we all know they didn’t become best friends right away. Because he’s a disassembly drone, and she’s a worker drone, and… yeah.

If it wasn’t for Khan backing away from the fight and closing the door on Uzi, Uzi probably would’ve been dead right then and there. N probably would’ve killed her and everyone else without much of a second thought. However!

Considering how he told Uzi about V and J, he didn’t have the best relationship with either of them. (his crush on V seemed one-sided, at least in that flashback where V’s character was introduced? And J just straight up insulting him while stepping on him, and talking about how she’d kill him if she were allowed to.) He didn’t seem to have anyone to consider a friend either, at least mutually. For the longest time, it was just N, V, and J, doing their jobs, working together on killing the worker drones and such.

Then, what Uzi said to him about how the company treats the drones had created some doubts. N never questioned JCJenson and their motives until Uzi came along. And because of that, he almost died via a virus put in by J.

Then, after Uzi saves him from dying, and after they both stop V and J from killing the worker drones, N still stood by her side. N has never given her a reason not to trust him after that. He’s been with her the whole time after Uzi banished herself, and he’s never left her like the other drones have.

I’m thinking, after Uzi had banished herself from the colony, N could have left her on her own, he could’ve refused to let her go with him and V back to the landing pod, but he didn’t. (Not only because Uzi had encouraged him to look at the bigger picture, so to speak, but it also would’ve been out of character for N of all people (or robots in this case lol) to just deny her of joining the squad. He’s such a goddamn softy, let’s be real here.)

(Also, I wanna point out that from N’s perspective, she was the one who encouraged him to become an “angsty, rebellious disassembly drone” in the first place. If it wasn’t for her, he would never even question why they’re killing worker drones to begin with (other than to consume the oil for survival, of course). If it wasn’t for her, he’d still be out murdering. She was the one who respected him more than V or J ever did combined. (Well, in V’s case, this would be after her memories became messed up anyways. She did seem to like him when they were worker drones themselves.))

So yeah, this whole time, N has been the only one Uzi had ever really had throughout the series. N has been the only one that didn’t treat her like a freak, nor had insulted or threatened her in any way (lookin at you, V!). And most importantly, he was the only one that never left her at all. He stood by her side, he had her back, and she had his, and they stuck together, especially through the scary stuff.

So going back to episode 4, that was the first time since they’ve met that they were really separated. And the one time they weren’t with each other, Uzi had taken her solver form for the first time, and had killed her own classmates as a result.

Had N been with her while she was investigating stuff, chances of Uzi taking her solver form happening probably would’ve been really low.

Hell, this whole thing probably happened because she was alone, because nobody was with her, and she didn’t want to be left alone again, and she was scared that she was going to be left alone again after seeing N interact with the other students!

TLDR: Uzi probably has abandonment issues, and was scared the only friend she has was going to leave her like everyone else had in her life.

I wanted to make a long rant about this because it’s been on my mind off and on for a while, especially after hearing Uzi’s voice when she asks N if he’s going to leave her (god that really hurts!), and as sucky as I am with words, I wanted to try anyways. Hope y’all enjoyed. 😁😅 (and now to end this on a lil lighter note, here’s an image of a robot huggy)

[commenter2]

"Dead End" review

Time to see where that robo bug leads Uzi and the gang.

Still love the Glitch theme

Ooo a beach epi…oh. Eh I bet Cougar Macdowall will make a video about such a thing soon XD

Is a robot buffering the equivalent of being unconscious?

Well this is a weird premise for a Jurassic Park sequel.

Looks like that lab isn’t abandoned.

So the exoplanet can harbor a bit of life on it, good to know.

After 5 episodes, we see Uzi going back to her “kill all humans” phase XD.

So there are numerous Js out there! That is scary.

Cyn sent N, V, and one of Js clones to the planet!?!?!

Uzi can generate her bat wings now, and it’s nice to see N try to help her when landing, just wish Uzi can be 1% less angsty from time to time.

Tessa seems a bit commanding here, especially when compared to how she was nice to J in the last episode.

Tessa playing with N’s hair XD. Looks like Uzi’s tail likes it to XD

Almost a Uzi X N moment is better than no Uzi X N moment

V’s “eye” is “twitching”, I wonder if she is also curious about this sentinel reintegration unit

Robot hillbillies!

Good to know how to kill those MD backup systems in case Uzi and the others have to fight another one again.

They had to tape the magnet on Tessa cause she isn’t a robot XD Also I guess this confirms that non corrupted drones in this world don’t follow the laws of robotics like harming humans.

N is too good for his own good. I know it’s a stressed baby, but I think since its operating on you, this would be the one time you can be a bit mean to it.

Of course Uzi’s first question about her mom would be about if she was cool or not. Though since she married a door obsessed dad, I think the answer is yes. XD

IDK how Tessa is going to save the others while working on what looks like a Word document.

Earth is gone. Uzi will be pissed that she couldn’t do it herself. Either way it’s nice to finally get some info about the singularity.

Promixa system, plat binary system, copper system. I guess in the future humanity is still uncreative with coming up with names for planets and places in space.

I do like the robot dinosaur designs, reminds me of the dinosaur machines from the Horizon series.

This episode IS trying to be like Jurassic Park. See that’s what you get for following that movie’s logic. Also why give her a sword when she isn’t going to use it to defend herself!

So robots can follow the laws of robotics, in this case don’t harm humans. I guess the drone’s Ais are too advance for that.

A solver just took over Uzi. The solvers ARE the singularity!

Aww not the baby.

More Uzi X N and V being jealous. What’s up with you Tessa?

Wait the eyes on that Sentinel are different, is that the singularity?

A proper hand holding!

Clever girl…. bot. Hey with all the Jurassic Park vibes in this episode, I’d be mad at myself for NOT making that joke.

Is the bug okay?

You guys have missiles, just shoot down the elevator and go down it. Sure it might then make it hard to find what floor to check but it’s worth it to survive.

A robot with a gun in its mouth!

V catching the bullet as it still spins is another Cliffside reference for those wondering

Now it’s using a sword. I wonder if the Sentinel is a fan of Beast Wars as he is acting a lot like Dinobot.

NO NOT V, DAMMIT THIS IS WHY THEY SHOULD HAVE DESTROYED THE ELEVATOR IN THE FIRST PLACE! Eh with the fact that J said there are clones, I bet we will get her back one day. Maybe we could get the original, having a crush on N one?

A pretty okay episode. Wished we had gotten to learn why those robot dinosaurs exist and maybe give V more screen time before her inevitable death. We should at least have gotten a N x V moment where maybe she reminds N about their realationship in the past. At least we got to learn a bit about the singularity as well as get more info on why the Murder Drones were sent to the planet and such.

What did you think about the episode?

[creativeskullcreations]

Even MORE MD Strip Club AU Details (Still NSFW)

Soooo I saw some asks about the Strip Club AU and, considering how big one of them is, thought I’d give them their own submission to address them in. Along with some extra facts, of course.

  And considering that this IS that submission, let’s jump right in!

  (Non-direct answers to questions are in Italic.)

  (Feel free to give commentary)

Commentary, lol.

— — — — —

J has the lowest libido in the Silver Strip, and even she has sex daily. Five times a day, actually, mainly because I headcanon that days and nights on Copper 9 are a bit longer than on earth. Usually she has sex to relieve stress, but sometimes she’ll have it for the sake of having it. She usually goes to S for both, considering that S is almost supernaturally good with her hands, possibly even more so than N

Uzi is a free use girl in the brothel

Not a surprise, as that's kinda how she is in Wireplay.

Uzi, V and N do pole dances quite frequently, if only because they love being watched

J works near the main strip area, and sometimes sees Uzi, V and N on the poles. Though she mostly pays attention to the rare times S is on stage

The manager and owner of the Silver Strip is a worker drone named Vera

Vera’s personality is a lot like Principle Bump’s from The Owl House, in the sense that she’s strict, but not overly so, and actually cares about her employees’ well-being unlike the previous owner who was cheap as all hell

The Silver Strip itself is located in the prostitution district of Haven. And before you ask, yes, yes there is a district in Haven made specifically for sex. Best not to question it

V likes to make bets with other doms to see who can best the other in a “fight”. V’s usually the one who wins

The polyester strands and garter belts on Uzi’s maid outfit are detachable, and she usually takes them off when she’s not dancing on stage or if she’s doing a special…performance…with N and V

Uzi gets a lot of dominant clients, both male and female, and sometimes gets worked by more than one person.

Uzi’s best memories in the Silver Strip was when she was worked by seven drones at a time, N and V being two of them, to the point where she passed out a few times, and even then they worked her from dusk till dawn. All to her consent, of course. Some people would’ve called it inhumane. Uzi calls it the best night of her life

Good for her, glad she had fun.

Workers in the Silver Strip consist of a lot of people. People wanting to pay off college debt, people looking for cash, prostitutes, but for the most part the staff consists of what are essentially a bunch of really, really, REALLY horny robots

S’s outfit consists of…nothing. She wears literally nothing when she’s working. It’s a big turn-on for clients, but mostly for J (she doesn't know why but she's not complaining in the slightest). When she’s not working though, she wears a light-red robe that’s also see-through, so anyone can see everything underneath. Also a big turn-on for J. Though if she’s not in the mood (which is rare), she’ll wear a similar robe made out of cotton

J and S have an open relationship, and they surprisingly don’t mind if the other has sex with someone else. They’re line of work doesn’t exactly paint having sex with other people while still being in a relationship with someone else as a bad thing, does it?

I said in a previous submission that once you join the Silver Strip, you do it for the rest of your life. I might have exaggerated a bit there, to be honest. Joining the Silver Strip fulltime is still a thing, but you can quit anytime you like. However, that wasn’t always the case. Long before Uzi, N, V and J joined it, the Silver Strip had some…controversial business practices, and did do the practice of…not letting people quit, basically. All of it was overseen by the old manager. After he died, however, and management changed, the new manager (Vera) pulled back a bunch of questionable business practices and policies, and installed her own, more humane ones, one of them being allowing people to quit. You can thank her for being the sole reason that the main four can quit to begin with

Ok, that's a good little retcon there. Also, very clever. Maybe, even with Vera, it's still got the reputation that you can't leave once you're hired?

I'll get into the Silver Strip's ✨L O R E✨ in another submission

Despite being able to quit, a lot of the staff don’t. Especially the exotic dancers and sex workers. Not to say none of them quit, just the majority of them don’t. They don’t quit for a lot of reasons. Good pay, free housing, etc. But the main reason is…they’re all just horny robots. That’s it. They’re a bunch of horny robots who love sex a bit too much. Why would they want to quit a place where they can have sex and get paid for it? To them, this is as good as life gets.

Uzi, N and V are three of these horny robots

(GIF of Legolas saying "Sluts")

Oh, J? J just joined cuz of the good pay and free housing. And also to be closer to S because she makes her feel happy and good and helps her with her own problems and helped her out of a slump BUT STILL THE GOOD PAY AND FREE HOUSING

Hell I'd join for that.

— — — — —

Welp, that’s all the facts and details I could come up with today! Time to work on how everyone joined the Silver Strip!

  Till then, skull creator person!

See ya next time.

[fnf-brain-rot]

Corrupt bf & Pico - you're all mine

⚠NSFW WARNING⚠

How was one supposed to react to panicked text messages sent around the time of three am?

Pico's insomnia kept him from having a decent sleep schedule, so he was awake to catch it. It was from Girlfriend. She sure as hell was never up so late, so what could possibly be so urgent?

"Hurry to my house"

"It's Bf"

"I won't be able to help you stop them"

Pico nearly thought he was reading everything incorrectly. He read those three messages over and over for about five minutes, trying to make sense of it. Stop them? What's wrong with Bee? He figured the longer he sat there, the less time he had to stop whatever was happening. With haste, he hopped out of bed, slipping on his usual combat khakis. He made sure his uzi was on him, as usual. This time he decided to take two with him. He rushed his way out of his apartment, almost forgetting to close the door behind him.

He tried calling her on the way there, running down the empty streets. There was an electric tingle in the air. He could feel something was wrong. He called her five times, and she still didn't pick up. He knew it would be a lost cause, but he still tried to call Bee. He called him about seven times. He had a mind to hit Nene and Darnell up about whatever the hell was going on, maybe the Uber kids finally decided to make a move or some shit? Who knew.

His lungs were on fire by the time he made it to her house. eerily enough, the front door was cracked open, as if someone made such a desperate escape that the doors to this mansion weren't important enough to keep closed. From where he was standing, he could see some lights throughout the house being left on. "Fucking god, what happened.." He grumbled to himself. The silence was deafening, as if time were standing still. Marching inside, he clutched his uzi at the ready tight to his chest.

The air inside the mansion was still, as if there had been no living creature to set foot inside for years. He used his phone flashlight to see, since the corridors tend to be dark at night. He, Bee, and Gigi all walked together through the halls, knowing Pico was uncomfortable by himself.

He was getting that feeling now.

He felt as if the shadows were dancing just beyond his eye sight, or maybe prowling, waiting for him to let his guard down. But when he looked, no one was there.

He stopped first in the mess hall. The light was on here. He relaxed a bit, quickly getting himself out of that dark hallway. It was fucking with his head. He opened his mouth to call for Gigi, but stopped himself. That's some dumb white people in a horror movie shit. If there was something in here, he would be the one to catch it by surprise.

He sniffed the air. Blood. He knew the scent well. He was hesitant to make his way into the kitchen, poking his head around the corner. He could have sworn he heard a scuffling sound, but when he flicked on the light, nothing. This whole situation had him on edge. It would have anybody on edge.

He tried calling Gigi again, quickly rushing to the staircase in the main area. He called her until he could hear her phone, it would give him a lead on where they've gone. It was in her bedroom. He could have guessed as much. The room was a damn mess, as if a tornado had come through and thrown everything around. Oh god, is Gigi okay? Pico felt the blood drain from his face, and his stomach twisted into a nervous knot. He smelled blood earlier, but didn't know where it came from.. There were some spots on the floor near her bed. He grabbed her phone to look at it. Thank goodness he knew her password. He unlocked it and looked through it to see if she called or texted anyone else. She had an unfinished message she would have sent to Pico.

"It won't stop until"

Until what?

"Dammit.." Pico growled under his breath, then set her phone back down. Where the fuck was she? Where was Bee?

He took a moment to breathe in her room. He couldn't lose them. He couldn't lose anyone else. He didn't want to be alone again. Not again..

No... Now's not the time..

With a shaky breath, he stood off the bed, and marched out of her room. He sniffed the air again. Still blood.. but a trail. He looked down at his feet to see the trail of blood. It led down the staircase off to the left. Following it took him to the last place he wanted to go.

The basement.

This never goes well in horror movies and he knows that.

He almost considered not going down there at all, but the fact that this was Bee and Gigi, and quite possibly the rest of the city in trouble, well, he would have to fight again. Just like the old days.

He gathered the courage, pulled out his phone, and descended into the dark floor.

It was pitch black. He couldn't see a few feet in front of his flash light. He could feel it. Them. Her, him. They were down here. He could see the shadows move, he could feel the darkness breathing down his neck. He tightened his hold on his uzi, then spoke. "Come the fuck out, now."

His demand was followed by immediate laughter, which made him flinch. He swung his phone behind him, but he still couldn't see a thing. That's when something knocked against his hand, something cold and wet. His phone tumbled against the concrete flooring, and he was quick to shoot in whatever direction it came from. Twice. Nothing. "Stop fucking with me and come out!" He growled angrily. What felt like an arm wrapped around his waist, and he acted quickly, turning around to grab the source of it, but his arms were quickly restrained above his head, presumably from the same thing that knocked his phone away.

He shivered at the sensation, and was about to yell again when someone finally spoke. "You've always been such a fighter.. You would even fight your own lovers?" It was.... "B.. Bee?? Where are you?" His eyes darted around blindly in the dark, and he bit his lip. "I'm right in front of you, silly."

"Well I wouldn't be able to fucking tell that in the pitch black darkness, dipshit." Pico spat back in response, only for Bee to giggle. "So tough.. Have it your way."

He heard the flick of a light switch, and was apalled by the sight in front of him.

Only about a foot in front of him stood.. Boyfriend? But... Looking at him was like looking into a void. His entire body was engulfed in this black substance. His face was almost unrecognisable. It was as if he had a row of razor sharp teeth to replace his normal ones, and he could only see one eye. That eye was blank white, like his own, only sharper and more insidious looking.

Pico's heart dropped to his stomach. He was at a loss for words. "What the fuck are you.." His words came out in a mumble, like he could barely speak. It laughed at him. "I'm your Boyfriend, silly!" It cooed back, moving only so he was a few inches away from him. Their bodies touched, and Pico let out another fierce growl before tugging at his restraints. They were.. Weird tentacle shit, go figure. He quickly glanced around, and that's when he noticed another body on the ground some ways away, and assumed the worst.

She was breathing. Shallow.

"Gigi! Girlfriend what-" He stopped again. The same dark matter had mostly consumed her body. A painful grin stretched along her face. She looked terrified, yet she couldn't move. The only spot not touched by the matter was her right eye. She looked at him. "Holy shit this is fucked.. Look I'd love to stay and plot evil shit with you, but can you fuck off and let them go?" Pico swallowed nervously. That was about as nice as he could ask.

"Hm.. I dunno.. You just might have to beg for your life first. I have just the thing for you." The thing that called itself his Boyfriend giggled up something sinister. It moved its arm from his waist, then threw Pico across the room. The ginger tumbled to the floor with a grunt, but quickly regathered himself, reaching for his uzi with a quickness. Still not quick enough. A tendril knocked it from his hand, then grabbed his wrist. Pico managed to catch another one coming at him, just barely managing to hold it. He had a scowl on his face. "If you're so fucking bad why not fight hand to hand?" He called out to him, and it scoffed. "Yeah yeah, I'm not here to fight sweetheart." Another one lunged for his leg, and with two apendages restrained, he was pinned to the wall, rather harshly.

It knocked the wind out of him, and he shook his head, but his other leg was caught, and they were spread apart, and his arms were lifted above his head again. Oh, fuck this. "Jesus what the fuck do you want?? What the fuck is your goal?!" Pico was growing desperate. It sure had a knack for laughing at him. "I want to hear you scream." With that, it advanced on him, continuing to walk toward him. One more of the slimy apendages slithered up Pico's sweater, and it made him shudder. It was called into question what type of scream we were talking about here.

That question was soon answered when he felt the flick against his nipple, and the tearing of his favorite fucking sweater off his body. Honestly he was kinda mad about that, but now wasn't the time to worry about clothes! He couldn't move, as much as he tried, then he felt a searing hot pain on his hip. It was touching him, with its sharp claws. All it did was poke him, and doing so felt like it was fire to his veins. The dark matter seeped into his skin, staining the white surface with the black inky void the other two were covered in. He bit his lip to hold back his sound of pain, only to be conflicted with a tendril beginning to fondle his junk through his pants.

"You're fucking sick." He snarled through grit teeth, and it simply shook his head. "Oh Pico," It unzipped his pants, then pulled them down to his knees with ease. "I'm only doing this because I love you." It grinned, but it was only wicked and crazed. Pico shook his head. This sure as hell wasn't his Boyfriend. He let out a surprised grunt at the feeling of his shaft being toyed with, and absentmindedly bucked his hips. His eyes flew wide upon realisation, and he struggled to move again. "F-Fuck off!" He choked out, trying to ignore the heat that rose to his cheeks.

"Always so cute.. Yet you look at me crazy when I suggest you bottom, huh?" Pico shook his head again, trying to block out the words. It couldn't have Bf's memories. It wasn't him. It wasn't. He gnashed his teeth together as it dragged another claw along his abdomen, watching the matter spread against his flesh, slowly, painfully. "Fuck this.." Pico groaned out, squeezing his eyes shut. If he could tap out honestly he would. It laughed at him again, one of the tendrils prodding at his little pink hole. "I mean.. that is the plan." It teased him, and it pushed inside of him. It was already slick with whatever was coating these things, but the abrupt movement had Pico crying out in pain. The ginger threw his head back, and he tried not to make a sound, but this all hurt like hell. It hurt.. But.. It felt so.. good? That had to be this corruption talking, it had to be.

Pico's back arched, and he felt it move in and out, pushing near his prostate, pulling out when it got close. "Oh... Fuck... This..!" He exclaimed breathlessly, moving his hips around as it began to move faster. The thing standing in front of him seemed pleased, wrapping a firm claw around his cock. Good Lord this thing was kinda hot.. Wait. Pico gasped out at the feeling of it finally hitting his prostate, that being enough to push him to the point of tears. "Now, like I said." It began to speak again. More of the blackness had claimed more of his body. He could feel it crawling under his skin. "Beg for it to stop. You wanted me to be.. 'let go', right? So beg for it." It had a cocky smirk on its face. Pico couldn't believe what the fuck was happening. "P-Please.." It took everything in his power not to moan his words. "L-Let.. Let them go.." He had been biting his lip so hard it started to bleed. The creature laughed, damn there crushing his length in his hand. "That's not what I want, Pico dear." It stated vaguely.

Pico rolled his eyes, then tilted his head back. "Please.. P-hah...! Please..! Let them... G-Go..!" He begged, against his wishes of course. That would have pushed him to the edge if his dick wasn't being practically crushed right now. "Awe, that's a good boy, Pico.." It cooed proudly. Pico's face was on fire, from what he assumed was blush. How fucking embarrassing. "Unfortunately you're a little too late." It smirked again, and let go, allowing Pico to let go as well, relaxing a bit as he released blissfully, but wasn't aware. "Now you get to be with us. Forever." Pico could barely register the sinister laughter as his eyes glazed over, and his consciousness was pushed back to be a passenger, unable to stop the laughter that rose from his own chest to join the cacophony of the thing that called itself his Boyfriend.

And now he resided inside the thing that called itself Pico.

[dialovers-translations]

Diabolik Lovers ETERNAL BLOOD Vol. 3 Mukami Kou [Track 5]

Original title: 青空に手を伸ばして

Source: Diabolik Lovers Eternal Blood Vol. 3 Mukami Kou [CD not owned by me]

Audio: Here

Seiyuu: Kimura Ryouhei

Translator’s note: Kou really tried to win me over with this CD, haha. I’m kind of looking forward to playing his More, Blood route now, even though I did things in reverse. xD I like how he was finally honest about his anxieties and the way the MC reacted to it was just so incredibly sweet, I loved it!

This track was requested by @uzi-boozii​​​! If you would like to request a translation, please contact me through IMs or drop an ask!

Track 1 ll Track 2 ll Track 3 ll Track 4 ll Track 5

Track 5: Reaching Out for the Blue Sky

“We ended up staying there for quite a while, huh? Well, we did have to take a little break after I sucked your blood. ...Ah, hey! Are the effects still lingering, you seem to be somewhat spaced out? It’s still a while before the sun will set but do you want to call it a day? We could continue where we left off at home~”

You get flustered.

“Aha~ Your cheeks are turning red, what’s the matter? Ah! Are you recalling the events from earlier? Ahaha~ If you’re that energetic, it should be fine. We still have some time till the evening falls, so shall we do some shopping? There’s actually one more thing I wanted to shoーー...Oh?”

It starts raining.

“Rain...Seems like we’re in for a real downpour. Let’s go stand underneath that store for now!”

The two of you start running as the rain gets heavier.

“Ah...Phew~ We didn’t get too soaked. Aren’t you cold?”

You shake your head.

“I see. Thank god. ...Aaah~ It’s only getting heavier. You almost wouldn’t believe we had clear skies up until just now. Even though this is our special anniversary...How unlucky. ...Could it be because I was...having a little too much fun?”

You tilt your head to the side, confused by his words.

“Ah...No! I just had some...silly thought. Wondering if it’s my fault it suddenly started pouring like this. I really did have fun today... No! Even the preparations leading up to today were a blast! I’d run from one place to another, wrecking my brain over what could make you happy, then when today finally rolled around, your reaction exceeded even my expectations. You sounded so happy and we were even able to imitate a wedding ceremony. 

I honestly just felt way too blessed...Somewhere deep inside my heart, I couldn’t help but wonder if I even deserve to feel this way...How long will this happiness last? Will it...disappear one day? 

I abadoned Ruki-kun and the others. I betrayed that person. There’s no way I could remain happy forever. I wonder if it started raining as a warning for me getting ahead of myself. Reminding me that even the most fun of times can quickly come to an end.”

You frown.

“...Ahaha, no way, right? The rain is just a coincidence. I know I’m probably overthinking things. But still, I hate it...How something like this can just easily ruin my mood, even though it was a wonderful day before. We saw so many sceneries, made so many memories, yet this uneasy feeling remains inside of me...That one day, this happiness might just slip from between my fingertips.

Heh...I’m sorry for saying all these weird things. Even though I said I’d give you anything you’d like...Honestly, I’m so lame.”

You comfort him.

“...!? What’s the matter? Holding my hand like that...”

You explain.

“It’s fine? ...Why!? How can you be okay when our happy time was just ruined!?”

You start running, dragging him along.

“...Ah! Wait! Where are you going...!? You’ll get wet! ...Ah, look! You’re already drenched! What if you catch a cold!? Let’s hurry up and go back?”

You shake your head.

“It’s okay? I might be as a Vampire, but you’re different, right!? What part of being soaked to the bone is ‘okay’!?”

You repeat your words from earlier. 

“...! Yeah, you did say that just earlier...That you’re fine as long as I’m here with you.”

He places his hands on your shoulders.

“Eh...? Why!? How come!? How can you...just casually say such things!? As long as you’re with me...You don’t mind become misforunate. You really are unfair...”

You remain silent. 

“Hey...This kind of gloomy, rainy everyday might be waiting for us ahead. Who knows what kind of troubles will arise? Would you still...remain by my side?”

You nod.

“Mmh! In that case, I’m not scared either. If you’re there with me, I’m sure I can endure anything! ...It truly is strange. The words you speak, they melt away all my worries. Even though I’m supposed to give you presents today, I keep on receiving them instead.”

You comfort him again.

“You always encourage me like this. Because you’re like that, I don’t ever want to let you go. I want to do anything to ensure your happiness.”

You nod. 

“Come to think of it...I heard that Lovers’ Day isn’t just about gifting something, but it’s a chance to confirm mutual feelings for each other as well. Heh. In that sense, we were able to spend this anniversary in a very fitting way.”

You agree.

“Mmh! This might be very much like us so maybe it’s not too bad...~”

The rain slowly starts to lift.

“...Huh? Ah! It stopped! Honestly, this timing is too convenient...Maybe it’s reacting to my mood after all?”

You point towards the sky.

“Hm? What’s the matter? ...Huh? A rainbow...! ...Yeah. It’s beautiful. You can see it clearly in the blue sky. ‘After a downpour something wonderful is waiting for you.’ ...I forgot which song it is from, but I can understand its meaning very well right now.”

Kou turns around to face you.

“Whatever the future may hold for us, let’s overcome it together! Then I’m sure we’ll be able to see a beautiful sky like this one. Right?”

You agree.

“Hehe~ I feel like I could walk to the end of the world right now! Please let me return the feelings you conveyed to me today step by step...Every day from today onwards, unrelated to it being Lovers’ Day or not! While going to various places, seeing various scenerios and making all sorts of memories! So...Will you walk alongside me?”

You nod.

“Thank you. Exactly. When I’m with you, I feel like I can keep marching forward.  On clear days, or rainy days...Without hesitation. Let’s be happy, together.”

*Smooch*

ーー THE END ーー

[becky69lu]

Ed Edd n Eddy Music Taste Headcanons

Last night me and my friend came up with ideas of what the kids from Ed Edd n Eddy would listen to for music. And I thought I’d share with you all :) (You’re free to disagree but this is what I think the characters would like)

Ed: This guy would definitely be into soundtracks. Video games, horror movies, etc. He’ll enjoy them all. I feel like he’d be the type to explain why he likes a song on a soundtrack, like the vibes it gives him and how good it was in whatever game/movie it was. 

Double D: Growing up he’d be into classical music by default. It’s all his parents played so it’s what he’s conditioned to like. I feel like as a result he’d never really have a preference to listen to music because he mainly uses it as a form of relaxation for studying or concentrating. But when he entered high school it’s a whole other story.  He ends up befriending (or dating, depending what you ship) Marie. She introduces him to her music (which we’ll get into in a bit!). You’d expect Double D to hate it. Hardcore rock and heavy metal seemed a bit extreme. At first he might think it’s just noise. To his surprise, he ends up enjoying it immensely and starts to understand why people listen to music for fun.  On more than one occasion Ed and Eddy will catch up to Double D in the hallways or the walk home from school and catch him blasting some heavy band. It surprises people greatly what Double D likes, but in a good way. 

Eddy: This dude is the embodiment of the meme where you listen to rap with the homies but something else when alone. This guy will listen to Lil Peep and Juice WRLD, and don’t get me wrong he genuinely likes it, but it reaches its max appeal at some point. By himself he’ll listen to old school music. He really likes Elvis, Frankie Valli and Frank Sinatra. It’s what he grew up listening to with his dad in the car and loves it to this day. He’s not ashamed of it but prefers to look cool for listening to rap around random people. Really only Ed and Double D have listened to his playlist with him.  The only thing he kind of hides which is a guilty pleasure is NSYNC and The Backstreet Boys.  I feel like in high school Eddy and Kevin would be close bros, the kind that constantly pick on each other for fun but they really do appreciate each other and will be there for each other. As a result of their constant roasting, both of them listen to rap together but end up going home and listening to completely different things. 

May: Growing up, all three of the Kanker Sisters listened to Country. Their mother enjoyed it so she’d play it around the house a lot. May’s the only sister who’s favorite genre is Country though. She loves Carrie Underwood, Luke Bryan, etc. In high school, her music taste opened up slightly. She likes pop music and enjoys a bit of Marina and the Diamonds, and Melanie Martinez (which she heard from Marie’s room and thought it sounded good.) She’s still a country girl at heart but enjoys bubblegum pop too. She’s also the type to enjoy basically anything, but she refuses to listen to heavy rock. Her limit to rock music is screaming, and at that point she wants to shut it off.

Marie: A rocker at heart. Of course she always dressed the part, but didn’t actually listen to rock music until she was 13. She entered her emo phase and never left. She likes classic rock, modern rock, and anything alternative or indie. Her favorites are Asking Alexandria, My Chemical Romance, A Day to Remember, Falling In Reverse and In This Moment.  In terms of other music, she really likes P!nk, Avril Lavigne, and Ke$ha. The only genre she hates is country. For her, growing up listening to it constantly made her hate it because it was overplayed. She refuses to listen to it and sometimes her and May butt heads when in the car trying to play music. 

Lee: This girl takes pride in her music taste. She flaunts her love for old school rap. She loves 2Pac, Snoop Dogg, B.I.G., Tupac, and Eminem. She’ll play it around whoever is willing to listen and genuinely enjoys it. If her and Eddy became friends (or dated) she’d get him into Eminem especially.  Regarding other music, she enjoys anything 2000′s like Nelly and TLC. She still likes Country music too, but doesn’t listen to it as often as other stuff. 

Rolf: He listens to foreign music. I feel like this one’s obvious but it’s true. He listens to music that’s poppin in his homeland. When he’s around Kevin and Nazz he actually grimaces at their playlist. He probably won’t like any of it, even if he’s open-minded about it. On occasion he’ll end up liking a few songs or artists from them but not a lot. I feel like he’d like a little bit of Post Malone. 

Jimmy: He’s a THEATER KID!! When he goes to high school he immediately joins the theater program. He’s definitely that one kid that’s liked by everyone. But for music, he’d definitely enjoy musicals. Hamilton, Dear Evan Hansen, Wicked. You name it, he probably enjoys it. He also likes disney music as well like the soundtracks from Mulan, The Little Mermaid, Beauty and the Beast, etc. And he’ll definitely be in every spring musical and already know the songs. 

Sarah: Since her and Jimmy are best friends, of course she also becomes a theater kid. She’s probably one of the most disliked people in the program but doesn’t care. She also enjoys musicals but not to the extent that Jimmy does. They still listen to them together all the time. She probably really likes pop music. Katy Perry is one of her favorites. She’s definitely a Taylor Swift and Justin Bieber fan. To be honest she probably went through a hardcore K-POP phase where she had a stan twitter and everything. 

Jonny: He mainly just likes whatevers popular. He probably enjoys songs off of Tik Tok and is that annoying kid that plays meme music over and over. All Star by Smash Mouth is banned from the Cul de Sac because of him. He probably enjoys some soundtracks from video games as well. The type to just blast Revenge by Captain Sparkles for hours.

Kevin: We’ve already established that him and Eddy basically listen to the same thing. Lil Uzi Vert, Xxxtentacion, etc. That kind of thing. He tries especially hard to be cool. He’s definitely that kid with the speakers in his backpack blasting music down the hallway. But like Eddy, he listens to something else when he’s alone. He probably likes 70s and 80s hip hop and a little bit of classic rock because of his dad. Listens to Motley Crue, Def Leppard and Blackstreet. He’s not ashamed of his music taste, but definitely only plays modern rap in the car with the homies. 

Nazz: She’s a carefree spirit. She likes old school rap too but appreciates a lot of older stuff. She likes Fleetwood Mac and Queen because of her mom. But she also really likes pop and Jazz. She likes Kelly Clarkson, Alicia Keys, Bruno Mars, Coldplay, and Rihanna. Probably a big Beyonce stan too.  Because shes a free spirit, she’ll listen to anything someone plays. She’ll enjoy heavy metal if someone puts it on or even Country. She doesn’t care. If she likes something she’ll definitely go home and look up more stuff. She probably has the most diverse music taste of them all. 

[virtual-lara]

Irish Times - Lara Croft Interview

Interview appeared on Irish Times website, dated to 13th April 1998. VL Note: The factfile at the end inaccurately uses information written by the fan Richard Pugh, who wrote his own biography for Lara Croft when there wasn't an official biography at the time.

After an incredible debut in the original Tomb Raider, Lara Croft rubberstamped her success in its sequel, Tomb Raider II. She is the queen of computer games, the world's first virtual sex symbol, with no competition worth talking about (unless Mario takes your fancy). Last week Computimes managed to track her down - via the Net of course - to a quiet location 55 kilometres outside Lima, Peru, where Lara often likes to unwind after her escapades. The following are excerpts from our virtual interview.

Irish Times:

Not so long ago you were a completely unknown entity and in a relatively short space of time you have become a world famous heroine and sex symbol. How has this fame affected you - has it changed you as a person?

Lara Croft:

I've always been my own person, and fame will never change my attitude to life. If I did my family and friends would not be slow in informing me if my opinions of myself got out of hand. Fame has its difficulties but I just tend to get on with it.

Irish Times:

Tomb Raider and Tomb Raider 2 are rated as two of the best games of all time. How big a part in their success do you think you played?

Lara Croft:

Well, like any project like this it was a team effort. I was just another cog in the machine. But I like to think that I brought a different dimension to the games that set them apart.

Irish Times:

But you're the first female character in a computer game to hit the big time. Do you think it will encourage more females to participate in playing these games?

Lara Croft:

I certainly hope so. Yeah I am sure it will, but I think Tomb Raider has already brought video games into more people's lives, whether they are male or female. It has helped make them more mainstream - not just for spotty teenagers in dark bedrooms.

Irish Times:

Do you like to get to grips with the odd game or two yourself?

Lara Croft:

When I get the time, sure, but I am very busy and my schedule doesn't really allow me much time to indulge as often as I would like.

Irish Times:

What could be so important to hinder your desires for playing computer games?

Lara Croft:

Well [laughs], I do have to fund my jaunts every now and then. I publish some adventure novels based on my travels and write various articles and abstracts for various scholarly publications. And then I do like to do some real adventuring myself as you may have gathered.

Some people would say you are a protagonist of Girl Power, some have even referred to you as "Virtual Spice". Are you comfort- able with those analogies?

What people say or don't say isn't really relevant to me. If it inspires people to do something that they really want to do then I am all for it. It isn't as easy as it sounds. I don't know if you are aware but I was the only survivor of a plane crash on may way home from a school trip. I was stranded in the Himalayas for almost two weeks. It had a profound effect on me. The experience convinced me that life was for living and that I was going to make the most of it.

Irish Times:

Your adventures have brought you to many exotic locations. Have you any plans to visit Ireland?

Lara Croft:

I'd love to go to Ireland, it really appeals to me. My great grandmother was Irish, you know - she lived in Chapelizod on the outskirts of Dublin. But really I have no plans as of yet and anyway you would just assume it would be a location in my next adventure.

Irish Times:

So, the question we all want to know - there will be another Tomb Raider?

Lara Croft:

Well nobody knows right now. Everybody including myself needs a good break before any talk of another game.

Irish Times:

Tomb Raider has often been compared to Mario 64 on the Nintendo. Have you ever met the man himself?

Lara Croft:

No, though I am a great admirer of his work (but I also have been known to shoot small, fast moving targets).

Irish Times:

Yes, you have been known to down a few animals with your Uzis, you're obviously not a great animal lover. . .

Lara Croft:

On the contrary - I love animals. I only ever use my weapons in self-defence. I don't do it for fun you know!

Irish Times:

Finally, where do you see yourself in 10 years' time? Do you plan to stay around in video games or have you any other plans?

Lara Croft:

Well there are all sorts of discussions going on at the moment so who knows what the future entails. But one thing is for sure I won't be needing a body double in this millennium or the next.

Factfile:

BORN on St Valentine's day in 1967, Lara Croft started her education in Cheltenham college for girls. She is the daughter of the wealthy Lord Henshingly Croft, but was disowned by her father (her mother is deceased) for not complying with his aspirations for her - i.e. to get married, have kids and settle down. She has a BA in linguistics, an MSc in anthropology and most recently a PhD in archaeology from the University of Chicago. She currently lives alone in a mansion in Surrey.

All rights belong to Irish Times and/or their affiliated companies. I only intend to introduce people to old articles and preserve them before they are lost.

[another-music-page]

*originally posted on Instagram on 4/13/20*

These are my top 10 favorite albums from the 1st quarter, January-March, 10-1.

10. Everything is Beautiful & Everything Sucks - Princess Nokia

This double album was my first time listening to Princess Nokia, and I’m glad I checked it out. It shows so much of her personality, and the fact that the two sides of the album are two different attitudes adds to that personality as well. The production is pretty well done, but the highlight on here is Nokia’s witty, biting, sarcastic, and funny bars that are showcased throughout the project. There’s a lot of great music on this album and the variety shown in the 2 sides of it make it unforgettable to me.

9. Future Nostalgia - Dua Lipa

Future Nostalgia is another great example of 80s trends coming back into pop culture. The songs on this album are uptempo and infectious. Energy just radiates from every aspect of Future Nostalgia, from Dua Lipa’s vocals to the catchy-ass instrumentals. Every one of these songs is an earworm: the hooks are so well-written, simple but effective. And a lot of the songs on here have messages of female empowerment, which is always nice to see. All in all, this is a really nice project from Dua Lipa.

8. color theory - Soccer Mommy

I was drawn to Soccer Mommy’s album, Clean, because of its late night indie-rock feel that’s just perfect to me. The singles that came out before the release made it easy to tell that this album wouldn’t be Clean. However, the song structures used, the great, great guitar riffs, and the awesome vocal performances still are amazing. Overall, color theory is another great project from Soccer Mommy.

7. 3.15.20 - Childish Gambino

I’ve already shared some of my thoughts about this album. I think this album is a very logical step from “Awaken, My Love!” and because the internet, but there are also some definitely lows in the tracklist. At the end of the day though, this album showcases Donald’s immense talent, and the highs are fucking amazing, which is why it’s one of my top 10 albums of this quarter.

6. The Price of Tea in China - Boldy James & The Alchemist

In all honesty, the first time I tried to listen to this, I kinda thought it was just going to be a watered down version of MadGibbs. Once I gave it a chance though, I saw that the beats from The Alchemist are amazing, Boldy’s flows across the album are great, the features are used super well, specifically from Freddie Gibbs and Benny the Butcher, and the project as a whole is very cohesive and a really compelling listen. This was an amazing introduction for me to Boldy James.

5. Freckle Season - EP - Orla Gartland

This is technically an EP, but I’m putting it on my list because of how much it accomplishes in its super quick 16 minute runtime. The lyrics are chock-full of dry humor and wit, like on “oh GOD”, but also pack a surprising emotional punch on songs like “New Friends”. The instrumentals on this project are simplistic but effective, especially on songs like “oh GOD”, “Did It To Myself”, and “Figure It Out”. And the length of the project really lends itself well to the directness in the other aspects of the music. I really enjoy this project.

4. UNLOCKED - Denzel Curry & Kenny Beats

I already knew Denzel Curry could make bangers. I already knew Kenny Beats could make bangers. But goddamn, put them together and wow, it’s a match made in heaven. The chemistry between Zel and Kenny is unmistakable, and it shows through beautifully across this project. You can tell how much they influence each other during the making of the project because each beat works so well with the lyrics it’s paired with. Denzel is firing on all cylinders; he’s witty, quick, and compelling. And Kenny is at his best too, his beats go hard, the samples are expertly used, and the cohesiveness of the album is kept while still having tons of variety. I’m almost sure that this album will never get old.

FAVORITES: Take_it_Back_v2, Lay_Up.m4a, DIET_

3. Eternal Atake - Lil Uzi Vert

To be clear, I don’t mean the deluxe version. For whatever reason, LUV vs. the World 2 didn’t hit like Eternal Atake did for me. It took me exactly one listen to figure out that EA was full of hits. The first time I heard it, I only liked a few songs, then after a 2nd listen, there were only a few songs I didn’t like. I don’t know where it sits in Uzi’s discography (I might make a list about that in the future) but I’m pretty positive that the top songs in this are some of the best in Uzi’s catalog. The productions across this project is mostly very well done and Uzi’s rapping and singing are top-notch. This was pretty much worth the wait, although the deluxe has more fan service so I guess there’s that. Besides that, Eternal Atake is a dynamic, varying listen from one of my favorite artists right now.

FAVORITES: Prices, Silly Watch, Venetia

2. After Hours - The Weeknd

The main word I’d use to describe After Hours is “cinematic”. The atmospheres The Weeknd is able to create are amazing. This album is dark, brooding, and emotional with its lyrics but also its instrumentals and because they complement each other so well, each aspect is enhanced. Abel is kind of a cryptic person in real life, but on After Hours, he doesn’t mince words: “Where are you now that I need you most”, “Tryna be a better man but I’m heartless”, “Take me out of LA/This place will be the end of me”, “I don’t know if I can be alone again”. Abel is in emotional turmoil, and he does a great job of making that crystal clear. After Hours is one of the best albums of the year so far because of The Weeknd’s amazing vocal performance, the stellar instrumentals and the perfectly clear picture it gives us of Abel’s emotional state.

FAVORITES: Faith, Blinding Lights, After Hours

1. Circles (Deluxe) - Mac Miller

Circles, to me, is the emotional flip side to After Hours. While The Weeknd is singing about his emotional turmoil, Mac is singing about his contentment with life in general. It sounds like Mac is singing and performing directly to us at times, telling us not to be worried. I love this album so much because it just makes me happy. It calms me down. I can’t describe the feeling that Circles (the song) gives me right from that opening chord. So many songs on this album just make me feel good: Circles, Complicated, Blue World, Good News, Floating, Surf, etc. Besides the feeling this project gives me, Circles feels complete, which is amazing for any album, but especially for a posthumous release. The production is masterfully handled by Jon Brion, the songwriting is amazing, and Mac’s performances are as inspired as ever. I’m not counting out the possibility, but it’s going to be very hard to top this album for my favorite release in 2020.

FAVORITES: Circles, Complicated, Floating, Hand Me Downs, Blue World

[indie-struggle]

Emotion

I read a script the other day and it was flat. It hit all those famous plot points you hear about, but it was dull. It had nothing of interest, and I wondered why. The more I thought about it the more I realized that it was void of any authentic feeling, and it only had plot. I unconsciously rejected it based on that - being that I am an emotional animal that has experienced a broad range of emotions - and not just sunshine and farts.

This lead me to a thought: no wonder why I keep returning to those films I love.

One of which is Ordinary People. Since I first watched it some years ago, looking back, I'm unsure of how I came about that... maybe it was Alvin Sargent (the screenwriter), who I admire a lot. Anyhow, I keep coming back to it. I watch it maybe 10-20 times a year along with all this other stuff you wouldn't like. I've read the script, though, who knows what draft it was or what level of production it was in, but it still held the core of the story and its moral.

It really is a fantastic film - and made in 1980 to boot - which puts it in this strange place where I'm not sure how it was made. At that time, the action-adventure blockbuster came storming in with Jaws and Star Wars, and a lot of films flew under the radar due to that. But this wasn't ignored and, ironically, probably couldn't be made today. Who knows, maybe it's because Robert Redford's sexy ass could do whatever he wanted then...

The performances, though in certain areas are lacking (mostly from z-list bit actors), don't keep the story from being solid. There isn't one hole in it. Its - and sorry for spoiling 40 years later - structure isn’t melodramatic. The plot isn't pulling the characters along like movies you're used to, the characters are pulling the plot - extremely important difference. You never know where you're going except for the moment, and yet as we go further down the rabbit hole we become more gripped with this family and don't even realize it. Film wise, this is difficult to make on any level. This is also besides the point I wanted to talk about, which is much greater than just structure and planning, or production values and cinematography... I really need to stop drifting.

(the infamous exploding car)

I want to talk about relatability (is that a word?) of emotion. Because I think that's why I keep coming back to it. First off, this type of film is something you're more inclined to see from outside of the US post '70s. It's a piece of Americana but, almost, almost a slice of life film. Something the French, Italian and Russians specialize in: the inner lives of people and how it effects life around them, ultimately resulting in natural conditions, or an ending that has no place else to go, because that's life. Its only alternative is to have a glimpse of hope. Ordinary People ends with that alternative, because this is fucking America.

(I've written about slice-of-life before: https://indie-struggle.tumblr.com/post/172373896232/so-whats-the-slice-of-life-genre-anyway - but since tumblr blocks this blog from being found outside of tumblr, you probably never saw it.)

This family is nothing like what my family was: they're well off, they're complete, they have things I couldn't fathom or even dream of in terms of benefits in life. This isn't a poor family with gritty living conditions making due and living pay-check to pay-check, which I would immediately identify. So, try to understand the bias here. This family is the polar opposite of all that. So, why in the hell can I relate with it so much? The answer, in the end, is the same damn reason I relate with Sean Nelson's character in Fresh.

Emotion.

The interactions that the family go through are relatable and realistic enough that they transcend any sort of status symbol, race or class. They're universal to those who've had the same emotions, even if it's just coping. You have a father who is simple and confused, but he’s caring and present. You have a son with PTSD, unwelcome in his own skin, his old haunts, at school, at home, and with authority. And then, you have the mother: a torn, stand-offish, determined battle axe, who at every turn is trying to unhear or trying to change the subject to keep herself in balance - the egoshell™. She, strangely enough, is the most unstable of the three. Not only to the characters, but to the audience. I have to be honest, I didn't get this until about my 5th viewing. I was so busy hating her, I didn't realize that she in fact is the one torn inside the most. She doesn't know what to do, and of course loses it all by trying to keep it all. Ultimately, the story is about a father though, trying to hold this family together, as shown through the son.

(moments before the great Uzi on the bus scene)

Now, the biggest complaint I've ever heard about this story is about the psychologist. I understand that. The reason is due to a perception of over compensation. At that time, and even today, it's seen as being detestable to see a shrink, or something to be looked down upon by some people - mostly cowards. So, the film paints it in a bright light, not a savior but a brighter light than most can accept. I, myself, who have been to many psychologists (you can tell), can say that the light isn't that bright. It's more of a case of: "Look, psychology is a story in itself, and we don't have 6 years to spend on the son getting help for this story. So, let's round out the edges." And that in turn creates quicker results and this idea of painting the shrink as a saint. But, his character is true to psychology - take my word for it - that's how they are. Granted, they're not all nice, but when you get a good one, they really hit the mark on what that’s like. And the film isn't about him anyhow, he's just the handle along the steps the son is climbing - something I felt Good Will Hunting borrowed heavily from.

So we have a traumatized, coping family. The reason they're traumatized really isn't important. Though it's shown with brevity, you soon start to realize that this family is being pulled apart by strings that were on a bad foundation beforehand (which, in my opinion, is the reason the story merely shows glimpses of the tragedy throughout - which was a good decision). It has zero sentimentality. There's no guy playing a harmonica in the corner while an old man runs off about the troubles of life. There's no music cue as two buddies realize their futility while sitting on a dock, boozing.

Everything is shown, it's right there, naked, bald, shivering, and with no place to go.

Every character's behavior is perfect for the story. They're realistic, they're believable. All their choices and actions are accurate to how people react to trauma. No two people act the same in reality, and how they do in the film is something you should focus on. Their behavior and actions are what reveals their emotions. The believability of the emotions they're having and the actions they take are what transfers the emotions to me. If you think in terms of action-reaction, it's accurate. And that’s a good thing to note. No doubt an external conflict has created a personal conflict story here, but it didn't need the external conflict to work. It didn’t need to be shown. Why? Because this cloud every character is in is the aftermath of it. It’s a rippling wave through each of them, and that’s what’s interesting, not the tragic event itself.

I'm rambling now... fuck. But what I want you to take away from this, besides that it will make you cry unless you have no goddamn soul, is that you don't need a hook. You don't need explosions. You don't need a good planet vs. bad aliens all the time, or a talking fucking animal... you don't need any of that, it isn't what matters. All you need is emotion out of something interesting and you've got something.

No matter the class, the race, or any social or political beliefs you hold close to your chest, emotion matters the most. And it has to be from some place genuine. It's what editors cut for. Emotions triumph, and this film is a good example of the proper writing and execution of them. Behavior and action are always a side effect of an emotion, whether they're holding on too tight, don't know what it even is, or know what it is and are trying hard not to lose it. Realistic emotions are paramount. They are what's relatable. In stories, it's what you have to tap into, it's what holds you, even more so than spectacle.

(killers photograph their victims prior to dragging them into the murder basement)

Now, if you've never lived and done things to experience a broad range of emotions, how are you going to hold someone's interest who has? You're not, and your story is going to be flat. It doesn't matter if you hit every plot device out there. Unless you're Chris Nolan and can get away with just plot and sentimentality, your script will drown. As Tom DiCillo once said: "If it ain't got heart, it ain't worth shit." I don't know if he coined that, I just remember him saying it. In fact, I'm pretty sure I heard my grandfather say that once thirty years ago, but you get the point. I hope.

If I had the chance to talk to that writer, I’d tell him to go live. Go get rejected by a woman, try to survive on nothing, get beat up, go get dirty and come back. Do something to get life experience. And if you can’t for some reason, at least read about those who have and try to fully understand it. And for the love of John-Boy, be interesting and make me feel something beside a bit of thrill or fright. It's tired. There are many more powerful colors of emotion out there besides pink and gamboge... so find ‘em.

[lovemesomesurveys]

So far, how has summer been treating you? Blah. I really don’t like summer, it’s just hot and miserable and adds to/intensifies my already crappiness. It’s just not a good time. The only good thing are the times I’m able to go to the beach. When was the last time you had a slushie? I have no idea. It’s been quite awhile. Is there someone you miss right now? There’s a few people I’ll always miss.  How many pairs of sunglasses do you own? Zero. Do you prefer sticky notes or cork boards? I have a bulletin board and marker board. I use my marker all the time to put appointment card reminders and write important dates on and stuff. 

What was the last movie you watched online? Like through something like Netflix? It was a Marvel movie I think, but I forget which one. It was awhile ago. Is there much drama going on in your life at the moment? Not drama, just other shit. Are you graduating this year? I graduated college in 2015. Do you feel like doing something radically different with your hair? I just need to get it dyed again and trimmed. I’ve also been considering possibly getting bangs again, but I don’t know. Are you in a relationship? No. Did you ever think your cell was vibrating when it wasn’t? That’s probably happened before. The last person who added you on Facebook, did you accept or decline? I think it was some random person, in which case I declined.  Are you at all interested in America’s Next Top Model? I’ve watched a few seasons here and there. I watched the last 2 most recent ones, and I’d watch a new season if they decided to make another. What did you last take a picture of? My doggo. Would you like to learn another language? I’d like to be fluent in Spanish. I should start practicing it again. What type of earphones/headphones do you own? I just have the Apple ones that you get when you get a new phone. I really want to get a pair of Beats.  Your portable musical device (mp3, iPod, etc): How old is it? I use my phone for music, which is only less than a year old.  Do you own a pet that most would consider different? No. Have you ever wanted to travel to Germany? Sure. When was the last time you used scissors? I don’t recall. What’s your favorite kind of perfume/cologne? I like fruity/sweet ones, but also ones with patchouli. As for colognes, I love cedar wood and sandalwood.  Is there a movie coming out that you would like to see soon? I want to see that movie, Don’t Let Go that just came out, but I’m really looking forward to seeing It Chapter 2. Do you love buying shoes? I’m not super big into shoes, but my thing is shirts.  Do you bother making your bed everyday? It’s always made because I sleep on top of the comforter and just use a throw blanket.  Have you had your wisdom teeth removed yet? Yeah. Have you ever been drunk and regretted it? Yeppp. Do you like to do anything artistic? Coloring is about as artistic as it gets for me. What did you last cook for yourself? Ramen. Has anyone ever called you a “pipe dreamer”? No. Who was the last person to text you? My brother. Think back to your last kiss, did you enjoy it? Yeah. Are you even slightly addicted to applying lipgloss or lipchap? Nope. Do you ever make fun of your own country? Certain things sometimes. What Internet browser do you use? Chrome. Do you consider yourself to be spoiled? You could say that. I just hate that term cause I feel like it has such a negative connotation to it. What song are you listening to right now? XO TOUR Llif3 by Lil Uzi Vert.  Are you comfortable giving random hugs? No. I’m not one to initiate a hug except for with my mom. Or my doggo, ha. Who did you last argue with? More like bickering, but probably with my dad. Do you ever have conversations with your pets? Yep.  Have you ever listened to the band Rammstein? I’ve heard of ‘em, but no I don’t think I’ve heard their stuff.  Do you have any plans for tomorrow? My mom’s birthday is coming up, so my brother and I are going to go get her presents. Who is your celebrity love? Alexander Skarsgard, duh. Are you more a Twitter person or a Facebook person? Twitter. Have you ever lost a best friend? Yeah, a few. Do you own an exercise ball? It’s not mine, but I think we have one in the garage. Xbox 360, PS3, or Wii? We don’t have a PS3, but we have a PS2 & 4, and I like to use the PS4 to watch DVDs or watch Netflix and Hulu.  Are you messy or organized? A bit of both. I didn’t use to be messy, but my room has gotten a bit cluttered. Well, it’s not really what I’d consider messy, though... I just have too much stuff.  What band / artist would you love to see live in concert? I’m sad I never got to see Linkin Park in concert with Chester. :(  Are your nails painted right now? Nope. What was the craziest color you’ve ever dyed your hair? Red. Do you consider yourself to be a daredevil? Ha, no. Does it snow where you live? No. :( Do you have any significant scars? I have a ton of scars. I don’t know if they’re “significant” or not, but yeah. Who last had their arm around you? My mom. Are you feeling deprived of anything? Yes. Have you ever been obsessed with working out? Nope. What color is the shirt you’re wearing currently? Black. Are you talking to anyone on an IM right now? No. What did you think of the movie Avatar? I really liked it. I can’t believe it’s taken so long for the 2nd one to come out. I think we still have another couple years. Do you collect anything? Giraffe stuffed animals and knickknacks and key chains.  Have you ever feared the future? I do fear the future. What was your highest mark this year in school? Can you walk in 4+ inch heels? No. Is your significant other shorter, taller or the same height as you? I’m single. Is there a friend you would trust with your life? I trust my family with my life. Have you ever been purposely ditched? It felt that way. Do you live in a relatively safe area? My city isn’t the safest, but my neighborhood is. What was the last alcoholic beverage you had? I think it was a rum and Coke, but it was 6 years ago so I don’t really recall. Is there someone you know who is obsessed with Call of Duty? No. Is that even still a big thing now? Have you ever looked into the mirror and hated who you saw? I think that anytime I look in the mirror. I avoid looking in the mirror as much as possible. Is there a piece of jewellry you always wear? No. I haven’t worn any jewelry in like 4 years. When was the last time you saw your significant other? Sigh. What was the longest conversation you’ve had with a person? Several hours. How many purses do you own? 8, but 1 is a mini backpack I use as a purse sometimes and another is a fanny pack. Is there something you should be doing right now? Nah. Do you wish on 11:11? No. What’s your opinion on the Gulf oil spill? Is it hot in the room you’re in right now? Ugh, it’s a bit warm. Can summer please be over?? Are you one of those people who are always rearranging the furniture? I never do that, and if I wanted to I’d need someone else to do it for me. My room is small, so there’s not much rearranging that could be done anyway. Do you listen to any music that’s really old? I like a variety of music from different decades, going back to like the 50s.  Are you a fan of the LA Lakers? I don’t care for sports. When the last time you were upset and weren’t exactly sure why? I feel that way a lot. I mean, usually there’s a reason, like an accumulation of ongoing things, or something in specific, and then there’s the depression, but sometimes in the moment I’m not sure what in particular is making me upset. I guess though it’s like I said, it’s just everything.  Have you ever been somewhere tropical? No, but I’d love to go. Would you consider yourself to be a chocoholic? Not even a little. I’m really not big on chocolate. I’ll have times where I want something and then I’ll have it and be good for awhile. I haven’t had any chocolate in quite awhile, actually. Have you ever heard of Channing Tatum’s website Post The Love? Nope. Do you know anyone who’s currently pregnant? Someone on my Facebook. Are you a fan of mix CDs? I used to make them all the time back in the day.  Has anyone ever given you their business card? Yeah. What is your dream job/career? I don’t have one.  Do you have a friend who’s naturally a redhead? No, but I have a cousin who is. Have you ever had a one night stand? No. What time is it now? 7PM.

[dopeitstom]

I haven’t done a year-end music list in a few years and I miss it. I’m not sure why I stopped publishing a list of my favorite albums and songs of the year, but since I still listen to a ton of music and keep pretty close track of what I’m liking the most, I figured I’d put something together this year.

2018 was a difficult year for me. Don’t get me wrong - there were a lot of great things that happened this year - both professionally and in my personal life. I dove into a bunch of side hustles to supplement my income, and in the process found out that I have a knack for flipping vintage clothes and churning out soul-crushing SEO copy. 

I loved hard, took trips, grew closer with friends & coworkers, worked on my mental health harder than ever before, and ended the year with a hole in my life that won’t ever be filled the same way again. I learned a bunch about myself in the process, stuff I hope I can carry over into 2019 and beyond. Stuff that will help me navigate the world, a world that I began the year thinking was a pointless hellscape devoid of anything remotely positive. I hope to start finding the beauty in the details again. I want to focus on the positives and the immense amount of privilege I possess when everything feels bad, and I want to continue to grow. I think 2018 was the start of that.

All along the way, just like every year, I had a constant rotation of new music that I was obsessed with. I tend to gravitate towards songs rather than projects for the most part, and my 2018 soundtrack reflects that. While my Best Of 2018 playlist is nearly 200 songs, I put together a list of the 25 best, with my favorite lyric from each.

P.S. - Here’s a Spotify playlist link for those of you that are into that sort of thing: https://open.spotify.com/user/1220131548/playlist/0gWlj9biKmAHpbFfgWBXz0?si=_AJWbfHoRgi7XtjMeE5VyA

I hope you enjoy this as much as I enjoyed putting it together.

1. Trippie Redd - “I Tried Loving”

You can try, I guarantee the shit won't work

2. 6 Dogs - “Lonely Kobe”

Tried to save them but who's gonna save me Running for a minute I've been late lately

3. Kacey Musgraves - “Butterflies”

Kiss full of color makes me wonder where you've always been I was hiding in doubt 'til you brought me out of my chrysalis And I came out new All because of you

4. Chance the Rapper - “65th & Ingleside”

I could spare a rib to get my baby back I just wanna fall asleep where my baby at So I don't wake up wondering where my baby at I wonder if we'll make it back

5. Lil Baby & Gunna - “Close Friends”

Everything was so cool Lately baby been actin' so rude I don't know what somebody told you But I ain't gon' lie, I miss the old you

6. Lil Tracy - “Heart”

Kissin' on my tattoos, in a Jaguar Love hurts and I know you have a few scars Let my love heal you, I just wanna feel you I wanna know the real you

7. Ariana Grande - “thank u, next”

I've got so much love Got so much patience I've learned from the pain I turned out amazing

8. Wicca Phase Springs Eternal -  “Spider Web” feat. Clams Casino & Fish Narc

I try to find the path that's back to her And take myself to where I can be with her How can I say I'm not attached to her But I love her and I feel so bad for her All the time How can I make life easier?

9. Soccer Mommy - “Your Dog”

Forehead kisses break my knees and Leave me crawling back to you

10. Playboi Carti - “Shoota” feat. Lil Uzi Vert

You know that I'm smoking dope, I'll be high til' next week Know I had to let her go, 'cause she can't arrest me

11. Lil Zubin - “Days Are Numbered”

Our days are numbered So we stay fucked up

12. Aries - “SAYONARA”

Promise that I will stay out of reach Far gone, ‘cause the shit still bothers me

13. Future - “HATE THE REAL ME”

Infatuation turned to love on me A sober mind wasn't good for me 'Cause I love you way more than this music That's when shit was brought up and you know I had to lose it Damn, I almost lost it Said it was cheaper not to keep her and it's killing me 'Cause damn, I hate the real me

14. convolk - “i fucked up”

And all the memories I have The things I've buried in the past Moments I cannot get back, still can't forget you (I can't forget you) And when the tears fell down your face And all the words I can’t erase All the highs I try to chase, still can't forget you

15. Conor Oberst - “No One Changes”

I don’t wanna to feel so jaded   Getting on a plane to work things out   When I’m alone you’re all I think about   But I’m never alone very long

16. Juice WRLD - “Wasted” feat. Lil Uzi Vert

My eyes closed, hopin' this ain't make-believe And she don't know that all her demons live in me, yeah I don't know, I don't know Don't know what she been on, I don't know

17. Fantasy Camp - “Heart Is On The Floor”

But I want you to know That my love was true And I'm doing my best in hopes that I could be happy too

18. Swearin’ - “Anyway”

You are angry at me And I get it you have every right to be I broke a promise But see unconditional love only exists in movies Your love for me was a remedy A bright white light you followed idly

19. Lil Peep - “Runaway”

I run away from my problems I do the drugs when I want 'em I ran away from my momma Don't bother me with no drama

20. Travis Scott - “SICKO MODE” feat. Drake

Different colored chains, think my jeweler really sellin' fruits

21. boygenius - “Me & My Dog”

I wanna be emaciated I wanna hear one song without thinking of you I wish I was on a spaceship Just me and my dog and an impossible view

22. Hanzo - “Frozen”

I’m not alright I’m frozen, I’m gettin’ colder Ice on me, like it’s snowin’

23. The 1975 - “Inside Your Mind”

I've been watching you walk I've been learning the way that you talk The back of your head is at the front of my mind Soon I'll crack it open just to see what's inside your mind

24. Mitski - “Why Didn’t You Stop Me?”

I know that I ended it, but Why won't you chase after me? You know me better than I do So why didn’t you stop me? Why didn’t you stop me?

25. Snail Mail - “Pristine”

And if you do find someone better I'll still see you in everything Tomorrow and all the time

[longwoodstudents]

Student Spotlight: Casey Orlosky, Marketing Intern

Hi there! I’m Casey Orlosky, the Marketing & Communications Intern. My position is one year long—I started in June of 2018, and I’ll be leaving in late May of 2019. The most exciting part about my internship is that I earned college credits while living and learning at Longwood. I studied Communications Media at Indiana University of Pennsylvania (IUP) in Indiana, Pennsylvania (it’s very confusing, I know). Anyways, all communications students were required to complete a 9-credit, 3-month summer internship in order to graduate. Most students were allowed to walk in May, complete their summer internship, and then graduate in August—which is what I did. Prior to my internship, I was heavily involved with organizations on campus. I worked as a social media manager for HerCampus.com, an online magazine for college aged women; a marketing intern for IUP Dining; and the media chair for the Student Activity Committee (STATIC), which brought headliners such as Lil Dicky, Mac Miller, Lil Uzi Vert, Mayday Parade, and Bo Burnham to my campus.  

Hanging out with Mayday Parade after a STATIC event.

What is your favorite plant?

I really like daisies. They’re very simplistic, they come in a variety of colors, and everyone is familiar with them. Growing up, my mom planted daisies around our house and she would always get so annoyed when I picked them from her flower beds.

Cheesin’ with some daisies.

What is your favorite Garden at Longwood? What is your favorite part of Longwood?

My favorite Garden at Longwood is the Conservatory in the Peirce-du Pont House. This is where my office is located and where I spend a majority of my time. I love this space because the ceiling is sky-high, the color palette is calming, and the details in the architecture are very impressive. Also, my second favorite plant is located in here. It’s a massive Swiss cheese plant (Monstera deliciosa) that grows on a column from floor to ceiling.  

Check out those monsterous Monstera leaves! My office is behind that window, by the way. 

What is the best part of being a student?

The best part about being a student are the wonderful opportunities we’re given. Our program encourages us to pursue professional development, whether it be attending a conference, seminar, or taking courses related to our field. In October of 2018, two interns and I were fortunate enough to attend the Adobe Max Conference in Los Angeles. We spent three days attending workshops, networking with more than 14,000 creatives, and learning first-hand from Adobe professionals. I learned new techniques to use in Photoshop and even learned how to use one of Adobe’s latest products for video editing before it was even released!

Jolisa Copeman (Display Design Intern), Zuny Jamatte (Seed Your Future Intern), and myself during Adobe Max! 

What is your background in horticulture (or whatever field you are in)?

I have no prior background in horticulture, which is surprising considering that I work in a Garden. However, I learned a lot since I’ve been working here. I write and source imagery for Longwood’s social media posts, which helps expose me to many types of plants.

A rare photo of me gardening.

Why did you want to come to Longwood and what do you think helped you get the position?

What interested me the most about this position was the fact I’d be working with an organization and non-profit that is so prestigious. It’s a great resume-builder and I knew that I would learn valuable marketing skills during my time here. Living rent free on property while also being paid was also an added incentive. I definitely think my experience helped me get my current position. I gained three years of marketing experience during my four years at IUP, which is something that most students my age didn’t have.    

Cooling off in the Waterlily Display. 

What do you do at work? Highlight your favorite project or what you do day-to-day.

If you follow Longwood Gardens on Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook, then you see a lot of what I do. I write our social media posts, source imagery, film & design Instagram stories, create Facebook events, respond to comments/questions, and much more. I also spend write our monthly Member newsletter, track our analytics for Instagram stories, and take photographs throughout the Gardens.

One of my favorite photos I’ve taken—the Orangery during Orchid Extravaganza. 

What are your future plans or what is your intended career path?

After my internship, I hope to continue working as a marketing professional and help a company with their online social media presence. Preferably, I’d like to work with a small business and grow with them as they expand. I wouldn’t mind working for an agency or a larger organization though. It would be nice to move out of state, as I’ve lived in Pennsylvania my entire life.

Article and photos by Casey Orlosky.

[musicallyrich]

Crate Digger’s Corner: Uzi Ramirez- Cheese In My Pocket (2015, Black Gold Records)

Crate Digger’s Corner…By DJ Musically Rich

Today I am writing about a little known record from 2015. Uzi Ramirez- Cheese In My Pocket is a brilliant rock album filled with amazing playing and arranging. The album consists of Uzi Ramirez’s trio and The Extra Cheese Orchestra. It constantly takes left turns from song to song and occasionally within a song itself. I have this on LP, which I found used and bought based on the cover art, and the fact that noted jazz musicians Avishai Cohen (tpt, mellophone) and Yonathan Avishai (piano) were both in the chamber orchestra. I had never heard of Uzi Ramirez before purchasing this album.

The album opens with the orchestral infused ‘Surrender’. It opens with The Extra Cheese Orchestra creating a driving force that Uzi Ramirez’s guitar breaks through to get the song going. This song in particular puts a focus on the arranging for the orchestra (by Uzi Ramirez), to put the song on a grander scale. It has a bridge in it where the orchestra is leading the way and creating a psychedelic haziness. That leads into a ripping guitar solo tearing through that haziness while the orchestra then creates a sound cloud that sends waves over the listener. Throughout the first track, I get little Beatles-ish vibes coming through. ‘Back In The USSR’, ‘Hey, Bulldog’ and ‘Drive My Car’ are songs that I can hear within the ideas of this opening piece (in the best way). There are others, but the song takes enough left turns that they eluded me before I could place them.

‘Bodean’ follows and is a lilting country-ish song, which seemingly is about the girl that just won’t give you the time of day. Then, the album turns to a song that sounds like a lost Black Keys track with ‘Call My Name’. Next is ‘Blossom’ a Spanish, nearly tango, styled song. It is performed in largely a hushed tone, and has a speak-singing (Sprechstimme for all of you opera fans) vocal style. The song opens up into an instrumental break from the orchestra that ends on a very bleak sounding minor chord. The first side ends with ‘Cheese In My Pocket’, a song with a ‘50s rock feel to it. That seems appropriate for the title to the song, since there was definitely some cheese to many of the early rock songs from the ‘50s.

Side 2 opens with the driving rock song, ‘Papercuts’. The guitar and harmonica playing on this track are a standout. They simultaneously solo during one brief solo break which is a great improv by the two of them. There is some fine keyboard and banjo work that is understated but impeccably placed. Then, a fantastic instrumental coda takes you on a ride to the end of the song.

‘Love You All The Time’ is a lazy, rock tune. That is followed by ‘Sundown Blues’ a fuzzed out blues rock song. It is centered by a nice guitar solo and, in general, nice guitar work on the track. Beautiful hints of organ, which are timed just right, show up throughout the song. That is followed by the orchestral interlude, ‘Honey Tree Evil Eye’. ‘I Know It’s Mine’ is a folky track that is next on the album. It is just guitar and trumpet supporting Uzi’s vocals. It is a great song with very introspective/reflective lyrics bringing a calm to the album. The final song, ‘The Elevator Goes Up And Down’, feels like friends and family getting together for a jam in the backyard. It is a fitting end to a fantastic album.

4.5/5 stars

Available on LP/CD

RIYL (and it was tough with this album): The Beatles- s/t (White Album) [also, I’d guess, probably an influence on the album], Cass McCombs- Mangy Love, Hard Working Americans- Rest In Chaos

You can see more albums on my IG account: djmusicallyrich

To hear a track from the album click below...

[mrneighbourlove]

Forging of an Empress: Ch 1. A Glass Floor Partnership

Zannah, Emperor of the 'Kikai Empire' was losing hope.

The young woman was still in exile, seeking out the last of her people scattered across the continent. Her last trip led her to Labrynna, where she had to make deals and do favours for the lords that kept her people as refugees until a new home could be acquired. Both Hyrule and Danjur exiled them for the destruction Zannah and her people caused in the War of Fire. That was only three years ago. Now, turning twenty in three days, she was picking up the last of the pieces.

Al-Daida was rumored to be holding her strongest warriors. If she could convince them that her claim to the throne was justified, the rest of her people would rally to her. Truth was, she knew little of the country. Unfortunately, she could only travel with one escort. A single Theron guard. Given a basic map from the lords of Labrynna, she followed a long road through dry desert heats and finding roads to reach the capital city. "Din. Water please."

The black armoured warrior offered a thermos, which the princess found there was only a few drops left.

"Great." As the sun bared down on her, Zannah tried to not pant. The city must have been close.

Meanwhile, in Matriarch Fayruz's palace, she was enjoying the attentions of her newest additions. Well, somewhat new. She had acquired these lovely warriors during the War of Fire with the Kikai Empire. Needless to say, the Hasai were somewhat unruly at first. Once free, but now sold to her by the gladiator rings who had found them half-dead on the battlefield and nursed back to health for entertainment.

"Now, now, don't fuss, there's plenty of love for everyone." Fayruz told her bed mates when one hissed at the other. "I know you don't like to share, but there's more than enough of me for all my little pets." She kissed the cheek of one Hasai male, then the other, and even a beautiful female. "Bennu still needs me in one piece for our meeting later. I shouldn't remind you of how you have to act. Are you going to behave?"

A knock came at her door. A servant bowed his head, being respectful as possible to not insult the Matriarch. "My Matriarch. I bring news to you. There is a green skinned Hasai accompanied by a bodyguard in black and red armour asking around about the whereabouts of other Hasai."

Most of the Hasai that Fayruz owned were broken, but the blue skinned woman looked up, a sense of shock filling her. "Princess Zannah?"

"Ah, the princess? I thought she was dead from the war." Fayruz stood from the bed in her silken robes. "Help me dress, little pets. Tell the newcomer that if she wishes to know more information of her people to come to the palace. Have Bennu cancel the meeting and we'll receive the princess instead. This is quite a lovely distraction."

"Yes, my Matriarch."

Down in the town, Zannah was about to lose her cool when a man asked her bodyguard if she was for sale. She flashed the slaver a flash of fire. "Back off."

"Are you Princess Zannah?"

Zannah and her bodyguard turned to the palace servant. He had a mark on his shoulder that told others exactly who owned him. "Yes. I am Zannah. I hold both the title of Emperor and Empress in the absence of a husband."

"My humblest apologies... Emperor. My Matriarch wishes to have an audience about the Hasai you seek."

Zannah felt her hair stand on its end. This was what she was looking for. "Take me to this Matriarch."

"Of course. Of course." Arriving at the palace, the servant was quick to whisper to Fayruz as Zannah waited outside for the Matriach to prepare herself. "My Matriarch. She claims to be both Empreror and Empress of the Kikai Empire."

Fayruz was always one for finery. The best of the best and nothing less was acceptable. As the servants escorted in the princess and her bodyguard, the pair walked over a bridge. There was a tiny moat on the inside of the throne room, with crystal clear water from the nearby river flowing through it. The floors were made of marble and the columns holding up the open courtyard roof were composed of matching stone with elaborate engravings. The Hasai servants were by her fainting couch, one holding a tray of fruit and cheese while the other held wine. Her husband, Bennu, stood at her side, stoic and intimidating as ever. "It is a delight to see that you are alive. I heard rumors that you were with the spirits now." Fayruz looked at how ragged the princess was. "Why are you in my country, child? You have to know there are no friends for you here."

Although Zannah was in mere robes, she would not be the weaker link here. Her entire three-year journey was an uphill battle of keeping her mental fortitude strong. "Rumors of my death were greatly exaggerated. Child? You look about the same age as I, Matriarch. I am here in your country because I am here to collect my people. The time has come for all the Hasai to become united once more. This is my right as Emperor. This is my duty as Empress." Her brows furled at the sight of the Hasai servants serving her. "The Hasai people are not slaves."

"A child thinks he or she has a right to demand whatever it is they wish." Fayruz's dark eyes lifted upward from her chalice of wine. "And that's exactly why you're here, isn't it? To demand back your people?" She stood from her chair and gently cupped the blue female's chin. "Though I've grown quite fond of my little pets. They are beautiful, fierce, and very loving in bed. I've no wish to part with them." She then returned her gaze to Zannah. "And you've nothing to offer."

"I know I cannot simply take them away." Zannah took a silent breath as she assessed the situation. And to cool her growing fury. "I offer an alliance with my Empire. A partnership. As of now, I have nothing except my word to offer."

Zannah's bodyguard felt their fist tighten. His Empress' anger was his own.

"Allying myself with a dead kingdom? What foolishness do you speak of? A word is nothing unless you have a foundation to build it upon, and child, you have nothing but ruins underneath your feet." Fayruz scoffed at Zannah's statement. "This is Al-Daida. Words mean nothing here. It is actions." Her silken dress trailed behind her as she circled around another Hasai, one of the males, and kissed his cheek tenderly. "Tell me, child, would you offer yourself to save them?"

"I would rather kill them so that they retain their honour." Her hands sparked with electricity, and her bodyguard took aim at one of the Hasai servants with dart-wrist launcher. "To offer myself would destroy what's left of the Empire. I will not sell myself and have the Empire lose the last of its strength. If you will not return me my people, I'd rather see them burn so that there will be no weak Hasai left."

Although they were two Hasai, and might as well be the only Hasai left on the earth as far as Fayruz was concerned, they weren't willing to throw their honour away so easily.

"Hm, seems that you've already learned a few hard lessons, being in a position of power." Fayruz did not even flinch when the guard raised his weapon and Zannah summoned her electricity. "Oh, and if I were you, I'd lower that little sparky show and toy of yours. Naunet doesn't appreciate any threats in my presence and she's right behind you."

The monstrous crocodile released a low growl from behind Zannah and her bodyguard. It was far larger than normal for the breed. Yet, what many people did not know was Naunet was half drake and half crocodile; hence her strong body armor and lengthy size. For now, she did not move, except for a small flick of her tail. The matriarch continued, "Is honor more important than life to your people?"

Zannah and her Theron wisely lowered their weapons and magic. Zannah wondered indeed. "Tell me what exactly it is you want from me? I'm sure we can come to some sort of enragement that benefits us both."

"You stated you'd offer an alliance, but you don't even know how to strike a proper bargain or make requests of another royal." Once again, Fayruz asked, "Would you offer yourself for people? Behind every glorious kingdom is a king or a queen who knows how to run their country smoothly and keep their citizens happy. If you are not even ready to do that, then you have no right to call yourself 'princess' of the Hasai." She slowly took the steps downward, one by one. "This is what I propose, little one. True, I am only a few years older than you, yet, I have my entire country under my thumb... and they love me for it. Yet, at the same time, they know I would do whatever necessary to protect them." The matriarch stopped mere inches away from Zannah's face. She was incredibly beautiful, extremely sly, and terrifyingly powerful with her movements, her seduction, and her poetic words. "You want to offer me an alliance with your dead kingdom. You want a chance to build it up from scratch, but do not have the means to do so." The matriarch then stated, "Offer yourself to me and I shall teach you what you need to know on how to be a proper ruler. One year. And I'll release all of your people under lock and key in my country."

"One Year?" Zannah held her expression with neutrality.

"I can extend it if you don't think you can learn that fast." Fayruz turned around, the silk still dragging behind her. "Or dismiss it if you're not willing. It's up to you and your pretty guard there."

"He has an expressionless helmet." It seemed Zannah was not well versed on humour. "One year is nothing to the life I've endured. Very well. I accept your terms. I will follow your terms. On the one condition that any slaves of Hasai decent in your kingdom are transferred to your care. I do not wish to have others bring lasting harm to them."

"Very well, I could use a few more beautiful faces around here." Fayruz then gestured to her eldest servant, Uzi. "This here is Uzi. He is my most trustworthy servant. He will show you to your quarters." Then she gave a fair warning, "Also, I'd advise against trying anything suspicious. Naunet will know. I will know. Do behave nicely, child."

Zannah resisted the urge to back to her. “Din. Return to refugee camps. Tell the surviving council members that their Empress is conducting a year long term and trading agreement. I will be disposed until such a time as I am done here.”

“Yes, my Empress.” With her only ally gone, Zannah gave Uzi a nod. “Show me to my quarters please.”

"This way, please." Uzi hobbled along, a slightly limp in his leg. He was an old Nara, but had served the royal family ever since his birth. Opening a room of grandeur, he smiled, "I hope it is to your liking. The bath is to the left. When you're hungry, a servant will escort you to the dining hall. If you like, I could assign you a Hasai servant or a Nara. Which would you prefer?"

“A Nara. I will not have a Hasai slave serve me, unless it is for information.”

"As you wish." Uzi made a note and then informed her. "There are new clothes in the wardrobe. A servant will come help you dress before dinner. Also," He then said with a slight grimace to his face. "Naunet is known to wander the palace sometimes in search of a decent spot of sunshine. Please do not approach her unless necessary for she is prone to... uh..." He held up the back of his robes, which was ripped. "Playing."

“I see.” Zannah looked saddened by a memory on her mind. Walking to the wardrobe, she opened it up.

It was not too much later that two beautiful female Naras knocked on Zannah's door. One was petite while the other was more butch, yet both were stunning with dark kohl around their eyes and elaborate jewelry on their horns. Nearly transparent clothes adorned their bodies. "Princess, we are here to help you dress."

"Empress. Address me as Empress. I haven't been a princess for years." Zannah started to strip out of her dirty rags. She loathed the sweat she had accumulated walking through the desert, so it was nice to take off her layers.

"Empress, let us help you bath and then we'll dress you for dinner."

"We have a fine selection of perfumes and body oils."

"Do you prefer fruity scents or flowery?"

Zannah couldn't remember the last time she had maids service her. This felt different. Those that worked at the palace did so out of their free will. It was a career they were proud of. The Empress wasn't sure if these people took pride in anything. "Fruit is fine."

Walking with them to the bath, her mind went back to Hyrule. How at the tip of a blade she was forced into an ultimatum? Die with honour, or be banished and scattered.

Once Zannah was clean and dressed in the finest silks available, one servant stayed behind to clean up the bathroom while the other escorted her to the Matriarch. Fayruz was sitting at the table with her husband, Bennu, feeding him a few grapes with Naunet's large head in her lap. The crocodile was making a rumbling noise of sorts, content as could be. "Do you feel better now, child?" Fayruz asked Zannah as she approached the table. "Do sit. We have a variety of foods for you."

"I would feel better if you stop calling me child. I asked my Nara your age Matriarch. You're only a year older than myself. You are no more a child than I. We are both women. There is respect in that."

"Ages matters not." Fayruz motioned for one servant to pour some wine for their guest. "Respect is earned, not given. You've much to learn."

Zannah took the wine, carefully smelling it for its age and rawness. Swallowing, she sighed. It had been too long since she had the luxury of red wine. "I earned respect to me with the battles I waged and the experience I gained from that. Anyone else would have let the Empire die, but I alone in my bloodline have kept it alive."

"Ah, so you think your victories on the battlefield have earned you respect?" Fayruz asked her with a knowing smile. "I have never once had to raise a weapon in defense of myself or my home. My methods are different than yours, but nonetheless effective. However, getting your people united under one ruler, that is your next task, my dear."

"That is what I've been doing. Repairing my broken Empire. I can't lead a kingdom without subjects to have a flow of infrastructure." Zannah grabbed an apple, giving it a smell before crunching it down.

"True, you do need subjects." Fayruz's eyes flickered up to Zannah. "But what assurance do you have that they will follow you?"

"I hold the blood of God in my veins. To defy my word is to defy the word of Exodrum themselves. To deny what I am trying to accomplish is to deny strength in the face of adversity. Any Hasai who simply wishes to give up on the Empire should end their lives." Zannah winced at the wine in particular hit her a little hard on the last gulp down. "There some who believe we should have all died. That I should never have officially surrendered. But that was to fight on another day. No warrior only fights one battle, and we all have to accept at least one defeat in our lifetimes."

"And there is your first mistake, dear," Fayruz shook her head lightly, the adornments on her horns and ears jingling slightly. "Never assume that your people will give you automatic leadership. There is no kingdom that has lived through history without a coop or someone trying to take the thrones for themselves. Do you now the best way to keep order?"

"Force?"

"Fear and love, my dear." Fayruz corrected Zannah. "They have to be afraid of you and love you at the same time. My people know better than to disobey me, but love that I offer them protection and stability. You must to the same to ensure the Hasai stay under your rule and do not bow to another."

"Love is an illusion made by fools."

"Oh? Are you sure about that, dear?" Fayruz asked her. "All rulers are required to give an heir. Will you say the same when you have children? A lover?"

"There is no love in reproduction. It is simply a necessary act to continue bloodlines. Love is a fable that people seek to feel more secure that they won't die alone. A family’s love is unreal. And friends can respect you and like you, but there is no love there."

"Very well, keep that ideology if you like, but one day, I'll have the opportunity to say 'I told you so'." Fayruz chuckled as she tapped Naunet's snout twice and the huge reptile opened her jaws. Plopping inside a piece of meat, the matriarch then tapped once and the crocodile swallowed her treat. "The first lesson you will need to learn is fear and... let's say for your sake, adoration, go hand in hand. You cannot have one without the other. You must not be afraid to make examples of those who try to betray you." Snapping her fingers, the guards brought forth a captured assassin, a Nara, just like Fayruz herself. "This here is an assassin who tried to target me a few days before your arrival. He's displeased that his brother was sent to work in the mines to pay off a debt."

"Why have you not strung him up by his entrails, and have his corpse paraded around your city? An assassin wanting to destabilize your government cannot be forgiven. They are a cowardly lot who don't engage in open combat."

"Simple, dear... I had to find his brother first."

Another guard brought in the sibling in handcuffs, startled and surprised to his brother here as well. "What did you do?!"

"What needed to be done!"

"Now we're both going to be killed."

"Do be silent, you're interrupting my conversation." Fayruz kissed Naunet's snout and stood from her chair, the giant crocodile following her. "Now, you see, this is where the 'non-existent' love of yours comes into play. He tried to kill me out of love for his brother, to save him from the mines." She cooed to Naunet. "My darling, tell your mama, which one would you like to eat?"

"No!" The assassin inched forth on his knees, bowing his head. "Let her eat me! I'm the one who tried to kill you! My brother had nothing to do with this!"

Zannah’s face frowned heavily. It was already being spread outside the borders of Ganondorf brutally killing her twin brother as the stuff of legends. Legend. That term mortified Zannah. She felt there was no doubt this was some kind of psychological test from Fayruz. "You must kill the assassin. A fair ruler would punish the offender and the offender alone."

"There's more than one way to make the offender suffer, even you must know that." Fayruz then approached the brother of the assassin. "You were taken to the mines to pay off a debt than you tried to run from. Now, your brother tried something very foolish because of your actions."

"It's my fault! I gambled, and I couldn't pay back the loss." The brother insisted, "Please, don't hurt my brother! He was only trying to help me."

"But he did try to kill me and I cannot let that go unpunished."

"Then punish me instead!"

"Shut up, I'm the one who tried to kill her, let the reptile eat me!"

"You're in this mess because of me!"

"You're my brother, I'd do anything for you!"

"See?" Fayruz turned to look at Zannah. "It's easy to use love and turn it into fear." She then ordered. "Death would be too easy. Naunet."

"Hrrrrnnnngggh?" The crocodile looked up at her mistress.

"Take the assassin's hands."

Zannah mussed as the crocodile came forward. As the man screamed over the wet crunches of bones, she didn't look away. "Why not kill him? He has no value to you now. Without his hands he is nothing."

"That's exactly my point, dear," Fayruz had the most twisted smile on her face. "Now, he's nothing."

Zannah paused, not having considered that. Her eyes then opened with an epiphany. In her silent complexation, she couldn't hide a fury.

"Take them away and clean up this mess." Fayruz ordered her servants and resumed her seat. Taking a napkin, she dabbed at the blood around Naunet's mouth when the crocodile approached her for praise. "My second lesson to you, Zannah... sometimes, there is fates worse than death." She then added, "And for third, you must not let emotions show through. If I can see what you're thinking, then others will too. They will use this against you. A good ruler allows emotion to take a backseat."

"Did Rinku of Hyrule intend this for me? A fate worse than death? Ganondorf was going to initially kill me. I could have died with dignity until she spoke up."

"That is a question that only Rinku has the answer to, dear." Fayruz finished cleaning Naunet's snout. "Good girl, you're a very good girl!"

"NRRRRRHHHH!"

"Now, sit and eat. You need to put some skin on those bones."

Zannah looked at a silver plate that shone her reflection clearly. Did she really show that much of her emotions? Taking a bite of chicken, she bit into it like a dragon.

"Eat as much as you like," Fayruz then elaborated. "Tomorrow, we will talk politics. How to get what you want, or if you cannot reach the ultimate desire, how to compromise. And most importantly," She took a sip of her wine. "When to know you are defeated."

"I know when I am defeated Matriarch. I know that all too well." ________________________________________________________________

Next Ch: 

Partner Writing with @ridersoftheapocalypse

[dialovers-translations]

Diabolik Lovers ETERNAL BLOOD Vol. 3 Mukami Kou [Track 3]

Original title: 思い出をきみと

Source: Diabolik Lovers Eternal Blood Vol. 3 Mukami Kou [CD not owned by me]

Audio: Here

Seiyuu: Kimura Ryouhei

Translator’s note: This scenario remined me of Shuu’s After Story in HDB, because of the whole wedding dress fitting thing. Kou gets a little more involved though, which makes sense because he has a much more active personality. So far it’s just more cutesy stuff, but I really wonder if there will be a shift in tone soon, before the story comes to a conclusion. I do enjoy the sweet moments between Kou and the MC, but part of me is craving some angst as well. xD

This track was requested by @uzi-boozii​​​! If you would like to request a translation, please contact me through IMs or drop an ask!

Track 1 ll Track 2 ll Track 3 ll Track 4 ll Track 5

Track 3: Memories with You

“...The restaurant was amazing, right?”

You agree.

“You’re right! Everything was so delicious, I was shocked! I wish I could have gotten a second helping of the ice cream with compote they served as dessert. Hehe~  Seems like you enjoyed it as well, so step one was a success. 

However, we are not ending things here for today. There’s all sorts of stores in this mall, so let’s turn it into a shopping date!”

You nod.

“Okay~! It’s settled then! Hey, tell me if any store catches your attention! There’s plenty of choice even amongst just the boutiques...Ah! They’ve got accessoires out on display over there...Hairdressers and bookstores...Say, found someplace you want to check out?”

You shake your head.

“No need to frown and wreck your brain over it...Shall I help look around? Let’s see...Ah! How about that boutique over there? Seems like their collection would be right up your alley! You sould buy something for the occasion!”

You seem worried about the money. 

“Eeeeh~? You don’t need to worry about money! I’ve told you before, right? I saved up quite a bit back during my idol career.  Besides, you can always decide on buying it or not later, but let’s at least try some things on!”

You nod.

“Okay! Let’s go inside then! ...That being said, it really is crowded. Let’s hold hands so we don’t separated. Come on, this way.”

The two of you start walking.

“When we’re walking like this, I can’t help but be in a good mood~ Granted, today is a special day, but I also just simply enjoy walking hand-in-hand with you like this. Hehe...Don’t you feel like we could go anywhere like this?”

You chuckle. 

“Eh? Did I really say something that weird? I actually do feel that way though! ...Oh well, let’s focus on the store for now.”

*TIMESKIP*

*Rustle*

“Are you sure you don’t want to buy it? The dress (1) looked really cute on you.”

You shake your head.

“Geez~ There you go holding back again. Even though we don’t have to worry about money. I want to gift you even more stuff!”

You turn down his offer.

“I’m glad you like the clothes you’re wearing right now as well...I’m the one who styled you after all. However, I want to see you in something different for a chance as well. 

I know! ...Just trying it on would be fine, right? In that case, don’t you want to try wearing a wedding dress?”

You seem startled.

“A few shops ahead, they have a service where you can put on a dress and have pictures taken. Of course, I’ll be wearing a formal suit as well, so let’s take some photographs together!”

You frown.

“What’s wrong? Ah...Are you not interested in those kind of things?”

You shake your head.

“Really? Then why not? If you’re interested as well, it should be no problem~”

You still seem hesitant.

“It’s fine to be a little selfish! ...Besides, it’s partially me being selfish as well. To be honest, I’d love to be to hold a proper wedding ceremony like the one we saw in town, but while we’re travelling around the world, we might not get the chance to do so. 

However, if I’m not even able to let you put on a dress, I’d be sad as well! Which is why I want to at least have a picture to look back at. As a memory of the two of us. Is that too much to ask for?”

You finally agree.

“Really!? Thank you! Let’s head to the store right away then!”

*TIMESKIP*

“Woah...You couldn’t tell from the outside, but they have a really extensive collection! There’s several designs as well. An A-line looks really refined which is nice, but the ones with a little more volume do seem a little more wedding dress-like, right? 

What do you think? Did you find one to your liking?”

You point towards one of the dresses. 

“Ah! That one caught my eye too! I’m sure it’ll look great on you! The fitting room’s in the back so go take a look! Off you go~”

*TIMESKIP*

You zip up the dress as Kou moves the curtain aside.

“And? Were you able to put it on?”

You shriek. 

“No need to scream. It’s just me, so relax. ...Hm? I’m checking the outfit, obviously. The groom has to give his seal of approval as well~ Also, depending on the dress, there’s types you actually can’t put on by yourself so I wanted to help you out. However, seems like you managed.”

You seem worried about the shop clerk complaining.

“It’s fine, we won’t get yelled at! Did you know? This is a fitting room especially for couples. Besides, I asked the shop clerk not to interfere because I wanted to propose to my girlfriend, so nobody will come in~

More importantly, give me a good look. Come on, lower your arms, don’t hide.”

*Rustle rustle*

“Woah...Mmh. It looks great on you. What should I say? ...I can’t even find the words for it...You’re...stunning. I wonder if it’s because the dress it pure white, but you almost seem blinding right now.”

You get flustered.

“Haha~ No reason to get embarrassed. Here, take a look in the mirror.”

You turn around.

“Right? You can search far and wide, but you wouldn’t find such a wonderful bride anywhere else! To think you’d look that good in sheer white. Your face may look innocent, but you’ve got a Vampire swooning over you.”

You puff out your cheeks.

“Hehe~ It’s true that the dress genuinely suits you. But I know veeeery well what you’re like when you have your blood sucked, so the sheer gap throws me off. 

Also, this dress shows off quite a bit of skin, don’t you think? Look, here for example.”

You flinch.

“I erased the marks from when I bit you, but it’s still vaguely tinted red. ...Say, I wonder if you’d still give in to the pleasure of my fangs even while wearing this white dress? Don’t you want to put it to test?”

You protest.

“Why not? It’s just the two of us anyway. This place is in full view like this...So I suppose I could go for the back of your neck. Around here.”

*Smooch*

“So? Want me to suck you? ...Or maybe I should just go for your nape? Your shoulder or upper arm might be nice as well~ Wedding dresses leave a lot exposed skin so it’s easy to drink your blood.”

You shiver.

“What’s wrong? Your body seems to be frightened. Are you scared of when I’ll decide to latch onto you? ...Or have you perhaps started craving my fangs?”

You explain.

“Ah, you do have a point. We’d be in trouble if any blood gets on the dress. In that case, shall I take it off for you?”

You start to panic. 

“Come on. Keep still.”

*Rustle rustle*

“Ahahaha! I’m kidding! It’s just a joke! I couldn’t help but tease you. Sorry~”

You get upset.

“I said sorry! But I wasn’t joking when I said I wanted to drink your blood. Seeing you in a dress like that, it makes me want to just embrace you and steal you away. That’s how charming you look. Going for a dress fitting was the right choice after all. 

...Hey. I’ll hold back biting you for now, but at least let me kiss you, okay? Mmh...”

*Smooch*

“Hehe~ Thank you! ...Well then, I wonder if they’ll grow suspicious if we take too long. Let’s head out. I’m sure the people from the store are waiting for us. I’ll get changed afterwards as well. Then we can do our little photo shoot! 

Ah, but...In return for holding back now, I’ll take plenty of your blood later, okay~?”

ーー TO BE CONTINUED ーー

Translation notes

(1) In Japanese, they use both the words ドレス (dress) and ワンピース (one piece) for the English ‘dress’. If anything, I’d say the latter is actually more common, at least for casual dresses you’d find in the store. When talking about a proper gown for a party or a wedding dress, only ドレス is appropriate. Just don’t be confused and think they’re talking about a one piece swimsuit or the anime. :P

[thefreshfinds]

Pretty Pape$: 
On the surface Pretty Pape$ is an all around fun, laid-back, confident guy. He even said once in a verse off of Professional Rapper ft Eaux that he’s the type of rapper that can make a flip (& no guys..he wasn’t referring to gymnastics), but the question that still lingers in the air is “Who is he?”
To be frank, Pretty Pape$ is an artist that reflects his personality into a wave of ruminating lyrics everytime he spits. He adds his own flair by throwing in a macho tone with playfully mixed metaphors & bluntful, comical rhymes (that sometimes may be percieved as outlandish). 
Yet this is the reason most admire him. He isn’t boastful or showoffish about his pride in appearance or skill. In fact Pretty Pape$ is chill about it & doesn’t need the approval of others. 
He has a diehard passion & just wants to keep his eyes on the prize. 
Considered the person who always rolled the joints or had the papers to do so in his group of friends, Pretty Pape$ referred to himself as Pape$ first for that very reason. Four years ago the rap-ster added Pretty to his stage name because he considered himself very vain since childhood. “My mom told me ever since I was a child I’d pass by a mirror & would always do a double take just to check myself out.” Pretty Pape$ adds “Til’ this day I still do & F.Y.I I’m as handsome as ever so yeah.” 
For Pretty Pape$, music is his world. “It’s basically my wife. It’s my therapy, my release, my joy, my pain.” he says “I’m willing to die for my dream to the point that a lot of artists wouldn’t. It’s no shade towards anyone but literally everything I do goes towards moving my music career forward in the right direction.”
On Pretty Pape$ five year timeline, he sees himself lined up as a household name in the hip-hop community. “I want to have a cult following & achieve commercial success. I just want to be heard on a larger scale.” Pretty Pape$ says “The goal is to create a fan base that will not only inspire my everyday life but also support me with an intense passion. I would love to be on tour & do international shows in this time as well, especially in Asia. I want my spot in people’s hearts, minds & playlists. I truly believe I have the ability & work ethic to achieve all of the above & more. I refuse to fail.” 
In his songs Pretty Pape$ hopes that listeners are advised to do what they want & to just have brash confidence in any situation that they’re put into. “I consider myself a fun guy so I do my best to make fun records to listen to.” Pretty Pape$ says “My name is a symbol of self-love (if you can understand that). It’s like me saying I know I’m a beautiful person inside & out. For that reason I know anything I say on any of my records will reflect my bright personality whether it’s something that you relate with or something witty that only I would say. I started rapping for sport in hotbox cyphers & we all worshipped Lil Wayne so I do resonate with that punch line style a lot. I use a lot of off the wall metaphors but I always try to tie my verses together to the point where one line is related to the next and so on.” 
Although he doesn’t see an issue with the music that’s spreading like wildfire, Pretty Pape$ would like to see artist who get into the industry because of their craft not because of their bad ways. “If you really dig there’s great music dropping everyday from every direction. But one thing I would like to see change is artists blowing up for problematic reasons. I know image is a huge part of this game & it has been since mainstream music was first introduced, but sometimes it makes me upset because I know so many talented artists who would murder someone for the same type of exposure.” Pretty Pape$ goes on to say. Basically I wish more artist got attention for their art but I’m not sure if it will change anytime soon.“
Still, Pretty Pape$ believes that their are individuals who share the same intense love he has for music. “For anyone starting up if you don’t love music then don’t even start. It’s a lot of work.” he adds “If you do love it be prepared for a long road of trials and errors. Be as self sufficient as possible, find people to build with that believe in you & just make dope sh*t that only YOU would be able to make. If somebody has already made something you’re working on, scrap it. Be original.” 
To conclude, Pretty Pape$ is a hard working artist who is use to the mean mugs & sly comments but that doesn’t stop him from flaunting his good looks or tactless bars.
Pretty Pape$ about that bread, he’s on a roll. 
By: Natalee Gilbert 
Fun Facts: 
1. If Pretty Pape$ could work with anyone, it would be his main producer Mixx. “We just have a certain chemistry anytime we’re in the lab or even if he just sends me something. He always knows what I want. Mixx is consistent & everything he makes has this signature bounce that’s fun to write & listen to. 
2. Pretty Pape$ first found inspiration from “Enter the Wu-Tang (36 Chambers)” by Wu-Tang. “It was the first hip hop album I ever heard & I was just so drawn to the intensity of their voices mixed with the witty wordplay & extensive vocabulary. I wanted to be just like them.“ 
Growing up he was obsessed with 90s golden era rap. “As I started expanding my library I really fell in love with everything hip-hop. From west coast heavy hitters like 2Pac, Dr. Dre, Snoop Dogg, Dogg Pound, & Westside Connection etc. to east coast sounds like Big Pun, Nas, Mobb Deep, The Fugees, Notorious B.I.G, Cam'ron etc. & Dirty South artists like Outkast, UGK, 3 6 Mafia, Geto Boyz, Master P, Lil Wayne etc. 
But he also loves current hip-hop because he believes it pushes the envelope in a way that’s really expanded the sound & the infinite possibilities of what one can do with a hip-hop record. "Artists like Kendrick Lamar, Drake, Young Thug , Future, Travis Scott, Kodak Black, XXXTentacion, Ski-Mask The Slump God, J. Cole, J.I.D. , Lil Uzi Vert & more are true innovators when it comes to song structure. They have created their own unique sound which is something I can truly appreciate. It’s very inspiring & makes me want to continue to push forward with continuing to develop my own sound; my own voice. I really do believe that being your true self when it comes the music is the key to making something timeless.” Pretty Pape$ says. 
Links: 
1. Spotify: Pretty Pape$ 
2. YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2IgRNBArcDc 
3. Instagram: @prettypapes 
4. Soundcloud: https://soundcloud.com/pretty-papes