#also one more thing is that i imagine him being extremely hesitant to tell leon about it

[geddy-leesbian]

at long last, I present my headcanon about Luis's education/career timeline + why he kept working for Umbrella while knowing how fucked all of it was

First off there's enough 16 and younger high up Umbrella scientists that it's easy to just accept that shit in the RE world is just Like That and a 12 year old Luis rocking up to enroll in university just makes sense within the logic of the world, but my personal headcanon is way more expansive than that. I like to imagine him actually going to a school operated by Umbrella. The Umbrella boarding school in the Arklay Mountains was shut down, but I headcanon that it wasn't the only one. Umbrella having boarding schools for child prodigies just makes perfect sense- I mean just read a file about the Executive Training School. 

Going after/investing in younger kids is a logical thing to do because they're so much easier to manipulate and brainwash into being exactly what Umbrella wants. 

And since Umbrella Europe had that rivalry where they were always trying to compete with their sister branch, I can imagine them seeing what happened to the Executive Training School as an opportunity: Umbrella US fucked up the concept, so they can outdo them by simply running their own competently, without it completely falling apart.

Now you're probably thinking there's a hole in my headcanon, the fact that Hunnigan's report mentions Luis enrolling in university and working for Umbrella after graduating. 

My counterpoint is that Umbrella is sketchy as fuck. The whole "James Marcus being a crazy person and performing fucked up experiments on his own students" shit show happened when Luis was just a toddler. So I like to think that inspired them to get a little more cautious when it came to their fucked up child prodigy shenanigans, in time for them to have a solid system worked out by the time Luis is orphaned. And by that I mean they'd find a university to bribe into giving them cover. A new child prodigy graduates from the Umbrella school, Umbrella coughs up some cash, and suddenly that kid attended a university they never actually stepped foot in, and has a diploma with no direct ties to Umbrella. They 100% had the resources and pull to swing some type of arrangement like that. 

And Luis is literally the most perfect target for a school like this. He's not just young, he's from an extremely isolated place, making him even easier to manipulate. He also has nothing. They can single him out and crack the whip and push him harder than any of his peers, and he'll just accept it, because what else can he do?

It's Umbrella, or the streets for him.

And I think he probably caught on to the fact that he had made a deal with the devil pretty quickly after starting on the Nemesis Project, but he had made his bed and had to lie in it. Because even after he graduates/becomes a legal adult, they have him completely locked in. There's literally no paper trail or anything official supporting the fact that he's a person who exists. The only thing is the university records Umbrella paid for. Umbrella can hand over some chump change and make those go away too. He wouldn't even be able to start from scratch without a degree, because they could go after him for fraud too. Claim he showed them his degree when they hired him, but discovered it must have been a fake, because the university has no records of him. Who would the courts side with, the kid without a birth certificate, or the pharmaceutical giant that can afford an army of lawyers? It's probably not enough to be all that life ruining, but threats don't necessarily have to be true to work. With Luis's unique life, he's most likely going to be scared of any threat like that, he just doesn't have any experience or context to help him get a grip and really think about it, he's just scared shitless at the thought of going to prison.

And ending this with a point that's independent of my other headcanons in the post and can work on its own. When discussing why Luis stayed for years, we can't forget about Rockfort Island.

On the island, there is also a prison camp and an airport. The prison camp especially, represents an especially dark side of Umbrella. Potential industrial saboteurs and traitors to Umbrella are captured and sent there to be used as human guinea pigs in biological experiments. Once inside, prisoners are held there indefinitely.

(emphasis mine)

I think the common assumption is that Luis fucked off back to Valdelobos because of Raccoon City and being afraid of governments/law enforcement coming after Umbrella, but I really think it was actually Umbrella he was running from. Umbrella would have seemed untouchable at this point, they had the blessing of the government to do what they did in Raccoon City, I doubt anyone there genuinely thought there would ever be legal consequences for any of that. Legal consequences were maybe a far-off possibility that wasn't guaranteed, while Umbrella was very much a real, present, active danger.

But if he got to a point where he couldn't handle the guilt of what he was doing anymore, his options were to disappear completely, or risk being captured and taken to a concentration camp. (Even just resigning normally, without taking any actions against Umbrella, would leave him terrified. A well-liked rising star like him just suddenly resigning, and offering no explanation, likely would have seemed suspicious, and given that Rockfort inmates were a resource for experiments, I can't imagine the bar for what makes someone a "traitor to Umbrella" is very high.)

[marciego]

hmmm for the ship ask... I wanna go bit chaotic: Ramiro and Gastón, Leonetta and Jade and Angie

let's go this is gonna be fun!!!

gastiro

they went on a canon date? honestly i still can't quite believe it's a thing that happened but it so did gaston DID ask him out and they DID go on this date like can you believe it, because i can't

ramiro genuinely couldn't stand matteo in s1 (i hope it'll stay like this <3 have standards king <3) but he was still very very often with him and gaston so i decided to take it as ramiro just generally enjoying gaston's presence and putting up with matteo to be with him

i think their personalities could make for a very fun dynamic, ramiro is arrogant and kind and just generally such a fun person to be around, and i think it'd contrast nicely with gaston's sensible side while bringing out the fun of him

still tho ramiro is definitely the one with the most sense in this relationship it's a given

i also think they could genuinely be good to each other. we all know i'm very harsh on gaston because i do think his canon mindset is fucked up and sucks and one thousand other things, but i've never thought he was hopeless, i think he needs to mature a lot and needs the right people around him in order to do that, and ramiro would genuinely be perfect for that because he'd Never hesitate to call him out on what he feels needs to be called out, but at the same time he'd be able to move past that rather quickly

meanwhile ramiro has a lot of empathy issues he struggles a lot with and while i adore his friendship with yam and jim they're pretty terrible at dealing with that, ramiro genuinely makes so much efforts to deal with this side of him and he just shuts himself out completely when he gets hit with harsh criticism, he needs someone way more gentle, and gaston is a pretty sensitive guy despite everything i've said about him (or at least he can go in that direction) and with stuff like this i think he could have the patience and kindness ramiro needs

honestly i think gaston would love how cringe ramiro is 😭 like you can't tell me this man doesn't like how embarrassing ramiro is, like he himself isn't much better at times but more importantly he's close with matteo, gaston LOVES cringe people it's basically canon, ramiro just happens to be the best kind of cringe you could ever imagine so really gastiro is just the journey of gaston going from cringe taste (derogatory) to cringe taste (affectionate)

leonetta

already replied here but i can always come up with new reasons <3

they're fun like they're A LOT of fun, i wish we would have gotten a bit more scenes like those but i just love that they get to be a real couple when they're together, it's not just full of lovey dovey moments it's also them having fun and joking around

that period of time where they're not together but vilu is extremely obviously staring at his lips every time they talk and leon is being a smug bitch about it is honestly so fun every time i love it, like you're very right king actually she does want you a lot

i know i already said podemos but i need to elaborate actually. i need "no soy un príncipe azul tan solo soy" injected in my veins Right Now because it's THE perfect representation of leonetta actually, leonetta isn't the love either of them had anticipated or dreamed of, it's not the perfect, idealized fairytale vilu thought she was gonna have with tomas, it's real, it's flawed, it's complicated at times but always so simple in the way that they don't NEED each other to be happy, but they saw each other and decided they were worth it, that they wanted to be together for no other reason than the fact that they're themselves, and they love each other, and it's enough. i often think about tomas asking vilu if she's found her prince charming, and i hope he knows that she never found him, but she found a man she chose to love instead, and it's so much more precious than any fairytale she could have dreamed of

actually the fact that leon is so much more the archetype of the classic prince charming than both tomas and diego but these two were the two love interests that used this metaphor on vilu while leon was the one to actively go against that is just so. yeah. to me

the absolute LOVE in leon's eyes every time he watches vilu being on stage. the way his entire face lights up when he sees her being happy

on this topic......no one makes vilu happier than leon, she's GLOWING every time he looks at her, touches her, talks to her it's like my favorite thing in the whole world, he makes her SO happy i NEVER want him to stop looking at her

03x65 is my favorite example of this like the absolute adoration on vilu's face when she sings to him like she's so. being with him genuinely makes her SO happy like LOOK AT HER

tfw you have to see your ex you have a love/hate friendship with at every single family dinner for the rest of your life and your gf thinks it's so wholesome <3

actually the ludmila/leonetta dynamic is so fucking funny to me because you know ludmila uses the vilu effect to get leon to do things for her, you know she asks him something and gets humiliated and then asks vilu to ask him to do it and he can't say no to her, that alone is a good enough reason for leonetta to stay together forever imo

jadangie

korrasami type of ships ALWAYS hit

second chance type of ships always hit even more

genuinely jade and angie have been hurt SO MUCH in the past, they've even hurt each other, because of the circumstances, because they didn't even truly have a choice back then, but them growing to recognize the other's pain and see how it mirrors theirs? is so fucking good?

angie and jade both had their wrongs and rights in their relationship, but them growing out of it to reach a point where they've been hurt so much, mostly by german, that they can see the full picture and realize how similar they are gets me so much

there's strength in love, and there's strength in forgiveness. i think jadangie is the perfect representation of that

there's just something so powerful about these hurt women seeing each other, holding onto each other, and deciding "fuck it, if the world wants me to hate you, i will love you instead"

jadangie loving and forgiving each other is just so. it's so powerful. it's so meaningful. it gets me so damn much

this is a post for another day (today maybe if i manage to go back to writing it?) but there's a song i love that's just the perfect representation of jadangie to me, so i'll just give some out of context lyrics and i know y'all will get it

"you’re different from when we first met, i’m curious of you" and "i'm not the me you used to know". yeah <3

they'd also be just genuinely so good for each other, angie would be able to give jade the romance she's always dreamed of, she'd love and respect her, and jade would be the kind of partner angie can just have FUN with, they'd be so fucking HAPPY together and as much as it sucks it's something we didn't see THAT much in canon, just them being happy. they deserve it so much

[ddarker-dreams]

That last ask got me thinking! How would the bucci gang react to meeting SR reader's family? Not all of them but like a visiting grandparent(who is likely very unaware their precious grandchild is working with the mob to pay off awful debts-which reader would like to keep that way), but like who's falling all over themselves to impress said relative, who would be subtly trying to get their blessing to date reader, what shenanigans would reader the gang go to keep this person in the dark??

ohhh what an interesting situation!!! some of them would definitely handle it better than others...

Here’s the general concept! Reader’s grandparents are coming to pay their granddaughter a visit in Naples, under the impression she’s been studying there the past few years. Reader has asked some of the members of her team to further validate her story. I imagine everyone as trying to actively court Reader to some extent during this. :’)))

Bruno Bucciarati; 

Bruno is a revered member of the community. Any of the troublesome details of his Passione involvements would be lost in translation, so you figured he’s a safe bet. He’s also the member who is most familiar with your situation. While he speaks under the pretense of being professional, he would love to have that connection with your family for... any future possibilities. Marriage possibilities. 

He spots you in a mild state of panic, and boasting the compassionate heart he has, is led to ask if you want to talk to him about it. When you explain that some of your foreign family is coming to visit, he can immediately read between the lines. You need to play this part perfectly. He’ll offer to accompany you on one of his less busier days, willing to do whatever it is that’d help. 

The language barrier doesn’t matter too much! Bruno is still a gentlemen. Opening doors for them, pulling out their chairs, offering to pay for any of your meals... he’s very kind. Your grandparents are going to be quite fond of him by the end of your day together. All according to his plan. 

Unfortunately for you, Bruno is going to be offering lots of praise that he fully expects you to translate. It’s a bit embarrassing how genuine he’s being. Speaking about how hard a worker you are, how nothing gets in your way, stuff like that. Your face is on fire as you translate the heartfelt compliments. You end up toning them down a bit for your sake. 

“[First] is one of the most reliable people I know. You should take pride in having helped bring up someone like her. I promise I’ll continue to look after her, you have nothing to worry about.” 

“Ahh... Bucciarati, do I really need to tell them that...?” 

Giorno Giovanna;

He speaks some English! Giorno did well in his classes at school, so he can understand the basics. Having a knowledge of multiple languages in his position is also a benefit, so he never fully stopped studying it. Though he’d prefer not to mess up any of the pronunciation in front of you. He’ll be practicing in secret as not to embarrass himself, and definitely thinks this is a great opportunity to get closer to you. It’s a shame he can’t take full advantage of it, but he’s going to try to. 

Giorno hasn’t really had any positive family interactions, but he’s still good with people. Unfortunately, in his new position, he’s extremely busy. He still tries to make time for you when he can, but won’t be able to hang out with the three of you as much as he’d like to. He does find the time to come to the airport with you, under the pretense that a lot of shady business goes on there. He wouldn’t want your family being scammed. Don’t ask how he knows about this...

The entire car ride to their hotel will be filled with pleasant conversation. Giorno is a natural at reading the room, and backs your story up to perfection. Any potential discrepancies are covered up with ease. He came in for a clean save at least once or twice when you made a mistake, and you couldn’t thank him enough after.

Giorno isn’t going to want to pry into your personal life, but would be highly amused over any stories they tell him. Even though it’s only a forty minute drive, he enjoyed his time a lot more than he expected to, learning some new things about you in the process. You’re a bit frazzled over the person who is technically your boss (even if he’s not big on formalities...) knowing about your embarrassing childhood stories. He finds it endearing. :’)

He’s gonna bring it up afterwards during a casual discussion, sporting a little devious smile. 

“So, [First], do you want to tell me about that time you got stuck in a swing set again? It seems quite unlike you.” 

“God... I can’t believe they told you that. I was hoping you wouldn’t understand it well.”  

Guido Mista;

Oh no.

You’re going to have to explain to him that a few changes will need to occur if he is to meet your grandparents. For one, he needs to take a shower. Two, he needs something that at least covers his midriff. If there conditions are met, you’ll allow it. He is not missing out on this opportunity to win you over, so he’s surprisingly amiable to these conditions, ready to do his best to make a good impression. You’ve never see him so agreeable.

You do have to keep reminding him of the story that you’re sticking to. Mista makes a few mistakes here and there, but manages to laugh it off. Since you’re going to be translating a majority of his sentences it’s not a big deal. That doesn’t mean he won’t at least try to say a few words in English... results varying. 

The most difficult part is trying to ignore the Pistols, who are swarming around in excitement. They keep speaking to your grandparents like they can hear them. Asking for embarrassing stories, to know about your past partners, or for any cute childhood photos of you. Mista struggles to keep a composed look when all this is happening.  

“Say, [First]. Your grandparents... they aren’t Stand users, are they?”

“No, Mista. My grandparents aren’t Stand users.” 

To be honest, you weren’t too sure if Mista tagging along for some sightseeing would be the best idea. It goes a lot better than you expected. Some of his comments that you translate actually get your grandparents laughing! What a miracle, he’s gonna be grinning ear to ear. Mista is just a lovable guy. 

He is going to 100% try and sneak in a question about your relationship status when you’re not paying attention. Mista has to make sure you’re still on the market. B) 

Pannacotta Fugo; 

He’s actually your go to for this situation. It couldn’t be a better setup. Fugo is intelligent, can speak English the most fluently out of everyone in your team, and would be a big help for sightseeing. As soon as he heard about your grandparents visiting, he knew it was only a matter of time until you came to him for help. At first, he was intent on politely turning you down, but god... how can he? You’re too cute, looking at him like that, saying you need his help. Fuck, he’s so whipped for you lmao. 

Fugo is the most anxious about it. What if your grandparents don’t like him? What if he accidentally says something offensive? Or even worse, what if he blows your cover, and you hate him forever? He’s gonna being shutting himself in his room, refreshing his English nonstop. You have to admire his dedication. 

When the time finally comes, it goes a lot smoother than he anticipated. There’s no humiliating himself in front of you like he feared. Fugo is a bit stiff at first, but with your help, begins to ease up. He’s an amazing tour guide! Fugo knows the best places to go, what times they’ll be busy, the historical and cultural significance of every place, etc. When he starts talking about trivia you can tell he’s in his element. 

It’s going so well. That is, until your grandma says you have such a nice boyfriend. Fugo’s entire face goes beet red. If only. 

“A-ah, Mrs. [Last], we’re not dating, actually.” 

“We aren’t, but... you’re right. Fugo is amazing, isn’t he? There’s nothing he can’t do. I appreciate him a lot.” 

On that day, Pannacotta Fugo’s soul ascended. He legitimately cannot stop thinking about this. For you, his crush of many years, to compliment him so genuinely? Fugo.exe has stopped responding .

Narancia Ghirga;

He kinda invites himself along? Narancia is giving himself a bunch of pep talks, thinking of all the things he can say. His train of thought is that if he speaks English well, it’ll impress you! There’s nothing he wants more in this world than for you to think he’s cool and reliable. The problem is that most of his knowledge of English is only from music. So he’s more familiar with vulgarities than anything else. 

You’re understandably hesitant to allow Narancia to tag along. Then he makes the solid point to you that Aerosmith’s radar would come in handy, detecting any potential threats. Narancia is going to be sporting the brightest smile when you concede and say he can come with you, practically vibrating with excitement. He promises that you won’t regret picking him. 

The place he picks to go is a local pizzeria. In his opinion, the pizza you’ve spoken of back home is an insult to humanity. Naples style is the only way to go. He insists on letting your grandparents try “real” pizza, as opposed to whatever your country has. 

Narancia reminiscences about a lot of your past stories together. Nothing that has incriminating undertones, just casual stuff from your years of knowing one another. You’re almost surprised by how he’s remembered all of this. He can’t help it, any time spent with you has been forever imprinted into his mind. 

“So, there was this one time we spent hours looking for [First]’s lost wallet. Come to find out that she just left it in the glove department after we spent the entire evening searching for it. And then--” 

“Narancia, do you have to bring that up? It’s so embarrassing...” 

Leone Abbacchio; 

You’re going to have to pull out some incredible arguments to get him to come along with you. He’s going to say no before you even get the chance to ask, already sensing what it is you’re going to say. So be ready to break out some Ace Attorney level stuff or it’s no dice. He’s already offering special treatment by even letting you try to convince him, anyone else would’ve been shooed away. He has a big soft spot for you :’)...

The most you’ll get him to agree to is one dinner. That’s it. Abbacchio has a lot of baggage with him, and doesn’t think highly of himself. To be honest he’s wondering why you’re even relying on him here. It’s strange, since he appreciates the trust you must have for him, but also doesn’t think it’s deserved. 

He cleans up well. Abbacchio is going to take this occasion very seriously. For most of the dinner he listens to you speaking, rarely offering input unless he finds it necessary. When he does speak he’s more polite than you’ve ever heard him though. You almost wondered if it was Abbacchio who was speaking, and not some imposter. So he is capable of having manners when he wants to... 

He’ll also pay for the dinner, much to your surprise. Will insist on it even. Abbacchio tells you to let them order whatever desserts/wine they want. He’s pulling all the stops to make a good impression. 

“Abba, you really didn’t have to do all that. Please at least let me reimburse some of it.” 

“Would you stop bringing it up already...? They’re your family, so it’s only natural I’d take care of them.” 

Trish Una; 

As the only non Passione member on this list, Trish is an excellent choice! Her singing career is really starting to take off. Your family will find her to be impressive. You’ll have to think of a story for how the two of you are familiar with one another. You can’t very well say you used to be her bodyguard protecting her from assassins lmao.  

Since she needs to travel a lot to different venues for her career, Trish’s English is steadily improving. She’ll normally text you for help if anything is particularly challenging. The biggest challenge would be aligning your schedules together, at the same time they’re visiting. Trish has a way of making time for you. 

One of the things Trish loves to do is give gifts from her travels. So she’ll show up with some little souvenirs for them. It’s a very heartfelt gesture that they appreciate, and she even gives you a gift or two. The queen of good impressions. 

Throughout the years, Trish has managed to gather a sizeable collection of selfies from when you’ve spent time together. At some of her albums release parties, trips to the beach, the times you’ve travelled together. She’s going to have a lot of fun going through her hundreds of photos of you and showing them. 

“Trish, you almost need a SD card for all of these. Just how many pictures of us do you have?”

“Oh, this is just the beginning, [First]. I have a whole other album of when we went to Milan last spring.” 

[bre-meister]

9 &/or 10 (Dialogue Prompts) for cleon !! TY FOR FEEDING US

9. “I just wish things could have turned out differently between us, you know?” 

Mall trips were always...interesting. Perhaps it stems from the insanity that was his everyday life, but Leon always felt that doing things so mundane like going to the mall was kind of weird? But, weird in a good way. He wasn’t sure exactly how to describe it. D.S.O Agent Leon Kennedy wasn’t sure exactly how to feel about it as he stood surrounded by little tiny onesies and itty bitty tutus and headbands; cribs, strollers, changing tables, and more displayed on top of the shelves reaching up towards the high ceilings of the store. Well, that’s a lie, Leon did know how he felt - awkward, out of place even.

He wasn’t exactly sure why that was the case, especially considering this wasn’t his first rodeo so to speak. Though, last time Claire had done most of the shopping for the smaller things. His preparatory skills were mostly limited to ordering the bigger things online once Claire had picked them out and then assembling them after they had arrived. 

When his wife had asked him to come along this time - mainly to help wrangle little Izzy who had insisted on helping pick out clothes for her new little sister - Leon couldn’t say no. He had nothing else to do on an unnaturally normal Saturday and spending the day with his family sounded like heaven after spending the week doing paperwork. He just hadn’t anticipated the sheer amount of things they actually needed to get. Technically speaking, they should have all of the said items at home from when Isabelle had been little - and they did have some. Some of her baby things had been lost in a move a while back - a two-bedroom apartment in the heart of D.C was great for him and Claire but not necessarily for a little girl. The couple had also given away some things to one of Claire’s co-workers who had needed some baby clothes and such. They truly had not expected to have another child, what with their hectic lifestyle but Leon would be lying if he said he wasn’t extremely excited for the new baby.

So, things having been lost one way or another, they had to replace almost everything; which was fine considering Leon’s paycheck alone was enough for them to live fairly comfortably. Chris was always making snide comments about his “government money”, he might as well put it to good use. Which is how the small family found themselves in the non-descript baby store on an even less notable Saturday afternoon. But, despite coming in with two girls, Leon now found himself alone hence the unnecessarily awkward feelings. Claire and Isabell had stepped out for a short moment to find a bathroom, his pregnant wife needing to go nearly just as bad as their four-year-old. 

“Leon?” a voice called from the doorway of the store that leads out to the mall.

Leon looked up confused, that was the direction that his wife and daughter had disappeared to but that voice sounded nothing like Claire’s. Upon laying eyes on the source of the noise Leon felt his confusion shift to something else.

He hadn’t thought he could feel more awkward but somehow, he managed. Calling his name was a living ghost. Leon didn’t have much time to consider that oxymoron before the blast from his past in the form of an objectively beautiful woman entered the store and made her way towards him.

“Oh my gosh! It is you - Leon Kennedy. What’s it been, like five, six years?”

“Yeah,” Leon swallowed awkwardly, “something like that.” If he remembered correctly, it had been much longer than that.

As if coming to his senses, Leon suddenly realized how rude he was being - a former fling or not, Claire would have scolded him if she saw the way he was behaving now. He chuckled awkwardly to cover up how...awkward he was feeling. Quietly, Leon wished he could think of a word or a feeling that was not “awkward”.

“How have you been, Cindy?” He hoped she didn’t catch the upward lit of his greeting when he got to her name - he wasn’t exactly sure he’d remembered correctly.

“Oh ya know, working, shopping,” she gestured to the bags in her hands, “this and that. I’m good though, how about you?” If she noticed his hesitance at her name she didn’t let it outwardly bother her.

Leon looked around before answering, trying to see if he could spot Claire anywhere - no luck. Apparently, at this moment, Leon was two things: awkward and incredibly unlucky.

“Ya know, work, family, shopping,” he mirrored Cindy both in his statement and bodily actions. Motioning to the pack of baby bottles in his hands that he had been mulling over he hoped that Cindy would take the hint - Leon purposefully having emphasized the word family.

Yet again, if Cindy noticed she didn’t let it deter her. She placed a well-manicured hand on Leon’s bicep, gently squeezing all the while batting her eyes in what he assumed was supposed to be a sultry manner. Not many things could be taken as sultry when surrounded by pacifiers and burping cloths. 

“I was genuinely surprised when I saw you, and in a baby store of all places. Never would have thought of you as the settling down kinda man. Then, I thought that you were probably just shopping for a friend or a family member, ya know like a shower gift or something. I also thought you’d might want some help, ya know, a woman’s touch. So, here I am” 

At that the hand on his arm began to move up and down, those red-colored nails causing involuntary goosebumps to rise on his skin. Apparently, Cindy had been doing a lot of thinking in the last few minutes. Doing some thinking on his own, Leon came to the realization that he’d used to think he loved the color red on a woman. Now, he realizes that he loves the color red on one particular woman. 

Before he could get a word in to stop whatever was happening in its tracks, Cindy started up again. Her attention had shifted to the things on the self in front of him, finally removing her hand from his arm. That didn’t mean that she wasn’t done with her not so subtle come on though.

“Sometimes I just wish things could have turned out differently between us ya know? Maybe this could have been us together, shopping for our own baby,” Cindy let out a small laugh at her own imagined scenario. 

“I don’t.” He said confidently, happy that the awkward had finally made his way out of his system.

Apparently so had the unluckiness because as Cindy looked up at him, a confused frown on her face, any response she was about to formulate was cut short by a tiny body barreling into Leon’s legs.

“Daddy, Mommy and I saw the coolest candy store and she said that if I’m a good girl then we can go after we're done here! Are we done yet?” Isabelle let out, seemingly in one breath.

Leon laughed, both at his daughter's enthusiasm to curb her sweet tooth and at the look on Cindy’s face. He knew it was rude but the genuine shock was just too good to let slip and she was too wrapped up in said shock to notice.

“No baby girl, we are not done yet. Although trust me, I would much rather be in the candy store,” She looked to Leon as she approached, her next words directed towards him, “their chocolate display was pretty impressive.” 

Leon wanted to laugh at his two girls. Instead, he coughed a little, nodding his head discreetly towards Cindy - an action he knew only his wife would notice.

“Oh! I’m so sorry. How rude of me, I'm Claire and you are?”

Cindy had managed to pick up her jaw from where it had fallen on the floor but still seemed to be too stunned to speak.

“Claire, this is Cindy, an old friend of mine. We haven’t seen each other in a while so when she spotted me from the window outside she came in to say hi. Cindy, this is my wife, Claire, and my daughter, Isabelle.”

Isabelle waved shyly from where she had retreated behind her daddy’s leg. Leon felt that was a little odd considering usually Izzy was a boisterous little girl who loved to talk - even to strangers. Perhaps she was tired, or maybe Cindy just rubbed her the wrong way - he’d heard kids were perceptive like that. It certainly didn’t help that Cindy’s face had been akin to a fish what with all the open-mouthed gaping when both girls had returned. 

“It's wonderful to meet you, Claire.” the tone of her voice said that this meeting was anything but wonderful. 

Still, Cindy held out her hand and the two politely shook. Leon couldn’t help but notice Cindy’s gaze falling on Claire’s hand returning to her noticeable bump as they pulled away. What was left of the color in her face drained and at that moment, Leon could tell that the woman made a tactical decision to save whatever was left of her dignity. 

“Well, I just came in to say hi. Leon looked a little lost on his own but now that I see he is not alone I suppose I should continue on my way. I still have a few stores to hit before I can go home. Congrats, by the way.” Cindy motioned towards Claire’s midsection at her baby bump.

“Thanks,” Leon said, in unison with his wife. 

Cindy turned to leave, giving one more awkward smile before she left - funny how the tables had turned in that way. Leon almost felt bad for her. It was obvious by her comment that she was still searching for the peaceful family life that he was forever grateful he’d found with Claire.

 I just wish things could have turned out differently between us ya know?

That one statement carried so much weight. Leon knew that eventually, Cindy would find the one who was right for her, and together they could shop baby necessities until her heart's content. But, as for him, looking at his two girls fawn over pink and purple onesies meant for his soon-to-be girl number three, he couldn’t say he agreed. This is where he was meant to be - with them. 

He knew he’d do anything for them, follow them anywhere. Even, he thought, overpriced, extravagant, mall candy stores. Although he had to admit, Claire wasn’t wrong about the chocolate display, it was pretty impressive.

[justjen523]

A Child With the Gods

Chapter 8

(Series Rating E 18+)

                                       Love’s Infinite Depth

     “D-Does that mean what I think it means?!” Ichthys asks with eyes still wide in awe. It’s pretty apparent to everyone that the answer is “Yes.” Unable to find the right words to say Zyglavis just stands there in shock unsure of how to proceed. Just looking at him I can see the immense internal struggle. I on the other hand feel such overwhelming joy knowing that the god I seem to have fallen madly in love with is the Father to one of my children. Unable to hide it any longer from my face I burst into tears from sheer happiness. 

     No one else in the room seems to know what to say or do and subsequently does nothing. I continue to stare at that incredibly tiny and precious little hand seeking out it’s Father’s warmth.

     “Z-Zyglavis, look. Your little one wants so desperately to touch you. You  should-” Before I can finish my sentence he is on his knees resting his cheek against my belly and pressing soft kisses to the tiny little palm. As soon as he does this our baby seems to come even more alive almost as if it wants to play with him. My heart is so full it’s painful. Looking up at me with the most beautiful smile I have ever seen Zyglavis himself is in tears making this moment without a doubt the happiest of my life.

     “Wooooooow! How cute is that?! Ziggy is a daddy!” 

     “Pffft....cute? More like terrifying. I actually feel bad for the poor kid.”

     “Leon! That was seriously mean!” Looking completely unfazed Zyglavis simply takes my hand in his, his smile never faltering. 

     “Nothing can ruin this moment for me. Not even the Rabid Lion.” There’s a calmness in him I have never seen before. A sort of serenity.

     “Zig, I ain’t one to tell ya how to do things but, don’t forget she’s still mortal and that makes your kid a demigod. Don’t forget what the King said.” Scorpio’s expression does not match the harshness in his tone. Never having heard anything about this before I can’t help but glance between Zyglavis and Scorpio waiting for one of them to explain to me what he is referring to.

     “I am aware. I must admit I was quite unprepared to face the reality of this situation when all of this began. That is no longer the case. I have found something precious to me worth protecting and I do not refer simply to the life I have helped create.” His confession surprises even me. While I knew he loved me to hear it in his own words and being said aloud in front of the others somehow finally made it feel real. 

     “What about you woman? Do you love Zig the same way?” Suddenly all eyes are on me and I feel a lump in my throat. While the answer is undeniably yes part of me hesitates to say it simply because one of the others is still the Father of my other child. I don’t want to risk making anything unnecessarily painful for whomever that may be. 

     Seeing me fret Zyglavis simply smiles knowing that I absolutely return his feelings but am unsure of how to proceed without hurting anyone.

     “It is unfair to ask something such as that Scorpio. She is faced with many difficult decisions yet to come and I am not selfish enough as to expect her to declare her feelings in this state. Please, allow her time to figure out what to do.” I can’t help staring at him purely amazed that this is the same Zyglavis I met some time ago. It’s like all of this has completely changed him for the better. Though if asked not all of his subordinates would agree. Zyglavis is known and depended on for his strict adherence to the law and also his seemingly merciless fortitude in the face of doling out divine Punishment and Retribution. Looking at this serene and truly happy expression he now wears it’s hard to imagine him that way at all.

     “Tch. You’ve gone pretty soft Zig. Better be careful is all I’m sayn’. You know where the King stands on all this.” That’s the last Scorpio says before exiting the room leaving an awkward sort of tension in the air.

     Another month has passed since the day we discovered one of my children was fathered by Zyglavis. With that knowledge the other’s don’t seem to mind or even complain when Zyglavis starts spending more time with me. I am grateful for his company as I cannot believe I have actually managed to grow so much larger still. Carrying the weight of two extremely healthy and prosperous babies coupled with my gigantic breasts has taken it’s tole on my back. It’s nearly impossible for me to be comfortable anywhere other than my bed in the mansion. Worried for the three of us Zyglavis however sees to it that I at least get out once a day and take a stroll around the garden with him. The air always works it’s magic leaving me feeling refreshed.

     We’re talking and laughing when Scorpio suddenly appears out of nowhere looking a lot more severe than usual.

     “What’s wrong?” Zyglavis instantly transforms into the Minister of Punishments upon seeing his Vice Minister’s expression.

     “There’s been a development overseas. That group we’ve been keepn’ our eye on has finally made a move. The King wants to see us immediately.” Unhappy with the turn events Zyglavis turns to me before placing both hands on my shoulders.

     “I may be unavailable for a few days but do not fear. The moment this situation is under control I will immediately return to your side.” I simply nod in agreement trying to hide the aggravation and disappointment of this situation having the worst timing. With a tender smile he places a gentle kiss to my forehead which as usual causes movement in the womb. Unable to do anything but smile at that simple indescribable joy I watch him go before slowly making my way back to my room. 

          “Do you really love him goldfish?” Leon’s sudden unexpected voice in close proximity startles me causing me to spin around. His cocky grin is nowhere to be found.

     “And if I do?” Leon’s troubled expression starts to turn angry.

     “That uptight nag doesn’t deserve you.” His harsh words leave me speechless as he continues to stare at me intensely. 

     “Have you forgotten his cruelty toward you when we first met you?” The sudden memory of Zyglavis being hellbent on killing me flashes through my mind.

     “I-It’s not like that anymore!”

     “How can you be so sure? He may be playing the part right now but once he has his child you will be of no consequence to him.”

     “H-How can you say that?! Zyglavis would never...” Unable to finish my sentence at the sudden pain Leon’s thoughtless words bring me I feel an anger begin to rise when that ‘I told ya so’ smirk looks down at me coolly.

     “Y-You’re just...jealous!” I shout angrily at him causing a displeased expression to take it’s place.

     “Me jealous? Preposterous. Nothing about that stick in the mud is worth being jealous of. Just don’t come crying to me when he breaks your heart.” When he turns to walk away I feel an overwhelming rage wash through me. ‘How dare he say such cruel things and then simply walk away!’  Before he takes more than a few steps, unable to control my overflowing emotions I reach out and grab his jacket to try and prevent him from walking away from me. His expression when he turns around quickly informs me that it was a very bad decision. He grips my wrist firmly in order to remove my hand from him but doesn’t let go. Instead he stares me down overwhelming me with his intimidating presence. Suddenly very much aware that I overstepped my bounds I shrink against myself until a stern voice shouts from down the hall.

     “Please remove your hand, you are scaring her.” Looking past Leon I am surprised to see my ex looking almost as severe as Leon. I am utterly shocked. Neither of us have said so much as a word since we went our separate ways.

     “Oh-ho! Nice to see you finally take an interest in this mess you made.” The two gods stare daggers at each other before Leon surprisingly relinquishes his grip. His trademark smirk returning before simply turning and walking away before disappearing into his room. Unsure of what exactly just happened I can’t help but stand there shaking. I can’t tell if it’s due to fear, anger, sadness or any combination thereof. 

     Hue silently makes his way toward me before taking my trembling hands in his cool one’s. When our eye’s meet the all too familiar pain of what transpired many months ago still lingers. 

     “Umm...t-thank you.....for protecting me and stuff.” As usual he says nothing but offers a small smile in return.

     “Are you alright?” Now it’s my turn to remain speechless as I simply nod. Several moments pass awkwardly before one of us speaks again.

     “I apologize for the distance I have caused between us. I simply couldn’t bare to see you with hurt that I caused you in your eyes. It was cowardly and selfish of me I know.” He finally offers.

     “N-No. I understand. It was difficult for me at first to even look at you.” I begin to tell him honestly.

     “But now, after everything that’s happened.....I.....I want us to at least be able to talk. I can’t pretend I’ll ever understand your reasons for doing what you did, but....I do however forgive you. I...miss you. I miss your snarky jokes and....the way you always seemed to know exactly what I needed.” Now that I’ve started I’m finding it hard to stop, the tears dripping from my chin. Hue too is teary eyed but says nothing and instead smiles warmly before wrapping his cool hand around the back of my neck bringing my forehead to his. His eyes close a moment and a single tear falls down his cheek. When he opens his eyes again there is a sadness I haven’t seen since we first met. 

     He quickly lets go and transforms back into the god I have come to know as Huedhaut. 

     “You are always welcome to talk to me and I hope in time we can once again become good friends.” 

     “But what if you’re-”

     “I am not the other Father.” 

     “What? H-How do you-”

     “I saw it, just now when our foreheads touched.” There’s a wistful sadness in his smile utterly breaking my heart. I can’t help myself from reaching out to gently caress the side of his face with my palm.

     “Hue....I....”

     “Aren’t you curious as to who the Father is?” 

     “It doesn’t matter.”

     “What did you just say?”

     “All I care about at this moment is you. I’m so sorry...”

     “Sorry? You have nothing to be sorry for.”

     “I’m sorry that you got hurt regardless of how we got here. I’m sorry for whatever the reason is that you sometimes look at me with such a sorrow I probably will never understand. I’m sorry that I didn’t handle everything better when you opened up and told me the truth. Most of all I’m sorry that ....in the end....we couldn’t stay together. But I mean it when I tell you this, nothing can ever change the love I will always have in my heart for you Huedhaut. There’s a part of me that still even now feels like it belongs to you and only you and in the same sense I feel like a part of you is always with me.”

     “You. What am I going to do with you? A million lifetimes can come and go yet I promise you my feelings for you will never change. Not ever. All I want....all I have ever wanted is your happiness. If it is not with me than I will simply wait until the next life to find you once more. Then I will earn your love and prove myself worthy to keep it.” My heart hurts so impossibly deeply I can barely breathe as he says those words to me. He presses one last kiss to the back of my hand before smiling.

     “I will always be here for you no matter what. You can always come to me without need for an explanation so please, do not hesitate anymore. Let us begin to rebuild, only this time as friends.”

     “Thank you Hue. Truly. Thank you.” Wrapping my arms around him I hug him tightly hoping he can feel how much I still care.

[thrashermaxey]

Lining Up: Under-The-Radar Adds For Championship Week

  In this week’s installment, we focus on a few players with low-ownership in fantasy leagues that can help you secure your league’s championship. Using Dobber’s Line Production Tool, we compared even-strength point production around the league over the past 10 games. I compiled a list of the highest scoring line for each team at even strength. Here’s the list…

#

Team

Line

Points

1

Florida

Jonathan Huberdeau – Aleksander Barkov – Evgenii Dadonov

36

2

Calgary

Matthew Tkachuk – Mikael Backlund – Michael Frolik

27

3

Vegas

Jonathan Marchessault – William Karlsson – Reilly Smith

25

4

Edmonton

Zack Kassian – Connor McDavid – Leon Draisaitl

18

5

Toronto

Zach Hyman – John Tavares – Mitchell Marner

16

6

Boston

Brad Marchand – Patrice Bergeron – David Pastrnak

14

7

Tampa Bay

Tyler Johnson – Brayden Point – Nikita Kucherov

14

8

Washington

Carl Hagelin – Lars Eller – Brett Connolly

14

9

Chicago

Brendan Perlini – Dylan Strome – Alex DeBrincat

13

10

Montreal

Tomas Tatar – Phillip Danault – Brendan Gallagher

13

11

San Jose

Kevin Labanc – Joe Thornton – Marcus Sorensen

13

12

St. Louis

Pat Maroon – Tyler Bozak – Robert Thomas

13

13

Winnipeg

Kyle Connor – Kevin Hayes – Patrik Laine

11

14

Carolina

Nino Niederreiter – Sebastian Aho – Justin Williams

10

15

Philadelphia

Claude Giroux – Sean Couturier – Oskar Lindblom

10

16

Columbus

Josh Anderson – Matt Duchene – Ryan Dzingel

9

17

Dallas

Jamie Benn – Tyler Seguin – Alexander Radulov

9

18

Vancouver

Loui Eriksson – Bo Horvat – Tanner Pearson

9

19

Anaheim

Rickard Rakell – Devin Shore – Jakob Silfverberg

8

20

Los Angeles

Alex Iafallo – Anze Kopitar -Dustin Brown

8

21

Nashville

Colton Sissons – Calle Jarnkrok – Craig Smith

8

22

Rangers

Pavel Buchnevich – Brett Howden – Brendan Lemieux

8

23

Minnesota

J.T. Brown – Eric Fehr – Marcus Foligno

7

24

Pittsburgh

Dominik Simon – Nick Bjugstad – Patric Hornqvist

7

25

Ottawa

Mikkel Boedker – Brian Gibbons – Anthony Duclair

6

26

Arizona

Richard Panik – Christian Dvorak – Clayton Keller

5

27

Buffalo

Johan Larsson – Zemgus Girgensons – Kyle Okpsoso

5

28

Islanders

Anders Lee – Mathew Barzal – Jordan Eberle

5

39

New Jersery

Kenny Agostino – Kevin Rooney – Kyle Palmieri

5

30

Colorado

J.T. Compher – Carl Soderberg – Colin Wilson

3

31

Detroit

Tyler Bertuzzi – Dylan Larkin – Anthony Mantha

3

  Matthew Tkachuk – Mikael Backlund – Michael Frolik

The Flames had scored 33 goals in seven games (averaging 4.71 goals/game) leading up to Monday’s matchup against the Kings, where they failed to get on the scoreboard. While Calgary’s top line of Johnny Gaudreau, Sean Monahan and Elias Lindholm has gotten the most attention this season, the team’s second line has also been extremely good – especially recently. You don’t need me to tell you that Tkachuk has been great, but his point-per-game production (76 points in 76 games) means you’re not going to find him on the waiver wire. Fortunately, his two linemates are much more attainable in fantasy leagues with 34% and 4% ownership, respectively.  Backlund has seven points in his last eight games and has fired a whopping 33 shots on net during that span, an average of four shots a game! However, if you’re looking for power-play production, Backlund is probably not your best option as he’s tallied just two points with the man-advantage this season. Similarly, Frolik hasn’t registered a power-play point this season, but he has provided stretches of great even-strength production. In his last eight games, Frolik has put up 10 points but it’s worth mentioning that all 10 of those points were scored in four multi-point games, meaning he was held off the scoresheet in the other four games. The way I see it, Frolik is either going to tally a few points this week or none at all.

  We’ve briefly discussed each member of this line individually, but their production as a unit is comparable to some of the best trios in the league. Tkachuk, Backlund and Frolik have played together for just under 400 minutes this season and have managed to outscore their opponents 27 to 12. In the process, they’ve controlled 59 percent of the shot-share and have created 58 percent of all scoring chances generated while they’re on the ice. What I find especially interesting is the impact that  Frolik has had on this line. As a result of injuries and line shuffling, Backlund and Frolik have played almost 400 minutes this season with wingers not named Frolik. Essentially, what we’ve seen is that a trio of Backlund, Tkachuk and a random Flames’ winger is much less successful than the Tkachuk-Backlund-Frolik line. Without Frolik on their line, Backlund and Tkachuk have been outscored 15 to 16 at even-strength and their possession numbers are significantly worse (Line Stats from NaturalStatTrick.com).

  {youtube}8hqXWRBQiG0{/youtube}

    Zack Kassian – Connor McDavid – Leon Draisaitl

Since being drafted 13th overall in 2009, Zack Kassian hasn’t done much to live up to the high expectations that were set for him when he entered the NHL. Even this season, he has a mere 24 points in 72 games and it’s hard to imagine him being a valuable fantasy hockey asset unless your league consists of one category and that category is ‘hits’. Well, strange things can happen when you’re thrown on a line with two players who have combined for over 200 points this season. Kassian has scored six goals in his last 12 outings and has averaged a respectable two shots per game over that span. He also has 28 hits during that stretch, a category in which he’s provided relatively consistent production over the course of this season. Another thing to like about Kassian recently is his ice-time, which has consistently been near 20 minutes over the past month. Unfortunately, Kassian isn’t a part of Edmonton’s power-play so he won’t be providing you with any points in that category.

  Look, I get it. It’s the fantasy hockey playoffs and your championship is on the line. You’re hesitant to use one of your few adds on a player that has just 141 points in 459 career games. But the beautiful thing is, you’re not relying on Zack Kassian for production, you’re relying on  McDavid and Leon Draisaitl. I don’t think there’s a more reliable duo in the league. Can we take a second to appreciate the huge step forward Draisaitl has taken this season? He tallied an impressive 70 points in 78 games last year and has already smashed that mark with 95 points in 75 games this year. He sits fourth in league scoring and only Alex Ovechkin and John Tavares have scored more goals this season. Then there’s McDavid, but you don’t need me to tell you how good he is. I’ll simply remind you that he has 108 points in 71 games this season and sits second in league scoring behind only Nikita Kucherov. When’s the last time a team had two players tally 100 points and still missed the playoffs?

  The Kassian-McDavid-Draisaitl line has played about 200 minutes together this season, during which they’ve outscored opponents by a margin of 17 to 10. The trio has controlled 54 percent of the shot-share and 54 percent of all scoring chances created while they’re on the ice (Line Stats from NaturalStatTrick.com). Essentially, they’ve outshot, out-chanced and outscored their opponents. Sounds like a recipe for success!

  {youtube}79DgvhSr2Go{/youtube}

  Notable Lines from Last Game

  Using Dobber’s Line Combination Tool, I found a few lesser-known players who may be more valuable going forward, based on their linemates from the team’s most recent game. It is important to note that some of these lines can be broken up just as quickly as they were assembled.

  Alexander Nylander with Jack Eichel and Conor Sheary (Source)

  J.T. Compher and Alexander Kerfoot with Nathan MacKinnon (Source)

  Jayce Hawryluk with Vincent Trocheck and Mike Hoffman (Source)

  Sven Baertschi with Elias Pettersson and Brock Boeser (Source)

  Alex Tuch with Paul Stastny and Mark Stone (Source)

    from All About Sports https://dobberhockey.com/hockey-home/nhl-line-combinations/lining-up-under-the-radar-adds-for-championship-week/