#darren pang

[marcoscandellas]

stlouisblues It’s a miracle we got these two in the same frame #stlblues

[powerblais]

“Colton Parayko tells @Panger40 he's pumped to have former defensive partner Jay Bouwmeester in the house today in Edmonton: ‘Gotta have a good performance for him.’“ (x) 

[slvt4em1lyprenti2s]

There’s only one bed

Summary: you and Nat go in a mission and there’s only one bed

Word Count: 1.7k

fluff

Pairings: Natasha Romanoff x fem!reader

!NOT PROOFREAD!

Natasha's POV:

Fury Just called me into his office to have a mission debriefing. Normally we'd have the brief with all the Avengers but, this is an undercover mission and let's just say majority of the team aren't very good at that. They blow their cover all the time and can't persuade people to save their lives. Ironic because that's exactly what it does on missions, save their life.

I've been told I'm going with someone but a name hasn't been given yet. I hope it's not an Agent from the academy. They're all newbies so I'll have to hold their hand the whole mission because they're clueless. As I'm walking I bump into Wanda.

"Oh hey, good luck on your mission!" she cheerfully said.

"Thanks also, do you know who I'm going with? I mean like any details about them?"

"All I know is apparently she's very popular among her fellow students, and by that I mean, she's hot."

"Students?! Great, so she's from the academy?"

"Yeah but, Fury wouldn't send her with you if she couldn't handle it."

"I guess your right but they can be really annoying needing to be walked through every single step of the mission."

"I guess you're right but, rumour has it, she's the best of the best. Your level even."

"Ha, I've heard that one a hundred times before, no one's better than me c'mon Wands you know that."

"Haha, yeaah I know Nat but just give her a chance?"

"Fine, I will but, I got to get to Fury now, I'll see you around."

"Bye, good luck!"

We parted ways and I gave her a smile. I walked into Fury's office and was welcomed by the sight of a beautiful woman with wavy y/h/c and shining y/e/c eyes. I going to be honest Wanda wasn't lying, she's perfect. Oh my god, I can't be thinking about these things she's my mission partner! She was already sat down in a chair opposite Fury when I came in so I took the chair beside her.

Fury started talking first, "Thank you for both making the time to be here, as you know this is an undercover mission so, pack a bag that'll last at least 2 day and 2 nights. We can never predict what'll happen at these kind of events."

"Speaking of, what event is it and why exactly are we going?" I questioned

"Well I'm glad you asked. It's part organised by Darren McHugh, not a big name in any industry but filthy rich. Attending the party is Lauren Emerson, your target. All you need is information from her about a weapon Hydra is developing. Her father has every Hydra scientist and engineer in his pocket so, she'll know a lot. Now, she's interested in women which is why there is no men on this case with you. I need you y/n to seduce her and get intel while Natasha watches your 6 and looks for another possible target who, isn't confirmed to be there, but there's a good chance he will be.” Fury explained.

"What's the other guys name?" the other girl asked Fury responded, "James Scott."

"Is that all?" I ask

"Yes that's all. Here's your personal copies of the file and be ready at the quinjet in 30 minutes."

With that we both left but I couldn't help feel a pang of disappointment shoot through me at the thought of her flirting with other people. Damn I really need to snap out of this.

I got up to my room and pack my things. I also put in my red dress and black heels for the party and go to the quinjet. As I'm walking I see her already standing there. She catches me staring as I walk towards her and she extends her hand.

Reader POV:

I look over and see Agent Romanoff coming towards me, eyes trained directly at me. I offer my hand for her to shake and she does. "Agent y/l/n, y/n y/l/n."

“Natasha Romanoff.” She responds

With that we both boarded the ship, settled down and engaged in conversation. It was a long flight and we were going to have to spend the next 24-48 hours together so, may as well get to know each other. This conversation however turned into shamelessly flirting with each other constantly.

Time skip to when the ship lands and they get to the hotel (still reader pov):

We get the the hotel and Natasha asks for our reservation at the front desk. While she's doing that I take a minute to really take in this place because it's massive. There's a chandelier on the ceiling and art all over the walls. The architecture is beautiful and it has gold accents along every wall. It also smelt like vanilla, don't know why that's relevant but it smells nice.

I hear a 'thank you' and 'enjoy your stay' so I assume that Nat has got the key so I begin walking to the lift (elevator). I step in and so does Natasha just a bit behind me. She presses the button to the 5th floor and we stand in a comfortable silence for the short 10 second ride. The doors open with a ding and we step out and go look for our room. Natasha takes the lead and goes straight to our door and opens it with the key card.

"Wow Shield really outdid themselves with this one ay?" I think aloud

"Yeah, they really did." She agreed

As we were walking around the both of us were quick to realise something.

"There's only one bed." Natasha pointed out

"I was just thinking the same thing. I'll take the sofa I don't mind at all." I say trying to come up with a solution.

"No, it's okay I can." Natasha instantly tries to shut me down

"Honestly I'll sleep there it's fine." I repeat

"Look uhm, you don't have to but to save ourselves a very polite argument do you wanna just share it. I mean it's a double so..?" She nervously asked

"Yeah sure I mean, if your up for it?" I half mumble

"I'm the one who suggested it dummy of course i'm up for it."

I chuckle at her response and put down my bags by the bed. If I was being honest with myself I couldn't help the butterflies that formed when thinking about sharing a bed with her. Goddamnit, she's my superior I can't be thinking like this.

Natasha POV:

I brush my teeth and get changed in the bathroom whilst y/n orders room service. When I walk out she was getting changed so she only had a bra and pyjama trousers on.

"Oh.., oh! I'm so sorry!"

No sorry it's my fault I should've told you I was changing."

"It's fine, I mean we're both girls right? Nothing we haven't seen before."

"Yeah, yeah you're right, both girls."

"Never seen a girl with abs like that though."

The blush spread on her face faster than a forrest fire. She was flustered and I took great pride in knowing I did that. I made my way to the kitchen so I'd be ready for room service when it came.

Three knocks at the door alerted me that the food was here. I thanked the staff and put the food on the counter.

"Hey y/n tea's here!" I yelled to her. (It depends where your from but tea is just how we say evening meal, like dinner)

"Thank god, i'm starving." She gave me bright smile before plating everything up.

We sit on the sofa with our food and watch whatever trashy TV shows are on. We laugh at parts of it and it gives me butterflies, her laugh has quickly become my favourite sound. It's just so beautiful and care free, it also means she's happy which makes me happy. I'm snapped out of my thoughts when I hear her softly say.

"Hey you okay? Lost you for a second there."

“Yeah, oh um, yeah I'm fine just thinking."

“About what? You were very focused."

"Nothing don't worry about it. Anyway, it's late we should go to bed."

"Your right I'll take the plates into the kitchen."

While she was doing that I went to the bedroom and set up the bed. I was laying down when she came in, she tentatively lowered herself o to the bed and layer down facing me.

"You sure it was nothing?"

"It wasn't really nothing and I'm about to talk a lot and I don't want you to talk till I'm done okay?" I respond with a hesitancy in my tone.

"Go for it." she says.

"I like you, like really like you. I know it's wrong because I'm your superior and your not even out the academy yet but I'm 25 and your what like, 20, 21 give or take so it's not like it's weird. Also can you blame me? You're perfect. Everything about you is perfect. Even though we only just met I can't help falling for you y/n. I'm sorry if I've just ruined the friendship we built today but I really needed to get that off my chest."

I look her deep in the eyes for any kind of reaction to what I just said. After a couple seconds of processing she smiled at me. Probably the biggest smile i've ever seen her have. She still hasn't said anything so I speak up. "Well?"

She doesn't answer me, instead she gently grabs my face and kisses me softly. Our lips dance against one another as second nature. Once air becomes a problem we release from each other's grasp.

"I like you too, if that wasn't already clear."

She giggled like a school girl when I grabbed her waist and started peppering kisses all over her face. She stopped and snuggled closer to me and buried her head in my chest.

"This woman is the one for me" I thought to myself as I held her safe in my arms. Although I really wasn't looking forward to this mission now.

[snekjin]

“Are you calling him short?”

—Patrick Kane, when asked about former Blackhawks goalie, now St. Louis Blues broadcaster, Darren Pang, who’s 5-foot-4 1/2 (x)

[ashbrat488]

Foul Play - Chapter 2

September 2019 (flashback)

Millicent flitted around her room nervously, inspecting her skinny jeans and blue blouse. Earlier that morning, Henry Cavill had asked her out to a pub, and she couldn't help but feel a mix of excitement and nervousness. He was the first person, let alone a guy, who had shown her any attention since the term started. With his attractive appearance, from the mess of brown curls on his head to his captivating blue eyes, he had a way of making most girls in school weak in the knees with his cocky grin and charming chin dimple. And yet, he seemed genuinely interested in her, the strange American girl.

Slipping on a pair of comfortable flats and grabbing a sweater and her trusty cross-body purse, Millicent made her way down the stairs, only to pause when she heard her father's voice coming from the office.

"Milly? Where are you going?" her father called out.

She stopped in the foyer, letting out a sigh before turning to face him and approaching the doorway. "I'm going to a pub with some new friends."

Her father sighed, a mix of conflicting feelings evident on his face. While she was technically an adult, they were still in the process of establishing their father-daughter relationship. "Okay. Just make sure you have your phone and call me if you need me for any reason..."

Millicent nodded, a grateful smile on her face as her phone dinged, indicating the arrival of her car. "Thanks, uh... Darren."

"You're welcome, sweetheart. Have fun," he said, his own smile forming as he took in her happy demeanor, perhaps for the first time since she had arrived.

She turned on her heels, walked towards the waiting car and slid into the backseat as the driver pulled out of the large driveway and onto the road.

***

Millicent entered the crowded pub, spotting Henry sitting alone in a corner booth. A nervous smile played on her lips as she approached, sliding into the booth beside him. "Hi," she greeted, her voice tinged with nervousness. Henry pushed a cold pint of beer towards her.

"Got you a cold pint... that's how you Americans drink them, right?" he asked, his own smile matching hers.

She nodded, offering a small shrug. "So I've heard. I've never had a beer before, though." Millicent took a hesitant sip, her face contorting into a grimace at the bitter taste of the golden liquid.

Henry chuckled, finding her sweet innocence endearing. He watched her place the beer down, considering whether he should get her something else. "I'll get you something different if you'd like."

She shook her head, determined to embrace the experience fully. Millicent took another strained gulp, wiping her mouth with the back of her hand and suppressing a small burp. "Sorry," she mumbled, her cheeks flushed with embarrassment. Henry's grin only widened.

There was an undeniable charm about her, Henry thought, as he reached out and tucked a strand of her red hair behind her ear. Millicent's big golden amber eyes locked onto his, causing him to clear his throat and retract his hand. No, he needed to stay focused. His task was to haze the innocent, mousy American girl, not to develop feelings for her. "So, what brings you to London, Millicent?" he asked, trying to redirect his thoughts.

"Milly, please," she groaned, a hint of annoyance in her voice. "I hate Millicent. I'm half convinced my mother hated me. You haven't even heard my middle name yet."

Henry laughed, enjoying the small frown that formed on her face. Millicent took another large gulp of her beer. "Milly it is," he agreed, sipping slowly on his own drink as he flagged down a waitress for refills.

"Well, my mother passed away a few months ago, right before I graduated from high school. I had the opportunity to come here and attend college, so..." She shrugged shyly, meeting Henry's gaze.

"Oh," Henry sighed, a pang of guilt washing over him. "I'm sorry about your mom."

Millicent shook her head, finishing her beer and pushing the empty glass away. "I don't want to talk about that."

"Sure," he chuckled, deciding to change the subject to something more lighthearted.

***

Millicent emerged from the bathroom, her steps unsteady as the effects of the beer coursed through her veins. The unfamiliar sensation of being drunk left her disoriented and vulnerable. She shook her head, trying to regain her composure and not wanting to embarrass herself in front of Henry. As she scanned the pub, her heart sank when she realized he wasn't in the booth anymore. Instead, she spotted him standing with a group of guys near the bar.

"Henry," she said with a hopeful smile, reaching out to place her hand on his arm as she approached him and his friends. However, he immediately pulled away, his rejection felt by everyone in the group. Millicent's confusion deepened. Weren't they just sharing moments of laughter and flirtation?

"Millicent," he teased, wrapping his arm around the shoulder of an attractive blonde girl who seemed to embody everything she felt she lacked. His grin widened at the disappointment he saw etched on Millicent's face, while the rest of the group reveled in their own amusement. "What do you want?"

"I... I..." Millicent's voice faltered, her words failing to find their way out in the face of the overwhelming humiliation.

"Y-you what?" the girl on Henry's arm sneered, her condescension dripping from every word. Millicent felt tears welling up, the sting of hurt intensifying.

Henry stepped away from the group, his gaze meeting Millicent's with a mix of remorse and defiance. He couldn't ignore the pain he had caused, even as he chose to bury it deeper. He observed the tears streaming down her cheeks, a heavy weight settling upon his heart. "You thought I would be interested in a mousy little American girl with her nose always in a book?" he taunted, his words laced with a cruel edge. Despite the bravado, an undercurrent of guilt tugged at him, a recognition of the damage he had inflicted. "You were just a game, a dare," he confessed, nudging his friend before turning back to the blonde girl and engaging in a final act of callousness, the collision of their mouths sealing his betrayal.

Millicent stood alone in the middle of the pub, her world crumbling around her. The echoes of laughter and the departing footsteps of the group filled the void, amplifying her isolation. She wiped her tear-streaked face on the back of her hands, a mix of emotions washing over her. The blend of alcohol-induced sickness and the profound sense of betrayal left her feeling hollow, wounded by the realization that she had been nothing more than an object of amusement.

***

Darren observed Millicent as she settled into the car, her voice on the phone conveying a sense of distress that tugged at his heart. "Are you okay, sweetheart?" he asked, his concern evident in his voice.

She shook her head, her movements mechanical as she fastened her seatbelt. Tears streamed down her face as she stared blankly out of the side window, lost in her own thoughts and emotions.

"Do you want to talk about it?" Darren offered, his voice gentle and understanding.

Once again, she shook her head, this time with greater urgency. The pain she was experiencing seemed too raw, too overwhelming to put into words at that moment.

"Okay," Darren replied, respecting her decision to remain silent. He understood that sometimes words were inadequate in capturing the depth of one's emotions. "If you change your mind, remember that I'm here for you. We can talk whenever you're ready."

He started the car, the engine's hum enveloping the silence between them as they began their journey home. The weight of unspoken pain hung in the air, but Darren's presence and unwavering support offered a glimmer of solace amidst the turmoil.

Chapter 3

[rams-nebulous]

His Future- Losing Humanity Drabble Clove x Darren

CW: Sfw, mild angst, original characters --- She lit up the sky like fire, as rain fell it collected on her scales and the moon created prisms from her. She was so beautiful. Everything he saw in her was perfect, her flaws, her good, and her complexities. The things she felt that she didn’t understand, that were all so simplistic somehow became so hard for her to comprehend. Perhaps it was because Clove was barely around humans and sheltered away from society most of her childhood. She was purity, a breath of fresh air in a world filled with the rot of humanity, she was his salvation. Darren watched her walk out into the acidic rain, as he and the others sat safely indoors, and he felt his stomach twist in anxiety. Only knowing fear from this kind of storm. But in it, she looked so happy, so free. Finally, able to be normal for a few hours. Able to be out in the streets without fear of retribution. He watched with a pang of sadness that he could not safely enjoy this time with her. Still, he managed to smile as she spun, her movements showing nothing but joy. Something she rarely portrayed. She made him feel grounded while at the same time making him feel as if he could do anything. Like he could even survive going out in that rain, risk his life even with his accelerated healing powers. If he’d never met her… what would he have become? Would he have collapsed to his mother’s whims? Or would he have just eventually succumbed to his own self-hatred?

[bleedinblueblog]

Media Views: Bally financial trouble plays big role in Blues analyst Darren Pang's departure

http://dlvr.it/SqNMgS

[marcoscandellas]

Quick chat between the bench - STL @ BUF - 11.23.22

[mccanns]

my one specific trait is that i can recognize darren pang and john kelly’s voices SO fast it won’t even be a blues game and i’m like oh hey is that panger. and it is it always is

[funbcanna]

Naghahanap sa likod ng mabilis na lumalagong industriya ng mga video game

Mabilis hanggang ngayon, ang industriya ng laro ng video ay umunlad sa isang pandaigdigang juggernaut, na tinatayang nagkakahalaga ng higit sa $ 300 bilyon, pag-access sa isang ulat ng firm ng mga propesyonal na serbisyo. Ito ay higit pa sa mga pamilihan para sa mga pelikula at pinagsama ng musika.

Sa Pilipinas, ang mga kita ng marketing marketing ay nagpakita ng paglaki ng paglaki noong 2020 kumpara sa mga nakaraang taon, kasama ang segment ng mobile games na ipinahayag upang magpatuloy sa paglaki sa susunod na limang taon hanggang sa $ 1.52 bilyon sa 2025.

Lloyd R. Si Manaloto, unang bise-presidente at pinuno ng corporate marketing at diskarte sa Smart Communications, Inc., sangkap na habang ang mga numero ay nagkakagulo, ang pagsulong ay medyo isang pag-unlad kamakailan.

“Noong 2013, ang paglalaro ay marami pa ring aktibidad na angkop na lugar. Hindi ito mainstream. Ngunit mabilis na pasulong sa 2021, nakikita namin ang mga malalaking tao, malaking premyo na panalo, at ito ay napakahalaga sa epekto ng mga esports sa ating kultura,” sinabi niya ang tirahan ng BusinessWorld Insights sa isang session na may temang, “ Ang umuusbong na Esports at Gaming Scene sa Pilipinas.”

Ayon kay Mr. Manaloto, mayroong halos 45 milyong aktibong mga manlalaro sa bansa ngayon, isang mabilis na pagtaas ng 12.9% taon sa taon mula noong 2017. Sa paligid ng 63% ng online na populasyon, bukod dito, manood ng nilalaman ng paglalaro, habang ang 33% na mga esports sa relo.

Ang mga Esports, kasama ang isang bilang ng iba pang mga kadahilanan, ay naglaro upang payagan ang paglago na ito, Irymarc “ Tryke ” Gutierrez, co-founder at punong executive officer ng gaming and e-sports talent agency na Tier One Entertainment, sinabi.

Ang pag-access ng mga mobile na laro, lalo na dahil sa mas mababang presyo ng pagpasok ng mga smartphone kumpara sa mga PC o console, ay pinalakas ang industriya ng mga video game sa mga bagong taas, pagbabago nito sa isang pangunahing libangan.

“Magagamit upang ipakita ang paglalaro sa ibang paraan sa pamamagitan ng streaming ay isang malaking pag-unlad din,” idinagdag niya.

“Naaalala ko ang paghahagis ng maraming mga laro ng Golden Plus noon. Ang pinaka-kami ay nasa paligid ng 25,000 kasabay na mga manonood para sa viewership ng Pilipinas. Ngunit ngayon, kasama ang mga Mobile Legends kapag nakikipagkumpitensya ang aming mga koponan, 260,000 katao ang nanonood sa online. Iyon lamang ang nagpapakita kung gaano karaming mga madla ang madla at industriya na lumago.”

Ang paglipat na ito mula sa isang angkop na libangan sa isang mas pangunahing anyo ng endtainment ay nabawasan din ang karamihan sa nakaraang gaganapin stigma na ginamit upang palibutan ang industriya. Darren Paul Vitug, komisyonado ng lokal na liga ng e-sports Ang pinuno ng komite ng Nationals at etika ng Philippine Esports Organization, ibinahagi kung paano ang stigma ng paglalaro bilang isang hindi produktibong libangan ay nagbabago habang mas maraming tao ang nauunawaan ito.

“Kapag sinabi ng mga tao na ang paglalaro ay isang hindi produktibong libangan, ang aksyon nila ay tumutukoy sa pagkagumon sa paglalaro at hindi paglalaro bawat se. Malinaw na pagkagumon at libangan ay mga polar oposites, o hindi bababa sa kanila. Iniisip pa rin ng mga tao na ang paglalaro sa kanyang sarili ay isang hindi produktibong libangan, sasabihin ko na sa pangkalahatan na kung paano iniisip ng mga tao ang mga bagay na hindi nila pamilyar. Kailangan nating maunawaan na ang pagiging produktibo sa isang libangan ay hindi ganap, at dahil ang isang libangan ay isang bagay na ginagawa mo upang makapagpahinga, upang mabulok, at magsaya, hindi talaga makatarungan para sa sinuman na sabihin sa ngalan ng isang tao na ang kanilang libangan ay hindi produktibo,” aniya.

[slvt4em1lyprenti2s]

There’s only one bed

Originally posted on my Wattpad @MayaBishop_is_myWife

Natasha Romanoff x reader

Fluff

Word count: 1709 (Omg I didn't mean for it to be that long I'm so sorry!!)

Natasha's POV: Fury Just called me into his office to have a mission debriefing. Normally we'd have the brief with all the Avengers but, this is an undercover mission and let's just say majority of the team aren't very good at that. They blow their cover all the time and can't persuade people to save their lives. Ironic because that's exactly what it does on missions, save their life. 

I've been told I'm going with someone but a name hasn't been given yet. I hope it's not an Agent from the academy. They're all newbies so I'll have to hold their hand the whole mission because they're clueless. As I'm walking I bump into Wanda.

Wanda - "Oh hey, good luck on your mission!" Nat - "Thanks also, do you know who I'm going with? I mean like any details about them?" Wanda - "All I know is apparently she's very popular among her fellow students, and by that I mean, she's hot."  Nat - "Students?! Great, so she's from the academy?" Wanda - "Yeah but, Fury wouldn't send her with you if she couldn't handle it." Nat - "I guess your right but they can be really annoying needing to be walked through every single step of the mission." Wanda - "I guess you're right but, rumour has it, she's the best of the best. Your level even." Nat - "Ha, I've heard that one a hundred times before, no one's better than me c'mon Wands you know that."  Wanda - "Haha, yeaah I know Nat but just give her a chance?" Nat - "Fine, I will but, I got to get to Fury now, I'll see you around." Wanda - "Bye, good luck!"

We parted ways and I gave her a smile. I walked into Fury's office and was welcomed by the sight of a beautiful woman with wavy y/h/c and shining y/e/c eyes. I going to be honest Wanda wasn't lying, she's perfect. Oh my god, I can't be thinking about these things she's my mission partner! She was already sat down in a chair opposite Fury when I came in so I took the chair beside her.

Fury - "Thank you for both making the time to be here, as you know this is an undercover mission so, pack a bag that'll last at least 2 day and 2 nights. We can never predict what'll happen at these kind of events." Nat - "Speaking of, what event is it and why exactly are we going?" Fury - "Well I'm glad you asked. It's part organised by Darren McHugh, not a big name in any industry but filthy rich. Attending the party is Lauren Emerson, your target. All you need is information from her about a weapon Hydra is developing. Her father has every Hydra scientist and engineer in his pocket so, she'll know a lot. Now, she's interested in women which is why there is no men on this case with you. I need you y/n to seduce her and get intel while Natasha watches your 6 and looks for another possible target who, isn't confirmed to be there, but there's a good chance he will be. Y/N - "What's the other guys name?" Fury - "James Scott." Nat - "Is that all?" Fury - "Yes that's all. Here's your personal copies of the file and be ready at the quinjet in 30 minutes."

With that we both left but I couldn't help feel a pang of disappointment shoot through me at the thought of her flirting with other people. Damn I really need to snap out of this.

I got up to my room and pack my things. I also put in my red dress and black heels for the party and go to the quinjet. As I'm walking I see her already standing there. She catches me staring as I walk towards her and she extends her hand.

Y/N POV: 

I look over and see Agent Romanoff coming towards me, eyes trained directly at me. I offer my hand for her to shake and she does. Y/n - "Agent y/l/n, y/n y/l/n." Nat - "Natasha Romanoff."

With that we both boarded the ship, settled down and engaged in conversation. It was a long flight and we were going to have to spend the next 24-48 hours together so, may as well get to know each other. This conversation however turned into shamelessly flirting with each other constantly.

Time skip to when the ship lands and they get to the hotel (still reader pov):

We get the the hotel and Natasha asks for our reservation at the front desk. While she's doing that I take a minute to really take in this place because it's massive. There's a chandelier on the ceiling and art all over the walls. The architecture is beautiful and it has gold accents along every wall. It also smelt like vanilla, don't know why that's relevant but it smells nice. 

I hear a 'thank you' and 'enjoy your stay' so I assume that Nat has got the key so I begin walking to the lift (elevator). I step in and so does Natasha just a bit behind me. She presses the button to the 5th floor and we stand in a comfortable silence for the short 10 second ride. The doors open with a ding and we step out and go look for our room. Natasha takes the lead and goes straight to our door and opens it with the key card. 

Y/n - "Wow Shield really outdid themselves with this one ay?" Nat - "Yeah, they really did."

(This is already getting really long so instead of writing a description imma just put in a picture.)

As we were walking around the both of us were quick to realise something. Nat - "There's only one bed." Y/n - "I was just thinking the same thing. I'll take the sofa (couch) I don't mind at all." Nat - "No, it's okay I can." Y/n - "Honestly I'll sleep there it's fine." Nat - "Look uhm, you don't have to but to save ourselves a very polite argument do you wanna just share it. I mean it's a double so..?" Y/n - "Yeah sure I mean, if your up for it?" Nat - "I'm the one who suggested it dummy of course i'm up for it."

I chuckle at her response and put down my bags by the bed. If I was being honest with myself I couldn't help the butterflies that formed when thinking about sharing a bed with her. Goddamnit, she's my superior I can't be thinking like this.

Natasha POV: I brush my teeth and get changed in the bathroom whilst y/n orders room service. When I walk out she was getting changed so she only had a bra and pyjama trousers on. 

Nat - "Oh.., oh! I'm so sorry!" Y/n - "No sorry it's my fault I should've told you I was changing." Nat - "It's fine, I mean we're both girls right? i thing we haven't seen before." Y/n - "Yeah, yeah you're right, both girls." Nat - "Never seen a girl with abs like that though."

The blush spread on her face faster than a forrest fire. She was flustered and I took great pride in knowing I did that. I made my way to the kitchen so I'd be ready for room service when it came.

Three knocks at the door alerted me that the food was here. I thanked the staff and put the food on the counter.  Nat - "Hey y/n tea's here!" (It depends where your from but tea is just how we say evening meal, like dinner) Y/n - "Thank god, i'm starving."

We sit on the sofa with our food and watch whatever trashy TV shows are on. We laugh at parts of it and it gives me butterflies, her laugh has quickly become my favourite sound. It's just so beautiful and care free, it also means she's happy which makes me happy. I'm snapped out of my thoughts when I hear her softly say.

Y/n - "Hey you okay? Lost you for a second there." Nat - "Yeah, oh um, yeah I'm fine just thinking." Y/n - "About what? You were very focused." Nat - "Nothing don't worry about it. Anyway, it's late we should go to bed."  Y/n - "Your right I'll take the plates into the kitchen."

While she was doing that I went to the bedroom and set up the bed. I was laying down when she came in, she tentatively lowered herself o to the bed and layer down facing me.

Y/n - "You sure it was nothing?" Nat - "It wasn't really nothing and I'm about to talk a lot and I don't want you to talk till I'm done okay?" Y/n - "Go for it." Nat - "I like you, like really like you. I know it's wrong because I'm your superior and your not even out the academy yet but I'm 25 and your what like, 20, 21 give or take so it's not like it's weird. Also can you blame me? You're perfect. Everything about you is perfect. Even though we only just met I can't help falling for you y/n. I'm sorry if I've just ruined the friendship we built today but I really needed to get that off my chest."

I look her deep in the eyes for any kind of reaction to what I just said. After a couple seconds of processing she smiled at me. Probably the biggest smile i've ever seen her have. She still hasn't said anything so I speak up.

Nat - "Well?"

She doesn't answer me, instead she gently grabs my face and kisses me softly. Our lips dance against one another as second nature. Once air becomes a problem we release from each other's grasp.

Y/n - "I like you too, if that wasn't already clear."

She giggled like a school girl when I grabbed her waist and started peppering kisses all over her face. She stopped and snuggled closer to me and buried her head in my chest.

"This woman is the one for me" I thought to myself as I held her safe in my arms. Although I really wasn't looking forward to this mission now.

[snekjin]

I admittedly don't know a lot about Darren Pang, who the Hawks have just picked up as a TV analyst/commentator, but judging by how sad STL fans are to lose him, it sounds like a W

[lowtaxsa]

Something Awful: 1999-2000

Ah, the history of Something Awful, a tale so mind-numbingly boring that I'm pretty sure it's been used as a torture technique. But hey, you asked for it, so buckle up for a wild ride through the life and times of a snarky, dead internet guy who clearly never got over his grudges.

Before SA, I slaved away at Gamespy and ran Planet Quake. Working there started off cool, but it quickly devolved into a swirling vortex of misery. The CEO, Mark Surfas, tried to turn his band of underpaid nerds into a real company but had the managerial skills of a drunken raccoon.

They employed meatheads like Sal "Sluggo" Accardo, who was about as helpful as a sunburn, and Darren "Dakota" Tabor, a backstabbing weasel. They made me work insane hours, and when I hit their idiotic milestones, my reward was a cheap backpack and an MP3 player I sold for a measly $20. Thanks for nothing, guys!

I eventually stopped caring and ended up working with LadyICE, an ancient hag who was so useless that I'm pretty sure she was cursed by a witch. After I mocked her incompetence in a Cranky Steve update, she tattled on me like a whiny child, and Darren forced me to sign some shady documents that got me fired. Good riddance.

With no job, I focused on SA, and our first tech guy was Cozmo, who I met on a Quake 2 server. He helped set up the early SA site, which had a design so terrible that it looked like someone vomited up Halloween decorations. The forums started slow, but it attracted a motley crew of weirdos who somehow found our little corner of the internet appealing. Go figure.

The early 2000s were the wild west of the dot-com bubble, where people made absurd amounts of money by doing practically nothing. I, however, missed that boat and ended up on the sinking ship that was the Gamefan Network. They never paid me a dime, and I got roped into cleaning up Billy "Wicked" Wilson's messes on Voodoo Extreme. He was a talented guy with a head full of bees, but he sadly passed away due to liver damage.

Then, I jumped onto the Backbeat Media Network, which was like being the awkward goth kid at a prep school – we didn't fit in at all. But at least they were nice, unlike eFront.

I joined eFront, hoping they'd be better, but it was like jumping out of the frying pan and into the fire. They promised checks that never came, and I was desperate for the money they owed me. Greg Panos, their web relations guy, convinced me to work for them full-time. It was like making a deal with the devil, except the devil was an incompetent buffoon.

The entire eFront debacle was a disaster, and to make matters worse, Gabe from Penny Arcade started a petty crusade against me, claiming I profited from eFront's collapse. That guy had the intelligence of a moldy sponge, and I carried a grudge against him for ages. But hey, at least Tycho was cool.

Here's a fun story about eFront: Kevin "Fragmaster" Bowen stole a chair from them when he quit. Why? No one knows. It's like trying to understand the motivations of a feral raccoon.

By early 2001, I was completely over the whole network thing. But hey, at least I had some entertaining stories to tell, right? So, that's the not-so-glorious history of SA, as told by a bitter, sarcastic ghost who's still clinging to his grudges from beyond the grave. What a life, huh?

As I look back on the twisted, bizarre, and sometimes hilarious history of Something Awful, I can't help but feel a pang of unease. The early days of the internet were rife with chaos, colorful characters, and more than a few facepalm-inducing misadventures. But as the dust has settled and we've all grown older and wiser (well, maybe not all of us), I've come to realize that there's a darker side to this tale.

The internet has transformed into a breeding ground for unscrupulous businesses and manipulative advertising practices. No longer is it simply a collection of misfits and oddballs – it's become a sprawling marketplace where data is bought and sold, and where the almighty dollar reigns supreme.

Consider the world of online advertising: a parasitic landscape where companies feed on your every click and view, milking you for all you're worth. My own experience with these vultures is a testament to their ruthlessness, as they withheld my hard-earned money, forcing me to struggle while they cashed in on my misery. It's a cautionary tale, a stark reminder of the predatory nature of this digital realm.

And what of the current state of YouTube? Once a haven for homegrown content and genuine creativity, it's now become a soulless behemoth, churning out a never-ending stream of insipid clickbait and mind-numbing "challenges." The platform has been overrun by money-hungry creators and advertisers, all vying for your precious time and attention, only to leave you feeling empty and unsatisfied.

It's time for us to take a stand, to recognize the dangerous path we're treading. The internet was once a glorious, untamed wilderness, filled with boundless potential and a sense of wonder. But now, as we hurtle headlong into a world dominated by corporate interests and a relentless pursuit of profit, we must ask ourselves: is this really the future we want?

So let this be a dire warning, a clarion call to those who value the true spirit of the internet. It's up to us to resist the encroaching tide of greed and manipulation, to carve out a space where creativity and genuine connection can still flourish. We must never forget the lessons of the past, for they are the keys to unlocking a brighter, more authentic future.

As for me, I'll continue to raise a sarcastic, mean-spirited toast to the memories, the grudges, and the bizarre collection of misfits who made my time on the internet a wild, unforgettable ride. Rest in peace, Lowtax. You may be gone, but your legacy lives on – a stark reminder of the perils and pitfalls that lurk in the darkest corners of cyberspace.

[cyprinella]

Aquaria KLCC, AUG' 07 by Darren Pang