Chapter 10

Thoughts From

A Not

So Ronin Toad

Disclaimer: I thought it'd be fun to do something of a follow up to Todd's thoughts long after he labeled himself a Ronin back during the 'Ronin Toad' days.

Well, its been awhile since I thought about it, but I think I can safely say I'm not much of a Ronin these days. Began Todd in his journal with a sigh.

Having decided to hole up in his room for a bit after that morning's training session to put his thoughts to paper as it'd been awhile since he'd done that. After all, I have my friends from the old days back along with some new friends like Althea and the Joes as you well know. Course now that we're with the Joes, we're better taken care of and can more easily hand the X-Jerks their butts thanks to the training we've been getting since we were all taken in. Plus the stable environment and people that actually give a damn about us helps out a lot too. My issue with manners is actually a fight Pops has started to win and truth be told, I'm not nearly as oblivious as I act. I only really act that way around the X-Jerks.

Which honestly was a lot of fun to do as it annoyed the Hell out of them and as a Ninja, was just another tool in his arsenal. Serving as a way to keep them distracted and as his teachers have taught him over the past few years, mis-direction is your friend. Most especially a Ninja's friend at that too for that matter. Todd also only really called Roadblock 'Pops' in his head or when it was just the two of them and occasionally around the others. Not even Pietro made cracks since the adults who watched over them were more like parents than their actual parents had ever been to them and he was smart enough to realize that. Sure, it makes them think less of me but that's the price I pay to ensure they don't realize how much better I am then most of 'em. Even if it would be great as Hell to rub it in their faces since they still act all holier than thou where we're concerned.

Todd never understood why Ray tended to act like the others considering his own crap past and having lived with the Morlocks for awhile. And sure, Kurt wasn't all that bad but he had his moments and it honestly made the young Frog Ninja want to slap the Hell out of him. Now, yeah, we probably could tone it down with the craziness we bring around but its not our fault those jerks are so uptight half the damn time. But I gottaddmit it has been nice not bein' around them for as long as we have. Even if it did take some *&*$# circumstances for it to happen. And I still think Jean had somethin' to do with that email Pryde sent to Lance about no contact and all.

Leaning back in his chair, the young Ninja had a frown on his face as he recalled how hurt Lance had been over that stupid email. Hawk had ended up having to threaten KP duty on them to keep him and the others from going to the Institute to make a scene. Of course the man had to come up with some creative methods to keep the Triplets from doing anything like they'd done to Bobby and last he heard, those three were still none too happy with the man. Those three seriously need a more firm hand, I swear. And considerin' how Jean was acting and given how she tended t obe in High School, I just think she's capable of being that willing to do that email. Course, given the talk her and my girl had I could be wrong. Hell, for all I know, it was Bobby who did the email out of revenge or somethin'. Or Colossus or even actually Kitty herself since its damned easy to see she's not that mature.

Todd could only hope this helped Lance to finally see just how truly not right Kitty was for him. Even Willow, despite her apparent issue with commitment was better for his friend and brother in all but blood. Kima as well had potential but considering her future mate and all, Lance was not willing to rock the boat there as for all he knew, it'd cause another triangle situation to happen and it was the last thing he or anybody else wanted. Guess maybe we dodged a bullet where Lance and the Dragon girl is concerned. Only God knows and I'm still not entirely a believer where that guy's concerned. After all, why would someone that powerful and benelovent or whatever allow for Mutation to really screw some people over? Like Abeytu for example since her Mutation got her chased outta town thanks to becoming made outta Leaves and all! We've got Airtight and Arcade to thank for comin' up with that dohickey of theirs to allow her to communicate with us or we wouldn't know she's a she and thirteen years old! But thankfully she's managing to settle in pretty well like Eden's doin'.

The thought of whom made the young man chuckle as the Australian native teleporter with dreads had taken to flirting with Wanda shortly after he moved into Misfit Manor. It was amusing to see her turn so red from the flirting and thankfully she didn't do anything unpleasant like send him into a wall like she'd done him a time or two back in the old Brotherhood days. Pietro wasn't too enthused with his sister being flirted with and it didn't help she occasionally managed to give as good as she got where Eden's concerned. Whether that's actually serious or not remains to be seen, I guess. And hey, maybe the next person on that list that Gateway guy gave us will be a girl that's right for Lance. Or even Freddy and maybe even Pietro. But I can't wait to see the dropped jaws of those X-Jerks once they see our new recruits! Especially Arcade! Heh…

Weird how it was them who was pulling off Human/Mutant integration first instead of the X-Men considering their main goal and all. Life is strange like that but I couldn't be happier. I'm not a Ronin anymore and I'm just fine with tha-… A presence against his back had caused him to stop but it wasn't an unwelcome one.

"Hey, babe." Whispered Althea into his ear before nibbling on it as she wrapped her arms around her boyfriend.

Dressed in some shorts and a green sports bra after a shower. "Hey back." Murmured Todd with a smile as he closed his journal while relishing in the feel of his girlfriend's arms around him and her front on his back and head.

"So, everyone's distracted after that training session." Began the young lady.

He looked up at her and got kissed for his effort. "I have the feelin' you got somethin' in mind, my Angel of the Sea."

"Mm-hmm… I figured we could… Fool around." Purred the girl and he couldn't help the shiver of pleasure that went through him at the thought of that.

"Sounds good to me!" He told her cheerfully and before she knew it, Todd had picked her up with a shriek of excitement escaping Althea's lips and placed her in his bed.

Sure, Althea was the one who initiated some of the more serious stuff when a chance presented itself but occasionally Todd initiated things as well. And as the two made out, a thought popped into Todd's head. God I love being me!

Author's Notes: Hope folks enjoyed!