AN: 06/09/2013- What can possibly go wrong when doing laundry?

Chuck, equipment manager for the Mighty Ducks, pushed a heavy canvas bin full of dirty jerseys and clothing from the last home game. The older man loved his job, even if he did have to deal with extremely smelly laundry.

He was slightly disappointed to see the hose left out in the middle of the room again. They occasionally needed to hose off some of the smellier pads to really get them clean and then leave them on a drying rack with fans blowing on them. Hedge, the nickname his new assistant was given on his first day due to his prickly hairstyle, was a hard worker, but he rarely put the hose up after he was done with it. Chuck put it away and made a mental note to speak to his assistant about the matter again.

Whistling to himself, he cheerfully started sorting out the dark purple hockey shorts from the white practice jerseys. He had to smile to himself a little as a tan feather floated through the air when he tossed one jersey into another bin. He'd had to deal with the occasional hairy player in the past, but this lot brought a whole new range of issues with their gear. Doing the ducks laundry was like washing a down coat; there were always a few small feathers stuck to the inside of the machine when the load was done.

Once the colors had been separated from the whites, he grabbed the laundry detergent and went to the nearest washing machine. He opened the door, prepared to toss in the smelly gear when-

"RAAAAAAAAHHHHHHH!" Nosedive jumped out of the washing machine, yelling at the top of his lungs.

Chuck fell back in surprise, eyes wide, screaming in fear.

The prankster duck could hardly contain his laughter. He was bent over, one hand on his knee, the other pointing at Chuck, as he laughed so hard he could hardly breathe.

"Nosedive!" Chuck glared from his spot on the floor. "One of these days, you're going to give me a heart attack."

"Oh man. Hahahahahah! That was a good one." He wiped a tear from his eye and offered the downed manager a hand up.

"Just keep it up, duckie," Chuck warned. "One of these days, you're going to find a snake in your jersey."

"Cool!"

Not the reaction he'd hoped for. Sighing, he pushed the duck out of the room.

"All right, out of here. You can pick up your laundry later today. I just might make you deliver everyone else's too for that little stunt you just pulled."

"Awww, man! It was just a prank."

"Out!" He shut the door before Nosedive could protest.

0000

One week later

Chuck entered the players dressing room, observing the small mess. Most of the ducks were pretty good about throwing their dirty gear into the beige bins. He picked up the socks from under one bench and tossed them in. Most likely, they were Nosedives.

"Afternoon," Duke greeted as he came from the direction of the locker room.

The human jumped a little, startled that he wasn't alone. It was amazing how these ducks could appear from nowhere, although Duke was especially guilty of this. He never knew when one was around the rink or when they were gone. Some of the other rink rats suspected the team lived at the arena, but nobody had been able to find sleeping quarters. It was one of those things he'd decided not to question.

"Hey, Duke. Didn't know you were here."

"Not staying for long. I'm heading out on one of Phil's stunts."

"What's he got you doing this time?" The equipment manager started pushing the laundry bin towards the door.

"Some bookstore has a grand opening and they wanted local sports stars there." He leaned against the wall, watching Chuck. "This one don't sound too bad, but I'm sure kids are gonna be all over me again."

"Well, have fun."

"I'd look out if I were you," the gray duck warned. "Nosedive was laughing and heading in your direction about ten minutes ago."

"I hope he's not hiding in the washing machine again," Chuck sighed.

"He probably is. Kid don't know that repeating a joke too soon gets old and we start ta expect it."

A calculating smile spread across the humans face as an idea occurred to him.

"Thanks for the heads up, Duke."

"No problem," he said with a wave as he left.

0000

The large canvas bin preceded Chucks entrance into the laundry room. He pushed it to its normal corner to be sorted through. Spying the hose, left out yet again, he shook his head and pretended to be frustrated that he had to clean it up once again.

The darkly skinned gentleman made sure the nozzle valve was closed when he turned on the water. He brought the hose with him when he walked to the washing machines. Opening one door, he found Nosedive and turned on the water full force, drenching the would-be prankster.

"Hey! No fair!" Nosedive coughed and sputtered as the water hit him.

A deep, booming laugh shook Chucks belly.

"Got ya," he winked at the duck as he turned off the water.

Nosedive climbed out of the machine, soaking wet. He twisted his hair, wringing a good stream of water from it.

"How'd you know I was in there?"

"A little bird told me."

"Something tells me that bird wasn't so little."

"Here," Chuck tossed a towel to the drenched duck. "Dry off. You're getting water all over the floor!"

"Come on, man. Who told you?"

"You'll just have to find out for yourself."

Nosedive threw a bright smile at Chuck as he exited the laundry room, leaving a trail of water behind him.

"Careful, Chucky-boy. I might come after you again if I can't figure out who told!"

The human continued laughing to himself and he started sorting the laundry. Revenge was sweet, if a little wet at times.

Another prank! Yet again, inspired by real life ;) Yes, washing machines in hockey arenas are big enough to fit someone in!