Chapter 22

Oh, The Gnome!

Disclaimer: Oh, just a fun little thing is all and I have no idea if there is a Joe like this but oh well!

Despite all the training he'd gone through since being found in that jungle by Roadblock and the others, one Todd 'Toad' Tolensky was exhausted. And all because he'd spent the better part of the day on and off the base tracking down this item and that item for various people. Some that even weren't on the base for that matter and it was basically the fault of the Joe who goes by Postman since he runs the Joe Base's mailroom! As Postman was well aware of what sort of package that had shown up for Todd that day and because of past habits of Todd's, Postman was supposed to have a word with Roadblock about anything that showed up in the mail that wasn't supposed too. Case in point, a vintage Gnome from the Gnome and Garden Collection and only a limited amount had been made and Todd had been lucky to have been able to get one of them as it was! And so, Todd had to make a deal with Postman in order to keep his silence on the whole thing and had he know it would cause him to have such a long day, he wouldn't have done it!

He'd first gone into town to get a fast food order of Postman's since the man couldn't leave his station and since the nearby town was aware of who Todd is and where he lives, he'd been asked to do some deliveries and the like around town and even to the base. Now, sure, he could have said no at any time but a part of Todd hadn't wanted to disappoint anyone. Especially since he was paranoid that Postman had somehow arranged the whole thing as a way to test him in some manner! Postman couldn't help but whistle at him once he saw the tired looking kid! "Boy, you look like you've had a day, little buddy."

"Yeah, I kinda blame you for that, yo! I'm convinced you somehow arranged all of what I went through today." Groused Todd.

Causing Postman to be curious and confused at the same time and asking what he meant by that. He'd get his explanation and couldn't help but laugh his ass off. "Oh, kid! Trust me, I had nothing to do with that! Sounds like life decided it wanted to have a little fun with you today. Probably on account of what you ordered when you weren't supposed to have."

"But I love Gnomes, man! I just had to get it!" Whined the teenager and sparking laughter again from Postman.

"Here, kid, you've definitely earned this today."

Todd would've let out a happy noise once he got his package from Postman but darnit, he was just too damned tired! "Thanks, yo. If this ever happens again I am saying no for sure!"

Laughter was heard as he made his leave and quickly made his way to Misfit Manor while hoping and praying no one stopped him to ask him about what he had in the box. And while no one would ask him about it, he would gain some notice over it. "Wonder what's in the box?" Muttered Cover Girl as she and Low Light watched Todd make his way inside Misfit Manor as quick as possible.

"Something tells me we don't wanna know." Low Light told her, figuring that Roadblock was more than likely aware of what his kid had ordered.

Elsewhere

"Vintage Gnome!? I never ordered a Vintage Gnome!" Yelled out an unhappy Edward Kelly as he looked at his monthly bank statement.

The fact there was other charges on it that he was damned certain he hadn't been responsible for had only made the man even more unhappy! A knocking at his door grabbed his attention and once he saw that he had a package from the delivery man, and one that made him paranoid, he cautiously took it inside his home. A note was thankfully attached to the package and the fact it was apparently from the Xavier Institute alarmed the man even more! But before he could do or say anything, the package revealed itself to be a shaving cream/glitter bomb. "… THOSE DAMNED MUTANTS!" Screamed out Kelly ragefully.

Author's Notes: Heh, I couldn't resist.