The Toy Store

[notjustaface]

It's been nearly a year since they met in Mexico, but something about a near death experience or two makes it easy to fall into friendship with the guys Hannibal picked up along the way.

One of them being Captain H.M. Murdock, the crazy (maybe crazy-genius, he's not sure yet) pilot that seems bent on killing them all through either his flying or cooking. He also happens to be the reason they're standing outside a Toys-R-Us on a Saturday afternoon instead of back at the base where he could be following up on a cute cadet he'd seen around.

It's not too bad, of course, but until their ride shows up to ferry them back he's stuck - like it or not.

Comments

[notthatcrazy]

Never let it be said that the Colonel doesn't know the importance of creative punishments. At least some kids'll have a nice holiday because of their shenanigans.

He looks down at the frowning blue bear in his hand, a small smile threatening to overtake his properly contrite expression. "Can I get this one for BA? They've got a lot in common."

[notjustaface]

That's a lot of cash... but he's a court marshal away from losing his only recently earned stripes, so Face is more than willing to go along with it.

Of course, the teddy bear is enough to break his mostly cool composure with a soft laugh and he answers before Hannibal can; "I bet he'd like that - it's even kinda got a little mini-mohawk there."

"Take care of it, boys." The colonel answers, the corners of his lips tugging almost enough to give away the barest hint of a smile under the stern facade. "We're due back in under an hour."

[notthatcrazy]

It's a fairly big chunk of change, but it won't be too bad with both of them footing the bill. They kind of got off easy this time.

"Yes, sir."

He would point out that he wasn't the one climbing the shelves, but that would only make things worse.

[notjustaface]

Hannibal nods once, lifting his eyes up to a man in a pressed white shirt with a name tag proudly declaring him "Martin - Manager" before looking back to his officers. "Gentlemen, we will leave without you."

And it's a hell of a walk back to base.

"Yes, Sir." Face nods, flashing the manager a weak smile. "We'll, uh... take a couple of those guns too - extra ammo. And, uh... what's your active duty discount?"

[notthatcrazy]

He listens to Face negotiate, on his best behavior. He really does feel bad about the mess they made.

Sure was fun, though.

When they're done working things out with the manager, he leans in next to Face and whispers "I want a rematch."

[notjustaface]

In the end, it's not quite as much as he'd feared, but it'll definitely eat into the pre-deployment beer budget.

And he can't help but grin as they slide into the waiting vehicle and he murmurs in Murdock's ear; "You are so on..."