Author's Note: Prompt suggested by Tula2010.


E is for Early


It was an unspoken fact that coffee was the fuel that really powered the base and that there was something to be said for brewer's privilege. Under normal circumstances, the honor of brewing and consuming the first cup of joe always went to the oldest resident on base. Cabbie enjoyed a burnt, bitter, military-style brew and everyone else on base either learned to like…or at least tolerate by adding large qualities of sugar and cream.

This morning was going to be different. This morning Cabbie was away at a conference and the natural order was upset. Control of the coffee pot was going to be determined by whoever got up the earliest. Alarms had been set the morning before with each vehicle jockeying for their spot in the wake-up cue. Each trying to maximize the amount of sleep while preventing less than ideal outcomes. For Maru, the battle was with Patch. As long as Patch and her evil hazelnut flavored coffee and creamer didn't enter the communal coffee pot, Maru would count it as a win.

Unfortunately, when the mechanic awoke the next morning to the thunder of Blade heading out for his morning patrol of the park, it was clear that he must have hit the snooze button on his alarm clock. Panicking, Maru sprung into action. Hoping beyond hope that his proximity to the main hanger would give him the edge he needed to get their first…or at least before Patch. But even as he rolled out of his hangar, it was clear that he had lost for the main hangar's door was already cracked open and a light was clearly glowing from inside. Moments later, the mechanic could hear the sound of voices coming from inside the cavernous space.

With a heavy sigh, Maru went to face his fate and disappointment…but when he rolled into the hangar he was greeted with the smell of bread, icing, and cinnamon. Maru relaxed a little, knowing that no matter how bad the coffee was the freshly baked cinnamon rolls that Blackout had clearly just pulled out of the oven would more than make up for that.

The little tug rolled up to the coffee pot and tentatively poured himself a mug of the brew. He inhaled and was relieved not to catch a whiff of hazelnut…but it was also clear that this wasn't straight coffee. Taking a sip, he discovered a whole host of flavors that weren't particularly bad, but also shouldn't be included in coffee. Maru was about to utter a grumble, but he found his mouth full of warm goodness and Avalanche sitting in front of him with a slag-eating grin spread across his face.

Left with no other chose Maru closed his mouth a thoughtfully chewed cinnamon roll that Avalanche had just popped into his mouth. As he chewed, he realized the magic of this particular recipe for coffee, as the warm cinnamon, nutmeg, and chocolate undertones of the coffee complimented the warm pastry he was consuming, while the soft bitterness of the coffee cut the sweetness of the frosting making it easier to enjoy. While this particular combination was too rich for everyday consumption, it was the perfect blend for once in a blue moon treat.

Swallowing, Maru couldn't help but make a beeline to the kitchen and snag three more pastries, much to the amusement of the various smokejumpers who were watching him. Settling at the table, the mechanic enjoyed inhaling his breakfast. Once his tanks were full and he finally took a moment to come up for air he noticed that everyone in the building was currently staring at him.

"What?" Maru mock glared back as he tried to lick the last of the frosting from his tines.

"Nothing." Dynamite replied so quickly that Maru didn't believe her. The mechanic was about ready to shoot back a reply of his own, but Avalanche beat him to the punch.

"BLACKOUT'S COOKING IS THE BEST!"

The was a chorus of agreement, which was promptly followed by many of the smokejumpers taking the opportunity to stuff their faces with more breakfast pastries. Maru took his moment to roll back slightly on his tires, enjoy a long sip of his coffee, and count his blessings that Blackout was an incredibly early riser.


End Note: So I may have been binge-watching animes about relaxed Japanese cafes and couldn't help continue the chill feeling in today's story. But that brings me to the question of the day...what are your prompt suggestions for the letter F?