Original Ao3 chapter summary:

Here's the aforementioned "little scene from chapter 21 that I couldn't fit in" moment made into a tiny chapter here!

And while I'm at it, here's a sketch I wanted to include in chapter 20 but I was feeling kinda sick and didn't want to delay posting that chapter just for this, so... I'll put it here?

Joker's hands shook, finger poised over the bright red button. He swallowed, pulling back sharply.

"You do it." He said, nudging Tataru, "I'm too nervous."

"I asked you first." Tataru muttered, taking a step back.

"I asked you second."

"Honestly," Biggs groaned, stomping around them to the table they were standing before, "What's the point of having a resident God-slayer if he's scared of a kettle?"

And he pointedly jabbed a large green finger against the button. The device came to life with a chirping beep, rattling slightly.

Joker and Tataru leaned in, faces eager and eyes unblinking. The Lalafell began counting softly under her breath.

Eventually the bizarre-looking device, which seemed more like a cyberpunk thermos gone to war than a kettle to Joker, at last came to a halt, letting out a whistling puff of steam. Tataru looked up at him.

"I counted three minutes and twenty-two seconds. You?"

He nodded, "More or less."

Standing on a chair at the other end of the table, a disgruntled Wedge snapped his fingers, "So, so close! I swear, the Mark Fourteen will be able to do it in just three— no two! Two minutes! Or one even! Just you wait!"

But Joker simply looked enraptured. He lifted the Mark XIII Thermocoil Boilmaster by the handle, tapping a finger against it with a rather goofy grin spreading across his face.

"This is the most beautiful thing I've seen all week." He cooed, pressing it close to his face and burning his cheek, "Ow."

Biggs pulled it away from him, scoffing. He took advantage of his greater height to hold it well above his head as Joker lunged for it, whining.

"I fully agree, Ren! In fact, I'm beyond delighted with it." Tataru cheered, nodding a vigorous consensus. Wedge nearly toppled out of his chair.

"Y-you are?" He simpered, eyes practically sparkling behind his goggles, "Really?!"

"Really-really!" She said, flashing a smile that made the other Lalafell almost melt, "This is so, so much more convenient than a wood-stove. Think of how much more coffee and tea I can brew with this lovely device of yours."

And as Wedge spluttered, face hotter than the water he'd just boiled, Joker successfully tore the Boilmaster from Bigg's hands with a complicated maneuver that involved a backflip, hugging it against his chest.

"Sweet, sweet caffeine…" He practically sobbed. He lifted a hand to his mouth, shouting to Cid seated in the corner, "Cid, your crew's endeavors have officially saved my life and repaid your debts! You may now die in peace."

"Good." Grunted the chief engineer from where he was surrounded by piles of complicated parchments, tapping a pen against the table. Joker was actually feeling a little relieved that he couldn't read well enough to be volunteered to help, especially as Minfilia was also in the midst of negotiating contracts with potential financiers to the Scions now that the organization had gained national renown. Which was another one of the reasons that they really needed access to swifter supplies of coffee, "Then I can finally be free of this blasted paperwork. Who knew how much work went into financing the rent for a workshop in Revenant's Toll? The garage space for Maggie alone is going to put a significant dent in our coinpurses."

"She's an official Ironworks employee now, you have to accommodate her." Joker reminded him, wagging a finger as he finally set the kettle back down, "Alright, Tataru – lead me to those coffee beans you bought. I think we're ready to start experimenting."

Tataru gave an enthusiastic pump of her fists and tottered ahead to the kitchens, Joker trailing excitedly after her. The two had sworn that they would recreate Leblanc's signature brew in this world whatever it took — even if he had to trek up the length of Mount O'Ghomoro himself to get the right beans. Hell, even if he had to fight the volcano itself somehow. He figured he could probably find a way to do that.