Chapter Text
The cool air pushed through Blaze’s hair as he walked through the streets of Axle City. His hands were comfortably tucked in the pockets of his pants as he walked on the sidewalk filled with dried leaves. Autumn was Blaze’s favorite season, contrary to popular belief. It was not just because of the constant cool red that greeted him wherever he walked, but Blaze considered this time to be one of the calmest in all of the years. Blaze was always full of energy with people. That’s why he loved it when he could take some time to cool down.
He pushed his hand against the glass door and listened as the bell jingled, greeting him as he walked to the counter.
The barista working at the cashier faced away from Blaze, but he could see this man was rather tall. About 6 feet, at least. He could assume he had a beard with the way hair puffed out from the side of his face to the bottom of his chin.
Blaze cleared his throat and greeted, “Morning, bud.”
The barista turned to him, pausing whatever he was doing, and Blaze was surprised to see Gasquatch. The behemoth of a man greeted Blaze with a large smile and he leaned against the counter at the sight of his friend, towering over the red-haired hero with a friendly grin. “Oh, Blaze! Hey!”
“Gasquatch,” Blaze mirrored the grin. “I didn’t know you were working as a barista.” Blaze never expected to see Gasquatch work something as common as a barista from a newly-opened coffee shop but when Blaze thought about it, it suited him.
Gasquatch laughed and said, “Well, I need to get by somehow. And it’s been really fun, actually!”
“How long have you been working?” Blaze asked.
“Since Carlito’s opened,” Gasquatch said, taking his position at the counter. “I got hired because a friend of the manager recommended me. I say I got lucky that I passed the interview,” he lightly jokes. “What can I get ‘ya today, Blaze?”
Blaze hummed and looked through the menu. “What can you recommend?” he asked.
“Well, the Pumpkin Spice Latte is our best seller since it’s autumn season but I personally like the Double Dutch Cinnamon Cortado,” Gasquatch said.
“Cortado, huh? Well, I’ll try that one.”
Gasquatch’s lips poked at the edges of his cheeks as he put in the order.
“How much do I owe you, big guy?” Blaze asked, pulling out his wallet from his pocket.
“Oh, it’s okay. It’s on the house!” Gasquatch said.
Blaze blinked before he had a small chuckle escape his lips. “Alright, then.” He took out a few coins and put them on the tip box beside the machine. “Thanks, big guy! I’ll take that one to-go.”
“Alrighty!”
Blaze ordered two Double Dutch Cinnamon Cortados but he only took one. “The other one is for you, big guy.”
Blaze could see Gasquatch’s eyes sparkle as he took the drink from the counter. He said, “Awe, thanks, Blaze. You didn’t have to.”
“Consider it my thanks,” Blaze said, raising his cup of cortado. “I’ll see you around, big guy.” Blaze strutted out of the small coffee shop, putting the hot beverage to his lips and then exhaling the warmth that entered his body.
Cinnamon on an autumn day.
It was quite nice.