𝙆𝙄𝙉𝙂 𝙊𝙁 𝙏𝙃𝙀 𝙎𝙆𝙄𝙀𝙎.

[ !!! He didn’t mean for her to move! She’s clearly beat. ]

‘My night? What the heck happened to *you*, Numbuh 89? Got into a scrap?’

[ He never thought he’d have another clown friend again… this is great! More humor! ]

That’s crazy. You’re an operative *and* you’ve already got a job… seems like a lot to 𝙟𝙪𝙜𝙜𝙡𝙚. HA! Get it? Juggle?

[ Slaps his knee. Man, he cracks himself up. ]

[ Sticks his opposite finger into the batter. Really, it’s just an excuse to taste more. ]

[ As a rule, he tries not to be underfoot as she works. However, at her signal, he’s right there at the count. His index finger eagerly dipping into the battle so he can sample. ]

Mmmm! ‘Delicious! Just to be safe, though, I should probably double check…’ +

[ A hesitant after the last time he tried to grab her attention, but he gentle taps her shoulder anyway.

Hoagie Is Concerned. And more than willing to dote on her! ]

a cartoon character with green eyes and a red hat ALT: a cartoon character with green eyes and a red hat

"𝕊𝕠, 𝕕𝕠 𝕨𝕖 𝕙𝕒𝕧𝕖 𝕒 𝕕𝕖𝕒𝕝, 𝕒𝕝𝕝 𝕪𝕠𝕦 𝕟𝕖𝕖𝕕 𝕥𝕠 𝕕𝕠 𝕚𝕤 𝕤𝕚𝕘𝕟 𝕥𝕙𝕖 𝕔𝕠𝕟𝕥𝕣𝕒𝕔𝕥~"

Wait a second, wait a second. You said you were raised by clowns? Seriously?

That’s so… COOL!

Yeah, I bet the obstacle course was like nothing for someone like you! You guys part of a circus?

[ Following, rubbing his hands together in an eager fashion. ]

‘You’ve been baking a lot recently. Although, Numbuh 3 and I do like to make sure the kitchen’s stocked. Still, I wouldn’t mind a trip to the store.’

[ He grins. ]

Stretch… I like it!

[ Perhaps something to explore… once he realizes it’s a natural sound and, in fact, not a neat trick. ]

Good to meet ya, Numbuh 7! Man, it’s been a while since we’ve gotten anyone new around here. You’re fresh outta the academy, right?

Totally chill. I won’t be looking over your shoulder or anything. Promise!’

‘Aw, c’mon, I’m not an audience! It’s me; Numbuh 2; the Hoagster………’

[ There is no sign for Hoagster… and the time it takes him to spell it out almost makes it not worth it. Might retire it. ]

‘Yeah, see, you trust me! I’m nooo pressure. I just like to sit back and watch the process. +

‘Think I could watch ya? I love watching a master at their craft. Especially when it involves desserts.’

[ Rubs his hands together, grinning. ]

‘Plus, you can give me the most important job of all: licking the spoon when you’re done making the batter.’

[ Shakes his hand, waving a hand. ]

Nah, it’s not bothering me! I thought it was one of our resident rodents or something.

That’s a pretty neat trick, actually. Think you’re part amphibian?

[ He nudges her, clearly joking. ]

I like your style. I’m Numbuh 2. 2x4 Technology Officer.

[ Some kind of inexplicable sound of reverence escapes him. This looks incredible… no wonder it’s dog-eared. Not even the Count Spankulot reference can stir him. ]

‘This is it. This is the one. It has to be this one.’

[ Hoagie gives her a once-over, her appearance him throwing him. Not disagreeable to it, however. This just adds another question to the ever growing list, it seems. ]

Hey—! You must be the new recruit. That you makin’ that sound?

‘By all means! Whatcha got?’

‘Wow, look at that! No wonder your desserts taste so good… that cookbook is no joke!’

[ He sidles over, browsing the recipes as she flips the pages. ]

‘Don’t worry—Numbuh 1 would probably blow his top if he found out coffee was anywhere in this treehouse.’

‘I’m considering the cake route…’

[ Wondering if the guinea pigs have made their way back up… wait, is that the new girl? ]

Hey, kid!

OR chocolate chip bacon cookies with sea salt? Ahhh! I can’t decide!’

‘Woah, seriously? You mean that? I—I don’t want you to put yourself off on my behalf or anything!’

[ Oh… but whatever he wants? How can he turn down such an offer! ]

‘I don’t even know what I’d pick! A triple layer fudge cake with peanut butter drizzle? Or Strawberry shortcake cupcakes? Oh, oh! +

‘I don’t see a problem. I haven’t met my cupcake quota for the week yet, so I’ve got room to spare.’

[ Pats his stomach, mouth watering at the prospect of more dessert. ]

‘I guess we really should pack some up and bring ‘em to the new kid. And then I’ll have the leftovers!’

You’re always one step ahead, I like it. Poor guy… I’ll give the eulogy.

But not a long one, ‘cause Numbuh 89 will probably make the snacks.

[ 📸 This is amazing. ]

Hey, @candycrusades.bsky.social

Think we should start planning the funeral?

‘HECK YEAH, I am SO there.’

[ Plucking a cookie from the tray and shoving it into his mouth. ]

Mmmmf. ‘Y’know, if someone ate my portion of something you baked, I’d go berserk too. I don’t blame her.’

[ Blasphemy, btw. ]

her idea. ]

‘Yeah, we should. Are there any left? Hey, hey— no 𝙗𝙖𝙩𝙩𝙚𝙧 way to say ‘welcome to the team’ than delicious cupcakes! Huh?’

[ Hoagie thinks he’s soooo funny. ]

[ Hogarth-approved, indeed! He grins, scarfing it down. ]

‘Nah, they’re perfect. And with the cookie dough center? Inspired. You got some gift, Numbuh 89! You need to bake more often.’

[ Pops the rest in his mouth, subsequently licking the frosting off of his fingers. He nods along with +

blessed by the baking gods! This is incredible!’

[ Oh! Then etiquette dictates he bow out of respect before accepting. ]

‘Why, thank you ever so much, milady! How can I repay you?’

[ Excited finger wiggle before taking the cupcake. He chomps a bite out of it, blue frosting all over his mouth. Cue awkward, one-handed signing. ]

‘You’ve been +