dogman

Petey was sitting on the windowsill, arms crossed and tail wagging in pure frustration. He had tried to open the tower door with makeshift engineering, with sarcasm, with threats... but nothing. He was still trapped.

"Who the hell builds a tower without stairs?" he grumbled, kicking a stone.

Just then, a roar was heard below, barking, a bang, and a wall exploded inward!

Dog Man entered the stage covered in dust, wearing a makeshift cape made from a worn-out curtain, his tongue hanging out, and his eyes shining with excitement. The knight had arrived! He leaped over the rubble with clumsy elegance, like a giant dog pretending to be a hero.

—Woof?! [I'm here, Petey!]

Petey blinked. Then he snorted, crossing his arms.

—Out of all the possible ways to get in… YOU had to break through the wall!?

Dog Man wagged his tail energetically, clearly proud of his feat.

Before Petey could say anything else, a voice boomed through the air, as if it came from the heavens themselves.

—CONGRATULATIONS, HEROES! But to open the magical exit portal... they must seal this mission with a kiss of true love.

An awkward silence fell like a brick. Petey looked at him. Dog Man looked at him.

"—...What kind of cheap story is this?" Petey whispered, his ears flat.

Dog Man tilted his head, confused. Then he raised an eyebrow. Was it an order? Did he really have to kiss Petey?

"Don't look at me like that," the cat growled "This is clearly an emotional trap from a classic narrative!"

The voice spoke again, now more impatient.

—ONE KISS! ONLY ONE! No cheek kisses, that's not allowed!

Dog Man scratched the back of his neck uncomfortably. Then he shyly pointed to his cheek, as if asking: Do you want to do it?

Petey got a claw in his face.

"...If this gets us out of here, you better not say anything afterwards."

Dog Man stood still. He didn't even bark.

*Finally, with a furrowed brow, P