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Chapter Text

Greg grumbled to himself as he made his way home after finishing a grueling 12 shift. The hot and humid summer air had made Greg's fur a little damp, and it didn’t help that the station’s ac was broken. The day had been unpleasant to say the least. Not only did the heat get to everyone's head causing Greg to be picked on more than usual, but the place stunk of copper thanks to a short lived crime spree that had broken out. The chaos of the chase and wrestling down of criminals led to many of the officers drenched in their and others sweat. The musty smell of body odor lingered on Greg's uniform.

Seeing his house slowly come into view Greg let out a sigh of relief. The young dog couldn’t wait to embrace the cool welcome of a ventilated home and the chatter of his kitties. He might be a bit of an adrenaline junkie when on the clock, but every morning all he could do was reluctantly head out to work and yearn to be home. 

Greg never thought domestic life would suit him after becoming Dogman. He had lost his entire life the day the bomb detonated. However, what Petey took from him he soon quickly returned. Greg will admit things were a bit rocky at first, yet the stray had given him something even better than his old life. Though Greg will never admit it out loud, he found the incident to be a blessing in disguise.

Arriving at the top of the hill and nearing his house, Greg smiled as his supa canine hearing allowed him to barely pick up the sound of a muffled voice belonging to his beloved son. 

Standing in front of the door, a warm gentle breeze passed by as Greg fumbled with the keys to his home. It wasn’t the most pleasant gust, but it was something that fought against the sweltering heat. As he gently pushed open the door, a wall of cool air filled with the smell of love and happiness hit him. Greg felt like he could collapse at the feeling alone. Taking a peak inside while quietly entering as to not disturb whatever fun Lil Petey had come up with; Greg saw the little kitten eagerly jumping on the couch chatting to 80-HD while a cartoon played from the TV. Greg smiled softly as a huff of air fled his nose. The kitten was so full of life and energy, it made his heart swell. 

Removing his hat and hanging it on the coat rack, Dogman takes a seat feeling the tensity in his muscles begin to drain away. As he slid his work shoes off the kitten finally seemed to notice his return.

“Dogman! Dogman! You’re home!” The bright smile of his little one was contagious, causing the rugged officer to drop his “tough cop” act and smile giddily with a tongue that could never seem to stay in his mouth. 

Standing back up and making his way to the couch, Dogman picked up Lil Petey with a sweaty embrace. He hugs the child tightly remembering what all his efforts are for. He sniffs the kitten, his wet nose tickling the child causing a burst of laughter to erupt from his throat. 

“Dogman! That tickles!” The kitten giggled as he wiggled around in the air, not putting any real effort in evading the dog's nose.

Another voice is faintly heard through the giggles, “Ah, someone finally made it back home.”

Finishing up his little sniffing session, Dogman cradles Lil Petey in his arms while looking at his husband. A warm feeling like no other blooms in his chest whenever he sees the feline. Pure love and admiration fills his eyes as he watches the ex-convict take off his goggles. Greg can’t help himself but examine his body, knowing each and every crevice of the cat better than the back of his hand. Petey notices his spouse’s stare and clicks his tongue to draw the canines attention back to his face. A brief silence follows as Greg regains his composure before giving Petey a nod.

Petey hums content with Greg's response and takes off his lab coat, letting it rest on the arm of a nearby chair. Watching Petey and understanding their unspoken cue, Greg sets Lil Petey down on the couch and grabs the remote, turning the TV’s volume up. He walks over to his husband and places a few gentle licks on the collar of his neck, not being able to fully reach Petey’s face without going on his tip toes. Greg hugs Petey, disguising his sniffing habit from Lil Petey. Greg's nostrils quietly and quickly inhale the smell of his husband. A scent Greg had grown used to. A clean aroma similar to that of laundry detergent that is overpowered by the smells of chemicals and soldering iron. A drastic difference compared to the kitten who always smelt of sweet vanilla mixed with something earthy.

Greg's nose continues to explore his husband's chest and abdomen. Feeling the vibrations of Petey's purring against his nose. He takes a hold of Petey's paws, holding them with his own as he trails down from Petey's shoulder to the tips of his fingers, placing a gentle kiss on the back of Petey's hand after sniffing each one. 

The sniffing habit had become an everyday ritual. It brought peace of mind to Greg, it felt reassuring to him to know his family was there. That they were with him. He has seen Alice countless times, hell he even had to rescue her before. But she wasn’t there. She was no longer family no matter how much he wished she still was. He missed his mother, he missed his father, he missed them being here. This mentality soon spread to his husband shortly after the behavior started. It was now a must for Greg to sniff and check everyone everyday. Greg did his best to try and hide the odd behavior from Lil Petey, fortunately for him the kitten seemed to think he was playing. However with Petey, it was something intimate, like Greg was worshiping Petey’s body. The sniffing was a reassurance for both of them that no one but the two could understand. An exploration of Petey’s body, a vulnerability only Greg was ever allowed. Petey gives small caresses on Greg's scarred neck and strokes over the various scars on his body whenever Greg sniffs out the cat. It was a vulnerability he traded Petey in return, a special privilege reserved only for his husband's touch. Finishing up, Greg stood on his toes and gently tugged Petey down by the arm to place a soft kiss on his lips. 

Petey lets out a sigh of relief, not realizing he was holding his breath. He hunches down to hug Greg, burying his face in the crook of the dogs neck. With his hands instinctively wrapping around Greg's waist, Petey gives a tight squeeze flushing their bodies together while deeply inhaling Greg's smell. There was a pungent odor of wet dog and the mixture of sweat from various people that hid Greg's typical nutty scent. Petey's nose scrunches as he exhales and releases Greg from his hold. 

Looking around Petey’s gaze falls back on his kin. Leaving Greg's warmth, he heads to the couch sitting down and placing the kitten on his lap. Allowing his parental instincts to take over, the feline begins to bathe his kitten, 

“What do you want for dinner today?” he asks the little orange tabby in between licks.

“Can we have spaghetti?” The kitten asks. Petey knowing in actuality it is less of a question and more of an indication of what he is craving. 

“Hmm.. we don’t have all the ingredients bud” Petey says before continuing to bathe the kitten. He side eyes Dogman as if silently hinting for him to resolve the situation for Petey.

Catching onto Petey’s, gaze Greg steps in, “Is there anything else you would like?” he signs walking over and crouching down to be on eye level with the kitten.

“With meatballs and garlic bread too” Lil Petey responds, completely disregarding the question.

Petey huffs, “Lil Petey we don’t ha-”

“I’ll go buy some” Greg barks, cutting the older cat off as he makes his way towards the shoe rack.

Petey frowns at the interruption and makes his annoyance known to his husband with the cock of a brow, “Are you sure?” he asks. Exasperation dripping in his voice. 

Greg turns around offering an apologetic smile and nodding his head. Too scared of speaking and interrupting his husband once again.

A change in emotion flashes across Petey's face, “You just got home” he says sympathetically. Greg knows Petey is right. He had been at the station since 5AM and was in desperate need of a shower. He had hardly seen his family lately. Not only was he being scheduled back to back shifts, but he was put on call incase any emergencies happened. 

However, seeing the pout forming on the little kittens face about not getting to eat spaghetti caused Greg an unspeakable amount of heartache. How could he allow his son to get upset during the few moments they are together?

“Anything for the kid” Greg signs, giving Petey a tired nod. Petey frowns at this. He hate’s seeing his husband be so tired. He used to be brimming with life just like their son, but nowadays he seems drained of all energy.  

Petey gets up and walks in the direction of his husband. Cradling the kitten who looks tiny in his arms, “Just don’t take too long.” Petey says, hunching over and rubbing his cheek against his spouse’s forehead. Dogman responds with a slight rub back.

Putting on his shoes, and grabbing his police vest that carried his wallet, Dogman starts to head out. “Wait! Papa, I wanna go with Dogman!” Lil Petey begins to struggle in Petey’s arms trying to escape his fathers grasp to follow Dogman. 

The older cats tail puffs as he nearly drops the child causing both him and Dogman to flinch and prepare to catch the kitten. Seeing the fear flash in Petey’s eyes after nearly dropping Lil Petey, Dogman take’s charge. “I’ll take him with me. Don’t worry I’ll take care of him.” 

Thinking the cat may be overwhelmed from the day and in need of some recovery time, Dogman stretches his arms out to take hold of the kitten; “...Be quick” Petey hesitantly responds and passes the kitten off to his husband.

“How about you get yourself cleaned up in the meantime? You’re covered in chemicals. It’s not safe” Greg barks.

Looking down at himself, Petey notices small splotches of powder, dust, and random substances he spilt on himself while in the lab. 

“Oh-I didn’t even notice” he remarks.

Walking the two to the door, Petey continues “I’ll send you a list of what we need ok?” Greg nods in acknowledgment. 

Petey ruffles the fur on Greg's head and places a gentle kiss on Lil Petey’s forehead, “Don’t cause any trouble for your father” he smiles while looking at Lil Petey. 

“I never cause trouble!” Lil Petey retorts, earning a chuckle from both Greg and Petey. 

Petey stands at the doorway as he watches as the two walk down the hill and slowly disappear from his line of sight. Fear beings to gnaw at him once again and a deep sense of dread begins to form in the pit of his stomach. What if something bad happens to him? Petey thinks to himself. He doesn’t like it when Lil Petey isn’t around him, his little kitten could be injured or worse! Thoughts begin flashing through his mind and his fur begins to stand and he runs through the worst case scenarios. Petey shakes his head trying to calm himself down as he closes and locks the front door. Now standing in the empty house, Petey finds himself unsure of what to do. Being alone was worse than being without Lil Petey. It reminded Petey of his life years ago, when he was just a stray cat, a criminal, a villain . Those dark times in his life where he had to deal with the scum of the Earth, and the cold vacant jail cells he bounded himself to for no other reason but selfishness. Petey shook his head and walked upstairs towards his and Dogman's shared bedroom.

Grabbing a towel he decides to try showering to clean himself up before his family’s return. Hopefully I can clear my mind . He thinks as he enters the bathroom, flicking the lights on he stares at the shower. He never liked showers. Hanging the towel up and taking a brief glance at himself in the mirror he takes a mental note of his disheveled appearance. For the past several months Petey had barricaded himself in his lab for hours on end. Only to resurface for Lil Petey’s meals and care, or when Greg returned from work. Afterwards, he goes back down to the basement to continue his research. Petey knew his husband didn’t like it when he fixated on his work too much, but Petey needed a distraction. Turning on the faucet and letting the water coming from the showerhead heat up, Petey mentally prepares himself to go in. 

Being an anthropomorphic cat meant he was just as smart, if not smarter than most humans. He also had a superior physique that allowed him to become the famous "world’s evilest cat" he once was. However, there were the downsides. One example is the fact that cats hate water. In turn, Petey hates water. Fortunately Petey knew proper hygiene, unlike his husband who used to only bathe once every two weeks before they started dating. Thankfully to Petey's help the dog is much more hygienic. Maybe even more than Petey at this point. 

Closing his eyes and focusing on the sound of falling water, Petey takes a deep breath trying to calm his nerves. Opening his eyes he begins to ever so slowly creep into the shower, as if the water was going to harm him, Petey makes calculated movements disappearing behind the tubs curtain and letting his fur become drenched by the warm water. Now fully emersed he turns and faces the wall, letting the water hit the back of his head as if he is trying to wash away the back of his mind. Despite the pressure on his head and his efforts, Petey couldn’t relax. His mind returned to the earlier worries about his son. 

Petey is aware of how overly cautious he has become of the boy, but he can’t help it. He had become horribly attached to the kitten, a helicopter parent some would call him. He found it ironic. As much of a helicopter parent he was, Petey did not spend that much time actually with his son. He constantly had 80-HD watching over the boy while he worked. Petey reconfigured the robot to broadcast a live feed that displayed on Petey’s computer monitor, so Petey could look over Lil Petey even from outside of the house. For extra security he had also installed cameras in many corners of the house so he can oversee his son while down in the lab. Petey knew it was wrong, but he never felt at ease with the kitten. He felt that he had to look over every aspect of sons life. His husband Greg, god bless his soul, had to learn to combat Petey’s overbearingness. 

To make up for Petey’s paranoia Greg began to spoil the little orange tabby rotten, with the approval of Petey of course. If Lil Petey wasn’t allowed to play outside, Greg would take him to run errands and try to make it as fun as possible; If he wasn’t allowed to watch TV, Greg would act out a play for the kitten. Greg always tried to find a solution that would make both felines happy. Petey knew Greg wouldn’t argue with him about the excessive concerns or rules. He knew Greg felt the same. 

When Greg found out about the cameras, the dog didn’t even blink. There was no fuss or arguments about the invasion of Lil Petey’s personal space. Surprisingly, Greg would sometimes go down to Petey’s lab to check on Lil Petey through the monitors. Petey likes to think of Greg's concerns being rooted to his job. Being a police officer means you see some pretty disturbing cases from time to time, it is understandable why Greg would want to make sure his family is safe. They never spoke about the surveillance after the initial discovery and occasional check in’s from Greg. However, they both knew that their kin couldn’t know about this. It was beyond messed up.

At least with Greg, Petey knew he could trust him. He knew his husband would die before letting anything bad happen to Lil Petey. He didn't believe he needed to secretly watch him. I need to calm down .

Petey shook his head and turned the water temperature up. Perhaps he could boil out the paranoia. He grabbed the shampoo bottle and a poured a hefty amount on his paw. Petey hated this part of bathing. He hurriedly began to vigorously scrub his body and fur. He hated showering. He hated feeling his body. He hated remembering what he was.

Petey's paws brushed over his chest. He could feel the scars from his top surgery. Shit. He thought to himself. He was now hyper aware of his body. Suddenly he felt like he was transported back in time reexperiencing puberty. He could feel his chest, despite them being gone, Petey felt like his breasts were still on him. He felt his waist be too small and feminine, his hips too big and plump, his body curving in ways men's bodies typically don’t. His thighs rubbed against each other, feeling like something phantom was missing. Something that was supposed to belong, but wasn't there. I need to get out.

Petey’s breathing began to shallow as his heart rate quickened. He turned the faucet to pour out freezing water to cool him off. The shock of the cold water urging Petey to escape faster. He scrubbed, and scrubbed, and scratched. He needed to get out. He needed to get out of this body. He needed to get out of this prison. 

Petey felt like he couldn’t breathe, the ice cold water began to remind him of cat jail. He turned to the faucet accidentally waterboarding himself just like they did to him in that wretched place. He didn’t care if the shampoo wasn’t fully washed out, he didn’t care that he didn’t use conditioner, he needed to get out. Petey yanked the shower curtain open not caring if the water from the showerhead poured onto the floor. Petey stumbled out of the shower, his ragged breathing not stabilizing. Petey’s skin burned as he got out of the shower thanks to the rough treatment he gave it moments ago. Petey grabbed the counter for support as he felt his body begin to shake without warning. His chest hurt. He could hear his heart beat in his ears as the blood rushed thanks to the adrenaline. He felt like he was being choked out and grabbed at his throat to confirm whether or not he was. Grabbing the towel Petey quickly wrapped himself up and collapsed against the wall. 

Petey tried to catch his breath to calm himself down. He couldn’t understand why this happened. He couldn’t understand why he freaked out so much when he showered. He never had issues with how he was perceived or his body until he had to shower. He was able to get top surgery thanks to Greg's insurance and support, but even before then he was passing and he felt fine. He began HRT back when he was a teen thanks to a local charity helping him and he felt fine then too. He and Greg have literally had sex before and he felt fine. Albeit they had to have the lights off, Petey had to wear an article of clothing, and it took a long time for Petey to feel comfortable enough to do so; but Greg never made him feel bad about it and accepted him as is. Hell! He had occasional baths with Greg and even then he felt fine. His husband feels him up on a regular basis and he feels fine. He was always fine until he had to shower. Maybe it was because everything else could always be covered in one way or another. He could hide his body, he would always be seen as a man to everyone else. But deep inside Petey's soul, he felt like he wasn’t man enough.

Meanwhile…

“Dogmaaaaaannnnnn! I can walk myself!” The kitten whined. He wriggled trying to get out of the hybrids grasp, unlike Petey, Greg knew how to keep a firm grasp on the restless kitten.

“Your father would kill me if you even got a scrape on your knee” Greg scoffed out a bark,

“You and papa are overdramatic! I can walk myself!” The kitten hissed, clearly becoming agitated. 

“Since when did you have such a big vocabulary?” Dogman woofs out a few chuckles seeing the similarities between the mini tabby and his father,

“Since you and papa stopped letting me have any fun. Now I just sit at home and read.” Lil Petey grumbled. He frowns and bears his claws to scare Dogman into releasing him. Unfortunately for the kitten, the dog knows he won’t actually try to hurt him.

“Reading is important. Your papa’s a smart man, and you’re his kin. You’re just as smart as he is, and with reading you’ll be even smarter!” Dogman barked in response trying to uplift his sons mood.

Somehow he seemed to have made it worse.

“I don’t want to just read! I want to go outside and play! I want to see Molly again!” Lil Petey began having a full blown tantrum in Dogmans arms. 

Greg's ears drooped down a little hearing this before twitching up in response to the blood curdling scream Lil Petey let out whilst flailing his arms and legs, drawing the attention of passerby’s. It’s like the kid new how to embarrass his parents.

Having a smart child had its perks, but it meant having to deal with some of the worst tantrums imaginable. Lil Petey’s demands weren’t unreasonable. The kid wanted to play with friends and go to the park. … Perhaps we are a little too protective of him .

Greg shook his head in response to the thought, he needed to stand by his husband. “Everything we do, we do because we love you.” Dogman yipped as he began walking and licked Lil Petey's head trying to calm down his son. 

Seeing the kittens demeanor worsening by now shedding tears and everyone around the two beginning to judge Dogman, Greg was forced to come up with a solution fast. 

Thank goodness Dogman was a creative individual as he quickly sparks up an idea. 

“Hey-Hey! I have an idea Junior! But I need you to calm down.” Dogman barks, quickly showering the kitten in affection. He keeps it up until the kittens cries become whines and whimpers. 

Looking up at Dogman and involuntarily purring the kittens little teary doe eyes melt the heart of his adoptive father. “W-what?” he sniffles out, his voice weak and wobbly from the screaming. 

“Instead of walking, how about we RUN!” Dogman howls as he takes off sprinting, dodging pedestrians and vehicles. 

Lil Petey squeals in excitement. Hearing the child's joy, Dogman decides to increase the intensity and jumps over people and objects in the way. The summer heat and the dirty looks from pedestrians can be tolerated if it meant that his son was happy. Dogman keeps up the pace and action up until they arrive at the grocery store. Greg pants out of breath and drenched in sweat as Lil Petey blabbers about how fun the running was. Dogman not fully listening to the child's rambling begins to make his way into the store.

Dogman grabs a carts and adjusts his hold on Lil Petey to be carried by his left arm. With his newly freed hand, Greg grabs his emergency disinfectant wipes from his vest and begins to clean the child seating and hand bars. Lil Petey looks away, embarrassed of the hybrids actions. 

“It’s fine you don’t have to clean it” he mumbles. Dogman simply ignores the comment and finishes wiping down the cart. 

He walks over to a trash can and throws it away while the disinfectant air dries. As the two walk back Dogman pulls out a pack of children's face masks from another pocket. Dogman sets Lil Petey down in the children’s seat and fastens him down with the provided buckle. Opening the pack of face masks he watches the kittens face contort into a frown. Lil Petey looks at the mask Dogman is handing to him, he glances up to look at Greg who gives an affirming smile, his eyes wander around examining the other shoppers taking note of their lack of face masks. 

“Do I really have to wear this?” Lil Petey grumbles. 

Greg nods and barks “Yes, or else you're never coming with me again.” Despite the light tone and silly smile, Lil Petey knows his response is genuine.

The mini tabby groans and angrily grabs the mask complaining as he puts it on, “Why do I have to wear a mask? No one else is! You aren’t!” 

The tirade of questions continue as Greg begins pushing the cart making his way through the store, most of what the kitten says only receives a hum in response.

Ignoring most of the questions, which were really just retorts, Greg decides to finally settle the matter, “Okay, well how about next time I bring a mask and we both can have them on?” He gives Lil Petey a sickeningly sweet smile.

The kitten gives up knowing he can’t argue against that solution, no matter how much he wanted to. Greg lets out a small giggle, he adores it when Lil Petey acts just like Petey. 

As the pair swiftly pass through the aisles, Lil Petey draws his attention to the other kids in the store. He observes as some of them run around, hold the hand of a parent, or get to push around one of the mini carts specifically designed for kids. This is unfair . Lil Petey thinks to himself. He finds it particularly unfair as he enviously watches another little kitten grab a pack of gummy bears and excitingly running over to his mother. He watches the cream colored kitten hold up the bag with one hand as he tugs the skirt of his mother with the other in attempt to draw her attention. Lil Petey watches with a fire beginning to burn in his chest. A flame of pure jealousy that only burns hotter as he watches the kittens mother enthusiastically nod and put the candy in their respective cart. 

Lil Petey turns his head to look into his cart. His brows furrowed he sees nothing but fresh fruits and vegetables. Everything was labeled organic, non-gmo, preservative free, pasture raised, etc. Last time Lil Petey asked for a sweet he was allowed to get a jar of organic strawberry preservatives to have on toast. Occasionally he is allowed to have an actual dessert, but those were reserved for family outings which were few and rare. Even then the treat would be small. 

“Dogman?” Lil Petey asks, his voice still small and pathetic from the tantrum earlier. 

“What is it bud?” Dogman signs averting his gaze from the steaks, drawing his full attention towards Lil Petey.

The kitten felt awfully shy. The idea to even ask for a treat began to feel foreign and ridiculous, and the scene he made earlier didn't help, “Can I get a treat?” his eyes averted to the ground not wanting to face rejections. His voice barely an audible whisper.

Greg hesitates for a moment, he knew he shouldn't reward the kittens earlier bad behavior. However, the kittens disheveled look from his tantrum stirred Greg's heart, “Depends on what you want.” He yips, not wanting to get the kittens hopes up.

Lil Petey thinks for a moment, he wants to ask for the gummy candies he saw the other kitten grab earlier, but knows the answer will likely be no. He wracked his brain trying to find a potential answer. He always felt as though he was playing checkers on his parent’s chess board. They always one up’d him. He needed to come up with a dessert that everyone could benefit off of. Perhaps the bakery section will have something? He could try asking for muffins, cookies, or a donut. No. Petey always retorts that they can make those at home. They never do. Maybe a healthy alternative snack Dogman gets him? No. Lil Petey didn’t like the taste of that stuff. Chocolate milk was always a safe go-to, but a kid can only handle so much milk. He didn’t like always drinking it. He tried freezing it once to make popsicles, but that was a disaster. A slice of cake was a possibility, but he never could make the single slice last long enough. 

Who knows when this opportunity will arise again? He needs to think of something, anything. His efforts started to seem futile, “...I don’t know…Can we look around the store?”

“I don’t know about that junior. We are on a bit of a time crunch” Dogman barks and offers Lil Petey an apologetic look. Greg sees how his kittens lips turn into a pout. He’s upset, not enough to cry, but it’s a familiar look of disappointment. 

“How about you think about it? I still have a few things your father asked me to pick up” Greg signs, trying to reason with the kitten. Lil Petey slowly nods his head, his gaze avoiding Greg entirely.

As the two make their way across the aisles Lil Petey analyzes every cart, every shelf, every item to find something he can take home. 

“How about some yogurt? It’s good for you and there are a lot of flavors” Greg barks, Lil Petey turned to look at Dogman who was grabbing a carton of milk. 

He turned his head to look at the opposite side of the aisle where the butter, cream, and other dairy products were kept. His eyes scanning yogurt the yogurt section,

“Can I take one that has those candy or cookies you mix in it?” The kitten asks with a hopeful look in his eyes as he turns to Dogman. 

It was now Greg's turn to refuse meeting the child’s gaze, his jaw clenching a little, “Again, it depends” he signs, not trusting his voice to not falter. He puts the milk in the cart, continuing to avoid looking Lil Petey in the eye still.

Pushing the cart to be in front of the yogurt section Dogman signs, “Is there anything here you’d like?” 

Lil Petey scans the yogurt once more. In all honesty he doesn’t want any of it. He wants a proper candy, a sweet. Like the ice creams his papa used buy him at the parlor…

“...Can we get ice cream?” Lil Petey speaks without thinking. He hitches his shoulders in preparation for rejection. He definitely messed up his chances, now anything he asks will be a stern no. He doesn’t really care though. Sometimes it’s best to get nothing at all than to yearn for something greater.  

Dogman's jaw clenches once more. He doesn’t want to get the kittens hopes up, but he can see in his eyes that Lil Petey is unhappy. Surely Petey will understand, they've gotten the kid ice cream plenty of times in the past. How could Greg not indulge his son when he had such a devastating look on his face. 

“Let’s take a look” Greg signs, a smile forming on his face as he sees the kitten perk up and start bouncing in his seat, “Can we get Popsicles? No! Custard? No! A big tub of ice cream! The tub one!” Greg chuckles seeing the kitten excited. 

Arriving at the aisle, Greg takes out Lil Petey from the kiddie chair, and lets him run around to look at the options while Greg sends his husband a text.

[Toilet Drinker]: lp wants ice cream <(._.)>

[LOML <333]: Tell him no.

[Toilet Drinker]: we should let him :((( you should see how he watches the other kids get treats ;(

Petey begins to type but stops momentarily. He continues again shortly after.

[LOML <333]: You told him yes already, didn't you?

[Toilet Drinker]: not exactly.. i said we could take a look :P

[LOML <333]: I don’t want him eating all that crap.

[Toilet Drinker]: languageeee >>:( 

[Toilet Drinker]: plus he eats healthy everydayy

[Toilet Drinker]: we don’t even eat or go out ;(

[Toilet Drinker]: he wants some normalcy (T_T) my poor bbyyyy (>o<) cant we make an exception??? I don’t like seeing him so upset :,(

[Toilet Drinker]: he started talking about playing outside and molly again :((

[LOML <333]: ...

[LOML <333]: Fine. But you deal with the sugar rush.

[Toilet Drinker]: yayyyyy i looooove youuuu honeyyyy :-) <333 XOXOXO

Putting the phone back in his pocket Greg refocuses his attention back to Lil Petey. The child's enthusiasm is as bright as the fluorescent lights in the store. Running around the aisle looking at the different sections, his body stops for a brief moment before the child eagerly jumps around and frantically calls for his dog father. 

“This one! Can we get this one please?!” Lil Petey’s insistent bouncing and yelling while tapping on the glass causes Dogman to rush over to see what all the fuss was about. 

Looking at Lil Petey’s choice, Dogman was unamused. A bountiful amount of energy for strawberry sorbet. If it’s what the kid wants. Can’t believe I defended you for this lackluster treat . Without dropping his smile Dogman nodded and grabbed the handle of the freezer to open it for the little kitten. The old Lil Petey would’ve never picked something like this . He shook the thought out of his head as he grabbed the kitten and sorbet, carrying them back to the cart and carefully placing both inside. 

“Are you sure this is what you want?” Greg huffed, the tone of his voice coming out a little annoyed by accident. 

Greg's eyes widen as Lil Petey freezes for a moment, unspoken tension in the their eyes, before the child quickly relaxes and nods his head. “Yes, Dogman.” 

Despite the smile and tone of voice, Dogman knew the child well, he knew that the kitten would’ve much rather chosen some silly flavor like cotton candy. Perhaps something more sinister like before. Lil Petey used to pick Neapolitan in order to eat both Dogman’s vanilla and Petey’s strawberry ice cream flavors as well as his own chocolate one. Dogman smiles at the memory. After that incident Petey ‘complained’ with a smile and his chest puffed out with pride about how diabolical the kitten was for doing that.

In an attempt to recover from his incidental tone slip, Dogman gives the kitten a big slobbery lick to the cheek and ruffles the fur on the top of his head, “Ok lil guy! I think that was everything on the list, let’s go checkout” he barked with a smiled. 

Chapter Text

The shower head had long been turned off, and the bath mats used to absorb water were tossing around in the wash. Due to Petey’s panic attack earlier, the faucet had been left on and the shower curtains were left open, causing water to pour out and soak the entire bathroom.

Petey grumbled to himself as he mopped the bathroom floor. Thanks to his little breakdown and being home alone Petey was forced to clean up the aftermath by himself, but what was more infuriating was that his (mostly) damp fur left him looking like a wreck. 

He couldn't groom himself with a tongue bath like normal because of the disgusting taste caused by the excessive amount of remaining shampoo that didn’t get scrubbed away. Petey didn’t mind the smell, but he was covered by a strong vanilla scent that will take days to dull down. 

The events that conspired within the past hour left Petey to where he is now. His fur is messy, face puffy, and emotionally numb. Well, maybe not the last one. Petey is more than annoyed. Not only did he cause a sopping mess, worse than his husband, but Dogman had allowed Lil Petey to get ice cream.

Petey knew it wasn’t the end of the world, but he doesn’t like it whenever Dogman makes decisions without his consultation first,

“We’re supposed to be a team my ass” Petey angrily mumbles, repeating the phrase Dogman always says to him. He says it anytime Petey decides anything himself. It makes Petey feel guilty.

Petey may not have the same emotional intelligence as Greg, but he knew his anger over something so trivial was unjustifiable. Perhaps he wasn’t left emotionally numb as he thought he was, or maybe the panic attack left him susceptible.

Greg’s unwavering loyalty doesn’t just exceed in his family and marriage, but he confidently followed every decision Petey made. Even if he personally disagreed. Greg had always advocated working together, to be unanimous in not only marriage but mind.

“Staying together is staying strong” became a common phrase the dog would sign whenever the two had a spat. 

Petey bites his lip angrily as his brows furrowed. Petey knew his claim of Greg making a decision was unfounded. Greg did consult with Petey before buying the ice cream of Lil Petey, but to get the kids' hopes up? To mention Molly? To indirectly comment about Petey’s overbearingness being abnormal? It makes Petey feel like the bad guy, and not in the good way being an evil villain made him feel.  

Petey would’ve fought back more, he didn’t care if Lil Petey was upset over ice cream, the kid will get over it. It is not healthy for him, if Lil Petey wanted it then Petey could’ve made some at home. 

Petey wasn’t afraid to put his foot down and tell the kitten no. What stopped him? Same person as always, his husband. 

Greg and Petey’s marriage hit a rough patch nearly 2 years ago. The two used to argue all the time for hours on end, and not just about Lil Petey. They argued over any and everything leading to a lot of tension in the house as the two tried their best to keep their problems away from Lil Petey.

Petey cringes recalling how he and Greg nearly divorced.

However, their little angel was able to reunite the two again as he once did before. Since then, Petey and Greg have tried to stay on the same footing. Greg began to follow Petey’s lead on everything. He wouldn’t challenge Petey’s overbearingness, he didn’t question Petey’s decisions, he went with whatever Petey told him. He granted Petey an unfathomable amount of trust.

Petey in turn had to put his faith in Greg. 

He needed to treat Greg equally in the family. He was his son’s second father. He knew the dog had felt left out. Greg didn’t feel like a true member because he was never treated as one. I wasn’t a good husband back then..

Petey still remembers the night where their marriage started to restabilize. How he and Greg were in a heated argument; how Petey accused Greg of not loving the kitten as much as he had; how angry Greg became; how quickly the look of anger was washed over by immense sadness. 

Petey’s stomach turned, remembering Greg’s confession on how he felt like he didn’t belong, how he wasn’t recognized as a true member of the family despite being married to Petey and legally adopting the kitten.

Despite Dogman always wearing his heart on his sleeve, Petey had never seen the dog in such a state. He was more than angry, more than upset, more than vulnerable, it was an emotion Petey did not recognize. All he knew is that he messed up. He had completely forgotten the dog was an equal to him, that he was much more complex than his surface level character.

The accusation broke something in Greg that night, Petey could never forget that look of utter betrayal on his husband's face after Petey spoke that cursed phrase. Petey spent years provoking the cop as a villain, but it wasn’t until marriage that the dog finally bit back. 

Since then Petey had put the effort to recognize Greg, as his husband, his child’s father, and his family. Petey had to learn to sit down on the rare occasions Greg stood up. He didn’t have the natural trust and loyalty dogs did, but he tried. 

Petey hated to admit it, but there was an intelligence the Dog had that surpassed his own. Greg was much more emotionally and socially intelligent than he was. It’s why Greg was able to become their family's foundation. For every ounce of burden Petey carried, Greg was there to carry every ounce of Petey. For every tear Lil Petey shed, Greg was there to dry up each and every single one. 

His devotion was unwavering, and Petey had the audacity to question it.

The strong lemon smell coming from the cleaning products began to make Petey’s head spin, grounding him back into the present. Petey’s guilt began to weigh heavy on him. How could he let a silly pint of ice cream rile him up? He knew Greg was right. He needed to step down on this. It wasn’t a hill he was ready to die on again. Cats have 9 lives, and he had died on that hill 8 lifetimes before, he couldn’t repeat the same mistake.

Petey shook his head trying to shake out his prior thoughts, he stared at the mop bucket frowning. His mind was elsewhere, and he needed it to return. He poured the contents of the bucket down the toilet. Petey watched the water rush out. Flushing the toilet, his eyes followed the endless swirl of dirty water swirl down and around until it finally disappeared. He sighed, feeling as though his own thoughts flushed down the toilet as well.

“...I wonder what flavor he chose” Petey spoke to himself as he picked up and carried the mop and bucket downstairs to the supply closet. 

“I hope it’s Neapolitan” He softly smiled to himself.

.

.

.

“Papa we’re home!” Lil Petey loudly announced as Dogman opened the front door.

Petey was in the living room watching trash TV when the pair arrived. Hearing his family had returned, he reached over to the remote and turned off the show. He let out a sigh of relief knowing the two are back in one piece. As he got up from the couch, Dogman immediately noticed Petey wearing a deep blue sweater. It was the same sweater Dogman had gifted him nearly a year ago when they started getting on good terms again. 

Blue is one of the few colors the hybrid can see. Pure blue was so vivid and bright to Greg, and the sweater made Petey stick out. 

He looks more beautiful than the ocean in it , Greg thought as his breath hitched.

“Took you long enough” Petey said as he walked over to the two. Greg was completely enamored, not listening to a thing Petey or Lil Petey were saying. 

How Petey looked made Greg think about the past. Back then Greg never knew he could be so in love until he started going out with Petey. After marriage his love for the conniving cat only grew stronger. He was borderline obsessive, even when they fought, especially when they fought. He couldn't get enough of Petey. And in that sweater? Petey possessed a pearl-like beauty. He was radiant, yet subtle and refined. Petey was a timeless classic beauty to Dogman, even when he was a villain.

Greg doesn’t know how long he had been staring, but he was snapped back into reality as Petey grabbed Lil Petey from his arms and set him down on the ground. Lil Petey immediately ran off to who knows where, laughing and smiling.

“That’s quite a lot of bags, are your arms ok?” Petey spoke, no real concern in Greg's ability to carry the dozen bags, but concern over the potential lack of circulation in his arms.

Greg nodded, unable to speak. Too dazed by his husband.

“Here let me help you” Petey continued, his hands reaching out and grabbing a few from Greg.  

Petey turned and walked towards the kitchen, his love-sick lover trailing slowly behind him. They set the bags down on the breakfast table to unpack. As Dogman begins to take the items out of the bags, Petey walks over to their supply closet, grabbing a container of disinfectant wipes. The cat felt a little silly cleaning everything, but it’s a habit he picked up months ago. Petey was never really a clean freak before, but nowadays it brought him peace of mind. Petey opened the container and began wiping the items down. Greg stood there watching him. 

“Is something wrong?” Petey asked, pausing his actions and looking at the dog.

Greg hesitated, “...You haven’t worn that in a long time” he signed. His hands moving slower than usual

“It’s a nice sweater, I don’t want to ruin it” Petey nervously responded. Not wanting to admit that it brought him comfort by covering his body or by the fact it reminded him of Greg. 

“I can always buy you another one,” Greg signed.

“This one’s more meaningful,” Petey shrugged as he refocused his attention to cleaning. Dogman used to buy him gifts all the time as an act of affection. Petey used to complain about it, but now he misses it. He missed it when Greg would come home with a bouquet of flowers or a stupid keychain all because it was something he thought Petey would like.

Greg continues watching him for a few seconds before grabbing all the produce and walking to the sink. He grabbed a large bowl from a nearby cabinet and set it down on the counter, one by one he placed the fruits and vegetables inside.

The dog had grown quite accustomed to this routine. While he thought it was excessive at first, he didn’t want to spark an argument with his feline husband. He rolled up his sleeves before thoroughly washing his hands and placing the now heavy bowl in the sink. One by one Greg cleaned the produce. 

The two continued their duties in silence. Shortly after, the two began to store everything away moving in a synchronized rhythm around the kitchen, a dance they’ve practiced countless of times before. 

Lil Petey soon joined them in the kitchen, picked up by one of his fathers and placed on the kitchen counter, he sits with a smile mesmerized by the two’s abilities to read each other. Their actions matched one another, even as they began to cook dinner. There was something hypotonic connecting the two, as if they were enchanted and shared the same mind. If Petey was washing his hands, Greg was grabbing the ingredients. Petey would instinctively follow by opening the grounded beef as Greg set the bowls and seasonings next to him. They continued their fluid movements, swiftly preparing and cooking dinner,

“How was your day Lil Petey?” Greg signed after closing the oven allowing the garlic bread to bake, finally acknowledging the kitten's presence.

“It was ok.” The kitten curtly responded as his eyes followed Dogman to the sink as he spoke.

“Only ok? You didn’t do anything fun? No comics? Nothing good on TV?” The dog signed, slightly turning his head with a cocked eyebrow. His expression showed concern over the child's lack of enthusiasm.

“Mmm, nope!” Lil Petey shrugged, putting an emphasis on the ‘p’ with a popping sound.

“He played knights and dragons with 80-HD again. Made a mess of the playroom he still hasn’t picked up.” Petey spoke, calling out the kitten’s short response, his attention not moving from the meatballs sizzling in the skillet in front of him.

Greg smiled warmly at the little tabby, “Tell me about it” he signed before starting to wash the dishes, forcing Lil Petey to tell him about his role play game as he could no longer sign.

“Papaaa!” Lil Petey whined.

“Don’t be rude to your father, he works long and hard everyday to keep the city safe for you. Talk to him and answer his silly question.” Petey said, reprimanding Lil Petey.

“You weren’t even there, how would you know I wasn’t playing robin hood or dinosaurs?!” The kitten was unfortunately perceptive, fortunately Petey was clever,

“80-HD told me while you two were at the store, said you also lost the battle because you didn’t want to marry the plushie princess and threw a fit. Despite you coming up with the idea” Petey retorted, Greg snorted out a laugh, but quickly silenced himself to not embarrass his son. Overtime, the two parents had progressively become skillful deceivers thanks to having to hide their disturbing stalker-like behavior from the child. They always had a reasonable response to inconspicuously deter the child.

Lil Petey huffed and crossed his arms, looking at his fathers begrudgingly “Well now you know what happened” he dryly spoke.

“Ok well if you’re going to be like that then you have an extra 30 minutes of reading tonight. You can read to Greg” Petey’s voice was sweet as honey but a hidden annoyance could be seen in his wicked smile as he turned his head to glare at Lil Petey. It was a look that told Lil Petey what Petey said was final. 

Dogman yipped happily, completely disregarding the villainous aura his husband had. He was simply happy that he and Lil Petey would spend time more together, 

“Greg, go shower, I can finish up” Petey commanded, his attention refocused on the cooking food. 

Dogman hummed in response as he finished washing the remaining dishes. He shortly followed it with washing his hands, and as he dried them with a towel he placed a lick on Lil Petey’s forehead. Hanging the hand towel to dry on the stove's handle, he grabs Petey’s waist to pull him into a side hug and a lick to say thank you. 

Greg’s sweet gesture was quickly ruined as he noticed a few things after getting up close to his lover. Petey winced and flinched when he made physical contact; his fur was rough and appeared messy; there was a strong shampoo taste on Petey; and when he took a few sniffs there was a pungent vanilla odor. Greg refrains from saying anything, and instead lets go of Petey and signs a thank you before heading to the bathroom upstairs. 

Once upstairs Greg walks over to the bathroom and observes how suspiciously clean it is. His theory as to what went down begins to solidify. 

As he goes to turn on the faucet, Greg catches sight of the shower curtains. They’re ripped and littered in claw marks. This is what he needed to confirm his theory. Something happened while Petey was showering again. 

Greg strips himself naked, his clothes peeling off his fur like a second set of skin from how damp and wet the fabric became from his excessive sweat. He stepped into the shower, the cold water hitting him as hard as rain. As the cold water drenched his fur, rinsing off a bit of the sweat, Dogman let out a sign of relief as he felt his body finally relax. However, his mind could not do the same.

Despite their many years of being together there are somethings Petey still won’t open up about. One of those things were showers. Petey never lets the two shower together, and anytime after Petey showers, he is a disheveled mess. Petey always emerges looking like he is drenched in sweat rather than properly cleaned. Greg used to question it at first, but it would cause Petey to shut down and close himself off. The walls Greg has worked so hard on deconstructing would return instantly at the mention of it. Not wanting to trigger Petey any more, Greg decided to wait until Petey would open up.

Unfortunately, any opening up Petey did felt forced. As if Greg was prying his husband's secrets out of him. After a particularly rough shower one night Greg broke down the bathroom door, only to find his Petey in shambles. He remembered hearing the thudding, falling, and the fear inducing screeching yowl that caused him to act. 

When Greg first experienced the aftermath of Petey’s shutdown he wasn’t sure what to do. He tried touching Petey’s shoulder but only received a flinch in response like he did today. 

Greg thought about the state Petey was currently in. He felt remorse for suggesting the cat should shower, but him allowing the cat to lick himself to bathe wasn’t a smart decision. Greg began to scrub his body with shampoo. He remembered wrapping Petey up in a large towel and setting him on their shared bed. He remembered quietly cleaning the bathroom as Petey refused to utter a word. He remembered using a wet rag and gently trying to wipe off the remaining shampoo on Petey.

Rinsing off the shampoo, Greg grabbed the conditioner and lathered it in.

The same incident occurred a few more times afterwards. Thankfully by then Petey allowed himself to take a bath with Greg. It was the only real solution the dog could come up with for dealing with the aftermath of Petey's shower meltdowns. It allowed Greg to pamper the cat as well as help clean him up. Greg felt guilty for enjoying them so much as Petey had clearly felt bad.

Rinsing off the conditioner and turning off the shower, Greg sighed. He was tired, he felt his eyes starting to close and his body sway a little. However, he couldn't allow himself the privilege of resting while his husband was going through something and needed him.  

Shaking off the water, Greg reached for his towel and dried himself off. He made his way out the shower and headed towards the bathroom cabinet. Reaching into a drawer he retrieved his fur brush and blow drier.

  Is it really worth drying my fur if I am just going to have a bath later? he thought to himself. Shrugging he put down the dryer and began brushing himself. 

.

.

.

Dinner had been nothing exciting. It was the usual. Lil Petey spoke up a storm with his fathers half listening and nodding, one of them making an occasional comment or question. At the end of the meal, Greg took charge of cleaning up the dining room and table while Petey made Lil Petey clean up the almost forgotten mess in the playroom. 

The remainder of the evening was used as family time. The trio spent time together laughing, playing, and talking. Before Dogman’s excessive work schedule, it used to be a regular thing for the three to do. It may not be much to most, but on this day both of the kitten’s fathers gave him company during his bath time, the moment was as warm as the tub water. Time soared as the bathroom filled up with witty banter as Greg scrubbed the kitten clean and Petey dried and fixed up Lil Petey’s fur.

It was now 9PM and Lil Petey was bundled up in his bed tiredly reading a story book aloud to his dog dad. It was a little past the kitten's regular bedtime, but it was also summer vacation and the kitten was allowed to sleep in however long he liked. Usually the three would share a bed in his parents bedroom, but on this particular night Dogman suggested Lil Petey sleep in his room for the night. While the kitten had his own room, he hardly ever slept in it; preferring the warmth of his parents much more than a cold lonely bed. To make up for it, the couple laid on each side of the bed with Lil Petey comfortably in the middle. 

By the end of the 30 minutes the kitten could barely keep his eyes open, 

“All right sleepy head, it’s time for bed” Petey gently spoke, taking the book out of his son's hands.

“M’kay papa” the kitten yawned as he slightly wigged around to get in a comfortable spot. Once he found one, he closed his eyes and began to purr. 

Unable to sign, and not wanting to accidentally startle the kitten by barking, Dogman placed a gentle kiss on the mini tabby’s head.

“Sleep tight, and don’t let your fathers fleas bite” Petey smiled and scrunched his face while mimicking a bite as he tucked Lil Petey in.

“G’night papa, night Dogman” The kitten mumbled as Petey gave a quick peck on the cheek.

The couple silently made their way out of the room and gently shut the door. They stood in silence staring at the door for a few seconds. Petey decided to act first and began walking to their room. As he sat on their bed, his eyes observed Greg closing and locking the door.

Greg turned his head to look back at Petey, he didn’t move from the door. The look in his eye told Petey that Greg had already figured out he had another panic attack. Shame began to swirl in his stomach causing Petey to glance away. 

Petey knew what was coming. His husband may be an air head at times, but he sure wasn’t dumb. Not when it mattered. His canine senses and detective skills always helped Greg piece together what was wrong, much to Petey’s dismay. Secrets were impossible to hide away from the mutt. Petey suspected his husband knew when Greg had Lil Petey sleep in his own room. Another indicator was the unusual silence his husband displayed. While he can’t speak normally, Greg was usually signing a flurry of sentences non-stop. Petey hated the stagnant stance of his husband. It told him Greg was serious. 

Greg snapped his fingers, he always snapped in an effort to draw Petey's attention. Petey turned to look at him,

“Are you ok?” he signed. It was a simple question. Petey could obviously lie, but he knew Greg wasn’t looking for an answer. Greg was looking for a reaction. The damn mutt knew how to read Petey like an open book, and was waiting for a cue that allowed him to approach his husband. 

Petey sat still and stared at the floor. Not answering Greg, not giving him a reaction, not giving him a cue. After a while, Greg snapped his fingers again.

“Do you want to take a bath?” Greg signed, a look of worry displayed on his face.

Petey bit his lip, hunched up his shoulders, and looked away. That was enough of a response for the hybrid.

Greg walked over to the bathroom and started setting up the tub. As the tub filled, Greg pulled out 2 containers and a cheesecloth from under the sink. He has unfortunately been through this enough times to have a prepared set of oatmeal for these types of baths.

After Petey’s first panic attack, Greg spent hours researching how to help him. He always believed Petey’s fur was naturally rough and odd tasting but shortly learned it was because of Petey’s lack of proper hygiene. Greg tried using a wet rag once, but the roughness did more damage than help. Petey didn’t let Greg continue after the first wipe, let alone touch him for days because of the oversensitivity of the raw scratches. After reading through various articles and blogs, Greg concluded that an oatmeal bath would help soothe Petey’s skin and allowed Greg to properly clean him. Fortunately for him, it worked like a charm. 

Greg grabbed the other container of regular oatmeal and poured some into the cheesecloth. He tied it up to create a small pouch and dropped it into the tub letting it soak like a teabag. Putting everything away, Greg walked out of the bathroom to check on Petey before grabbing a few more items. 

The feline was still as stone, not moving a muscle from where Greg had left him earlier. Not wanting to seem aggressive with all the snapping, Greg clicked his tongue to call for Petey’s attention.

“Do you want me to join you?” Greg signed. There was a brief pause, but this time Petey actually reacted with a response. A small nod full of humiliation.

Greg smiled and walked over to his and Petey’s shared closet, he grabbed their bathrobes and some soft towels for them to use, returning to the bathroom he set everything down. After double checking to make sure he had everything ready, It was finally time for the bath. Greg made sure to leave the bathroom door open, seeing he was in Petey’s line of sight, he turned so his back would be facing Petey. Greg began to strip himself once more, until he was left in only his underwear. 

When he was done he turned to look at Petey, who in turn looked away pretending as if he was not just eyeing down his husband. Greg smiled to himself. He always made sure to act vulnerable first to make Petey feel comfortable. Greg learned that exposing himself, like his back facing Petey, was a sign of vulnerability to cats, and for extra emphasis he would sometimes get naked (if it was appropriate of course).

Walking over to Petey, Greg stopped in front of him and looked him in the face. Petey looked back at him, the dog was unbelievably shameless. He stood in front of the feline naked and full of confidence. Petey would’ve mocked the dog if he didn’t find his efforts endearing. Greg held out a hand, Petey stared at it. The dog was unbelievably corny as well. Petey scoffed and placed his hand on top of Greg’s. He watched as Greg pulled his hand up to meet his lips and placed a sweet and gentle kiss on the back of it. For a dog, he was also unapologetically a superb gentleman. 

Greg carefully ran his hands down along Petey's sides, barely grazing the skin through the sweater, he was too scared to touch Petey’s skin and accidentally harm him. Greg was treating Petey with a fragility as if he was about to break any second. Petey never voiced it, but he hated being treated like he was made of glass.

Greg's hands made it to the bottom of Petey's sweater, he grabbed the end and slowly started to remove it. Carefully pulling it up and removing it from his husband's body. Ever so slowly, he guided Petey’s arms out, and brushed their noses together after pulling the sweater over Petey’s head. Once fully taken off, Petey instinctively hugged himself trying to feel less nude despite it being his regular ‘attire’. The actions felt too intimate, too vulnerable, too pathetic for Petey to handle.

Greg folded the sweater and placed it on the nightstand next to the side Petey usually slept on; leaving it for Petey to wear again later. Greg leaned in close to Petey, feeling the cat's hot breath hitting his upper body. He grabbed his husbands arms and guided them around his neck, another act of vulnerability. He then swiftly scooped Petey up in bridal style without warning. 

Dogman carried Petey to the bathroom with ease despite the cat towering over him. Knowing Petey doesn’t like to feel exposed, Greg adjusted his hold on Petey to one arm as he used the other to close and lock the bathroom door. Much to Petey’s dismay, Greg knew exactly how to comfort the feline.

Readjusting his hold, Greg carefully stepped into the warm tub and sat down with Petey on his lap. Petey shifted his seating and laid his back on Gregs abdomen allowing his head to rest on Gregs shoulder. He let out a relaxed sigh feeling an almost instant relief on his skin. Greg stroked his side with one hand causing him to purr.  

After allowing Petey to relax and his skin to soak for a while, Greg began to gently rub and scrub at Petey’s furry arms in an attempt to get any remaining shampoo off. He didn’t waste time exploring Petey's body, as the first and last time he tried to selfishly indulge himself during one of these baths, Petey ended up hissing and scratching him. 

It may not be sex, and it might be wrong of him, but Greg loves taking these intimate baths with Petey. It was one of the few times Greg was allowed to pamper up the cat and litter him with kisses and affection. However, he felt conflicted. Ever since Greg was scratched by Petey after crossing the line, he began to question his actions. Petey was clearly in an emotionally unavailable state during these moments. His mind detached from the real world and his eyes were clouded over indicating he wasn’t fully present. He had little energy in him, and was incredibly defensive or tense over most physical interactions during these moments. The baths help soothe Petey, but Greg felt as though he was beginning to take advantage of the cat’s lack of bite. Petey let Greg do almost anything he liked, and Greg wasn’t sure how to feel about it anymore. 

Once Greg was done with Petey's arms and abdomen, he removed Petey from his lap and placed his husband where he had been previously sitting. After helping Petey lean back and be comfortable, Dogman then moved to the other end of the tub to clean Petey's legs. 

Greg did his best to not stare at Petey, he knew his gaze would make the cat uncomfortable. The canine man may not know what was the cause of his husbands breakdowns, but he suspected it had to do with Petey’s self image. The cat never had a positive view of himself, leaving all the weight of propping him up to his husband. 

Finishing up on cleaning Petey’s legs, Greg placed a small kiss on one of Petey’s knees that was poking out of the water. Now it came to one of the most vulnerable places of all, Petey’s head. Greg clicked his tongue once more. Petey slowly opened his eyes and looked at Greg,

“I’m going to clean your head, ok?” Greg signed. He wasn’t really asking a question, instead giving a heads up. Greg maintained eye contact with Petey and he slowly crawled on the cat's lap. He waited for Petey. He knew staring could be seen as aggression or trust, and it was up to Petey to determine how to take it.

A moment passed, and then two. Greg was starting to get nervous, but just when he was about to back away Petey broke eye contact. Greg sat up and squirmed around to get comfortable. He turned to look at Petey, their faces inches apart. Meeting Petey’s gaze, he froze. He watched as Petey slowly closed his eyes and tilted his head back, signaling for Greg to continue. 

Greg cupped water in his hands and brought it over Petey’s head, slowly he poured the oat mixture letting it trickle down. Greg continued pouring a few more scoops before using one hand to rub Petey's face. The other continued scooping water. Carefully, Greg lathered Petey’s skin with the oatmeal water.

“Psst” Greg whispered,

Petey’s right eye slowly opened to look at Greg. Greg gulped as he knew the last part was the most dangerous of all.

“I need to clean your..” Greg signed hesitantly, and didn’t bother finishing the sentence. He knew Petey didn’t like talking about his private anatomy or drawing any sort of attention to it.

“...I can take it from here” Petey mumbled and he glanced away embarrassed

“Okay, let me know when you’re done” Greg responded.

Greg slowly removed himself off of Petey and ascended from the water. Greg’s second job was done. The hybrid was exhausted. He knew he needed to get as much sleep as possible, but it is likely he will only get a handful of hours before having to wake up again. 

Greg sighed at the thought. I really need some sleep. My body is relaxing too much. I’ll fall asleep standing at this rate . His body ached as he got up to grab the towels. As much as he would enjoy the view, he knew he shouldn’t be around Petey during this moment, but something grabbed his wrist to stop him.

Greg looked at Petey, who looked back at him sympathetically, “Sit.”

Following the command, Greg did as told. He got back in the water and turned his back on Petey. It may be gross sitting in dirty water, but Greg liked gross. And this was the rare occasion Petey let him be nearby as he cleaned himself. 

A few moments passed and the water was growing cold, Greg pulled his knees to his chest and used his forearms as a headrest. He closed his eyes and waited as always,

“C'mere” Petey instructed, his tone laced with an unfamiliar gentleness. One Greg couldn’t find himself ever getting used to.

Greg turned around and crawled into Petey’s lap again. Petey wrapped his arms around his husband, as Greg rested his head on his husband's chest.

“Thank you.. You’re too good to me” Petey whispered before placing a small peck on Gregs forehead. Greg lets out a low growl in response. Greg didn’t like those kinds of compliments Petey made, it always felt back handed towards Petey. 

The soothing sensation from the bath, the rumbling purring coming from Petey, and the warmth embracing him tempts Greg with sleep. He yawns and feels himself relaxing even more as he is being lulled to dreamland. 

No, I can’t fall asleep here. Petey needs me to help him, and we need to go to bed . Greg thinks to himself. He groans as he forces himself to get up. 

Greg steps out of the tub, reaching for a towel anew as he begins removing his now oat-water soaked underwear, and pats himself dry. Not having his usual energy to shake off the water. Wrapping the towel around his waist, Greg turns to Petey and picks him up out of the tub without warning. Greg chuckles as he sees Petey’s frowning face and wet fur out of water. 

Greg places Petey back on the ground, allowing Petey to stand on his own. Grabbing the other towel on the counter, Greg begins to pat down Petey. Once dry enough, Greg grabs Petey's bathrobe and helps the cat put it on. Grabbing a hold of Petey’s hand, Greg guides the cat to the counter. Pushing his husband back a little to force Petey to sit down on it. Afterwards, Greg lazily places his own bathrobe on and removes the towel around his waist. 

Heading over to the tub, Greg lets the water drain. Grabbing and untying the oatmeal pouch, ultimately throwing away the oats in the cheesecloth. He rinses out the cloth in the sink and hangs it to dry, deciding to properly wash it tomorrow.

Petey study’s Greg. Petey can tell the drowsiness is starting to take a toll on him. The dog's movements are sluggish and he is beginning to look confused with the constant pausing and hesitant continuance with whatever he is doing. Petey watches Greg open a drawer, pause, close it, only to reopen it to pull out a hair dryer and a fur brush. 

Without asking, Greg opens up the top part of his robe, revealing his upper body once again. Petey definitely knows sleep is starting to get to his husband. Normally he would ask before doing anything. Petey felt at fault as he watched his husband plug in the dryer and set it to a low warm setting. Petey stared intently at Greg as the dog brushed and dried his fur. Petey wanted to speak up, but he enjoyed getting taken care of by Greg. An amused smile makes its way onto his face as he watches his husband struggle to stay awake. Occasionally swishing from side to side. Keeping up the slow pace until he finishes. 

Greg yawns and stirs once more. Not putting in as much care or effort to himself, he puts the dryer on full blast as he dries and combes his fur. The initial noise startling both him and Petey at first. Greg continues, wincing as the volume hurts his ears, but he is too tired to care. Rushing through the process and leaving himself a little damp, Greg decides it’s finally time to go to bed. 

Haphazardly shoving everything into the drawers, Greg doesn’t care about the mess he is making. Deciding it's a tomorrow Greg issue. Yawning once more, Greg puts his hand out towards Petey who doesn’t hesitate to accept it. Less gentlemanly, Greg leads Petey to stand in front of their bed. Greg raises his hand as if telling Petey to wait.

Greg rushes. Desperate for sleep he strips the bed in one tug, and jumps around from one end to the other in an attempt to place the new sheets and blankets. Knowing the cotton ones will allow Petey’s skin to breathe better.

Greg pats the bed, signaling for Petey to sit. The feline follows, and as Greg is about to remove Petey's bathrobe and put the sweater back on him. Petey finally decides he has received enough of his husband's care. Petey raises his hand up and shakes his head, 

“It’s ok, you should get some clothes on and meet me in bed” Petey said. Greg whines a little before getting a sharp glare from Petey. 

Greg reluctantly leaves the cat as he finally puts on some clothes again. As he does, Greg hears a brief rustling of bed sheets before feeling a set of eyes burning through his back. Turning around he sees his lover staring at him, already in the sweater and comfortably wrapped up in the fresh set of linens. Greg can’t help but think how adorable Petey looks. However, as much as he loves looking at his husband, he loves basking in his attention even more,

“Take a picture, it'll last longer” Greg smugly signs. Prideful that his husband was staring at him.

“Shut up” Petey scoffs. Not taking his eyes off of Greg as the hybrid continues getting dressed. Once done, Greg turns to look at Petey. 

Neither of them move or speak, and just stare at one another. Eye contact, something so tame yet exhilarating. It’s almost like falling in love all over again. Greg smiles at Petey. It’s goofy, toothy, and contains a care-free joy in it. Petey smiles back. It’s gentle, but the way his lips curl up makes him appear as mischievous as a Cheshire cat. The two continue to look at each other and don’t break contact as Greg crawls into bed. Not stopping even as Petey reached towards the bedside lamp and turned it off, putting an end to the stare down. Petey pulls Greg close, and the two sleep embraced in their shared warmth. Clinging to each other like tomorrow won't arrive.

Chapter Text

Childish laughter echoes throughout the house, bouncing from wall to wall.

Dogman, dressed in his policeman uniform, heads down the stairs of his home. The day is gray and murky from the looming threat of rain, but the hybrid doesn’t allow it to sway his typical cheerful mood. As he descends he sees his husband, Petey. The tall lanky tabby stands in the middle of the living room carrying Lil Petey. Despite Petey’s back being turned away, Greg can tell that something is off with his husband. He approaches,

“Ooo?” a quiet howl, one he typically uses to ask what’s wrong. 

No answer.

Dogman watches as Petey’s shoulders begin to shake, and a sobbing sound erupts from his throat. Greg, urgently but gently grabs one of Petey's shoulder’s and turns him, forcing him to look at Greg. 

The sobbing stops, but the tears roll down his husband's face dripping onto the tiny kitten he is holding. Despite all the crying, his body is stiff and his face is devoid of emotion. There is a dead look in his eyes. Dogman knows that look all too well. A look of tiredness filled with the numbness you feel after crying your heart out to no avail. The light in his eyes shushed out. It’s the same look Petey would give him not too long ago. A look so void of emotion it made Dogman cower nowadays, but back then he would’ve returned the same look. 

“Greg, you're home!” Petey happily sang. His voice a completely different tune from the one he is physically exhibiting. 

The rain starts to pour outside, and Greg's nerves are beginning to skyrocket.

Petey’s voice continues to remain upbeat as he begins to yell “You asshole! You fucking mutt! Where have you been?! You’re never around!” Confusion strikes Greg as Petey sounds genuine, yet his tone of voice makes him sound amused. As if he were taunting Greg just as he did back when he was a villain.

“I’ve been here! I was upstairs, what do you mean?! You’re the one who is always on my ass about money, so I am working these extra shifts! God forbid I want some rest!” The dog angrily signs in response. His hands moving before his mind could think of a response.

“You piece of shit, I am not some damn housewife! I shouldn’t be home all day worrying whether or not you’re going to come home alive because you never respond to my calls!” Petey’s voice begins to mock him. 

“Don’t swear like that in front of Lil Petey!” Greg felt like he was watching himself through a TV screen. His mind began to race. No, no, nonononono-

Was he going insane? Why was he responding before he could even comprehend what was happening? 

Looking down at Lil Petey, Dogman see’s the child is gone. 

Ignoring Petey’s continuous yelling, he begins to look around and wonder, where did Lil Petey go?

Leaving Petey, Dogman goes to search for the kitten.

Another phantom laughter echoed through the halls of the house. The pure joy of a child’s giggle, a sound so clear and distinct, but so dead and gone. A familiar feeling for a child that once was, yet the being never fully left. From the kitchen window Greg see’s a small figure, out in the rain staring at him. Its face was unable to be seen. He rushes to open the door leading to the backyard as the thunder roars loudly. The rumbling coming from the ground shakes him to his core. Opening the door he no longer see’s Lil Petey, he scrambles out the door. The rain pours down heavier with every step Dogman takes. He pants, and runs, the droplets of rain beating down on him like bullets. The muddy ground causes him to slip and fall, caking himself in soil. He cringes and looks up, slowly getting on his hands and knees Greg realizes he couldn’t see past a few inches thanks to the rain. Thunder continues to roar, the sky is as black as night, and a buzzing sensation begins to consume him.

That sinking feeling began to take over again. His actions no longer became his own, he feels his own thoughts betraying him alongside his body. As if they were artificial. He felt it in his brain that he needed to find Lil Petey, but ‘his’ thoughts overshadowed him, This is a strong storm. I should head inside, and go to bed. Greg watches himself get up and go back inside. 

He quickly forgets his prior search for Lil Petey, feeling as though he already knows where the boy is. 

The storm stops.

Back in control, Greg looks around. He is halfway up the staircase of his house, and notes that the lights are out and the mud on him disappeared like a distant memory. He continues ascending, reaching the top he eyes the door leading to Lil Petey’s room. 

Walking as if the panic moments ago never existed he calmly passes his and Petey’s bedroom door. A faint moan and the sound of a creaking bed coming from the other side stops him in his tracks. Turning his head he stares at the closed door as if his eyes were going to set it ablaze. A lump forms in his throat he desperately tries to swallow down, but his saliva is thick as nausea hits him. Greg’s hand clutches his shirt right above his stomach, he knows exactly what is going on in there. 

He shakes his head and forces himself to continue forward. That was a mistake, it’s fine now. Everything worked out.

Opening the door to Lil Petey’s bedroom, the atmosphere was no better. It was worse. The air was so thick you could cut it with a knife. The storm suddenly started up again and the wind was screaming. The kitten was in bed. He was sitting up with a pillow to lie back on watching the storm outside his window. Tear stains littered his cheeks as he clutched his favorite plushie like his life depended on it.

Hearing the door open, Lil Petey turned to look at Greg. The mini tabby’s face displaying every ounce of fear that consumed him, “Dogman, can you read me a story? I’m scared.”

His voice is so meek and feeble. Greg thought to himself as he nodded his head, and walked to sit on a little yellow chair next to Lil Petey’s bed.

The kitten giggled, “Dogman, that chair is too small for you!” his cheerful voice ruined by the rawness of previous crying. 

Greg chuckles in response to his son's laughter, “Scoot over I’ll sit with you” he signs.

“Papa wouldn’t like your dirty work clothes getting the bed all dirty” Lil Petey added, his smile faltering just a little.

“Then we can just keep it as a secret between us” Greg presses a finger against his lip. 

Lil Petey giggled again as he moved his back pillow more to the left and scooted over for Greg to sit beside him. Carefully seating himself and getting comfortable Greg opened the book that appeared in his hands. He let out loud ferocious growls and barks with each page. 

Halfway through Lil Petey leaned and rested his head onto Dogman's side. Dogman embraced the kitten with his left arm and caressed him with the same fragility he used for Petey, scared to break something so dear to him. 

Dogman continued, only ever letting go of the child to turn to the next page. 

Finishing the story, Greg closes the book and looks down towards Lil Petey. The kitten's face looked depressingly exhausted even as he blissfully dreamed, Dogman wished he could take everything bad in Lil Petey’s life and redirect it towards himself.

Slowly as to not disturb the kitten, Greg got out of bed and readjusted the pillow to allow Lil Petey to sleep comfortably. As he tucked his son in, the little tabby stirred and looked at him with tired eyes. A smile planted on his face, one that didn’t truly reach the eyes of its beholder.

“I love you dad”

.

Dogman gasps and shoots up. His body’s drenched with sweat and his heart is racing. He groans, feeling his head pounding and body sore. Rubbing one of his eye’s with the bottom half of his hand and supporting his weight with the other Greg looks down to see Petey. He sighs and turns to sit down. His eyes are dry and he yawns as he turns to look at his alarm, 2:49AM.

Great. Now I get less sleep. Greg thought to himself annoyed.

Greg hasn’t been able to get much sleep in over a year, averaging at about 4-5 hours a night. So far he was at about 2 or 3 give or take some time. He debated on starting his morning off extra early today. He only really had about 40 more minutes before his alarm went off. 

Dogman had a demanding morning routine he stuck to religiously. Every morning he would wake up at 3:30AM and work out for about 40 minutes, before taking a brief shower and preparing for the day. Due to him living on the outskirts of the city, Dogman had a 25-30 minute walk to work. Meaning he needed to be out the door at 4:30AM at latest to make it to his 5AM shift. Usually he ate during his walk to work. Petey typically had prepped breakfasts for him, but sometimes would wake up alongside him to make Greg something fresh. Greg's lunch was typically dropped off by his husband unless there was a prior plan, and in that case Greg had a previously prepared lunch box in the fridge and would take it during his walk to work. 

Greg began to get up before a quiet hum and arm wrapped around his waist, “mm, what’re y’doin your alarm hasn’ gone off yet” Petey grumbled as he yanked Greg back on top of him.

Noticing Petey’s eyes were still closed Greg whined. Petey reached his paw out and held his husband's face, refusing to open his eyes still. “Lemme guess, you had a bad dream?” he mumbled, sleep slowly dissipating from his voice.

Greg nodded and let out with a whimper. “Baby I’m right here. It was just a dream. Everyone who was here before you slept is still here. You’re safe and okay. Even if something bad happened to you, remember the husband you have currently speaking to you was on the world's most wanted list. No one can stop me from reaching you” Petey tiredly mumbled.

Greg only shoved his head into the crook of Petey’s neck and hugged him tightly in response. Petey huffed knowing that whatever the nightmare was was still bothering his husband. 

“Why don’t you just skip the workout for today and stay in bed with me a little longer?” Petey asked. He unfortunately already knew the answer, and Gregs growling only confirmed it. The stubborn mutt refused to break his routine. 

“Mm, fine. Tell me about it before you go to work. But as long as the alarm hasn’t gone off there is still time to stay with me here” And with that, Petey yawned and drifted off to sleep once more. Greg closed his eyes and let himself be lulled back to dreamland by Petey’s purring. 

.

.

.

The morning was slightly better. Greg may not have gotten a good sleep, but that didn’t mean he had to let it ruin his whole day. Finishing getting dressed, he made his way downstairs. The sky was still dark out, but he had gotten used to it a while ago. Greg waking up after the sun was a rare occasion. 

Smelling the coffee in the air Greg followed the trail into the kitchen.

“I made you a few meaty wraps and cut fruit for breakfast. I put your coffee in a to-go cup, and your water bottle is all prepped. We have about 8 minutes before you gotta walk out that door. Talk” Petey quickly spoke.

Greg sat himself at the breakfast table and began to sign. “Thank you I-”

“Ah ah ah. Hurry, we don't have much time. Go”. Petey cut Greg off as he leaned back against the kitchen counter and crossed his arms.

“I had a dream I arrived home from work I think? I don’t really know it was confusing, because I was at home but also worked? I don’t know I was in my uniform, but I wasn’t at work. I was going down the stairs. You were standing there crying and holding Lil Petey and I went to ask you what was wrong and you were angrily yelling but also taunting me. I don’t really remember what happened after but I went to look for Lil Petey in his room and-” Greg paused.

Petey raised a brow, “And?”

Greg shook his head, “Nothing important, but then I went to Lil-”

“Don’t nothing me you’re hiding what's bothering you” Petey said, cutting off his husband once more.

Trying to move on from that part of the dream, Greg began to sign again, “I don’t think we should get into it I-”

Petey was growing annoying. “How am I gonna help you feel better if you won’t tell me what’s bothering you?”

“That’s not what was bothering me. It was Lil Petey” Greg growled

Petey hissed back in response, “No this is bothering you too wha-”

“It was just what happened a year ago.. What happened when.. when we.. when you..” Greg couldn’t bring himself to finish the sentence.

Petey’s eyes widened. He knows what Greg is referring to. Petey’s stomach turned, it was a taboo topic the two mutually agreed to never bring up again. Petey now began to regret pushing Greg,

“Oh”. Was the only response he could muster up, followed by a loud gulp.

Greg shook his head again trying to regain his composure. “Anyways, I don’t really remember where I left off but I went to look for Lil Petey, but I also knew he was in his room and he was just.. He was so tired, he looked like he had been crying for hours, and I read him a story and… And earlier in that dream he went missing and I was looking for him, and I found him but.. I just.. Everything was a mess again”. Greg huffed burying his head in his hands.

Petey rushed over to Greg. Sitting himself down next to his husband, Petey reached over and squeezed Gregs shoulders, “Hey-hey, it’s ok. I’m right here” His voice is much more kind compared to moments ago.

Greg whimpered, “Nothing bad even happened-”

“They’re memories, Greg. Nothing stupid about being upset over them” Petey cut him off again. 

A pregnant pause made itself comfortable between the pair. Petey shifted his weight side to side as he bit his lip. A question he wanted to ask was beginning to form.

“The part where… Did.. Do you want to-” Petey was just as much of a coward, being unable to bring up the topic.

“I don’t.. I don’t know, I… I mean I would like to, but I don’t think it’s a good idea.. Unless you want to?” Greg’s signing was erratic. Wanting to answer, but not knowing how.

Greg looked Petey in the eyes, but Petey glanced away gripping the dog's shoulders tighter. Shame? Humiliation? Embarrassment? Petey didn’t know what he felt exactly, “I-uh.. I’ve thought about it..”

That was about as much talking the two had ever done about it. Petey’s squeeze on Greg’s shoulders loosened. Despite not much being said. The two felt the earlier tension slowly drift away. Warmth didn’t follow, but content did. 

A few moments of silence followed. Petey let his hands slide off his husbands shoulders and clasped them together on the table. Greg reached over and took a few sips of his coffee, not really caring that it burned his tongue.

Petey was the first to speak up, “I love you. You know that right?”

Greg hummed in response, “I do”.

Closing his eyes, Greg decided to take a long sip of coffee before setting it back on the table.

Reaching over with one hand he holds some of Petey’s fingers, and uses the other to sign.

“And I love you more than you could ever imagine”

Their eyes meet again, and a smile grows on each of their faces. 

“You feel better?” Petey asked

Letting go of Petey’s hands, Greg signs in response, “Not really, but it’s a weight off my shoulder”

Petey sighs, neither of them seemed to have had a good time last night. “Next time, let’s bring the lil guy to bed afterwards” he spoke, reaching over and scratching under Gregs chin.

“Agreed” The dog yipped and closed his eyes.

Petey indulged Greg a little further and scratched behind his husband's ears, earning excited stomping from Greg's leg. He chuckled as Greg leaned into his touch. The tension from earlier, fully dissolved.

“You wanna see him before you head out?” Petey suggested.

“..Yeah, I’d like that” Greg signed as he opened his eyes.

.

.

.

“Hey someone’s finally up!” Petey cheered as Lil Petey slowly descended the stairs.

Lil Petey yawns in response, dragging his blanket on the ground behind him. Lil Petey had grown a lot since he was first created, but Petey can’t help seeing him as a big baby. Especially when he is in his polka dot onesie, and dragging around the tiny blanket he had grown attached to since it was the one Dogman gifted the kitten when Greg first got him.

The tiny tabby mumbled something incoherent as he crawled onto the couch and into Petey’s lap.

“Want me to cook up some waffles today?” Petey asked, petting the kitten

“Can I have pancakes instead?” Lil Petey asked tiredly

Petey moved the kitten off his lap as he got up, “Of course, anything for my big headed pumpkin” he jokingly taunted as he made his way into the kitchen.

Lil Petey rubs his eyes and changes the channel to a kids show. As he is engrossed in his favorite underpants wearing superhero cartoon, Lil Petey doesn’t notice how time had passed until his papa came back out with a plate of breakfast ready. 

Setting the plate and glass of water down on the coffee table, Lil Petey can’t help but question him,

“You’re not having me eat at the table?”

Petey hummed and shook his head, “No, because today you’re coming with me to drop off your fathers lunch”

The tiny kitten cocked his head to the side, “Why?”

“Because we need to pick up his mood” Petey responded, knowing exactly how this was about to go down.

“Why?” Lil Petey asked again

“Because he had a bad dream that really spooked him last night” Petey explained, questioning when Lil Petey's questioning phase would end.

“Why?” Lil Petey repeated.

“Because of something that happened in the past” Petey sucked in a quick breath immediately regretting that response. He knew better than to bring an adult matter up to a kid. He hoped that Lil Petey wouldn’t ask anything deeper about it.

“Why?” At this point Lil Petey didn’t really care about Petey’s answers. Only really dragging it out for his amusement.

“That’s not even something you can make into a why question?!” Petey yelled out frustrated.

Looking at his plate of food, Lil Petey ignored his father’s annoyance. “Can I eat my pancakes now?”

Sighing and dragging a hand down his face in an attempt to wipe off the anger, Petey responded, “Brush your teeth after and be ready by 10. I’ll be down in my lab, knock if you need anything or ask 80HD”

“Okay papa” Lil Petey smiled as he turned back to his show. Petey watched him eat a few bites of food before walking upstairs to the playroom. 

Opening the door and walking over to the corner of the room, Petey wakes up 80HD and unplugs her from her charging station. 

“80HD wake up. Make sure Lil Petey is ready to go out by 10AM sharp. In the meantime, watch over him while I’m down in my lab, and let me know if anything happens via report. As usual, keep Lil Petey out of the lab, and you can call me if he needs anything” Petey instructed. 

After receiving a salute from 80HD, Petey walks back down stairs and makes his way to the basement. 

Closing the basement door behind him, Petey makes sure to securely lock the door with the various locking mechanisms he has before descending down. 

Arriving at his lab he turns on his monitor. It displays various cameras around the house. One of them in particular comes from 80HD. Observing it for a moment, Petey sees Lil Petey laughing at his cartoon,

He shouldn’t be laughing as he eats. He could choke. Petey mentally reprimands his son. Sighing, he turns his attention to his supply closet. 

Opening it Petey grabs various sterilization chemicals and equipment. This is so time consuming. It would probably be fine if I don’t do all this. Petey thinks to himself as he tiredly puts on a hazmat suit. But if I don’t it’ll stay in the back of my mind. Petey carries everything over to a little room in the corner of the lab. Next to it a decontamination shower. 

Pulling the shower lever, Petey mentally counts the seconds passing by and checks every crevice of the suit to make sure it’s been cleaned. He waits a few moments and hums to himself as the suit quickly air dries.  

Finally, when Petey deems himself ready, he opens up the door to the room. Inside it reveals a small white room, almost resembling a doctor's office. 

Almost. 

While there may be a bed, sink, and various items that you typically see in one. There are also various medical devices that litter the counter. 

Petey begins sanitizing everything.

.

.

.

The day had flown by for Dogman. Fortunately for him, nothing too thrilling happened. This let him mostly stay at his desk to finish up paper work and attend a few meetings with the Chief. 

The time was 11AM, and while for most of his colleagues the day had just started. Greg was about halfway done with his shift. He was at his desk finishing up a report about an arrest of some delinquent teenagers when he smelt something familiar enter the station. 

Eagerly barking and standing up Dogman runs over to the entrance, ignoring the eyerolls from some of his coworkers.

As he turns the corner Greg see’s Petey with a lunchbox in hand. He smiles and barks, but stops when he hears a small orange hairball call out to him.

“Dogman!” Lil Petey cheered and ran towards him with open arms.

Greg was stunned to say the least. Neither Petey or Greg ever bring Lil Petey to the station, but there is a first for everything.

Halting his running, Dogman crouched down and held his arms out welcoming the orange kittens embrace. As silly as it may be, Greg was excited for the kitten to show up at his place of work. He twirled in circles with Lil Petey in his arms before tossing him in the air a few times with an excited howl, drawing out a flurry of laughter from the kid.

Yeah, today wasn’t so bad after all. 

“Hey now, careful Greg” Petey nervously chuckled.

Catching his husband's eye, Greg immediately stops. 

“Aroo?” Greg asks as he points at Lil Petey, it was another bark of his usually indicating some type of question.

“I brought the kid today figuring you needed a lil pick me up” Petey answered as he walked over to the two.

Greg yipped happily in response. It was just what he needed today.

“Dogman! Dogman! Can I see where you work?” Lil Petey asked, bouncing in Greg’s arms.

Greg nervously glanced at Petey who only turned his head away in response. I guess he’s leaving this one to me.

Setting Lil Petey down, Greg crouched to sign. “Well the Chief is in his office right now and I am on my lunch break so I guess it wouldn’t hurt for you to get a quick peek again”

“Again?” Lil Petey cocked his head to the side. 

Greg nervously chuckled, “You were really young so maybe you just don’t remember it” he quickly signed.

Standing up Greg rubbed his head on Petey’s arm as a thank you and act of affection, knowing the larger tabby didn't like any obvious public displays of affection. Dogman then took his lunchbox from his husband's hand, and with the other he reaches out to Lil Petey.

The kitten is bouncing with enthusiasm as he's guided by Dogman down the corridor with Petey slowly trailing behind. At the end of the hall the room opens up into a large open space.

Lil Petey spins his head around looking everywhere. He see’s various desks and officers, most of them giving him a warm smile and wave. The trio stop at a particular desk, and Greg sets his lunchbox on it.

“This is where I work” He signs with a smile.

Lil Petey gasps and looks at it, “Wow you have so many papers and important looking things!” he exclaims as he crawls onto the swivel chair and stands to look down at the report Dogman was working on not too long ago.

“Keeping the city safe isn’t just about stopping crime after all” Dogman barked as he grabbed Lil Petey and sat him on the desk.

“Dogman! Petey! Is this Lil Petey?” Milly chirps suddenly appearing out of the blue,

Dogman barks and nods his head, “Would you look at that! The last time I saw you you were smaller than a breeze on a hot summer's day” Milly continued as always with her odd phrases.

“What” Lil Petey asked confused. He wasn’t sure he even recognized the woman in front of him.

“Have you seen the chief yet? He’d sure be happy to see you stopped by” She asked with a smile.

Petey spoke, “Oh, no, he must be bus-”

“Don’t worry about it Petey, it's not like you’re going to jail again. Chief!” Milly cut him off and began yelling for her superior.

Neither Greg or Petey had any intention of Chief seeing either of the two felines. They quickly began to panic. 

Greg tried quickly to come up with an excuse, “Milly he was in a meeting and they were just about to leave-”

Disregarding Dogman completely, Milly called out again “CHIEF! COME ON OUT HERE THERE IS SOMEONE FOR YOU!”

“What is it now Milly?!” Chief yelled as he stomped out of his office.

Stepping to the side, Milly gestures to the trio. Face bright and proud before walking away. Unknowingly shattering the delicate balance Dogman built and maintained between his two families.

Greg quickly moved and blocked the view of Lil Petey, hoping his adoptive father figure didn’t see the kitten.

However, the tension in the air still increased as time progressed.

Finally Greg decided to act, “Chief! I thought you were in a meeting. We were just on our way out” Greg nervously smiled. However, everything he signed wasn’t in the Chiefs line of sight.

He watched and glanced between Chief and Petey. Chief, who stood his ground and eyed the cat with an unreadable expression on his face. And his husband Petey, who maintained the same expression as he met the shorter man's gaze.

The silence would've been deafening if it weren’t for the station constantly being busy.

“Petey” Chief nodded.

“Chief” Petey nodded back.

Feeling the air slowly become less suffocating, Greg was about to urge Chief away, but before Dogman or Petey could react; Lil Petey jumped off the desk and ran towards the uniformed man, 

“Uncle Clarence! Uncle Clarence! I haven’t seen you in forever!” he cheered.

Running up Lil Petey hugged the Chiefs leg and purred as he rubbed his head on his uncle.

The three adults flinched and the atmosphere plummeted. Their small world froze, yet the station around them continued to be lively as ever. Ignorant to the tense moment. 

Clarence looked down with wide eyes and he did his best to stop his hand from shaking. He briefly glances up towards Greg and Petey's direction. The two animals looked like they were about to pass out on the spot. Chief wasn’t sure if he wasn’t going to himself.

Clarence clears his throat before speaking, “I missed you too” his voice cracks as he hesitantly pet the kitten's head. Ruffling the fur a little.

Lil Petey looked up with a smile. Chief gave the small tabby a weak smile back, but his eyes portrayed sadness. 

Something felt off, and before Lil Petey could ask what was wrong, Petey scooped him up and apologized before hurriedly stating a goodbye and rushing out of the room.

Chief watched them leave, waving back a goodbye to Lil Petey. 

His face returned to something unreadable as he stared down the corridor. A far away look in his gaze.

Greg’s eyes didn’t move away from Clarence. Not after he interacted with Lil Petey. 

The tension was long gone, but Greg couldn’t relax. Not with nausea hitting him like a truck. He knew this was going to come with some sort of consequence. 

This was one of the rare situations he wasn’t sure he could fix.

Greg stared at Chief. He wasn’t sure what to do. He wanted to do something, but he needed a cue.

He waited, and waited. He wasn’t sure how much time had passed, but all he could do was practice patience. 

Then, his dad finally looked at him.

Greg jumped straight to signing, “Dad I am so sorry-”

“Greg… Don’t.. Just don’t..” Chief looked away from him. Opting to turn towards his office and walk away.

Greg tailed him from behind whining. He stopped and watched Clarence turn towards him. His face, still unreadable.

“Don’t bring them here ever again” and with that, the door was slammed on Greg's face. He winced at the loud noise.

He stood there contemplating whether or not he should force his way into the office, but as he watched Chief close his office blinds. He decided to head back to his desk and use the remainder of his lunch break to eat.

Chapter Text

Petey laid in bed awake, staring into the endless dark that surrounded him. The soft snoring unseeable mass that was his husband sprawled on top of him, weighing him down, grounding him. Despite the slight glow from Greg's alarm clock, Petey couldn’t tell whether or not his eyes were open, still he continued to stare at the abyss, letting his vision wobble and create figures that weren’t really there. Petey eyes focused at where his ceiling should be, breaths shallow from the weight on his chest, and his limbs aching and yearning to move. 

A small flicker from the faint light of the alarm clock indicated to Petey that another minute had passed. He barely even noticed it, growing too familiar with the visual thanks to having seen the same flick being repeated hundreds of times that night. 

The tabby knew a lot of time had passed, but didn’t know how much. He didn’t bother to look at the time displayed and opted to continue the night in ignorance. He knew he had been struggling with sleep for what felt like hours. 

For the past several days his body had been growing more and more restless. The anxiety of being thrown off his typical routine only kept growing with each fleeting second.

Ever since the day Petey and Lil Petey accidentally saw Chief, Petey’s been off his routine.

Petey’s nerves had skyrocketed that day and the large feline was barely surviving through autopilot now. He could feel the anxiety slowly racking up throughout his body. His patience for getting back to his routine was wearing thin with every breath he took. An overwhelming tingling sensation sat deep in the bits of his stomach, on occasion causing him to gag. He couldn’t shake the feeling that something was going to happen, the constant sense of doom haunted him.

The anxiety had rooted itself in every aspect of his life. He wasn’t dropping off lunch for Greg anymore, he was surveillancing Lil Petey more than usual, he wasn’t able to stomach any food. All usual effects when he is stressed, but now his mind was going haywire too. The lack of sleep was taking a toll on him. Whenever he drifted into slumber he quickly woke up on edge. His body refused to relax, and short power naps were slowly becoming impossible. The more days that passed, the more he was thrown off schedule, the more off schedule he was, and the more stressed he was. 

To pass the time, Petey’s been unhealthily reevaluating what happened. What went wrong. What he should’ve done differently. 

The typical drop off spot for Greg’s lunch was at the lobby by the station's entrance. It grants Petey a quick and easily accessible escape, as well as it being a rare footpath for the Chief to take. However, that day Petey not only brought their son to the station, but he allowed himself and Lil Petey to venture further. 

He broke his routine and is now facing the consequences. 

Petey didn’t want to be the bad guy and say no to the kid, and he knew Greg was not doing too well emotionally. Petey wasn’t sure how he could build up the dog’s mental strength again, so he left it up to Greg. He figured his husband, who practically spent more time at the station than he does in his own house, would be able to safely navigate them and keep them away from any problems.

Clearly that’s not what happened, and Petey regretted it. 

He felt foolish, he knew better, he should’ve done better. He needed to stay in his range of comfortability, but he didn’t want Lil Petey to know he wasn’t welcomed.

All of this just because he wanted to something nice for his husband.

Petey knew he wasn’t at fault for what happened, yet he felt guilty anyways. He felt responsible for how Chief reacted. 

His relationship with his-kinda-in laws was complicated. Yes, neither Clarence or Genie approved of him at first, and Petey worked hard for it. 

And it he earned. Petey knew they never would 100% accept him, but they tried for Greg. He remembered the shock that Clarence gave him during a one off conversation. It was an old memory, back when Petey and Greg were just boyfriends. Clarence had run into Petey while the cat waited in the lobby for Greg to finish his shift. It was just small talk, but he could tell Clarence wanted to say something to him. It wasn’t the best time, but the uniformed man nervously chuckled before randomly dropping the ball that Petey had the ok from him to propose to Greg if he ever wished to. Petey couldn’t react before Clarence quickly walked away, leaving the tall tabby stunned.

Petey never even considered the idea of marriage until that moment, but it quickly gave him the confidence to buy Greg a ring that same week.

He sighed and attempted to stretch without disturbing his husband, stopping when Greg began to stir.

Petey hated late night thoughts, his mind wandered to depths it shouldn’t. He couldn’t trust his brain during these moments. However, he couldn’t deny his emotions forever. 

He missed Clarence. He missed Genie. He missed them. They filled a hole in him he didn’t like to acknowledge.

The occasional morning brunch with the pair. The ones where they went to a nearby restaurant and chatted about nothing. The ones where Greg would be the center of attention tying them all together. The ones where they would laugh and spend hours enjoying eachothers company. 

Clarence was anything but a distant man. He knew everything about any criminal who came into the station, and he cared for them. They were crooks, thieves, criminals, and he still tried to see the good in them. He gave them sympathy when no one else would.

Back in the day, before Dogman, before Officer Knight and Greg the Dog, there was Officer Bailey.

.

It was early into Petey’s life as a criminal, before he was the world’s most evilest cat. He was an up and coming villain, no longer tied to being the pet of Rip Van Tinkle. He was growing to be a familiar face in the station.

“So, how much is my bail this time?” Petey asked amused as he was walked out of the interrogation room.

The fresh faced rookie, Officer Bailey eagerly responded, “You don’t get to be on bail this time. You’re spending some time in jail before your court date”

Petey was taken aback, “Wait what?!”

“Yup! You’ll be in the holding cell until I finish some paperwork. I get to personally transfer you over there!” Taking a criminal to jail isn’t something that most people are happy to do, but a freshly-out-of-the-academy Officer Bailey was excited to be finally doing something.

Petey looked around curiously as he was unfamiliar with this section of the station's layout. Analyzing as Officer Bailey guided him to the holding cells while he waited to be fully processed.

“Could you be any more rough?” Petey groaned annoyed as he was jostled from side to side once more.

Officer Bailey glared at him, “Could you be any less of a criminal?”

Entering the A wing, Petey looked around and saw it was empty, surprising for a busy precinct.

“Looks like I get the whole place to myself” He smugly mocked,

“Don’t get too comfortable, there are still other crooks worse than yourself that will be coming in soon” The young officer responded as he uncuffed Petey and locked him in the temporary cell.

Just as the rookie was about to leave, his commanding officer came in.

“Officer Bailey what is Petey doing over here? He should be in the other holding wing”

“Chief” Bailey saluted before continuing, “I thought holding wing B was for women only, so I brought Petey over here”

“Yes that is true, and Petey belongs over there” The old man shrugged.

“Woah woah woah-he just said that’s the women’s side. I am a man” Petey chimed in, caution and confusion lacing his voice.

Officer Bailey matched his tone, “With all due respect sir, may I ask why?”

The old man looked to Petey, and Officer Bailey's line of sight followed. Petey, who was standing between them behind the cell door, looked away. His claws scratched the metal poles as he gripped them tighter.

“The jail should be able to accommodate me. I belong in the men’s ward” The crook bitterly mumbled through gritted teeth.

Grasping the situation at hand, Officer Bailey sided with the tabby, “Chief he’s right, he should-”

“He, she, whatever. I don’t care about what a criminal wants. What’s in her pants is where she is sent” His superior said agitated.

Bailey swallowed nervously, his insistence undermined his boss’ authority, but Bailey is a man of justice. “Sir he has rig-”

“He is a She . And she is being sent to the woman's side unless the warden or a judge says otherwise” The tall statured man huffed. 

“But sir-” Officer Bailey pleaded once more.

The Chief let out an irritated grunt, “Officer Bailey I am your superior, and you will do as you are told. You are to drop Petey off at the women's ward, and report back to me. Do I make myself clear?!” he spat out, putting extra emphasis on the last question.

Bailey looked at the ground dejected, “Yes sir..” he softly nodded.

Chief stood up tall and mighty before walking out of the wing, aggressively slamming the door behind him closed.

The young officer’s head turned to look at Petey, the cat's head hung down low between his shoulders as his breathing became increasingly slightly erratic. His claws slowly scraped down the bars causing an ear piercing sound, one that matched that of a fork scratching a plate.

The rookie stared at him for a few moments, and walked away. Directly disobeying orders by not moving Petey to the other wing. 

.

Hours had passed, and Petey still sat in the holding cell. A few small-time thugs had since been dropped off. Some were already transferred over to the jails, or waiting for their bail to be paid off.

Petey sat in the corner curled up into a ball, his head resting on his arms as he waited his turn. He stared at the empty brick wall studying every small detail, at one point he tried to see if the uneven coloring would create figures.

His brain had clocked out long ago, reducing itself to static to cope with the dread of where he was heading,

“Psst” Someone whispered, Petey paid no mind to it and continued to stare at the wall. 

“PSST” It came again, this time the dog next to him elbowed him.

“What do you want?” Petey hissed. The dog said nothing as he moved slightly back and pointed at a young Officer Bailey, who was waving his arms. Indiscreetly attempting to get Petey’s attention.

“Guess it’s my time to go” Petey groaned as he got up and walked up to the rookie, “Let’s go” he said putting his wrists out in front of him. 

“No no, that’s not what I’m here for. At least not yet” The young officer warmly smiled.

Petey gave him a questioning look, “You here to laugh at me then? Take me to the other wing?” 

“No, not at all” Bailey whispered, he glanced at another officer down the hall and at the other individuals before leaning in and continuing in a voice quieter than before, “I altered the paperwork” 

Petey’s eyes widened, “What?”

Officer Bailey lightly chuckled, “You’re going to the men's ward of cat jail. You’ll be in your own cell” 

The young feline wasn’t sure how to react, and had a flood of questions enter his mind, “But how did you-”

“Just make sure no one knows, and you’ll be okay in there” The shorter man winked.

.

After that Petey had his own cell, and nearly nobody knew about his secret. When Officer Bailey became Chief the two continued to never address the topic. Even Officer Knight and Greg the Dog didn’t know. The only time it was ever mentioned was when Big Jim went to jail, and as Chief was personally taking Petey to the jailhouse, the orange tabby made a brief comment about the larger purple cat.

Chief never questioned it, and for that Petey always felt a little remorse for his actions.

Before Petey could reminisce anymore, Greg's alarm had gone off, and Petey’s night came to an end. 

Greg was always one to respond quickly, every morning without fail he shot up out of bed to quickly turn off the alarm. He wouldn’t call his husband a morning person, but his endless amount of energy and dog senses made him a light sleeper and easily alert.

The heavy weight quickly shifted off of Petey causing the bed to creak with the dog’s movements. Petey could feel his lungs inflate like a balloon as he could now breath without struggle. The cold dry air from the AC burned as it penetrated his nose, the cat’s lack of water intake was beginning to leave his body dry. 

Greg swung his legs over the edge of the bed with a groan. Rubbing away the sleepiness from each eye with the knuckle of his fingers, Greg began to slowly stretch. He let out a deep silent yawn as his body let out a slight tremble from the stretching. Scratching the itch from his neck scar his leg began to bounce and thud on the ground instinctively. 

Slowly overtime his human body developed more canine features. The first few years it learned Greg’s dog-like behaviors, his stomach was enjoyable to be rubbed, or his feet would kick out and twitch when scratched properly. After that it started to physically adjust with Greg’s DNA. The hair on his body became blonde and thicker, eventually becoming patches of fur that covered his entire body; The calluses on his hands and feet became paw pads, with the addition of his tails growing longer and stronger; He even had a short tail that began to grow, it was excruciatingly painful at first but it has since simmered down. 

Not everything went away though, the scar on his neck forever stayed. Hair refused to grow on it, serving as an unfriendly reminder of what happened. 

Petey didn’t look at Greg, but he reached out and gripped his wrist. 

Dogman didn’t move.

“Greg..” Petey whispered huskily. No sense of urgency in his voice, but the gentle squeeze he gave to Greg’s wrist indicated something else.

“I need your help again” he continued.

Petey turned to stare at his husband's well-built back, the faint light finally working as it illuminating his shorter stature. The relaxed muscles briefly tensed at Petey’s words, the glow of the light barely highlighting their bulging with the newfound intensity pulsing through the dog’s body. 

Greg turned to him, looking Petey dead in the eyes. A silent plea glossing over his eyes. 

Petey looked at him with sincerity and tiredness. However, the look Petey gave indicated that the feline wasn’t going to change his mind. He was going to continue his schedule whether his husband liked it or not.

Greg frowned in response.

.

.

.

The pair stood outside of Lil Petey’s bedroom door. Neither speaking as to not accidentally wake the kitten. Not that it mattered. The child was a heavy sleeper, but they didn’t want to take a chance.

Greg was dressed in his uniform, ready for work. Petey was also dressed, nothing too professional, but he wore an old beaten red button up and a belt despite not wearing any pants. On these days Petey would get up with his husband to make him a fresh breakfast and start his day off earlier than usual. 

Greg looked at Petey, maintaining that pleading look he gave the cat earlier that same morning, “Petey you know I support your decisions, but do we really need to continue doing this? If something is wrong I can sniff it out I swear”

Petey looked at him with pity before signing back in response, “Greg I trust you and I know everyday you do, but it puts my mind at ease seeing the data. You can only detect anything after it manifests, you can't prevent”

Greg sighs and his shoulders drop, giving into Petey’s reasoning. The cat isn’t wrong, but their actions are.

Petey decides to take the lead and open the door. He frequently oiled the hinges, causing the door to make little to no noise. Entering the room quietly, Petey pulls out a handful of items from his pocket as Greg goes to Lil Petey’s bedside. 

Despite his loud rough doggy nature, Greg was much softer and gentler in actions and words than Petey. He always took the responsibility of holding Lil Petey in this scenario. 

Carefully he set himself onto the kitten's bed so as to not disturb him. With one arm he gently places it under the tiny tabby, with his other arm he provides support as the kitten is lifted from the bed. Dogman holds the child close to his chest as he caresses the mini tabby’s head. Slowly he rises and adjusts Lil Petey’s position so the kitten is sleeping on his belly, exposing the back of his neck. Greg reaches over and uses the tiny blanket to cover Lil Petey’s head. 

Greg extends his hand out to Petey, who in turn hands him a small alcoholic wipe. He cleans a tiny spot on the back-side of the kitten's neck as he rocks the tiny feline to keep him asleep. Once finished, Greg shoves the wipe into his pocket and tightens his grip around Lil Petey, with one arm firmly grasping and securing his head. He looks up at Petey who was watching him in turn, eyeing the syringe in his husband's hand before giving a slight nod. 

Taking off the baby needle cover, Petey walks towards Greg. The feline swallowed down the lump in his throat as he quickly pierces Lil Petey’s skin and injects the syringes substance. The kitten stiffens in shock for a moment before going limp.

The couple held their breaths, waiting a minute or two to ensure the shot really worked.

“Hey, kid” Petey sweetly whispered, as he checked Lil Petey’s vital signs and double checked the kitten was fully knocked out. 

After a general review, Petey nodded to Greg, who in turn let out a small whine.

Slowly the two descended the stairs, with Petey leading the way as Dogman carried Lil Petey. Greg whined the whole way down the living room and lab. Petey didn’t say anything, opting to grind his teeth in guilt. 

Arriving at the small medical office in the basement, Petey props up the medical bed just enough so when Greg sets Lil Petey down, the kitten is slightly sitting up. 

Just like cooking, the two had practiced this routine dozens of times before. Petey washed his hands while Gregs rolled up the kitten’s sleeve. When Greg went to wash his hands, Petey tied a band around Lil Petey’s arm. The feline opened a small packet and used the alcoholic wipe to clean the crevice of the kitten's elbow, while Greg wheeled over a cart full of needles and vials. 

They both look at each other knowing their shared actions were twisted, yet they only continued to enable one another. They crossed a line, but to determine when that happened exactly would be near impossible for the two. Too many lines had been crossed prior to this sin.

Excessive monitoring, secret cameras, isolation, blood drawing. It was safety, security, but for who?

Petey opens a fresh needle, and sticks it in Lil Petey’s arm, “I’m guessing the raise is out the window now?”

Gregs doesn't respond,

“How petty” Petey continued, connecting the tube to an empty vial.

Greg’s jaw clenched, “Chief isn't petty”

“Fine, he’s not petty” Petey twists the vial off trading it for another, “he’s jealous”

Greg looks down briefly glancing away, “We both know there’s way more to it than jealousy”

The feline’s lips tighten into a fine line “...you’re right… sorry” Petey popped off the vial and traded it again.

Both unsure of what to say, they opted to watch as the new vial filled with blood in silence.

Greg whined, “They just need time” 

Petey scoffed, “How much time though? It’s been a year Greg. Clarence doesn’t like me and Genie won’t look me in the eye. They will tolerate me which is fine, but neither wants to be anywhere near Lil Petey”

“Can you really blame them?” Greg signed.

“Excuse me?” Petey hissed. 

Another vial.

“I meant the Lil Petey part” Greg responds. Petey’s eyes narrow into a glare before turning his attention back towards the kitten.

Popping off the last vial, he sticks a label to it and sets it with the rest. Reaching over he grabs a small gauze and folds it, placing it where the needle meets skin, Petey puts a bit of pressure and withdraws the needle. 

“...Do you think they’ll ever get over it? That they’ll want to see him again?” Petey mumbles, as he grabbed a bandage wrap and tied it around Lil Petey’s elbow. Creating a temporary band aid until the bleeding stops, one he’ll remove right before Lil Petey wakes up. 

“... I think we just need to let them be” Greg signed. The gentle dog reached over and squeezed the cat's paw, giving him a hopeful smile.

Petey turned to Lil Petey, the kitten was innocent to the world around him. A world that Petey falsely promised would treat him better, “Greg, I don’t think they’ll ever truly get over it”

Petey looks at Greg. His husband's eyes are glossy. Petey looks away, the churn in his stomach provokes a gnawing thought, I always ruin conversations

Greg snaps his fingers.

Petey doesn’t register it.

He snaps again, and this time Petey looks at him. “Petey, they do care. They love me, you, and especially Lil Petey. You heard my dad. He isn’t going to lie about missing the kid”

Petey looked at the hybrid doubtfully, “He told you to never bring us there again”

The dog tried to reason, “He just needs his space. Things will get better over time. You can still drop off lunch, but I can take my lunch or buy some if it makes you uncomfortable”

“No I-... I like seeing you when I can” Petey murmurs embarrassed.

Dogman studies his husband for a moment, “You’re really vulnerable lately” he smiled teasingly.

“Yeah, well don’t get used to it” Petey smirked before picking up Lil Petey. 

Continuing with their usual routine as if nothing had happened, Petey tucked the tiny kitten in bed, and woke up 80HD to watch over the house while Petey drops Greg off at work. 

.

.

.

“This is nice” Greg barked as he looked down at the city below. Sticking his tongue out as the wind hit his face

Petey chuckles in response, never growing tired of his husband's refreshing behavior “What is? Flying in the air?”

Greg hummed, “Well yeah, but I meant spending time with you” he shrugs as he gives Petey a flirtatious look.

“I would hardly call this spending time together” The feline rolled his eyes, his smile refusing to drop.

“What happened to ‘I like seeing you when I can’?” Greg laughed.

Petey scoffed before starting his ramble, “Did I say that? I don’t think I said that. Even on the off chance I DID, I also would’ve told you to not get used to it” finishing his sentence with a playful slap on the dogs shoulder.

“Ow!” Greg jokingly cried and he dramatically rubbed his shoulder to emphasize his pain, “In all seriousness, it is nice to spend time with you”

“Geez you're so corny, you are happy with anything” Petey amused. 

“Anything with you” Greg sang with his typical shit eating grin.

“Big dope” The large tabby shot him a glance before returning his attention back to driving, flying, whichever you’d like to call it. 

A song on the radio played, it was cheerful and upbeat which contradicted the sleeping city. Greg hated to ruin the happy atmosphere between them, but still he had been meaning to ask Petey something for quite some time now. 

He took a deep breath, “How would you feel if I took a day off of work?”

Petey’s smile dropped, “You know we can’t afford that. Even a day can set us back a lot. I barely have time for my workshop anymore, I am barely able to cover groceries and utilities”

“I can use my paid leave” Greg reasoned optimistically.

“That’s only for 3 days, and I would rather you use it for important times like holidays and LP’s birthday” The feline retorted. 

“Petey” Greg said sternly. 

“How about I drop you off at work from now on? We can eat together in the mornings, or you can sleep a little more” The cat tried to offer.

“I don’t like you waking up so early for me” Greg turned his head and looked at the city.

“I don’t like how you don’t have your license! How are you the number one supa cop yet you can’t drive AND we are barely scraping by!” Petey argued back.

We wouldn’t be if we didn’t spend so much money . Greg thought to himself.

“We can’t afford a car right now anyways. And it was never a problem before” Greg woofed out and crossed his arms.

Petey sighed, “..that’s true..”

Sparing his husband a glance, Petey could tell the dog was dejected. 

“Greg I am not saying I don’t want to spend time with you. I do, and I know junior does too, but we also don't have the luxury of you taking a day off”

The mutt growled in frustration, “Can’t you take up more work and-nevermind. What you’re doing is far more important”

Petey wasn’t sure how to respond. He was socially inept when it came to emotional conversations. At moments like these Petey recalls how much easier it was to fight, “..I know my research depends on your funding, but what you’re doing is important. You’re helping”

Dogman snarled.

“Look when we catch a break we’ll go on a nice relaxing vacation ok?” Petey said, trying to cheer up his husband.

The dog kept his head turned away defiantly, his nose upturned to the sky. 

“You’re really going to sass me?” Petey questioned with disbelief.

Greg turned his body away from the cat, causing Petey to roll his eyes and continue the drive.

The rest of the ride to the station was quiet between them with only the radio creating any noise. Petey knew with just a simple question Dogman would likely talk to his heart's content, but Petey didn’t give him that cue. He let Greg bottle up whatever was going, letting his feelings fester and rot him away until Petey felt like he learned his lesson.

Petey knew it probably wasn’t an appropriate time, and that Greg was genuinely upset, but he enjoyed teasing the Dog in any way possible. He also enjoyed avoiding difficult topics.

As the lights of the station grew closer, Petey began to slowly descend the vehicle. Wanting to avoid his husband's coworkers he parked towards the outskirts of the parking lot.

Greg turned to him with an unamused look.

“What?” Petey complained, “I don’t wanna see your coworkers” he continued.

Dogman rolled his eyes and began to exit the flying bug machine, 

“Wait you stupid mutt” Petey reached over and grabbed the dogs jaw, forcing eye contact “Tell me what’s wrong”

Greg’s eyes squinted as he studied Petey’s face. 

“We’ll talk about it later” he sighed, yanking Petey’s hand off and placing a small kiss on the paw before exiting and heading to work. 

.

.

.

It was around 10AM and Greg found himself standing in front of the Chiefs door hyping himself up, trying to muster up any courage he could find.

He swallowed hard, forcing his anxiety down with the lump in his throat. Slowly he reached out and turned the door knob, pushing the door just enough for the hinges to not creak too loudly. Peeking his head in, he sees the Chief. The man had looked down in the dumps ever since Petey and Lil Petey came in, he refused to meet anyone’s gaze.

Chief continued keeping his head down, maintaining his focus on the paperwork in front of him,

“Come in” he spoke, acknowledging the foreign presence in his office.

Quietly entering, Dogman gently closed the door behind him. Keeping his steps as light as a feather to not accidentally provoke the man he silently made his way to the desk. Placing the completed files on the desk and sliding them in front of his superior, his name on the manila folders let the chief know who was in the room.

Removing his hand, Greg moved it behind his back, puffing his chest out, and his legs apart to match his shoulders distance, as if he was waiting for an order.

“Thank you Dogman, you're dismissed” Chief waved his hand as he slid the folders under a small pile he had on his desk.

Greg didn’t move. He stood there defiantly. He needed to talk to Chief about his job, but ever since Lil Petey and Petey came in last week, his superior had been cold and avoidant of him.

Greg stands unmoving, he waits and waits until the chief is forced to look at him. When he did, his eyes only looked at Greg with annoyance only a father could evoke.

Not letting the look get to him, Greg moved his hands to sign, “I need to speak w you”

Chief stared at him for a moment before letting out a frustrated sigh. Reaching over, he flicks his name plate so the word “Chief” falls face forward on the desk, hiding his job status, indirectly saying he is in his father's role. 

“No” Clarence said bluntly.

Greg huffs before signing, “I am not here to speak with my dad, but rather my superior”. Greg reached over and flipped the name plate up so the word Chief was on full display again.

Chief sighs and sits up, exhibiting a posture that fits his status before gesturing to the seat across from him.

Dogman sat as ordered.

“What is it that you need Officer Knight?” Chief asked with an uninterested tone

“Chief, you know I put in more effort and hours than anyone else here. However, I only have 3 vacation days for the whole year, and the money I make is not sufficient enough to sustain my personal life”

Chief raised a brow, “You’re here about the raise again?”

Greg shook his head and he signed, “No sir. I know that is still being discussed and I won't know until the end of the season. I am not here to put a rush on it”

“Go on” Chief said before sitting back on his chair

“I would like at least one day off to rest. A break” The hybrid signed.

“Officer Knight, you wanted these hours and shifts, now you come to me to complain? You were fully informed and warned that there would be no adjustments to your current paid leave or technical days off. You originally had business hour shifts and weekends off. You offered to work during the times you originally had free”

Greg quickly tries to respond “Yes sir, I am well aware. However the hours are leaving me no personal time of my own, or a chance to rest-”

“Your personal problems have no impact on me, and should stay out of the workplace. You are welcome to use your paid vacation days” Chief cut him off. 

Greg cringed at the harshness. “Sir, I am given only 3 days. I use those strictly on important times in my life”

“Officer, what exactly did you come here for? This is rather unproductive. Here you are a worker, and while you may be the number one hero and my son, you do not get any special treatment”

Greg took a deep breath before signing, “Is it possible for my current schedule to be changed? I’ll work on call every day, I just would like one day to be home for more than a handful of hours, even if it’s only once a month” Greg looked at Chief pleadingly.

Chief looked at him, sympathy in his eyes, but his tone professional. “Puppy eyes are unprofessional Officer”

Greg winced before nodding and giving Chief a determined look.

The Chief sat for a moment contemplating. He knew Greg had been working more than over time, it constantly caused him issues with HR. He tried in the past to get more paid time off for Greg, but being classified as the station's only anthro canine unit he was a necessity. Chief also had to follow standards and processes, he couldn’t grant more paid days off until the end of the season when all the Officers go through a yearly evaluation regarding their performance. The hybrid was never late to work, he was a star employee, and a model officer. If it were up to the Chief, he would’ve promoted Dogman long ago, but the favoritism would’ve stirred issues. There are other officers who have been around far longer, and been almost as righteous as Dogman. 

Chief sighs, “I’ll see what I can do, but I don’t want to hear any complaints about the new schedule”

Greg nodded enthusiastically “Yes sir!”

Chief huffed “Is that all?” 

Dogman nods,

“You’re dismissed” Greg stood up and saluted before exiting the office.

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.

.

Days and days had passed and Dogman felt like he was buried in more paperwork than ever. A crime spree had broken out, and unfortunately for Dogman, he is the designated leading officer whenever a superior isn’t around. This led to him being in charge of reporting the incident, actions of all the other acting officers, as well as reviewing their paperwork and filing his own before handing them over to the Chief. His job always seemed never ending. He used to be content with the constant work, but that was until he was overworked. He huffed out a groan as he stretched his arms over his head, hearing his back slightly crack.

He had started to get the feeling that the chief was going to completely dismiss his request entirely. 

Greg shook his head. He knew the Chief could be mean at times, but not cruel. Surely there was a reason it was taking so long. Maybe Greg should’ve just asked for a day off this week unpaid. No, Petey wouldn't have been happy to hear that. They’ve been constantly tight on money ever since Petey stopped working and prioritized himself into taking care of Lil Petey and his research.

Dogman sat at his desk bored, filing and reviewing case after case. Back when he was a simple dog K-9 unit he would be able to go on back to back patrols without any concern for the technical details like paper work. Knight would usually hand Greg off to someone else since he was too energetic to sit all day. 

Still, he sat at his desk and worked diligently, hoping that something would happen to cure his slowly numbing mind.

And right on cue, there it was. 

A manilla folder plopped itself right on his desk with the title “KNIGHT’S SCHEDULE” lazily scribbled in permanent ink marker.

Looking up, Greg coward under Chief’s dark look. “Your new schedule, Officer Knight. Any issues with your new schedule you take it up to HR. Don’t come to me again about this” 

Dogman vigorously nodded as he grabbed the folder and shoved it into a random drawer in his desk.

His superior didn’t say anything as he confidently turned away and began to walk. Dogman watched him for a few steps before reaching into his drawer and pulling out his new schedule, reviewing what was changed. 

“And Greg” A quiet whisper called out, causing Greg’s eyes and ears to perk up.

Clarence, now looking over his shoulder, met Greg’s gaze. “If you’re going to see me as a father, make sure the clone addresses me properly”