This story has a bit of a sad tone compared to the others I wanted to try writing something a bit deeper tell me what you think in the comments (Surprise at the end!) - -

Dog Man had just finished his morning routine—eating breakfast with his family, packing lunch, playing and chasing Li'l Petey around the house—when something caught his eye.

A picture frame on the wall was slightly crooked. Normally, Dog Man wouldn't have thought much of it. But when he reached up to straighten it, he froze.

It was an old photo. One of him and Officer Knight.

His tail, which had been wagging moments ago, stilled. The image stared back at him—Officer Knight, standing proudly in his uniform, one hand resting on Dog Man's head as Dog Man grinned up at him. It was old, slightly worn at the edges, but still clear.

"Who's that?"

Li'l Petey's voice broke him from his thoughts. The little kitten had climbed onto the couch to get a better look at the picture.

Dog Man blinked, ears lowering slightly. He reached for his notepad, hesitated, then slowly scribbled down:

"OFFICER KNIGHT."

Li'l Petey tilted his head. "Ohhh. I don't think I've heard of him before! Was he a friend?"

Dog Man swallowed hard before writing:

"HE WAS MY OWNER. MY PARTNER MY FAMILY...."

Li'l Petey's eyes widened. "Whoa! You had an owner?? What happened to him?"

Dog Man didn't answer right away. He stared at the picture for a long moment, his grip tightening on the notepad.

Finally, he wrote:

"HE'S GONE."

Li'l Petey's ears twitched. He didn't fully understand, but the way Dog Man's tail drooped and his usual happy energy faded made his little heart ache.

"Oh... do ya miss him?"

Dog Man nodded slowly.

Li'l Petey immediately grabbed onto Dog Man's arm. "It's okay, Dog Man! You still got me and Papa! We're your family now!"

Dog Man gave him a small, grateful smile and ruffled his fur. He appreciated the sentiment, he really did... but the heavy feeling in his chest didn't quite go away.

The rest of the morning felt a little quieter. Dog Man still went through the motions—helping Li'l Petey pack his bag, giving Petey a notepad reminder to eat lunch (which Petey rolled his eyes at but didn't argue)—but there was a subtle shift in his mood.

Li'l Petey noticed.

And when Dog Man left for work, looking just a little more sluggish than usual, Li'l Petey turned to Petey with a determined look.

"Papa, Dog Man looked really sad today."

Petey, who had just settled down with his coffee, raised a brow. "Huh? What're you talking about?"

Li'l Petey pointed at the picture frame still hanging on the wall. "He was looking at that picture! It's of him and his old owner, Officer Knight. But he said Officer Knight is 'gone'... and I think he really, really misses him."

Petey frowned slightly, setting his coffee down. "Huh." He glanced at the picture but didn't say anything right away.

Li'l Petey tugged on his sleeve. "We gotta cheer him up! We can't let Dog Man be sad!"

Petey sighed, rubbing the back of his neck. "Yeah, yeah, I hear ya." But there was something in his expression that wasn't as casual as usual. He looked back at the picture, lips pressing into a thin line.

Dog Man was sad. And Petey... didn't like that.

Not one bit. ——-

Petey stared at the picture on the wall, arms crossed, deep in thought.

Officer Knight.

He hadn't thought about that guy in a long time. Not really. It was—Dog Man's former partner, a so-called hero. But Petey had never cared. Not until now.

Because now, Dog Man cared.

And that made it different.

Dog Man had been... off since this morning. the way his tail drooped a little, the way his usual over-the-top energy felt... quieter. Petey had spent enough time with him to tell when something wasn't right.

And it was because of that picture. Because of him.

Petey's claws tapped against his arms.

Dog Man missed him. Just like he missed his mom.

And that's when it hit him.

This was his fault.

If it weren't for him—if he hadn't pulled all those stunts in the past, if he hadn't made enemies out of the cops, if he hadn't played a part in that accident—then maybe Officer Knight would still be around. And maybe Dog Man wouldn't be staring at an old photo like it was a ghost of something he could never have again.

Petey sucked in a breath. He wasn't great at apologies. He wasn't even sure if Dog Man blamed him. But there had to be something he could do.

That's when the idea struck him.

"We should go see him."

Li'l Petey, who had been watching him with big, curious eyes, perked up. "Huh? But he's... y'know... gone, right?"

"Yeah, I know, but—" Petey hesitated. How was he supposed to explain this? "We can visit his grave."

Li'l Petey blinked. "Ohhh. Like when we go visit Mama?"

Petey stiffened, but he nodded. "Yeah. Just like that."

Li'l Petey's face lit up. "Oh! Then we should bring him something!"

"Already ahead of ya, kid." Petey grabbed his coat and ruffled the kitten's head. "C'mon. We're goin' shopping."

Li'l Petey let out a happy little cheer as he followed Petey out the door.

⸻

—The Market—

The flower stall was small but filled with color. Bouquets of all shapes and sizes sat neatly in their displays, filling the air with a soft floral scent.

Petey wasn't much of a flower guy. He never saw the point. But as he stood there, scanning the arrangements, he found himself at a loss.

"Hmm..." Li'l Petey hummed, tapping his chin dramatically. "Which ones do ya think he'd like?"

"How should I know?" Petey muttered, rubbing the back of his neck.

Li'l Petey gave him a knowing look. "Well, what kinda flowers would you want if we visited you?"

Petey blinked. That was... actually a good question.

He frowned, looking over the choices again, then reached for a simple bouquet of white lilies.

"These should work."

"Ooooh, fancy!" Li'l Petey grinned. "Okay! Let's go see Officer Knight now!"

Petey nodded, but as he looked down at the flowers in his hands, a strange feeling settled in his chest.

He wasn't sure why, but suddenly, this visit felt... important.

Like it wasn't just about Dog Man anymore.

Like maybe, just maybe, he needed this too. ——-

The car ride was quiet.

Not the usual kind of quiet where Li'l Petey chattered away and Petey half-listened, throwing in the occasional "uh-huh" or "yeah, sure, kid."

No, this was different.

Dog Man sat in the passenger seat, his ears drooped, his head leaning against the window as he watched the city lights pass by. He hadn't even tried to stick his head out of the window like usual.

That was how Petey knew this really was different.

Li'l Petey, curled up in Dog Man's lap, hugged him close, his tiny arms barely able to wrap around him. "It's okay, Papa. We're here for ya," he mumbled softly, nuzzling into Dog Man's chest.

Dog Man didn't respond. He just rested his chin on top of Li'l Petey's head and let out a quiet sigh.

Petey tightened his grip on the wheel.

He wasn't great at this. He wasn't good with emotions, he wasn't good at comforting people. But as he glanced at Dog Man from the corner of his eye, he knew this was the right thing to do.

Even if it did make his chest feel weirdly tight.

They drove in silence.

⸻

The air was cool when they arrived. The cemetery was nearly empty, save for a few distant visitors, their voices hushed as they wandered among the headstones.

Petey parked the car. No one moved at first.

Then, without a word, Dog Man opened the door and stepped out.

Li'l Petey scrambled after him, grabbing his paw. Petey followed behind, his grip firm on the bouquet of white lilies.

They walked in silence, weaving through the rows of graves, the only sound being the faint rustling of leaves in the breeze.

And then, they stopped.

There it was.

Officer Knight

Dog Man stared at the grave, his tail still, his ears low. His paw curled around Li'l Petey's little hand like it was the only thing keeping him steady.

Petey swallowed hard. He hadn't been sure how this would go, but now that they were here, it felt... heavier.

He glanced at Dog Man, then at the name carved into the stone.

"Hey."

Dog Man looked up, his eyes dull.

Petey hesitated, then placed the lilies down in front of the grave. "Figured we should bring somethin'."

Dog Man blinked at the flowers. His gaze softened just a little, and he gave a small, appreciative nod.

Li'l Petey tilted his head. "Didja like Officer Knight a lot, Papa?"

Dog Man let out a small whine, his paw tightening around Li'l Petey's.

Petey exhaled through his nose, crossing his arms. "'Course he did, kid. That guy was like his family."

Li'l Petey frowned, ears drooping. "Like how we're family now?"

Dog Man was quiet.

Then, slowly, he nodded.

Li'l Petey stepped closer, hugging Dog Man's leg. "I'm sorry ya miss 'im. But... me and Papa Petey are here for ya, okay?"

Dog Man looked down at him, his expression unreadable. Then, with a shaky breath, he crouched down and pulled Li'l Petey into a hug.

Petey looked away, rubbing the back of his neck. He wasn't used to all this sappy stuff. But still... something in his chest ached watching them.

He let out a quiet sigh. "You know... you're not the only one who lost someone."

Dog Man looked up at him.

Petey crossed his arms tighter. "I know what it's like to miss someone. To wish things were different. To feel like... maybe it was your fault."

Dog Man's ears perked slightly.

Petey exhaled. "But... I also know you don't have to deal with it alone." He shifted awkwardly. "You got us now. So don't go mopin' around thinkin' you're all alone in this, got it?"

Dog Man stared at him.

Then, slowly, he smiled.

Not his usual goofy, tongue-out smile. Just something small. Something grateful.

Petey huffed. "Yeah, yeah. Don't get all mushy about it."

Li'l Petey giggled. "I think ya made him happy, Papa!"

Petey rolled his eyes. "Yeah, yeah, let's just—"

Before he could finish, Dog Man suddenly pulled him into the hug too.

"Gah—!" Petey stiffened. "Hey! I didn't sign up for this!"

Li'l Petey laughed, squeezing between them. "Group hug!!!"

Petey groaned but didn't pull away.

Dog Man nuzzled his head between them, his tail wagging ever so slightly.

And for the first time all day... he didn't look so sad anymore.

Maybe this had been a good idea after all.

—

The hug lingered for a moment longer before Petey finally squirmed out of it, mumbling about "too much sap for one day."

Dog Man and Li'l Petey chuckled, but as Petey pulled back, he reached into the bag he had brought along. He pulled out a sponge, a small bucket of soapy water, and a rag.

Dog Man tilted his head, ears perked in curiosity.

"What's that for, Papa?" Li'l Petey asked.

Petey exhaled and knelt down in front of the grave. "It's dirty." He dipped the sponge into the water and squeezed out the excess. "Figured we should clean it up a little."

Dog Man's eyes widened slightly.

Petey ran the sponge gently over the stone, wiping away the dust and grime that had built up over time. Li'l Petey quickly grabbed the rag and started scrubbing a little lower, his tiny paws working diligently. "We gotta make it all nice 'n shiny!" he said with determination.

Dog Man stared.

It wasn't just the act itself. It was Petey—Petey, who never did anything he didn't absolutely have to, Petey, who used to scoff at anything sentimental—kneeling there, carefully cleaning the headstone of the man he had once been enemies with.

Petey wasn't saying anything. He wasn't making a big speech, wasn't making some dramatic apology.

But this was his apology.

This was him trying.

Dog Man swallowed hard, something warm and tight pressing against his chest.

He knelt down beside them, taking the sponge from Petey's hand. Petey blinked up at him in surprise.

Without a word, Dog Man started scrubbing, his touch slow and careful.

Petey didn't say anything, just watched him for a second before turning back to his own work.

For the next few minutes, the only sound was the quiet rustling of leaves and the gentle swipes of sponge against stone.

By the time they were done, the headstone was clean, the name Officer Knight clear and bold once more. The lilies Petey had placed earlier rested neatly at its base, fresh and untouched.

Li'l Petey sat back on his heels, wiping his forehead dramatically. "Phew! That was a lotta work!"

Dog Man stared at the grave, then at them.

Then, without warning, he pulled them both into another hug.

"Hey—!" Petey started, but this time, he didn't push away.

Dog Man buried his face in his shoulder, his tail wagging softly.

Li'l Petey beamed. "Does this mean yer feelin' better, Papa?"

Dog Man nodded.

Petey let out a slow breath, rubbing the back of his neck. "Yeah, well... good."

Dog Man pulled back slightly, his eyes full of warmth as he looked at them.

Petey sighed. "C'mon, we should head home. It's gettin' late."

Dog Man smiled and gave a happy bark.

Li'l Petey cheered, grabbing both their hands. "Let's goooo!!!"

As they walked back to the car, Dog Man looked over his shoulder one last time at the grave.

For the first time since noticing the picture, the weight in his chest felt lighter.

Officer Knight was gone.

But he wasn't alone anymore.

He had them.

And that was enough.

—

—-A New Memory——

As they walked back toward the car, Li'l Petey suddenly gasped, his tail puffing up with excitement. "WAIT!!!"

Petey and Dog Man both stopped in their tracks, looking back at him.

"What now?" Petey asked, raising a brow.

Li'l Petey grinned and dug through Petey's bag. "We should take a picture together!"

Petey blinked. "A picture?"

Dog Man's ears perked up.

"Yeah! So whenever Dog Man feels lonely, he can look at it an' remember we're always here for him!" Li'l Petey said, beaming up at them.

Dog Man's eyes widened slightly, his tail giving a soft thump against the ground.

Petey stared at him for a moment, then looked away, rubbing his neck. "Huh. Well... that's actually not a bad idea."

Li'l Petey proudly set up Petey's phone. "Okay, everybody squeeze in!!!"

Petey sighed but got beside Dog Man, who was already wagging his tail.

Li'l Petey climbed onto Dog Man's shoulders, wrapping his little arms around both of them. "Okay, say cheeeeese!"

Petey awkwardly muttered, "Cheese."

Dog Man barked happily, and with a click, the photo was taken.

Li'l Petey giggled as he looked at it. The picture showed all three of them pressed close together, Dog Man's tail mid-wag, Petey looking slightly awkward but... content. Li'l Petey, of course, was grinning ear to ear.

"It's PERFECT!" he cheered, showing it to them.

Dog Man's ears drooped slightly as he stared at it. His paw gently traced over the screen.

Petey watched him, then rolled his eyes. "Alright, alright, big guy. Here—" He snatched the phone and tapped a few buttons before handing it to Dog Man. "I set it as your lock screen. Now ya got no excuse to forget it."

Dog Man looked at the screen, then at Petey. His tail wagged, and before Petey could react, he was pulled into yet another hug with a few happy licks.

"GAH—OKAY, ENOUGH WITH THE HUGS!" Petey groaned, struggling.

Li'l Petey just laughed.

Dog Man didn't let go immediately.

Petey sighed, letting himself be held just for a moment. Then he patted Dog Man's back awkwardly. "C'mon. Let's go home."

Dog Man finally released him, still smiling as he pocketed his phone.

With Li'l Petey happily swinging their arms between them, they walked back to the car, a new memory made.

And this time, Dog Man wouldn't forget it.

—

The drive back home was peaceful. Li'l Petey had fallen asleep in the backseat, curled up against a plushie. Dog Man sat in the passenger seat, looking out the window, his paw occasionally brushing over his phone where their new picture was saved.

Petey kept his eyes on the road, but he stole a glance at Dog Man. He wasn't wagging his tail like usual, but he didn't look as weighed down as before. That was good.

By the time they pulled into the driveway, the sky had darkened into a soft purple. Petey turned off the engine and stretched. "Alright, we're home."

Dog Man turned to the backseat and gently shook Li'l Petey's shoulder.

"Mmh..." Li'l Petey stirred, rubbing his eyes. "We home?"

"Yep," Petey said as he stepped out of the car.

Dog Man carefully unbuckled Li'l Petey and lifted him into his arms. Li'l Petey yawned and snuggled closer, too sleepy to protest.

As they walked inside, Dog Man's ears twitched. He set Li'l Petey down on the couch, tucking a blanket around him before padding toward the wall where the crooked picture still hung.

Petey noticed and stopped.

For a moment, Dog Man just stared at it. Then, without a word, he reached up and gently straightened the frame.

Petey watched, folding his arms. "Better?"

Dog Man turned to him, tail wagging just slightly.

Petey rolled his eyes. "Yeah, yeah. Don't get all sappy on me now."

Dog Man barked quietly in amusement and walked past him toward the kitchen.

Petey smirked a little before following. "Fine. I'll allow it this time."

They spent the rest of the night in their usual routine—Petey making tea, Dog Man quietly sipping his water, Li'l Petey fast asleep with 80-HD watching over him.

For the first time since the morning, everything felt right again.

And maybe, just maybe... it always would.

—



I wanted to draw their picture together I really like it :), this took like 3 hours tho- (It's my first time drawing Dogman sorry if he looks weird) Thank you all for reading! 🙏💖