Petey wasn't the sentimental type.

At least, that's what he *told* himself.

He wasn't *grateful* that Dog Man cooked for them every day. He wasn't *touched* by how the mutt always made sure Li'l Petey got his favorite foods. And he definitely didn't *care* that Dog Man woke up early just to make breakfast, even though he worked a full-time job catching bad guys.

...Okay, maybe he cared *a little.*

Which is why, early one morning, Petey stood in the kitchen, scowling at a frying pan.

"Alright, c'mon," he muttered, flipping through a cookbook. "I used to cook for *myself* before all this family nonsense... How hard can it be?"

The plan was simple: 1. Make Dog Man something to take to work. 2. Stick it in his bag *without* getting caught. 3. Act like he had *nothing* to do with it.

Easy.

---

——————— **The Cooking Disaster (Almost)** —-—————-

Petey started with something simple—sandwiches. He threw together some ham, cheese, and lettuce, then wrapped them up neatly.

Then he paused.

"Eh... too boring."

So he added a thermos of homemade soup.

Then he frowned.

"...Still not enough."

Before he knew it, he was cutting up little apple slices (*Li'l Petey liked them this way—wait, NO, this is for Dog Man!*), adding a container of homemade treats (*DOG treats! Definitely NOT because he thought Dog Man deserved them!*), and even slipping in a handwritten note that said:

**"Eat this or else."**

It wasn't *sweet*. It was a *threat.* Obviously.

Finally, he stuffed everything into Dog Man's work bag, zipped it up, and stepped back, arms crossed.

"Perfect. Now, nobody will ever know."

---

### **Li'l Petey Almost Ruins Everything**

As Petey finished cleaning up, Li'l Petey shuffled into the kitchen, rubbing his eyes. "Mmm... Papa? What'cha doin'?"

Petey froze. "NOTHING."

Li'l Petey blinked sleepily. "Why're you up so early?"

"No reason."

"...Why's there food on the counter?"

"No reason."

Li'l Petey squinted at him, tail flicking.

Petey sighed. "Kid, go back to bed."

Li'l Petey smirked. "Oooooh, wait a minute... Were you making something for—"

*BARK!*

Before Li'l Petey could finish, Dog Man *burst* into the room, wagging his tail.

Petey yelped and shoved the last piece of evidence (*a stray apple slice*) into his mouth. "Mornin', mutt," he mumbled.

Dog Man, oblivious as ever, happily chowed down on breakfast while Petey *casually* leaned against the counter, acting *completely normal.*

Li'l Petey, still smirking, whispered, "I *know* what you did."

Petey glared. "Shush."

---

### **Dog Man Finds Out**

Later that day, at the police station, Dog Man flopped into his chair and opened his work bag.

He blinked.

Instead of his usual rushed-together lunch, he found...

A neatly packed container. A warm thermos of soup. A side of apple slices. Homemade treats (*FOR DOGS!!*). And a note.

Dog Man's tail thumped against the floor as he read the note.

Then, with a goofy, lovestruck grin, he *sprinted* out of the station.

---

——————————-——**Back at Home...**————————————

Petey was enjoying a peaceful afternoon, reading on the couch, when the door *slammed* open.

Dog Man *leapt* onto him, *tackling him into a hug.*

"ACK—WHAT THE HECK?!"

Dog Man *licked* his face, tail wagging at hyper speed.

Li'l Petey giggled from across the room. "He found out."

Petey groaned. "UGH. I *knew* I should've left out the note."

Dog Man licked him again.

"STOP DOING THAT!!"

Li'l Petey ran up and hugged them both. "Awww, Papa, that was *so nice!*"

Petey grumbled, crossing his arms. "It was *not* 'nice.' I was just—"

Dog Man barked happily and nuzzled him again.

Petey sighed. "I *regret everything.*"

But despite his complaining...

His tail twitched happily.