It was a slow news day.

No crime sprees. No daring rescues. Just a perfectly normal afternoon in the city.

Sarah Hatoff, the town's top news reporter, sighed as she sat at her desk, flipping through her notes. "Ugh... There's nothing exciting going on."

She needed a story. Something big. Something that would grab the public's attention.

Then, she saw him.

Outside the window, Dog Man was walking down the street, wagging his tail so hard he looked like he might take off like a helicopter. His usual goofy grin was even bigger than normal.

Sarah squinted. "Wait a minute... Dog Man's always happy, but this is... extra happy."

She grabbed her microphone.

"This might be something."

The Investigation Begins Sarah caught up with Dog Man just as he was about to head into the police station. "Dog Man! A quick interview?"

Dog Man's ears perked up. He barked in excitement and struck a heroic pose.

Sarah smiled. "Alright, Officer, I have to ask—why are you in such a great mood today? Did you catch a really bad guy? Did the Chief finally give you a raise? What's the scoop?"

Dog Man tilted his head, then wagged his tail even faster.

Sarah held out her microphone. "Anything you wanna share with the citizens?"

Dog Man immediately pulled out his notepad and started scribbling. He flipped it around proudly:

"I HAVE A FAMILY NOW!!!"

Sarah's jaw dropped. "Wait, WHAT?!"

Dog Man flipped the page and continued writing:

"PETEY & LI'L PETEY MOVED IN!!!"

Sarah blinked. "Hold on. Petey? As in—your former arch-nemesis?!"

Dog Man nodded enthusiastically.

Sarah gasped. "This is huge news! The greatest hero in the city is now roommates with his greatest enemy?! Tell me everything!"

Dog Man scribbled quickly:

"WE'RE A FAMILY NOW!!!" "LI'L PETEY LOVES US BOTH!!!" "PETEY MADE ME LUNCH!!!"

Sarah took a step back, processing this information.

"So... let me get this straight. You live with Petey the evil genius, and he—" she glanced at the notebook, "—makes you lunch now?"

Dog Man nodded proudly.

Sarah's reporter instincts kicked into high gear. "I have to see this for myself."

Surprise Visit Meanwhile, back at home, Petey was lounging on the couch, finally enjoying some peace and quiet. Li'l Petey was beside him, doodling in his sketchbook.

Everything was calm.

Then the doorbell rang.

Petey groaned. "Ughhh. If that's Dog Man bursting in again, I swear—"

He opened the door—only to come face-to-face with Sarah Hatoff and a live news camera.

Petey blinked. "What the—?!"

Sarah grinned. "PETEY! Is it true?! Are you and Dog Man really living together?!"

Petey's fur bristled. "WHAT?! WHO TOLD YOU THAT?!"

Sarah pointed. "Dog Man."

Petey groaned and facepalmed. "Of course he did."

Li'l Petey peeked out from behind him. "Ooooh, are we on TV? Hi, world!!" He waved excitedly.

Sarah leaned in. "Tell us, Petey—what's it like living with your former enemy?"

Petey crossed his arms. "It's annoying. He leaves fur everywhere, he hogs the blankets, and he keeps licking my face!"

Sarah gasped. "SCANDALOUS."

Li'l Petey giggled. "Papa secretly likes having Dog Man around."

Petey glared. "I do not!"

Li'l Petey smirked. "Then why'd you make him lunch?"

Sarah's eyes widened. "YOU MADE HIM LUNCH?!"

Petey groaned. "WHY DOES EVERYONE KEEP BRINGING THAT UP?!"

Sarah turned dramatically to the camera. "Ladies and gentlemen, this is a shocking revelation. Petey the Evil Genius is now a stay-at-home dad making lunches for his dog roommate!"

Petey scowled. "I am not a stay-at-home dad."

Li'l Petey tugged his sleeve. "Papa, can you make cookies later?"

Petey sighed. "Yeah, yeah, I'll make 'em after dinner."

Sarah grinned. "Correction! Petey is a stay-at-home dad AND a baker!"

Petey groaned and slammed the door.

Later That Evening... Dog Man finally returned home from work, looking absolutely thrilled.

Petey sat on the couch, arms crossed. "You."

Dog Man tilted his head.

Petey pointed a claw at him. "You told the press about us."

Dog Man blinked. Then wagged his tail.

Li'l Petey giggled. "It was on the news!"

Dog Man barked happily.

Petey groaned, dragging a paw down his face. "Great. Just great. Now the whole city thinks I'm some kinda softhearted family guy or somethin'."

Li'l Petey beamed. "But you are a softhearted family guy!"

Dog Man barked in agreement.

Petey growled. "I hate both of you."

Li'l Petey giggled and hugged him. "Love you too, Papa!"

Dog Man joined the hug.

Petey sighed. This is my life now.

...And maybe he didn't totally mind.