Chapter Text
Dogman approached Flippy’s pond, a new mattress was tightly tied to the top of the car. Petey and Arthur were safe at home, not much had changed. Although the pup was proven to be handful even for one night and Petey’s drugs wearing off were quite hard to deal with. Hopefully in a future they’d get used to him soon, but that day was yet to come.
-Good morning, Dogman! I heard some interesting news from Sarah. Is it true that you had another kitten?- Flippy was quick to ask.
Dogman yawned before taking his phone and showing him some of the photos Sarah had taken yesterday.
-I guess that explains why you’re tired. -Flippy chucked -If you need some tips, I’m available. I know a thing or two about multiple children. - The fish was smugly as chaos made by his 23 children could heard on the background.
-Dogman!-Lil’Petey exclaimed as he ran at full speed to hug Greg.- Papa! Look I made a new comic! It has a toon of diarrhea jokes! Dad will love it!- Greg picked the kitten licked his face as a greeting.
-Good luck! If you need babysitting let me know!- Flippy said before going back to the war field that was his living roon. -Enjoy your surprise, little one!-
*Thanks.* Dogman signed. Then he headed back to the car with Lil’Petey
-Surprise? You brought me something?- The kitten said excitedly. He jumped from Greg’s arms and ran towards the car. -No way! A bigger bed just for me! Thanks Dogman!-
Greg chucked. *That’s not it. It’s even better!* He said to hype him up.
-A bouncy castle! - Lil’s Petey shouted.
*Even more! It’s something you’d always wanted.* Greg continued, adding a hint.
-A dog!- Lil’ Petey suddenly said.
Dogman was too stunned to speak.
-I want a pet!- Lil’petey further explained-We saw a movie about a farm dog that saves people! It was so awesome! I want to be a cowboy with a hero dog too! -
Dogman didn’t know if he should laugh or cry, so his face stuck in a strangle middle expression between both.
-What’s wrong Dog... Oh, you’re a Dog. Dog-man. But I meant a pet dog not a you dog or maybe a pet cat or a pet human. Don’t look at me like that! It’s confusing! - Lil’Petey was embarrass thanks to Dogman’s weird expression intensifying as he continued explaining.
Greg took a deep breath to compose himself. *Well, technically you aren’t wrong*
-No way! You got me a human pet! - Lil’Petey exclaimed.
Greg took another deep breath and decided to change the subject. *Why don’t we get some ice cream first* He had the hunch he would need to make some clarifications.
-Yay! Ice cream!- Lil’Petey exclaimed.
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They brought some cones and walked to a nearby park to talk under the shadow of a tree. Petey picked strawberry while Dogman got a peanut butter ice cream. The weather was warm a nice, a subtle breeze made the heat manageable. Thankfully Lil’Petey had easily got distracted for enough time for him to gather his thoughts
*So why you want a pet anyways?* Greg asked, now that he was calmer.
-Well, it’s the next best thing! Molly and her sibling's always have so much fun! Flippy said once that having a brother is like having a friend for all life! So, I asked dad for a brother, but he said he would rather be split in half.- Lil’Petey explained.
Greg felt a bit bad for find his wording slightly funny. *Really?* He asked.
-Yeah! Because a sibling ’s a friend that’s always with you! I reminded that while watching that movie last night! I talked about it with molly, and her brother said that a pet was next best thing. - Lil’Petey continued while moving his little paws with excitement.- So I thought maybe Dad would let me have a pet instead!-
Greg could he his train of thought, although even without the pup he doubted Petey would agree on adopting a pet. Not to mention he was uncomfortable with the idea.
*I get it, but having a pet would be weird for us. Also, a little sibling it’s a lot more than a friend. It’d someone you’ve to take care for. Since they’re small, fragile and clueless, your responsibility is to help and protect them until they can be by themselves. * Greg patiently explained.
-That sounds fun! I could teach them to make comics!- Petey showed him again his new creating to drive his point further.
Greg chuckled, Lil’Petey would surely be a great older brother. *Maybe once he can walk. He’s too little right now.*
-There’s nobody too small to make comics! They’d just need smaller crayons. - Petey argued before realizing something. -Wait! So, the surprise is what I think it is? -
Greg nodded.
- No way! I’ve got my own sibling!- Petey exclaimed.
*He’s a baby boy.* Greg clarified.
-A little brother!- Lil 'Petey smiled became even wider. -Let’s get home I can't wait to met him. Hurry! He can’t wait.- He began running towards the car.
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Petey was just finishing feeding Arthur. He fussily resisted to being burped on Petey’s shoulder. The elder cat couldn’t stop finding amusing how this little being came from him just the day before. He was similar to Greg yet so different. Arthur wouldn’t stop yipping and squirming as he was being bathed by Petey’s rough tonge.
-For someone so small you surely got spirit. -Petey talked to himself rather than the pup. He was getting quickly exasperated, his hips ached, he was tired and uncomfortable. Still, he was trying quite had to keep his cold for the pup’s sake. The last thing he needed what to snap and make Arthur cry.-Heh. You got that from me. - He tried to search for a bright side.
Petey licked his face making him yip even louder.
-Oh, you stop it. Not even Greg makes so much drama. Cross that last part, you got your bath fussiness from your father. - Now that the pup was clean, became quiet once again. Petey held him close to his chest. - Is there even something from me in you? -
Arthur melted into his dad’s warm body and steady heartbeat. He was clean, feed and comfortable in his embrace. The tiniest purr emanated from him. It could be barely heard but Petey could feel him rumble against his body. The baby looked at him opening his eyes for a second, even if it was for a moment Petey clearly saw his bright green eyes identical to his.
-There it is. - Petey fondly smiled. He began purring himself.
He wanted to print this peaceful moment into his memory. He closed his eyes and concentrated in feeling his pup against his skin feeling how his breath lowered as he drifted into slumber. But the sound of the front door being stammered brought him back.
-Daaaad!-Lil’Petey shouted. -Baby brotheeeer! I’m here! -
His voice grew closer as he ran upstairs. The surprise made Petey flinch waking up the baby once again, sensing his dad’s discomfort Arthur began crying.
-Shit- Petey exclaimed. -Wait up, Lil’Petey!-
Lil’Petey opened the door slamming it once again. Greg came just in time to dash across the floor and pick him preventing him from jumping into the bed.
-Where’s my new brother?!- The kitten asked still being held by Dogman.
*Sorry... He was too fast!* Greg said though barking.
-Is that him?! I wanna see him! Hi!!!!- Lil’Petey shouted while struggling against Dogman’s hold.
-Shush! You’re upsetting him! - Petey reprimanded him- He's just a day old. You need to be careful with him. -
-I..I made him cry?- Lil’ Petey’s eyes began watering too.
Greg signed and let Lil’Petey down. He held his shoulder and explained. *He’s really really really small and everything is new to him. He can't even walk nor talk. He’s quite scarily so you need to be quiet around him until he gets used to everything.*
-But when I came out of the machine, I already knew how walk and stalk. I was ready to play!- Lil’Petey said.
Dogman and Petey briefly watched at each other. Both had forgotten how clear Lil’Petey’s memories were about his own creation. Although ,it was nice not needing the bees and flowers with turning with other explanation would be a pain in the ass.
-To my dismay.-Petey added.-Well, he’s different. He isn’t a clone. He’s a regular baby.
-Why?- Lil’Petey asked.
-Because was born in the regular way.- Petey answered slightly annoyed.
-Why?- Lil’Petey asked.
-Because, that how nature intended it to happen. It was a destiny thing.- Petey said becoming frustrated.
-Why?- Lil’Petey asked.
-Because complex brained offsprings take too much energy to be further developed in the host body’s without risking their life. So, they need additional development and care outside of their hosts for up to a year without genetic manipulation or steroid intervention. - Petey shouted, making the pup cry louder.
-Why?- Lil’Petey asked.
-If you continue asking stuff, I’ll send you to the library instead letting you meet your brother!- Petey said as last resort.
-Noooo!- Lil’Petey exclaimed while clinging to Greg’s leg.
*Hey champ! Listen up!* Dogman said.*Your dad went to a lot of trouble to bring your brother from.... the machine. He was a bit of an accident. *
Lil’Petey gasped.-Like me!-
Greg thought for a moment before answering.*Kinda. I need you to be extra patient with your dad and baby brother. Okay? You need to do everything he say to not upset them.*
-Okay- Lil’Petey whispered.-Can I meet him now?-
-Sure, but be really gentle-Petey said.
Lil’Petey climbed the bed and peeked into Petey’s arms. Arthur face was till red, and he was pouting but at least he wasn’t crying anymore.
-He looks like a tomato! - Lil’Petey shouted/whispered. -Hi! I’m Lil’Petey, your big brother!-
-His name is Arthur.- Petey softly said.
Lil’Petey took a closer look at him-He’s like Dogman! Shouldn’t he be Lil’Greg, instead? You should let him pick like I did!-
Petey smiled before explaining.-He’s too little for that. Plus, Greg picked his name so it’s kind of the same. -
-Okay. -The kitten answered before glaring at the baby. It was the first time he had saw such a small baby in person. He looked nothing like the one’s on TV. Arthur was smaller and grumpier not to mention his eyes were fluffy and closed. It only made him more curious. - Can I touch him?-
Petey looked at Greg who was clearly nervous. But still he gave him a little nod, he couldn’t deny Lil’Petey of such experience.
*Sure, but just for a little while.* Greg said.
-Sit down with me.- Petey instructed Lil’Petey to sit on his own lap and then helped him to hold the pup. This way he could made sure no harm was accidently made on Arthur or Lil’Petey.
Lil’Petey’s smile wouldn’t be bigger. -He’s like a doll!- He exclaimed as he examined him. - Hi Arthur!-
Petey enjoyed the closeness. He hadn't remembered Lil ’Petey to be so big, but he guessed it was his mind tricking him because of the newborn. He saw how much effort the kitten made on being calmed for the baby which made him proud. Arthur sensing his dad calmness finally relaxed and began purring again.
-See? He likes you already! - Petey pointed out.
-I love you too! Arthur!- Lil’Petey excitedly whispered while hugging his new baby brother. It surely would be hard to take them apart once they grew up.
Greg just had to take a photo of such tender moment. His cheeks hurt from smiling so widely and his ribcage suddenly wasn’t enough space to keep his heart. Every time he had gotten used to having such a wonderful moments Petey and their son would surprise him. After that, he sat beside them extending his arm across Petey’s back.
-Dad, Arthur smells funny!- Lil’Petey announced.
*He must need a diaper change. * Greg without missing a breath, he stood up and picked Arthur. *I’ll change him.*
Lil’Petey suddenly remembered something. -I need to show him my new comic!. He’ll love it!- Then, he ran to get said thing.
Petey signed it was surely a chaotic weekend. It brough them a new set of challenges, still he was sure everything would turn to be fine. While growing up Petey never played a thought on having a sibling, but once he was an adult he had thought once or twice of how everything would have turned out if he had one. Most of his fantasies would end tragically thanks to his upbringing but that didn’t apply to Lil’Petey. Lil’Petey was already growing happy and strong thank to his loving parents and Arthur would soon bloom into a wonderful person just as his older brother. The older tabby cat was glad he could behold how both turned into righteous people.
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A lot of things had changed in the last few months, but one thing remained the same. The knight family was strong and happy as ever. Dogman and Petey were reading in their room, Arthur stayed on his crib besides them while Lil’Petey was playing on his own bedroom. Arthur was big enough to wobbly stand up with the help crib bars, he had a red sucker and a blue onesie. Then an ambulance had passed near the house alerting its residents. The sound of the siren made Dogman, Lil’Petey and Arthur howl in synch.
Petey covered his ears. -I swear you all share a single braincell! -
Greg shrugged and kissed his husband check. *I love you too, dear. *
Petey rolled his eyes and quickly kissed him back which Dogman took as a signal to continue. He closed his book and took the back of Petey’s neck to deepen the kiss. Petey missed having his husband to himself but something in the side of their bed restrained his actions.
-Greg, the baby’s watching. - Petey warned.
*He won’t remember anyways.* Greg mischievously winked.
Petey mumble, still blushing. -But I will.- He could feel Arthur huge eyes staring through his soul.
Arthur barked; his small tail happily wagged as he watched his parents looking at his direction. He was growing quickly, soon he would need a bigger crib to sleep on.
*Maybe it’s time he sleeps with Lil’Petey.* Greg said,
-No!- Petey immediately said-He’s still too small! He needs me!- He protested.Petey was specially attached to him since they spent most of the day together. Arthur adored Petey just as much.
Greg fondly smiled *He’s almost a year old and he doesn’t need to be stick to your hip anymore. *
Suddenly Petey came into their room. -Daaaad! Can Arthur draw comics with me? -
*Sure!*Greg said before Petey could answer. * Just make sure he doesn’t bite any crayons this time.*
He picked Arthur and accompanied Lil’Petey to his room. Petey soon followed them, he sighed as he saw then together. Now Arthur was old enough to grab a crayon. He could barely make some scribbles on the paper; but he was still happy to being included.
-He surely grows up fast- Petey was reminiscent of the past. He had no idea how much child could change in one single year. -I remember when he was born. He was barely the size of my forearm! I’ll miss my little knight so much. -He lamented.
Greg coyly smiled. *If you miss it so much maybe we could make another one.*
-Greg!- Petey was scandalized.
*I’m just saying It’d be nice to have an intentional pup for once.* Greg added.
-We aren’t talking this with the kids in the room!- Petey was glad the kids were busy enough talking to themselves.
Greg still dared to winked making Petey blush even harder. Petey push him down while Greg laughed. But the thought was already planted in their minds, it’d be a matter of time if that thought bloomed into new member for their family.
The end.