With a deep sigh Phil leaned back in the computer chair and stretched his back until it gave a satisfying pop. He'd finally manage to finish up his modding work load for the week, which was a great load off his shoulders. It had been a bit heavier than usual though he wasn't surprised. The company he worked for was preparing for a large update after all.

Swiveling in his chair he took account of the household that was currently under his sole care while his wife was off at work herself. Techno and Tommy were seated in the playpen together, the five year old sounding out the words in his newest book for the other. It was the story of the three pigs, which Techno was currently enamoured with. Phil smiled at the pair as Tommy tried to stick one of Techno's hands into his mouth when the other tried to turn the page. Techno didn't seem to mind and instead began to point at the pigs on the new page.

Shifting his gaze to the kitchen doorway Phil could see Wilbur still seated at the table alone. He was still working on his homework by the look of it. With how quiet Wil was being Phil wondered if he was spacing out if he were honest. He'd give his son a bit more time to work before going to check on him. He didn't want to hover after all. It would only the other anxious.

Instead, Phil decided, he would use this time to catch a short nap. With three days of looking after the boys alone and the all-nighter he pulled just last night looking after a fussing Tommy Phil felt he truly deserved one. Even if it was short, anything would do.

Lifting himself from his seat Phil gave a quick smile to Techno once more as he moved to lay on the sofa. The younger likewise offered a short smile back, though he was more focused on Tommy as the youngest insisted on trying to put either Techno's hand or the book he was holding into his mouth. Taking a deep breath Phil stretched himself out and relaxed his rather achy body. Within a few breaths he could feel himself beginning to doze off.

"Dad?"

A voice called from somewhere in house, though it was slightly muffled as Phil had his head pressed against his arm as a pillow. He didn't move an inch as, for a moment, his brain didn't connect word with its intended function.

"Dad."

This time it spoken from above him it seemed. Louder and more clearly spoken why Wilbur Phil opened his eyes with a small squint upwards. Wilbur was leaning over the armrest of the sofa, his fluff of brown hair hanging loose from his face due to his leaning. The younger boy's eyes were a gentle mix of uncertainty and mild frustration.

"What's up, Wil?" Phil asked as he fought off a yawn sitting back up.

"...I need help." Wilbur admitted awkwardly after a brief pause as he stood straight once more and cast his eyes away from his father.

"With what?" Phil pressed as he prepared to stand up.

"...I can't get the numbers right." Wil answered, his voice quieter this time.

"Okay, mate. Let me take a look."

Getting to his feet Phil took a second to stretch again, his back having already developed a small kink in it. Or, that might still have been from being sat at the computer for the last hour straight. God, he was already starting to feel so old.

Wilbur bit his lip but nodded as he walked back to the kitchen table and slid into his seat, his father not far behind him. Before him sat a paper with various scribbles on it and erase marks. His father slid it just partially to the side to get a better look, skimming over it briefly. It made Wil's stomach do a small flip-flop at the idea of his father seeing all the signs of his mistakes, even if they were mostly removed now.

"Ok, so, you're solving to find 'x' in these." Phil stated as he leaned over, pointing to the first equation on the page, "What do you do first?"

Wilbur looked at the paper, the mix of numbers and letters and held his breath as he stared. Some part of him hoped that the answer he needed would just, appear for him, but he knew better. Instead he just looked up at his father with a pleading look.

"I don't know. I keep getting the wrong answers." Wilbur huffed as he pulled a second worksheet from under the first one.

Taking a closer look at the new paper Phil could see it was the same sheet that was currently being worked on. However, this one was littered with red marks and a note at the top that 'suggested' he try it again. Phil didn't exactly care for the tone of the words, but… even he had to admit the abundance of incorrect answers was concerning.

Phil knew Wilbur was smart and he also knew he was trying his best. Numbers and most things related to math tended to give Wil a hard time and so he and his wife tried to be more lenient in regards to his grades in didn't let him slack off in his efforts to learn it, but they also tried to keep him from burning out trying to force answers.

"Hm, in that case, show me how you're doing it. I'll be able to help better if I know what's going on in there." Phil stated as he gave Wil's hair a short ruffle.

Wil huffed a breath at him as he grimaced back down at the papers. Biting his cheek he picked up his pencil again and tugged the eraser rubbed sheet back to rest before him. He didn't like the idea of showing his father how he was failing at 'simple math', but he knew in the end it would help. His father was super smart after all. Once he could see what was happening, he would just be able to correct it.

Xx-xx-xx-xx

For the next few minutes Phil sat beside Wilbur and worked through the worksheet with him. He continued to have Wil do the heavy lifting of it of course, only correcting for order of operation when needed. They were almost halfway through the paper when Phil leaned back again.

"Think you can try the rest without me? See if you got it." Phil gently suggested, waiting to see if Wilbur felt comfortable with that.

There was a visible hesitation on his face, but in the end Wilbur nodded his head.

"I think I got it." He tried to sound assuring though it didn't come out that way.

All the same Phil took at answer for what it was. If Wilbur needed further help with anything Phil was sure to be nearby so there wasn't much harm in taking his son at his word. Besides, it was getting a bit late now and the boys had yet to have their after school snacks. Tommy would also need to be fed soon as well before Phil could think to start making dinner properly. Though…if he where honest he was really considering ordering pizza for the night.

Leaving Wilbur to his work Phil peeked back out of the doorway and into the living room at the younger two. Techno was still seated in the playpen with Tommy of course, but by now Techno had apparently stopped trying to hold Tommy back from chewing on things. Namely on his arm as the boy was far too protective of his books to let even his baby brother drool on them.

With the 'child check' finished Phil decided it was best to get their snacks in order before they start to actually eat each other. Tommy was already starting in on that after all.

Looking into the fridge Phil starting to pull out what he'd need to make the boys their snacks. Fridays were special snack days usually and today the two were set to have pudding cups topped with sliced fruit. Originally Phil had planned something a bit more filling, but had realized too late that the ingredients for it had gone off. It was fine though. Really. He'd just….order them dinner earlier than usual.

A few minutes later and Phil was just about finished with snack making when he heard Techno's voice calling him from the living room.

"Daaaad!" The small boys voice called with a mild urgency.

"Coming!" Phil called back, quickly setting down what was in his hands and rushing towards his other son.

Techno was standing in the playpen, Tommy beside him as he tried to pull himself up as well. Techno was looking uncomfortable as he wiggled around in place. Phil knew that wiggle.

"I need to pee." Techno announced before he lifted his arms up expectantly.

Phil gave a soft amused chuckled as he quickly approached and lifted the boy up and over the pen walls. Tommy huffed and whined at being left behind as Techno called a 'thank you' back as he darted down the hallway.

"You can call me sooner next time you know." Phil called after him, this time with an open laugh.

"Ahbabablrrrrr- Tommy rasp-berried out angrily, his own hands grabbing up at Phil in demand.

"Yeah, yeah, I got you too mate." Phil sighed as he leaned down to pick up the fussing child.

Within an instant Tommy's huffing attitude fell away and he lit with a smile. Phil took a moment to boop him on the noise, making Tommy laugh and reach for the large finger before trying to pop it in his mouth.

"Okay, I get it. You're hungry." The man laughed as he turned for the kitchen again, "Got a treat for you today."

Back in the kitchen Wilbur still sat at the table, though he seemed more tense than when Phil stepped out. He didn't think much of it though as Tommy continued to nom on his finger. First things first, feed the cannibal child.

Reaching for one of the bowls of made pudding Phil made sure it was one that had extra milk in it to make it a bit thinner than normal. Sliding Tommy into his high chair Phil placed the pudding before him. Yeah, it was going to be a mess after, but for the time being Tommy would enjoy himself with a new treat.

Moving back to the partially sliced fruit Phil paused. There was…less then he thought he'd grabbed out. And he was sure he had already cut up the banana- There was a crunch from behind him for a second before it paused. He didn't turn around as an amused smile broke over his face. He could hear the familiar sounds of apple slices being munched on, slowly as if trying to remain undetected. He couldn't really be mad could he?

"Oh no. Looks like I forgot a few things." Phil stated with a false surprise before making a show of shrugging, "Oh well, I guess this'll have to do for now. Wil, you don't mind if Techno gets more fruit in his, do you?"

He didn't turn to look at his eldest as he asked, trying to keep himself from laughing as he heard a startled noise from Wilbur at being addressed. From the sounds of it he still had a mouthful. There was a hummed noise for affirmation…but Phil wasn't going to leave it at that. After all, he wanted his sons to grow up speaking clearly. That was surely his reason for his next words.

"I can't understand you if you don't use your words, Wil. We've talked about this." Phil stated as he started to cut up a fresh apple.

"...I d'nt m'nd."Came the attempted response.

"Speak up, Wilbur. Mumbling isn't a habit you want to form now."

Phil placed a hand on the counter to brace himself, biting his lip as he could hear noises of stifling panicked motions behind him. He was tempted to turn and 'catch him in the act', but another part of him wanted to see if Wilbur would give himself away in the end. Also, it was just funny.

"I-I said, 'I don't mind'." Wilbur stammered out after a moment with a slightly wheezed breath.

"O-okay then. That's, that's very nice of you, Wil." Phil praised as his tried to force his breathing back to normal and not laugh between his own words.

He chanced to look back at his eldest now, his amused grin clear to see. Wilbur was fidgeting in his seat looking like a deer in the headlights. His arms were crossed in front of him, no doubt hiding what was left of his pilfered snack. Phil just…couldn't help himself.

"Sounded like your mouth was full for a minute there." He started with, smile spreading as he saw Wil's face pale a bit, "I thought you'd started to eat your homework or something."

Phil finally allowed himself an out, though he didn't laugh nearly as hard as he felt he needed to. Wilbur tried to laugh along, but his own was weak and uneasy. Phil decided to leave it at that though. He wasn't sure why Wil was so worried about being found with the fruit, but he'd let him have this one as a win.

"Daaaaaaaaaaad!" Techno's voice called from down the hall.

"What is it Tech? I'm making your snacks." Phil shouted back as he moved to once more start on the apple.

"The toilet is spilling!" Techno's now clearly panicking voice hollered back.

"Oh shi-"

Xx-xx-xx-xx

It was an easy fix thankfully and hadn't had the chance to overflow too much. Still, that was panic Phil hadn't needed in his day. So, here he sat, once more on the sofa in the living room. The boys were fed their snacks and Wilbur had finished his homework with few errors, now able to play with his brothers. The three could easily entertain each other for like…an hour without him, right?

Laying back and resting his head on the spine of the sofa Phil closed his eyes and took a deep breath. He was so tired. He debated making himself a coffee to get through the rest of the day, but he didn't want to risk scaring off sleep later. Also, Kristin had also told him to stop drinking caffeine so late if he was going to keep pulling all-nighters. He agreed it was a bad habit to form but…jesus he could use a pick-me-up right now.

With another deep breath Phil shifted his thoughts onto his wife specifically. He missed her so much and she'd only been gone for a few days so far. It was never easy when she went away, but it was necessary for her job and he was so proud of her and her achievements. The fact she had even found a job in the field she enjoyed was amazing. The fact she was one of the best child care specialists around was just extra icing on that cake.

…He should make her a cake when she came home.

He couldn't wait for her to come home.

Phil was just moments from dozing off, thoughts of his wife and ideas of cakes with her name on it drifting in and out of his head, when a small hand placed itself on his leg and gave a shake.

"dad" A small voice whispered in front of him.

Lifting his head up and forcing his eyes back open Phil was met with the sight of Techno. He looked at Phil with a mild uncertainty, one of his books tucked to his chest.

"Wuss'up Tech?" Phil slurred as he gave a yawn, trying to cut it short and wake back up.

Techno fidgeted a second before moving to climb onto the sofa beside his father. Once in place he flopped his book down on his lap and opened it up.

"I don't know one of the words and Wilbur wont tell me what it is." Techno replied as he flipped the pages.

"Did you give him the 'look'?" Phil asked, referring to 'puppy eyes' without saying it outright.

Techno would never admit to using 'puppy eyes' since Wilbur called it the 'baby face' once Tommy came along. Techno still used it, but less and it was now deemed 'the look' instead.

Techno puffed his chest and pouted hard as he flopped his hand down on a page.

"No I don't need to use the 'look'." Techno stated firmly as he kicked his feet, "…he also said Tommy's 'baby face' was more…"

He trailed off he tried to recall the word his brother had used. It was a long one he hadn't learned yet.

"It was just 'more'." He concluded as he looked up at his father.

Phil nodded with a sigh. He'd have to talk to Wil later, though even now he wasn't sure what he'd really say. Wil hadn't exactly done anything wrong. Just…being a big brother really. Eh, he'd let it go. Kids would be kids after all.

"So, what's the word to defeat today, Tech?" Phil asked, peering down into the book his son had open.

"This one….here!" Techno pointed out the word before looking up expectantly at his father.

"...Larder?" Phil asked, unsure really since he'd seen Techno read harder words before.

"What does it mean?" Techno specified with a slight tilted of his head.

"Oh, uh, well-" Phil paused, trying to consider how to explain it, "Its..sort of, a place to store food. Like a pantry I guess. Back before people had refrigerators it was where they put their food."

"So, the ogre was gunna put him in a pantry? Couldn't he just, walk out again?" Techno questioned as he looked at the picture in his book.

The image was a childish drawing of a boy hiding in a pot as a giant ogre of a man seemed to be searching for him in the kitchen they both in. Jack and the Beanstalk. By the look of the books age this…wasn't one of the new ones he and Kristin had gotten for Techno. This was an old one Wilbur had received when he was in Kindergarten.

"Well, maybe they'd lock the door." Phil suggested as he ruffled his son's hair, "You reading this to Tommy too?"

"No. Wilbur's playing with Tommy right now." Techno replied with a hum in his voice, "He said the story might scare him."

Phil nodded. He could honestly see that happening, if Tommy understood enough or paid attention long enough. Both things he doubted for the one year old, but still, it was nice to know Wilbur had put in the thought.

"I wanted to read this one myself cus Tommy keeps tryin to eat the pages." Techno added with a frown.

"Babies do that, mate." Phil nodded with a chuckle, "You kept trying to eat Wilbur's toys when you were that small."

Techno made a face at his father before the man ruffled his hair once more with a laugh.

"Its getting late. Should we order pizza?" " Phil asked, watching as his son's face lit up and nodded quickly, "Lets decide on the order then."

Standing up Phil moved to grab a pen and paper to write on while Techno scurried off down the hall calling for his elder brother.

Xx-xx-xx-xx

Three ordered pizza's later and Phil let out a heavy sigh as he leaned forwards at the table. He really should have thought ahead a bit more. It was a Friday, of course the place was going to be busy. Instead of the usual twenty minute wait from the place up the street they were now queued up to get them in something closer to an hour to an hour and a half. Sure, it wasn't the worst wait they'd had, but it was still less than ideal with the two hungry young boys in the house.

Speaking of his boys, he'd have to tell them dinner would be later than they planned. He was sure they'd understand of course. Though, that was mostly because they knew they'd be getting an extra snack now to make the waiting easier. Wilbur was never one to let the opportunity go.

"Boys!" He called out, pushing himself to his feet with a bit of effort now.

The later it got the more he could feel it in his bones. He wasn't particularly religious, but in the moment he prayed to all things holy that Tommy would sleep through the night tonight so that he could as well. He didn't think he'd make it another day without an actual nights rest.

"Dad? Something wrong?" Wilbur's voice spoke up from behind him.

Turning to the doorway any words Phil had started choked out at the sight of Wilbur holding Tommy. Wil had his arms hugged around the youngest from under his own arms, but Tommy had slid down enough so that it was less of a 'hug' and more akin to a choke hold.

"W-Wil, You Can't Hold Him Like That!" Phil cried out in mild panic as he rushed over to scoop Tommy up himself.

Wilbur had startled at the shout and allowed his father to lift Tommy from him. He didn't know what he did wrong and so he fidgeted awkwardly in place as he stared up at his dad, who was looking Tommy over briefly. Relief filled the elders face before the man looked back at him.

"Sorry for shouting, Wil. You just, scared me for a second." Phil explained as he rested Tommy on his hip, "You have to be careful how you hold him. Carrying him around like that could be dangerous."

Wilbur shuffled his feet a moment as he nodded, trying not to look down at his feet. His hands curled around the hem of his shirt as he bit the inside of his cheek trying to force out at least a few words.

"sorry dad."

Phil took in a deep breath before his expression softened further. He hadn't meant to shout, really. It had just caught him very off guard. He certainly hadn't meant to scare Wilbur, nor guilt trip him with his reasoning. Luckily, he knew something that would cheer him back up.

"Dinner is going to be a bit late." He started with, smile on his face already, "So, I think its only fair we have something to snack on while we wait. What do you think?"

It took Wilbur a second to process this before a smile returned to his face.

"Anything we want?" He tested, watching his father's face with a growing excitement in his eyes.

"Within reason, but yeah." Phil laughed, shifting Tommy to his other hip as he walked into the living room, "If it's already in the house. I'm not making a trip to the store just for a hold over snack."

Wilbur was following his father closely and Phil could almost hear the gears turning, debating what exactly he would try weasel into the realm of 'reasonable'. Phil was in the middle of placing Tommy into the bouncy-walker when Techno entered his line of sight.

"Can we have popcorn?" He questioned easily.

"We could. I think we have a bag or two left." Phil nodded before he looked back at his older son, "Popcorn sound good to you?"

Wilbur was already making a face at the suggestion, giving Techno what passed for an exasperated face. Techno didn't seem to see the problem with it and pouted at his brother in turn.

"What?" The smaller asked as he made to cross his arms, "I like popcorn."

"What about ice cream?" Wilbur proposed instead.

Techno's eyes widened at that and he dropped his arms. Both boys set their eyes on their father for his word on the matter. An eagerness rested openly on both of the small faces and even if he were feeling strict Phil doubted he'd maintain a 'no' stance for long. Luckily for the boys, he was feeling rather agreeable.

"Fine, but then no dessert after pizza. Unless its fruit or yogurt." Phil answered as he looked at both his sons for their response to his conditions.

"That's fine. We can do that." Wilbur quickly agreed, Techno nodding his head as well.

"And, only one bowl, I pick the size." Phil added as he started back towards the kitchen, "If you get your jams on and wash up now we can watch a movie while we eat."

Techno was off and rushing for his bedroom before another word could be said.

"Just don't make it too small." Wilbur warned before he too started off for the bedroom.

Phil didn't bother shouting after him, but laughed loudly enough that he didn't need to. Part of him was tempted to put a single scoop into a small ramekin just to test his sons reaction. Maybe he would. He looked down to Tommy, who was bouncing along at his heels, looking up at Phil and watching his every move.

"It would be funny wouldn't it?" Phil asked with a lighter chuckle.

Xx-xx

It certainly didn't take long before both of his elder boys came charging back down the hallway, Techno shouting something as Wilbur slid with his socked feet into the doorway. Wil wore a large excited smile on his face as he entered the room, darting for the counter to collect his frozen treat.

"What did you do to your brother?" Phil asked him point blank, making sure the bowls remained outside his sons reach.

"He pushed me into the wall!" Techno tattled the second he was in the room, pointing at Wilbur with a firm scowl.

"I did not." Wilbur denied swiftly.

"Yes you did. You pushed me!" Techno insisted before looking to his father, "Dad, he shoved me. He did. Just cus I was faster then him!"

"I did not you little brat. You just tripped because you couldn't keep up." Wilbur countered as he crossed his arms.

Phil let out a sigh and turned to both of them with a flat look.

"This doesn't seem like 'ice cream' deserving behavior. Wilbur, apologize to your brother."

"But- Dad! I didn't-" Wil started but was cut off by a firm look from his father.

Techno was stood now in front of Wilbur, arms crossed and waiting. Knowing not to press his luck further Wilbur let out a heavy sigh and lowered his head as he faced his younger brother.

"Sorry, Tech."

Techno continued to frown at his brother for another moment before he let his arms drop to his sides.

"Okay." He replied easily enough, "I want the first bowl."

"What? No! It was my idea to have it in the first place!" Wilbur argued but Phil was already reaching for one of the bowls.

"Shouldn't have pushed him then." Phil stated with a shrug.

Wilbur mumbled something under his breath at that but snapped his mouth closed quickly when his father looked at him with a warning in his eye. There was a pause before Phil handed Wil his own bowl.

"thanks dad." Wilbur softly said as he started to shuffle backwards towards the table.

"You're welcome Wil." Phil acknowledged with a nod.

"Thanks Dad!" Techno called from around a bite of ice cream.

"You're welcome too, Tech." Phil chuckled, "Ah-"

Phil winced as there was a suddenly tiny wheels over his toes and a plastic cart bashed into his leg. Tommy had decided he was done being patient and had charged the man spilling out his 'angry babble' as he reached up towards the man.

"Yes, yes, Tommy. I know. I haven't forgotten you mate." Phil tried to placate as he glanced at Tommy's high chair.

He hadn't forgotten to clean it, thank goodness.

"Ubadinnnn-" Tommy babbled out, bashing against his father's legs once more.

"Okay, Tommy, okay. I get it. Up." Phil breathed out heavily as he winced again, cursing the small baby mobile.

In a swift motion Tommy was lifted up and transferred into the high chair once more. Though there was a moment of struggle as Tommy thrashed his legs in delight making it hard for his father to place him down. Once done Phil went about grabbing a smaller plastic bowl for the child. The moment Phil turned with the now with the baby sized ice cream scoop Tommy was lit up with excitement, grabby hands once more wildly a go towards it.

"A-ahbaba gahabuh" He bubbled out, eyes fully on the food, "Dibibi dada"

Phil froze as he stared at Tommy's eager face. He…he didn't just-

"Dibibi dada" Tommy repeated louder this time, hands furiously reaching for the bowl still in Phil's grip.

"Tommy. Tommy, say that again. Say 'Dada'." Phil babbled out himself and he darted the half step distance to his youngest and knelt down.

Wilbur and Techno shared a look before staring at the two. Wilbur grinned as Techno just watched with surprise. Tommy, though, huffed a breath as he flailed his hands towards the bowl not yet in his possession.

"Say 'Dada', Tommy. Please. Just one more time mate." Phil begged, his free hand gently trying to direct his sons attention off the food and onto him.

Tommy refused to listen at first until his smile dipped into a frustrated frown. He stared at father as his lower lip quivered in debate of either anger of upset. Phil caught on to this and slipped the bowl onto Tommy's tray, still waiting beside him.

"Say 'Dada'." He pleaded one more time, softer than before.

Tommy babbled out a few sounds as he reached for the bowl, mood restored at no longer being denied food. He looked to his father, baby blue eyes meeting cornflower. It was enough to bubble up a fresh giggle of joy from the smaller.

"Dabadi Dada" Tommy squeaked out at the man before turning his attention back to the ice cream.

It was all Phil needed though to melt what was left of his composure. He let out a coo as he leaned for ward to place a kiss to Tommy's head, a joyous laugh rumbling up from inside him. He was ecstatic and wanted nothing more than to pick Tommy up and squeeze him in the tightest of hugs. He doubted it would be met well as Tommy was enthralled by the cold treat before him, but that didn't mean his father couldn't get his.

"Aw, Tommyyyyy~" Phil gleed as he wrapped his arms around his son and hugged.

Tommy let out a noise of annoyance at first, but was soon giggling as Phil was placing kisses to his head with exaggerated smooch noises. This went on for a fair few minutes before Phil eagerly pulled out his phone. He needed to brag to his wife.