Adler dying inside a little bit as the two kids in the back have a conversation. Sure he's heard much, much worse but...

Philip: -gonna spank your Ass.

Kate: you can't say that. You can't say ass.

Philip: slap your Ass.

Kate: you said Ass again! You can't say ass!

Philip: I'm not saying Ass, but gonna spank your Ass if you don't stop.

Kate: you can't say Ass!!

Adler heavily sighing: Maybe Frank can watch the kids next store run...

Customary @laswells-ashtray tag

It was one of those days, needing a moment as the truck is turned off. Sitting in the seat, staring blankly at the garage door, exhausted.

A groan as Adler sighed and finally rolled out of his truck, stretching and taking a moment to get his legs properly underneath him. A bullshit job, in a bullshit place, but that was done and finished and he'd not have to go back.

Another sigh as he shuffled to the mailbox, empty. A blessing, today was not the day to fuck with bills, he'd probably just shut the tiny door and deal with it the next day.

Taking his time as he walked back up the walk to his front step, already bracing himself as he pushed the door open. Coat tucked over his arm, tired gaze drifting up and landing on his kids sitting at the table eating God knows what Woods fixed this time.

And Phil was off, bolting straight towards Adler with mach 5 speed as always. A tired smile flashing to Kate who was aware of the hour and exhaustion wafting off of her dad. She'd collect her hug tax at a later time. She always was more mature for her age, maybe she needed more time with Mason. Let her be a kid more often...

But for now, Adler would deal with the little boy racing towards him, rattling off a mile a minute. Waiting for the inevitable collision, only for it not to happen. Phil stopping right in front of him, rattling about how he got to play with some friends.

"That's nice, ya have fun?"

"mhm, was lots of fun. I miss you."

The familiar ache in Adler's chest only multiplied when there was no rough hug, but a gentle wrap of tiny arms around the man. His body relaxing into the gentle hug, returning it with a kiss to the head and a ruffle of the boys dirty blond hair.

"Missed ya to kiddo. And you to lil lady."

Adler made sure to make eye contact with his lil girl, a soft smile on his lips. Hand held out for a hug from her as well. Melting into both his kids hugging him, his pride and joy.

"No kiss for the 'wife'?" Woods would cackle giving Adler an unprompted one armed hug and a scruffy kiss on the cheek. Earning a half hearted sneer from Adler.

"Depends, you feed the kids on time?" Adler would huff out, voice not filled with too much venom this time. Eyes crinkling somewhat behind his shades, a pair that was quickly snatched by his little crow of a son.

"Hey, we were figuring somethin' out!"

"We had some cereal and corn dogs. Made sure Uncle Woods took his medicine too." Kate would chirp out, an expectant look on her face. Rewarded with a few dirty rocks that she snatched and bolted to the sink with Phil right behind her.

"I uh... Didn' mean ta fall asleep..." Woods confessed, rubbing his neck awkwardly.

"Gonna split a pork chop with me?" Adler hummed, roughly patting the man on his arm.

A small smile crossing Woods face as he bobbed his head, rubbing a rough hand on the mans tense shoulder. "Maybe, y'know it ain't enough though..."

"I know..."