#Sedj totally asked to hold Sarake'd's hand too

[mouser26]

Hand Holding

Another story for my space trio and their Adoptive dad (belonging to @deskgirl) 

For the first few months while the boys settled Sarake’d had kept physical contact with the three to a minimum only initiating when strictly necessary.

One such occasion proved to be a catalyst and valuable lesson.

They had been on a small installation, one Sarake’d was familiar enough with that he encouraged the boys to explore freely on their own. When it had been time to return to the ship however Sedj had been nowhere in sight.

Knowing his brother far too well Madje had sighed and swung Mateudje down from his back to set the smaller teen on a seat beside the pilot. “I will get him.”

He didn’t give the older man time to argue before he was making his way back through the crowd and disappearing from sight.

Mateudje seemed content to wait quietly at the start but as the minutes ticked by the boy started to squirm anxiously eyes darting over the crowd from his vantage point.

With any other child Sarake’d wouldn’t have thought twice about reaching out and reassuring the other with a hug but Mateudje was far from any other child. He knew the tiny teen liked affection from his brothers however he was equally sure he wasn’t that far in his good graces.

Not wanting to undo weeks of work in earning the boy’s trust he finally gave in just enough to take his hand. “They’ll be back soon Tyo.”

Mateudje froze at the sudden contact.

Sarake’d worried briefly that he had crossed a line, but it settled into heartbreak as the teen looked confused from their clasped hands to the people around them and back. He made no attempt to pull away nor did he seem upset by the contact.

Taking the chance the bygon squeezed the teen’s hand gently, the closest they could currently get to a hug. He was surprised to have the gesture returned before Mateudje tilted his head up to face him, “What does tyo mean?”

Now that was another surprise, despite the unintentional frequency with which he used the phrase none of the boys had ever asked it’s meaning.

“It means treasure,” he explained, giving another squeeze of the hand, “but when it’s used for boys like you and your brothers it means you’re loved because all children are gifts that should be treasured. It means you're important to me. “

Mateudje stilled again but returned the squeeze once more proving he was processing what he had been told rather than bothered by it.

His verdict would have to be shared later as the two older boys returned Madje looking both pleased and annoyed while Sedj was most certainly annoyed and dripping wet save for his hair.

Mateudje giggled letting go of his hand to reach up as his oldest brother scooped him back up, settling the smaller teen on his back for the return to the ship.

It was a surprise for all when a small hand waved in Sarake’d’s peripheral vision, reaching for him over Madje’s shoulder.

He refused to settle till the bygon retook his hand squeezing gently.

It was progress.