*Jake wasn’t sure how Sage was handling things since they had to flee the forest and come to the reef, since he had to leave his home.

the whole family has been keeping themselves busy in attempts to show the Metkayina people that they can pull their weight and deserve to be there. The kids have been learning from some kids their age, Jake has been with Tonowari, and Sage has been with Ronal, the Tsahik. But they family hadn’t spent much time together.

Jake made his way back to the families marui, finding Sage cooking over a small fire. His hands worked to prod the fire, adding more wood when needed.

“Baby,” Jake was a little hesitant to speak to him, knowing he was good at shutting himself out, but he needed to check on him. He crouched beside him. “haven’t seen you in a while.”

Sage doesn’t speak as he starts to skin a fish for dinner.

“Please, talk to me.” Jake reaches, his large hand covers his. “my mate, you can’t shut me out…”