25
Jarred called out that tea was ready and Carl led Ren to the bathroom to wash up, watching the little boy as he peered into the bathtub and shower stall, then dried his hands and followed him to the table.
"Hope you like casserole" Jarred said excitedly, "Uncle Ianto dropped off a huge amount of it."
Ren looked at the table of food with undisguised hunger.
They had been warned that he was suspicious and only liked certain food, little Izzy only eating what he fed her. Carl decided to sit this one out, giving Jarred a better chance of bonding as a provider.
"Do you want a bun buttered?" Jarred offered a fresh tea bun, buttered and still warm.
The little boy hesitantly accepted it and tore a piece off to taste, then his face lit up as he dipped a piece in water and handed it to his sister.
Carl grabbed Jarred before he spoke, knowing he was about to protest.
"That's a good idea" Carl said softly, "Makes it easier for her to eat. You are clever. Would you like milk instead of water?"
Rem nodded and took another bite.
Then the bowl of casserole was placed down and Jarred sat next to the little highchair with a bowl of mashed veggies covered in casserole juice.
He knew what they had been told, but also know what Ianto had said.
Baby steps.
He offered the spoonful of mash and held his breath as she blinked at him, then opened her little mouth.
He fed her almost half the bowl and then offered her a Sippy bottle of milk and she eagerly reached for it.
He then ate his meal with one hand rubbing her little back, crooning that she was such a good eater.
Ren wolfed his down like it might be taken back and Carl leaned over with another buttered roll, showing him how he mopped up the gravy.
"Jarred, I know you hate me doing this but the gravy is the best bit on the roll!" he said as he watched the little boy rip a piece of bun to copy.
"Another bowl?" Jarred offered, "There is plenty more if you are hungry sweetheart."
He nodded enthusiastically, drinking more milk as a second bowl came out and Jarred then sat with more mash for the baby, gleefully smiling as Carl as she opened her mouth for more.
Carl called uncle, sitting back and burping softly as he slapped at his belly, "I'm full Taddy!"
Jarred smiled and told him "Good Papa."
Ren's eyes slid between them as if thinking about this and they were both thankful to Ianto for helping them understand the need for repetition if they wanted things to stick, like names.
Finally the little girl shook her head and screwed up her face to show she was full and Jared crooned as he wiped her face and sticky fingers, whispering that she was a sticky wee piggy bum.
She squealed happily as she agreed and Jarred pulled her from the chair to lather her face with kisses and a cuddle.
Carl watched Ren still, watching the affection his sister was getting and he reached out to gently place a hand on Ren's back.
"Are you finished there, Ren?" he said softly, "Let's help Taddy put the dishes in the sink then he will be pleased with us."
Ren shot to his feet, rushing to the sink and placing the plate in, then returning to the table to grab another one, his face full of glee as he did a task.
"Oh Ren!" Jarred crowed, "What a star. Thank you so much, I really appreciate your help. I need a good helper around here."
A puffed up boy sauntered over to lean into his sister's face for a kiss and then take her bowl as well.
Carl watched as the boy furtively ate her remaining mash, in three quick mouthfuls.
He swallowed and looked away so Ren didn't know he had been seen.
Poor little boy.
He still feared losing his next meal.