Author's note: I really wanted to thank you all for the reviews I received, I really wasn't expecting it :) So thank you all for that. I would also like to explain that the first two chapters and this one revolve around the aftermath of the episode "Fire across the galaxy" just to clear that up... Enjoy!-

Hunger (Part 1)

"Zeb you've outdone yourself!" Sabine exclaimed as Zeb came waltzing into the kitchen holding a tray of very good smelling food.

"Now, now it wasn't just me I had help from the best" The lasat chuckled as Hera stepped through carrying another tray. Hera had to say she'd been impressed, when Zeb had said how cooking was an enjoyment and tradition for him on his home planet she still hadn't been sure just how great he'd be; but she almost didn't recognise him in that kitchen, he was elegant and gentle handling each piece of equipment as though it were a new born. The lasat's skills became even more obvious as various sweet aromas filled the ghost.

The crew all came to sit at the small table in their common room, the warmth and happiness of Kanan's return had them all in high spirits and Hera had suggested they make a special meal to celebrate the return of their member. Leading them to where they were now, each sitting with steaming bowls of varying dishes spread out and stacked across the small table. Ezra didn't ever think he'd had such a spread in front of him before and became rather stuck on where to start.

"Well I'd just like to say how grateful I am to have a crew, no, a family such as you lot." Kanan started raising his glass "I think you're all idiots for coming after me in the first place but I'm glad that you did. Truly thank you." He finished and everyone smiled and cheered, agreeing with the statement and raising their glasses to chime together.

Everything had tasted so good- Kanan sat there with his belly full, feeling the best he had done in a long time. He glanced along the table towards the others, partly listening to their conversation but more focused on capturing this moment in his mind and keeping it forever. Zeb was wildly animating some rogue tale of his gaining laughter from the other three; more food was passed round and Kanan was so satisfied in this moment that he almost missed it. He had been focused so much that the small twinge of pain didn't register until he saw Ezra quietly dash from the table. Sabine and Zeb stayed engaged in the rowdy conversation but Hera gave a fleeting knowing glance in the direction Ezra went, seeming to sigh slightly before returning herself to the story.

Well now Kanan was worried, of course Ezra could've just been popping to the toilet, washing his hands or getting a drink but Kanan didn't seem to think this time it was any of those. He observed a moment longer, sensing some sort of distress coming from Hera and from Ezra he couldn't quite tell, everything seemed to be coming over too hazy. Hera's getting up had his eyes snapping to the present, he made brief eye contact with her before she smiled sadly and excused herself from the table going out the same way Ezra had. Not wanting to wait a moment longer Kanan went to stand too.

"Wait!" Sabine had called out, halting Kanan.

"Do you know what's going on?" Kanan asked suspiciously

"Sort of." The lasat huffed "Just don't get angry ok?" And with one last serious look the lasat turned back round to Sabine and they began a much quieter conversation. Heeding Zeb's words of warning Kanan walked down the corridor. He stopped as he came up to the bathroom door, Hera was just coming out, shutting the door behind her and leaning against it.

"Everything alright?" Kanan quizzed, surprise made her jump slightly but she smiled softly before placing a hand on Kanan's shoulder.

"Before I explain it's not your fault…ok?" Kanan nodded confusion plastered his face "Well during the time you were gone none of us exactly took it well, Ezra especially. I don't know how he did it but he was the one who disobeyed Fulcrum and me, and single handily found your destination" she stopped glancing at Kanan's questioning look and opening mouth "No that's a story for another time" Hera ordered "Anyway throughout that time he seemed to… close in on himself, it wasn't so bad at first but the longer you were gone the less he managed. Seeming to spend most of his time going over the same maps or attack moves or force techniques again and again, until he wasn't sleeping anymore. Not only that but he wasn't eating much either. We tried everything to help but he was so insistent… in fact we didn't even notice at first, he made sure everyone else managed, everyone but himself.. I'm sorry Kanan."

Kanan was completely speechless, he didn't know what to ask, where to start. But Hera seemed to understand this and guided him again.

"That's what's going on now- he hasn't been eating enough so his stomach shrunk and just then he ate too much too quickly, he's been sick a few times. I think he's better now that you're here but well he needs you Kanan."
Once again Kanan was speechless, he nodded dumbly before whispering a quiet meaningful thanks to Hera and watched her slip away.

Ezra had? He had? Why? Too many unanswered questions and thoughts flew around in Kanan's head, he knew he needed to get a bloody grip but he hadn't seen this coming. How hadn't he seen this? Of course Ezra keeps himself to himself but he's his padawan, good masters aren't meant to miss these kinds of things and why had Ezra done that in the first place? Actually no, he could understand why Ezra had- if his padawan had been feeling anything like what he had after order 66 then he could definitely understand what sent him down such a bad path. But still… Too much guilt and worry flowed through Kanan, he wasn't going to postpone this any longer. He wanted to ensure that nothing like this ever happened because of him again, but most importantly he had to make sure that Ezra was and would be ok.