Hello! So I apologize, but I keep forgetting to include author's notes when I post to FFNet. I just want to thank everyone for reading and commenting. It really means a lot to me. My main writing account is AO3 and I do post my other stories there if anyone is interested. My name for there is kryptofreak13

So thanks again for being awesome and I hope yall enjoy!

Kanan and Hera sat at the kitchen table. Well, more accurately Hera sat. Kanan perched at the edge of his chair, the heels of his feet bouncing. Every few minutes he'd stare at his phone and start to stand, only to reconsider it. Then he'd glance at the clock on the wall and start the whole process over again.

Hera, preoccupied with her notebook, kept listing off items they needed to finish should they decide to leave. Every so often she'd ask Kanan's opinion, but he barely registered anything she said. He was just about to stand up again when Hera's hand shot out and grabbed his. "I swear if you check the clock one more time," she said. "He said he was almost home. He's fine."

"It was reckless of him to go out on his own. I should have picked him up."

"Yeah," Hera said with a snort. "That would have gone over well."

He opened his mouth for a brilliant retort but didn't get the chance, the sound of the front door interrupting him It was soft, almost as if Ezra didn't want to be heard.

"Kitchen, kid," Kanan called.

A few seconds later Ezra appeared in the door frame. He hovered there, face tight, fiddling with the hem of his gloves.

"Come sit with us, hun," Hera said.

At first Ezra didn't move. Kanan was no mind reader, but he didn't have to be. The kid's thoughts were practically plastered all over him. Everything in his body language screamed of his desire to run. To hide from them.

Hera traded Kanan a questioning look that probably matched his own. "You're not in trouble," he said, his tone gentle. "We need to talk to you about something."

Ezra winced and dropped into a chair, eyes pointedly avoiding Hera and Kanan. "Just tell me when," he said, rather brusquely.

"Excuse me?" Kanan asked.

"I heard you guys talking last night. We're leaving." The was something odd in the kid's voice. Like he was forcing it to be flat, refusing to allow any emotion to break the surface.

"Kid, you okay?"

Ezra nodded without a word. So that was a no.

"You know you can tell us anything," Kanan prompted. Come on, kid. Give them something to work with.

Crickets. Kriff, he was awful at this whole guardian thing. Billaba had always had the right words whenever Kanan had been in one of his moods. And she had been younger than he was now. More than ever he wished she were here to pass down her guidance. She'd know exactly what to say to the kid. Though she probably wouldn't even need to. If she were around to protect Ezra, none of this mess would have happened.

Hera nudged Kanan gently in the side. "Talk to him," she mouthed.

"I'm trying," he shot back.

Kanan stilled. What had Billaba always taught him? There was no such thing as trying. Either you believed you would succeed at something or you didn't. All this time Kanan had allowed his self-doubt to convince him he was failing. And while he could tell himself at least he was trying to understand the kid, in the end it didn't matter. Trying wasn't good enough. He needed to let go of his own insecurities and actually help Ezra.

Hera had mentioned the kid had sounded better after their lunch in the park. What could have happened in less than a day to upset him? That they were leaving town for a bit? But that didn't make sense.

Ezra was used to being on his own with no home to return to every night. He'd only lived with them for a little over a month. There had been moments where Kanan had thought they'd connected, but the kid was still guarded, never letting him or Hera get too close. As if he was just anticipating for this little reprieve to be over.

Kanan would know. All his childhood he'd been bounced back and forth between foster homes. At first, he'd been optimistic. Surely some loving family would find him. Want him. But eventually that hope faded. Every home was temporary. Just another stop in the endless shuffle. Even the vaguely happy ones. Only a matter of time before his little crumbs of home were taken away, so why bother clinging to them at all. Better to expect something to end. At least he could convince himself it hurt less when it finally did.

So no, the kid wasn't upset about them leaving. He'd still have food, a bed to sleep in. The apartment had always been an illusion of home for him, nothing he'd allow himself to believe would be permanent.

And then another possibility dawned on Kanan. One so obvious he was an idiot not to see it sooner. Because there was someone the kid had grown attached to. Someone he'd risked his own safety in order to say goodbye.

"Ezra," Kanan said softly. "Did something happen with Sabine?"

That got a reaction. Every muscle in the kid's body tensed as he finally lifted his eyes to Kanan. Something dark flickered through them, but then it was gone so fast Kanan wasn't sure if he'd imagined it or not.

"No. Nothing happened," Ezra answered, the words all rushed together.

Ah, there it was.

The kid had failed miserably at hiding his crush. He stared a little too long at Sabine. Smiled wide when his phone buzzed with her texts. But Sabine didn't let people in easily. Honestly Kanan was surprised that the two had developed a friendship as quickly as they had. If the kid had admitted his feelings, or worse made a move, then Kanan doubted it had ended in his favor.

Before either Kanan or Hera could respond, Ezra said, 'I'm sorry guys, I'm really tired. Tell me when we're leaving, and I'll be ready."

He slumped in his seat, all his edges softening. Almost as if any energy left in him had simply melted away.

"We haven't decided yet," Hera answered. "We wanted to ask how you felt about it first."

"Wait, I get a vote?"

The genuine shock in the boy's voice made Kanan's insides ache. "Yeah, Kid," he said. "We're not your parents. It's not our decision to make for you. I promised to protect you. If you want to stay here, I'll figure something out."

Ezra was quiet. "No," he said finally. "You're right, we should leave."

"When do you want to do this Kanan?" Hera asked.

While Kanan was immensely grateful there had been no further sign of the Inquisitors, he'd be lying if a small part of himself wasn't bothered by it. All their resources and they hadn't found them yet? Or maybe the Inquisitors were playing with them, waiting for Kanan to let down his guard and then snatch the kid again.

"We've waited long enough. Do you think we could leave tomorrow?"

Hera scrunched up her nose. "Possibly. There's a lot to do, but I think we can manage tomorrow night if you guys start packing right away." She stood up from the table. "I'm gonna make a few calls."

Out of the corner of his eye, Kanan could see Ezra slowly rising from his seat as Hera left the room.

"Kid, we need talk," he began. Ezra froze like a deer in headlights, a sight that would have been comical in a different situation. "I know you don't want to, but I think you need to."

"Not tonight, Kanan," Ezra said, his voice small. "I promise tomorrow, just not tonight. Please."

Kanan had been intent on refusing to let the kid brush him off again. But there was something broken in the "please", that made him reconsider.

"I'm holding you to it." Kanan stood up and squeezed the boy's shoulder. "Kid, don't ever think your opinion doesn't matter. You get as much say in this family as any of us."

Ezra's brow furrowed as if he didn't quite believe him.

Heart pounding and covered in sweat was not a pleasant way to wake up. Yet once again Ezra found himself jolting out of sleep. He fumbled for the lamp switch, hoping light would chase away the last shadows of his nightmare.

"Kriff!"

Sharp static electricity stung his fingers and he hastily pulled his hand away. Sitting up, he rubbed at his eyes. His heart slowed, the details of the dream already beginning to fade.

The Inquisitor had been in it. She always was these days. But something about this nightmare had been different. He could remember laughter, but it wasn't the feminine rich laughter of the Inquisitor. Endless screaming, but it hadn't been his. Most vividly he remembered pain. Sharp at first, and then disturbingly numbing pain. It had coursed down his arms to the tips of fingers. Even now he could faintly feel the ghost of it.

"Get it together, Bridger," he murmured. Soon they'd be on their way, putting the Inquisitors behind them. Hopefully at least. He pulled on his gloves and stumbled out into the living room.

"Kanan—?" Ezra stopped short. Kanan sat cross-legged on the floor with his eyes closed. A Rubik's cube lay in front of him, its various sides all mixed up. "Uh…what are you doing?"

"Meditating."

"Okay," Ezra replied, drawing out the word. "Why?"

"I sense a disturbance in the universe," Kanan murmured.

"Wait, really?"

Kanan cracked open an eye, giving Ezra a sideways glance. The corners of his mouth quirked upwards.

Ezra scowled. "Funny. I'll leave you alone then. Guess we can talk later."

"No, it's okay. Take a seat." Kanan stretched out a hand. The Rubik's cube on the floor rose into the air and began to twist.

Ezra sat across from Kanan matching his upright posture. He watched in silence as Kanan attempted to solve the puzzle. After a few minutes Kanan's hand began to waver and the cube dipped closer to the ground, its sides still spinning. The man's face scrunched up, almost as if in pain. Ezra's eyes flitted back and forth between Kanan and the floating block.

When Kanan had finally finished matching all the colors, the Rubik's cube tumbled to the ground. His shoulders relaxed as he grinned at Ezra.

"Impressive," Ezra said flatly. "No offense, but is there a point to this?" The words came out harsher than he'd meant them. He'd been expecting some awkward heart to heart. Not whatever this was. If Kanan was going to insist on the dramatics, Ezra could just go back to bed.

Kanan's smile faltered. "How are you?" he asked, ignoring Ezra's question. "We haven't really talked since the Inquisitors."

Ezra grimaced. "Never better," he mumbled.

"Kid, sometimes you need to let your guard down," Kanan said. "No one expects you to be fine after what happened."

"Well, I am," Ezra snapped. He winced. Kanan was trying to help and here he was again all broody. "I'm fine," he said in a lighter tone.

It was apparent from Kanan's expression that he wasn't convinced. "Really? Cause I'm not."

The words caught Ezra off-guard. "What?"

"I'm not okay," Kanan repeated. "Kid, I was terrified. Not of you—" he added as Ezra started to interrupt "—that I wasn't strong enough to get us out of there. That I'd lose you. I'm still afraid."

Ezra didn't know how to respond. Kanan always seemed so sturdy. Like nothing could touch him. Even when facing off against two Inquisitors the man had kept cool. Floundering, Ezra opened his mouth only to immediately close it.

Kanan laughed. "I know I exude all this confidence, but E.M.P.I.R.E. scares the crap out of me. I've been running from them half of my life. It's why I'm so out of practice. But that's going to change. You and I are going to practice our abilities every day."

"But—"

Kanan held up a hand. "I don't know the next time we'll see Cal. I might not be psychometric, but I know how to hone an ability. Focus and discipline."

"Really?" Ezra sneered. "You're going to teach me? You can barely levitate a toy."

He stiffened, his breath hitching. The words had just slipped out. As if someone else was speaking through his mouth. Force, what was happening to him?

He regarded Kanan, expecting some hint of anger. But there wasn't any, only concern. Which was somehow so much worse.

"Kanan, I'm sorry," Ezra said. "I didn't mean that."

"It's okay," Kanan replied.

Ezra flinched. He didn't deserve this kindness. Not after he just insulted the man who had saved his life. He pressed the heels of his palms to his eyes, almost to the point of pain. "No, it's not. The Inquisitor—it's like—like she won't leave. But that's never happened before. I don't—"

"Hey, it's okay," Kanan said.

Ezra barely heard him. "Something's wrong with me—"

"Ezra, stop." Kanan did not yell, but rather spoke with such authority that Ezra fell silent. He gently grasped Ezra's arms and pulled them away from his face. "Kid, look at me."

He lifted his head. Kanan's teal eyes bore into him, demanding his attention.

"This isn't your fault," he said. "It's mine. I should have told you sooner, but I just—"

"What are you talking about?"

Kanan rubbed the back of his neck, biting his lip before answering. "Cal told me that sometimes strong impressions can linger. Traits from the person you've sensed. She held on to you for a long time, and I think it's been affecting you."

The words hit Ezra like a punch to the gut. Traits lingered? All these ugly thoughts and random bursts of anger weren't his fault? The revelation should have brought him comfort, but it hadn't. It didn't matter that these feelings weren't wholly his own. They were a part of him now and would always be.

We aren't so different.

The girl's words echoed inside in his brain. She'd been right. One way or another she'd made him like her.

"Hey." Kanan's voice was soft. As if he'd known what Ezra had been thinking, he said, "You're not like her, kid. I'm going to help you get through this."

"How?" Ezra managed to croak out.

"When my ability first started, I could barely control it. I was angry and scared, which only made it worse. But someone taught me how to focus, calm my mind. I'm going to teach you the same. We're going to start by meditating. Every day. And then you're going to practice your ability just like you did with Cal. We'll stick to small stuff until he's back."

Ezra grimaced, but nodded.

"And kid, no more secrets. I didn't tell you what you needed to know and I'm sorry. From now on I'll tell you everything."

"I—thank you, Kanan."

Kanan waved his hand vaguely. "Don't. I should have told you the truth from the start."

"No. I mean for everything. Saving me from them. I—" There was so much to say. Before the Inquisitors he never really allowed himself to believe that Kanan truly cared. That anyone could care about him. Certainly not enough to risk everything to protect him. But the words felt thick in his throat and he couldn't bring himself to utter them, so he just added, "Thank you."

Kanan smiled. "Of course, kid. Hera should be back in a few hours. Until then I'm going to show you the basics. Close your eyes, focus on your breathing. Clear your mind."

Easier said then done. Still Ezra listened, and tried his best to block everything out, with little success.

We aren't so different.

"You've got to be kidding me." Ezra stared up at the RV, wide eyed and horrified.

Kanan elbowed him gently. "Would you rather be crammed into some tiny car?"

"I thought we were doing like hotels or stuff."

"We will," Kanan said. "But it's best we keep moving. Come on, it'll be fun," he added as the kid's face soured.

"If you say so," Ezra muttered.

"Hey, when you boys are done chatting," Hera called from the apartment door. "I could use some help bringing all this stuff out."

It didn't take long to pack the RV. Most of their belongings were being left behind until they returned. Kanan tried not to dwell on the large possibility that they never would. Ezra's gift was powerful, even Cal had been surprised by its strength. As long as E.M.P.I.R.E. existed, he'd be hunted.

Kanan was no stranger to running. He'd run away from his last foster home, run away from the monsters that killed Billaba. Ran for years from Inquisitors. It wasn't until he met Hera that he had finally stopped. As thrilled as he was that they would still be together, he didn't want to imagine that life for her.

He unloaded the last box of food into the RV's tiny kitchen. It was surprising roomy in the vehicle, enough for a table, couch, and even a small bed. It wasn't an ideal living situation, but for the foreseeable future it would be good enough for home.

As he headed down the RV'S steps, his phone buzzed. He pulled it out, surprised to find messages from Sabine asking after Ezra. Before he could begin to type a response, he smacked right into someone. "Kriff!"

"Oh, I'm so sorry," a man said, his voice feeble.

"No, it's my fault. Should have been paying attention." Kanan picked up the man's cane and held it out, only to pause. The man's hood was up, partially obscuring his face. At first glance Kanan thought nothing of it. It was early enough for a significant chill in the air. From the man's voice and cane, Kanan had assumed him to be elderly. But on closer inspection of his face, he couldn't be that much older than Kanan himself. He lowered his eyes to the ground, pulling the hood further down.

Suspicion flashed within Kanan, as unnerving as if someone had dumped ice water over his head. He closed his eyes, telling himself to relax. He'd felt no hum, no pulling sensation. While certainly a little odd, the man was no Wielder. Even if he had been, it didn't necessarily mean anything. There was a fine line between caution and paranoia.

The man took the cane from Kanan and uttered a quiet thanks. Kanan watched him as he continued down the street, a prominent limp in his steps.

"Kanan?"

Ezra stood rigid on the steps, dark eyes glued to the man hobbling down the street.

Kanan raised an eyebrow. "Everything okay?"

"What did he say?" Ezra hurried over to meet him.

"Nothing. Hey, what's wrong?"

Ezra was no longer paying attention to him. He stared down the street, fists clenched tight at his sides. Nervous energy radiated off the kid, eerily similar to that of an animal with its hackles raised. It reminded Kanan strongly of the night they'd met, Ezra prepared to run or even fight should trouble arise.

"Kid?"

Ezra's head jerked back to Kanan. He blinked, his face settling into a blank mask. "Nothing. Forget about it."

Yeah, because that had been perfectly normal behavior.

Kanan touched Ezra's shoulder. "Hey no secrets, remember? Works both ways."

Ezra nodded. He hesitated and then replied, "It's nothing. Promise. She's messing with my head again."

If the kid had managed to look him in the eye, Kanan might have believed him. But unless something fascinating on the sidewalk drew Ezra's attention, he seemed incapable of it. Kanan considered pressing, only to decide against it. Whatever the kid was hiding he was determined to keep it that way. Enough to lie straight to Kanan's face. "All right," he said instead. "Let's see if Hera needs us to do anything else."

Ezra went back into the apartment, but Kanan didn't follow right away. He could still glimpse the man hobbling down the sidewalk, as far from threatening as possible. Or at least appearing to be. Something about him had spooked the kid.

Kanan would be horribly naïve if he thought one heartfelt conversation would be enough for the kid to trust him completely. Still it didn't make it any less frustrating. All he could do was uphold his promises, both to Ezra and himself. But he also wasn't going to let the kid off the hook. Later when Ezra's emotions had calmed, he would ask about the man again.

When Kanan entered the living room Hera and Ezra were coaxing a very harassed looking Chopper into his carrier.

"Okay," she said upon noticing him. "Zeb is going to keep an eye on the apartment. Numa is running the garage while I'm gone. I think everything is all set."

Kanan held up the cat carrier, bits of ginger fur peeking through. "You sure you want to bring him? I think Zeb likes cats."

Hera shot him a glare that could level statues. "Chopper is family."

Almost as if on cue, a low hiss emitted from the carrier. Ezra eyed it, a dubious expression on his face. "Uh, I don't think he agrees."

Hera sighed. "He'll be fine once we're on the road." She grew quiet, peering around the room, a wistful expression on her face.

"Hey kid," Kanan said. "Do you mind giving us a minute?"

Ezra took Chopper from Kanan and headed outside.

"You okay?" Kanan curled his arm around Hera's waist, pulling her to his chest.

"Yeah," she answered. "It's just a little weird. This has been our home for so long."

He pressed her closer to him. "It'll be here when all this is over," he said, despite not believing it would ever be. But he didn't want to worry Hera. Didn't want to remind her of the burden he was placing on her. So instead he added, "Besides my home is wherever you are."

Hera snorted. "Force, could you be any cheesier?" Her cheeks flushed, the hint of a suppressed smile on her face.

He kissed her then, every intention for it to be simple and sweet. Yet as he held her, the kiss deepened, all his anxiety over their uncertain future channeled into it. Hera returned it with equal fervor. It was an unspoken conversation, each assuring the other they too were frightened of what possibly lay ahead, and yet confident that together they could overcome any obstacle thrown at them.