A loud clatter comes from the kitchen. Hera comes running in, worry filling her veins. What she sees when she enters the room causes her jaw to drop to the floor. Meilooruns are splattered across the walls and the counters. Her shoes stick to the floor with each step she makes.

"Hi, Mommy." Jacen waves from his high chair. Juice drips from his chin and his cheeks have meiloorun stains. Ezra and Sabine also shyly greet her, their cheeks flushing with embarrassment. They try to act innocent, but it doesn't work.

"How did you three make such a mess?" Hera exclaims as she places her hands onto her hips. "All I asked was for you two to give Jacen some chopped-up meilooruns. I didn't ask that you throw them on the walls instead of feeding him."

"We did feed him." Ezra insists as Hera steps towards the babbling toddler. "It was Jacen who threw the food at the walls."

Hera lets out a playful gag at Jacen as she attempts to wipe the fruit remnants from her baby's hands. He giggles as she cleans him. "I can't believe they're blaming this all on little you." She says with a smile. "Who really caused this mess?"

Jacen grins and points. "'Ra!"

"Me?" Ezra scoffs as the room erupts into laughter.

"No. 'Bine!" Jacen says, changing his mind.

"You gotta keep your story straight if you want to be a good liar, Jace." Sabine grins as she ruffles the toddler's hair. "So who really did it? Me or Ezra?"

"'Ra!" Jacen cheers.

"Did I hear you correctly? You're teaching my son how to lie?" Kanan asks as he enters the room.

"Yeah, she is," Ezra says as he walks over to Kanan's side. "She's teaching him how to lie and blame it on me."

"Oh, well at least she teaching him to pick someone believable," He smirks. Ezra groans and throws back his head as Sabine and Hera laugh.

"Papa!" Jacen cheers as his eyes land on Kanan. Hera steps back as Jacen opens his arms, signaling that he wants to be picked up.

"Where's my little runyip?" Kanan asks with a grin.

Jacen playfully growls and pounds the back of his heels against his high chair in response. For being a little older than two, everyone is surprised at how quickly he picked up cues to give his father. Though Kanan can sense pretty well with the Force, it can be difficult finding the troublesome tot. He's become very good at making his presence known to Kanan.

"I hear him!" He exclaims as he reaches his son. Jacen laughs as he is taken from his high chair and tossed into Kanan's arms. "Oh, you're so heavy. What did 'Ra feed you? Weights?" He teases as he acts like the toddler's weight is pulling him down.

"No!" Jacen giggles as he rapidly shakes his head. "Fruit!"

"Ah, okay," Kanan replies, returning Jacen to his hip with ease. "So I don't need to beat him up for feeding you weights?"

Jacen covers his mouth to hide his laughs. "Yeah, we should fight him." He tries to whisper before covering his mouth again.

Hera playfully gasps, getting full belly laughs from the toddler. "No fighting in the Ghost." She scolds as she waves a finger at him. She squints her face at him, pretending to be upset.

"Yeah, no fighting in the Ghost. What is the matter with you, kid?" Kanan scoffs as he shakes his head at the toddler. "Who taught you that you could fight? Huh? They're a terrible influence on you and should be banned from this ship."

"You did!" Jacen cheers.

"I did?" Kanan repeats to the child, who eagerly nods his head.

Ezra steps forward, getting their attention. "I think your papa just doesn't want to fight because he knows I'd win." He declares as he points to himself, hoping to get a rise out of the little boy.

"No!" Jacen frowns.

"Yeah!" Ezra grins as he nods his head. He raises both of his fists, pretending to prepare for a fight. He bounces on his feet, taking a few practice swings at the air. "I'm taking Papa down!"

"No, you can't!" Jacen cries out. His little arms wrap around Kanan's neck. "You can't hurt Papa!"

"Don't worry, Jacen. We'll take him down." Kanan assures as he removes Jacen's arms from his neck. He takes one of the little boy's hands into his and swings it at Ezra. Ezra makes a dramatic groan as it impacts him. He twists his head to the side, acting out the force of the punch.

Jacen squeals in laughter as Ezra pretends to shake it off. "That didn't hurt. I can take more." He says as he sways on his feet. Kanan and Jacen continue to 'punch' Ezra, making the little boy loudly laugh.

"Ow! Right in the nose." Ezra plays along, holding onto his nose. He wobbles to get up from the ground.

Kanan wildly winds up Jacen's fist then loudly cheers as they hit Ezra again.

"Not my good eye!" Ezra cries out making Jacen cackle. "Oh, you're gonna get it, kid!"

They do this for some time, Ezra changing up how he falls and what he says. Eventually, he pretends to stumble out the door, gradually getting the three of them out of the kitchen and conveniently away from the mess.

"Hey! Who's going to help clean this up?" Sabine calls down the hallway. The boys ignore her, punching Ezra farther and farther away.

"Unfortunately us." Hera groans as she rolls her eyes.

"But Ezra is the one who made the mess. Trust me, you shouldn't put him in charge of getting Jacen food." Sabine says as she wets a towel.

"Yeah, well, he's the one who jumped at the chance to entertain Jacen. Can't stop their fun now." Hera replies as she removes the highchair's tray. She places it into the sink and begins running hot water over it.

"Fine. But only because I don't like seeing Jacen with big sad eyes." Sabine says as she wipes meiloorun juice off of the counter. "I'll get Ezra back later for skipping out on cleanup."

"Please do for the both of us." Hera smiles over her shoulder.

xxx

Outside of the ship, Kanan places Jacen onto the ground. "Alright, maybe we should give 'Ra a break. I think he's had enough."

"Okay." Jacen agrees before walking over and hugging Ezra's legs. Hera has instilled in the boy that after playing rough with anyone that Jacen must apologize to make sure that there are no hard feelings.

"You have such a strong punch. You could take out a rancor with those muscles." Ezra compliments. Jacen grins and holds up his fist for him to look at. Once he thinks Ezra got a good look, he rushes back to his father's side. He plops onto the ground, now interested in playing with the dirt.

Kanan crosses his arms over his chest as Jacen blabbers to himself. "When are you and Luke practicing?" He asks Ezra.

"Well, he was supposed to be here a half-hour ago," Ezra replies with a hint of annoyment in his tone.

"Huh. Reminds me of someone else who liked to skip lightsaber training." Kanan remarks with a grin. Ezra mockingly laughs as he removes his lightsaber from his belt.

He turns on the green blade, going through the positions to warm up. "I'm sure Han has something to do with him being late." He grumbles under his breath.

"Why Han?"

Ezra scowls. "He's so set on pulling Luke away from training. He claims that a blaster is better than a lightsaber."

"Well, is it?"

"What kind of a question is that?" Ezra fires back. "Of course a blaster isn't better than a lightsaber. Our sabers can be used for defense and offense. I'd like to Han try to use a blaster to deflect incoming fire."

"And Luke will figure that out," Kanan says as he removes his own lightsaber from his hip. He ignites it, the blue blade catching Jacen's attention. "Luke will have to come to his conclusion which weapon he thinks is better. If he wants to get better at handling his lightsaber, then he will come to you. Don't try to force it."

"Was that supposed to be a Force pun?" Ezra chuckles as Kanan faces him, their lightsabers held in the ready position.

"Maybe. Dads are allowed to do cheesy puns apparently." Kanan smiles before attacking Ezra.

"Oh?" Ezra says, deflecting the blue blade with his green one. "Who told you this?"

"Sabine. And Hera. And Zeb." He lists off with a shrug.

"Are they in charge of dad jokes now?"

"I guess."

Jacen rises to his feet, watching his father and Ezra duel. He likes seeing the green and blue blades swinging around and meeting with a bright white light. Their loud zaps and buzzes are so exciting to hear.

He bounces on his feet, laughing as Ezra rolls on the ground to dodge Kanan's swing.

"My turn?" Jacen asks as he claps his hands together.

"No, Jacen." Kanan groans before jumping to miss Ezra's sweeping leg. "We've been over this. Lightsabers are dangerous." He instructs, turning away from the fight to make sure Jacen can hear him.

"I want to try!" Jacen demands as he tightens his small fists.

"Sorry, kid." Ezra breaths after Kanan kicks his chest. He takes a few steps backward then bolts forward, spinning wildly at Kanan. "Lightsabers aren't toys." He says as he presses his lightsaber onto Kanan's, forcing the man to change his preferred position for defense.

"They are!" Jacen argues with them.

"Me and Ezra aren't playing, bud," Kanan says, trying to reason with him. Ezra suddenly slaps the back of his head, making Kanan growl in frustration and turn around to swipe his lightsaber at him. His face contorts as Ezra laughs at him and ducks. "We are sparring. It's not meant for you."

"Not fair!" Jacen counters, his face beginning to turn a shade red.

Ezra and Kanan have become too distracted with their sparring to answer him anymore. They begin shouting at each other as they test out new moves. Quickly, they figure out which ones work and which ones don't. Ezra eventually falls onto his back, loudly laughing as Kanan pretends to step on him.

"Not fair!" Jacen powerfully repeats, but they have become too loud to hear him. The toddler huffs, crossing his arms over his chest. He is about to really lose his temper until he sees a familiar purple creature in the distance.

He begins running towards him. "Zeb!" He shouts, going as fast as his chubby legs will carry him. "Zeb!"

"Hey, Shortstack." Zeb greets. He bends down to pick up the boy, holding him high. "What are you doing way out here? Who's watching you?"

Jacen scowls. "'Ra and Papa."

Kallus holds back a laugh at the disgusted face Jacen is making. He never thought the little boy could be so upset with Ezra and Kanan. They're all he practically talks about, or at least attempts to talk about. Words and sentences are basically there. Actual stories, not so much.

"What are 'Ra and Papa doing?" Zeb asks, hoping to get an answer that is understandable. He can make out most of the words the toddler says, but sometimes they get really mumbled.

"Playing with 'sabers." Jacen huffs as he crosses his arms.

Zeb stands there confused. Yup, he didn't understand anything, like usual. He leans over to Kallus. "Did you get that?" He asks.

"Are they playing with lightsabers?" Kallus slowly asks Jacen, hoping maybe he got something right in Jacen's answer.

"Yeah." Jacen angrily nods his head. "They not sharing."

Kallus gently smiles at the little boy. "Sorry, Jace. Lightsabers aren't for you. That's why they won't let you play with them."

"They playing." Jacen scoffs, gesturing to them in the distance.

Kallus and Zeb both look where he is pointing. Instantly, they can hear their laughs bouncing off of the hills. It's been a while since the two of them have sparred like this. It's no wonder they didn't notice that Jacen ran off.

"They're sort of playing." Zeb shrugs, getting a head tilt from the toddler. Zeb isn't sure how to explain it to Jacen. Yes, they do play games like that with Jacen, but what Ezra and Kanan are doing is not the same. They don't use real lightsabers with Jacen or do huge tricks like they're attempting now. "Anyway, it doesn't matter. You can hang out with me and Kallus."

"What're you doing?" Jacen asks, curiosity growing on his face.

"We're. . ." Kallus trails, trying to find a way to make it sound interesting to a toddler. "Delivering secret supplies to a princess."

Jacen's blue eyes widen as his green eyebrows bolt upwards. "Really?" He asks as an eager smile grows on his face. "I help?"

"Of course!" Zeb loudly agrees, making Jacen giggle excitedly.

"Let's go!" Jacen cheers, making Kallus and Zeb laugh and shake their heads. Zeb hands Jacen off to Kallus then continues to carry the supplies.

The group walks along in silence, nobody knowing quite what to say. Jacen touches Kallus's shoulder, a look of concern in his eyes that he definitely learned from Hera. "You okay?" He asks. "Kal okay?"

"Yes, Jacen. I'm okay." Kallus chuckles, now much more comfortable carrying the toddler. He used to be hesitant about it, always trying to pass Jacen off when he was a baby to someone else. Now, he actually enjoys being asked to hold him. "I'm very happy, actually. We get to be with you, after all. How are you?" He asks, somewhat eager to hear what the child will say.

"Excited!" He squeals, squeezing his shoulders up. He looks over to the Lasat. "Zebbie?"

"Me too." Zeb smiles, ignoring the new nickname. Kallus bites the inside of his cheek to keep from laughing. They've never heard Jacen call him 'Zebbie' before. "I'm sure Princess Leia will be very happy to receive her supplies." He adds, changing the subject.

"So happy," Jacen repeats, nodding his head in agreement. "She be like, 'Ahh!'" He says, acting out how he thinks the princess will react to them.

"What else do you think she'll say?" Kallus asks.

"Thank you!" Jacen answers with a grin, making them laugh. Everyone hammered in the little boy's manners from the start. It took the whole team, including Chopper, to get Jacen this polite so young.

xxx

"No, Chop." Kanan snaps at the droid. "We didn't lose Jacen."

"Yeah, we're playing hide-and-go-seek for your information," Ezra says, building on Kanan's lie. They are both freaking out, their fear being broadcasted through the Force. What are they going to do? How did they let him get out of their sight?

Chopper begins to laugh. He taunts them, saying that Hera will never leave them alone with him again. Before they can glare and fire shots at the grumpy droid, giggles echo off the hills. They all turn, watching a group of them march towards their small camp.

"Found him!" Zeb booms as Jacen laughs on his shoulders. He holds onto Zeb's head, looking down at Kanan and Ezra.

"Up here!" He cheers, waving at them.

"Jacen!" Kanan and Ezra both sigh in relief.

Chopper remarks that he's glad someone is actually watching the child. He adds that he's surprised Zeb is considered the responsible one compared to Kanan, but no one responds to the droid's attempt to rile them up.

Zeb swings Jacen down, setting him into Kanan's arms. "Where did you go?" Kanan playfully scolds as he gives the kid a noogie. "Don't you know you can't run off like that?"

"I ran." Jacen laughs as he tries to push Kanan's hand away.

"No kidding." Ezra pipes up as he rolls his eyes. He's honestly just happy that the child is safe and was with someone they actually know and trust. He wasn't afraid of the beating they'd likely get from Hera, but he was worried that something terrible happened to Spectre-7. He's glad to see he and Kanan were overreacting.

"Ran to Zebbie!" Jacen clarifies, using his new nickname for the Lasat.

"Zebbie?" Kanan and Ezra repeat, looking to the Lasat for answers.

"He came up with it," Zeb says, raising his hands. "I'm not going to argue with him."

Chopper chuckles, repeating the nickname. He receives a swift kick from the Lasat, which makes him groan and twist his top to look at Zeb.

"You can't say it," Zeb growls, glaring down at the droid. Chopper quickly agrees, knowing he deserved that. After annoying Kanan and Ezra, he's surprised a kick is all he's gotten today.

Ezra gently shoves Kanan, reaching for the child in his arms. "Let me at him. I need to teach him a lesson!" He teases.

"Papa, save me!" Jacen cries out, acting along with Ezra. Kanan doesn't respond, letting Jacen handle it. The boy raises a finger, pointing at Ezra. He narrows his eyes and makes his tone serious. "Bad 'Ra. No-no!"

The crowd awes in shock, looking at Ezra. Their jaws drop, watching to see how the young Jedi takes that kind of back sass.

"Did you just say, 'No-no,' to me?" Ezra gasps, a grin wide on his face. Jacen laughs, nodding his head. "That's it. My turn to beat up the kid." He says, using the Force to lift Jacen out of Kanan's arms.

"Where'd my runyip go?" Kanan asks, dramatically searching for Jacen, who laughs in the sky. "Where is he?"

"Up! Up!" He shouts, causing the others to laugh.

"I hear him." Kanan smiles. He uses the Force to pull him down from the air. "Gotcha!" He grins as he cuddles him in his arms.

"Wait, wait. Toss him back." Ezra says as he jogs a few feet back. "Let's play catch, but using Jacen."

"Oh no." Kallus mumbles, rolling his eyes.

"What, with the Force?" Zeb asks, glancing between the two of them.

Kanan pauses, thinking it over. "Jacen, do you want to be the ball?" He asks.

Eagerly, the child nods. "Yes! Yes!"

Kanan hums, still not sure about it. "You have to promise to catch him." He demands at Ezra.

"Duh. I won't let him touch the ground." He replies, standing ready to catch the child.

Hesitantly, Kanan slowly throws the boy with the Force through the air. With controlled grace, Ezra catches him safely in his arms. "Again!" Jacen cheers, patting Ezra's chest with enthusiasm.

"Okay." Ezra agrees, lobbing the toddler back to Kanan.

Gradually, the game speeds up as they become more comfortable with it. Zeb and Kallus take seats on the ground beside Chopper, watching them play with the toddler. Everyone is having fun. They rate each toss and catch as Jacen squeals in the air.

Chopper is the worst judge, always giving Kanan and Ezra low numbers.

"Oh yeah? Think you could do better?" Ezra asks as he receives Jacen upside down by the leg.

Chopper places his arms on his head, declaring that he could.

Ezra shrugs, sending a sly smile to Kanan. "Alright."

He throws the toddler at Chopper. Jacen lets out a loud whee as he plummets right towards the droid. Chopper lets out a horrified scream, holding out his arms to attempt to catch him. Thankfully, Kanan stops the boy before he can crash into Chopper.

"Hi, Chop." Jacen smiles, nicely patting the orange droid's head.

The droid lets out a sigh before patting the little boy back.

"Not so easy, huh?" Kanan chuckles, making everyone burst into laughter. Chopper grumbles that maybe it isn't so easy to catch. He encourages them to continue their game. He's content to just judge.

~~~~~~~~~~

I hope this didn't come off too cheesy. I watched a couple of videos of two-and-half-year-olds talking to try to get a sense of how Jacen should be interacting. The kids I watched didn't seem to be completely at full sentences or understand verbs so I tried to mimic it without him sounding immature or babyish. I hope it didn't come off as cringy as I was reading it. 

Also, I'm having a lot of fun with this series. Not sure where I'll take it exactly, but either way these are fun to make. I hope you guys are enjoying these as much as I am! :)