A/N: Welp - social distancing is proving to be productive. I've been meaning to write this short story as an explanation as to Luke's quick "Leia knew" to Rey's lineage reveal. I've also never had the opportunity to write from strictly Leia's perspective, so, I hope you enjoy!

The faint swoosh of escaped air from the descending cockpit door behind her confirmed to Leia what she needed most in this moment: she was finally alone.

She collapsed onto the pilot's seat, shoulders sagged and back hunched, as though her body had finally given out under the weight of all that she was carrying. It had been a demanding decade, but somehow the last two days had asked the most of her. Such an act of fatigue would only be behind closed doors – a standard long set by herself, though at times both near impossible and cruel. However, that's how Leia Organa had always been: proud and stoic, glimpses of tenderness through close lipped smiles and brief moments of vulnerability. There were few in her circle that understood intimately the extent of her warmth, but no acquaintance would ever question her compassion for fellow beings. Her dedication had started long before the Resistance or Galactic War. At the mere age of sixteen she had demanded her place at the table, proving her worth and dedication to the rebels' cause despite futile protests from both of her parents. In a rapidly changing and dangerous galaxy, Bail and Breha Organa both tried to collude with trusted allies against a rising corrupt government while also trying to desperately protect Leia. No match for her fiery spirit and inquiring mind, Bail and Breha eventually conceded to their daughter's joining of their early rebellion. They had been so proud, filled with such optimism-

Leia pinched the bridge of her nose and exhaled. She had been in this fight for so long, she had lost so many people. Their memories and faces visited her at night, in times of quiet. Whenever she felt too tired, when there seemed to be no fight left in her, they pushed her forward. It was all that she could do in their stead.

Her hands reached for the old freighter's dashboard, her weathered fingers tips catching its aged buttons and switches. A woman that sometimes struggled to find comfort in faith, this dingy cockpit always struck her with a particular reverence as though she was seated in a place of worship. Rey had begged her to take the Falcon's quarters - which relatively was the most lavish of accommodations onboard the old freighter – but she could not bring herself to. She felt at most home here: she felt him here. Their laughs, intimate whispers, and, yes, even their arguments seemed to echo in the silent cockpit. The memories brought a certain comfort but not without heartache. For her loved ones who were gone, there were no remains for her to mourn, no final resting place for her to visit. The evil in this galaxy had all but robbed her of those things.

In a moment of vulnerability the General refused to let others witness, she felt tears brim at her lashes, threatening to fall. She rapidly blinked them away with unnecessary pride as quickly as they had formed. She had to get it together. Too many people were counting on her for Leia Organa to crumble now-

She paused her brief self-deprecation, sensing a shift in the surrounding space. A new presence had surged behind her, but she need not turn around to confirm who it was. A smile played on her lips before she whispered:

"Luke."

A/N: Let me know what you think so far! Hope you are all safe & well.

xox rose