It had been weeks since she saw Ben last. She knew he had changed, even despite the battle on Crait. She sensed his love and affection for her. She reasoned that he must be hiding his feelings because of the Sith teachings. She knew he would eventually come back to her, but she hated waiting.
She had not felt herself in a while. She knew it was partly the loss of Luke, and so many others. It was also partly because she missed Ben. She couldn't help but feel that he used her to some extent. Used her feelings for him to seduce her. Possibly trying to turn her to the dark side. But it was more than that. She had not felt herself physically. She felt different. She sensed that Leia felt it too. But Leia never said anything.
Rey made her way through the dark camp. She found herself at Leia's tent. She needed guidance. She took a deep breath and made her presence known. Leia calmly welcomed her in. "I sense you are troubled, child. You can talk to me about it.", Leia wrapped a reassuring arm around Rey's shoulder. "Come. Sit. Talk." She knew Rey was different. And she knew why, too. But Rey needed to figure that out on her own. As happy as she was to know why, Leia wanted Rey to discover that joy for herself.
Rey smiled up at the aging face of her mentor. The mother of the man she loved. She took another deep breath. She looked down as she started to tell Leia everything. She told her about the Force Bond, and about her growing feelings for Ben. She even alluded to the experience that night on Ach-to. Leia sat and listened, placing a reassuring hand on Rey's knee. "But now we haven't spoken in weeks. And I'm afraid of what that means. Was I stupid for believing he cared for me the same way I care for him? Or is it just because of our opposition, perhaps? With him being the Supreme Leader, and me training to be a Jedi. I am so confused.", Rey sighed, feeling defeated. "And to make matters worse, I have not been feeling right physically. I can't train properly if I can't concentrate. I don't know what to do or feel anymore.", She ran a hand through her hair.
Leia smiled and patted Rey's knee. "Calm yourself. Breathe. It does nobody any good to stress out like this." She had known Rey and Ben were connected. And she could assume from Rey's current condition that it had moved beyond just a telepathic conversation here and there. She could sense the growing energy within Rey's womb. Her grandchild. "I know he cares for you, Rey. I can feel it. We all have our battles to fight. He has his too. He cannot leave the First Order right now, as much as we would both like him to.", She reassured Rey with a gentle squeeze. "As far as your physical health, try searching your feelings. Search within yourself for the source." Leia tried to give her a clue without being too obvious.
Rey smiled. "Thank you. Your guidance is something I will always treasure." She got up slowly, trying to avoid the sudden dizziness she had been experiencing more commonly lately. "I think I will try going for a walk to clear my head. Goodnight.", She waved goodbye before exiting the tent. She needed to find out why she was feeling different. She walked into the forest, trying to meditate and clear her head. Rey reached out into the vastness of the force. Reaching for Ben once more. She hoped he could comfort her and assure her that he did feel the same.