Chapter Text
Rey had been keeping her arms wrapped for as long as she could remember. She'd never allowed anyone to see them bare, and only ever unwrapped them in complete privacy. That is, until D'Qar.
General Organa had a commanding presence, even to those who couldn't sense The Force constantly surrounding her. So when Leia gently and privately asked Rey to let her see her arms (after Rey had so vehemently denied a medic the same privilege), the young scavenger couldn't say no.
The general had gasped as soon as Rey's forearm was bared to her, eyes immediately searching the girl's face. Rey looked steadily back at her, feeling Leia's shock and recognition as if they were her own. She allowed Leia to run her fingers lightly over her arm, turning it gently by the wrist to see all around.
A knock at the door had Rey swiftly rewrapping, the general requesting a moment from whoever was on the other side. She pulled Rey into a hug then, just holding her close. Rey, long starved for affection, gladly sank into the embrace and tucked her forehead into Leia's shoulder.
"You won't tell anyone?" Rey pleaded.
Leia squeezed her tighter before pulling back and holding her at arm's length. "No, of course not," she said seriously. "But thank you for trusting me with this."
Rey nodded gratefully, stepping to the side to gather her things as the general moved to open the door. She edged past Threepio on her way out, and held her arm thoughtfully all the way back to medical.
She received orders to follow the map to Luke Skywalker the next day.