Colonel Hot Stuff

The Truth Revealed

We continued to fly. Miles' last words echo in my mind, 'princess.... you're gonna get hurt, baby. You can't be here...'

I looked back at Jake and Neytiri. I need to tell him. He saved me. He has to know the truth.

"Tsu'tey... I need to tell you something. Is that thing turned off?" I point to the mic around his neck.

"It is..." His eyes watching as I glance at Jake and Neytiri again. "What's wrong?"

Letting out a deep sigh, I look ahead, lowering my voice. "When we first met... when you were taking me back to Hells Gate, you asked how Jake and I knew each other." I pause, gathering my thoughts, "Please don't overreact when I tell you this, Jake is a good guy. He fights for what he believes in. He's still a friend to me." Tsu'tey nods, waiting for me to continue. "Jake and me were married - well, technically, we still are, but we're not together anymore." I notice his pause, "he was my mate."

I feel Tsu'tey's body go ridged, his words stiff. "Why did you lie about it?"

I look down at the scenery around us, "I didn't want you to think less of him. He fell out of love with me and fell in love with Neytiri. The same thing happened to me, but.... I stayed faithful.... well until he slept with her."

"That is why I must protect you." I turn my head, looking up at him, confusion evident through the mask. "He hurt you, but you are still defending him." Tsutey shook his head. "I assume you told me like this so Neytiri wouldn't find out... I will keep it a secret as long as you would like."

Smiling, I look back in front of us. "Thank you for understanding. I just feel like Jake should be the one to tell her."

He sighs deeply, his body shifting behind me. "Sleep. We have a long way to go." His arms stayed on either side of me, keeping me steady, his chest against my back. "You can lay against me.... just no drooling."

I laugh, leaning into him, my head resting on his arm. "Thank you."

Time Skip brought to you by Yn and Tsu'tey becoming besties and throwing shade at Jake.

Yn POV

I could feel their eyes on me as I got off Valkyrie, slight unease taking over. I look back at Tsu'tey, walking next to him as I lower my head, avoiding their gazes.

I mumble to myself, "They hate me.... they don't even know me, and they hate me." Keeping my eyes fixed on the ground in front of me as I walk, not daring to look any of them in the eyes.

Ts'teys hand fell onto my shoulder, a comforting act that he has seen Jake do. "Give them time."

Before I could look up to thank him, a body jumped at me, knocking me to the ground. I gasp, falling back, "Trudy."

She sat up, smiling at me, "I thought I lost you, girl. Dont scare me like that again." Her eyes scan my body, landing on my hands. Her eyes widen, "Oh my god... is that yours? Are you hurt? What happened?"

I look down at my hands, having no more tears to cry. I look at her again, shaking my head, "it's Miles's..... he's - "

"DEAD..." Jake spoke to the clan, "the Colonel is dead." Glancing at me for a moment, he continued, "The worst is over. Now it's time to rebuild. I would like to help if you all will allow me."

Trudy wrapped an arm around my shoulders, glaring at Jake, and started pulling me away from the group. I could feel sets of eyes following us, "We'll go somewhere private, then you can tell me what happened." I nod, following her.

"Big blue must have a nack for saving pretty human girls cause he saved me, too." Trudy laughed, trying to ease some tension. I smile, nodding, and she continues. "I jumped out of the helo before it crashed, and he was there to catch me. Well, the ikran caught me."

"I'm glad he was there..... I don't think I could do this without you." Trudy's arm tightens around my shoulder. We sit away from the Na'vi, silence filling the air between us. After a few moments, I whisper to her, my eyes locked on my hands, stained with his blood. "He died in my arms, Trudy..... He was talking to me, smiling at me."

Trudy covered my hands, trying to hide the blood. "Oh, honey. Nothing I say will make you feel better, and I know that...." Her arms wrap around me, her hands rubbing my back. "I'll be here for as long as you need, ok, honey?"

I nod, attempting to lay my head on her shoulder. Our masks knocking together brought a bittersweet laugh from both of us. We smile, hugging again, this time my head laying on her shoulder. "Thank you."

Time Skip, brought to you by Yn telling Trudy everything that went down. Norm walking over to steal Trudy, his big, dorky smile making it hard for the girls to be upset. (We all know what he stole Trudy for *wink wink*)

I stay where I am, sitting quietly at the back of the group. Fidgeting with my fingers, I start to pick at the hem of my shirt.

"Lor..." I look up at Tsu'tey, a look of worry crossing his features. "Neytiri wants to talk to you, I think Jake just told her everything." He looks across the area, Jake sitting with his head in his hands.

Neytiri walks over to me, Tsu'tey gives me a small smile and walks away. I look at Neytiri, her face contorted between emotions. I wish I knew what she was thinking. "H-hi-"

~(Do you think he told Neytiri the truth? or did he tell her about something else?....)~