Title: The Other Side
Summary: He does not understand. But he accepts.
Characters: Teyla, John Rodney & Ronon
Pairing: John/Teyla
Rating: K
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She studies the hand he has thrust out to her, ready to pull her up.
She hesitates a moment as she studies his eyes; trusting, knowing – empowering. His faith in her is endless – it always has been and she is momentarily stunned by it. After everything that has happened, after she has transgressed and betrayed them all, he has trust that she is who she says she is now, that the other part of her is dead with Michael's mind control.
She does not know if it is a fault.
The hand lingers above her as she lies on the floor, thrown from the bed by a fitful dream. His eyes meet hers and they are cold – colder than she'd anticipated yet still warmer than she deserves. His hand is a peace offering, she knows; his way of showing his forgiveness.
She knows that she should take it, to reassure him that she understands why he did what he did; that she is Teyla again, that she is worthy of his trust.
But she isn't sure she is.
She's not sure she ever will be. Not after this.
His arm lowers slightly and she feels something in her chest tighten. His eyes flicker from hers, to the door then back to her face; scouring, searching, discovering. His eyes flick back to hers again and she takes an involuntary breath at what she sees there.
His arm rises again, insistent and this time, she doesn't hesitate.
It's only after he has led her to the puddle jumper that he looks at her again. She waits a beat as his mouth sets, his eyes flickering over her features before she rests her hand on his wrist. He stares at her hand for a moment and nods, bringing his lips between his teeth. He blinks and turns away, sliding into the seat next to Rodney. When she sits delicately across from him, next to Ronon, he looks at her again, his eyes lingering.
She knows he does not understand. But he accepts.
It is all she could hope for after this.
