Trinity

Done Waiting

Despite his exhaustion, Mansk was unable to find sleep. His head was loud and full of chattering ideas that wouldn't let up long enough for him to escape. He grabbed his watch from the floor below, having left it there after it had the audacity to fall earlier.

0100

As far as he knew, they weren't getting up early the next day. They'd been awake for almost two full days at this point, which is why he was so frustrated at his inability to just sleep. If he was going to be awake anyway, he might as well deal with the matter at hand. Which meant multiple, and they unfortunately collided at every turn.

Lyle was right; he did just need to talk to the Colonel. However, it's one thing to say that and another entirely to actually follow through. Even if he could convince himself that claiming her was right, would Quaritch be so easily persuaded? He wasn't lying when he told Lyle he just went for it.

The moment she confirmed he wasn't wrong and they all felt that way, he just sent it. Doubled down, full tilt, and was completely committed to doing whatever it took to have them both. Just like her, he decided to raw-dog it.

To have loved them for so long without receiving the same in return took its toll. After bonding with her, he could see just how much he'd retreated into himself out of protection. He needed more from them, had always needed more from them, and now he was finally going to have it.

At least, it's what he hoped for.

Mansk always knew she loved him the same, regardless of what Lyle thought. The idea that he loved her more than she could love him was a way for him to cope. If she didn't feel the same, it didn't hurt as much. He never regretted standing aside and watching the love between Tenera and Quaritch bloom. His shattered heart didn't even consider regret after the failsafe, and he now knew a piece of him died when she did.

A piece he had back. A portion of his soul, that he now strongly believed, was taken and safeguarded by Eywa in preparation for their return. Mansk was never a religious man, but it was hard to ignore this. He imagined even the most steadfast atheist might reconsider their position if put in the same situation.

The bond with Tiray helped to truly open his eyes to what was in front of him. It was as if they had always been together and it was apparent the others didn't share the same intense bond. Tiray chose him at first sight. She was there when Quaritch tamed Cupcake, he felt her eyes on him the entire time. He knew as soon as it was his turn which banshee was his.

His ever-present sunglasses concealed glistening eyes when he flew for the first time. It wasn't sadness or even happiness that forced tears into his eyes. It was the full emotional bond and connection to her. It felt so natural and easy. No second guessing, nothing to hide; she read him perfectly, and through their bond, everything traveled freely.

He assumed the ease and strength of the bond were based on his role in the Trinity. It stands to reason, he would have an easier time forming bonds if that were the case.

In spite of his mind's overwhelming inclination to wander off on tangents, he makes an effort to concentrate on the biggest potential problem, Quaritch.

The Colonel had been openly staring at him only a few hours earlier. Mansk saw him in his peripheral vision and decided to test out a theory. Mainly, that Quaritch was actually interested in him, and if he was, did it go as far as Mansk wanted it to? His reaction to the up-down and flirtatious flash of his eyebrows was gold. Pure gold, just like his piercing eyes.

If anyone else had been paying attention, he wouldn't have gone further. However, they were too busy staring at Lyle and Ten, enjoying the back-and-forth verbal abuse they spewed at one another. Quaritch's ears perked up in interest and his pupils dilated when he removed his jacket.