Chapter 37: Realization
What had he done?
He groaned, head throbbing, memory a little unclear, but from the pleasant tingling left in his body, he knew exactly what had happened. And he wasn't pleased with it.
A loud exhale sounded next to him and he looked back at the woman in the bed. She was beautiful, he wouldn't deny that, but it had been too soon!
Yes, she had recovered. Yes, her wounds had healed. And yes, he had felt her attraction grow again, but that did not give him the right or the reason for claiming her as his woman! If others learned about this, the questioning would never end…
Javik groaned again as his head fought to bring back the memories of last night and the reunion party they had been at. It had also been in celebration of Shepard's release from the hospital. The once proud soldier had been reduced to a mere man in body, but in his eyes were still the fire of a commanding officer.
They had thrown a party with the rest of the Normandy crew and the friends from Shepard's journey. There had been alcohol, lots of it, and… he seemed to remember the Wrex-Krogan challenging him to a drinking contest. He had agreed, after a few glasses, and then… there had been music… loud music. Sheila had withdrawn to a chamber to get some privacy, he had followed, and they…
A small whimper brought him out of his memory, making him look back, breath held. Was she waking up? No, she settled again and relaxed, sleeping tight.
Javik remembered now. She had been drunk as well, intoxicated by the many drinks, and when he had approached her, she had willingly given herself. There had been some struggling with the clothes and other stuff, but they had managed and now… he was watching the result of it.
A bite mark on her left shoulder with mouth shaped bruises around. He had claimed her, both physically and literally. By Prothean traditions, they were bonded, joined and would be for the rest of their lives.
A sigh escaped him. How could he have done it? What had gone through his mind? What would she say? Would she understand? Accept it? Were he to find a new place to live, or could he still be near her? Be near her? Why did that even matter? He wasn't…
He sank his head and groaned again.
What had he done…?