Gravity chapter 17 preview
James couldn't stop smiling. His expression would only fade for a few moments before returning with the warmth of Shepard against him, and the knowledge that the end of the war had finally brought him the happiness he had longed for.
The fact that he made Shepard happy - that was the best part.
The hour took a long time to be up. James held Shepard for all of it, though she was comfortably draped into his side and didn't need much support. Shepard was leaning most of her weight on James' good shoulder, which left his arms free to hug and stroke her. Watching the activity around Earth was calming and held their attention, when they weren't engrossed in each other.
"You know, I think we should move. I don't want to anger Chakwas after... she's been so good to me. She got me on the ship when I thought I'd be locked up for insubordination."
"Can't see how you'd do that while I was unconscious." She peered at him, though the quirk to her lips remained. "What did you do?"
"I might have shoved the Major against a wall."
"Ah. And did you end up against the opposite one?"
"No. He was more restrained than I was."
"Lucky. His biotics are stronger than mine." Shepard shifted beside him and sighed. "You're right about Chakwas though. She'll expect us back."
"Can you walk?"
Shepard laughed. "Your kiss did a lot of things, Vega, but that's a bit ambitious. Besides-"
"What kind of things?" James blurted out as he moved to stand. "I mean... you liked it that much?"
She laughed again and it was so good to hear, that even leaving the tiny room didn't get rid of the warmth that had built up in James' blood.
His omni tool buzzed while he was carrying Shepard.
"Oh," she said, "I thought that was mine."
"I'm surprised you haven't been flooded with messages."
"I don't know if Hackett has put them on hold, or what. But after yours, I didn't get any more."
"Could be because the system broke- can you get that door?"
Shepard reached out and activated the door to the Med Bay. "I should probably speak to Hackett again soon. What I've given him isn't enough for a full report."
"Wonder how much of it will stay confidential." James nodded at Chakwas as he passed and then stepped into Shepard's sheltered partition. "I know everyone must be desperate for information."
He set her down gently, and Shepard kissed him on the lips before letting him go. "Some things I don't want the world to know yet."
