His arms grounded her as she struggled to contain her emotions. The nightmares were back, and they took no prisoners, especially concerning Arianna Shepard.

"Hey, shhh. It's okay. Babe, Ari? Look at me."

She exhaled shakily as her violet eyes peered open at concerned, vivid green ones. He grunted softly as she moved too fast to wrap her arms around his neck, pulling him down on her. Her body shook with suppressed sobs he knew she would never release.

After the war, Shepard was left utterly broken. Left in a coma for seven months, many doctors feared they had lost their hero yet again. But Joker remained hopeful, as did the rest of the Normandy crew. They knew their Commander wouldn't let go that easily. Joker knew out of all of them. Their months together as a couple never made him doubt her. Even after their night of passion left him with a couple broken ribs and sprained wrist, their love for each other never wavered.

He remained by her side for as long as he could. Their promises were never meant to be broken. And so they never would be.

They told her they would never walk, but she threw their words back in their faces when she got out of the bed the next day and walked outside.

But her mental state was irreparable. Joker knew that. But he was still beside her.

"Jeff, I'm sorry."

He had to strain his ears to her soft whisper. And even then he glanced down at her baffled.

"For what? Being human? You've been through crazy shit Ari. That doesn't change how much I love you woman. Now, c'mere."

She sighed softly as she nuzzled her face under his chin. His arms easily went around her, holding her tightly to him as she shivered.

"Love you."

"I know."