When Shepard woke up, he noticed that he wasn't alone. James was sitting in a chair, hunched over with his head on the side of the bed. His face was turned toward Shepard's, but positioned around Shepard's hip. Shepard studied the man's face, then hesitantly touched the scar on James' cheek, tracing it lightly.

James wrinkled his nose, then shifted, moving away from the light touch. His eyes didn't open, but he muttered, "careful, mi corazón, that tickles." His slate grey eyes opened and he looked at Shepard, instantly becoming wary. "Caleb?"

Shepard just looked at James for a moment longer, then sighed and looked away. "I still don't remember you." He looked back at James when he felt his hand being touched.

James had placed his hand over Shepard's left hand. He cautiously picked the hand up, then showed Shepard the ring he had gotten from the doctor. "You're missing something, mi corazón." He moved slowly as he started to slide the ring on Shepard's finger. He felt the slight hesitation and resistance, but smiled faintly as it stopped.

Shepard was staring at the ring. He looked at James' left hand and saw the matching ring. He frowned. "These belonged to my parents. They're the only things I had of them." He looked at James, his eyes tearing up. "How did you get them?"

James was about to speak, when another voice sounded from the door. "You exchanged them two days ago, Commander."

Shepard's attention jerked toward the door. "Admiral?"

Hackett stood there for a moment before coming into the room. "I understand that you've lost two and a half years worth of memories, Shepard."

Shepard frowned. "That... that's what they're telling me. Where's Kaidan?"

Hackett noted the stiffening in James' back when Shepard inquired about Kaidan. "The Major is on his way to Vancouver."

"Major? He's a Lieutenant." Shepard shook his head, confusion showing in his eyes and on his face.

"No, he was promoted." Hackett stopped by Shepard's bedside, opposite James. "The two of you had a falling out two years ago. About a year ago, you and Lieutenant Vega-Shepard became involved. You were married two days ago."

Shepard shook his head. "No. Not possible. I'd never betray Kaidan."

Hackett frowned. "As I recall, you didn't. He walked away when you needed him most."

Shepard fell silent then, staring off at nothing. He didn't even react when James caressed his shoulder lightly.

Hackett nodded to James. "Lieutenant, I'm placing you on administrative leave for the time being."

James straightened up. "Yes, sir." He saluted, lowering his arm only after Hackett returned the salute. "Gracias." Even though his eyes conveyed his gratitude, he couldn't smile.

"Take care of him, Lieutenant." Hackett turned to leave.

"I will, sir." James sat down next to Shepard's bedside. He reached over and touched Shepard's cheek lightly. "Mi corazón. I know you don't remember me or us. Just know that I love you and I'll do whatever it takes for you to be happy again."

Shepard blinked several times before looking at James. "For some reason, I believe you, James." He frowned, then shook his head slowly. "That doesn't sound right."

James continued caressing Shepard's cheek with his thumb. "What doesn't?"

"James." Shepard instinctively turned toward the touch, but stopped himself, going still again. "It just doesn't sound right. Jim." He shook his head. "No. Jimmy?"

James could only nod. He couldn't speak, swallowing hard, trying to get the lump in his throat from choking him.

Shepard frowned, his forehead creasing. He closed his eyes tight, then began to tremble. He shook his head, hands gripping the sheets under him. He didn't fight when he felt strong arms around him, pulling him against a rock solid chest. "Why can't I remember?" He inhaled deeply. "Why are you so familiar? I don't know you."

"Yeah, mi corazón, you do. You know me." James murmured against Shepard's temple before pressing a soft kiss there. "Even though you can't remember, you still know me. I'm here and I'll take care of you." He's surprised, though was able to say later that he was damned proud he didn't react, when Shepard nodded.

"Okay." Shepard's voice sounded almost twenty years younger than he was. "Okay."

"I know you're scared right now. I'm here. I'm not going anywhere." James held Shepard as tight as he dared, not wanting to upset any of the machines hooked up. He finally just climbed into the bed with Shepard. He was pleasantly surprised when Shepard curled up beside him and closed his eyes.

"Tired." Shepard finally admitted. "Don't go?"

James ran a hand over Shepard's closely shaven head. "I already told you. I'm not going anywhere. Just get some rest and we'll handle each day one at a time." He paused, then smiled softly. "Loco."

Shepard tensed at the last word. His breathing started coming faster and he began to tremble.

"What's wrong?" James immediately became concerned. He pulled back so he could look at Shepard.

"Nothing." Shepard stuttered out through clenched teeth. "Don't know. Just something about that word. Something... I don't know... bad... I think." He shook his head and tried to take deep breaths.

They were interrupted by a nurse coming in to give Shepard some more of the same stuff from before. She didn't say a single word to James about his current position. She just smirked and left.

By the time she was gone, Shepard was asleep. James just pulled his husband as close as he could and tried to get some sleep as well. As he drifted off, he made a mental note to scratch that nickname off his list.