The submarine kidnapping would always be a part of Newt's experience here, there was no escaping that week of loneliness even among the others, of trying to be brave (he wanted to whimper and curl up) and trying NOT to besiege Hermann with his worries and beg for his attention. He had wanted to come home so badly he had almost been willing to kill himself for it--

He had been intermittently angry with Hermann because the man didn't show him enough attention that week, but the thought of him had kept Newt afloat.

Newt had always planned to, if this marriage thing was actually going to happen, write his own vows. Partly for vanity, because he enjoyed people listening to him, and partly because the simple 'love, honor, cherish' didn't cover it, he had already vowed 'in sickness and in health' and there was a uniqueness to his and Hermann's interactions that defied the traditional. Hermann really was the bane of his existence and he wouldn't have it any other way.

And partly, when he allowed himself to think such things, because someday those vows might be something that keeps one of them afloat.

"Alright, consider that a preview. ...But that's all you get! If you want more, you're going to have to make this happen!"