The thrill rose within Hermann and he tugged Newton close to better share in its sweetness. His fingers brushed through his hair and drifted down his back, gestures meant to reaffirm and reassure because even two weeks later he was still plagued by thoughts of Newton never returning.

To think he wouldn't have this now, might never known the true depth of Newton's devotion- something he's done nothing to deserve.. The first person to ever stare his life sentence in the face and still want to stay with him through all of it. A bittersweet future laid out before them, but perhaps a better one as long as they were here. His heart felt ready to burst.

Hermann broke off on a breath, his hands ghosting down Newton's arms. He threaded their fingers together and met his partner's eyes.

"I.. I want to do this properly. Court each other properly. I know I haven't been.. particularly forthright in that sense."