"I know." He sighed at the protest but finished his task. "Dude, no one is going to care that you look like you lived through the apocalypse. They all did too." At least they lived, thanks entirely to Qubit and Captain Shield. Newt wasn't much help at all. "You're absolutely entitled to look like Hell tomorrow." He scooted off the bed to crouch down and untie Hermann's shoes, fumbling with the laces as his hands refused to hold steady and ignoring any further protests, then he slipped the Oxfords off before untying his boots and arranging both pairs at the end of the bed.

Newt cast a glance up at Hermann and then looked away, unsure what to do, what comforts to offer, if any were even welcome. He loosened his own tie. "You need a glass of water?"