[He pauses, not sure if he can really promise such a thing. There may be times when he won't be able to come back to the teapot for the night, when he'll be stuck somewhere against his will. And yet when Heizou looks at him like that, Aether's heart sinks in his chest. The hope for a promise is making him want to do everything he can to be always there for the other.]

Yes.

[He breathes out those words, wanting them so badly to always be true.]

I'll do whatever it takes to always come back here to be with you. To spend all the nights with you.

[He reaches up, gently stroking his partner's face, wanting to reassure him that he means every word.]

But, Heizou... there is one thing you need to know. [He wonders if maybe he's saying it too late. He should've been honest before making promises, before sharing affectionate moments with the other.] I... will live much longer than you. In fact, you will never see me older than I am now.

[His brows furrow.]

I'm sorry I didn't tell you sooner.