[Heizou is watching him so carefully and he can see how all those thoughts flicker behind Aether's eyes. So he knows before that "Yes" even leaves his lips that the Traveler has so much more to say. He listens to every word just as intently, leaning into the touch of Aether's hand, even reaching up to let their fingers tangle together.

Though when Aether apologizes, Heizou just smiles and leans up to press a quick kiss to the corner of his mouth.]

Don't be sorry. I kind of... already knew.

[The admission has him chuckling a little, gently squeezing Aether's fingers between his and letting their foreheads rest together. Offering reassurance of his own, since Heizou can tell how much this is affecting him.]

You're an outlander that came here from beyond the stars, after all! I think I would've been more surprised to learn that wasn't true. [His smile grows a little, and with his free hand he reaches up to fondly push some of Aether's bangs out of his eyes. As if that will make it easier for him to see how much Heizou means what he's saying, too.]

So it's okay. This doesn't change anything about how I feel about you, Aether. I want to be with you, whatever that has to mean, for as long as you'll have me.