[ Aether laughs at Alhaitham's offer of a "payment plan" — how can he not? It's so charming, so slightly insolent, in exactly the way that the scholar is always charmingly insolent.

The traveler can't resist any longer. He really does give Alhaitham that kiss on the forehead he was thinking about, right in the middle of his brow where his hair usually falls into his face. Then he gives Alhaitham another kiss for his nose, and still one more kiss for his cheek — just a brief little peck, sweet and warm. ]

You're so cute. [ Oops, he's said it out loud now. Haitham gets another nose kiss. ] So, so cute.

I'll accept your offer, Alhaitham. I think that's a payment plan I can work my life around.

[ Solemn, stoic Alhaitham, demanding more "payment" the longer he's left alone... the thought of him being so pleasantly needy makes Aether feel more fond than his heart can bear. A boyfriend who wants attention and company and the occasional gift is exactly the sort of thing that Aether likes to worry about, though, so he tips his face slightly to the side and leans in to press one more warm kiss to Alhaitham's lips, lingering this time, so that he can know he's been fully claimed. ]