That's right. [ She draws the last word out, letting it fill with a touch of music before turning her head enough that she can meet his eye, smiling serenely all the while. ]

You can't be the only person keeping what's precious to me safe.

[ What else can she promise him? Beyond this strange pocket between universes are worlds teeming with obligations and roads that remain unwalked but not forgotten. She would promise him anything he asked, and having that sense of certainty about Sanji comes with its own weight.

And maybe that's the price tag of loving like this, and once she's home, she'll regret returning without her heart, but deep down, Aerith knows that could never be true. He can have it - he already does. ]

Sanji– [ Aerith continues, voice low and warm as damp fingers trace the side of his face, grazing the slight dimple on his cheek with the pad of her thumb. ]

Stop trying to have all the fun.