Ernie wouldn't have made the promise even if Theodore hadn't fallen asleep at that moment. He closed his eyes, thankful that at least Theodore would be free for the next few hours.
He would eventually levitate Theodore to the couch and settle him in with a pillow and some blankets, but for now, he felt an overpowering need to hold him and protect him. Maybe it wasn't just in Theodore's head and maybe there was someone that would be coming after him. Whatever the case, Ernie wouldn't leave his side unless he had to, and for now, that meant holding him and guarding his sleep.