What to expect from an Aquarius in a relationship?

Hi everyone! I was just wondering from everyones personal experiences (whether ur an Aquariys yourself or you've dated one before) what should you expect from an Aquarious when it comes to love and relationships??

I've been friends with this one guy (he's an Aquarius and Im a Pisces) for about going on 6 years now. Well we havent really been too extremely close because we lived about 2 hours away from each other so I didnt really get to see him often. But then I moved near him about 5 months ago and ever since then we seem to have become even closer. Then one day when we were hanging out we kissed. After that we started talking and hanging out even more. I thought things were going great but then he says that what he wants in life is friends because "they are the ones who really care about you." And that we also shouldnt be rushing emotionally and take our time. (Especially cause Im going to college a few hours away and stuff like that). However frustrating it is, I do kind of agree. You should be friends in a relationship plus love should take time... I guess lol. But I do remember that he did slip out the word "love" at least once. Like he would say something really supid jokingly and then say "don't worry there's love behind it." Of course that could have just been a stupid slip up so I dont think much of it.

But thankfully I know a lot about him like he loves his freedom, independence, and hates it when people control him. So I know not to act needy around him at all haha. I'm also reallllly patient... thankfully. Like for example he can act like such a sweet and caring guy by drawing me pictures and texting me at 2am saying that he misses me and is thinking of me, and then he can do a complete 180 and act so cold and not call me for over a week. But I read up on Aquarius's and know that sometimes they need their personal space so I know not to call him or take it too personally.

So yeah... is their any advise you guys can give me on what I should expect or what I should do in order to make this work? I see him often so it's not like I've completely moved away. So that's not too much of a problem.