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Aeka had to make sure everything was in order. He had to clean up the apartment, and sort of put everything he'd taken out back into place. It made for an interesting closet, that was for sure. Still a child, Aekepi had grown up much too quickly. He acted more like a young-adult now, and dressed like one too. His manner was much more subdued than it had been before, and really... the only thing that hadn't caught up was his body. Perhaps he was cursed to remain like this forever... Would Kinnara even want him, if he was unable to grow up?
That thought would have to wait for later, as he heard someone coming up the steps to the apartment. He made one final visual sweep with his eyes of everything, and sighed, content with his progress. It looked more than presentable. Should have, since he'd been working since last evening to make the area completely spotless. His parents would not have scolded him to see this place, anyway.
Smiling, he opened the door, and offered a huge smile.

"Welcome! You'll have to excuse the place... I just cleaned up, and may not have gotten everything. Didn't have a hard time finding your way over, did you?"

Aekepi helped him inside, and motioned for him to set his stuff on the kitchen table. When asked the question of how he'd been doing, his ears flattened against his head. Slowly, he moved to shut the door, and sat down heavily on the couch.

"Kin... my parents are dead. I told you they were faking because... well... it's what I wanted to believe. The police identified the bodies when they pulled them out of the file. Dental records. I'm... all alone, Kin."

Tears started to slip down his cheeks. Dammit! He'd promised himself he wouldn't cry anymore! He couldn't stop now, though, and he buried his face in the sleeve of his sweatshirt, shaking from trying to stop sobbing.

Aekepi just curled into Kinnara, and quietly stopped sobbing, simply remaining there. Happy to have someone with him. He hated it. Being alone. Being so very, very alone.

"Thank you for.... coming... Kin." he murmured, nuzzling him. "I was lonely. So lonely. Almost going out of my mind."

A brief smile crossed his lips, but then died again, as he curled up with his head on Kin's lap.

"What did you end up studying? I suppose it's too much to say doctor, eh?"

He didn't tell Kin about his chest pain. Nor about the fainting spells or dizziness. Some of which he was experiencing right now. It was obvious, though. His fingers gripped Kin's arm in a death-hold. Tight and shaking. He was afraid, most obviously. And also trying to keep his balance. Even though he was really lying down.

"Okay... Thanks... I wish you could stay a while..."

"How did you know?" he asked, taking the pill bottle.

He downed two pills, and handed the contained back to Kinnara. Already, he was starting to feel better. But still dizzy. And he was growing sleepy. Perhaps the effect of the medication.

"I didn't tell you because... I didn't want you to worry..." he murmured, looking away from him. "Because everyone worries about me, when they don't need to."

That was not entirely the truth - but Aeka no longer had anyone to tell him that he was WORTH worrying about. Self-esteem issues had taken hold of him, and would not easily let go.

"Kin..." Aekepi made as if to protest, but stopped. "Alright." he agreed after a few moments. "Just... if you're going to stay... stay WITH me?"

Now that was an unusual request. Aeka probably hadn't known he was going to say that himself. On the other hand, he'd been thinking it from the moment Kinnara walked into the door.

"I mean... with me. In my bed with me. Not in another room or something like that...." he started, by way of explanation. "I get lonely."

He shook his head on the talk of Aurora.

"No. I haven't. He hasn't contacted me. I'm starting to think he's forgotten all about me, sad as that may seem. Like Mediene. She used to be such a good friend, and now..."

He looked up at Kinnara, and bit his lip.

"Why am I the only one of our group that hasn't gotten any older? Is that why everyone just seems to forget about me?"

Aeka shook his head again, but not in answer to anything in particular. He looked tired. Worn out. Without asking, he leaned into Kinnara, and curled up with him, eyes closing.

"You're warm... and I can hear your heartbeat from here.... Can I stay like this for a while? Please?

He smiled up at Kin, then closed his eyes again as he waited for the answer.