Welcome to Gaia! ::

"Your welcome" Julius replied when Turq thanked him for the tea and toast. "And of course I mean it. I don't often like company, there are not many people in this world that I like. But you are polite, quiet, and clearly in need. I am more than happy to have you stay here whilst we figure out where you belong." If he bothered to find out. He didn't say that out loud of course but he certainly thought it. "And to answer your earlier question, no, I didn't grow up in a warehouse thank goodness. But not much better than. I was raised in care. I never got adopted or long-term fostered so was just sent from pillar to post reguarly, dreadful homes that just wanted the money they got for looking after me."

Julius smiled, which to be honest was something that didn't happen too often. Turq was obviously starved for attention to accept staying here so readily, to want to be family with Julius so swiftly. Just a little kindness and the boy was already bonding with him. Which suited Julius just fine. He rarely liked someone but he liked Turq and he had no intention of letting him go anywhere! "Yes, we can be family. It would be nice to have someone who belongs with me" he replied. "You can be my assistant if you wish, help me with my work. We'll have a lot of fun toghether. We will have to find you some clothes, too. Are you tired? Would you like to get some sleep and then later we can have dinner together and talk."

Julius smiled and nodded. "Yes, my assistant. With both the machines and the books. I'll teach you, train you to be my assistant." He put the empty plates and mugs into the dishwasher and switched it on. "You may have the guest room or you can share with me, up to you. It's not a come-on, don't worry, I just thought you may not like being alone."

Had he said something wrong, Julius wondered for a moment. He had thought he saw worry or something like that briefly cross the youth's face. "Of course I'll stay with you. It's hard to sleep in a strange place. Then I'll just be in the next room. I was about to go to have some toast then go to bed when I saw you in the lane. I was up writing most of the night then working on one of my inventions. I need to get some sleep. Then when I wake I'll start on dinner. This way. He showed him along the hall and up the stairs. The house was very old fashioned - Victorian and Edwardian decor and furnishings everywhere. He showed him to the guest bedroom, next door to his own room. It was a lovely room. Again, very old fashioned. There was a four-poster bed with dark crimson bedding. Julius sat in a large comfy chair near the fireplace. "I'll be right here until you sleep." he told him.

"Don't mention it. Sweet dreams" Julius replied. So, Turq thought he was handsome and thought he was nice, huh? He wasn't used to compliments, it pleased him. He waited until the other was sleeping soundly and then he went to take nap himself before starting on dinner.

Whilst dinner was cooking, Julius decided to do a little research Online to see if he could turn up anything about this 'warehouse' Turq had spoken of. He couldn't find out anything at all which was frustrating. He searched the missings persons files to see if anyone matching Turq's age and description turned up but again found nothing. But at least if nothing else it gave him an excuse to keep him there. He could hardly leave him to wander around alone with nowhere to go and no one to turn to. So that's just what he did. He rearranged life to accommodate Turq being there. He ordered him a new wardrobe of clothes online, also everything else he thought he might need - toiletries etc. He wondered about education - he could school him if necessary, he would have to inquire tactfully of him what education he had received. He could easily use his assistance in the lab and teach him to do research for him, too. Gardening, that would be something else they could do together, Julius was proud of his country cottage garden and also grew a lot of his own food.

Julius heard Turq calling. He closed his browser, got up from his desk and put his head out of the study door. "I'm here, Turq!" he called to him. It was the room next to the living room which was two doors down from the kitchen. "You'll have to explore so you can learn your way around" he told him with a smile. "I did a beef stew for dinner, I hope that's okay for you. You'll be getting some parcels delivered tomorrow - clothes and such. I ordered them express delivery."

Julius laughed softly. "I'm sorry, I didn't mean to startle you" he said. He headed back to the kitchen to dish up their meal. "Beef stew with bead and butter" he said, setting the bowls and the bread basket on the table. He took his seat. "You don't have to pay me back. We're family now, right? If it makes you happier you can consider it as wages for helping me out around the place. It will be useful to have a second pair of hands for the gardening and all the chores there are around the place. Now, whilst we eat you can tell me all about yourself. Everything you know."