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Julius gave a small smile. "Oh, all sorts. In this first book, he defeats an alien invasion. In the next book, he's fighting vampires. In one of them, he invents a time machine." Julius told him. He went to a shelf and took down the small wooden and brass flower press. He put the pink flower between two sheets of paper, slipped it between the two pieces of wood then tightened the brass clamp. "There. In a few days it will be dried out but still colourful and I'll make it into a bookmark, as I said. Thank you, Turq, that means a lot to me. Now, how about you take a bath, I'll led you some pyjamas, and then we can curl up and read until you go to sleep, huh?"

"It was such a lovely gesture" Julius replied. "Come, I'll show you to the bathroom. You bedroom has a small ensuite but there's not bath in it. There's one in the family bathroom at the end of the hall. I'll get you a couple of clean towels and a pair of my pyjamas. They'll be rather too big but it's only for one night, you'll have your own tomorrow when the parcels are delivered." He led him back upstairs and down the hall to the bathroom. There was an ornate copper bath. He lit candles on the wall, put out a couple of clean towels, made sure there was soap and a washcloth, then turned on the water, adjusting it to the right temperature. "I'll use the shower in my en-suite then curl up with a book. Come curl up with me for a bit when you're done, okay?"

Julius nodded. "Yes, I did make the bath tub. I'm glad you like it. I love making things like this. I'm making myself a new bed that looks like a small metal ship." He left to give the boy some privacy. He went to his room and took a shower, changed into dark crimson silk pyjamas, chose a book to read then settled down. A little while later Turq appeared. Julius couldn't help a small chuckle. "You look adorable!" he exclaimed with a small laugh. "You must be looking forward to your new clothes arriving so you can wear stuff that doesn't fall off!" When Turq came and sat next to him he shifted to put an arm around him. "Did you bring the book? I hope you enjoy it. Jupiter Jackson is kind of like my alter ego if you like, except he's a bit of a womaniser. Which I'm definitely not. I'm reading a book on Edwardian architecture, looking for some fresh inspiration for the house."

Julius smiled and nodded. "Of course you may keep the shirt. I've several, it's fine, and you do look so cute in it" he replied. "A womaniser? Well, Jupiter woos a woman romantically but then in the next book, he's romancing another woman. Doesn't settle down with them...plays the field. You go get your book then."

"Of course it is," Julius replied. He really wasn't used to company let alone such close physical contact and if it had been anyone else other than Turq he would likely have pushed them away. But he liked Turq being close to him. He stroked his hair as he read his book.

Julius smiled down at the sleepy bundle curling up on his lap. He took the book and placed it aside then pulled a cover over him. He leaned down and kissed his hair. "You can sleep right there if you like," he told him. "I'm about nodding off myself." He turned off the bedside lamp and settled down, closing his eyes. "I'm sorry you went through what you did but I'm glad you turned up in the lane today."

Julius soon drifted off to sleep, on arm draped across Turq in a protective, possessive manner. He liked that the boy was there. He'd never expected to actually enjoy anyone's company before, this had taken him by surprise. He slept soundly, his dreams filled with airships and clockwork bridges and lost little boys. He woke fairly early whilst Turq was still sleeping. He eased out of the bed slowly being careful not to disturb him. He put the covers back over him. He put on a dressing gown and slippers and went to make breakfast. He made pancakes with maple syrup and freshly squeezed orange juice and a pot of tea. He took it upstairs on a tray. "Breakfast in bed today for us, as a lazy treat" he said.