Chapter 1
Chapter-1
The air was thick with the scent of fancy cologne, freshly printed gossip magazines and the distinctive buzz of anticipation as celebrities mingled. The red carpet was lined with bright yellow lights. The whole world was watching..
He was a solo artist clawing his way through the music industry with the heavy crown of The Noble Black family weighing on his head. He had released a few singles in hopes of gaining some popularity gradually and until then local bars and wedding shows awaited him. His best friend James Potter pulled some strings and there he was. Tonight, he had to prove to the world that he was more than a pretty face with a decent voice. The pressure was unbearable and the worst part? He didn't have an outfit.
The moment he stepped into the boutique it was as if all the air left his lungs. There was a tall, disheveled figure standing by the counter. He was lousily sketching in a small notebook, dressed in an oversized vintage Bowie T-shirt, wearing combat boot. His glasses perched on the edge of his nose and his messy brown hair framed his face. His heart skipped a beat and he forgot the reason why he was there in the first place.
The man glanced up, immediately projecting Sirius with an intense gaze. "Can I help you?", the stranger asked, his voice smooth with a hint of sarcasm.
He looked Sirius up and down.
"I am here for an outfit actually", he said smirking. "Something that says I surely don't have it all put together but i look damn good trying."
The man who looked quite amused by his response put down his notepad and came forward.
"I am Remus Lupin, probably the only person who can help you out right now.'
Sirius put his hand forward ,"I am Sirius Black, struggling musician, hot mess and late to everything. Pleased to meet you."
Oh fuck now i sound pretentious. He regretted that the moment he said it and tried to go with the flow. Sirius shook his hand surprised by the genuine warmth and comfort he felt hidden behind his dry humor.
"Now tell me, what kind of statement are you trying to make tonight?"
Sirius leaned against the counter, putting a lot of thinking into the question, "Something that says i will be famous one day and you suckers will regret not inviting me."
"Perfect"
Meanwhile, James was having the time of his life. The cameras loved him, he was a star, an icon. He came from one of the most well-connected families in England and slowly worked his way up to fame. His business oriented family gave him the most support when he found his passion for acting. It was the night of The Met Gala, the most awaited night of the year. He was only looking forward for one thing. Last time, he was at the met he came across Lily Evans, she dazzled him every time their paths crossed. Lily Evans, the women that you are, his mind was floating. Since last year, their fans were squealing over their constant banter and flirting....hopefully?
"Well, well, well, James Potter, we meet again", a playful voice called out.
"Ah Lily Evans. Lucky me, are you nervous?"
Lily widened her eyes, hiding her smirk
"Not even a little but I hear you tend to talk people's ears off. Should I be concerned for my well-being?"
James gasped dramatically, "Ouch, I am deeply offended, that one hurt."
Lily chuckled, "So James, your outfit tonight- very classy, very elegant. Who are you wearing tonight?"
"Would you believe me if i said i had stitched it myself?"
"Not for a second."
There was a light of mischief in James' eyes and he began, "Oi Evans, how about I do the interview now?"
"I don't like where this is going", Lily sighed, the interview was out of her control now.
"So Lily, how many poor souls have you grilled tonight?"
"You're my fifth but something tells me you'll be the most exhausting."
"I take that as a compliment, his grin widened. Tell me, do you ever break character? Or is the dazzling reporter charade permanent?"
Lily tilted her head, "Do you ever stop flirting, or is it a set obligation?", she said dryly trying to remain professional but he was making it very difficult.
"Take it or leave it love, I'm just trying to make sure you're having a good time."
Lily gave him an exasperated look but her cheeks were betraying her by the slightest flush.'
"Get it together", she reminded herself.
------
Even Sirius Black swallowed his pride when necessary. He was a struggling musician, and this event, despite being full of posh celebrities , big-time directors and some of the most well-connected people in the industry was the perfect place to make connections.
So, he played the game.
He moved through the crowd, flashing his best effortless grin, shaking hands with producers and musicians, dropping casual remarks of his latest work. He made an absolute icon laugh with a story about sneaking into a sold-out Bowie concert. It was exhausting, but it was worth it.
Then, of course, the universe had to ruin it.
"Sirius."
He knew that voice before he even turned.
Regulus.
Sirius sighed before facing his brother, who stood just as poised and collected as ever, dressed like he belonged here, which, of course, he did.
"Reggie. Fancy seeing you here."
Regulus crossed his arms. "This is hardly surprising. Unlike you, I didn’t run from this world."
Sirius forced a smile and tried to keep his cool. "No, you stayed. Congrats on that, by the way. Mum and Dad must be thrilled."
Regulus’ expression didn’t change. "You’re here to use their world, though. To get what you need."
"I'm not "Sirius said, and for the most part, it was true. He was making a name for himself "But I do miss you."
Regulus’ jaw tightened, and for a moment, Sirius thought he wouldn’t respond. But then—
"You left," Regulus said, voice controlled but quiet. "You got out. You didn’t even try to take me with you."
Sirius inhaled sharply. "Reg—"
"I know why you didn’t," Regulus cut in before Sirius could make an excuse. "I know I stayed. I know I was too much of a coward to leave with you. But I also know you never looked back."
"That’s not fair," Sirius muttered.
"Isn’t it?"
A sharp voice interrupted them. "Alright, that’s enough."
Remus.
Of course.
"Lupin, always a pleasure," Sirius said , masking his discomfort.
Remus, however, was looking at Regulus. "You okay?"
Regulus exhaled and gave a small nod. "Yeah."
Sirius blinked. "You two know each other?"
"Best friends," Regulus said simply.
"Best friends," Remus confirmed.
Sirius let out a breathy laugh, shaking his head. "Wow. Of all the people in the world, you had to be best mates with my little brother?"
"Right," Remus deadpanned. "Because the world revolves around you."
Sirius grinned. "Obviously."
Remus rolled his eyes before turning back to Regulus. "Are you going to be okay here?"
Regulus nodded, but there was something tired in his eyes. "Yeah. Go on."
Sirius felt like an outsider in his own conversation. Remus was so… gentle with Regulus, so protective. It was odd, seeing someone care for his brother like that.
Sirius sighed dramatically. "Remus, you came to rescue me, didn’t you?"
Sirius tilted "Fancy getting out of here?"
Remus arched an eyebrow. "You’re networking, remember? Ambitious artist, big dreams.
"Yeah, well, I'd rather keep my soul intact."
Remus chuckled. "Fine. But if you get me into trouble, I’m leaving you behind."
The cool night air was a relief as they stepped out into the alley behind the venue.
"Well, that was fun," he muttered, leaning against the wall. "Love a good family reunion."
Remus crossed his arms. "Regulus is my best friend."
"Yeah, I gathered that, thanks," Sirius said, eyeing him. "So, what? You’re here to tell me to stay away from him? To remind me what a shit brother I am?"
Remus narrowed his eyes. "I don’t think you’re a shit brother, Sirius."
Sirius scoffed. "Yeah, sure."
"I think you left when you had to. And I think Regulus wasn’t ready to leave yet. But I also think you don’t get to waltz back into his life and expect everything to be fine."
Sirius was quiet for a moment.
"Yeah," he admitted. "I know."
Then, as if the universe was rewarding them, a familiar song drifted from a nearby open window—All the Young Dudes.
Sirius grinned. "Oh, this is fate."
"Don’t—"
"Dance with me." Sirius held out a hand.
Remus stared. "We’re in an alley."
"And yet, still more fun than that party."
Remus hesitated. Sirius grabbed his hand.
They swayed, the music wrapping around them.
"You really love this song, don’t you?" Remus asked.
"It’s an anthem," Sirius said. "A statement."
Remus hummed. "It’s also just a song."
"How dare you?!", Sirius said dramatically.
Remus smirked. "You’re ridiculous."
"And you like it."
Sirius twirled him, making Remus stumble. "I’m falling for you, Moony."
Remus rolled his eyes. "Tragic."
Sirius grinned. Then, he leaned in.
Remus didn’t stop him.
Their lips met, slow and warm, something real in the middle of everything fake.
When they pulled apart, Sirius smirked. "So… do I get more last-minute suits now?"
Remus exhaled a laugh. "Only if you stop being an idiot."
Sirius sighed dramatically. "Fine. But only because I like you."
Remus smirked. "Lucky me."
And maybe, for the first time in a long time, Sirius felt like he wasn’t just pretending anymore.