Chapter 1
Sirius Black was always the star. Since he could crawl, his parents could sense the talent and potential. They had the chance to raise a child of success, happiness, and have a stable income of wealth.
He was their opportunity. The shiny penny that they could proudly call their son. A member of blood that they could show off as an achievement. ‘Look, we did this’ they would signal to their friends at parties as Sirius enters any room. Silk hair falling perfectly, pressed suit designed specially for him. Celebrations every month just to remind the public of his value.
Walburga and Orion Black refused to raise a failure. Certainly not after the disappointment of their youngest. So they kept pushing until Sirius was unbeatable.
He was known for his drama. When he wouldn’t get the toy he wanted from his nanny, or when he didn’t pass a test he didn’t study for. Throwing chairs, screams and threats to sue. Black understood the hold he had over others. He knew when to snap his fingers and call the shots. Sirius was the industry’s leader by eighteen, and couldn’t keep his feet on the ground.
Magazine covers praised his name, directors begged for his presence in movies. Sirius Black was never easy to get. Unless you had deep pockets and a loud reputation, you let him pass by.
So that’s what Remus Lupin did. Letting Sirius stride past him at the latest premier for ‘lover in the foyer’, a production about a forbidden affair.
“You need to ask him.” James, another local director says to Remus. They are equal failures, but refuse to turn back on creation.
“Don’t be ridiculous.” Remus sighs, sipping more of his overpriced champagne. He thought the beverages would be free, and each drip is restricting his bank account. “I’m not there yet.”
Remus knew he didn’t have the reputation needed. A recognisable name isn’t formed easily.
“Sirius Black is not some kind of god. Just walk up to him and give him a proposal. He’s a human being.”
“No one knows my name.”
“Yet.” James pushes. “You have an idea that might be too good for him. There are thousands of actors that could master the role.”
“None like him.” Remus lifts the glass to his lips, glancing over to the other side of the room. Orion, Sirius father, finally walks away. In another world, Remus would just go over and ask. But he needs to be somebody first.
“You will miss your chance.” James says, placing his empty glass on the nearest table. “You know the belief of talent as a youth.”
“Are you saying i shouldn’t wait until i’m grey to talk to him?”
“Exactly. All the greats were in their twenty’s creating art. Don’t miss your slot.” James states.
Remus knows he’s right. There is a ticking time bomb in this industry. If you don’t create a masterpiece young, you shouldn’t bother at all. And at twenty six, Remus already feels behind schedule.
“Sirius Black is overrated.” James continues.
“Keep your voice down.” Remus hushes him, checking around them to see if they were heard. “Words like that will get your head on a spike.”
“I don’t understand the whole ‘Mr Black is the master of the generation’. He’s meh. If he was uglier, he would be working at the bar.”
“You can’t call him meh in public.” Remus replies. James is always passionate about criticism when it isn’t his own.
“It’s fine Remus, he can’t hear us.”
“I’m more concerned about the family with ears of bloodhounds over there.” Remus gestures to Walburga fixing Sirius’ tie.
“The Black family is all for show. They wouldn’t survive without their precious son as the front face. I’m just waiting for him to finally crack.”
“Whatever, I’m going to the bathroom.” Remus says, leaving James on his own. Discussing the Black heritage can get repetitive.
He washes his hands, observing his face in the mirror. It’s pristinely clean, so he steams up the glass with his hot breath. His features become mist and his turns off the tap. The door beside him opens.
“Oh, terribly sorry.” Sirius says, aware that he almost hit Remus with the doors force. He pushes black hair behind his ear, appearing self conscious.
How could Sirius Black ever get self conscious? He has everything. And what is he doing communicating with Remus Lupin?
“That’s quite alright.”
Remus already hates himself for saying ‘quite.’ He’s from London, the dodgy end some might say. Already becoming a pretender to impress the rich.
“Just came in here for a break, so bloody warm in there.” Sirius laughs, also beginning to wash his hands.
“I wanted to take off my jacket, but thought it might be informal.”
Remus hopes Sirius won’t notice he hired the tux. And that there is a small ketchup stain on his sleeve from when him and James ate chips beforehand.
“Yes, me too.”
It goes silent for a second, and Remus knows he should leave.
“What’s your name?” Sirius asks whilst turning off the tap and correcting his tie in the mirror after his mother.
“Remus?”
“Seems like you don’t believe yourself. Last name?“
“Lupin.”
“Well, Remus Lupin, it was nice to meet you. Hope it’s alright that i don’t recognise the name or if we have encountered before, i meet a lot of people.” Sirius goes to shake his hand, which causes Remus to freeze.
“Am i allowed?” Remus asks before he can asses his stupidity.
Sirius can’t retain his laugh. “What on earth do you mean? You don’t want to touch my hand?”
“No, not that. I don’t want to get sued for squeezing your hand too hard or something. I can’t imagine how much your hands are insured for.”
“I have shook hands with many people, but i have never heard that before.” Sirius says, still holding out his palm with a grin. “I can assure you, i won’t sue you for shaking my hand.”
“Thought it was better to check. I’m a broke film maker, i can’t afford a law suit. I read that your legs are insured for two million.”
“Don’t believe everything you read.” Sirius’ expression turns serious. “And it’s three million.”
They finally shake hands, but it lingers. The gesture wasn’t necessary. Sirius is treating the situation like a business meeting that he’s growing interested in.
“What kind of films do you make Remus?” Sirius asks, keeping his hand grasped.
“Whatever i feel like really. Nothing of your standard. I’m still learning.”
James would be screaming at him for an unprofessional pitch and dumbing himself down. Remus just can’t process that he’s talking to a film star.
“Interesting.” Sirius frowns.
They are the only ones in the bathroom, and Remus needs another drink soon.
“I don’t think you should be so hard on yourself.” Sirius says, griping his hand tighter.
“You sound like James.”
“James?”
“James Potter. He’s a broke film maker too.”
“You are very self critical.” Sirius decides, studying Remus face.
“Aren’t all creators?”
“And their parents.” Sirius replies quickly without thinking. He obviously wants to change the subject. “You have barely started. You can’t be older than twenty five.”
”Twenty six. It’s a difficult industry.”
”Indeed.”
“I should go.” Remus urges, trying to escape the uncomfortable topic. Even if it means running away from a huge break in his career. He refuses to take advantage of someone’s secrets. And with someone he just met in the bathroom of a cinema.
“Wait.” Sirius’ stare suddenly softens, like a defence dropping. He pulls Remus’ clasped hand towards him, throwing their lips together.
Remus immediately tenses, panicking that this is definitely a lawsuit. He’s ready to push him away by the chest, but he becomes distracted. Also, he’s convinced himself that it’s just a fantasy scenario so he might as well enjoy it.
Sirius’ lips are so soft and Remus can’t help but sink. Moving with his mouth, he grabs Sirius’ elbows to strengthen contact and remain balanced.
His suit feels just as expensive as it appears. But the thought of Sirius’ money slips away as the kiss deepens.
Remus runs his fingers through his hair. The hair that critics describe as “museum worthy, filled with strands that could be photographed at any moment and admired for eternity.”
This is the first time Remus has agreed with the reviews.
Sirius reaches for his nape, but Remus must eventually be the one to stop it. Because neither of them know what they are doing, or who each other even are. They are only strangers that wanted to escape a boring and predictable film premiere.
“What was that?” Remus strokes his flushed lips.
“I don’t know.” Sirius says observing Remus’ movements. “I don’t know what happened.”
Remus doesn’t know how to respond to that. Like he’s lost the ability to return human communication.
“But could you…” Sirius begins cautiously.
“Let me guess. Not tell anyone?”
“I’m sorry.”
“You mean reporters.” Remus adds. “This all seems a bit unfair. You kissed me.”
“And it was inappropriate. All i can do is ask you to keep my outburst to yourself. And anything i may have told you.”
Remus wants to erase this from his memory. At first he enjoyed the idea of making out with Sirius, but now the potential consequences are filling his mind. So he leaves the bathroom to find James.
“Where did you go? The film is about to start.”
“You wouldn’t believe me if i told you.” Remus tells James.
Truthfully because he knows he can’t ever say a word.