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Sirius Black’s reputation preceded him. Millionaire, playboy, philanthropist, and heir to the Black Family legacy; and he’s only 26. His younger brother, Regulus Black, was smart. He had long run off to the French countryside to settle into a quiet life with one Mr. James Fleamont Potter (an heir in his own right, and Sirius’ best friend). Sirius had urged him to go, wanting a happy and loving life for his brother, opposite to the life their parents provided them as children. When Orion and Walburga Black died in a car accident 5 years prior, naming Sirius heir to their company and all the politics that came with it, Sirius nearly packed Regulus up and shipped him off with James in a single night.

“Go, Reggie. This is my mess to handle, not yours.”

“It’s our mess Sirius, I’m as much a Black as you. Hell, probably more so.”

Sirius sighed. They’ve had this conversation a million times. “Reggie, you’re nothing like them.”

“Neither are you. And I’ve always been better at the more cut throat things than you. More business. You’re an artist, Sirius.”

“And you’re a poet.”

“You can’t do it all alone Sirius…”

Sirius takes in his little brother, his eyes softer than he’s seen them in years. He had been afraid his parents had stomped it all out of Regulus. But James had softened his edges; his words that were once cruel and aimed to kill were less fatal, though they still stung. And make no mistake, if Regulus was aiming to kill, he never missed. But Sirius didn’t want him to have to aim at all.

Walburga and Orion were… less than thrilled when James Fleamont Potter came barreling into Sirius and Regulus’ life. He was like a car crash. He came in at full speed and never bothered to hit the brakes, taking both brothers along with him; though Regulus laid claim to the passenger seat. Sirius promised himself a long time ago that he would protect what the two had, and he knew if Regulus stayed there was a risk it would be torn apart. He learned long ago how cruel people in their circles could be.

“I’ll come visit; I swear it.”

Regulus let out an annoyed sigh, knowing that once Sirius’ mind was made up, it was as good as written in blood or stone. “At least let me handle the ledgers from afar, take some of the weight off.”

That was the agreement they settled on. Sirius remained the face of Black Industries; attending conferences, banquets, and galas. He would haul up and come up with the most eccentric designs and inventions in his too big apartment, presenting them to a board that would sneer at him in disgust yet had no choice but to listen because really, who could argue with the CEO?

“We used to sell real weapons. Now we’re selling, what? Children’s slime guns and working on clean energy plans!? This is not what we do! It will run this company into the ground Mr. Black!”

Yet somehow, it didn’t. Somehow it worked, and the company was doing better than it ever had.

While Sirius remained the face, running from event to event like a circus animal, Regulus Black was the wizard behind the curtain. Ledgers, budgets, and accounts. Discovering money laundering and weapons trading. Regulus sorted it all out from his peaceful cottage in the French countryside in a too big hoodie that wasn’t his, while James Fleamont Potter cooked him blueberry pancakes for breakfast.

So, Sirius Black’s reputation preceded him indeed. He had high friends and even higher enemies. Yet, very few knew the real Sirius Black. In fact, he’d bet only Regulus and James actually knew him at all.

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Remus Lupin had a reputation in his own right. Wickedly smart, he graduated college at the tender age of 19 and set off to create a fortune for himself and to take care of his ever-ailing mother. By the time Remus was 25 to Sirius’ 26, he had settled nicely into high society. His mother had left him peacefully and comfortably two years prior, and Remus had become quite the workaholic sense.

In two years, he had managed to become the COO of Black Industries, after a very drunk Sirius Black deemed it so at a gala.

“Hey you! With. With the pretty eyes. What’s your name?”

Remus pointed to himself questioningly and Sirius merely laughed with a smile twitching at his lips.

“Yes, you.”

“My name is Remus, sir. Remus Lupin.”

At the title, Sirius nearly pouted, and Remus was suddenly struck with how young Sirius actually was.

“I am not a sir. Please, that was my father.” He stated, taking a lazy sip from the whiskey in his hand. “What do you do sir Lupin?”

Remus couldn’t help the slight chuckle that escaped him at the others teasing tone.

“I currently work for you. Or, your company anyway. I work in contracts.”

“Ah! You’re the bloke who found out we were still contracted with a few weapons dealers yeah? If memory recalls, you helped break some rather tightly bound agreements.”

Remus’ eyebrows traveled up his forehead, surprised Sirius would even know about the situation. His liaison was the ever-elusive Regulus Black. 

Remus, like many others, assumed Sirius just threw money at people before carrying on and snorting a line of coke in whatever club bathroom he found himself in at 3am. He’d seen countless headlines over the years detailing the other man’s many escapades. There was drugs, sex, alcohol, fights. He, like the rest of the world, watched as headline after headline rolled in about Sirius Black. He, like everyone else, accepted them as true.

“Yes… that would. Be me?”

“Good work mate. How’d you fancy being my COO?”

“Excuse me?”

“Yes, I think you’d do nicely.”

“Wait, I didn’t really agree-“

But Sirius was off, already halfway to the stage and calling the room to attention. 

That was the first night Remus and Sirius met. A year and a half of being his COO and he still doesn’t know why Sirius picked him of all people. He’d tried to ask on several occasions, but the answer was always the same.

“I liked your eyes.”

“My eyes?”

Sirius hums. “They’re honest. Honest eyes are hard to come by.”

Remus chalked it up to the eccentricness of the rich at first. But the more he got to know Sirius, the more he was inclined to believe him. 

See, Sirius Black was in fact charming. He could make even the sternest of women swoon and the most stoic of men blush. And though many may say they have bedded supposed playboy Sirius Black; Remus knows the truth. Knows that in the year and a half they have worked together, Sirius has only bedded two men and one woman; all of which signed binding NDAs that Remus himself handed them when he found them in Sirius’ apartment in the morning when he went to collect the other man for work.

Sirius Black was everything and nothing like Remus expected him to be.

Yes, he was loud, and bold, and charming.

But he was also quiet, and thoughtful, and shy.

Yes, he was smart, with sharp words.

But he was also infallibly kind, and couldn’t make scrambled eggs correctly to save his life.

And just as Sirius was not quite what he expected, neither was being his COO. Most days he felt more like a personal assistant than anything else. But he finds that he wouldn’t change it; quite enjoys it actually. He got to see sides of Sirius that most could only dream of seeing. He saw what Sirius looked like when he smiled, genuinely smiled. Saw what he looked like with sleep soft eyes, and dried paint in his hair. Got to hear his real laugh, and God was it a gloriously ugly thing. Loud and with a snort to boot if you got him real good, nothing like the polite chuckles he gives so easily during business dinners.

He knew that for as much as Sirius respected and enjoyed classical music, he could almost always be found playing AC/DC, or Blondie, or Queen, or Bowie at full volume from every speaker in his penthouse apartment. He knew that when Sirius received a new hoodie or t-shirt that he loved, he wore it endlessly, barely taking it off to wash.

Most days are easy. Sirius makes them easy with his warmth, his gentleness, and his friendliness. The way he likes to joke with Remus as if they’ve known each other all their lives. The way he tries as hard to make Remus laugh as Remus does to make him blush; living for the moments where delicate porcelain skin is stained by the softest of pinks and brightest of reds.

But if most days are easy, the hard days? The hard days are hard.

Remus will never forget the first hard day, because for the first time since his mom had passed, he was at a loss.

He walked into Sirius’ apartment as he did every day at 7am, expecting the usual amusement of having to rouse the other from sleep and hastily get him ready for work, or stopping Sirius from setting his own kitchen on fire (again-).

Instead when he walked in, he found one Sirius Black sitting in front of a canvas; eyes bloodshot, paint everywhere, glass of whisky dangling from calloused paint stained fingers.

It took some coaxing to get the glass from his hand. Remus did not comment on the several empty bottles of whisky scattered around the room. He did not comment on the paint pallets that looked like they had been thrown. Thrown at the canvas, the walls, the white leather sofa. He did not comment on the bags under Sirius’ eyes, or the haze that overlayed sharp silver to a murky gray. 

Instead, he helped Sirius stand, and led him gently to the bathroom. He sat him on the closed toilet and spoke softly, talking about the time he spilled red paint on his mom’s favorite white rug as a child. He kept his voice light as he filled the tub up with warm water, and when he asked Sirius if he would fancy a bath, he helped the other into the tub without hesitation, even though Sirius was still fully clothed. He kneeled right at the edge, helping Sirius tilt his head back as he gently washed the paint out of his hair. Remus continued to talk about his mother. He missed her dearly and it was nice to have someone listen for once. He told Sirius her favorite flowers, her favorite colors. How she had the most obnoxious laugh he had ever heard but he loved it anyway (almost as much as he loved Sirius’, but he omitted that fact).

“She would have liked you; I think. I think she would have loved to paint with you on Sundays.” Remus watches the ghost of a smile tug at Sirius’ lips.

Eventually, Sirius put a gentle hand to his wrist in a silent dismissal. Remus left him to finish getting cleaned up, and walked himself out to the kitchen.

They didn’t go to work that day.

No, instead, Remus made French toast and eggs. He set Sirius’ kitchen table for two, and made Sirius sit down and eat when he emerged from the shower in a too big Queen t-shirt, damp hair brushing against his collar bones, sweatpants hugging him low on his hips.

They ate in comfortable silence. When Sirius went to apologize, Remus simply shook his head and told Sirius to go to bed.

“I’m not a child Remus, and there is work to be done. Just. Give me a few moments and-“

“No Sirius. Bed.”

“Remus, I already told you-“

“Go to bed. Now.”

And something about the tone had Sirius deflating, grumbling under his breath as he stalked off to sleep. Remus, for his part, let out an amused huff as he set to work cleaning the kitchen, and then the rest of the apartment.

It wasn’t until after 12, when Sirius was fully awake and munching on pizza with a movie playing in the background that Sirius apologized to Remus for the second time. An apology Remus vehemently refused, stating it was not needed. 

From there, the floodgates opened. Sirius told Remus about his parents, his upbringing, the pressure of coming into a global industry at 21. How he sent Regulus off to protect him from the horrors of it all. Most days, he could handle it. But some days, it all came crashing down on him. The night prior, it seems, an investor got a touch too handsy at the gala they were attending. He didn’t take it too kindly when Sirius refused his advances, words spewing from his mouth like venom.

“Oh what, you think a slut like you is too good for me?”

“We all know how you really keep your company going.”

“We all know you’re only good for being on your knees.”

“Your parents did always say how useless you were. Seems they were right.”

Sirius had stood from the table calmly but with shaking hands. The moment he exited the venue doors, his knees threatened to buckle and stumbled his way home; mind numb and tears stinging his eyes. He had refused to let them fall; it was nothing he hadn’t heard before. It didn’t mean it made it any less hard to hear, that people only looked at you as an object instead of a person.

If the contract with said investor was severed the next week, and his assets under investigation for money laundering, well. Remus decided that was no one’s business besides his and Regulus. They were a pretty fearsome team after all.

It’s 7am and they need to be in the office by 8, and today was a good day. Remus walks into Sirius’ apartment, met by the man’s 80s playlist going off at full volume.

He finds Sirius in the kitchen, barefoot and hair mused, black sweats hanging off sharp hips, and a kiss the cook apron in place of a shirt covering his front as he moves some questionable eggs from the pan to a plate.

“You don’t expect me to eat that, do you?” Remus says as he lowers the music to a reasonable level.

Sirius simply laughs.

“Good morning to you too Moony! Look, I think they’re fully cooked this time. And the stove didn’t catch fire!” He states proudly.

Remus looks over the shorter man’s shoulder, 5’8 to 6’2, and raises an eyebrow before holding up the brown paper bag in his hand. “I brought bagel sandwiches.”

“You, my good sir, are a Godsend.”

Sirius makes a grab for the bag before Remus pulls it away. “Nuh uh, get dressed. You can eat in the car.”

“Or you can just let me have my bagel now and we can be a few minutes late-“

“Don’t be a brat.”

“I’m always a brat.”

“Sirius. Get dressed. Please.”

“Make me.” Sirius sing-songs, teasing.

Remus grabs his wrist that’s still reaching for the bag, holding it above Sirius’ head.

“Play nice and get dressed. If you’re quick enough you can even have the chocolate covered strawberries I brought now, instead of having to wait until after lunch.” His tone is low and firm, a touch of something he refuses to acknowledge dipping into it as he watches the pupils of Sirius’ eyes grow ever so slightly, beginning to edge out the silver gray rims with an inky black.

Remus watches satisfied as Sirius blushes from the tips of his ears to his chest. He watches the shorter man grumble as he walks quickly to his room to get ready for the day.

It’s a dangerous game the two of them play, but somehow it works.

Still, he wonders if one day the band will get pulled just tight enough that one of them snaps.

Six months later, and Remus feels like a man starved. Sirius Black was a bad idea and Remus knew it. And he tried, he really did. Tried to ignore the pull in his stomach, the ache in his chest, the fire in his veins. Tried to keep things professional; ignore the jokes and touches and really, how can one person be so goddam tactile?! He tried to ignore the stupid face and the messy hair (a face that looked like art, and soft tresses that cascaded down like ocean waves).

But Remus can only take so much, and at this point, he is ready to devour Sirius whole.

Remus finds himself watching Sirius from the back of a too luxurious bar. It’s not a bar either would have willingly chosen to go to; but duty calls. So he sits back and watches. Watches as Sirius moves from one table to the next, flashing too bright smiles, and handing out too many winks. 

Remus is burning, the inferno building with every sip of whisky that caresses and stings his throat. 

And yet, he can't tear his eyes away from Sirius fucking Black.

Sirius Black, who loves to paint.

Sirius Black, who teaches finger painting at orphanages on the weekend.

Sirius Black, who somehow always makes his eggs too runny or burns them entirely.

Sirius Black, who is gentle and impossibly, unfairly kind.

Yet all of these people only saw millionaire, playboy, philanthropist Sirius Black. A means to an end. Walking dollar signs. Someone to keep as a prize. As a pet.

As if they could ever control him. As if they could ever set him on fire the way Remus knows he could. As if they could make him sing the way Remus would die to, if only given the chance. Sometimes he thinks he sees it in Sirius’ eyes. A challenge. Take it, it’s yours, reflecting in silver pools that look like starlight. Remus’ hands itch for it.

He watches yet another investor, a man of 50+ years with a bald spot and a beer belly, wrap his hand around Sirius' waist and pull him close. He watches as Sirius stiffens just slightly, but his smile never wavers. Watches as the man’s portly hand settles between Sirius suit jacket and crimson silk shirt, thumb moving lazily against the dip he knows is there.

The band doesn’t just snap, it obliterates.

Remus is on his feet before he knows it, slamming his glass down so hard it cracks, making the bartender jump.

“Hey, that shits fucking expensive prick!”

Remus rolls his eyes, tossing two one-hundred-dollar bills onto the bar top and strolls into the crowd, eyes laser focused on crimson silk and stubby hands. As he draws closer, he plasters a sickeningly sweet smile on his face.

“Gentlemen, how are you this fine evening!” Stubby hands looks up and bristles, annoyed at Remus’ sudden interruption. Remus’ smile turns from sickeningly sweet to all teeth, bordering feral.

Sirius, for his part, allows himself a step back from the other man, drawing closer to Remus.

“Hello Moony. We were just discussing how Mr. Howards here was going to invest in a new project.”

“Beautiful, I’ll have someone from contracts stop by your office tomorrow Mr. Howards. Better yet, I can drop off the contract personally.”

“That will not be necessary Mr. Lupin… though if Mr. Black would like to, I would not be opposed.” Mr. Howards says as he stands, letting his eyes rake Sirius up and down. Remus feels as Sirius takes another minute step into his side and Mr. Howards’ eyes narrow.

“That will not be possible, I’m afraid. Sirius is to leave for a business trip by noon tomorrow and has no less than four meetings to attend before he departs.”

Mr. Howards hums. “Pitty… Perhaps we can arrange for a private meeting one of these days, hmm Sirius?” And the smile Mr. Howards sends Sirius makes Remus want to deck the man on the spot. Unfortunately, his mother raised him better than that.

“Ah, he didn’t tell you? It seems I will be taking charge of investor negotiations for the time being. But I would be tickled pink to set up a private meeting if you would like.” As Remus speaks, his voice lowers, tone taking on a dangerous timber as he leans in and towers over Mr. Howards. Mr. Howards for his part, has enough sense to take a step back, stopping when his lower back makes contact with the table.

“T-that will not be necessary… Simply fax the contracts over then, thank you.”

Remus watches as Mr. Howards stumbles away on stocky legs, wiping sweat from his brow as he tries to maneuver himself through the crowd to the exit. Remus simply smiles and waves, calling out a just too sweet “nice chatting with you!” as the man slips out of the exit.

Remus turns as Sirius is adjusting his jacket, watches as he sets his shoulders back and sets his smile in place, gearing up to speak to the next asshole who just wants to fuck him.

Maybe I’m no different, Remus thinks. Don’t I also want to watch him fall apart beneath me? Remus sighs because he does. He wants it so bad he can feel his skin prickling, begging for him to reach out and take, take, take. 

But it’s more than that… For as much as he admittedly wants to take him apart piece by piece, he also feels a sense of warmth towards the man. Who knew burning scrambled eggs to a pan could be so goddamn endearing. Mother, forgive me but it seems I’ve fallen for a dumbass. You would’ve loved him…

“Sirius,” he calls, grabbing him by the elbow before he can walk off. “Time to go.”

“Just a minute Moony, I still need to-“

“No.”

“Remus, I really need to-“

“Suit yourself then,” Remus sighs. Before Sirius can even process what’s happening, the room is turned in the wrong direction and his feet are no longer on the floor.

“I- Remus! Put me down immediately!”

“Hmm, depends. Are you going to come to the car willingly?”

“I told you I just need to speak to-“

There’s a thwap and Sirius yelps as the back of his upper thigh feels a slight sting.

“Wrong answer. We’re leaving.” 

Sirius sputters, covering his blooming face with his hands. Some people watch them leave with curious looks; others amused. Most, though, are too drunk to notice this late in the evening.

Remus sets Sirius down in the passenger seat as the shorter man grumbles. He closes the door and walks around to the other side of the red Camaro, slipping into the driver’s side and turning the key, letting her purr to life.

“Are you even sober enough to drive?” Sirius huffs, rolling his eyes.

Remus hums, “Sober enough darling.”

The drive back to Sirius place is a short one. The two don’t really speak, but the silence is comfortable (even if the tension is palpable).

They pull into the apartment complex and make their way up to the apartment easily, Sirius carefully unlocking the door, hands shaking slightly for reasons unknown, as Remus leans on the door frame to his left.

“Coming in then, are you?”

“Well, would you prefer me to drink and drive? I need a place to sleep sir. Won’t you help one of your lowly employees?” Remus teases, bending down slightly to speak into the others ear. Sirius rolls his eyes and tries to suppress a shiver, but Remus sees it. Remus sees everything when it comes to Sirius Black. Sirius lets out a sigh before walking in and leaving the door open for Remus to follow.

“You literally just drank and drove… and you are hardly a regular employee. You probably have more power than me anyway. Better at business and all that.”

“Semantics.” Remus replies as he walks in the same way he has a million times before. He shrugs off his jacket and loosens his tie, tracking Sirius movements as he does the same. Sirius eyes look up and Remus feels like he’s been struck by lightning, want slamming into his body in a way he’s never felt before. 

“What? You keep doing that.”

“Doing what?”

“Staring.”

Sirius snorts. “Take a photo then, it’ll last longer.”

Remus’ hands twitch at his side. “Don’t be a brat.”

Sirius’ eyes roll, and Remus wants to be the cause of the action in a whole different way. “You always say that and yet never actually do anything.” Sirius lets his jacket fall to the floor and crosses his arms in front of him. “Tell me Moony, what are you really going to do about it?”

And Remus knows. Knows Sirius is goading him. He knows who’s really in control here, and it’s not him. He’s putty in Sirius’ hands.

Remus is in his space before he even realizes he’s moved, having backed Sirius against the table. Sirius eyes widen, stardust bleeding into black ink. Remus’s arms bracket Sirius’ body on either side, holding him in place.

“You’ve got a smart mouth brat. A pretty one… but smart nonetheless.”

Remus’ eyes track up and down Sirius’ body, tracks the swallow in his throat, notices the way his knuckles turn white in an effort not to move his hands from where they grip himself.

“Cat got your tongue?” Remus teases, pressing his nose to the shorter man’s temple and inhaling the scent that was so distinctly Sirius. He smells like expensive cologne and whisky, and smoke from the bar hangs onto his skin; but also like the paints he’s always using, and under it all something warm. Like honey, and earth, and cinnamon. If love was a scent, Remus thinks, this would be it.

Sirius’ breath catches and his eyes flutter closed, body relaxing at the contact and hands unfolding to grip the edge of the table, brushing just against the taller man’s hands. Remus goes from his temple down slowly, running his nose along high cheekbones and a sharp jaw, traveling down to Sirius’ throat. Sirius takes a sharp inhale as Remus’ lips ghost over his pulse point, head tilting back to provide more access. Remus chuckles, and just close enough that Sirius can all but feel the vibration against his throat.

“That’s a dangerous game darling.” He tilts his head up to meet Sirius’ eyes. “I need to know now. Because I promise you Sirius, if we cross this line? I’m going to devour you.”

Sirius swallows, pushing his hands out just enough to slide under Remus’, letting them encompass his own.

“Well… I did ask what you were going to do about it, didn’t I?” And Remus laughs, a beautiful thing to Sirius’ ears. Like wind chimes on the first day of summer. He thinks it might be his new favorite song.

“Can you handle it?” Remus asks, smile turning sharp, black bleeding over soft brown.

“You talk a big game there, Moony. Show me if you can back it up.” And for all of Sirius’ false bravado, Remus can see how he flushes, feels as he hands fidget in anticipation. 

Remus squeezes Sirius hands under his, placing an open mouth kiss to his pulse point. 

“Keep these right here, and behave.”

It’s the only warning Sirius has before Remus’ lips crash against his own, and Sirius feels like a l live wire. His whole body aching and on fire as Remus slots a knee between his legs and presses in just enough to rip a moan from his throat, hands undoing his own tie and unbuttoning his shirt, fingers dancing along the planes of his stomach and snapping his waistband.

He’s dizzy with it, high with it, and he doesn’t think. Sirius hands move to touch, to undo buttons, to feel skin.

Remus grabs his hands quickly, tightly. He pulls away, just out of reach, and Sirius tries to chase him as Remus tuts.

“Behave.” Remus says, placing Sirius hands back on the table.

“But I-“ and as he speaks, Remus presses his leg that much further between his thighs, and Sirius chokes off on a light moan. He’s already aching.

“Behave, Sirius. Or I will simply walk right over to that couch, and go to sleep.”

A whine escapes from Sirius as he presses down onto Remus’ knee, face flushing and head nodding, a few strands falling out of the bun he tied it into for the bar.

Remus pushes against him, letting the raven hair man grind against his leg. He swallows a moan right out of Sirius’ mouth, biting his lip before running his tou hue over it to soothe the skin. Sirius arches into him as Remus’ hands run up his stomach and over his chest, toying with hardening nipples.

Remus takes his time. Kissing, biting, licking. Letting his hands wander, sucking bruises into soft skin.

Then he feels it. Nimble fingers tugging at the buttons of his shirt.

He bites down on Sirius’ pulse point and hears him gasp, and grabs hold of his wrist.

Sirius freezes.

“What did I say darling?”

“Wait-“

“Pity-“

“Please."

And Remus stops. He looks up at Sirius, and he thinks the sight alone could send him over the edge. The man in front of him looks utterly debauched. Remus smirks, pride blooming in his chest. I did this, he can’t help but think smugly.

“I’m sorry, did you say something brat?” Remus asks, tilting his head in feigned ignorance. He watches Sirius blush bright red, feels his hips pressing down to seek the friction from his leg again. Sirius whines, hands fidgeting. 

“Please. I won’t do it again, just. Please. I need…”

And fuck if hearing Sirius Black, millionaire playboy philanthropist Sirius Black, beg is not the most beautiful goddamn thing he’s ever heard.

Remus hums. “What do you need darling?” He presses a soft, barely their kiss to Sirius’ throat and the other keens.

“Y-you. Fuck, you Moony, I need-“

And Remus takes pity on him, swallowing the broken begs with a kiss. He feels Sirius melt against him, feels him relax. He kisses Sirius’ until he’s sure he’s calmed down, before pulling away gently.

“I don’t know if I can trust you to listen darling.”

“I will, I won’t move them-“

“Do you trust me?” Remus asks clearly, eyes snapping to Sirius’.

Sirius swallows, eyes clearing as he nods.

“Unconditionally.”

Remus surges forward, capturing his lips once more. He lets Sirius’ wrists drop and he hears them quickly grip the table once more.

Remus slides one hand into Sirius’ hair, tangling his fingers in soft strands and tugging just enough to force him to tilt his head back. He kisses down his throat as his other hand removes the loosened tie from his neck.

He kisses back up Sirius’ throat, right to the shell of his ear before whispering, “hands being your back then brat.” 

He feels Sirius shiver and watches goosebumps appear on his skin. Slowly, Sirius follows the command, and Remus secured his wrists with the silk tie.

He places a kiss on Sirius collar bones as he shoves his crimson silk shirt off his shoulders. He lets the shirt pool at Sirius’ bound wrists before kissing his shoulder and slotting his knee fully between Sirius’ leg again.

He feels Sirius give in immediately and smiles at the feeling of the others want against his thigh.

He moves to Sirius’ lips again, giving a languid and filthy kiss before smiling against the other's mouth.

“You wanted it so badly Sirius? Well, take it.”

Sirius movements halt, hips stuttering.

“W-what?”

“You heard me darling. Take it. I want to watch you fall apart just like this. Untouched, just from my fucking thigh between your legs.”

And Sirius’ moan is utterly sinful as he begins to do just that, riding Remus’ thigh as the other kisses and sucks and bites along his jaw, his throat, his chest. Remus takes one of Sirius’ nipples into his mouth and Sirius sees stars, the stimulation yanking him over the edge unexpectedly. His body trembles, and he’s sure if it wasn’t for Remus he would have toppled over entirely.

Remus for his part, turns his kisses from starved to soft, whispering soft praises against the others skin.

Sirius is still panting as Remus pops the button on his pants. He pulls them down along with Sirius’ now ruined boxers. Remus lifts Sirius easily, sitting him on top of the table before ridding him of his pants and boxers entirely and slotting himself back in between Sirius’ legs.

Sirius is still in a daze, body wracked with small tremors, eyes closed and head tipped back, mouth parted ever so slightly as he breathes. Remus reaches into his back pocket, grabbing his phone, unable to resist.

“Sinful. Positively pornographic.” Sirius’ opens his eyes just as Remus’ phone camera shutters.

The photo is something that belongs on a porn website. Sirius Black covered in a slight sheen of sweat, skin littered with bruises, hair mused with loose strands sticking to his forehead, body bare aside from the red shirt pooled at his wrists that stay tied behind his back, eyes glassy and far away. He looked utterly wrecked.

“Moony,” he starts as Remus tosses his locked phone onto the couch.

“What? You did in fact tell me to take a picture. I am simply following my CEOs instructions.” And all Sirius can do is huff in annoyance and roll his eyes at the taller man.

Remus’ lips find their way back to his and Sirius is enjoying the laziness of it, before a shock is sent through his body as Remus’ hand ghosts over his spent member. He whines and tries to squirm away as Remus takes him in his grasp and begins to stoke lazily.

“R-Remus wait-“

“Isn’t this what you wanted darling? Isn’t this why you couldn’t keep your hands to yourself?”

“Remus-“ and Sirius chokes off into a broken moan as Remus continues his assault, one hand continuing to stroke lazily as the other finds its way back to Sirius’ nipples.

“I’m going to make sure you get just what you wanted. Again, and again, and again.”

It’s not long until Sirius is fully erect again, heavy in Remus’ hand, chest heaving as he’s splayed out on the kitchen table of his own apartment, arms now re-tied above his head, grabbing the edge of the table for purchase. He’s shaking as he feels the waves of pleasure and overstimulation tear through his body, Remus’ name falling from his lips like a prayer.

“Come on darling, give me what we both want…”

And Sirius screams as another orgasm rips through his body, Remus stroking him through it and making everything go white. Sirius is utterly spent and boneless, all his nerve endings are on fire as his unfocused gaze finds Remus, only to see him licking the remnants of his satisfaction off his fingers.

“You taste divine.”

He says it so matter-of-factory, like he’s reporting the fucking weather, and the noise that leaves Sirius is one that he didn’t even know he could make. It’s high, and broken, and desperate.

Remus’ smile is feral as he pulls Sirius’ legs over his shoulders, exposing the other to him in the most obscene way possible. He takes one of his spit slicked fingers and prods at Sirius hole, watching as it easily gives and sucks him in up to his knuckle.

“Needy little thing, hm?”

But Sirius can do nothing but release broken moan after broken moan. He feels like he could pass out, goosebumps spreading all over his body and hairs standing on end.

There is nothing but this. Nothing but Remus Lupin fucking him downright stupid on his kitchen table, and the asshole hasn’t even actually fucked him yet.

Sirius’ entire body shakes with overstimulation as one finger becomes two, then three. As the slow beginning pace turns almost punishing, and Sirius nearly passes out when Remus finds the special bundle of nerves he’s been looking for.

“Gotcha.”

With that one word from Remus’ lips, Sirius knows he is so royally fucked, in every sense of the word.

Remus drops Sirius' legs so they hang around his hips, undoing his pants just enough to free himself, and lines himself up.

Sirius can’t think, can barely breathe, and the moment Remus enters him, he blacks out, white ropes shooting onto his stomach. 

He doesn’t know how long the wave lasts. He doesn’t know how long he lays there, clawing at the edge of the table and clenching around Remus. He doesn’t know how long his body trembles for, doesn’t realize he’s crying until Remus kisses his tears away. Remus stays still through the whole affair, pressing sweet kisses and praises into his skin, content to let his fingers run gently up and down Sirius’ legs and sides.

It could have been seconds, minutes, hours. Sirius couldn’t tell you if his life depended on it.

Slowly Remus begins to move, angling his hips just so, to miss the little bundle of nerves inside Sirius that would certainly have the other passing out in an instant. Slowly, and carefully, Remus pulls all the way out until just his tip is left, before pushing back in again.

He continues this pattern, continuing until Sirius’ squirming turns into searching. The moment Sirius’ legs hook around his waist to pull him in, Remus’ control snaps.

The pace is punishing, and he shifts to hit that spot inside of Sirius again, and again, and again. One would think Remus Lupin had been fucking Sirius Black for years with the way he seems to never miss his mark.

Neither lasts too much longer after that. Sirius feels a final orgasm rip through him as he cries out, but there is nothing left to spill from him. It’s the most intense feeling he’s ever felt in his life.

Remus follows behind shortly after, spilling warmth inside of Sirius and filling him up.

They stay connected for a while, each catching their breaths and waiting for their heart beats to regulate. It’s a while before Remus leans over and kisses Sirius, slipping out of him gently. He unties Sirius’ wrists and scoops him up carefully, taking them both to the bathroom to get cleaned up. 

It takes a moment for Sirius to be able to fully support his own weight; the two share lazy kisses and childhood anecdotes as they let the water soothe their muscles and take soap gently across each other's skin.

Once cleaned, Remus digs through to find Sirius something soft and oversized, careful not to hand him smoothing to overstimulate him more than he already is. Remus himself snags a pair of sweatpants that never fit Sirius quite right. The too baggy pair fitting Remus almost perfectly.

They fall into bed that night, curling around each other like they’ve been doing it all their lives. 

Remus knows the next morning will bring many conversations. But as he watches the gentle rise and fall of Sirius’ chest, he finds himself unafraid.

He drifts off to sleep content, warmth blooming in his chest, and he knows.

Remus Lupin knows he has loved Sirius Black in every lifetime before this one. 

And he knows he will continue to find him, and love him, in every lifetime to come…

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They fall into a pattern after that. Soon, days turned into weeks, weeks into months. They spent Sirius’ birthday together at Regulus and James’ cottage. Regulus and Remus were fast friends and it warmed Sirius as much as it terrified him. Because Remus Lupin fit into his life so perfectly, he couldn’t help but wait for the other shoe to drop.

It wasn’t until a year and a half later that Sirius’ fears came to fruition.

“You’re engaged.” A statement, not a question. It’s the first thing that leaves Remus’ lips as he walks into Sirius’ apartment Tuesday morning, a rolled up magazine held in a white-knuckle grip. Sirius feels his world shatter.

“Moony I-“

“Explain. Immediately.”

“It’s arranged! I figured… I thought after my parents… I didn’t think they’d still uphold it…”

“And when were you going to tell me.” Another statement.

“Well I- I was hoping they forgot, or just. Wouldn’t really care anymore, so I was hoping it wouldn’t be an issue…”

“Sirius.”

“…I’m sorry…”

“Are you going to marry her?”

“I don’t want to.”

“That’s not what I asked you.”

“…I know.”

“Are you going to marry her.”

“…I don’t know…”

Remus nods. Sirius watches as he takes a breath.

“Okay.”

With that, he watches Remus walk out of the apartment, magazine laying forgotten on the floor.

He doesn’t see Remus at work that day.

Or the next.

Or the next day after that.

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Remus felt like his world was caving in around him and he didn’t know how to stop it.

“Are you going to marry her.”

“…I don’t know…”

Hearing those words fall from Sirius’ lips was like taking a stab to the chest. He immediately felt like a bucket of ice water had been dropped on him, shocking him back to reality. Because really, he should have known. He should have fucking known. 

He knows Sirius, knows him better than he knows himself. He knows how hard Sirius works to uphold his family legacy, how hard he’s worked to change it into a positive legacy. And marrying Violet Greengrass, UK Sweetheart, would catapult the Black Family legacy into everything he’s been working towards since he was forced to take up the mantle at 21.

Remus can’t even be angry like he wants to be because he knows he has nothing to offer the other. No money, no power, no influence. No family. He’s on Sirius’ payroll for fucks sake.

Remus doesn’t go to work that day.

Or the next.

Or the next day after that.

He watches as his phone rings, Sirius’ name flashing on the screen.

It stops flashing on the fifth day..

Remus watches from the comfort of his own one-bedroom apartment as the headlines roll in day after day. The first photos he sees of Sirius and Violet together send him running to the bathroom, the ache in his chest making him physically ill as he dispels what little he’d eaten that morning from his body.

She’s stunning. Opposite Remus in every way. Hair ink black to Remus’ own dull sandy shade. Bright green eyes compared to Remus’ one-dimensional brown. Delicate and graceful to Remus’ lanky and clumsy.

It tugs the knife in his chest that much deeper.

Two weeks and Remus does not return to work, opting to complete his responsibilities from home. Sirius does not ask, and Remus offers no explanation.

They spend five months like this before one Regulus Black comes knocking at his door.

“Remus.” He states easily, English accent mixing with the faintest lilt of French. He does not ask for entry, simply ducks under Remus’ arm as though he’s done this a million times, shrugging his jacket off and tossing it over the back of a chair.

Remus can only stare bewildered as his head turns from his now open door to the man in his apartment.

“What are you-“

“The wedding is in two weeks as I’m sure you know.”

The words come as Remus is closing his front door, the soft click coming just as all the breath is pulled from Remus’ lungs.

“W-why-“ Why are you here? Why would you say that? Why are you reminding me of the one thing I want to forget most!?

“So, what are you going to do about it, Remus? Because I’m really tired of whatever game you’re currently getting at. Your plan isn’t working, pick a new one.”

Remus looks at Regulus. Really looks at him for the first time since he barreled in not 2 minutes before, and Regulus looks pissed. Down right murderous, and Remus’ hand itches to open his front door and run right out of it.

He clears his throat, stepping towards his kitchen, refusing to have another fucking Black brother turn his life upside down.

“Tea?”

“Remus.”

“I have earl gray. If memory serves, it’s your favorite.”

“Remus.” It’s angrier this time.

“I don’t have any pancakes but I do have some blueberries if you would like some.”

“Remus.”

And he stops, tension slipping from his body in the same way the anger has slipped from Regulus’ voice. His back is still towards the younger Black as he lets out a humorless laugh, shoulders shaking with it as silent tears fall from his eyes.

“Damn…broke my streak.” He tries to joke, but even he can hear how broken his own voice sounds.

He hears Regulus sigh and mumble something in French before feeling aristocratic hands lead him to his couch. For as similar as Regulus and Sirius are, they’re so different it’s ridiculous.

Where Regulus’ eyes are sharp storms, Sirius’ are soft star dust. Where Regulus is chiseled cheeks and strong jaw, Sirius holds the same shapes but they’ve been softened somehow. Sharp edges blurring into smoothness. Both with hair as dark as a starless night sky, though one falls in perfect curls and the other in wild waves. Where Regulus’ hands are aristocratic and almost delicate, Sirius’ are rough and calloused; the hands of an artist.

It strikes him then, as Regulus leads him through his space; that for as beautiful as the younger Black brother is, if he met them both at the same time, he would still choose Sirius. Would choose Sirius every single time, without hesitation or fail. He wonders if this is how James must have felt when he realized he was in love with Regulus, having grown up with both brothers. He knows that it must have been.

He stays sat where he’s placed, collecting himself as he hears Regulus busy himself in the kitchen, the sound of tea being made calming him.

They sit in comfortable silence together for a while, sipping tea and half paying attention to whatever movie is playing on Remus' slightly too small TV.

“I know how much you get paid Remus. You really can’t be bothered to buy a new television?” Regulus says after some time, and after everything, the statement feels so ridiculous that Remus can’t help the laugh that tears out of him.

“I suppose I hadn’t thought about it in the last few months,” he laughs. “Honestly, I don’t watch the thing so much, and I hadn’t really been spending a lot of time in my own place… so…” He tapers off, smile turning sad, if a bit wistful. He thinks back to Sirius’ apartment, how it somehow became their home rather than just Sirius’. His favorite sweater tucked into the closet, his laptop on the desk placed across from Sirius’ easel. He’d had to buy a new one, too afraid of going back to retrieve it. He knew at some point he would need to at least get his old photo albums. He had brought them over one night, and he and Sirius sat on the bed with a bottle of red between them, sharing stories and looking at photos of one another as children.

Regulus hums. “You never answered my question, you know.”

It’s Remus’ turn to sigh now. “Reg… well. There’s nothing for me to do really, is there? He’s going to marry her… and they’ll have beautiful children. He’ll finally re-work the Black Family image the way he’s always wanted. I.. I can’t take that from him Reg.”

“You’re an idiot.”

“Excuse me?”

“Both of you. Right morons.”

“Regulus-“

“No, I’ve had enough. If you both want to be utter wankers about this then you can both sod off.”

“I’m not being a wanker-“

“You are-“

“I’m not-“

“You know what you’re right. You’re not.”

“Thank y-“

“You’re being a coward. You both are.”

Chocolate snaps to steel gray. Where Sirius’ eyes are like stardust, Regulus’ eyes are like the center of a storm. Clear, and sharp, missing nothing.

Remus’ mouth shuts so quickly the sound of his teeth knocking together echo in the small space.

Regulus doesn’t stay much longer after that. He heaved a sigh and finished his tea, pinning Remus with one of the most intense stares he had ever had the displeasure of being held under.

“Do something, or don’t do something. I’ll always be your friend Remus. But I will not deal with you pining after and moping over my brother for the next however many years.”

He had opened the door to Remus’ apartment to see James Potter standing there about to knock.

“Hello love-“

“We’re leaving.”

“O- okay then? Uh, Remus. Pleasure as always…” Remus sends him off with a slight nod and a small wave as he watches him trail after a head of black curls.

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It was the longest two weeks of Remus’ life. Every passing minute felt like an hour as he paced the small space of his apartment.

More than once, he found himself fully dressed, keys in hand, ready to go bursting into Sirius’ apartment and tell him, ask him, beg him not to do this. Not to marry her.

On the morning of the wedding, Remus gets dressed in a suit and grabs a bouquet of followers, and makes his way to the cemetery.

⋇⋆✦𓃢✦⋆⋇

“It’s been too long mum, forgive me…” Remus starts, placing the bouquet of white lilies and sunflowers on the engraved stone head. “I know last time I was here, I told you I was going to bring someone to meet you… well. He’s getting married today. Can you believe it? And before you ask, no. It’s not to me. Though, I had passed a ring in a shop window… It looked just like him mum. Meteorite and galaxy opal is what the chap called the band. I almost bought it right then,” he can’t help but chuckle at the memory. “Suppose it’s best I didn’t,” he sighs. “You really would have loved him though. He’s so… so full of life despite everything that’s happened. And I don’t think I’ve known anyone as kind in my entire life. Well, not including you of course,” he lets his fingers run over the grave stone, tracing his mother’s name, her birthday date, and then finally the day she died.

“His brother… his younger brother that is. Thinks I’m a right coward. I’m inclined more than ever to agree. But… something about going after him. Asking him not to do it. It feels selfish… He is on the cusp of having everything he has ever wanted… Or at least what he’s talked about wanting since we’ve met. This. It would change things for him, mum. Change everything.”

Remus sits next to his mothers’ grave, leaning back on it for support, face turned to the sky. “He took it though, mum,” he whispers, hand resting over his heart. “He took what was left anyway. You took one half with you when you left… and he just. Took the other. And he didn’t even ask, the bastard.” His laugh comes out wet, tears falling down his cheeks. “And the kicker of it all? I don’t even want it back… because I know it will never work for anyone else ever again.”

“Sounds to me like you best go get him then.”

Remus startles as a petite older woman taps his foot with her cane. “P-pardon?” He asks as he wipes his tears from his face.

“I said you ought to go get him sonny. Love like that doesn’t happen every day.” She nods to herself as if she said something profound. Maybe she has… The voice in Remus’ head sounds a lot like his mother.

“I, w-well-“

“Yes yes, you think it’s selfish, but is it not more selfish to take away the decision from him? How do you know what he really wants if you’ve never bothered to ask dear?”

Remus’ takes in a sharp breath, and for the second time in nearly six months, his world comes to a screeching halt.

“…fuck.”

“Perhaps after you told him your feelings, hm?”

A violent laugh rips out of Remus at the surprising words. He gets to his feet quickly, dusting himself off.

“Apologies ma’am. I have a wedding to crash. I… Thank you. Thank you miss…” He breaks off in a question.

“Miriam, dear. Now go get your lover boy.” She smiles, and Remus offers her one in return before sprinting in the direction of the chapel.

⋇⋆✦𓃢✦⋆⋇

“Should anyone present know of any reason that this couple should not be joined in holy matrimony, speak now or forever hold your peace.”

The crowd simply laughed, Sirius looking determinedly forward and keeping his face blank.

“Well then,” the priest begins when suddenly the church doors burst open.

Sirius’ head snaps to the entrance of the chapel, eyes widening as one Mr. Remus Lupin strides in, fire in his eyes and a smile playing at his lips.

“Well, I’m not too late now, am I?”

The crowd chuckles politely, tension diffusing if just for a moment.

“N-no sir, if you would please have a seat-“

“Oh no, you mistake me. See, I’m here to object.”

There was immediate chaos. The Greengrass family were on their feet in seconds, as were Regulus, James, Narcissa Black, and Andromeda Black (the only two members of his family that bothered to show up), and the rest of their friends. 

Violet’s mother was at her side in an instant, James and Regulus were trying to block her father from getting to Remus, Narcissa and Andromeda were next to Sirius before he could blink, and the other girls (Lily Evans, Mary Macdonald, Dorcas Meadowes, and Marlene Mckinnon; childhood friends) were trying to coral the rest of the Greengrass family and wedding guests.

“Are we running, or are we staying?” That was Andromeda, squeezing his hand in hers as Narcissa stepped into his line of sight, effectively blocking Remus from his view.

“Do we like him, or do we not like him? James and Reg are trying to keep Mr. Greengrass from murdering him so does that mean we like him?” Narcissa continues, mildly frantic.

“Well of course we like him, he’s here for Sirius-“

“He’s here for Sirius!?”

“Oh keep up, would you Cissy-“

“Excuse me? May I have a word?”

Remus’ voice echoes loud and strong, coming out clear over all the chaos. The room freezes and Sirius feels like he’s been brought back to life, air returning to his lungs for the first time in months.

“Remus-“ Sirius starts, Narcissa moving out of the way but staying by his side in support.

“Hello Sirius.”

“N-now excuse me young sir, but you best have a strong objection after bursting into such a lovely event the way you have!” The priest is sweating, eyes wide as he looks from Sirius and then back to Remus.

“I do, father. You see, Sirius Black has stolen from me. And I fear I may have stolen from him as well.”

“And what the hell did my brother take from you?” Remus laughs at Regulus’ annoyance.

“Well, something I simply can’t do without. Though I suppose I don’t need the thing back as long as he takes care of it.”

“Uh, you wanna get to the point there Rem?” Remus looks over to where James and Regulus stand and can’t help but laugh. He sees it connect to Regulus, relief filling his eyes as James continues to look, head tilted in slight confusion still.

“You see,” he starts, walking down the aisle and towards Sirius. “This man here has stolen my heart from me. Now, I don’t really need the thing back. Let’s be honest, it wouldn’t work for anyone but him now anyway. But I must inquire Mr. Black. Have I stolen yours too?”

Sirius’ breath hitches, and Remus tracks his movements. He sees how his hands twitch slightly, as if wanting to reach out. He watches as his throat bobs with a swallow. Takes in the pink creeping onto the tips of his high cheekbones. Ah, so I have. Remus breaks into a wide smile as the confirmation slams into him.

“I would bet my entire life on the fact that I have.” A wheeze leaves Sirius, eyes shining with unshed tears. “And you see, whereas I don’t want mine back, I simply refuse to return yours. Because you, Sirius Black, are a right brat, and a pain in my fucking ass.” A laugh rips from Sirius’ throat, tearing itself out into the open space between them, and Remus feels like he just snorted a line of coke. “God is it good to hear your laugh again.”

“Moony,” and it’s a broken, desperate thing.

“Miss Greengrass is stunning. And make no mistake, I have nothing to offer your Sirius. Nothing of value to society that is. I have no status, no family, and you just happen to be the person who signs my paychecks. I can’t even offer my heart to you because, like the brat you are, you took it already without even bothering to ask.” He steps forward, finally close enough to touch. He cups Sirius’ face, thumb brushing the tops of his cheekbones and catching stray tears. “I do love you though… With every ounce and fiber of my being. It will always be you for me Sirius. In this life, the past one, and all the lives to come… If I can promise you nothing, I can promise you this. I promise that I will find you and love you in every single one.”

Remus isn’t sure who initiates it. Isn’t sure if it’s him who leans in first or it’s Sirius. He can only faintly hear chaos erupt around them, the world zeroing in on Sirius as he kisses him or gets kissed by him. Which one it is, he doesn’t know. But it burns him from the inside out regardless.

“Happy for you both, and lovely to meet but I think it’s best you both leave now.” Andromeda says as she shoves them slightly, separating them and urging them forward.

“Yes, I think it’s time to go please!” Narcissa says, a bit more frantic than her sister.

“Right, more of this later.” Remus laughs, stealing one more kiss before lacing his fingers with Sirius’ and breaking into a run.

“Sorry Reggie!” Sirius yells over his shoulder at his brother, laughter in his own voice as he and Remus make their escape.

“Just call me later you prat!” Regulus yells back before going back to dealing with Mr. Greengrass.

The two burst out of the chapel doors, sunlight caressing their skin as they loosen their ties and keep running.

“Where are we going?” Sirius asks as they go.

“Anywhere we want!”

And it was the most beautiful thing Remus could’ve said to Sirius. No obligation, no expectation, no duty. 

Just him and his Moony.

Black and Greengrass Wedding Comes to a Screeching Halt as Mystery Man Swoops in to Steal Sirius Black Away!

Everything We Know about Remus Lupin Below.

I'm begging for you to take my hand
Wreck my plans
That's my man

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