Chapter two

A robust receptionist popped her head in right as I was about to press Mr. Black for more answers. "Excuse me, Sir. Your next meeting is in the conference room."

"We're not finished here, Odette. Cancel my next meeting." The blonde woman hesitated, gaping at him. She appeared lost and I assume this is not something that has happened before. She glances at me, and I can't do much but raise my eyebrows in surprise and equal confusion.

She flushes. Oh, good. I'm not the only one.

"Very well, Mr. Black." She muttered and had the door nearly closed before I sprang to my feet, shoving the parchment in my bag and nervously throwing a "Please don't let me keep you from anything." Over my shoulder, along with a hasty "Thank you, Sir."

I stepped out, the door snapping closed behind me before I could hear any response. I made a b-line for the elevator and didn't stray from that focus until I stood outside the building. I gulped air like a dying man, the humidity from the ebbing rain cooling my scarlet face.

I had to get home.

Pulling my broom from my bag, I swung my leg over and kicked off the ground. I had to fly far enough past the enchantments in order to apparate the rest of the way. The breeze stinging my cheeks was good. I needed something to take my mind off the alarming encounter.

No man had ever affected me the way that Sirius Black did, and I can't wrap my mind around why. Yes, he was handsome, but I've never lost my focus and composure like that. Did I really allow my perverse thoughts to bleed into the favor Lily asked of me?

I landed on the side-walk a little too harshly and I felt my knees groan. Shaking off the rain, I took a deep breath and apparated with a little 'pop.'

His aristocratic features charm me as I replay the foolish interview again and again. An involuntary shiver courses down the buttons of my spine. He was so arrogant, but he had a right to be. So successful. And his humanitarian work… though I'm sure it comes with an ample paycheck.

The world stopped spinning and I found myself standing before a newly painted green door. The entrance to the flat I shared with Lily. It was a decent building, remodelled shortly before we moved in. It's been home for 4 years, and I wouldn't have it any other way. With my condition finding steady work has been difficult, before she vouched for me to join the Prophet team. I pay knuts in rent but I owe her much much more.

I knew she would want a play by play of the interview, but I was so exhausted and still had so much editing to do. I silently hoped she would be sleeping off her fever when I walked in.

"Rem! You're back!" Lily was seated in the living room, surrounded by a mountain of books. She's obviously chosen to work her illness off. I sigh inwardly. She was wearing her baby blue baggy pajamas decorated with nifflers. The pair she reserved primarily for sick days, bad break ups and her lady time. Jumping to her feet she bounded over stacks of books and threw her arms around my shoulders in a too-tight if you're contagious hug.

"I was beginning to worry. What kept you?"

"Oh. The interview ran over…" And with this I fished in my bag and pulled out a disheveled roll of parchment. "Thank you so so much. Rem! I owe you one! So, how was it? What's he like?" Oh no, Lily Evans- the journalist interrogation.

I open my mouth, and close it instantly. "I'm glad to be done with it." Was all I could manage, my cheek surely still flushed. "Even though we are the same age, he was quite intimidating."

She had her nose to the parchment, reading intently and I took this as the perfect opportunity to escape. She must have noticed how spent I was. She didn't press further as I took the rest of the afternoon to recharge.

When I stumbled out of my room a few hours later she was nestled into the couch, playing music absent of vocals and scribbling furiously between two scrolls. Her nose still a little pink but she was deep in a story- and that was the quickest way to guarantee a full recovery.

I sunk into the couch next to her, ignoring the pull at the back of my brain- reminding me of all the work I really /should/ be doing.

"You've got some good stuff here, Rem. Well done!" My pulse quickens inexplicably. "Shame we don't have any original photos. Good looking son-of-a-bitch, isn't he?" She chuckled and flashed me a bright smile. "I suppose so.." I try hard to sound disinterested.

"Oh come on, Rem. You can't be immune to his looks!" She quirked a perfect eyebrow at me.

"Sorry. You probably could have gotten much more off of-." I choke, "Out of him."

"I doubt that. Considering I thrust this on you last minute, you did very well. Maybe you should interview more often?"

I gave a dry "Ha" and meandered into the kitchen.

"So, what did you really think of him? You're avoiding my questions. You're not getting off that easy!" Ugh. Can't she just let this go? I groan, "He's very driven. Controlling. Arrogant. Charming. Charismatic. Fascinating."

"Oooo, you thinking someone is fascinating? That's a first." She snorts.

"So, why did you want to know if he's gay? Is that a rumor or something?" I asked curiously. I didn't recall hearing anything like that in school, but then again I never saw him with a girl. Or atleast with one for very long.

"Whenever he is at events- benefits, press parties, anything- he never has a date.." She trailed off, and glanced back at her notes. "Actually… That wasn't answered. Did you ask?" She looked hopeful.

"I did…" I treaded carefully. Was this something I could trust her with? This was a very juicy detail that could propel her interview to the front page.

"And?!" She sat up, peering at me over the breakfast bar.

"The answer he gave me was strictly off the record. He wanted to keep it private." I blushed, turning quickly in hopes that she didn't notice.

"Oh, so yea. He's gay."

I whipped around, "He's not. And I don't think it's appropriate for you to out someone without their consent." A personal passion forced me to retort. Lily raised her eyebrows in surprise. I'd never spoke to her like that, and we were both slightly taken aback.

"I wasn't going to write anything about it without explicit permission, Remus. I was merely curious and making an educated guess." She snapped, turning away from me and back to her work.

There was no further mention of this topic, much to my relief, and I slipped away to bed a few hours later without saying another word.

I awake before my alarm- tossing and turning , a thin sheen of sweat on my face and chest. It was all plush bedding, guttural moans and piercing lustrous eyes. I groaned, a tightness in my trousers made demands that I could not ignore.

Lily and I both set off to work together, going our separate ways on opposite sides of the newsroom floor. Lily had gotten a phone call from her best friend, Alice Prewett to let her know that as of last night her and her long time beau Frank Longbottom were now engaged. Lily wasn't like most girls except when it came to romance. She'd never let you know but she was a big softy when it came to a good love story. Her slowly progressing relationship with James was getting her more doe-eyed by the day.

While I was happy for Frank and Alice, I couldn't help but dwell on my own passive love life.

I was beginning to wonder if something was wrong with me. Perhaps I spent too much time buried in books of perfect romance, and happy endings. Lily says my expectations are far too high. Though, if I were to be completely honest… nobody has ever made me feel that way.

The first half of the day passes uneventfully. I sit back and survey my desk. The tower of paperwork doesn't seem to have gotten any smaller. It was tedious work- sifting through badly executed articles, incomplete letters, indecipherable text.

I shook my head and stood up. Perhaps it was time for a little walk. I could use a wake me up and there was a gorgeous park on the way to a locally owned muggle coffee shop. I was lost in thought when I turned to the corner too tight and barreled headfirst into a tall man with a solid athletic build. We were both knocked back. "Oh! Remus. What a pleasant surprise!"

I looked up and saw the perfectly chiseled face of Sirius Black. His dark lashes shading those intense eyes. He looked much different outside of his tailored robes but just as delectable in a deep red knit sweater and tight jeans. Who gave him permission to look this good? The red brought out flecks of gold in his pearly gaze. Did he sell his soul or something?

"Mr. Black." A whisper is all I can manage There is a ghost of a smile playing on his lips, and his expression is alight with mirth- as if he's enjoying a private joke. "I was in the area." He says by way of explanation. "I needed to stock up on a few things." He gestures with the hand clutching a large black shopping bag. His words roll out with a husky warmth. Like melted dark chocolate. I felt my heart flutter a bit. The memories of him did not do him justice. It wasn't that he was simply good looking. He was an Adonis among men. Breathtaking, really.

I snapped myself out of another potential awkward fantasy and blurted, "What did you have to restock on? I figured one of the ladies at your office did these types of errands for you."

"This is more of a... personal project." He pulls out a worn length of rope and twists it around his rotating wrists. This action was not threatening but enticing. I hitch my breath and focus as he pulls out a series of other objects from his bag. Strips of aged leather, chain with a flawless weld. I found myself leaning forward to inspect the contents at the bottom of the bag. He pulled it up and back, chuckling lightly. "Not so fast… these aren't for just anyone's eyes."

He must have seen the disappointment that flashed across my face. Or sensed the 'could it be sexual?' thought, before i had the chance to expel it from my mind. He smiled, a tick and tut behind his teeth, "You'll just have to come by and see."

"Is that an invitation, Mr Black?" I'm not sure what made me respond in such a coy tone. He ignored my inquiry and instead asked me, "How's the article coming along?"

"I'm not writing it, Lil-Miss Evans is. She's very happy with it so far. She was devastated that she couldn't do the interview in person. Her only concern is that she doesn't have any original photographs of you."

He raised a manicured eyebrow. "What sort of photos does she want?" I hadn't gotten that far when talking to her. I quickly shrug. "I'm around, tomorrow perhaps?" He trails off, helpfully.

My eyes widen, "You'd be willing to attend a shoot for the prophet?" I feel my voice rise and I come up for air, coaxing it back down. Lily would be jubilant if I could pull this off.

'And you might see him tomorrow' a voice in the back of my mind chirped.

"Lily will be delighted! We'll just have to secure a photographer." I smile broadly, pleased.

"Let me know, you'll need to owl before ten." I watch him reach into his back pocket and pull out a black business card. The direct line enchantment stamped across the back.

"Yes sir!" I hardly had time to register the dangerous flash behind his eyes before I was ripped away by someone shouting my name.

"REMUS!"

Frank Longbottom, who had just rounded the corner and almost collided with Sirius and I exclaimed excitedly. I wasn't expecting to see him /and/ hear from Alice! I gave him a quick hug and a congratulations.

"Excuse me, you know Sirius Black, yes?" I turned, gesturing back towards Mr. Black. We had all been in the same year, in the same Dorm but James and Sirius had had their own world. Frank and I had initially bonded over our outcast and shy demeanor.

"Longbottom is it?" Sirius smiled politely and shook Frank's hand firmly. He watched us both intently. His eyes hooded and his mouth returned to an almost impassive line.

The mood is suddenly Arctic.

Frank turns back to me, "Alice was accepted to the gallery! Her paintings will be on display later this month. She wanted me to invite you and Lily to the grand opening! Keep an eye out for my owl! Anyway, gotta run. See you Remus." He nodded towards Sirius, "Good seeing you Black."

And with a light pop, he apparated.

Sirius turned back to me, his eyes still heavily lidded. "Until tomorrow, Remus?" His tongue caressed my name, and my heart thundered frantically. He held out his hand for a shake, and instead pulled me in close. I could feel his hot breath against my ear, his lips in a feather-light kiss on my pink tinged skin.

"I'm glad Miss Evans couldn't do the interview, I much prefer you…" His perfect teeth caught the shell of my ear in a playful nip, and I felt an low moan betray me. He pulled back swiftly, gave me a wink and in another pop he too was gone. I stood there, dumbfounded- a tightness in my jeans thankfully not visible beneath my jacket. What was he playing at?

Okay. I like him. There, I said it. I've never felt this kind of thrashing at my chest- and I can't seem to hide from it. If I can secure a photographer I can do some serious admiring tomorrow and pass it off as work. No harm in that. I bit my lip in anticipation, and feel a grin splitting across my lips.

Turning on my heel I bounded back inside with renewed purpose to find Lily and organize this shoot. She was going to be over the moon.