Sirius was walking dogs and flipping through his phone when they stopped at the park. It had been four days since the rescuing, and he had been hard at work. It was unusual that a woman would stick to his ribs, but she was familiar. He had looked up her on Facebook, but she wasn't there. Sirius even went as far as checking for a Ginny W. on there, but nothing.

Was it stalking? No, not even close. He just wanted to know why that cute little smile she wore struck him. What about her was something he'd seen before. Grant it, women came and went through the bar and his life with swift accord, but he knew her. He was positive about it.

The dogs seemed to understand his interest in lingering that day. He had attempted to focus on other tasks, but his mind wouldn't relent. What was it that had him tied up? Why was this such a big deal?

"Alright guys, let's head back," he sighed.

He scrunched his nose as they jogged at a decent pace. There were five dogs with him aside from Snuffles, and he enjoyed the work. Taking care of shelter dogs was his give back for the joy he got from his. Doing his part to better lives. It seemed he always did take in strays…

That was, after all, what he enjoyed. Fixing things and helping others. Sirius couldn't see himself doing anything else. He required to be a better person than he grew up feeling. The past was always muddled with pain, and it was easier to ignore it and assist in someone else's dilemma.

He was nearing the gates when his phone rang. Sirius pressed the button on his earphones and hemmed. "Hello."

"Brother, I'm glad you answered."

Sirius huffed and slowed his pace. "What can I do for you, Reggie? You rarely call unless it's about the estate."

"No, no, nothing that tragic. I was hoping to borrow you and your would-be husband," Regulus laughed.

"For? We aren't going to do a ridiculous party for your crowd," Sirius groaned.

"Definitely not. It was actually about an investment I want to do. A business is going to be going up for grabs, and I would appreciate your input."

Sirius stopped walking and glared at the dogs around him. "What investment? We agreed when mother died that we weren't going to invest in anything but property."

Regulus had to have jostled the phone with the crackling that came through. "I know, but this is smart. It's a bit different, which I know you like. What better way to steal from noblemen prats than to buy what they want?"

"Hm," Sirius grunted.

"Would you just set aside sometime Friday evening? We can all have dinner and then view the establishment. I have an in with the current owner and would like this to go smoothly," Regulus said as impatience laced his tone.

"I have to ask Remus," Sirius grumbled.

Regulus groaned over the phone and huffed. "Sirius, it's something I know you'll like. Can you just please? How often do I request your presence? I'm sure Andy wouldn't mind watching the child."

"And you say I'll like it? How would I know if I don't know what you're pitching?"

"Well, let's just say a little birdy told me you'd been there before. Will you come or not?" Regulus questioned.

Sirius pursed his lips as he frowned down at Snuffles. The dog was panting and snorted at the man. "I'll get Friday off, but you owe me. It was karaoke night, and I finally got Remus to say he'd come out."

"Don't worry. He will still have plenty of opportunities to drink and get uncomfortable. I promise," Regulus chuckled.

"Good, then we'll see you Friday," Sirius responded and hung up. "Knowing that prat, he probably is forcing us to go to a cigar lounge," he groaned while flexing his shoulders.

They continued down their path toward the shelter, and Sirius thought. What would his brother be persistent and stealthy about? If Sirius was honest, he really didn't know. He didn't know nor understood his brother very well at all.

Remus wasn't thrilled. He expressed such for the entirety of Thursday and Friday morning. The bookish man even went as far as locking himself in his room. Sirius had grown impatient. It wasn't often he asked him to set aside a Friday. Hell, he rarely asked Remus to do anything he was uncomfortable with doing.

Their friendship was his priority and even more so now. Sirius could understand the amount of shit on the professor's plate. Juggling life, lost love, and work wasn't a picnic. So, for the most part, Sirius did what he could. However, on days like this, when even Sirius was having difficulties, it was complex to mesh both their boundaries.

Sirius enjoyed his life. He liked taking care of Remus and family. Even at times, he was the sole keeper to his friend, but that wasn't a burden. Marauders stick together for life. That was the bond they all made so many years ago. His work at the rescue and his nights at the bar were simple. Homelife could be a bit daunting.

"Moony, come on," Sirius implored as he pounded on the door.

"No, I think I'll just sit this one out, Pads. I'm tired and don't want to deal with your brother," Remus grumbled through the barrier.

"Moony, please? I don't want to go it alone. He's probably taking us to some stuck-up venue where noble prats talk about their money by spending it on overpriced liquor."

The door cracked, and Remus grimaced. "Then why the hell are we going?"

"Because I told him I would," Sirius huffed. "His birthday is coming up, and the fuck hasn't anyone but us as family. Let's just," he stopped when Remus left the doorway.

Sirius poked his head inside to see him contemplating attire. "I don't know what would be best."

"Go with black. It's simple and still classic. Don't worry about it. I doubt it's truly life-changing that we look like we have money," Sirius sighed.

"Well, fine," Remus conceded.

"I doubt he cares as long as we show," Sirius urged.

Remus tossed a hand in his direction before swiping up the black shirt. He slipped it on over his undershirt while Sirius shifted his coat. They have dressed appropriately for whatever event tonight would bring. It was a difficult thing to understand Regulus's urgency, but Sirius knew he had to attempt a better relationship with his brother.

Dinner at some high-end restaurant wasn't the peak of the evening, but it helped. They were drinking expensive wine while eating when Regulus finally turned from small talk. It took Remus and Regulus a bit to warm up to the conversation, but once books or business were mentioned, they both were keen.

Regulus. How to describe him? He was leaner than Sirius and far paler. He had an extended nose, but he still was in the realms of handsome. Neither of the Blacks ever settled down. Regulus was just as disconnected as Sirius, and it was proven through their lack of communication.

Remus was well aware of their past. In fact, Remus was Sirius's proxy therapist in their twenties when Sirius was still struggling. If it weren't for his late uncle's inheritance, they likely would have lived relatively uncomfortable throughout their young adult lives.

The reconnection of the Blacks happened after their mother passed. That left them with more shit to sort out than a girl with daddy issues. The first few years were taxing, and now they retain a familiar relationship of an extended damaged family. Sirius was trying. He truly was.

"I was speaking to Nott last week, and he introduced me to it. I didn't think I was going to like the concept very much, but it was stellar," Regulus hummed before sipping his glass.

"What exactly are you talking about? Is it a club? All you said is it's difficult to get into," Remus declared after swallowing a bite.

Regulus shifted and hummed. It was a hallmark signal they both shared. The fear of judgment was displayed in his actions. Whatever it was, it wasn't the usual venture.

Sirius was scowling over at his brother. "What is it?"

Regulus's eyebrow rose as he shifted his head. "Well, it is a club of sorts. Decently high-end. Anonymous and quite the thrill."

"Anonymous? How?" Remus inquired.

Sirius exhaled as he pursed his lips. "Please tell me that Lucius didn't convince you to buy one of his night clubs."

Regulus cleared his throat and waved his hand. "No, that's the beauty of this. Lucius has no idea the owner is looking to sell. No one does. The only reason I know is it's because they're your acquaintance."

The young Black was sitting in relaxed attention. He hadn't delivered the whole of the topic, but Sirius wasn't going to break to impatience. Sirius tilted his head and mentally ran through his Rolodex. Who? "And this friend is?"

"You remember that Ravenclaw a few years younger than you both? Lockheart?" Regulus questioned.

Sirius and Remus both scrunched their faces in mirror disgust. "Yes, the prat that used to claim shit that wasn't true," Sirius huffed.

Remus winced and rolled his eyes. "I wouldn't go as far as call him a friend."

"Well, he must really like you both. He asked me plenty about you when he found out I was your brother," Regulus mused.

"I didn't know Lockheart owned a club," Remus said.

Regulus's lips stretched as he nodded. "He does. It's very much prestige for the rich and noble."

"Alright, then why sell it?" Sirius questioned.

"He's tired of the work involved with keeping the brand. He wants to try his hand at something more self-centric," Regulus chuckled. "He's a prat, and rather dim for a Ravenclaw. Wants the world to love him, not just nobility that are happy to patron his club."

"And you want my approval, why?" Sirius inquired.

Regulus fiddled with his silverware and twitched his nose. "I'd rather someone who knows a bit about the business to tell me if it's a sound investment. It isn't my type of passion. I have little interest outside of expensive spirits and food."

"Which is where Sirius comes in," Remus grumbled. "Why am I here?"

"For moral support," Regulus snickered. "If you enjoy yourself, then that will make him happy."

Sirius finished his wine and leaned over his half-eaten plate. "What's the name of this exclusive club?"

Regulus glanced around and smirked. "B.L.A.M.E."

Sirius slumped back into his chair, almost knocking himself to the floor. "What?"

"Yes, as I heard from a certain Malfoy, he saw you in there three months ago," Regulus teased.

Remus's expression tightened. "What is Blame?"

"Well, darling, Remus. If Sirius tapers his shock enough, we can show you."

Sirius blinked and exhaled. "Lockheart owns Blame?"

"Yes, and now you know why I was being so sleuth," Regulus smiled.

"Alright, you have my consideration, brother. Let's go," Sirius grinned with a nod.

Remus glanced between the Blacks and pinched his brows together. "What am I missing here? Usually, it's simplistic to guess the direction, but I'm a bit lost."

Sirius patted his shoulder and nodded. "Don't fret. You're going to have a fantastic time."

"As long as you remember, you're the one driving tonight, Sirius," Remus sighed in defeat.

"I most certainly am. I want you to enjoy yourself," Sirius chuckled.

Regulus gave him a wink and waved for the check. "We have a V.I.P. table tonight."

Author Notes: I hope it sounds interesting enough for you all. What do you think is going to happen next? lol