Chapter 3 – Don't Be Sassy
The next day, Lily picked up Regulus at around 8 a.m. Remus had gotten up to follow Regulus to the door, should there be anyone spying at them from the outside.
"Have a great day, luv," Remus said.
Regulus' head snapped up at the pet-name. He was about to say something but Lily sent him a look. "Yes... bye, darling," he said instead and gave Remus a quick kiss. "See you tonight."
When they sat in the car, Lily eyed him and then let out a sigh. "What is the problem now?"
"Nothing. It's just annoying that we have to be on our toes as soon as we stick our noses out the door. And why does he have to speak like that? I know he can tone down his accent, but you told him not to. Why? It's so irritating!"
"Because it's charming and it gives him personality and character. It would also be a little strange to tell people he's from Leeds and he didn't speak like it."
"Just because he toned it down a bit wouldn't mean you couldn't tell he's from up north," mumbled Regulus. "And it doesn't sound charming. It sounds stupid."
"Why is it that you haven't got to know him a bit better? If you two became friends, it would make this a whole lot easier."
"Why? Last I tried to talk with him properly, he insulted me."
"I'm sure it wasn't that bad."
"You're just in love with him because he's all charming and provincial..."
Lily sighed. "What was it he said that insulted you so horribly?"
"He said... he said people were probably wanking to my photos," mumbled Regulus.
Lily put a hand to her mouth in disbelief. But then she looked at him, narrowing her eyes. "And what did you say to him right before that?"
Regulus didn't reply for a while but then gave in. "Just that it must be strange selling one's body. Then he said that models did it too."
"Well. That wasn't a very nice thing to say either, was it? I'm sure he just snapped back because you hurt his feelings. Why don't you just let it go and be professional about this?"
o0o0o
Having been in the business a long time, Regulus knew most of the staff at the shoot. They were all very curious about the reveal of his new boyfriend.
"I don't know when you'll get to see him," Regulus said. "He's not a trophy I drag around showing off."
"I find it a little strange that you've never been interested in blokes before, and all of a sudden you are," commented one of the photographers sceptically.
"You don't know who I have or haven't been interested in," said Regulus irritably. "You've just never seen me with a bloke before."
"I just think it's strange. Especially considering that shite you said about gay people last month."
"It was a bloody joke! How many times do I have to say it? You're just miffed because I've turned down all of your advances in the past. Guess what - it wasn't because of my sexuality, but because you aren't that interesting! Is that so hard to grasp?"
Lily quickly stepped in. "Regulus," she said into his ear. "We are trying to improve your image. Maybe try not to insult one of our best photographers?"
Regulus followed Lily off to the side. "He doesn't get to criticise me! He's a creep who had his hands all over my bum since I was barely a teenager."
"What?" Lily asked in shock. "You should have told someone!"
"Yeah? And then what? Get the reputation that I'm difficult? What do you think my mother would have done? Defended my honour and sued the bloke?"
"No… She would have told you to suck it up," said Lily quietly. "But Regulus - men like him should be exposed."
Regulus snorted. "As if he were the only professional in the fashion business having a hard time keeping his hands off the models. And you're blind if you don't know this."
"I have to go now and you have to get working," said Lily, "but we're not done talking about this."
"Yes, we are. Forget I ever said anything."
Apart from Regulus, there was another model named Emmeline on this shoot, a girl he had done several jobs with and even dated for a while a few years back. They had ended on good terms and had been friends ever since. Sitting down for a break after a few hours' work, Emmeline prodded him for information about Remus "So, Reg," she said after taking a long drink from her water bottle. "Sounds very interesting with your new bloke."
"Yeah, it's incredible how exciting everybody suddenly finds my love life."
"Oh, I'm sorry. I thought we were friends," she said, sounding a bit stung.
Regulus sighed. "I didn't mean you. I mean in general. Especially people who have no business sticking their nose in my personal life."
"You're a famous model who made an unfortunate remark, and now it's out that you're bisexual. Of course people are interested! Now everyone thinks they have a shot with you," she grinned, giving him a teasing nudge. "You've been very discrete with the bisexual thing, though. I didn't even know it."
"Well…" he said, shifting in his seat. "Very few knew. I'm not really sure why. It isn't that I've been embarrassed about it or anything. I'm just…"
"You're just a very private person, yes, I know."
"Yeah. And since I haven't had anything serious with a bloke before, I guess I just haven't felt the need to tell people."
o0o0o
Friday came faster than Regulus would have liked, although he supposed they might as well get it over with. He could tell that Remus was itching to get out, having practically been trapped in the house the best part of a week, and Regulus supposed he could understand that.
"So remember to stick to the story, you two," Lily said as the boys were getting ready to go out the door.
Remus nodded. "Don't worry, we've got it sorted. Mr. Black has been drilling me all day with info and questions. He only needs to ask me what colour me underwear is today."
"Don't be sassy," snapped Regulus. "I never had you call me Mr. Black."
"Remus is just teasing," said Lily.
Regulus groaned. No matter what Remus said or did, Lily liked it - he had charmed his way into her heart completely and it bothered Regulus to no end.
"They'll love you," smiled Lily and gave Remus a small push out the door. "Just turn on that northern charm."
Walking down the drive to the limo, Regulus leaned close to Remus and mumbled, "She didn't mean exaggerate your accent."
"I know, luv," said Remus, putting on a very thick accent, tired of Regulus having been on his back all day.
"Just... try not to provoke me, yeah? I don't want to fuck this up by killing you in the middle of the party."
"Right," Remus sighed. "You can trust me, aye? I'm a professional, and I will do a good job. I promise."
They picked Sirius and his date up on the way. Regulus had not seen him with this woman before. He didn't know her name but thought he could recognise her from somewhere – likely some film.
"Hey, baby brother," said Sirius and then smiled at Remus. "Nice to see you again, Remus. Nervous about the fundraiser?"
"A little," Remus admitted. "But it's going to be fine."
o0o0o
As expected, the street at the entrance to the party was packed with journalists, photographers and curious civilians. Regulus was glad that Sirius was there, because he would undoubtedly draw a lot of the attention. Under normal circumstances he would get much more attention than Regulus, and that was just fine by Regulus. To him, the media and fan attention was just part of the price of being famous, something that had to be endured, but Sirius thrived in it like a flower in sunshine.
To exploit Sirius' magnetism the best, he and his date stepped out of the car first. The crowd screamed and all the cameras went off, lighting up the night while Sirius started smiling and waving.
Remus took a deep breath before stepping out behind Regulus. While the majority of the spectators' attention remained on the film star, most of the photographers and reporters rushed over to get a good look and shots of the biggest celebrity news – the supermodel's new boyfriend.
Regulus took Remus' hand and put on a wide smile. He didn't usually smile much when out in public, but he figured he better play the part of someone in love. Not that he truly knew how that felt. As far as he was knew, he had never been in love before. He had liked someone very much, but he didn't think he would be in doubt if he truly had been in love.
Remus was used to attending posh arrangements with rich people, but this was an entire new experience – being photographed from every angle and showered with attention from so many people. It made him feel like a film star and not just a business man's date.
As they moved along the red carpet, some ten yards behind Sirius and his date, they stopped to pose for the cameras every so often. Journalists were shouting their questions, but as long as they were posing, Regulus had an excuse for not answering. Then someone in the crowd started shouting for a kiss; a request that soon evolved into a chorus of "Kiss! Kiss! Kiss! Kiss!"
Regulus froze. He would never under normal circumstances have serviced fans like that, but this was a special situation. Should he do it? He decided to ignore it. In a way a kiss might help show that the relationship was real, but on the other hand public displays of affection would be very out of character for him. They could kiss sometime later when it didn't seem staged.
When they started walking on, the questions started again. "Remus!" called several.
Remus turned his head out of reflex and gained eye contact with the journalist. "Aye?" he smiled.
Three microphones were stuck in his face. "Tell me - being a common man, how did you manage to pull a supermodel like Regulus Black?"
"Eh..." Remus started, trying to act calm but he did feel a knot in his stomach. "I just... I were just being meself. I reckon we just clicked when spending some time together."
"But how did you meet? You sound northern. Yorkshire - isn't that right?"
Remus nodded. "Regulus were on a shoot in Leeds a few months ago. I just ran into him in a coffee shop and paid for his coffee because he'd forgotten his wallet. So he asked me to join him for dinner later." Remus smiled as remembering the incident fondly. "I didn't even know he were a model."
"Really? He must have really caught your eye, though," said a female reporter. "I mean, look at him!"
"I just saw someone in need. But aye, how could I not notice how beautiful he is?" Remus sent Regulus a loving smile and squeezed his hand.
"I would say it was instant attraction for the both of us," added Regulus, returning Remus' adoring smile. "I have never asked a stranger on a date, but it just happened." Then he excused them and walked on with Remus, letting the reporters tend to some of the other important guests that had arrived.
"You don't have to answer too many questions out here. There are a select few reporters allowed inside, and there we can give some less hectic interviews. They will want to know much more about you."
"Alright," Remus nodded. "I hope I did well enough for now, though." He squeezed his hand again as they walked up the stairs to the building. It was huge. Almost like a mansion.
Inside they greeted the hosts, who were also very interested in Remus. "Welcome. I'm so glad you decided to come! And quite honoured that you chose our little arrangement to introduce yourself to the public."
"Well, it's a very nice event – and I think the children's hospital is worth supporting."
"Oh, aren't you two just adorable," smiled another of the hosts. "So lovely you could attend and bring your new charming boyfriend."
"Oh, Regulus, you surprised us all, didn't you?" said one of the few journalists that had been allowed in. "Not a pretty lady this time, but a handsome young man. Lovely to meet you, Remus."
Remus shook her hand. "Nice to meet you too."
"You're a real charmer with that accent," smiled the woman. "Are you from up north?"
"Aye, Leeds. I met Regulus while he were on a shoot up there."
"Oh, and you just let him whisk you away to London and the glamorous life?"
"How could I say no to this lad?" Remus sent Regulus another adoring look. "It were also tempting to see summat other than Leeds."
"Well, that's understandable. I'm sure it's a lovely city, but London is something special, isn't it? And Regulus' lifestyle must be quite the fairy-tale for you. Like Cinderella."
"Well, it's not as though I come from slum," said Remus, a bit offended, actually, but he didn't let it show. "But aye, it's certainly more luxurious than what I'm used to," he smiled.
"Well, Remus has also been a breath of fresh air for me," said Regulus. "It has been liberating spending time with someone from outside the celebrity world. I haven't done that a lot before. It's very relaxing. Remus has shown me another aspect of life, which I'm learning to appreciate. I think it would be a good experience for all celebrities trying to date someone from the real world. Especially those who have grown up in famous families, such as myself, and known nothing else."
As they moved on, another journalist stopped them.
"Could you please let us have a drink and a bit to eat?" asked Regulus. "We promise to answer a few questions later, if you would just give us a chance to get settled.
The journalist apologised and went on his way.
"Very hectic life you have," Remus commented while they walked towards the buffet.
"Yes," sighed Regulus and let go of Remus' hand as he reached for a plate. "Not my favourite part, if I'm honest, but it isn't something I can evade. Of course I don't have to come to every single thing I'm invited to, but I do have to show my face every so often. I see it as part of my job."
"I can understand that," said Remus putting something on his plate he had no idea what was but looked delicious.
o0o0o
They didn't talk much on their way back in the car. Not because of a bad vibe, but because they were both exhausted. They had been talking to so many guests and journalists and posed for numerous photos. Regulus was in a good mood. The evening had gone beyond well, and he was sure their relationship had been solidly manifested in the public eye.
"Thank you," Remus said, "for being a gentleman and showing me around that house and that. But it seems things went fine so you must be happy as well."
"Yes, it went very well. I'm quite relieved, actually. Not that I thought you would fail, but you were better than could be expected. Very convincing. They all ate it up."
"I told you I wouldn't disappoint," Remus yawned and took off his tie. "Sure am tired now, though."
"Me too. We're going to be all over the internet tomorrow. Probably already are."
"It's good for your career," Remus said and helped himself to a glass of champagne from the fridge in the limo. He took a sip and looked at the bottle. "Must be nice to have everything you desire right at hand," he mused.
"If you think I have everything I desire, you're a fool," said Regulus, turning his gaze from the window to Remus." My perfect life wouldn't look quite like this."
"Oh? So what more do you want?"
"None of your business," said Regulus, resuming looking out the window.
"Sorry. Guess I just wanted to get to know the real you a bit better."
o0o0o
The nightmare was back again that night; like it had been countless times the past many years, ever since that day in the lake when he was five. The first year or so the nightmare had haunted his dreams almost every night, then it had become gradually less frequent, but he still had it at least a few times a year; and no matter how many times he had had the dream it was still as terrifying as the first time. He was back in the cold lake, water filling his lungs with every breath he tried to take, the water growing darker and darker above him.
"Hey… Hey, Regulus!" a voice called and a pair of hands were on Regulus' shoulders, shaking him awake.
Regulus sat up straight, hyperventilating as if he couldn't get any air into his lungs.
"Easy now," Remus said and ran a hand up and down his back. "It's alright. Just a bad dream."
Still not clear in his head, Regulus clung to Remus as if he were a lifebelt, shaking and sobbing.
Remus was a little surprised, but nonetheless wrapped his arms around the model and started rocking him back and forth. "It's okay..."
Gradually, Regulus woke properly and finally sat up, pushing Remus away. He had scared more than one date waking up like this, and it was always embarrassing; but letting his fake boyfriend see him this vulnerable was even worse. "Sorry about that," he mumbled and stepped out of bed. "Just... just a nightmare." He put on a robe and left the room, not coming back for the rest of the night.