A/N: So this is the final chapter. Thank you so much for reading and for all the reviews. We appreciate it immensely. :)

Zayhad has made 6 pieces of art for this fic. See them on her Deviantart gallery in the folder "Some Kind of Romance"

Chapter 15 – Yes, I'm Home

After finally getting Remus to eat a little and take a shower before bed, Peter sat in the living room wondering what Regulus had meant by his words: that things had changed. Wasn't that what he had said? It certainly hadn't looked it when the press conference had been on the telly; him calling Remus a liar and acting like he didn't know what Remus did for a living. Remus had asked Peter to turn it off after a few minutes and then he had cried his eyes out. So what did Regulus mean by things being different? Had something else happened? Now that Remus was sleeping, it couldn't hurt to see the rest of the press conference, so Peter decided to look it up online.

o0o0o

There was a knock on the door to Remus' room (normally Peter's study room). "Remus? Remus, I need to talk to you."

"Wot?" Remus mumbled, half-asleep.

Peter came in and placed his laptop on the mattress. When he pressed play on the filmed press conference Remus pushed the laptop away and snapped at Peter, "Why are you torturin' me with this? I've already seen it!"

"We only saw the beginnin'. There's more, and I guarantee you'll want to see the rest."

Remus groaned in frustration but then agreed to watch the rest. Pain was written all over his face as he watched Regulus on the screen trying not to let the journalists smear his name completely but still denying to have known anything. Hearing the pushy journalist read the tweets and comments out loud made Remus want to toss the laptop across the room and yell at Peter, but then... then Regulus raised his voice.

"I DID know! And I didn't care!"

Remus' eyes widened as he watched the model defend him and even say that he loved him. Saying that to all of them and not caring what they thought. "He... he stood up for me," Remus whispered when the clip was over.

Peter nodded, looking very guilty. "Aye. And there's summat else… I dint tell you, because I dint want 'im to upset you any further."

"What are you talkin' about?"

"He were 'ere yesterdeh. Not Jehovah's witnesses. I said I 'ant seen you in years and sent 'im packin'."

Remus blinked a few times. He wanted to yell at Peter, but letting it sink in, he knew he had done it to protect him. "I'm not mad. I joost... I need to find him! Did he leave his phone number? I lost it when I tossed me mobile in the river."

Peter shook his head. "I dint give 'im a chance to do or say anythin', really. He looked like shite, though; knackered and miserable. Said things had changed, but I dint let him explain. Like I said - I told 'im I dint 'ave anythin' to do wi you anymore."

Remus tried to think but all his thoughts were rushing though his head. How was he supposed to find Regulus if he didn't have his number? He knew it wasn't listed because then everyone could call him. Sirius' wasn't either. But maybe Lily's was? "Try looking up Lily Evans' number online and make sure it says she's a model agent," he told Peter who started typing away on the laptop.

"I think I found it," he said and tapped in the number on his mobile and handed it to Remus.

"Hello?" sounded a tired voice. "If you're a journalist you can shove it - it's late!"

"Lily? It's Remus."

"Remus?" she said, suddenly sounding wide awake. "Where are you? Regulus has been looking for you for days! He took the train to Leeds directly from the press conference and he's still up there."

"I'm at me friend's house," Remus said, happy to hear that Regulus was still in town. "Do you know where he is?"

"Yes. At the Walford Hotel. Remus - have you seen the press conference?"

"I only saw the start of it," Remus admitted. "But Peter watched the rest this evening and then made me watch it."

"Go find him, Remus," she said in a gentle voice. "It's the first time he has truly stood up to his mother. You must be very special to him. She ripped right into him when he got off the stand. Threatened with disownment if he didn't give you up. Said he was shaming the family. He told her to shove it."

Remus smiled as tears started streaming down his cheeks. "I wish he'd done that before I left... would've saved us a lot of heartache."

"Yes, but it was a big decision for him and he had almost no time to make it. He needed that extra day to think and sort out his feelings. He ended up choosing you over his career and family," said the agent. "Do you want his number or do you just want to go to the hotel?"

"I'm going to the hotel. I want to surprise him." Remus didn't even bother to change into decent clothes; just threw on a coat and jammed his feet into a pair of trainers.

Peter gave him some money for the taxi. "Give me a call later, yeah? So I know you found him."

"I will," Remus said and gave his friend a hug before getting into the taxi.

o0o0o

Regulus was lying on the bed trying to pull himself together and get up to brush his teeth and get out of his clothes so he could get to bed properly; even though he doubted he could sleep. He was starting to lose hope; although he had no intention of giving up. Remus clearly didn't want to be found. Perhaps he wasn't in Leeds at all. Perhaps he wasn't even in the country. Suddenly there was a knock on the door. Who would call on him this late? Perhaps it was hotel staff with an important message. He decided to get up and open. Before he unlocked the door, he shouted "If you're a journalist you're getting the door in the face!" When there was no answer, he opened the door just enough to peep out.

Outside the door stood Remus wearing an open jacket over his pyjamas. His eyes were a little red from having cried. As he saw Regulus peek out, he sent him a smile and tears welled up in his eyes. "Hi, Regulus..."

Regulus swung the door open and stood staring. "Remus? What are you doing here? How did you know I was here?"

"I called Lily. I, um... I didn't watch the whole interview until today so I didn't know what you said. Me friend either; or else he wouldn't have turned you away."

"Oh, so you were there..." Regulus shuffled his feet, not sure what to do. Did Remus want to get back together or was he just there to get some closure? "I meant what I said..."

Remus looked at him for a moment and then took a few steps forward so he stood close to Regulus. He sent him a soft smile before leaning in to place a kiss on his lips.

Regulus kissed back and slung his arms around him, holding on as tightly as he could. He could feel himself shaking and tears well up in his eyes. When he managed to stop crying, he finally let go to look at Remus. "I'm sorry. Sorry that it took so long to pick up the courage. Sorry I hurt you."

"Just please don't do it again," Remus mumbled, resting his forehead against Regulus', closing his eyes to keep the tears at bay. They stood in the doorway for another minute before finally deciding to go inside and closing the door.

Regulus looked Remus up and down and laughed. "How about a shower? You look as bad as I do."

Remus smiled. "If you help me out." Regulus opened the door to the bathroom and Remus stepped in behind him, letting his hands slip under his shirt and onto his stomach. "Want me to help you undress?"

"Yes, please. I seem to have forgotten how to do it," said Regulus, turning around.

Remus smiled and kissed Regulus' neck while slowly removing his shirt.

"You're in your pyjamas," Regulus chuckled as he pushed off Remus' jacket. "That much in a hurry?"

"Didn't want to risk you going home because I wasted time dolling meself up," Remus smiled.

"You mean you were afraid I would pack up and leave this late at night?" asked Regulus and hummed in anticipation when Remus unbuttoned his trousers.

"Summat like that."

Regulus quickly stepped out of his jeans and shrugged off his shirt while Remus shed his pyjamas. Regulus ran his hands appreciatively over his body. "I've missed this," he said and looked down. "I can see you have, too."

"How could I not?" Remus smiled and leaned in to place a kiss on his lips while walking him into the stall, hands on his narrow hips.

Regulus turned on the water and pushed Remus against the tiles of the stall. Remus let out a squeak at the sudden coldness on his back but forgot it the second later. How could he not, when Regulus kissed him like that and pressed against him, starting to move his lower body slowly? Remus ran his hands up and down Regulus' back until he finally let them settle on his behind, squeezing each buttock as he pulled him against his own body. The kiss got even more heated as they worked each other up with touch and longing. It didn't take long before Regulus shook against the other boy, moaning out his name. He kept kissing him while he put a hand on him and quickly finished him off as well.

After they both had caught their breath, they washed each other and got out to dry off before crawling into bed, lying naked against other. Remus let his fingers run though Regulus' damp looks and placed a soft kiss on his forehead.

"So, will you let me take you with me home to my little castle?" asked Regulus.

"Aye," Remus said in a soft voice. "What are you going to do now? I mean work, and that?"

"Well... I don't know how bad things are. I haven't been paying attention to the reactions to that press conference, but I'm sure there are still designers who want to use me. Depends on how many bigots there are out there. Can't be everyone, can it? But even if I don't get a lot of work and make less money, I can get by just fine. I've already made a lot in my short career, and the house is already paid, so I'm not going to get poor or anything. You don't have to worry about money."

"I don't care about money," said Remus, his fingers still playing around in Regulus' hair. "I were just worried if I've ruined everything for you. I'd hoped it could have gone more smoothly but it seems an old client of mine had recognised me so now everybody knows what I am. I wonder if I'll ever become more than an ex-prostitute in people's eyes…"

"Of course you will. People forget. What kind of job would you like now? I mean, you don't have to work if you don't want to. I have plenty of money for the both of us. But perhaps you would like to finish your education? I'll give you anything you want."

"You don't have to give me anything. As long as you never leave me again, I'm fine. But aye, I'd like to finish me education in time. Get a decent job. One I can be proud of and me mam would be proud of. One you would be proud of."

"Please let me pay for your education. At least start by taking the money you actually earned fair and square."

"I don't want it because it weren't a job to me. But I'll let you help me with me education, then, if it will make you feel better." Remus hooked a lock of hair behind his ear and smiled at him.

"It does. I can easily afford it and I want you to get that education."

Remus just smiled and kissed him again. "I love you, Regulus. Very much."

"Really?" Regulus smiled, a warmth spreading through his body. It was the first time Remus had said it. "I love you too. But I already said that. To the whole nation."

"Yeah. About that…" Remus said in a teasing voice. "You told everyone else before me! But I reckon I'd guessed it already. At least I hoped I were right because I've loved you for a while."

"You fell for me instantly because of my great personality," grinned Regulus, entangling their feet.

"Aye, you were such a charmer. But I think you were infatuated with me too from the start - acting all sexy and showing off your body every chance you got."

"Well... that is my job, you know. Did you think that was for your benefit?" said Regulus, quirking an eyebrow.

"I know it was," Remus smiled seductively, letting the hand in Regulus' hair slowly slide down his back.

o0o0o

They stayed another day in Leeds, Remus taking Regulus on a roundtrip to see some of the places that had significance to him. Although both donned sunglasses and hats, they were recognised several times, although luckily not by any journalists. Some of the photos that were taken would likely go on social media straight away, but people didn't know which hotel they were staying at and they were leaving early in the morning, so hopefully they would be gone before a swarm of reporters and paparazzi found them.

To Regulus' surprise they were only met with positive attitudes.

"Oh, Regulus, I always admired you, but now you're me hero as well!" beamed a young woman. "And you – you're the real thing!" she gushed and gave Remus a hug. "We're proud of you up 'ere."

"T-thank you," Remus said rather surprised but smiling. The fear of being stigmatised by the public slowly ebbed away as they were met by more and more positive people.

o0o0o

They took the train back to London the following day. On their way up the drive they were ambushed by a couple of journalists and a photographer. Honestly, Regulus thought. How long had they been staking out the house? They must have gotten a tip that they were heading home. He decided to stop and answer a few questions, hoping they would leave after that.

"Remus – are you happy to be back in Regulus' life?"

"Very," Remus said without hesitation. "I love him very much."

"Yes, I'm sure. But it doesn't hurt that he's rich and famous - and one of the most coveted bachelors in London, does it?" the reporter said with a glint in his eye.

"Those things don't matter to me," said Remus. "I didn't know who he were when I met him. I were trying to turn me life around, trying to find decent work and I were just lucky to meet him in that coffee shop. I feel blessed," he smiled, trying not to let himself be bothered by the fact that the journalist still sounded like he thought Remus was a gold digger.

The journalist nodded. "Why did it take Regulus so long to find you? Were you hiding from him?"

"I felt like I would ruin his life because of me past and I just couldn't bear it so I left before the press conference."

"How noble of you," said the journalist, not quite letting on whether he was being sarcastic or serious. "So, how did it feel when the knight in shining armour came and whisked you away?"

"Is he bothering you, Remus?" said Regulus, turning away from the reporter questioning himself.

Remus gave Regulus a slight nod.

"Right, that's it," said Regulus and took Remus' hand, about to leave.

One of the other journalists stopped him with a hand to the shoulder. "Just one more question, please. To you, not Remus."

Regulus gave a short nod. "Be quick about it."

"Rumours say that your family is very upset and against your choice, but they refuse to speak about it. Only your brother has talked to the media. Have you read or seen the interviews?"

"No. I've been concentrating on finding Remus and getting him back. What did he say?"

"That he's proud of his brother finally going his own way and standing up for the person he loves. And he also said that he doesn't care what the rest of your family says because you're the one who's most important to him. Are you surprised by his words?"

"No. My brother has always been on my side, no matter what he thought of my choices. I know I can count on him. And I also know that he likes Remus and that he's not a bigot and hypocrite like so many others."

"So what do you want to do now? Will you continue modelling even though many agencies probably won't hire you after this scandal?"

"You said one question," said Regulus. "So if you don't mind, we're tired from a long drive."

"Could we have a picture of you together?"

Regulus sighed and agreed, pulling Remus close. As soon as pictures had been snapped, Regulus turned with Remus and walked up to the house and closed the door behind them.

"Young sir!" beamed Kreacher in absolute delight. "You're home!"

"Yes, I'm home," smiled Regulus and gave the old man a hug, much to his bafflement. "And I brought Remus. He's moving in for good and it makes me very happy, so I'm counting on you to be nice to him and treat him as a habitant."

"Yes, of course, sir," Kreacher nodded. He sent Remus a polite nod and then took their jackets before going to the kitchen to prepare a meal for the tired travellers.

Remus turned towards Regulus and put his hands on his hips, smiling, and then gave him a kiss.
"Feels good to be home."

Lily came over a bit later to brief Regulus about the situation. "I take it that you haven't been keeping track of the news and gossip columns?"

They both shook their heads.

"Well, all in all things are looking better than I had feared. The press is split on the issue - half are playing up the scandal, while the other half is focusing on Regulus the rebel who is choosing true love over what is expected of him."

Remus looked at Regulus and then at Lily. "Well that's kind of good, innit? I mean if Regulus still wants to model, that is."

Regulus bit his lip and then nodded. "Well, it's all I'm good at."

"I'm sure you can do whatever you want to do," Remus said determined. "You're smart enough. You could even get an education."

"I think it would be a great loss for the fashion world if you stopped modelling," said Lily. "You're one of a kind, Regulus. But of course I agree with Remus that you should do what makes you happy."

"It's fine. The thing about modelling I hate the most is the constant pressure and attention from everybody, especially the media. But if my mother really stopped meddling, then the pressure part would lessen. She always made me feel like I wasn't living up to my potential, and I always had to live my life exactly the way she planned."

"I've always known it would be good for you to not allow her to control your career. I've seen first-hand what effect she's had on your well-being."

Regulus nodded. "I think I'll just take on fewer jobs. I feel like slowing down a bit so I'm not so stressed and in a bad mood all the time. Well, that might not be so much of a choice after all, if nobody will hire me..."

"Oh, they will," said Lily. "True, some of your steadies have already informed me that they will not be using you any longer for moral reasons, but I've also received several requests from other brands who are very keen to have you. It's mostly lesser known and new brands, who need as much attention as they can get - and they're sure you can get them that, both because you're so good and because of all the media attention. One even wrote me that you were so much more interesting now because of the moral dilemma and all the debate you have caused."

"Really?" said Regulus, surprised.

"Yes," smiled Lily. "Also, the internet has gone completely overboard with tweets and whatnot about supporting the two of you. Your fans with all the hashtags? They have been posting non-stop since the press conference and most are big supporters of you. So you might have been dropped by a few agencies, but the public loves you more than ever."

"Well... we did meet a few fans up in Leeds, and they were very supportive. But of course that was Remus' home turf, so I honestly feared that the attitude down here might be different."

Lily smiled. "I think the two of you need a good break, so why don't you take that? Then we'll look into your future career when you're ready, Reg."

"I think I would like to take at least a month off," said Regulus. "I need a long break."

Lily nodded in agreement. "I'll keep you posted."

o0o0o

The next day, Sirius dropped by around 8 a.m., announcing his arrival at the top of his lungs as he entered the hallway.

Regulus jumped out of bed and put on a bathrobe, advising Remus to do the same since he knew his brother might just walk into the bedroom if they weren't out.

Remus rubbed his eye and yawned loudly as they walked down the stairs.

"Oh, was someone was active all night?" Sirius winked and leaned against the wall.

"We had a long day. Leeds is at the other side of the world. Journey took forever," said Regulus.

"Yeah, right," laughed Sirius. "Anyway, sleepyheads, I came to see how you were. Mum's been calling me non-stop but I told her to shove it so I guess the two of us are only Blacks by name now. I bet she scratched our faces off the pictures in the family albums," he laughed.

"What? You aren't cut off. You're just the black sheep of the family."

"Well, she hates me now for sticking up for you, but I don't really give a toss. Actually, you're the only reason I've even made an effort to not get disowned. But you know that. Anyway, lovebirds - I also wanted to ask if the two of you want to go out with us tonight? James says tonight is the night he will land Lily, so I wanted to offer you the chance to witness this ground-breaking event. What do you say?"

Regulus laughed. "In his dreams. Why doesn't he just give up on her, already? Anyway, I think I'll pass. I've been to quite enough parties for a while." He sent Remus a look as if to ask what he thought.

"I think I'll pass too," Remus said. "I could use a day on the sofa in front of the telly."

When Sirius left, Regulus suggested they go back to bed. It was too early to be doing anything active. Lying together under the blankets, Regulus toying with Remus' hair, he said, "I was thinking of using that month for a long holiday somewhere far away where we can relax and enjoy the sun. Somewhere everybody doesn't know us."

Remus' hand was running idly up and down Regulus' side while considering. "I don't really know where would be a good place. But enjoying the sun and you in peace sounds absolutely mint."

"Well, let's have a look on the internet when we get up and see what you think. I would very much like you to choose. I was thinking something in the Caribbean or Bali or some other South Asian island paradise, for instance? But I want you to make the decision."

"I'll take a look and explore the possibilities later, but I think I'll do some exploring here first," smiled Remus seductively before crawling in over Regulus. "If you don't mind."

"Oh, I don't mind," Regulus said with a grin.