It wasn't difficult to find Sirius in the parking lot. Even without looking for anyone in particular, the man had a presence that was hard to miss. He was leaning against a lamppost finishing off another cigarette with trembling hands. His eyes were closed in an apparent effort to calm himself down before heading home.

Remus rolled his eyes, seeing no reason why he needed to come after Sirius. If he was so good at relaxing on his own, what help could Remus possibly offer him? He knew if he didn't at least talk to Sirius though, he would have to face the wrath of Alice later, and that was never a pretty sight.

"Sirius?"

Gray eyes snapped open, finding Remus' amber ones immediately.

"Um, Alice thought that I should check on you," he explained lamely.

He snorted, dropping the cigarette onto the asphalt and crushing it under his boot. "Well you can head back inside, Lupin. I don't need a minder." Sirius turned away, lifting a red and gold helmet off of a motorcycle and fastening it on his head before straddling the bike, pulling a set of keys from his jeans pocket.

"Sirius, wait," Remus started, walking closer so they were only a few feet apart. "There's no reason you need to leave. Come back inside and hang out for a while."

He flicked up his visor, examining Remus' eyes suspiciously as if searching for any malice. While he didn't make any movement to get off the bike, he relaxed slightly, clearly willing to talk. "Why did you leave?"

"What?"

"Last Thursday, when we met. You said that it wasn't going to work out between us and you left. Why?"

"Oh."

Sirius removed his helmet, ruffling his hair with his left hand. "Don't you think I at least deserve an explanation? What is it? Are you in another relationship? Do you not find me attractive?" He scoffed at that, shaking his head in dismissal. The man was clearly well-aware of just how attractive he was. "There has to have been some reason. What is it, Lupin?"

"No, I – I mean, you're right. You deserve an explanation. I'm sorry about running like that, I just – I was overwhelmed. Meeting you like that was just so unexpected."

He studied Remus for a long while before pressing further, a soft shimmer of hope visible in his eyes. "So, now that you've had more time to process everything, are you willing to give me a chance?"

Remus was tempted to agree, but he had to think about what was best for Teddy; a relationship with a man that had a false identity and a questionable background was definitely not in Teddy's best interest. While he hated the idea of shattering the man's heart for a second time, it was necessary. "I'm sorry, but no. Nothing has changed, and this won't work. It can't."

He left out a long breath, the easy acceptance on his face showing that he had anticipated a negative response. The gesture tugged at Remus' heart, weakening his resolve momentarily.

Sirius closed his eyes in an obvious attempt to control his emotions. "Tell me why. Please."

He was hesitant to talk about Teddy as Sirius no doubt still had connections to the mafia, and informing him about his son didn't seem like a wise move. Instead, he went with the next best thing. "We're just too different."

"Different?"

"Yes. I mean, look at us," he gestured between the two of them. "I'm a cardigan wearing bookworm, and you're a leather wearing daredevil."

Sirius smirked at that remark, though the smile didn't quite reach his eyes. "I don't think our clothing choice really has anything to do with who we're compatible with."

"I like to stay home at night with a good book and a cup of tea, whereas you most likely enjoy the night life. Bar hopping, clubbing, hanging out with drunk friends, and the like. I'm a family man. I like the idea of growing old with someone and raising children, maybe adopting a stray dog or two. You're a live-in-the-moment man. The kind that loves a new conquest, and enjoys meaningless sex. I like -

"What did you say?" All traces of amusement left his face in the blink of an eye, being replaced quickly with enmity.

Remus froze in the face of an angry Sirius. His normally gentle gray eyes had taken on a darker hue that was akin to an oncoming thunderstorm. While Remus knew he would be able to defend himself should the other man try anything, he would rather not get involved in a scuffle. It was too much paperwork.

"I didn't mean-," Remus backpedaled, trying to ease the situation before it got out of hand. "It's just that you're the sort that a girl's mum would warn them about, you know?"

"So I look like someone that seduces random people into my bed? Is that what you're saying?"

"Well, I-" It was at this inopportune moment that Remus recalled what Frank had told him about Sirius; that he was also a single father. Embarrassment flooded Remus' mind, causing him to become tongue tied. He hadn't intended to offend the other man, but he had completely forgotten about that very important detail, and now he couldn't figure out how to claw his way out of this situation.

"Exactly what about me makes me look like I enjoy anonymous sex, Lupin?"

Staring into the face of an angered Black had to be one of the most nerve-wracking things Remus had ever encountered. It was easy to see how the man's family had risen so easily in the underground. The family was known for their fierce temper, and it was apparently very easy to bring about. Had Remus not been trained extensively in various hostile situations, he would most likely have turned tail and ran from the expression currently on Sirius' face. He knew his next words would have to be very well thought out, or he would definitely not be able to avoid extra paperwork tonight.

Then the simple answer came to him. The very source of Remus' insecurities on his soulmate's identity was staring him so blatantly in the face, he felt stupid to not immediately grasp and use it. "It doesn't have anything to do with your looks," he amended gently, testing the waters as he spoke by ensuring he didn't break eye contact. The moment Sirius turned hostile, he would need to be prepared, and the eyes were always the first hint.

He rose one slender eyebrow in a perfect aristocratic arch, his lips pursed into a thin line. "Well it can't be my personality, considering you never bothered getting to know me."

"You're right," Remus subtly adjusted his position so the lamppost was partly between them. If things went south, having that bit of extra concrete protecting his legs would be beneficial. "I haven't really gotten to know you, but you are a Black, and that speaks for itself."

Remus has expected the man's temper to flare, so when grief flickered in his eyes for a second before all emotion was forced out to leave a closed expression, Remus was thrown off-kilter.

"I mean," Remus continued, feeling compelled by some unknown force to explain himself, "it's just that we won't be compatible. I work in law enforcement and you're a Black. Having a relationship with you would be a gross conflict of interest. Maybe that's something that Alice and Francis – er, I mean Frank – are willing to deal with, but I'm just not ready for that."

"A conflict of interest," Sirius repeated, his voice so quiet, Remus almost missed his words. "Just what sort of job do you think I have?"

His eyebrows rose in surprise, not expecting to be asked for an example. "Well, I – to be honest, I had only recently heard about the Black Family, but I know that your organization is full of illegitimate activities such as human and drug trafficking. Being the heir, I suppose you would be responsible for keeping the 'employees' in line and ordering punishments for those that stray. Though you are rather fit, so it's possible you enjoy punishing those people yourself."

Sirius made a clicking sound with his tongue and the roof of his mouth, before nodding and reaffixing the motorcycle helmet. "I see. Well, thank you for clarifying that, Lupin." He inserted the key into his bike and turned the ignition on with a deafening roar, causing Remus to involuntarily jump from the sound.

Remus scowled, not having expected that reaction from Sirius. Certainly the man should either get jumpy that Remus was spot-on, expecting him to try arresting Sirius, or he would get angry again, lashing out at Remus for claiming he was involved in something heinous. The clear dismissal was something he had definitely not anticipated.

"You're not going to deny it?" Remus shouted over the noise of the motorcycle.

Sirius flicked the visor down without bothering to look at the other man. "You should stop talking to me if you don't want to sully your reputation," he retorted, derision thick in his voice. "Goodbye, Lupin. Hopefully our paths won't cross again."

Sirius twisted his grip on the handlebar to open the throttle before accelerating out of the parking lot at a speed that was definitely not legal. Remus watched his retreating form until the man and bike disappeared behind a building, the rumbling of the engine eventually becoming too far to make out.

An uncomfortable niggling in Remus' chest made him feel as though he had just made a huge mistake. His mind was torn between reprimanding himself for letting the man leave and insisting that it was for the best. Everything in Remus' life had been so straight forward until now. He was completely unaccustomed to this uncertainty, and he definitely didn't appreciate it.

Turning Sirius away was the right choice. He knew that. Becoming involved with a future mafia lord was not wise at all. A police detective had no business getting involved with someone like that. Especially not a police detective with a five-year-old son to look after.

The analytical part of his mind couldn't help but wonder why Sirius had given up so easily though. Surely having a lover that works in law enforcement would be extremely beneficial to someone like him; having a soulmate bond with them would be even more tempting, as that would provide further assurance your lover wouldn't stray. Remus could have been an inside man for the Black's operations, almost guaranteeing that Sirius would never be caught.

Why would Sirius have let him go? Why didn't he continue trying to seduce him? Surely someone that cares so much about power wouldn't just walk away from such a golden opportunity, and the man had made it very clear he was giving up on him.

Remus sighed heavily, kicking at the man's discarded cigarette butt on the floor. It had been thoroughly pulverized beneath Sirius' boots, only leaving torn strips of tan paper and filter fluff blowing in the gentle wind. Tearing his gaze away, he mindlessly walked back inside the bar, silently sitting down across from Alice, and downed the long island iced tea she had bought him earlier in a long draught. This evening was definitely not what he had anticipated, and he simply didn't want to think anymore.

Curious blue eyes found Remus' face as Alice tilted her head, her blonde curls flirting with the tabletop. "You weren't able to convince Sirius stay?"

Remus shook his head before downing the untouched drink in front of Sirius' empty seat. "No, he said he doesn't want to see me ever again."

"Really?" Frank narrowed his eyes suspiciously. "I find that hard to believe considering he's spent the last nine days pining after 'Moony'."

Remus shrugged, waving a nearby waiter over to order another round for the table.

"What exactly happened outside?"

Remus locked eyes with Frank. He didn't know just what kind of shady work the man did, but he did know he was Sirius' coworker, which meant he was also attached to the mafia. Although Frank looked like a gentle man, it could easily be a well-polished front. The look he was currently giving Remus was very firm. If the two weren't so obviously different in appearance, Remus would have believed Frank to be Sirius' elder brother by that expression alone.

"I don't know what you're talking about," Remus replied in an aloof manner, choosing to sip at his new drink. He was beginning to feel a buzz from the two drinks already, so he should at least slow down his consumption.

"You pushed him away," Frank stated, his brown eyes full of disappointment. He laughed humorlessly, shaking his head before polishing off his gin and tonic. "And considering how stubborn Sirius is, you must have said some pretty harsh words to get him to submit. Why would you do that? He's your soulmate, isn't he? Aren't soulmates meant to accept each other completely, flaws and all?"

Alice frowned, biting her lip. "Remus," she said softly, grabbing at his hand as it rested on the table. "Rejecting your soulmate is a terrible thing to do. How would you feel if it was the other way around? Don't you think you owe him a chance at least?"

"I can't be with him," he replied firmly. He wouldn't let either of them try to guilt him into being in a relationship with Sirius. It just wasn't possible. Alice was already toeing the line with Frank, but at least he wasn't a Black.

"Why not?"

"He's a Black," he replied simply.

"What?!" Frank slammed his hand against the table, causing the glasses to shake precariously, and he stood from his seat, eyes alight with indignation. "You rejected him because of his surname?"

The volume of his outburst attracted the attention of the other patrons, who glanced over curiously before resuming their conversations.

"I-" Remus started, his voice failing him for the first time that night.

There was no denying that the man across from him was livid, but where Sirius' anger was closer to a simmering vengeance, Frank's was explosive and indignant. The man was, quite honestly, reminding Remus of how Alice would behave had anyone tried to hurt Remus.

"So you're telling me," Frank growled, glaring daggers at Remus, "that I've been having to deal with a heartbroken, blubbering mess of a partner because his soulmate can't accept the fact that he comes from a fucked up family?"

"Well, it's just-"

"He isn't even a real Black anymore," Frank continued, steamrolling over Remus' objection as if he never spoke. "He got disowned. Didn't he tell you that, or were you too busy shooting him down to listen?"

"Disowned?" Remus' mouth hung partly open in surprise. He didn't know that, but Sirius hadn't even tried to tell him. He had just accepted what Remus said and left without bothering to correct him.

"Yes, disowned. He refused to marry that horrible woman his parents tried setting him up with. Naturally that didn't go over very well with his dear mum and dad. They tried 'correcting' him, but when that failed to work, they hired an assassin to take care of him. Unfortunately for them, the assassin they hired tipped him off and he ran away from home. Orion wasn't a fool and knew the assassin failed, so he disowned him on paper, keeping all records hidden from the public eye. As far as anyone could tell, Sirius just disappeared one day. Our organization circulated rumors that he committed suicide, but we know the Black Family isn't convinced. No Black would ever commit suicide. It's far too pedestrian for those insane bastards. They'd much rather a duel to the death if they really want to off themselves."

Remus was silent for a long while, processing everything Frank had told him. A wave of nausea began to wash over him. While the story was unsettling, it was too unrealistic. It sounded like something out of a Brothers Grimm novel. "That doesn't make sense. Why would Orion hire an assassin to kill his son? He was his heir, right?"

"He had two sons," Frank said matter-of-factually. "Regulus was younger than Sirius by little more than a year, but still a male heir."

"Oh." He supposed he should have known that, but aside from reading up on Sirius and the main headlines on the Black Family, he didn't really delve too deeply with his research.

"Incidentally, Regulus was the assassin Orion hired."

Remus and Alice's breath caught in their throats as they stared wide-eyed at Frank.

"Orion hired Sirius' brother to kill him?" Alice asked in disbelief.

Shame began to flood Remus' chest as he lowered his gaze to the suddenly highly fascinating wood grains on the table. He had insisted that Sirius was just like the people that had treated him so cruelly. He had just assumed that Sirius was an evil man simply because of his name. A name he was no longer even associated with. A name that no doubt felt like a curse to the young man.

"Yes," Frank replied with a nod as he chewed on a piece of ice. "Orion chose him for the job to dissuade Regulus from following in his brother's footsteps. That's how messed up that family is."

"Wasn't Regulus worried about their father finding out though?" Alice asked, a worried crease on her forehead. "That he didn't actually kill Sirius, I mean?"

"No. Orion was already losing one son. He couldn't afford a second. Those two are the last male Blacks left that aren't in their senior years."

Alice shook her head. "You really weren't joking when you said he comes from a messed up family. I knew they were evil, but I didn't think they would be that cruel to their own."

"Yeah. Some of the things he's told me is admittedly hard to believe. Ever since running away, Sirius has been trying to distance himself from them as much as possible: mentally and physically. While he is no longer in contact with any of them, you can imagine what kind of corrupting influence that would be to grow up with; they've really done a number on his mind."

Alice nodded along with sympathy shining in her eyes while Remus tried to mull everything over in his head.

"As far as physically distancing himself," Frank continued, speaking more to Alice than Remus, "that's the main reason he likes to dress the way he does. Band tees, torn jeans, lots of leather, excessive facial jewelry. Basically anything that would send his mother into a fit."

She furrowed her brows. "But if he doesn't see them, what good does that do?"

"It's more for himself, really. A true Black would never been seen looking like a punk. He figures that if he doesn't look like one of them, that people wouldn't treat him as such. Unfortunately, he is the spitting image of his father, so he has little choice but to go extreme to get his point across."

"Earlier you mentioned your organization," Remus said softly, finding his voice once again. "What is it that you two do?"

Frank smirked at Remus, though it was clear he was still extremely angered about the whole ordeal. After glancing over his shoulder to ensure there was no one obviously listening in, he leaned forward so he didn't need to let his voice carry. "We're bounty hunters."

Remus' eyes widened in surprise. "Bounty hunters?" Out of everything he had assumed Sirius and Frank did for their profession, he hadn't suspected something so lawful.

"Yes," he affirmed. "We work for an organization called The Order of the Phoenix. Perhaps you've heard of it? Alice said you two are police detectives, yes?"

"The Order of the Phoenix," Remus whispered in disbelief. "You mean that organization is real?"

Frank nodded. "Yes, very real. We work to strike back against the criminal underground. Lately we've been exceptionally busy with a new group calling themselves Death Eaters. Unfortunately, being funded heavily by the Black Family, they are highly elusive. That's one of the main reasons we work undercover. It wouldn't do to have everyone calling us by our true names or we would be spotted far too easily."

Remus pulled at his hair as he warred with frustration and self-loathing. The Order of the Phoenix was anything but a crooked operation. From what he had heard, they were one of the best weapons England had against the criminal underground. They would not have allowed Sirius to be a part of their group had he still been loyal to the Black Family, which meant that he was not at all the man Remus had assumed he was.

His earlier conversation rang unbidden in his mind. With the knowledge Frank had given him, his previous words left a bitter taste. He had said such horrible things to his soulmate. He had intentionally pushed the man away. Remus had wounded him so badly that Sirius hadn't even bothered to fight back, accepting the rejection without complaint. The tongue truly was a venomous weapon, and he had intentionally wielded it against a man he was meant to love.

Remus felt so stupid. Why had he doubted fate? Everything about their pairing made perfect sense. Someone like him could never associate with a crooked person, so naturally whoever fate would choose for him wouldn't be crooked. He should have at least given Sirius a chance, but he didn't. Now, he may never have that opportunity again, and they would be condemned to spend the rest of their lives apart.

"So, now that you've had more time to process everything, are you willing to give me a chance?"

Closing his eyes, he could still see the way that shimmer of hope had flickered out of Sirius' beautiful gray eyes. He was probably too late now, but Remus would be damned if he didn't at least try to make amends.

"Frank, I need to fix this," he said, desperation causing his voice to take on a strained tone. "Please, may I have Sirius' phone number?"

He saw Frank hesitate, glancing uncertainly between Alice and Remus. "I'm not sure that's a good idea."

"Please, Frank?" Remus offered his best imitation of puppy eyes, hoping to wear down the other man.

Frank laughed, true amusement flickering across his face for the first time in almost an hour. "I work with Sirius, mate, and he's the master of the puppy dog expression. You'll have to do better than that."

A corner of Remus' lips twitched.

"Frank," Alice said, turning her focus solely on her soulmate. "It would be best if we let them work this out, yeah? If they break it off like this, we'll both have a moping best friend to deal with."

Remus tried his hardest not to scoff in indignation. As much as he didn't appreciate being accused of future moping, Alice was advocating for him.

Frank sighed before scribbling down a number onto a stray napkin and sliding it across the table. "Very well. Here's his phone number. You may want to give him a bit of time before you call though. I doubt he'll want to hear from you so soon."

Remus frowned as he pocketed the napkin. "How long do you think I should wait?"

Frank shrugged. "It's hard to say without having been there. Just trust your instincts. He is your soulmate, so you should be able to just know when it's the right time."

Remus nodded, hoping that trusting his instincts would work. They hadn't done him any justice so far.

Word Count: 4010

Ouch – sorry about that. I know, of all the things Remus could have said to him, I made him accuse Sirius of being the one thing he prides himself on not being. They will make up though – eventually. As I've been saying, please bare with me. I'm not used to angst as I'm a supper fluff fan, but this will have a happy ending! I'm not changing my mind on that and you can't make me. :)

A special shout out to everyone that has begun stalking me – I love it! Admittedly I stop and do a happy dance every time I get a notification. While I love comments more, I do love being followed and favorited, too.

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