Chapter 26 – Could You Introduce Me?
The evening of the fundraiser Regulus' nerves were on end. He had actually considered asking his mother if he could come, just so he could see that everything went well, but had decided against it. The fear of all the people who would want to shake hands and stand close was too overwhelming, and besides, after the last time she was not likely to want to bring him.
"Did you remember the picture?" he asked Sirius for the third time. "Make sure Mother doesn't hear you. And tell the people to shut up about it around her."
"Yes, I got the picture," said Sirius, rolling his eyes and straightens his tie, "and yes I'll make sure Mother doesn't find out." He smiled at his brother and ruffled his hair. "Relax. I've it sorted."
Mrs. Black came down the stairs, looking amazing in a blood red satin gown with and a low back a long slit. She was still stunningly beautiful at the age of fifty and the men always had problems not gawking too obviously. Vanity ran just as deep in the family as beauty, and she loved it just as much as Sirius did when women swooned at his feet.
When they stepped out of the cab in front of the mansion Walburga demanded that Sirius look like a real gentleman and escort her inside and. Sirius rolled his eyes as he stuck out his arm for her to grab onto. As they walked, everyone's turned heads to watch the stunning couple.
Although there were many known faces, there were quite a few people who had not met the Blacks before. "Who is that?" whispered a young woman to the lady she was speaking to.
"That's Walburga Black," said the lady and noted that the girl was gawking at Sirius. "The young man there is her son Sirius. Such a charmer."
"Is he single," asked the young woman, looking Sirius up and down.
"I believe so. Although I'm not sure. A handsome lad like that doesn't stay single for long, does he?"
"Could you introduce me?" asked the young woman, adjusting her hairdo.
The lady smiled knowingly and walked over to the Blacks. She greeted Mrs. Black while Sirius gallantly kissed the young woman's hand.
She couldn't hide a blush. "Pleased to meet you. I'm Marlene McKinnon," she said, smiling brightly.
"Nice to meet you, Marlene," smiled Sirius and sent her his signature smirk. "How are you this fine evening?"
"Oh, quite well. it's a lovely party," smiled Marlene, blushing even more.
"And may I say how lovely you look in that dress. Perhaps you would like to accompany me to the bar and have a drink?" Sirius suggested.
"I would love to!"
They left Mrs. Black and the lady to talk and went for the bar. "What would you like?" Sirius asked.
"Oh... Surprise me," she said, licking her lips. "I've never seen you before. Don't you come to these events often?"
"I haven't been for a while," said Sirius and ordered a cosmopolitan for Marlene and a whiskey on the rocks for himself. "But I go when I can, and tonight I'm on a special mission, in fact," he smiled at her.
"Oh?" she said, taking a sip from her drink. "What is that?"
"Well, I have a small fundraiser project of my own, so I will see if I can talk some good people into making a donation. But I'd love for you to join me. I'm sure nobody will be able to say no to such a beauty." Sirius winked.
"Oh, but of course!" said Marlene. "What is your cause?"
Sirius looked around to check if his mother was around and seeing that she wasn't, he took out the picture of Remus and handed it to her.
"This is Remus. He's a friend of mine who suffers from an immunity dysfunction, which makes him very ill easily. He's just been in the hospital for two months because of pneumonia." Sirius edged closer to Marlene and continued. "There is a center in Switzerland where they're trying to find a treatment for this illness and they've had good results so far, but it's very expensive and his parents can't afford it, so my brother and I have started a fund for him."
"Poor boy," said Marlene, looking at the picture. "He looks awfully pale. Is he going to die if he doesn't get cured?"
"He won't grow old, at any rate," said Sirius and bit his lip. "He really needs this treatment. He gets more and more ill, so it's just a matter of time."
"Oh – you know, my parents are here and I'm sure they would like to donate to your cause!" she said and hurried through the crowd to find her parents, Sirius in tow. "Mother, Father," she said, stopping by a tall sturdy man and a blond woman. "This is Sirius Black."
"Hello," said the man, shaking Sirius' hand. "Are you the heir to Black Ltd.?"
"I am, sir."
"How lovely to meet you," smiled Marlene's mother as Sirius kissed her hand gracefully.
Sirius saw Marlene urge him on with her eyes and he cleared his throat. "Ehem. Sir and madam," he started. "I am actually here on my own cause tonight." He took out the picture of Remus and showed it to them, giving them the same speech that he had given Marlene.
"I told Sirius that I was sure you would gladly donate to the cause," said Marlene and then looked at Sirius. "Father is very generous and Mother does a lot of charity work herself."
"Well, I suppose your cause is a worthy one," said Mr. McKinnon and pulled out his checkbook.
Marlene watched as he wrote. She sent him a reproachful look that clearly said the amount was too small. Her father hesitated, then ripped off the check and curled it up before writing another. This time Marlene smiled approvingly and he handed it to Sirius.
Sirius looked at it and his jaw dropped. A thousand pounds.
"Thank you, sir!" said Sirius and shook his hand again, folding the check and putting it in his pocket. "I am so grateful for your help and so is Remus. However, I would also be grateful if you would not mention this to my mother."
"She doesn't know about the cause?" asked Mr. McKinnon, frowning. "Why is that?"
"How do I explain this..." started Sirius. "My dear parents have a hand in everything that goes on in the company. Although they are teaching me much, I would like to show them that I'm capable of leading my own projects as well. I'm sure they will acknowledge my efforts when they see the result, but they are harsh critics – as any good business person should be, I suppose – so I would like to finish the project before they learn of it, so that they can see the finished result and hopefully be impressed," explained Sirius.
The man opened his mouth to say something, but his wife cut in. "Well, the poor boy needs help and that's all that matters, is it not, Harold?" Her husband closed his mouth and nodded.
"Of course the names of all benefactors will be publicised as soon as the fund has reached its goal. And I assure you that Black Ltd. will not forget your generosity," smiled Sirius.
Marlene turned out to be quite an asset for Sirius, since she knew many of the people he didn't. As the night was coming to an end Marlene eyed Sirius, smiling. "Too bad the party's already over. I'm not even tired..."
"Me neither," smiled Sirius and looked around. "What do you say we hit the town?" Sirius thought it was the least he could do after her helping him. Not to mention, she was bloody hot.
"We could do that," she said. "We could also go to my flat for coffee."
"Even better," smirked Sirius and stuck his arm out for her to grab onto. "You lead the way, Miss."
Mrs. Black spotted them as they were on their way out. She had noticed, of course, Sirius spending the night with Marlene hanging on his arm, and she had been quite pleased. This was a classy girl, unlike many of her son's girlfriends. But she did not like that they were leaving together, having only just met, so she rushed after them. "Hello, miss," she said, smiling at Marlene. "Can I borrow my son for a minute?" She pulled Sirius off to the side where they were out of earshot. "I hope you don't intend to sleep with her tonight?"
"What if I do?" said Sirius, crossing his arms, looking at his mother like a stubborn five year old who had had his favourite toy taken away from him. "I won't say no if she offers herself up."
"Offers herself?" said Mrs. Black, her eyes blazing. "This is a lady - not one of your usual tramps! You will treat her with respect and court her properly! I don't want my son to be cheap. Sophisticated young men can control themselves and don't sleep around."
"A little late to tell me not to sleep around, isn't it?" said Sirius and turned to walk back to Marlene.
"Don't you go home with her! I don't want the family's reputation stained because you can't keep your... privates in your trousers!"
"I'm going with her home for a cup of coffee, and if it makes you feel better, then I'll ask for her number after we are done."
"Done with what?"
"Depends on what she wants. I'm a gentleman. I give the girl what she asks for."
"I will not have my son behave like some… some rent boy!" hissed Walburga, narrowing her eyes and looking disgusted.
Sirius glared back at her, about to give her a peace of his mind, but decided on not making a scene. It had been such a successful party, after all. "Fine! I'll ask for her number instead. Happy?"
He strolled off and sighed as he reached Marlene. "My mother insists that I take her home."
"Oh," said Marlene, looking crestfallen. "Can't we meet afterwards? I can give you my address. You could take a taxi..." She let a subtle hand slide over her chest, adjusting her cleavage so it became a bit more revealing.
"My thoughts exactly," smirked Sirius, his eyes following Marlene's hand.
o0o0o
They arrived home a good half hour later and Sirius hurried up to Regulus' room. He wanted to give him the checks before he left for Marlene's flat.
Regulus was wide awake and tore open the door, waving Sirius inside. "So how'd it go?" he asked excitedly. "Anybody bite?"
"A couple," said Sirius and reached inside his pocket to pull out the checks. He had lost count on how many he had gotten since most of his attention had been on Marlene. "How much did we get?"
"You didn't check them already?" asked Regulus, raising an eyebrow. There were no less than eleven checks and Regulus quickly added them up. "Bloody hell," he gasped. "Nearly five thousand pounds!"
Sirius smiled even wider. "So I did pretty well, yeah? And with the money we put in – how much are we good for now?"
"Eight. So it's a good start!"
"Still a long way to go, but we'll make it," smiled Sirius and handed back the picture of Remus for Regulus to keep. "Now... since my deed for the night is done, I have a date I can't keep waiting," he smirked and straightened his tie.
"This late? With whom?"
"A hot bird I met at the fundraiser. She actually introduced me to most of the people from whom I got the checks. Mum, however, does not approve of me going home with her tonight. She thinks I'll spoil her purity or something, but that girl wants me badly, I tell you."
"So you're going over to shag her? Remember to use a condom. If she wants you that badly after having just met you, you're not the only one she has ever wanted badly, so you never know what she might be spreading around."
Sirius blinked a few times. Then he laughed and patted Regulus' shoulder. "Now that you mention it, I think I'm out of condoms. I don't suppose you have any?" He sent his brother a smirk and wiggled his eyebrows.
"Funny," snapped Regulus. Sirius knew very well that Regulus was so far from being ready to have any kind of sex, and Regulus didn't like being reminded of it.
"Sorry, baby brother," Sirius grinned. He turned towards the door but stopped. "I'll see you in the morning. Unless you want to get out of here and share a cab to Remus' house. It's on the way."
"Really? I dunno..." Regulus said, checking his watch. "It's late. He's probably asleep..."
"You could text him or call him. Your choice. I can wait five minutes."
Are you awake? If you are, do you want me coming over? I could sleep at your place
Regulus got an answer almost immediately.
I'm awake. Please come over. I miss you 3
o0o0o
"I'll swing by tomorrow to pick you up, okay?" Sirius said as the taxi stopped in front of Remus' house. "Or are you going to walk home?"
Regulus stumbled out of the taxi, his heart still pounding. He had regretted getting into it almost immediately. Although he was sitting in the back as far away from the driver as possible, he had still felt trapped and kept his arms in his lap, afraid to touch anything. "I'll just walk."
"Okay," nodded Sirius. "But if the weather is shite I'll pick you up. Just give me a ring."
Regulus hurried inside when Remus opened for him. "Sorry to disturb you this late."
"You can disturb me any time," smiled Remus and gave him a kiss.
"Do you mind if I take a shower before bed?" Regulus asked as he took off his shoes and jacket. "I rode in that taxi and well... I'd like to get the feel of it away. I brought clean clothes too."
"Sure," smiled Remus as they went upstairs.
Regulus stood for a moment, contemplating the therapist's suggestion, but he hadn't brought trunks. Of course he could ask Remus if he had an extra pair, but truthfully he didn't feel like doing it at all. No, he told himself. Stop with the excuses. "Um... The therapist said... she suggested that we shower together. You know, for me to get used to being more intimate. But she said we could wear trunks if I wasn't ready for completely naked. And I'm not."
Remus blinked a few times, his mouth falling slightly open. "She did?" Regulus nodded and Remus jumped to his feet. "Sure we can do that!" he said eagerly. "If you really want to, of course. I don't want you to feel pressured."
"I want to move forward. If you only touch me the usual places. Arms, face, you know. But I didn't bring trunks."
"I have a spare pair," said Remus and went over to the dresser, found two pairs, and handed one to Regulus. "I'll just change in here and you can go ahead."
"Okay," said Regulus. He almost regretted it as soon as he dropped his clothes in the bathroom and put on the trunks. He was excited about seeing Remus nearly naked, but himself in just trunks was scary. Not because he was afraid Remus would be disappointed over his looks (he knew he looked good - all Blacks did), it was more because his body was an extremely private thing and without clothes he felt unprotected. It's only Remus. You don't need protection from him, he scolded himself. "O-okay," he called. "You can come in now!"
Remus opened the door and stepped in. He had to restrain himself to not stare too obviously. Regulus' body was perfect. Slender and smooth. Remus had had a glimpse of his upper body before when he had helped him with his shirt, but seeing him almost naked was even better. He got a little nervous about what Regulus thought of him. "You… you look really good," he gulped. "I'll just turn on the water," he quickly said, trying to look somewhere else while adjusting the temperature. "Alright," he smiled and stepped in, holding out his hand to Regulus.
Regulus, on the other hand, was trying to focus all his attention on Remus and not think about his own discomfort of being so exposed. "You look good too," he mumbled as he got into the cubicle. Luckily, it was large enough for them both to stand in there without their bodies touching. "I mean, you could do with a few more pounds for your health, but I like that you're not buff. I find buff blokes unattractive. I like slim. Like you."
Remus smiled at him, his wet hair hanging down in his eyes and he shook his head once to get it away. "I guess it's a good thing I don't work out, then. "Hey, do you want to change sides or do you want to stand a little closer to me? I'm getting all the water." He reached out to touch Regulus' cheek gently. "I promise I won't touch anything but your arms and face. Standing close to me won't be much different than when we cuddle in bed or hug each other."
"You can work out without getting buff. For instance, run like I do. It would be good for you," said Regulus, avoiding answering Remus' question. He didn't feel like moving closer.
"Maybe we could go running together?" suggested Remus. "I'd like to try."
"Yes, of course," beamed Regulus. He had never had anybody to run with before. He had never wanted it either. Until Remus. Many things had changed with Remus.
"I'm glad you want a slowcoach like me to tag along," Remus smiled and stepped a little closer. "Let's change places so you can wash."
Regulus gulped and nodded, stepping around Remus to stand under the water.
Remus sent Regulus a smile. "Would it be okay if I kissed you or is that too much for you?"
Regulus could do that. For some strange reason kissing was something that he had no problem with – enjoyed, even. He answered by kissing Remus, planting his hands on his shoulder.
Remus tilted his head and returned the kiss happily. He didn't realise that he had placed his hands on Regulus' hips before he was roughly pushed away.
"You said you wouldn't touch my body!" said an agitated Regulus.
"I'm sorry!" Remus said, looking stunned. "I forgot! I usually touch your hips when we kiss. I forgot to think about it." He watched Regulus nervously, afraid he had ruined everything. You're so stupid! He told you not to do it, and you went ahead and did it!
Regulus eyed him suspiciously. "How can I trust you if you promise something and you do it anyway?"
Remus dropped his head. "I'm really sorry. Please forgive me. I forgot for a second but I promise it won't happen again."
Regulus considered it for a moment. Mostly he wanted to just storm out, grab his towel and leave the room, but then they would never get anywhere. "Okay, you get one more chance."
"Thank you," breathed Remus in relief. "I promise I won't do it again. Can... can we kiss again?"
Regulus agreed and after a few minutes of kissing and showering he was feeling quite comfortable. "Make sure to get every single hair, Lupin," he said in a joking tone as Remus shampooed him.
They dried themselves and Regulus dressed in the pyjamas he had brought. Remus was just wearing boxers and T-shirt and Regulus liked that.
"Do you want me to get the camp bed or do you want to lie next to me?" asked Remus as they went back into his room. "I just put on clean sheets."
Regulus bit his lip, thinking. He would like to sleep beside Remus, but it would be nice to have the camp bed just in case. It would make him feel safer if he knew he had somewhere to retreat to. "Let's make the camp bed. Just in case it gets too crammed in your bed. I wouldn't want to crowd you so you can't get some proper sleep."
Remus nodded, happy with Regulus agreeing to lying next to him at least for a while. He quickly fetched the camp bed and made it. "There we go," he smiled. "Now it's ready if you should need it." He climbed into his own bed and held up the duvet for Regulus to climb in as well.
Regulus hesitated. Lying under the duvet would make him feel confined. He climbed in anyway, telling himself not to be daft.
"Can I put an arm around you or is that too much?" asked Remus when they were lying next to each other under the covers. "I don't want you to be uncomfortable."
"Just... Let's just lie here for a minute, okay? I'm tired."
"Okay..." Remus said in an almost whisper and closed his eyes, listing to Regulus' breathing.
Regulus fell asleep not long after. He had slept next to Remus before, after all, although not under the covers.
At some point in the night Remus woke by the sound of the rain hammering against the window. He looked over at saw that it was pouring down, and he automatically pulled the covers further up over them, snuggling against his boyfriend. He treasured just lying there next to a warm Regulus, peacefully sleeping. He closed his eyes again and drifted off to sleep to the sound of Regulus' breathing and the raindrops on the window.
A/N: To see Zayhad's illustration to the chapter go to deviantart dot com and look up Zayhad. She has a folder in her gallery with the story's name on it.