Sirius packed his bag quickly, glad that Andromeda had been able to pull some strings. It was his own fault: if he had been honest and told his cousin about his attraction to Remus Lupin, she would have known to show him anything that came through about the reality show — usually he refused to do anything like that.

But this was Remus Lupin. The actor that Sirius had looked up to before he had even run away from home. The teenager that wasn't scared to chase after his passion: acting.

Something that Sirius had been terrified to do himself, but more of a passion for playing an instrument.

Sirius would read every single interview he could get his hands on, and there were many. Some posted by people who had met Remus in the street and had had the pleasure of stopping to chat with him or take a picture with him. Sirius read every word, wishing he was more like Remus Lupin.

It was a year after first seeing Remus Lupin on the screen that Sirius read an interview where Remus revealed his sexuality to the world. It was a bold move, but the picture showed the beautiful, soft amber eyes that Remus was known for, and to Sirius' surprise, the people loved it! It had been the highlight of all the tabloids for weeks after that.

Sirius forced himself to have that same courage. He admitted the truth to his family, which resulted in a terrible fallout and a trip to the hospital. Once there, his parents paid him for his silence, though Sirius had no other choice but to take the money. That, or become homeless.

But his family buying his silence, also earned him his freedom. He had money to purchase a tiny flat. It wasn't much, the cheapest he could find, but it was his. He got himself a job in a cafe whilst he taught himself to play on a cheap guitar he bought in a charity shop, and after a few years, he was good enough to join a band

And now — now he was going to meet Remus Lupin in person.

Part of his was terrified. Remus had always sounded like a down-to-earth guy. Someone sweet and kind, but he was also an actor. Maybe sweet and kind were just for show - he might be a horrible person ,and Sirius knew he risked losing his idol should that be the case.

He looked at the t shirts and jeans he had packed, and double checked the underwear and socks. A few pairs of pyjamas and his favourite shirts were added, plus some make-up and accessories which he wore when in the mood. After a glance around his bedroom, he added in toiletries and a couple of pair of shoes and trainers, and some books. He hadn't any information on the house after all, and didn't know if there would even be a television.

Finally he added in his sheet music and some writing material and placed them in. A few little bits around his room were added, and he zipped up the case.

The guitar was in its bag, and he slung that over his back. Sirius grabbed the case in one hand, his amp in the other, and left.

He knew Andromeda would call to sort out the car, and it would be there soon. He didn't want to waste one moment away from Remus Lupin. He would be ready when the car arrived.

...oOo...

Remus struggled to keep his eyes on his book, finding them moving towards the window every few minutes, hoping to catch a glimpse of whoever was entering the house. He wasn't sure if they were coming one by one, or all at the same time, though the second choice seemed quite daunting to him. Though he had met many, many people in the past, he was still quite shy around groups.

The show was a challenge for him, and Lily had assured him of attractive men. Though he claimed that it was about doing something new and different, there was more to it: Remus was lonely.

Well, as lonely as he could be. He had friends and a loving family. He had adoring fans, but he wanted something more. He wanted to meet someone. To go on dates, and to curl up on the sofa with a bowl of popcorn, watching movies together. He wanted to hold-hands and shy kisses and... well, he wasn't going to let his thoughts venture into adult territory, not when the audience could be watching. He pushed himself back to the more innocent things he could do with someone.

Cuddling for example. He'd love to just lay in someone's arms and have it feel completely perfect. Someone who'd say sweet things to him. Someone who'd look after him, and allow Remus to look after them in return.

Maybe a reality tv show was the wrong place to start, but it was somewhere. It'd show the world that he's ready to date — that he's actively searching for a partner. Who knew who'd appear in his life?

He smiled as his eyes stared at the text in the book. He didn't know what the page said, but the idea of meeting eligible bachelors was exciting. He was sure they'd all know he was on the show, and the fact that they still agreed had to mean something - that the thought of dating him was appealing, even slightly.

He heard the sound of a car door, and stood up. He looked out of the window, but didn't see anything bar the public, so decided to head upstairs and put his book into the bookcase in his bedroom. Once in his room, Remus took a few deep breaths and calmed himself. He felt his body relax more and more with each breath, just as Dorea had taught him after his first panic attack during his first minor role. The breathing exercises had worked perfectly, and Remus had used them ever since to stop himself panicking and getting upset.

...oOo...

Remus waited in his room until he heard the front door close. He heard the sound of loud voices as everyone talked amongst themselves, but was unable to place any of them. He allowed himself a minute, wanting to be calm, before leaving his room and heading down the stairs.

Halfway down, he turned his attention to the men in the open-plan living area. They all turned to look his way and he looked slowly between them.

Four men, as promised, and he recognised all of them. Remus smiled softly. "I'm Remus," he began.

...oOo...

Sirius knew he was late to the house. Andromeda had called, explaining that all the other contestants had just arrived, but Sirius was still in the car. The driver had been instructed to go around the back, avoiding the public — though they wouldn't suspect there to be a fifth contestant.

The driver spoke with a guard briefly, before the car slipped in the gates. Once in, it moved around the side of the house, parking by the doors and blocking Sirius from view. He got out, grabbed his stuff, and blew a kiss to the driver before walking to the door.

He pushed it open and walked inside, scared and exciting at finally getting to meet Remus Lupin.

Thanks to my lovely Wanderers for the help! :)