𝐢𝐭𝐬 𝐝𝐚𝐫𝐤 𝐰𝐢𝐭𝐡𝐨𝐮𝐭 𝐲𝐨𝐮 || Cillian Murphy ¹

𝒞𝒽𝒶𝓅𝓉𝑒𝓇 𝐹𝒾𝓋𝑒

Auden couldn't help but feel nervous as she arrived at the cafe where she first met Cillian. Today, the cafe was busier, given that it was a crisp, but beautiful, Sunday morning.

As Auden entered the building, she scanned the crowd for Cillian but didn't see him. She walked up to the counter to order a drink and the barista immediately recognized her.

"Ah, the American girl has returned!" The barista, Katie, smiled warmly at her. "Mr. Murphy mentioned you would be here. He is in the back room," Katie gestured to opening on the far side of the room. The doorway was covered in a blue and orange tapestry, with rows of white beads dangling from the door frame.

Auden eyed the entryway suspiciously but didn't reply. Cillian wasn't kidding when he said he wanted to keep things private. After grabbing her order, Auden made her way to the backroom. When she peeled the tapestry aside, she came face to face with Cillian and another man. The room was brightly lit, with natural-light beaming down from the skylight above. Green plants hung around almost every corner of the space. The pair sat a rounded booth with plush red vinyl seating, sipping coffees. A basket of croissants sat in the middle of the table, untouched.

"I have been here so many times and I didn't know this was back here," Auden said in awe.

Cillian smiled, "The owner and I go way back. He saves this space for me when I have meetings or need a quiet place where I won't get recognized."

Cillian moved so Auden could sit next to him. Across from her sat a younger man who she assumed was Patrick. He had dark eyes that matched his darker complexion, with black hair cut short against his head. "Hi," Auden said, sticking out her hand. "I'm Auden."

Patrick smiled, his teeth shining brightly against his skin as he took her hand, "Ello, love. I'm Patrick. I've heard a lot about you." Patrick had a buttery, British accent that rolled off his tongue.

She couldn't help but blush at the thought of Cillian talking about her, "All good things I hope."

Patrick winked at her, "That'll have to stay between me and Cillian."

She felt Cillian shift next to her, letting out a short cough. "Anyway, Auden has a proposition for your art work."

"Have you tried the croissants here?" Patrick asked Auden, ignoring Cillian completely.

Auden's stomach grumbled as she reached for a croissant. She took a bite, the buttery goodness melting against her tongue. Patrick chuckled as Auden groaned at the wonderful taste. "Those are the best croissants you'll find in Ireland. It's almost as good as in France."

Auden's eyes grew wide, "Have you been?" She asked Patrick.

He nodded, "A handful of times." Patrick mimicked Auden as she reached out for another croissant. There hands brushed together slightly as the both reached for a roll. Auden glanced at Patrick who was eyeing her intently. He shot her a warm smile. Heat spread across her cheeks as she pulled her hand away from the basket. When she looked over at Cillian, he was staring at Patrick, emotionless. His posture, however, gave away his emotions — his shoulders were tense and his hand gripped his coffee cup. Cillian looked over at her suddenly, as if he felt her staring at him. Auden quickly looked away.

She cleared her throat. "So I was thinking we could use your art in the gallery for our next exhibit. I want to do a showcase of local artists, you know, to bring awareness to the local art scene."

Patrick nodded thoughtfully, "I like that idea. I might have a few friends who would be willing to join. For a price, of course."

"Of course. We can work out the details with my boss, but I'll ensure you're paid for your time."

Patrick shifted so that his shoe gently touched Auden's. She chose to ignore it. Was he flirting with her? Auden thought to herself.

"Why don't you come by my office this week and meet Charles? Then we can discuss the details." Auden shifted in her seat so that she crossed her legs, moving her feet away from Patrick.

"I would love that," Patrick said. "Perhaps we can set up a lunch?"

Auden paused for a moment. Usually a lunch wasn't necessary when it came to this part of her job. All Patrick needed to do was give a presentation to Charles. Was he suggesting a date? Certainly that wasn't what was happening here. Was it?

Before Auden could reply, Patrick's phone rang suddenly. He looked down, frowning. "Unfortunately I need to take this. But it was nice meeting you - I'll be in touch." He gave Auden another warm smile before leaving.

Auden turned to Cillian, "That went well. He's very nice."

Cillian's sharp jaw flexed, but he remained silent. He was staring down at the bread basket on the table, lost in thought. Auden shifted in the seat uncomfortably, feeling as if she were intruding on him. "Well, I should probably be going."

Cillian's head shot towards her, his eyes coming out of their daze. "Let me walk you home."

Auden's eyebrows furrowed in confusion, "I thought you were trying to keep this strictly professional." Her voice was laced with sarcasm.

Cillian rolled his eyes, "Forget it then." He spat.

Auden glared at him in disbelief in sudden change of attitude. "That's what I thought." She scoffed. Auden stood up abruptly, growing increasingly annoyed. She didn't understand why he had an attitude all of the sudden.

Cillian gripped her wrist, "Wait." Just like a few days before, her skin tingled at his touch, the sensation spreading up her arm. She looked down at his hand and back at him. Cillian suddenly realized what he was doing and let go as quick as he had grabbed her. "I'm sorry," Cillian said.

She stared at him, her eyes analyzing his face. He looked extremely tired, dark bags rimmed his eyes. His eyes pleaded with her to stay, and she fought the urge to sit back down. She wanted to stay, but it wasn't "professional." Cillian had set his boundaries whether she liked it or not.

"It's fine," She sighed. "But I really need to go."

Cillian's shoulders sagged slightly in disappointment. He knew she was doing the right thing, but his body ached to be around her. He was lonely.

Auden couldn't resist his sad composure, "You can walk me home though."