Flashing Lights | Cillian Murphy x Reader

Chapter Six

Around a month had gone by, and it wasn't long before Cillian and I had perfected every scene we had together.

Our stage presence along with our onset chemistry with each other was palpable, so much so that Nancy and even Melody approached me to ask if I was sleeping with him, which I denied adamantly. I did not want people to dismiss my ability to act head over heels in love to simply having sex with the other actor off camera. I resented the accusation, and I knew Cillian would as well.

Speaking of Cillian, my feelings of admiration toward him only grew as I worked alongside him. His ability to step outside of his body and become another far outweighed my own, and I truly was in awe of his presence any time I found myself spending time with him. Of course, with rehearsals becoming an every day thing, there was no time for any socialization off set, and I hadn't been to his room since we watched Donnie Darko.

I couldn't help but stay curious, wondering what he was like behind all of those layers he put before his face. Behind the mask of Anthony, and behind the mask of fame, just who exactly was he?

I hoped he'd give me the privilege and opportunity to know, but I'd rather die than have those feelings exposed. It was much too embarrassing to admit that an actress such as myself held him in such high esteem. I'm sure it would earn a ridiculous amount of teasing, and start even more unnecessary and inappropriate rumors about the two of us.

After a ten hour rehearsal, I felt wiped. It was the end of October, and as such the weather had gotten quite brisk and I wrapped myself in a leather coat as I walked back to my suite, the place I had to stay while we filmed and rehearsed. I couldn't lie, I missed my own apartment so badly but I had no reason to complain, especially because this all came with being an actress. I was so incredibly privileged being able to stay in such a high end place and work with such amazing actors.

As the elevator opened, I jumped when I realized I was standing in front of Michael Caine. "Oh! I'm so sorry, you scared me, I wasn't expecting you." I laughed quietly, trying to blow off my awkwardness in front of such an expert. He merely chuckled before stepping into the elevator with me. "What floor?" I asked. "Eleven, please." He answered politely. "That's my floor too!" I said, to which he laughed at.

The elevator opened on our floor and we both stepped out, before he turned to me. "You know, (Y/N), you doubt yourself too much." He observed, a small smirk on his face. I felt my cheeks heat up from the attention, looking away for a moment. "W-whatever do you mean, sir?" I asked quietly.

He merely laughed at my formality before placing his hand behind my back as we walked to our rooms. "You're an incredible actress, (Y/N). You were chosen to be in this project for a reason, so you shouldn't act as though you were beneath everyone else." He explained, his words reassuring to me, as I often found  myself self deprecating. "It truly means a lot coming from you, sir." I said with a smile.

"It's not just coming from me, everyone on set thinks you're phenomenal. Especially Cillian, he doesn't shut up about how talented you are." Michael said, causing my stomach to knot as my cheeks flushed red. "H-he says that?" I meekly asked, turning to face him. He nodded. "Oh yes, and much more. The point is, don't be afraid to put yourself out there more. You'll always have a friend in me." He said as we stopped in front of my hotel room. "Thank you, sir." I said with  a wide smile.

"You're welcome, (Y/N). Oh, and I believe this was delivered to me on accident." He said, handing me a pink envelope with my name on it. I took it, smiling at him before entering my room.