#onenight | Explore Tumblr Posts and Blogs

creativepawsworld · 1 year

Text

Chances - Part 2

Pairing = Cillian Murphy x Original Character

Summary = Part Two of Chances

Warnings = Fluff, language maybe?

Word Count = 4577

Eight Weeks Later, I had a bump. It was small and I could just about get my jeans on. To anyone I didn’t really know it simply looked as though I had gained a little weight before the holidays instead of after. Telling my parents was the hardest thing I ever had to do because it was a one night stand, my dad was not impressed. His little girl despite having two other children was out whoring herself around and got knocked up. My mum was just thrilled she was getting another grandchild. As for my boys, well they were the ones to tell me that ‘Mummy had a baby in her belly, a baby sister’ they believe. Thankfully they were excited at least for now.

The pregnancy itself wasn’t bad so far, I had no morning sickness only heartburn which could be solved by taking some medication. Working with dogs was an absolute blessing throughout the last few weeks. Every time I felt anxious or worried about having the baby, I had a pooch in front of me kissing my face and my worries away.

Clara had agreed not to contact Dermott until I was ready. She informed me that he told her he worked on the radio station Today FM in Dublin that night we were at the bar. I guess they needed something to talk about with Cillian and I preoccupied. Honestly though I don’t think I will ever be ready especially now, I couldn’t contact him after 2 months. He would never believe me, I missed my opportunity. I spent the last two months listening to his radio show though ‘Dermott and Dave’ hearing his voice had the memories of that night running through my mind. Especially the ones with Cillian, I felt so free dancing with him that night. I was more like myself then I ever had been with my ex.

“Hey, how’s the mama doing today?” Clara asked opening the door to my dog grooming parlour, located in a cabin in my back garden. I was still paying off the debt I accumulated getting the whole thing put together but it was so worth it. I got to work from home, doing exactly what I loved.

“I’m fine, jeans just about fit so can’t complain too much yet” I laughed trimming around a cockapoo’s face. The dog was sitting so perfectly still which made my job 100 times easier.

“I don’t know how you do this without wanting to steal all the dogs” Clara cooed scratching behind the dog’s ears once I stopped trimming around his mouth. “They are just so cute….yes you are….yes you are”

“Pablo is more than enough with two kids and one on the way thank you very much” I tell him with a smile as I inspected the dogs face. “Isn’t that right Charlie Boy?” I smile in the dogs face as he left a long wet lick on from my chin to my forehead.

“What you doing tonight? Does he have the kids tonight?” Clara asked taking a seat at a desk I had set up to work on the books that came with the business, finance, inventory etc and my calendar to book dogs in for their trims.

“He does yes, so my plans are a bath and an early night.”

“Change them, I want to take you out tonight for dinner. Just you and me to celebrate that little bun in the oven.”

“Clara I’m really not in the mood tonight.” I tell her honestly sighing as I stood up straight, placing both my hands on my lower back and leaning back, stretching my spine as best I could. I was tired, sore and just wanted some me time for once. Since finding out I was pregnant the kids have been full on, so had work with Christmas around the corner, everyone wanted their dogs cut for the big day.

“Too bad, I’ve made the reservation. I’ll meet you there at 7pm?” She asked but clearly it wasn’t a question I could answer how I wanted.

“Wait we aren’t going together? We always go together? Save on the petrol?”

“Well I can’t tonight, I have to visit my mum in the home and I think it’ll just be easier to meet there instead of me driving all the way back over the bridge to collect you to drive all the way back to get to Link”

“I guess. Are you sure it has to be tonight. Adam has the boys for two nights can’t we go tomorrow?”

“No” Clara replied bluntly shaking her head furiously as she swung from side to side in the soft cushioned chair I had chosen for the parlour.

“Fine, see you at 7” I replied admitting defeat as I lifted the scissors next to Charlie once more, determined to finish him within the next ten minutes.

“Cheer up you're getting a free dinner and dress pretty. It’s a celebration” Clara spoke standing to her feet before walking over to me, pecking my cheek and leaving me alone with Charlie once again.

“It’s not like I had a choice huh?” I ask the dog before burying my face in his tight curls on his head for a hug.

******

Tonight, I decided to wear a flowy skirt which hid the swelling in my stomach well and paired it was a large woollen jumper, tucked into the top of the skirt giving a causal but also a dressed-up vibe to the outfit. Pulling out my black boots, the same pair I wore Dublin I grabbed my jacket. I was already running late. My last client didn’t collect their dog until after 6pm leaving me little to no time to shower and dress. I didn’t have time to wash my hair, but it wasn’t too dirty, so I simply threw it into a messy bun as I walked out the door.

Arriving at the restaurant, the number of cars in the car park told me it was busy tonight, something I really wasn’t in the mood for but Clara had been my rock the last few weeks so I couldn’t really tell her no. Sighing to myself, I glanced around not seeing her car anywhere which was strange as she had messaged asking where I was. Ignoring that thought I walked in telling the guy at the bar I was meeting someone, and he had informed me the other person had arrived. I was expecting him to take me into the main area of the restaurant which seemed to be absolute crazy with some kind of party but instead he took me off to the other side restaurant which had only a few couples having a meal.

Looking at the floor as I walked, carefully watching his feet until he stopped as I looked up, the young waiter left as I stood in complete shock. For the first time in a long time, I felt sick, physically sick.

“Hey Paige, hope you don’t mind Clara helped set this up” Cillian smiled awkwardly rubbing the back of his neck as he stood up. Nodding my head, I didn’t know what to say or do, automatically my body moved forward wrapping my arms around his neck for a hug he awkwardly accepted. As I inhaled deeply through my nose, the smell of his aftershave was making my mouth water and causing a dull ache between my legs.

“Nice to see you again Cillian” I managed to squeak out as we pulled away. Trying not to be awkward I moved around to take my seat by the window, Cillian had his back to the entire restaurant next to him was a pair of Ray-Ban sunglasses which I thought was odd, it was November and there wasn’t a lot of sun. Just rain, lots of rain.

“How are ya?” He asked once we were both settled. Since the last time I saw him, his hair had grown out a little, especially on the sides but he still really looked good. Those blue eyes were just as alluring as the first time I saw them.

“I’m good, how are you?” I respond grabbing the glass of water in front of me and taking a sip as he responded with a simple good. Nodding my head, I placed the glass back on the table looking around the restaurant before resting my eyes on his which just so happened to be staring back at me. Almost like he was trying to work out what was different. “So why are we here? I thought it was a one-time thing considering the distance between us”

“Yeah, I thought so to, but I couldn’t stop thinking about you, even tried to find you. When I got home… after we, you know, you weren’t there. You had disappeared”

“I didn’t want to overstay my welcome”

“Well Scout enjoyed your breakfast” He laughed, his right hand reaching up and scratching the side of his head, his eyes dropping to the linen tablecloth.

“You got me breakfast?” I asked completely taken back by his words. I felt so many emotions bubbly in my stomach as he looked up to meet my eyes once more.

“Yeah, I had nothing at home as I was away for the last 8 weeks for work so didn’t have any food in. I went to the local bakery got a few things but well…”

“I’m so sorry. I had no idea. I thought you left to give me time to get out so you could go about your business.” I tell him honestly, feeling like a complete idiot. Placing my hand on my head, tears filling my eyes as I avoided eye contact. This was nothing worth crying about but my hormones had other ideas.

“God no, I’m not that kind of man Paige. I like to spend the morning after you know talking, having breakfast, not like I do that often. In fact, I haven’t done that in years, not sex. One night stands I mean” He rambled over his words as he tried to find the right words to say without making himself look bad.

“I’m really sorry I had no idea. Honestly” I breathe out using my free hand to fan my face. “God, I feel terrible now”

“Don’t, please” Cillian smiled reaching forward to take my hand that was fanning my face into his own, his thumb rubbing small circles across my knuckles. “But I did go to the hotel you were staying to return your key card you left it at mine, and I was hoping you might still be about, but you had checked out”

“That’s really unfortunate. It sounds like a bad version of Cinderella” I laughed thinking about the classic Disney fairy-tale I read to my children before bed last night.

“Yeah, the hotel were no help wouldn’t even give me your last name, so I thought that was it. You were to live on in my memories that was it but when Clara got in touch with Dermott…”

“Wait, Clara contacted Dermott?” I interrupted him mid-sentence. Of course she contacted him, how else would Cillian be sitting opposite me now if she hadn’t. Staring at the man in front of me, I smiled I thought I would have been annoyed at her for contacting him when I didn’t ask her to but seeing him here, in front of me. I was happy.

“Yeah a few weeks ago, it was actually rather funny” Cillian chuckled to himself, a chuckle that made my heart skip, it was a sound I’d happily listen to on repeat. “She called the radio show Dermott does and instead of telling him about her thoughts on whether meditation or DIY was more relaxing which was what they were discussing at the time she immediately jumped down his throat asking for me.”

“Live on the radio?”

“Live on the radio” Cillian repeated with a laugh. “Of course, most people who follow me know Dermott and I are close so that just started a whole headache for him on the show with people texting in and stuff but yeah. He got her number when they went off live and well here, we are”

“She has no shame I’m so sorry about that” I sighed rubbing my head with my hand. “Are you on radio as well? Is that why people were interested in finding you?” I asked still not sure what he did for a living but like he did whenever I asked the other night at the bar he laughed.

“Not exactly no.” He shakes his head inhaling deeply as if this was the hardest thing, he had to admit to someone. “I’m an actor, I wouldn’t say a huge actor but big enough.”

“Can’t be that big if I don’t know who you are” I challenged with a smirk on my face. It could have gone either way, he could have been offended with what I said or not. Thankfully it was the latter, in fact he just laughed, a sound that was quickly becoming my favourite thing in the world tonight.

“I guess not no.” He smiled taking my other hand in his, now holding both my hands as he inhaled deeply. “Have you heard of the Tv show Peaky Blinders?”

“I have but I haven’t watched it, just never really got around to it but it is on my watch list” I tell him with smile. I was behind on so much television, had been since having kids and starting my own business.

“Right, well you know it has a huge following right?” He questioned, his eyes never leaving mine. I could feel the nerves radiating off him as he spoke, almost as if he was afraid that the next words out of his mouth would scare me away.

“Of course, my brother and his girlfriend are obsessive with the show. They loved it, it was them who told me to watch it actually.”

“Well, Paige. I am the lead actor in that show. I play Thomas Shelby”

“You…you what?”

“Please don’t freak out on me” He sighed, his face creasing into a grimace as he watched the words float around my mind. I wasn’t stupid I knew the following Peaky Blinders had; it was almost like a cult. The fans were fiercely dedicated to the show.

“Are you playing with me? You’re joking with me, right?” I ask unsure how to handle the information he just gave me. There was no way, no chance that the man in front of me was a TV star I mean he was definitely handsome enough to be on TV or maybe even a model but no, he couldn’t be. I couldn’t be pregnant with a TV stars baby. This wasn’t some rom-com film made in Hollywood this was my life.

“No, I’m not, the reason Dermott had a headache during the show was because fans were calling in asking if I was in the building or around for the day to be interviewed by him. Maybe they were hoping I’d take a few phone calls I don’t know …”

“You're really a celebrity?”

“It's not a word I liked to use but yes” He admitted warily. Nodding my head a little, my stomach slowly turning at the news, pulling my left hand from his I held it over my mouth as I tried to control my breathing. I was not about to be sick; it was a comfort thing. “Are you alright? You’ve gone incredibly pale?”

“I’m fine, it's just not what I was expecting you to say” I tell him removing my hand from my mouth and waving his words off.

“Do you want a drink? It might help with the shock?” He spoke, his head looking around for a waiter in case he needed to order some alcohol.

“Oh no I can’t drink with the baby” I replied without thinking, realising what I had said I looked at Cillian who had suddenly paled himself. This was not how I wanted to tell him I was pregnant; it’s not how anyone should find out they were going to be a parent.

“The what?”

“The uh…the”

“Are you pregnant?” He asked his eyes wide, never leaving mine as the one hand holding my own squeezed prompting an answer from me but instead of words I could only nod. The tears welling in my eyes as I bit my lip.

“Are you ready to order?” A young girl came over with a bright smile. Turning my head so I was looking away from her, feeling embarrassed by the tears in my eyes.

“Um give us a few more minutes please. Thank you” I heard Cillian tell the girl who quickly left the table. “Hey, hey look at me” Cillian spoke once again to get my attention, his hand pulling on my own slightly until I turned back towards him, my eyes still not meeting his own.

“I’m so sorry this wasn’t supposed to happen. You're not even supposed to be here. I didn’t want you to know in case it ruined your life. It’s my mistake I can deal with it myself.” I ramble on and on at first Cillian doesn’t stop me as I continue to dig my own hole. “I didn’t know you were an actor, it's not for money, or blackmail, I swear…”

“The baby is mine?” He asked breaking my train of thought but the question itself had the tears falling freely from my eyes. I must have looked a right state, no doubt my makeup was ruined and my face was probably red and blotchy thanks to the tears.

“I’m sorry”

“Why are you sorry? This is just as much my fault as it is yours?” He replied softly. I’m not going to lie I was taken back by his calm approach; in fact, it confused me why was he taking this so well. Was this his acting skills kicking in? Was he really panicking on the inside? “You weren’t going to tell me?”

“I didn’t think you’d want to know”

“That I’m having another kid? Of course I want to know, I want to be a part of their life.” He chuckled breathily. “You are planning on keeping it right?”

“Yeah” I nodded biting my lip, glancing up to make eye contact for a brief second. It was possible he was just saying all this to keep me happy tonight then go back to Dublin and live out the rest of his days as the guy from Peaky Blinders, forgetting all about me and this baby.

“So, you’re what 8 weeks?” He asked, looking down at the linen clothed table as I nodded my head. “So, you must have a scan soon what is that like 10-week scan or something?”

“12-week scan”

“12 week right. Not to overstep or anything but can I, you know… Can I come with you?” The question itself caught my attention and suddenly I was staring at him, trying to figure out what his game was. However, the look in his eyes were nothing but sincerity and to be honest what looked like happiness.

“Why?” I questioned breathily. The whole situation I was in has completely confused me, this wasn’t right. He should be more shocked, looking for a way out not wanting to know about appointments.

“Why?” He laughed at the question, finding it rather amusing as I tried to find any form of malice in his face “Um to see the baby? If that is okay?”

“Why do you want to be involved? Surely you could have any woman you desire hanging off your arm why settled with me?”

“Because…” He started to speak, only I didn’t want to hear what he had to say, instantly interrupting him.

“Because you made a mistake and got me knocked up. Don’t make a martyr out of yourself Cillian. You’re off the hook, the baby and I don’t need you.” I spoke with a slight malice in my voice. I wasn’t sure why I was so anger towards him, maybe it was my lack of trust in men thanks to my ex but tonight, it was Cillian getting the brunt of my pent up frustration and anger. “I’m no longer hungry” I tell him pulling my hand from his and standing to my feet grabbing my bag.

“Paige wait…” He called after me as I walked out of the restaurant ,ignoring all the eyes that were watching the scene in front of them. Once I was free of the prying eyes and outside, I ran to my car quickly unlocking it but before I could get in I had to rush towards the grass verge to be sick.

“Great” I groaned holding my belly as the bitter taste of bile settled in my mouth, my chest feeling as though it was on fire as I stood up straight inhaling the fresh air around me in hopes of settling myself.

“Paige, wait…” I had Cillian’s voice once more, looking over my shoulder I noticed he was fast approaching me. In a panic, I dropped my bag the contents spilling over the ground. “Can you stop? What just happened back there?”

“Why are you bothering with me Cillian? Go be free. Live your fancy actors life without any responsibilities.”

“I am hardly without responsibilities Paige, I have two sons of my own to my ex wife.” He sighs bending down to help pick up the contents of my purse, pausing at the small packet of ginger biscuits, a small laugh escaping his mouth.

“In case I get hungry when I’m out and about” I tell him taking the packet of biscuits from his hand and placing them in my bag. Standing up straight albeit to fast I stumbled over nothing as Cillian’s hands steadying me until the dizziness subsided. “Thank you.”

“You’re welcome” He replied hands still firmly placed on my arms. “Look can we at least talk about this, I assume your opinion on men are we are complete bastards but come on, you owe me a chat at least yeah?”

“One chat” I tell him with a nod of my head. “We can talk at my house though. I’m not going back in there I made a right arse of myself.”

“Makes a change from me doing it” He smiled, bringing up the last time we were together in the bar. Smiling myself at the memory, I felt the sudden anger I had towards him fade as we stood opposite each other next to my car.

“Do you need a ride?”

“Yeah, Clara just kind of left me here. I haven’t a clue where I am”

“Come on then” I smile brightly nodding my head towards the passenger side of the car. Inhaling deeply, I entered my small blue car, it was a simple 3 door Ford Fiesta, but it was honestly the best car I have ever owned. Sadly, though I feared it was no longer practically, it was hard enough with my two boys getting them in and out of the car, having to climb myself to get in and out of the back to buckle them up now I had a third child on the way. There was no way this would be practical.

“Do you live far?” Cillian asked as I drove from the restaurant out to the main road towards the other side of the bridge where I lived.

“No not really, only about five minutes, ten depending on the traffic” I shrug off checking both ways for traffic before making my exit onto the bridge.

“Seems like a nice neighbourhood.” Cillian commented as I reversed the car into my driveway. Exiting the car I noticed he looked around the quiet street I lived, everyone either still out or tucked up for the evening in their homes.

“Nothing compared to yours” I tell him shyly looking down at my keys in my hands as I tried to find my front door key. I had been meaning to take my work keys off them, keep them separate from months but just kept forgetting.

“I think it’s perfect” He spoke, his breathe hitting the back of my neck as we entered the small hallway. I was beyond grateful I had cleaned the house this morning before my first client. Opening the wooden door to the living room. My little chihuahua Pablo was over immediately smelling at Cillian’s shoes.

“Careful, he will cover you in hair, he is casting something awful at the moment.”

“Never worry, Scout is the same. Just something they go through isn’t it pup” He spoke, his voice trailing off into a baby voice as he took a seat, Pablo was straight up sniffing everywhere he could before Cillian gently cupped his tiny head pressing a small kiss on the crown of it. In response Pablo had thrown himself into Cillian, soaking his face in small licks before rolling over on his back looking for a tummy scratch.

“Oh course, I forgot you had a dog” I mused walking past the pair and into the kitchen. “Would you like anything to eat or drink?”

“Yeah sure, whatever you are having” Cillian responded. Rather than give him a Pepsi Max I grabbed a bottle of Corona beer from the fridge I had left over from Clara’s birthday a few months back and opening it. Walking back into the living room I offered it to Cillian who thanked me, taking a small sip before he started laughing to himself. “I was going to ask if you were gonna join me but…ya know” He continued after I gave him a strange look to explain his sudden laughter.

“Yeah, we got ourselves a little problem” I nodded with a sigh, sitting next to him on the two seater sofa.

“You mean blessing” Cillian corrected leaning back on the sofa, his arm resting on the back as his body turned slightly towards me. “Would you have ever told me?” He asked jumping straight into the hard conversation he clearly wanting to have.

“I didn’t know how to reach you”

“You know where I live” He commented with a small smile. Tilting my head to the side, I couldn’t stop the smile working its way on face as I rolled my eyes.

“Yes but I wasn’t going to your house in Dublin to tell you the random woman you slept with 8 weeks ago is pregnant with your child. You would think me insane” I chuckle looking down at the open can of Pepsi Max in my lap, using my index finger I traced the silver rim.

“I won’t lie to you, I definitely would” He laughed, a deep hearty laughed that had me laughing along with him. “I guess I will be forever grateful for Clara for reaching out. I would have hated to miss out on this little ones life” He spoke softly, reaching a hand over and placing it on my knee.

“Do you really mean that?” I asked, suddenly feeling incredibly fragile, incredibly exposed to Cillian as we sat opposite each other on my sofa.

“I really mean it Paige” He spoke, barely above a whisper. Slowly he started leaning closer to me, I felt myself lean closer to him until we were mere inches apart. “I’m gonna be here for you Paige.”

#cillian murphy #originalcharacter #peakyblinders #tommy shelby #chances #part2 #cillian #murphy #original #pregnancy #singlemother #onenight

37 notes · View notes