Just a one shot with my two main characters from Between The Fire and the Void. Cute fluff and murder abound. Thank you for reading! As always I own nothing the characters belong to Bethesda.

Raven

27th of First Seed 4E 185 Jester's Festival Imperial City

Cicero stood in the shadows leaning against the wall. He watched the actors in their bright costumes parading around the main street of the city. He never really liked this holiday. It was too loud, too many people and the damn laughter from the jesters gave him a headache. He was all for making fun of the rich and powerful. He loved when his contracts were for taking out a rich rival, or a powerful politician. His eyes slide to his left and he could see a look of amusement on his companion's face.

"You enjoy this?" Dracen quirked her head to the side and shrugged. "A bunch of fools running around squawking."

"It's a chance to let go and poke fun at things. People need that now and then. It can't be serious all the time." To most people would look at Cicero and see a very sharp and serious man. Dracen had seen the softer side and the humor he hides behind the serious mask. Lots of people, noble and common alike milled around the city. Too many eyes to hide from. "It will be hard to get our mark with all these people around. We will have to wait till nightfall." He nodded and pushed off the wall and took her hand.

"I guess in the meantime we can try to enjoy ourselves." She blushed and worried her bottom lip. He loves when she does that. She was too innocent, but it made it even more inciting for him. He pulled her closer and began to sway to the music played around them. She eyes went wide as he twirled her around and pulled her back into him. "Why so shocked? I can dance you know."

"You just told me you hated all of this."

"Well, I could be miserable or I could enjoy the next few hours with a beautiful woman. I prefer the latter." He dipped her and she let out a gasp followed by a joyful laugh. This was the side she loves, the side she was privileged to see. Cicero the man, not just the cold efficient assassin. She was thankful The Blades taught her the finer things, like dancing, debating and how to act in court. Cicero was teaching her how to survive out in the world. She knew she still had a long way to go. She didn't like talking to people, even her new siblings she was quiet around. She just wasn't comfortable. She didn't understand why she was so at ease with him, maybe it was because he saved her life, maybe it was because he was everything she was not. He was strong, fast, smart, he wasn't held back by fear or doubt. He did what he had to and let Fate take care of the rest. She wished she could be that free.

She let him lead her for a few songs and through it all her head spun. To most he probable looked too plain. His red hair made him stand out sure, but the rest of him was deceptive. His sharp cheek bones and long thin nose were typical of Imperials. His short stature was perfect for her since she too was height challenged. His skin was pale, with a splash of freckles just like hers across the nose and under the eyes. His lips were thin, yet soft. Kissing him left her breathless and tingly. She wonders if this is what the stories all talked about when you fall in love. He would laugh at her for sure if she uttered those words so she kept them to herself. They would spend the next few hours enjoying the festival, tonight they would find their prey.

OoO

Night had fallen and they were dressing for their hunt. They rented rooms at The King and Queen tavern since their target's home was in the Elven Gardens district. Their target was a wealthy man who used his wealth to protect skooma suppliers for a nice kickback on his part. A lot of people have died or made to disappear for speaking out. Their client had lost her father to this man and his thugs just for wanting to protect their community. This was a contract that Dracen felt no guilt over fore filling. Making a guilty party pay helped ease her conscience. Cicero had no such qualms, he loved the thrill of the kill no matter the target. Their said target was having a masquerade ball so costumes and masks were required. Rasha was able to get them on the invitation list. Lord and Lady Vespone of Skingrad, minor nobles visiting the capital for the festival. Dracen had picked a forest nymph costume with a mask of leaves and curved horns. She was unsure what Cicero had chosen. The dress landed right above her knees and was made of a flowing green fabric. The skirt was roughly cut to make it look like she had lived in the woods her whole life. She choose sturdy brown boots made of suede. Just in case they needed to run, the tapered heels the upper class wore would not be helpful to an assassin. She stood in front of the looking glass in her room and smoothed the skirt down a little. She didn't hear Cicero come in the room. His arms encircled her and his chin rested on her bare shoulder.

"Very sexy." His lips brushed against her pulse point and she sighed. She turned in his arms and wrapped hers around his neck. Rising on her feet she met his lips. Their kiss was too brief for her liking, but she knew they had a job to do. "Don't pout." She rolled her eyes and went to retrieve her mask. She turned around and took him in for the first time. He was wearing a Harlequin outfit and mask was the visage of a Dremora. "Shall we?" He bowed and gestured to the door. She took his arm making their way to the inn's door and stepped out in to the cool spring air. "Hopefully our prey won't be too illusive tonight."

"From what I hear he likes to wander the parties looking for new women to warm his bed." Cicero snorted and she felt his grip tighten on her arm. "That wasn't me volunteering as bait."

"I didn't think you were. You aren't much of a flirt." She glared at him for a moment,, but said nothing. He wasn't wrong, she just didn't like being told she lacked in social skills. He dipped his head and whispered in her ear. "If he tried anything with you I'd geld him right then and there." She pulled back and starred into Cicero's eyes. She could see anger and something else in them. It sent a small shiver down her spine. "Cold?"

"Just a little. Spring nights are always a little chilly. I'll be alright, we are almost there." The line of guests could be seen winding out of the house. There were guards standing on either side of the street and heavily armored guards by the door. A steward was checking the invitations and another was taking the cleared guests inside. It took a good half an hour before it was their turn. Cicero handed the steward their invitation scroll. He looked it over and checked his list. Then he looked them over to make sure they followed the requests in the scroll. He nodded to his fellow steward and he stepped forward.

"Follow me please." He lead them into the large mansion till they hit the entry door to the ball room. He motioned for them to wait. Dracen knew this protocol. Wait till your names are called then make a grand entrance. "We welcome Lord and Lady Vespone of Skingrad!" She nudged Cicero so they could start walking in. Their prey was standing in a balcony above the ballroom to receive his guests. Even from this far away she felt his gaze on her. She and Cicero bowed at the edge of the dance floor and then walked further into the room. Once they mingled themselves in with the rest of the masses they could talk a little more freely.

"I could never be a noble. Look at all these preening, pompous sheep."

"It is a bit sickening isn't it?"

"Is this what you would have to go through?" She gave a slight nod and he gently pulled her to the ballroom floor. They had to keep appearances till the opportunity to end their host's life presented itself. "I can't picture you acting like them."

"I was trained for court, but never got to use it till now. I know I would be terrible at it. I would rather be running in the woods than sitting in a chair with a frilly robe on." He grinned at her under his mask, but she could see it in his eyes.

"Our host is mingling now." He spun them so she could see. The host was dressed in princely attire, his mask was gilded and made of fine porcelain. He seemed a little overly friendly to the younger women he greeted. Dracen rolled her eyes. He headed their way and she let out a small curse. She really didn't want to catch his attention, but she knew that was too late. He had been watching her since they entered the ballroom. She saw a gloved hand tap Cicero on the shoulder and he turned to greet the owner. His grip on Dracen's waist tightened though. He was not happy to share his companion's attention.

"May I have this dance?" Dracen gave Cicero's hand a squeeze and curtsied to her new partner. They had a job to do and if this was the in they needed then she would do it. Cicero went and stood against one the walls. He had a few women ask him to dance, but he gently turned them down. His eyes followed his partner and their mark around the dance floor. He kept his face neutral, all the while a slow rage began to build. He could see the man's hands touching her back and a few times trying to drift lower. He had to take a few deep breaths to calm himself. He didn't need to botch this contract. Their first two had gone rather well and he'd like to keep that trend going. Dracen had fallen into wet work better than he ever dreamed. She was rough around the edges still, but she had the soul of an assassin. Quick witted, graceful, beautiful and oh so deadly. He had to be honest with himself, he loves her. He didn't know how in such a short time he fell for her. Now he didn't want to live without her and he would be damned if he would anyone else touch her. His muscles twitched and his hands balled into fists. This kill needed to be done, he would much rather being spending his night another way. He laughed at himself.

"Oh Cicero how far you've fallen, wanting to spend the night with a girl instead of ending a life. Sithis, what is wrong with me?" It was then he noticed their mark was leading Dracen away from the dance floor. He slowly followed, grabbing a glass of wine as the server passed him. When in city might as well enjoy the high society flare. He followed them through the winding hallways peppered with other guests. The host ushered Dracen into a large study and his guards shut the doors. Cicero cursed under his breath. He had to find another way into that room. He downed the last of his wine and found a balcony a few rooms away. He could here soft moaning and he quietly began to sneak to the shadows. He shot a glance to the lovers in the corner and tried not to snort. "Lucky bastard." He nimbly climbed along the rose trellis that hung between the balconies. He was thankful that the next two were empty of guests. He could hear their targets voice at the second one. Cicero silently landed and crouched down melting into the shadows.

"You have quite am impressive library here." The sound of her voice made Cicero let go of the breath he had been holding. Losing sight of his Dragon made him feel a bit of panic.

"You should see the artwork I have in my private quarters." The ginger Imperial rolled his eyes. The noble was trying too hard to sound impressive. Dracen wasn't impressed by money or power. Heart and soul is what she valued. Cicero still wasn't sure what she saw in him, but he wasn't going to question. He heard her bell like laugh and it shook him out of his own thoughts. He needed to focus. They had to make this look like one of the skooma dealers became unhappy with the man. So quiet, but brutal as possible. He tuned out a lot of the small talk and focused on the room. The doors were thick, but he knew there were guards right outside. The balcony was the only other way out. The mansion backed up to an alleyway so if they could get down the trellis far enough they could slip away. "You are a beautiful woman." That caught the assassin's attention. Dracen blushed a little bit, but kept her face neutral. "Arranged marriage?"

"I'm sorry?" The noble pulled her closer and she let him, but her one hand stayed braced on the desk they were standing by.

"That man you came with, it was easy to tell you two don't belong together. No chemistry." Dracen laughed, but it was a dark laugh. Cicero wasn't sure if it was because she agreed with the noble or not. His heart sank a little.

"We are behaved in public, in private there is plenty of chemistry. I love him." The noble's voice sounded flat and a bit hurt.

"So you were leading me on?"

"No, I was being proper. It is rude to refuse a dance and tour from the host." She felt his grip get tighter on her hips. Not liking where this was starting to go she gently pushed on his chest to leave. The noble was having none of it and slammed her against the desk. "Let go." He laughed mirthlessly and his hands began to move up her body. Her voice remained calm even though her skin crawled under his touch. "Last warning, let go and I will keep my mouth shut to my husband."

"I think not. You come in my house dressed like that, tease me and expect me not to fuck you? Oh sweet little thing, I will let you go when I've had my fun." Dracen twisted her hips away from him and tried to get some leverage to shake him off. Her small stature left her at the larger man's mercy. He lifted her up and pinned her to the desktop. She tried not to panic when she heard him fiddling with his belt. She tried to find something to use to hit him with but his grip was too strong for her to break. She knew screaming would do nothing. His guards were probably paid to look the other way. She felt him still and she looked back down at him. A black gloved hand was over his mouth and an ebony dagger was under his manhood.

"My wife asked to leave nicely and this is how you act? Tsk, tsk, this will not do, it will not do at all. Stand up, slowly, unless you want to lose your little pickle." The noble raised off of Dracen and she quickly scrambled off the desk. "Sorry I'm late my love." She gave him a relieved smile, then turned her attention back to the man who was about to assault her.

"What shall we do with him darling?" Cicero chuckled darkly in the man's ear.

"You've hurt a lot of people and now you tried to hurt my beloved. I think I'm going to have some fun with you." The host whimpered and his pleas were muffled by Cicero's hand. "Oh are you begging? My dear I think hes trying to bribe us." Dracen stood on her toes and whispered in the man's ear.

"The Dark Brotherhood can not be bribed once a contract has been taken." The man jerked his head back and his eyes were wide with terror. He tried to scream, but Dracen hit him in the throat causing him to just groan in pain. Cicero took the opportunity to shove a gag in the man's mouth and throw him in a chair. His voice stayed low so they didn't alert the guards outside.

"Tie him to the chair." Dracen took the twine that held her costumes gauntlets on and secured his arms and legs to the chair. Cicero helped her to her feet once she had the noble's legs tied. "Go wait out on the balcony. I'll finish this." She opened her mouth to protest and found his lips claiming her. He broke the kiss and leaned his forehead against hers. "I owe him this for what he tried to do to you." She could see his expression was pained and she gave a small nod. Without a word or look back she went to hide in the shadows outside. Cicero rolled his shoulders and turned back to his prey. A wicked grin spread on his lips. "Shall we begin."

Dracen could hear sick wet sounds from the study, curiosity got the better of her and she peered around the balcony opening. She could see Cicero standing in front of the noble's disemboweled corpse. From the twisted expression on the dead man's face he died in agony. She saw him place something on the desk and her hand went to her mouth. The noble's cock was now sitting on the desktop pointing straight up. It always amazed her that he never got drenched in blood. His gloves were the only thing on him that was bloody. She quickly moved when she saw him turn and head toward her. He found her hiding in the shadows that had cloaked him earlier. He took his gloves off and threw them in a flower planter that lined the balcony. He took her hands and lifted her to her feet. He didn't say a word, just led her to their escape route. Once they were out and mingling with the masses that were enjoying the Jester's Night festival he finally broke his silence.

"He didn't..." She cupped his cheek and shook her head. "I never should have let you go with him."

"It was our best option. I knew you would be there to save me if needed. I trust you." He wrapped his arms around her and pulled her close. His touch was far different from the noble's. It made her skin tingle, where the other's touch made her ill. She could feel him tremble a little and she pulled back enough to look him in the eyes. "Cicero?" He kissed her fiercely afraid his words would not reflect how he truly felt. The sound of guards yelling cut through and he pulled back.

"I think they found our kill." The crowd parted as the guards ran through. They grabbed people and looked them over before letting them go. "We need to go." One guard saw them and ordered them to stop. Dracen grabbed Cicero's hand and they took off toward the bridge leading to the Wawnet Inn. The guards were hot on their heels as they winded through the crowds. They made it to the bridge leading out of the city to the main land. Dracen slid to a halt seeing guards running at them from the inn. "Shit!" Cicero knew they couldn't go back the way they came. He could hear the clinking of armor getting closer.

"We will have to jump." They ran to the railing of the bridge and looked over.

"Ladies first." She quickly vaulted over the side and soon hit the water. Cicero went to do the same and was grazed by an arrow on his thigh. The flint sliced through the flimsy cloth of his costume and he fell gracelessly into the water below. The guards continued to shoot where the two assassins had landed hoping they would float to the surface. They never did and after a while the guards left to search elsewhere for the noble's murderers.

OoO

Cicero grit his teeth as Dracen stitched him up. The wound while not lethal, was painful to say the least. They had been able to swim around the other side of the island and hide in her mom's old shack. Thankfully the Brotherhood kept it well stocked with supplies and healing essentials. They hadn't said much since they got to the safe house. She helped him to a chair and began cleaning the wound before she had started stitching it.

"Who taught you how to stitch?" She looked up and could see he was trying to focus on something other than the pain he was in.

"A Blade named Kalen, he was the resident healer when I was younger. He told me it was a skill that could always come in handy."

"With how we live, yeah, I'll have to let you teach me some day. Fuck!" She was starting on the part of the wound that ran to the back of his thigh. The skin there was more tender and where the arrow had taken more of a bite. She stopped and let him catch his breath.

"I'm sorry."

"It was my own stupid fault, I hesitated. Should have jumped with you." She handed him a bottle of wine. "Trying to get me drunk so you can take advantage of me." She chuckled and went back to stitching.

"No, just thought it would take the edge off." A few more passes of thread and she was done. She plucked the bottle from his hands and took a long drink. Tonight had been a bit rough, but they made it. Her nerves were settling and the alcohol began to spread a little warmth to her water chilled body. "You need to get out of those wet clothes before you freeze." He stood up and peeled off his tunic and shirt. Dracen couldn't help herself as her eyes roamed over his torso. She saw faded scars and some fresher ones over well muscled flesh. She wondered how many times he had come close to death to have that many scars.

"You're staring." She blushed and turned herself toward the fire so he could change. She tried to slow her breathing and think of other things. Her hands twitched, she so badly wanted to touch him, to trace and learn every scar, every muscle. "Dracen." She turned her head and saw he was still shirtless.

"I...you..." Words failed her and he smirked. She was always quick with a comeback or an argument. Tonight he had her flustered and oh by Sithis did he love it. He pulled her to her feet and placed her hands on his chest. Her fingers moved of their own volition and traced a longer scar that ran along his left peck. It was very faded, more so than the others she could see.

"That was was courtesy of the man who adopted me. I was eleven I think, he came home in a particularly foul mood and slashed me with a broken bottle." She gasped and looked up into his amber eyes. He was afraid he'd see pity, but he saw anger and something else. He wasn't sure what the other thing was and it vexed him. "He was my first kill."

"He deserved it for hurting you." A smirk graced his lips before kissing her forehead.

"It's how I learned I enjoyed killing. The coin is good, but the rush of ending a life..."

"It makes you feel more alive."

"Yeah, stupid right?"

"No, it's who you are." She placed a kiss over the scar and wrapped her arms around him. His body was warm and she relaxed against him. "How long do you think we will have to hole up here?"

"A few days. I'm sorry to say our costumes will have to be burned, don't need to be searched and the guards find them." She nodded and reluctantly let him go. "I think we have some clothes stored here somewhere." He opened the dresser and found a couple of pairs of leather pants and a couple tunics. "Here these should fit."

"I'll let you get dressed first." The house was tiny so there were no walls to break up the living space. Dracen went to the fire place and set a pot on a stool near the hearth. She could hear the sound of wet fabric hitting the wooden floor. Her curiosity got the better of her yet again and she tried to discreetly sneak a peek. She slightly turned her head and let out a small gasp. Cicero had silently been standing right next to her naked. She closed her eyes and a rush of red crawled up her cheeks.

"Naughty little Dragon, all you had to do was ask to see me naked." She opened her mouth to protest and he swooped in to kiss her before she could. Dracen froze for a second, but melted into him as the kiss began to get more heated. She felt his fingers busy themselves with the laces that held on bodice of her dress. Part of her brain screamed to stop him, but her body and heart wanted this. She wanted him and all the fear of the unknown flowed away with each touch. The tight material eased and he began to pull it away to gain access to her breasts. As his hands moved over her shoulders he also guided her toward the bed. His dagger callused hands found what they were looking for, her skin was soft and supple. He groaned in her mouth as she moaned at his touch on her nipples. He pulled his head back parting their lips and let his eyes see what his hands had the pleasure of experiencing. He watched her expressions as he caressed and pinched. He was gentle since he knew she was untouched and naive to the pleasures of the flesh. "So beautiful." Her eyes opened and met his. He looked like a wolf ready to devour his prey. The beautiful amber color was dark with desire. Her back arched when he took one of her nipples in his mouth. Heat and electricity shot through her and she could feel it pooling between her legs. His tongue swirled and teased, his teeth would gently nip ad scrape. When he had thoroughly explored the one pert peak he went to the other. All the while his hand would pay attention to the other breast. Dracen squirmed and moaned under his ministrations.

"Oh Gods..." He grinned around the nipple between his lips. The rest of her dress fell to the floor. He gently pushed her back till her legs hit the side of the bed. She fell back and he went with her. He hissed a little from the fall pulling on his newly stitched leg. Her look of concern made him shake his head and smile. The weight of him on top of her felt amazing and scary all at once. She looked up at him and he brushed away the hair that had fallen around her face. He dipped down to claim her lips again. This kiss was slow and sweet. Her fingers tangled in his hair trying to anchor herself. Her head was swimming from all the sensations. Cicero pulled away and began trailing kisses down her neck. Her breathy sighs and moans were music to his ears. He traveled down her body placing kissed and love nips along the way. He stopped just short of her smallclothes feeling her tense. His normally nimble fingers struggled with the ties that held them in place. He growled and grabbed for his dagger that sat on the bedside table. With quick flicks of his wrists he cut the offending strings and pulled away the fabric. Dracen opened her mouth to protest, but the feel of his tongue running along her folds made any words die on her lips.

"You taste divine." His eyes looked up at her and saw the beautiful blush on her pale cheeks. He could feel her body tremble as his tongue continued to taste and tease. Her one hand came back and tangled in his ginger hair again. His hands held her hips so he could gain better access to the bundle of nerves at the top of her slit. Her moans and sighs got higher pitched the closer to climax she got. She arched her back at the feel of his fingers entering her slowly. It was a bit painful, but necessary to prepare her for what was to come. All the sensations were too much and her body shook as she came. His tongue slowed and lazily lapped at her clit to help ease her down. Once her body relaxed he climbed back up retracing his trail of kisses from earlier. Her breath slowed back to normal and her heart beats evened. When his lips claimed hers again she could taste her tangy sweetness on them. She found it wasn't unpleasant as her naive mind thought it would be. Her eyes opened to see his looking at her with a look of total love and hunger. He smiled and ran his thumb along her jaw line. "What comes next will hurt at first. If it's too much I'll stop."

"I trust you..." He wrapped his hand under her back and tilted her pelvis up a little. He kissed her again just as the tip of his erection entered her. Dracen hissed into his lips and her nails dug into his back. He slowly rocked his hips till he got himself fully seated inside her. She cried out and clung to him as he broke though her maidenhead. He almost felt guilty at causing her pain. His movements stilled as he waited for her to relax. After what seemed forever Dracen rocked her hips up and he groaned. Their bodies began move against each other in a dance as old as time itself. The pain began to fade some as the friction gave way to pleasure. Cicero reveled in her breathy chants of his name in his ear. His pace began to pick up as he chased his own climax. Her legs wrapped around his hips as she tried to match his pace. It didn't take long for his thrusts to become erratic and he roared his release. Somewhere in his mind he heard her tumble over the edge with him. His body collapsed and he pulled her so they were side by side. He didn't want to crush her under his boneless weight. Cicero used the very last bit of his energy to pull the quilts over their bodies before they both passed out.

OoO

Dracen wasn't sure how long she slept. At first she thought what happened between them was jut a dream. The ache between her legs and the naked man she was entangled with told her otherwise. She looked up at his face and marveled at how blissful he looked. They had shared their bed before and slept in each others arms, but never did it go further than kissing. Not once did he ever look this at peace. The hard lines from his years of serious looks were gone. He looked younger. Her hand tucked a stand of hair that fell in front of his eye behind his ear. She felt him stir and beautiful honey colored eyes opened to greet her.

"Is it morning already?" He pulled her closer and tucked her head under his chin. He could see the first sign of morning light filter in from the crack under the door. "I don't think I've slept that good in ages." She worried her lip with her teeth, afraid to speak, afraid that it didn't mean as much to him as it did to her. Her mind began to betray her and she thought she was just another conquest to him. "Regretting it?" She sat up and looked down at him.

"No..."

"Good, I don't regret it either." He sat up and leaned in to kiss her. "You look unsure?"

"I'm new to this..." He wrapped his arms around her and placed a gentle kiss on her temple.

"I know. So am I." She highly doubted he was new to sex. Not with how thorough he was just hours before.

"Cicero..." He looked her in the eyes and saw a range of emotions. She looked confused so he gave her a lopsided grin.

"I love you, you know that right?" He was amused by her shock. Her body relaxed and her eyes sparkled. "You my dear are the only woman who I have ever loved."

"I love you too, My Dark Angel."

"Dark Angel? I like that." He guided her to lay back down and wrapped her in his arms. "Since we have nowhere to go right away we don't have to get out of bed anytime soon." She smiled against his skin and threw her leg over his. Careful to not touch the stitches she had put there just hours before "I have a feeling we won't be leaving this bed much today."

"I have a lot to learn. You know me I like to be thorough." He chuckled and nuzzled her neck.

"As my Dragon commands."

OoO

3rd of Rain's Hand 4E 185 Jester's Festival Cheydinhal

"It's good to be home." Dracen loved living in Cheydinhal. The city was lush and prosperous. The late day shoppers bustled around the shops as they walked toward the sanctuary. The rain had started picking up as a strong spring shower blew in. They ran and took refuge under the covered bridge. Cicero could see some of the people give them weird looks. He knew they were an odd pair. She a mix of man and mer, he a fire haired Imperial. In a perfect world they wouldn't run in the same circles. She should have been sitting on a throne and he would just be an assassin. He chuckled at the irony of it all. "What's so funny?"

"Just realizing that we make an odd pair." Her brow furrowed and he clucked his tongue. He leaned in so his lips brushed her ear. "Never meant to be, but fate thought differently. I don't plan on letting anything take you from me." She grinned and rested her head on his shoulder. They watched the rain bounce off the water's surface not caring about the looks from others. They were two young people in love and they were determined to enjoy it till Sithis called them home.