To Love A Fool~ (Cicero x Reader)

Chapter 2

Reader's POV

"Cicero? Cicero wake up!" I nudged the jester lightly with my foot in an attempt to wake him.

"Hmm? Listner! Cicero is sorry! Let us go!" He sprung up from his bed and began hurriedly collecting his belongings.

"I cleaned up almost everything Cicero it's ok," I laughed as he scrambled around the remains of the camp.

He stuffed his things into an old sack and tied it to Shadowmere's saddle before climbing up. "Let us go now (Y/N)," He said, extending a gloved hand. I grabbed it and allowed him to pull me up behind him. He guided Shadowmere through the waking forest and towards the city of Riften.

**time skip to Riften**

"This way." I began walking at a brisk pace towards the stairs next to the orphanage. My shoes made light thudding noises against the worn wood, the scent of pine and sea salt mingled in the cool air.

I desended the old stairs with Cicero by my side. I opened the door to The Ratway and led Cicero through the maze of old tunnels. I had gotten used to the smell of mold and stagnant water, as have most of the Guild, but since Cicero was new it affected him greatly. He gagged and sputtered almost the whole way before we arrived at the Ragged Flagon.

"Don't worry its better in here." I said before pushing Cicero through the door and into the Flagon.

"Lass you're back! Good to see you (Y/N)!" I was pulled into a rough hug by the one and only Brynjolf. I could basically feel Cicero staring daggers at Brynjolf so I quickly pulled out of the hug.

"Hey it's good to be back but sadly I'm here on business," I sighed. Brynjolf's mock pout made me chuckle as I began walking towards the counter, Cicero right next to me. I glanced over at him only see pure rage plastered on his face. His red hair was tucked behind his ears and the rest was hidden by his jesters hat.

"Are you alright?" I whispered quietly, confusion and concern seeping into my voice. His demeanor immediately changed to one of happiness, though I knew it was fake.

"Oh sweet Listener is worried about dear Cicero!" He laughed as we approached Delvin.

"What do you need?" He asked in his usual gruff voice. I explained what I needed, payed him, and left.

"Hey Cicero wanna go to the Bee and Barb?" I asked curiously. He merely nodded and followed me in. We sat alone at the bar drinking mead and wine, the rest of the customers were disturbed by Cicero's jokes of death and murder, I, on the other hand, adored them and listened with intent. After consuming much more mead than any living being was supposed too the bartender forced me to leave, and instructed Cicero to give me lots of water. Cicero chuckled as I fell off the wooden stool while attempting to stand. After I fell again Cicero picked me up bridal style and carried me out of the bar and out into Riften.

"Cicero I can *hic* walk jus' fine. You can pu' me down now." My voice was slurred greatly by the mead.

"No Cicero can't do that sweet Listner. You might hurt yourself. Then what kind of Keeper would I be?" He raised a questioning eyebrow at me.

"A damn good *hic* one I'd say," I continued to hiccup in my drunken state as Cicero laughed and shook his head.

"Even drunk on mead Cicero still finds you beautiful and graceful," He whispered.

He continued to carry me until we found ourselves in the Cistern.

"Cicero why *hic* did you bring me *hic* here?" I asked drunk and tired.

"The Listener trusts these people, so Cicero does as well," he said. It was then I noticed the Guild members watching me with amusement. Cicero layed me down on am empty bed away from light and people.

"Drink sweet Listener," He ordered softly. I allowed him to hold the cup of water while I propped myself up against his shoulder.

I looked around and saw a blurry man walking towards me.

"What happened lass?" Brynjolf shot an accusing glare at Cicero before looking back at me.

"(Y/N) drank mead but dear Cicero is very much sober," Cicero growled. Nodding Brynjolf took the hint to leave.

"Sleep now sweet Listner. Cicero will protect you...forever," he murmured quietly.