Work Text:
It was foolish
He knew that. He knew it with the feeble rays of sunshine in his kitchen. Under the fluorescents of the lab. Hidden from the moonlight during the hunt.
And yet…
Wise men say
Only fools rush in
Here by the dancing glow of the fireplace. Here, pinned to his seat by long dark lashes who won’t look his way. Here, mesmerized by gold-sparkled chocolate curls that forgot long ago what a comb felt like. Here, hypnotized by the gentle breathing of a man terrified of his own mind… Here he forgot.
But I can’t help
Falling in love
With you
A sudden crack of burning wood stirred something in the young man’s eyes. As if waking up from a dream he shook his head lithely and turned his gaze towards him.
Shall I stay
Would it be a sin?
- Well it’s gett…
- How about w…
Startled by the coincidence, Will looked at him with big bright eyes. A mongoose indeed, he thought.
One second passed.
If I can’t help
Falling in love with you
Hannibal took the leap.
- How would you like to listen to some music, Will? - he said getting up and taking the profiler’s glass from his white hand. Fingertips touched for an instant and Hannibal could practically taste the embarrassment rolling out of him in peachy waves.
It smelled traitorously sweet and musky. A mix between chilled whiskey and chocolate soufflé. A hint of disgraceful aftershave and the underlying sickness taking its toll on a tired body.
It smelled like victory.
Like a river flows
Surely to the sea
- I think it’s getting pretty late, Dr. Lecter. Maybe on anoth… - Will tried to get up, looking around as if trying to find something to use as an excuse. “Tried” being the keyword.
- Nonsense. Surely we can bask in the presence of one another for a little longer.
A playfully stern look was all it took to get Will to surrender and look back at the fireplace. A thoughtful expression setting in his delicate features.
Darling, so it goes
Some things are meant to be
Soft piano notes mixed into the night. Hannibal smiled with his back turned, savouring the perfect dinner, the perfect moment. The perfect company.
- Would you dance with me, Will? - he asked only with the slightest hesitation. Sturdy palm up, knee barely bent, eyes as fond as ever.
Take my hand
Take my whole life too
A heartbeat. An intake of air. A surrender.
- Don’t blame me if I step on your shoes
For I can’t help
Falling in love
- I am sure we will manage
with you