For Hannibal

[hollow_moon]

His invitation to join him at his cousin Elliot's country estate for the weekend had been genuine, and not long after their dinner together, Hannibal had received a very posh looking card in the mail, with a date, directions, and a list of attire that would be needed for the weekend. From hunting to dinner dress, it was all laid out in beautiful calligraphy, and sealed with the wax seal the Collingwoods had been using for centuries.

The estate itself was grand and sprawling, a massive home centred between immaculate gardens and very dense and lush woods. There was nothing else for miles around, but the estate was never empty. At the moment it was filled with the younger Collingwood men and their guests, for what was intended to be a men's retreat before the coming months of more feminine socials and dinner parties. 

Val rarely smoked, but he was currently indulging in his cousin's pipe and imported tobacco as he lounged in the library. They were due to set out shortly to go on their first hunt, but Val had been doing this for so long that he knew there was no rush. No doubt by now second cousin Reginald would be throwing his first of many fits, while Elliot  tried to sooth him and calm him down. It was as much a tradition as the rest of the weekend really...

The door opened, and Val smiled as he looked over and saw Dr. Lecter.

"Ah, Hannibal. Avoiding the racket of Cousin Reginald's tantrum?" he asked with a soft laugh.

Comments

[anamusebouche]

"Nothing to do with shame," Hannibal said. "There is a practical reason for keeping it hushed," he offered. "Not many people would react the way I reacted."

[hollow_moon]

"No, I suppose they wouldn't. ...Which reminds me, I never asked. What were you doing out in the woods so late?" Valentine asked, glancing over curiously.

[anamusebouche]

Hannibal smiled a little. "I couldn't sleep. The night was beautiful and fresh, and it drew me. Perhaps all your warnings not to go out after eleven drew me even more. I gathered wild dogs weren't the whole story, I thought they perhaps were not even part of the story. I was curious."

[hollow_moon]

"A family of terrible liars and far too many secrets," Val laughed. "It does usually work though. I suppose our other friends aren't nearly as bold or perceptive as you."

[anamusebouche]

"When you know the strange creatures this world can produce, your mind opens to the possibility," Hannibal offered.

[hollow_moon]

"Don't really fancy myself strange- Or a creature," Val laughed. "You speak as though you know others like me though."

[anamusebouche]

Hannibal smiled, but was glad his remark hadn't been considered rude. "Forgive me, I didn't mean to insinuate anything other than your remarkable nature." A pause. "I do know of other... remarkable people. None such as yourself, but equally different."

[hollow_moon]

"Oh? I'd ask for you to tell me more, but- I understand that their abilities are likely a private matter. ...Still, it's always reassuring to be reminded I'm not alone in the world," he smiled.

[anamusebouche]

"I gave my word I wouldn't share their existence with those who are unaware of it," Hannibal replied.

[hollow_moon]

"And I trust you'll do the same for me," Val smiled, reaching over and patting Hannibal's arm.

[anamusebouche]

Hannibal did sometimes wonder if his affair with a much younger man made him more approachable than before. While he endured gossip and looks of disgust, he also found that his arm was more often patted than ever before.

He smiled. "Of course. You needn't worry about that."

[hollow_moon]

"You're a good man, Hannibal. Absolutely first class," Val grinned. "I knew you were a good egg when I met you."

[anamusebouche]

Hannibal smiled to that. "You did? What gave me away?"

[hollow_moon]

"Your eyes," Valentine said, looking thoughtful as he spoke. "At a glance they're sharp like a predictors- Like an owl or a hawk- But those eyes are familiar, I see them all the time when I look in the mirror, and I know behind a sharp gaze a good heart can remain protected and full."

[anamusebouche]

"You have to protect yourself?" Hannibal asked.

[hollow_moon]

"I have to protect the wolf," Val replied. "But doesn't everyone have to protect themselves, at least a bit? We all have wounds that have never fully healed. ...Vulnerable parts of us that need guarding."

[anamusebouche]

Hannibal nodded. "Very perceptive. You wouldn't make a bad psychiatrist."

[hollow_moon]

"Oh, I'd be dreadful. I'm far too keen on being everyone's friend, and I'm prone to dreadful moods. I can spend entire days utterly broken and miserable," he admitted.

[anamusebouche]

He looked over, as if worried, before returning his attention to the road. "Is that something you would like to talk about?"

[hollow_moon]

"No- No, it's nothing to worry about," Val assured him.

[anamusebouche]

"Good," Hannibal said. "But you do know that you could talk to me. I would be bound by doctor-patient confidentiality. Couldn't say a word, least of all to your family."

[hollow_moon]

"Of course, doctor," Valentine purred, winking at the other man. "You're a good man."

[anamusebouche]

"I promise I'm not fishing for a job," Hannibal said, with a smile and an eye on Valentine.

[hollow_moon]

"I wouldn't blame you if you were. I'm sure I've all sorts of neurosis I've never even noticed in myself," Val chuckled. "Still, I prefer you as my friend, Hannibal. I'll gladly tell you my troubles with no expectation of you putting them at ease, and I hope you trust me enough to do the same. I can't offer doctor patient confidentiality, but I'll pinky swear to never share a word," he smiled.

[anamusebouche]

"Not much to tell on my behalf," Hannibal assured. "But I will take that pinky swear. Thank you."