hollow_moon | For Hannibal

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.

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

From:

hollow_moon

"Ah, and the public gets, what the public wants..." Val replied, offering just the faintest hint of a smile as he sang the words rather than spoke them, humming the next few bars of The Jam's 'Going Underground', before leaning over and clicking on the stereo.

The music that played was contemporary, a low hum of modern alternative that played softly in the background as they drove.

From:

anamusebouche

Hannibal didn't mind the music. It wouldn't be his choice, but he didn't detest modern music.

"How many people know of you?" He asked after a while. "I would like to know so I can anticipate. It's easier to keep a secret when one knows from whom to keep it."

From:

hollow_moon

"Most of my family and friends," Val replied. "My father was all for keeping it hush, but that's never been very practical. Besides, I'm not ashamed of what I am."

From:

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."

From:

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.

From:

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."

From:

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."

From:

anamusebouche

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

From:

hollow_moon

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

From:

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."

From:

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.

From:

anamusebouche

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

From:

hollow_moon

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

From:

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."

From:

hollow_moon

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

From:

anamusebouche

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

From:

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."

From:

anamusebouche

"You have to protect yourself?" Hannibal asked.

From:

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."

From:

anamusebouche

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

From:

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.

From:

anamusebouche

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

From:

hollow_moon

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

From:

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."