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Since their rebirth from their fall, Hannibal and Will have been intimate. Not in the traditional sense of physical affection but their souls and minds are connected now in ways no one else could hope to achieve.
They've settled in a small house in Cuba, currently, content to live in domestic bliss as they heal fully. It is not to say that Hannibal is not patient with their relationship development. He has waited years for Will to accept their connection and he is content to wait more for the chance to be romantically intimate with Will. He would have Will any way he can, even if this never bleeds into a sexual or romantic relationship.
He ponders this while watching the clock tick closer and closer to a new year. Marking a new year for Hannibal to grow closer to Will. They sit together now in companionable silence, watching the ocean reach her hands out to meet land. He's poured them a flute of champagne, both nursing it as the minutes grow nearer to midnight. Will is beautiful in the light of the moon. Hannibal has always thought Will was a creature that belonged to the night and sea. A dream that feels just out of reach. He is thankful every day Will chooses to greet him with a smile and stays by his side. His soul is full and complete, finally.
When midnight strikes, Hannibal turns to say some profound metaphor about new beginnings but is silenced by fingers smoothing their way across his jaw, guiding him to turn fully towards Will. He's allowed his beard to grow in and hair to grow longer, in an effort to conceal his identity. His covered jaw does nothing to cover the searing heat of Will's touch on him. Time has slowed, it feels. Dragging this moment of contact out longer for him to savor, remember, enjoy. His eyelashes flutter in pleasure before turning his surprised gaze toward the cause of all these emotions. Will's gaze is heated and determined, waiting for the moment their eyes lock before acting.
The Lips pressed to his are soft and firm. Hannibal takes a few minutes to process what is happening. Will is kissing him. He lets out a shaky breath through his nose before leaning into it. His grip loosening on his forgotten glass, he only focuses on Will. It is a simple and overall chaste kiss but it feels like the most groundbreaking moment in Hannibal's life. He will never forget the way Will looks as he pulls back, cheeks flushed and mouth parted in a shy smile.
Hannibal can only look on at this gorgeous creature in awe at the gift given to him. "Happy New Year, Hannibal," Will says in a low voice, not wanting to break the moment between them. The doctor can only smile back and lean in for another kiss, received with enthusiasm.