Work Text:
Hansha (Hannibal)
‘7:31pm’ the clock read, Will Graham should be here, instead he sits alone.
“I miss him.” Hannibal had said earlier that day, just as he did every day since his loss.
Everything had always come so easy to Hannibal, including emotions. He felt how he wanted to feel, yet he couldn’t place the feeling that evokes in him at the thought of Will Graham.
Franklyn comes to mind, Hannibal despised him because he was exactly what he had worked so hard to surpress. But why can’t Hannibal allow himself to feel that way? Just as he always does? Is it…love? no, not just that, something more.
A desire to be seen, after spending so much time hidden. The parts of him that were left to collect dust in his mind palace are now being dusted off, but not by him.
The realization hits that this time he doesn’t have full control. As much as he allows himself to be seen, he is in fact being discovered.
He’s found an equal, or the potential to elicit one. Will perceives him so clearly as if he was layed on an examination table with nothing but a gown, almost fully exposed.
Hannibal’s tried so hard to get Will to see him, a rare thing and precious thing that leaves one vulnerable. It’s a feeling unfamiliar to Hannibal, as have many since Will had entered the foyer of his mind.
It’s overwhelming for Hannibal. For the first time in his life he’s unsure of what he wants. Will Graham is an anomaly, unique in nature, unpredictable. Hannibal wants to understand Will as much as he understands him.
An intriguing challenge he’s decided to take on that would unknowingly change either of them forever.
No one can live up to the ideal carried in the mind of another. However, it’s difficult to avoid developing attachments and expectation.
Hannibal has already created an ideal in his mind for the becoming of Will Graham. But what should happen if the caterpillar begins breaking through the chrysalis too soon; diverging nature’s path.
Mukozuke (Will)
Somethings caught the line, he reels it in; a trout, just in time for supper. The alarm buzzes and a tray is slid from underneath the cell door. Will opens his eyes to meatloaf and greens.
Hannibal. He probably would’ve starved to death, or better yet bite his finger off than consume something that disgraces the title of a ‘meal’.
Trailing into the thought of Hannibal, before Will was aware of what he was, he often wondered what separates himself from others in Hannibal’s presence. Why was he chosen? What was it about him that drew the monster so close?
Surely a man like Hannibal Lecter has better things to do with his time than to debase himself, in trying to be known, or seen, or loved. Why bother? Who could? He didn’t think anyone would be able. So he didn’t look…but then there stood one capable of understanding every aspect of being.
Will knew Hannibal wanted to be seen by him. He was trying so hard to be friendly, and Will had been pushing him away, wary of being subject to study as always. However, once it became evident Hannibal’s intentions were ‘pure’, Will began allowing himself to let down his appearances, but leaving his walls up.
He felt at ease during his sessions with Hannibal.
It allowed him to focus on himself, other people are so clear-cut to him, he has the ability to understand other people's motives but it seems laborious to have to explain his own.
Unlike talking to most where Will can see himself through their eyes, mirroring the interpretation others perceive as him. Hannibal wears a thick mask, nearly opaque, many layers concealing the creature beneath.
It was as relieving as it was unfamiliar and frustrating, not being able to gauge Hannibal’s thoughts like he could with others.
Curiosity, was all Will had been able to place. But in what sense? the lengths of his ability? Living in the heads of murderers would typically leave one morally grey. What was it that Hannibal had been hiding from the world that warranted his persistent desire towards a friendship with Will?
When he found out he felt betrayed, the one person he thought he could trust. Will hated himself just as much as he hated Hannibal. What does it say about him that the one person who could see him, was something other?
He didn’t know what to think, did Hannibal even care for him? Was he really just a puppet for his amusement? He knew Hannibal was psychotic but could he really be so heartless?