Work Text:
The Graham-Lecter household was steeped in the golden glow of late afternoon. Sunlight streamed through the wide windows, casting long shadows over the wooden floor. A light breeze rustled the curtains, bringing with it the faint scent of spring.
At the center of this peaceful scene, Mischanne "Misha" Evangeline Graham-Lecter sprawled on the plush carpet, her stuffed bear clutched tightly to her chest. Her dark curls bounced as she rolled onto her stomach, peering up at her father.
— Tėveli, how do you say "bear" in Lithuanian?
Hannibal, seated in his armchair with a book in hand, closed it with a soft thump. He studied her with a quiet fondness.
— Meška, — he answered smoothly.
Misha’s face scrunched in concentration.
— Meh-shka?
— Meška, — Hannibal corrected, the pronunciation precise.
From the dining table, Will smirked, lifting his eyes from the papers he had been grading.
— Let’s see if she remembers them, — he mused.
Misha turned to Will, bright-eyed.
— Tėti, I can learn fast!
Hannibal hummed in agreement.
— Then let’s begin properly.
Lesson 1: Animals
Do you remember how to say "dog" in Lithuanian?
Click to reveal the answer
**Šuo** ✅
How do you say "cat" in Lithuanian?
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**Katė** ✅
How do you say "rabbit" in Lithuanian?
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**Triušis** ✅
Misha wrinkled her nose at the last one.
— Triušis, — she repeated slowly, then giggled. — That’s a funny word!
Will chuckled.
— A little bit, yeah.
Hannibal arched a brow.
— Languages have peculiar sounds, especially when spoken by an unfamiliar tongue.
Misha, not quite understanding, nodded solemnly.
— More words!
Hannibal smirked.
Story Interlude: The Teddy Bear Incident
Misha once had a grand misunderstanding regarding meška.
A few weeks prior, Hannibal had taken her to the farmer’s market. Misha, holding her father's hand, had spotted a large honey jar with a bear-shaped lid. Her eyes had widened.
— Tėveli! A real meška?
Hannibal had chuckled.
— It is only in the shape of a bear, mano širdis.
Still, she had insisted on bringing it home, declaring that the honey must be magical because meškos loved it.
Will, later that night, had teased Hannibal mercilessly.
— Looks like you’ll have to start a new lecture series: "Metaphors and Literalism in Five-Year-Olds."
Lesson 2: Family
How do you say "father" in Lithuanian?
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**Tėtis** ✅
How do you say "mother" in Lithuanian?
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**Mama** ✅
How do you say "brother" in Lithuanian?
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**Brolis** ✅
How do you say "sister" in Lithuanian?
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**Sesuo** ✅
Misha turned to Will, eyes gleaming.
— Tėtis! That means you!
Will placed a hand over his heart dramatically.
— You mean I'm learning too?
Misha giggled.
Hannibal tilted his head, amused.
— You are part of the family, Will. You might as well learn alongside her.
Will groaned.
— Lucky me.
Lesson 3: Simple Phrases
Hannibal leaned forward slightly, fingers steepled.
— Now, let’s try something a little harder.
Misha straightened.
— Like what?
— How do you say "How are you?"
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**Kaip sekasi?** ✅
Misha squinted.
— Kaip... sekasi?
— Very good, — Hannibal praised.
Will smirked.
— Alright, let’s step it up. Teach her how to say "I love you."
Hannibal glanced at him before speaking smoothly.
— Aš myliu tave.
How do you say "I love you" in Lithuanian?
Click to reveal the answer
**Aš myliu tave.** ✅
Misha beamed.
— Aš myliu tave, Tėti!
Will smiled warmly.
— I love you too, sweetheart.
Story Interlude: Will’s First Lithuanian Lesson
Once, Hannibal had attempted to teach Will Lithuanian.
It had not gone well.
— Kaip sekasi? — Hannibal had asked patiently.
Will had frowned.
— Kaip... sexasi?
Hannibal had exhaled slowly.
— Sekasi, Will.
Will had groaned.
— I sound like an idiot.
Hannibal had smirked.
— You are not an idiot, merely a stubborn student.
Will had given him a flat look.
— Remind me again why I married you?
Hannibal had merely chuckled.
Lesson 4: Goodnight and Goodbye
Misha yawned, rubbing her eyes.
Hannibal brushed a stray curl from her forehead.
— One last thing before bed. How do we say "good night" in Lithuanian?
Click to reveal the answer
**Labanakt** ✅
Misha blinked sleepily.
— Labanakt, Tėtis. Labanakt, Tėveli.
Will kissed her forehead.
— Good night, sweetheart.
Hannibal tucked the blanket around her.
— Sleep well, mano mažoji žvaigždė (my little star).
As the house settled into quiet, Will nudged Hannibal.
— You really enjoy this, don’t you?
Hannibal’s lips curled into a rare, soft smile.
— Language is a gift. And knowledge, a legacy.
Will shook his head, amused.
— Well, at least she has the best teacher.