Chapter Text
Hannibal Lecter knew it wouldn’t be a happy visit the moment Albert Wesker entered his house. Carrying a baby wrapped in a blue blanket in one arm. The visits had grown shorter and rarer over the years. “Good evening, Albert. Can I offer you dinner?”
“I can’t stay.” Albert set the child on Hannibal’s kitchen table without preamble. “I won’t be returning either.”
Niceties were out the window, it seemed. "Albert, what is that?" he asked, pointing to the sleeping baby now on his table. At least Albert didn't set him on the edge of the table...
“A gift. Something of me.” Albert replied. He was cold, eyes hidden behind his glasses. Distant as the moon swimming through the sky. “…This is a serum.” He set a case on the table. “It will start milk production, if you want to breastfeed him.”
"You... what? Albert, what is going on?" he demanded, uncharacteristically flustered.
"Do you want him or not, Hannibal?"
Hannibal frowned, eyes dropping to the child. “You didn’t steal him, did you?”
“He’s a genetically perfect copy of me.” Albert dismissed the concern with a wave of his gloved hand. “Healthy. Vigorous. Do you want him?”
“You cloned yourself. To deliver the child to me.” Hannibal repeated the two facts one after the other.
Albert set down the serum. "He's yours if you want him. You clearly need him after how you've been acting."
"And just what is that supposed to mean?" Hannibal hissed, eyes narrowing dangerously.
Albert was silent, resetting himself. “I won’t be back, Hannibal. This is the last time we’ll see each other.”
Hannibal fell silent, watching him. “What is there to say?”
“Good-bye, Hannibal.” Albert went out the same door he’d come in.
Hannibal stared after him for a long moment then went and picked up the baby. "Well... you're not what I expected."
He slipped a finger into the little one's hand and the baby gripped it in return. Hannibal nestled him close, smelling the sweet scent of an infant, the cold of medicine, and cotton.
"Hello. I suppose we're stuck with each other now, aren't we?"
The baby yawned, and Hannibal chuckled.
"Yes, exactly."
He turned away from the kitchen, grabbing the serum case as he went. “Let’s see about a name for you.” He cooed.