Behind the Mask: A Hannigram Fanfiction

2- La Danza

The mere sight of the villa's entryway was enough to make William stop in his tracks. He quickly gathered himself, making sure his mouth wasn't hanging open as he gazed in awe at the interior. He was surrounded by art, beautiful paintings that took up most of the walls and life-sized busts of Greek heroes. Two large, descending staircases came from the left and the right, both leading to one in the middle. There was plenty of warm light in the room, but it only made William feel more tense.
He shouldn't be here. He definitely shouldn't be here.
What had he been thinking? He was nowhere near cut out for this lifestyle, and it was foolish of him to even consider the idea. The doctor would never notice him, especially considering his status. He was among the lowest of the low, living as quietly as he could, and prestige had flown over his head. Normally he liked it that way, but his invisibility wouldn't be useful tonight.
Despite these thoughts rushing through his head, his body moved of its own volition, and he found himself walking up the stairs. His suit, which he could thank Abigail's father for, was slightly too big, and it rustled uncomfortably as he walked.
The doorway led to an even larger, more beautiful room, if that was possible. He was immediately surrounded by the unmistakable spirit of people, laughing and drinking and dancing. Seeing them all in their masks sent a chill down his arms, and he cursed himself for not being brave enough to wear one. He'd tried to make one, but it ended up looking hideous and suffocating him with its weight, so he decided against it. Now that seemed like a bad idea. 
The soft sound of a harpsichord rang through the room, somehow audible over the chatter. It was a beautiful melody, one that commanded the listeners to dance. William wasn't itching for a partner, however; he wanted to attempt to talk to Doctor Lecter and leave as soon as possible.
The party was meant to be fun, but there was competition in the air. It also served as a recruiting function; after all, the most sought-out doctor in the country of Italy was looking for an apprentice. William was astounded by the idea that they were sharing a room right now, that such a prestigious man was moments away from him.
Of course, though, the doctor had his quirks. He wanted to put personality and skill before looks, thus the idea of the masquerade ball. Slightly out of date, but charming.
William traversed his way through the party, trying to get closer to the middle of the room. No one spared him a glance, which wasn't surprising. The harpsichord got louder as he walked, but it was soon drowned out by polite clapping as the music came to an end. William peeked over the heads of the crowd, spotting the man at the harpsichord. He spoke with a few people around him, tilting his head back in a laugh.
It was no question that this was Dr. Lecter. His mask was only covering the eyes, adorned with silver and gold. Other than that, he had an undeniable air of authority. His suit was simply nicer, his posture more straight. There was clear reverence in the eyes of those who were speaking to him.
William took off, trying to get as close as possible to be noticed. As he approached, however, he was halted by someone forcefully nudging into him. He spun around, facing a man with dark hair and a disgusted look on his face. He had his mask pushed up, nursing a glass of wine. Beside him was a blonde woman with a red, sparkly mask.
"Forgive me," Will blurted before a fight could start. "It's very dark in here."
     The man sized him up. "I know everyone here, and I can confidently say I've never seen you before."
     "I haven't been in the country for long. William Graham." He stuck his hand out, and after a long hesitation the man shook it.
     "Frederick Chilton. Colleague of Lecter's. And my wife," he nodded to the woman, who didn't say a word, "Bedelia. You're from America, I assume?"
     "Yes. Louisiana."
"I see." Chilton raised an eyebrow. "And you're aware of tonight's recruitment?"
"I am, yes."
The three stood in silence for a moment, lightning dancing between their gazes. Chilton looked like he wanted to spit on William.
"I would wish you the best of luck, but I'm not sure it's on your side," he said. "You don't check the right boxes for Lecter— I should know. Such a young man from..Louisiana..I'm not so sure. You should stay for the food, though— he's a lovely chef."
"I don't—"
"I've heard the same." A sudden voice came from behind the couple, causing everyone to jump. Chilton whipped around, his face softening as soon as he saw who was behind him. Bedelia's shoulders fell.
"I think I know more about my own 'boxes' than you do, Chilton," the man continued. His voice was lightly accented. Pleasant. Soothing. "Wouldn't you agree?"
"Doctor Lecter!" William could almost see the sweat appearing on Chilton's forehead. "What a pleasant surprise. How are you this evening?"
"Just wonderful, Doctor." Lecter's unreadable gaze was fixed on William. William stared back, at a loss for words. "Who might your friend be?"
William swallowed hard and broke himself out of his stupor. "William. William Graham," he blurted, holding out his hand. "It's an honor."
The two shook. "Of course. I'm afraid I didn't catch where you're from?"
     "Louisiana, sir. In America."
     "Come a long way, haven't you?" Lecter's eyes were hidden behind the mask; it was hard to tell what he was thinking. "Frederick, Bedelia, I hope you'll excuse us. I've never met Mr. Graham before. I'd like to have the chance to talk."
Chilton spouted out some nervous praises, stumbling over his words, but William heard none of it. His ears felt like they were stuffed with cotton. As the couple walked away, William could see Bedelia angrily whispering to her husband, shoving his shoulder. Soon, he was alone with the doctor, and he nervously waited for him to speak. He'd been waiting for this moment, and now he was stuck. 
"It gets rather stuffy in here. I don't think I had the right idea." Lecter chuckled, reaching for his mask and beginning to pull it upward. Will blinked in surprise— was this a good sign? Bad sign? Was he smart for not wearing a mask, or did he look like a fool? He always looked like a fool, who was he kidding—
Oh. Oh, my goodness.
William had never met Doctor Lecter in person. He had seen pictures, but they weren't recent, and they didn't even begin to do this man justice. He was perfect. His face and cheeks were sharp, defined, and he had neat hair and maroon eyes that made William want to melt. His stomach fluttered, and as the doctor got a clear sight of William he noticed the same amazement in his gaze. There was a millisecond of captivation, both of them frozen by the other's looks.
Lecter was the first to regain composure. "I'm sure you're aware that I'm a very unorthodox man, Mr. Graham," he said. "Even in my personal life. After seeing your expression just now, I can't help but feel that you're the same." He raised an eyebrow. "Am I correct?"
William understood what he was insinuating, and it was surprising to hear. Doctor Lecter had always remained unmarried, but William assumed it was because of his private nature. Now..now he was implying something completely different. Something that made William's stomach twist even more. "You can call me William, Dr. Lecter. And, um..yes. I am. Unorthodox, I mean," he stammered.
You're beautiful. Oh, you're so pretty.
"Good to know. And you may call me Hannibal." He offered a hand. "Please, I insist you dance with me."
William had been so engrossed in the conversation that he hadn't noticed the music pick back up. His face flushed, and he took Hannibal's hand without a word.
The playing wasn't as expertly done, but it was enough. He tensed at Hannibal's touch, not used to contact. Hannibal seemed unfazed, though, and he began to lead them in a dance.
The two of them moved fluidly, with Hannibal easily leading William along. If people weren't looking at him before, they sure were now; he heard plenty of whispers as they waltzed across the room. He didn't care one bit— in that moment, time was frozen. It was him and Hannibal only, strong hands holding onto him and making him shiver in delight. They twirled, Hannibal's palms resting on William's waist.
It wasn't long enough. As they came to a stop, Hannibal led them wordlessly out one of the golden doors onto a large balcony. Flowers adorned the railing and candles were lit on stands. The night was quiet and cloudy, the moon only peeking out every once in a while.
     "Look at you, my dear dancer," Hannibal said, smirking.
      William laughed breathlessly. He was exhilarated. "I haven't danced in years. I guess you never really forget how."
      "I'm honored to help you pick it back up." He leaned in, wrapping his arms around William's waist and pulling him close. His face fell slightly. "Goodness, William, you're thin as a rail," he remarked, true concern in his voice. "Do you get enough food at home?"
     "Honestly? No." William kept his face blank. "But please don't pity me for it. I despise pity."
     Hannibal nodded, seemingly impressed, and dropped the topic. "You're something special. What brings you here?"
"The invitation?"
Hannibal laughed. It was a musical baritone, captivating. "The invitation you accepted. Why?"
William paused. "I had to try. I think..I deserve more for myself. Something better."
Hannibal quirked an eyebrow. "Of course. You do deserve something better— at least, something better than Chilton." He snickered, taking William by surprise.
     "Don't let that little fluke influence your decision," William said.
     "Oh, William," Hannibal smirked, "you've already influenced me."
     Before William could respond, the two were interrupted by someone peeking out onto the balcony. It was the man who had given William the letter, still in that horrid waistcoat. "Doctor Lecter?" He asked shyly. "You're needed in the kitchen."
     Hannibal nodded and, once the man was gone, pressed his forehead against William's.
"I apologize for cutting this short," he said softly. "I hope you'll be staying for dinner?"
"Of course," William replied without hesitation. "I wouldn't miss it."
"Great." Hannibal took his hand and brought it up to his lips, kissing the knuckles. "This isn't over," he said, winking at him before disappearing back inside.
William stood on the balcony, stunned by the interaction. He felt himself blushing, and he rubbed the spot where Hannibal's lips had touched his hand. He smiled to himself before finally reentering the ballroom.