𝙎𝙒𝙀𝘼𝙏𝙀𝙍 𝙒𝙀𝘼𝙏𝙃𝙀𝙍 | Will Graham

S1. Ep. 12 | Empty Jar

"SHE TOOK HIM FASTER THAN YOU CAN SAY SABOTAGE" Jack Crawford declared while watching the orange to yellow flames consuming the fireplace, they had a soft sound, creeping into lightness and shadows.

By his side, Hannibal Lecter savored an old bottle of Monfortino Barolo Riserva, listening to the agent continously complain about his last meeting with Teresa Brooks yesterday. He would stay quiet, dare to make a question or two, so he could continue, then keep collecting information.

"I didn't even know they became friends or whatever the hell they are." Jack hissed, not properly savoring the wine his host served. In fact, he admired the fire with a huge rage that swallowed him whole, just the thought of Teresa Brooks made him want to scream, he couldn't stand her anymore. "And she has the audacity to turn him against me."

"Do you think Will Graham is against you?" Hannibal delicately questioned, his fingers touching the cold glass calmly.

"He's more stubborn, let's say that." He tilted his head. "He usually follows orders, get people saved, but this time he gave me an ultimatum." Hannibal raised an eyebrow curious, gesturing for him to go on. "Either I let Teresa Brooks come in with him, or he wouldn't."

Hannibal delightned himself with that information, what an intriguing new puzzle piece, their relationship had become much more closer than he expected, it was certainly something he needed to analyze further.

"I see...he seems to truly trust and need her support." Hanninal nodded neutrally. "I wasn't aware of that, he hasn't informed me."

"I know he may have stepped over the line this time, but you need to understand, I need him there, doctor." Jack groaned. "People need him."

"You speak as if he's a superhero."

"For some people he is, for me, he's the best agent I've got on the field." He relied his back on the chair. "And Teresa Brooks is ruining it."

Hannibal almost smirked at Jack's audacity. Even after breaking and bending his favorite toy, he'd still blame it on others, what a petty little man he was.

"I know you and Agent Brooks are in a conflict, but I assure, she must only have the best intentions." Hannibal decided to play with some new cards. "She is a good person."

Jack looked at him a bit curious. "What makes you say that?"

"I may have...developed some sort of friendship with her." He continued. "I may say we are quite...intimate."

Jack furrowed his eyebrows, trying to understand, then his jaw dropped in complete shock. "You're dating?!"

"No, no, I..."He scoffed in a charming half laugh. "We never really got to become anything official...I..wish we did, but you see, Teresa has many...issues to deal with at the moment, that allowed us to distance ourselves for the meantime."

Jack nodded. "I'm quite surprised, you two are so different" Hannibal grinned. "I'm serious, you are like...I don't know, tranquil lake's water, while she's storm in a bottle."

"I believe that is what attracts me most." Hannibal spoke clearly. "You see, that is why I refused to be her psychiatrist when you offered me-"

"Ah, now I see it...and you recommended that...what's her name? Dr.DuMaurier?" Hannibal nodded. "Now I can see the whole picture...never imagined it." Jack shook his head like he found it funny. "I really thought Will and her were havibg a thing, I mean...they looked so close."

Hannibal forced to express some sadness. "They may have become closer in the meantime I distanced myself from Teresa." He sighed, setting the glass aside. "People with their demons tend to find fondness in similars to them." Jack nodded. "I wish she doesn't only seek this comfort in the broken, and actually tried to help herself."