FOUND: A Hannigram Devil AU REWRITTEN

Chapter Twenty-Three

"Chamomile, warm milk, and honey," Hannibal said as he passed a steaming mug into Will's hands. "It should get you nice and relaxed. And I've let it cool down quite a bit, so it shouldn't burn you."

"Thank you." Will took a small sip. He savored the earthy taste and the comforting heat of the milk as it traveled down his throat. It helped free his clogged sinuses, which were swollen and stuffed from crying. He closed his eyes and listened to the crackling of the fireplace, content. "It's good."

"What else can I get you? Are you hungry? Do you want another blanket? Oh, I should get you some water, too--"

"Wait. Stop." Will reached for him as he turned to leave. "You don't have to do all this."

Hannibal paused. "But I have to take care of you. I have to make you feel comfortable. You've been through so much already." 

"It would make me feel comfortable if you sat with me and talked to me like a normal person. Please?"  

Hannibal sank to the floor and sat cross-legged across from him, and they faced each other with their sides turned to the fire. Will wore his robe, but he'd shrugged it off his shoulders to let the wings free. The fabric bunched around his waist and covered his legs. Hannibal's own wings were out, as well, standing much wider and stronger than Will's. 

"How are you feeling?" 

"Better." Will looked into the flames. "There's a certain...clarity that wasn't there earlier tonight. How long was I out before I started walking?"

A muscle in Hannibal's face twitched, drawing Will's attention. 

"What is it?"

"...You've been asleep much longer than a few hours, Will."

Will's stomach dropped. "How long?"

"It's been about three days since you first fell asleep here, after killing Hobbs."

"Three days? Have you been here the whole time?"

"Of course. I wouldn't go into work. I'm in mourning, grieving a close friend. I haven't left your side."

"...Have you gotten any calls? Anyone asking about me?" There was a twinge of useless hope in the question. He had no one in his life that would be asking about him. No one except Jack and Beverly, and Jack had done nothing but use him. He would only be sad that his favorite tool was now missing from his toolbox.

"People are beginning to give up hope." Hannibal took Will's hand, gently cradling it in his own. "They found your car along with the note and your cell phone, but they're examining all avenues in the event that it's a hoax."

"I can't believe I've been out that long. I didn't know that was possible." He rubbed his temple. 

"Your body was exhausted. It went through an immense transformation that it didn't understand. There were times where you woke up to use the bathroom, eat, drink some water. But other than that, you were completely out. I suppose your body grew desperate to finally air out its real skin. Its real wings."

They both turned to stare at Will's wings. Hannibal had cleaned them of blood, and they now hung much lighter on Will's back.

"Are you able to move them?" Hannibal asked. "Have you tried?"

"I haven't tried yet." Will glanced back at them. "I don't know how. It was a lot easier when I was in the other body."

"It's all in the shoulders. You should feel a new bundle of muscles back there. Try flexing your back muscles and experiment with them that way."