desire OC X HANNIBAL LECTER

- 4 -

Hannibal watched Litai in stunned silence. He had never expected to meet the author of such a deeply resonant book. His perception of her had shifted profoundly; he no longer desired to kill her, but rather to possess her entirely.

"I must say, you are truly talented, Elsher. Your book holds a special place in my heart," he said, smiling warmly at Litai. He found her elegance captivating, akin to that of a ballerina, and her soft, slightly deeper voice only added to her allure. But beyond her physical presence, he believed she could understand him and see beyond his reputation as a monster. He admired her intellect and admired her person, even though he thought he didn't even know her.

"Thank you. It's always gratifying when someone recognizes my work," she replied, glancing at the wall clock. "Unfortunately, I have to go. I have work to attend to." With a polite farewell to Dr. Lecter, she departed.

Litai's car ride was peaceful, her mind swirling with thoughts. After so long, she felt validated by someone appreciating her work. Meanwhile, Hannibal eagerly anticipated their future collaboration on the next case. He was eager to impress her, to show her his own dark gifts. He wanted her for his own, as a possession that only he could touch.

-

The next morning, Litai was awakened by her ringing phone. "Elsher," she answered, her voice still heavy with sleep, without bothering to check the caller ID.

"Hi Tai, Jack needs you to take a look at something. I could also use your help. Can you come?" Will's voice came through.

She had met with Jack Crawford the previous day, who had persuaded her to rejoin the FBI. She quickly threw on some comfortable clothes and hurried to her car.

Arriving at the crime scene, Litai found Will and Hannibal already there. As they approached the victim, she greeted them and Jack Crawford.

"It's fresh. Clear signs of the Chesapeake Ripper," Will remarked grimly, observing the body with multiple knives protruding from it.

"He wasn't just aiming to impress. It was more of a surprise, a gift perhaps. He wanted it found early so that the sunrise would be his backdrop. It's his way of making something beautiful, albeit cruel and evil," Litai analyzed, her gaze fixated on the heart impaled on an ornate knife.

Hannibal looked at her in astonishment. She had discerned the truth behind the crime scene. He felt a surge of pleasure when she described it as beautiful. His desire to possess her deepened; he wanted her to understand his artistry, to acknowledge him as someone beyond the mere label of a killer.

"Perhaps it was an act of love, or a declaration to someone he desires. A warning that he wants them and only them," she continued, her gaze cold yet insightful as she studied the lifeless body.

The chilly wind tousled her hair as she maintained her detached demeanor, a characteristic strength of hers. Litai had a unique ability to empathize, even with the deceased—an attribute that set her apart.

Concerned, Will approached Litai and embraced her. He could feel her coldness and sought to comfort her, holding her close.

"Thank you," she whispered gratefully, finding solace in Will's presence. She felt safe and understood by him, even though her feelings for him weren't as deep as his were for her.

Hannibal, observing them, felt a twinge of envy. He yearned to be the one offering comfort to Litai, to hold her and assure her that everything would be alright. His masterpiece had been crafted with her in mind, imagining her reaction and wanting to savor the moment with her alone. Seeing her in Will's embrace stirred conflicting emotions within him.

"You'll have a session with Dr. Lecter," Jack Crawford announced to Litai, noting her closeness with Will.

"I don't wish to trouble Dr. Lecter. I have my own therapist," she replied, though secretly wishing she could confide in Hannibal. She felt a strange connection with him, or so she believed.

"That's quite alright. It might actually be beneficial for you to have a session with me, Dr. Elsher. We're both involved in similar pursuits," Hannibal said, smiling warmly as he stood beside Will, his gaze fixed on Litai. "I look forward to our session at 6 PM," he added, gently patting her head before walking away to his car, marveling at the softness of her hair, which reminded him of spring grass or the feathers of the most exquisite bird.

Litai followed Will in her car as they headed to their favorite cat cafe for hot chocolate, a small semblance of normalcy amidst the unsettling events of the day.