desire OC X HANNIBAL LECTER

- 5 -

As Litai and Will sat together in the cozy café, the day had already worn them down. They had been dealing with a difficult case involving the Chesapeake Ripper, and now, they cherished this moment of respite in each other's company.

The café was small but inviting, with warm lighting and a comfortable couch where they nestled close. Litai leaned her head on Will's shoulder, seeking comfort after a long and exhausting day. His arm gently wrapped around her, offering reassurance and a sense of security that she deeply appreciated.

"I think I should head home soon, Will," Litai murmured softly, her body relaxing in his embrace.

"I wish you could stay a bit longer," Will sighed, a hint of longing in his voice. He cherished these quiet moments with Litai, where they could just be themselves away from the chaos of their work.

The café had a homely charm, with soft music playing in the background and a friendly cat curled up nearby, adding to the peaceful atmosphere. Will couldn't help but imagine a different scene – one where he and Litai were at home together, away from the stresses of crime scenes and investigations.

In his mind's eye, he pictured their cozy living room, lit softly with lamps, their dogs lounging lazily by their feet. He imagined Litai cooking their favorite meal in the kitchen while he set the table, creating a sense of warmth and domestic bliss that he yearned for with her.

"It would be nice," Will said quietly, his thoughts drifting to a future where he and Litai didn't have to face grim realities like the Chesapeake Ripper. He squeezed Litai's hand gently, a silent promise of support and understanding.

Litai smiled faintly, feeling grateful for Will's presence and the simple comfort of this café. She cherished their friendship deeply, appreciating his unwavering support and companionship. While she valued their bond immensely, she saw their relationship as a strong and platonic friendship.

As they sat there, the warmth of the café enveloped them like a cocoon, shielding them from the outside world for a precious moment longer. Will knew the challenges that awaited them tomorrow, but for now, he savored this quiet sanctuary of togetherness, holding onto his silent hopes and dreams of a future with Litai.

-

Litai sat in Hannibal's waiting room, the air thick with an unfamiliar formality that made her feel slightly uneasy. The silence in the room seemed to pull her away from reality, and only Hannibal's voice calling her name brought her back.

"Litai!" Hannibal's voice broke through the quiet for the third time, finally catching her attention.

She flinched, startled, and slowly returned to the present moment. Her eyes, momentarily unfocused, gradually sharpened as she focused on Hannibal. "I'm sorry," she murmured softly, following him into his office where they took seats across from each other, signaling the start of their session.

"What was your childhood like?" Hannibal inquired, his tone measured and probing, seeking to uncover details about her that he could potentially use in the future.

"I don't know... I don't remember much," Litai replied honestly, her voice carrying a hint of frustration as she struggled to recall even a fragment of her past, which seemed obscured by a veil of forgetfulness.

"To be honest, I was raised in a rather strict environment. There was always this pressure for everything I did to be flawless. While my parents were strict, there were moments when they could also be loving," she recounted, her thoughts delving into memories that seemed both distant and vivid.

"Did you have any friends, or were you alone?" Hannibal inquired, his pen poised over the paper, capturing every detail she shared. He observed her closely, noting the slight furrow in her brow as she contemplated her response.

"I suppose I did have some friends, but I saw them only twice a year due to my parents," Litai replied softly. She glanced up at Hannibal and noticed his usual blank expression fixed upon her.

"My parents used to beat me when I didn't listen to them or did something wrong in general. They punished me in several ways so that I would remember," Litai continued, fidgeting with her fingers as they rested in her lap.

"How did they punish you?" Hannibal asked eager to know.

"They would lock me in a room for some time, and I remember there was one occasion they kept me there for two days," Litai recounted softly. She took a deep breath before continuing, "My father also choked me when I broke something. And when I didn't listen, they would chain me to my bed, so I could move but not leave my room."

Hannibal imagined what it would be like if he were the one who had controlled Litai in such a manner. His thoughts wandered into a realm where he wielded power over her, where her tears and pleas would evoke a peculiar satisfaction in him. It wasn't a punishment in his mind; rather, a scenario where he could assert dominance in a way that intertwined with his desires.

He pictured her vulnerable form, restrained on a bed, far more intensely than her parents ever did. In his imagination, she couldn't move, completely at his mercy. He envisioned himself fulfilling her needs in ways no one else could, offering her a euphoric experience that only he could provide. The desire to possess her, to make her exclusively his, overwhelmed him.

His desire to kiss her, to claim her completely as his own, consumed his thoughts. He envisioned her surrendering to him willingly, meeting his desires with her own untold pleasures. The fantasy of her submitting to his needs, and finding satisfaction in it, captivated him deeply.

Litai continued, her voice carrying the weight of her memories. "One day I ran away from them and I met Will," she recounted, her eyes distant yet grateful. "He helped me in ways no one else could. I don't know where I would be without him. He supported me through school, work, and everything else. I finally started living when I met him."

Meanwhile, Hannibal felt uncomfortable hearing about Will. He knew Litai would turn to Will for comfort if she needed it. This made him very angry. He didn't like the idea of her talking or thinking about another man like that.

"You have a very strong bond with Will. It's good to have someone to find comfort in. But remember, Will is going through a difficult time right now. If you ever need help with anything, Litai, you can always come to me. I'll be here for you and I'll do my best to support you." Hannibal's words were carefully chosen, aiming to subtly undermine Will's capability to help her.

"I know he always tries to help me, no matter what. I've been thinking about distancing myself from him again. I don't want to burden him," Litai confessed to her psychiatrist, who remained impassive as ever.

In truth, Hannibal was pleased to hear that Litai wanted to pull away from Will once more. He knew Will could pose a significant obstacle if Hannibal pursued Litai for himself.

"I don't think you burden him, but perhaps it's wise not to tell him everything," Hannibal suggested, offering her a reassuring smile. "My doors are always open to you," he added smoothly.

"Thank you, it means a lot to me. I suppose I can't rely on one person forever," Tai replied, unknowingly walking deeper into Hannibal's carefully laid trap.

"I should go now, my session ended 10 minutes ago, and I don't want to take up more of your time," Tai said, rising from her seat and moving toward the door.

Hannibal swiftly caught up to her, lightly grasping her hand.

"Please stay for a while. Let's have a glass of wine and talk about anything you'd like," he said, his tone inviting, a small smirk playing on his lips. "I don't have any pressing engagements, and sometimes I find myself feeling lonely," he added, though it was a complete lie. "I don't mean to impose on you, but I genuinely enjoy our conversations. I feel like we understand each other," he confessed, taking a risk by revealing his feelings, his words carrying a mix of truth and lies.

"Well, I guess I can stay for a while. I don't have any plans either, so if you insist," Tai replied, her empathy getting the better of her as she felt a pang of sympathy for Hannibal. Unknown to her, this was just another act in Hannibal's web of deception.