desire OC X HANNIBAL LECTER

- 7 -

Morning wind played with Litai's hair as they sat on the balcony eating breakfast. It was still early for most people, but they felt more alive than ever. The birds, also awake early, sang lovely songs that pleased the ears of every living being.

"You are quite a lonely man," Litai said, sipping her black coffee. She looked Hannibal in the eye. "Do you enjoy being alone?" She tilted her head slightly, showing her interest in the topic.

"I do have some friends," Hannibal replied. "Although I'm not sure I can call them friends. They are more like acquaintances, people I talk to from time to time." His appearance was different, more casual than formal. He wasn't wearing a suit; his shirt had three buttons undone, and his hair was slightly messier, though it was not immediately noticeable.

"Do you have friends, Litai?" he asked, knowing this was an important question. Influencing someone with many friends would be challenging, and he didn't want to constantly watch his back around her.

"No, I don't," she said, her mood shifting down a little. "The only friend I have is Will."

Hannibal didn't like the idea of her having a close friend, especially Will. He wanted her to rely solely on him. "Will is a good friend," he said, his tone soft but with an edge. "But sometimes, people can only give so much. They have their own lives and problems. You know, sometimes they can't always be there when you need them."

Litai looked at him, her brow furrowed slightly. "Will has always been there for me. He's helped me through so much."

"Of course," Hannibal said, his voice smooth and reassuring. "But you shouldn't have to rely on just one person. It's not fair to you or to him. It's good to have someone else to turn to, someone who understands you deeply. Someone who can be there when others can't."

She nodded slowly, considering his words. "I guess you're right. It's just... Will has been my friend for so long."

"And he always will be," Hannibal said, leaning forward slightly. "But it's also good to have someone like me, someone who can support you in ways that others can't. You deserve to have people in your life who can be there for you, no matter what."

Litai gave him a small smile, feeling a bit more at ease. "Thank you, Hannibal. It means a lot to hear that."

"Anytime, Litai," he said, his eyes locking onto hers. "You can always count on me. I'll always be here for you." He smiled at her, hiding the evil smirk behind his nonchalant, friendly mask. He knew that this topic would help him in the future. Manipulating her trust and dependency on him was a crucial step in his plan. Every word and gesture was calculated, setting the stage for his control over her life.

As Litai returned his smile, Hannibal's mind was already working, plotting the next move to ensure she would turn to him and him alone. His grip on her psyche was tightening, and he relished the thought of the power he would soon wield over her.

-

Time passed quickly, and Litai found herself sitting in her silent house, lost in thought. She pondered over what Hannibal had told her, contemplating if she should indeed give Will some space. The memory of the kiss haunted her, making her touch her lips and blush as she recalled the feeling of his lips on hers. She was eager for more, the memory vivid and consuming.

Today had been especially busy, leaving her utterly exhausted. Her patients had been particularly challenging, yet she remained dedicated to them. She would do anything to help them.

Deciding to take a shower to refresh herself, she turned on some slow jazz and stepped under the cold water. The cool stream invigorated her, and she began to hum along with the melody. Gradually, she adjusted the water to a warmer temperature, allowing her mind to drift back to Hannibal. Her thoughts grew wild and intense as she imagined his touch and the rough kisses on her neck.

Her hand slipped between her legs, and she began to please herself, picturing it was Hannibal who was touching and teasing her. Quiet moans were muffled by the steaming water, and the sensation built up until she reached her climax. She leaned against the cold shower wall, panting lightly, the pleasure still coursing through her body.

After cleaning herself and completing her nightly skincare routine, Litai put on her favorite pajamas and went to bed, still thinking about Hannibal. It was strange—she barely knew him, yet something about him drove her wild.

-

The next morning, she woke to her phone ringing. She picked it up.

"Hello? Elsher speaking," she said.

"Tai, hello," Will's hushed voice came through. "There's been another murder. I'll send you the location. Come as soon as possible, okay?" Despite his discomfort with her involvement, he needed her opinions .

Litai quickly got ready and arrived at the location Will sent her, a nearby church. She opened the door and let herself in, walking closer to where the body was found. One look at it made her freeze. It was barely recognizable as a body.

"Dr. Elsher, nice to see you again," a familiar Danish-accented voice said behind her. Hannibal placed his hand on her lower back. "Quite a beautiful piece," he remarked, studying his own handwork.

"Oh, hello, Dr. Lecter," she replied, putting on her blank expression that she reserved for murder scenes.

The corpse had been mutilated and arranged into the shape of a human heart, impaled on three swords. It was a shocking sight, a macabre love letter from the killer to his beloved.

"Will!" she nearly screamed upon seeing him and rushed over, leaving Hannibal standing alone. Hannibal's anger simmered beneath his composed exterior.

"Litai, hello. I'm glad you could make it, though I wish you didn't have to see this," Will said, embracing her.

"What is it?" she asked, noting his concerned expression.

"I think the killer is in love with someone. First the sunset, now this heart. It seems like a pattern," he said, watching the grotesque display.

"Yes, he's sending love letters," she agreed. "He knows the person will see it, and I suspect it's a woman. So, it must be someone in the FBI he likes," she said, looking at Will, whose worry was evident.

Will's fear was palpable. What if Litai was the intended target? He couldn't bear the thought of losing her, not after Abigail's death. It would drive him to madness.

Hannibal silently observed their interaction from a distance, analysing  their every move. He knew he had to frame Will for the murders. It was the perfect plan—Will was close to Litai and clearly had feelings for her. By eliminating Will, Hannibal could ensure that Litai would be his alone.