Dangerous Trio

Reminders

I looked out the kitchen window and watched the trees softly sway in the autumn wind. Even though living with Hannibal was less than ideal, his home was undeniably beautiful. The design was a blend of classic elegance and luxury. It was opulent! But at times it started to feel like a prison for me. As I poured a cup of coffee I heard a low knock. I waited only to hear another knock. Hannibal wasn't here, and I was unsure on whether or not to answer. I slowly walked over and held my breath as I opened the door.

To my surprise, it was Will. Standing confidently in a flannel button up and green slacks. He looked a bit shocked to see me there.

"I'm sorry, Hannibal is out right now getting some ingredients for—" I started to explain.

"I actually wanted to talk to you," Will interrupted

I silently opened the door to let him in. As he walked into the kitchen, and I followed behind, curiosity tinged with apprehension.

"I thought I told you not to get too close" Will reminded.

"It's not that simple Will" I said, wishing I could tell him everything.

"So, what did you want to talk about?" I tried to change the topic as soon as possible.

In the light, I noticed he wasn't wearing his glasses today, which made his eyes appear wider, their blue-green hue more striking and intense.

"How long have you been Hannibal's patient?"

I stood there stunned.

"I don't know what you're—" I started to deny it but quickly stopped myself. I looked down at the floor, feeling the weight of the truth pressing down on me. There was no use in lying; he already knew.

"7 months" I answered looking away

Will simply nodded in a way only one could take as disapproval.

"How did you know?"

"It was clear how you talked about him, and when you alluded to the fact that you two were not together, it just made sense" Will then rested his body weight on the counter next to me. I could smell his scent, warm and inviting. It made me want to close my eyes.

"Also, Hannibal doesn't have friends, only people he manipulates" Will added

I shuddered to think of myself as easily manipulated, but given the fact that my most recent relationship was abusive, statistically it would make sense if I ended up back into the same hell I escaped.

"So, what does he want from you?"

Now was my chance to tell Will what Hannibal's true intentions were for me, for us. I desperately wanted to warn him, but I was scared to say the words out loud.

"Has Hannibal mentioned anything to you?" I said, trying to see how much Will knew, if anything.

Will's bottom lip curled, and he shook his head. It all made sense now—Hannibal wanted me as a surprise for Will. It was clear Hannibal cared for Will in some twisted way, at least enough to give me over to him. The realization sent a shiver through me. I decided to keep it a surprise, as Hannibal intended. I was torn, I so desperately wanted to tell him, but I felt a pull to trust Hannibal and his plan. Right then Hannibal walked in. I didn't even hear the door open and suddenly both Will and I looked up to see him holding a brown paper bag.

He looked us both in the eyes, and smiled.

"My two favorite people" Hannibal said

Will's arms were crossed, seemingly unfazed as I was a bit shocked.

"Breakfast?" Hannibal offered looking at Will

I shifted my weight on the counter, trying to steady my nerves.

"I should get going," Will finally responded, his voice tight with unease. I nodded, knowing that Will's visit would undoubtedly pique Hannibal's curiosity. As Will left, Hannibal and I locked eyes. There was a brief, silent exchange, a wordless understanding that made my heart race.

"I can sense Will is becoming increasingly curious," Hannibal remarked, setting the grocery bags down on the counter.

"When do you plan on telling him?" I asked, with worry in my voice.

"In time," he replied, his tone disturbingly casual as he began emptying the groceries. "It must be perfect."

His nonchalance sent a chill through me. The way he spoke of timing and perfection felt like the preparation of a meticulous game—one that I was unwittingly a part of.

"How are you so sure he'll be accepting of this plan?" I asked, my voice edged with skepticism. "From my perspective, Will doesn't seem very fond of you."

Hannibal looked up, his eyes gleaming with confidence.

"Will and I have more in common than he may think," he said smoothly. "I want what's best for Will, and soon he will see that."

Hannibal's words sounded manipulative, and I was no stranger to him using these tactics, but it was as if he believed his manipulation was a form of love, that his twisted plans were somehow justified. Hannibal was confident that Will would come to see that this was going to be the right choice for him, even if that meant bending Will's intentions to fit his own.

"What if he doesn't want me?" I asked

Hannibal's expression softened, a hint of sadness flickering across his face at the mere mention of it. I hadn't been with anyone since my abuser, and while I'd been drawn in by Hannibal's charismatic ways, the thought of real intimacy still terrified me.

"My sweet Gabby, if I didn't think Will would accept you, I would never have chosen you," Hannibal's voice soothed me as he pulled my face into his chest for a hug. His embrace was warm and addictive, enveloping me in a sense of comfort that felt both reassuring and dangerously intoxicating. I could feel the steady rhythm of his heartbeat against my cheek, and for a moment, I allowed myself to sink into the illusion of safety, even as a part of me remained aware of the darkness beneath his portrayed tenderness. I didn't want to cry, but as the tears came out soaking into his shirt I was overcome, I was a mess. Between feelings of comfort and fear, it was clear I had no choice but to follow Hannibal. With him everything slipped away. Like a snake shedding its skin, I was in the process of transformation—becoming something Hannibal needed. And deep down, despite the unsettling reality, I found a twisted sense of satisfaction in serving him.