Passion and the Skull (Hannibal Lecter)

7

Hannibal and Arabella's time at the museum together had been highly enjoyed. Both of them had a keen interest in art.
Hannibal was incredibly knowledgeable of the subject, so Arabella listened to him describe and explain the story of the paintings and the histories of the artists.
It was the last moment – as Arabella would explain to Jack Crawford months later - that the two had where everything seemed 'normal'.

After they parted ways, the next time they would see each other was at Hannibal's dinner party. It had been an extravagant affair. Arabella had arrived in a deep blue dress and recognised quite a few doctors and psychiatrists present.

Small hors d'oeuvre were ferried around by hired waiting staff.
Arabella helped herself to the obvious vegetable composed ones and intermingled with the other guests who were joyfully helping themselves to the food and wines on offer.

"Best we don't spoil our appetite." One man with an impressive moustache said to Arabella, "it only gets better from here. I don't recognise you. Were you at the last dinner party?"

Arabella shook her head. "No I'm -"

"Fresh meat." Hannibal teased from behind her. He accompanied his announcing of his presence with a gentle hand on her lower back and stood beside her. 

"Forgive me. Richard, I'd like you to meet Doctor Arabella Bradbury." He smiled between them both. "A dear friend."

"Pleasure to meet you." The man nodded to Arabella respectfully.

"Dr Bradbury. I thought it was you, but I was surprised to see you at one of these events. You are looking well." Dr Frederick Chilton arrived at Arabella's left. "I see you've finally ascended to one of Hannibal's dinner party guests." He nodded to the host. "Has he promised you a meat-free meal?"

"I am and he has." Arabella offered a friendly smile to Dr Chilton. She had not yet decided what to think about him. He was upfront and candid about his arrogance and beliefs. She respected that. He did not hide behind a mask and methodologically manipulate. They had met countless times over the years and even had one date where they decided they preferred a professional or friendly level of acquaintance. 

"Dinner will be in five minutes. I suggest you all take your seats." Hannibal smiled to them all, lingering lastly on Arabella before returning to the kitchen.

"Are you dating Dr Lecter?" Frederick asked immediately once the host had left.

Arabella thought for a moment before answering. "Yes. We've gone on a few dates."

"Fascinating. I did not consider that you were his type. I can see how he may your type though. I marvel at the juxtaposition of your tastes."

"Fascinating is the right word." Arabella agreed.

"How is work?"

"Ah, you know how it is. Reforming the criminally insane isn't exactly a walk in a spring meadow." He took a sip of his wine. "Come to think of it, it would be interesting to see you interacting with my patients with your special style. Would you care to come by the hospital sometime and take on a few clients?"

"I'll consider it." Arabella nodded. "It might turn into an interesting paper or a ground-breaking discovery for the both of us. If you wouldn't feel insulted to write a paper with the likes of me."

"I do not shun you for your different education like some." Frederick offered a reassuring smile. "I know there's been a fair few rumours about myself too." 

"Then I look forward to potentially working with you." Arabella smiled. They cheers with their wine glasses. 

"Good, good. Call my secretary on Monday and we will organise it." He gestured to the dining table and the two headed over. "Oh, and Arabella, dear friend-" his voice lowered as they walked over to the other guests, "-I know we have not always seen eye to eye but do be careful around Hannibal Lecter. There is something about him that puts me off ease."