Leaning over a boat engine, Will sensed someone approaching, soundlessly drawing nearer. In the next second, he was grabbed from behind, firm fingers were closing around his neck, a composed chest pressed against his back. Will quickly stopped struggling. The grip on his throat and body tightened, making his skin remember the touch in faintly blooming marks.
"If this is your best attempt at defending yourself, you might want to resume your training", a low voice murmured next to his ear.
His lungs yearned for oxygen, and words only reluctantly left his lips: "Maybe I don't want to... defend myself anymore... against you." As he was giving up his resistance, his heavy breathing slowly calmed. "I don't fear death, and I certainly don't fear you."
"You should."
He did. He was barely able to hide his shaky hands. Of course Hannibal had noticed, and yet pretended not to.
"There is nothing you could do to me you haven't done already."
"Oh Will, there is so much more..."
He swallowed hard. "Show me."
Hannibal: "Save yourself, kill them all."
Will: "I don't know if I can save myself. Maybe that's just fine."
Hannibal: "No greater love hath man than to lay down his life for a friend." 3.13
