Imagine Book 2

The FBI Academy- Hannibal Lecter (Hannibal) Pt.2~ Dinner for Two

As requested by Grindelwald2001! Fem Y/N.

The air in Hannibal's dining room was warm, the kind of comforting warmth that wrapped itself around Y/N as she sat at the long, dark mahogany table. The walls were lined with rich tapestries and artwork she couldn't quite identify, though she knew they were ancient, each piece likely possessing a story as complicated as its owner. Everything in this room, like Hannibal himself, radiated sophistication and a sharp edge of danger.

The evening had unfolded with the same careful elegance Hannibal applied to everything. The invitation to dinner had come after one of their lessons, presented in that same low, silken tone that always left her feeling both intrigued and disarmed.

"I'd like to prepare a meal for you," Hannibal had said, his gaze unwavering. "A celebration of sorts."

"For what?" Y/N had asked, her curiosity piqued.

"For the progress you've made," he replied, his eyes flickering with something she couldn't quite read. "And perhaps to mark the beginning of something more."

She had accepted, knowing full well that this wasn't just a simple meal. There was always more to Hannibal, layers beneath layers, and tonight, she was certain, was about peeling back another one.

Now, as she sat across from him in his tastefully dim dining room, she watched him as he finished arranging the dishes with precision. He moved with an almost otherworldly grace, each movement calculated, each step deliberate. The scent of the food was intoxicating—herbs and roasted meat, something rich and exotic that made her mouth water.

Hannibal returned to the table with two plates, setting one before her. The dish was arranged beautifully, like an edible work of art. He took his seat across from her, his eyes never leaving her face as he poured a deep, red wine into her glass.

"To new beginnings," Hannibal said softly, raising his glass.

Y/N mirrored the gesture, though her hand trembled slightly as she lifted the glass to her lips. His eyes remained fixed on her, as if gauging every reaction, every breath. She took a sip, feeling the rich, velvety wine slide down her throat, its warmth blooming in her chest.

"New beginnings," she echoed, her voice quiet in the stillness of the room.

For a few moments, they ate in silence, the only sound the soft clink of silverware against china. Y/N could feel Hannibal's gaze on her, not invasive, but observant, as though he were studying her every move. It wasn't the first time she had felt this way in his presence—like she was both the subject of his admiration and a puzzle he was slowly unravelling.

"You're quiet tonight," Hannibal remarked, his voice as smooth as the wine in her glass. "Is something troubling you?"

Y/N placed her fork down carefully, meeting his gaze. "No, not troubled. Just... thinking."

"About?"

"About us," she admitted, her voice barely above a whisper.

Hannibal's eyes gleamed with something she couldn't quite place. "What about us?"

Y/N took a breath, gathering her thoughts. Being around Hannibal always made her feel both vulnerable and empowered, as though he could see through every lie and hesitation but would never judge her for it. He was dangerous, yes, but there was something intoxicating about that danger—something she couldn't resist.

"I feel like I'm being drawn into something I don't fully understand," she said, her eyes flickering toward him, searching his face for any sign of what he might be thinking. "With you, I mean."