Cuddles:
Hannibal wasn't a particularly affectionate person, generally keeping his emotions and thoughts to himself, but always listening to Clarice if she had a problem. But, from time to time, he would have small, affection outbursts, usually surprising Clarice with some romantic notion. But, when he was in his normal mood, Starling found ways to amuse herself, because most days, he would be in his studies, or he would be cooking, and when he was doing that, he was very difficult to communicate with.
Clarice had just returned from the market in Florence, carrying a small wicker basket, which was now filled with the most sweet-smelling, fresh, sumptuous fruits that Italy had to offer. Taking off her sunhat and glasses, placing them by the door, she made her way through the garish white villa to the kitchen, setting the basket on the granite fashioned island in the centre of the room. "I'm home!" Clarice called through the house, expecting a reply, but not getting one.. Perhaps he was out - or maybe he just didn't hear her.
With a simple shrug, Clarice put it out of her mind, turning her attention back to the fruit. She got a large, porcelain bowl out, along with the chopping board and a knife, which she placed beside her on the counter, laying the fruit out in size order. She was a fairly organised person when she wanted to be. She took the punnet of ruby red strawberries and emptied them onto the chopping board, taking the knife in her hands, beginning to cut the tops off of the fruits, then putting the fresh, juicy treat into the large bowl. She continued doing this with all the fruit: the bananas, the mangos, melons, grapes, apples, raspberries, kiwis, and many more. It was just as Starling was taking on the rather challenging looking watermelon, that she felt a warm pair of arms wrap around her waist, lifting her clean off the ground. She dropped the knife immediately, worried she might drop it on her foot or something stupid like that. "Yes, hello Hannibal" She sighed, crossing her arms over her chest as she waited to be put down. She was clearly going to be waiting a while..
"You didn't tell me you were going on a little morning trip to the market, dear" Hannibal said, resting his chin on her shoulder as he continued to hold Clarice just above the ground, closing his eyes slightly as she began to relax in his grip. "You weren't listening Hannibal, I always tell you where I'm going.. only because you're so goddamned protective of me" She added, sighing. "Of course I am- now, you didn't have an affair whilst you were out, did you?" Lecter teased, setting Clarice back on the ground, who turned, and wrapped herself around Hannibal again. "Of course not.. Not many men could attract me like you could, Doctor" Clarice teased back, pressing a kiss on the tip of his nose. "No, I suppose not" He smiled, wrapping his arms around the smaller woman, smiling broadly, lovingly. "Hannibal?" Clarice said quietly, her speech muffled by his shirt. "Yes, my dear?" He replied, looking down at her, only to find her face was still buried in his chest.
"I love you"
-Fin-
