WARNING: This story will eventually detail corporal punishment between two consenting adults. If you are uncomfortable with the nature of a domestic discipline relationship then please stop reading now. If not, enjoy.
William Graham had never been one for anniversaries. Call it a fear of commitment or his inability to remember what he had for breakfast much less what day it was, but he never understood why people took them so seriously. It was meaningless, putting oneself through all of the extra stress just to celebrate something as insignificant as the time passing. Why should he care how long he's known someone if they're going to eventually walk out or die anyway? He didn't have time to worry about hurting someone's feelings by not remembering if they've been acquaintances for two months or whatever time has passed.
At least, that's how he thought about it until he met Dr. Hannibal Lecter.
A year ago they had crossed paths in Jack Crawford's office and had started off rather poorly with the psychiatrist attempting to psychoanalyze him. If anyone had asked Will at the time if he had imagined that in less than half a year's time he'd not only be friends with Dr. Lecter but somewhere close to lovers he'd laugh. But here he was, 12 months later waking up in Hannibal's bed listening to the Lithuanian's steady breathing.
An anniversary should mean nothing to him, but for some reason he couldn't stop the wheels in his head from turning. What if Hannibal greeted him with some huge romantic gesture and he had nothing to present in return? He'd look like a complete grade-a asshole. But what if the empath was the one overthinking everything and he ended up getting a huge present for nothing? Of course the likelihood of the Dr. Hannibal Lecter skipping on the opportunity to shower him with affection and sweet nothings was close to none but that could just be Will's ego talking.
He rolled over on his side and couldn't help but study his lover's face as he slept. Dirty blond hair that was for once unkempt brushed gently against his forehead. The shadows of the dark room only enhanced his sharp chiseled features, drawing Will into his full lips and remarkably high cheekbones. A sculpture that should only be found in one's imagination but was before him in all its glory.
"It's rude to stare." William bit back a shriek as Hannibal's eyes opened, the amber gazing into his soul and making his cheeks flush red. He should've expected getting caught, nothing got past the psychiatrist no matter how stealthy or subtle he thought he was.
Averting his gaze to his hands as he fiddled with the hem of the covers, he cleared his throat. "I'm sorry, I just can't sleep. I don't think dinner sat right with me." Of course that was a blatant lie but it was better than admitting his anxiety over something as superficial as a stupid anniversary.
But Hannibal took his chin into his fingertips and gently lifted his head so their gazes met. "Don't insult my cooking in order to cover up your true intentions. You know I'm not fond of your lying habit and I can always see what's going on in that precious brain of yours." A small smirk graced his lips as Will's cheeks flushed further to confirm his suspicions. "You're worried about tomorrow, aren't you?"
William sighed, all the tension in his body melting away as Hannibal caressed his face. "I know it's stupid to obsess over something so superficial but I just can't stop thinking about it. You've been so good to me and for me, that deserves something of equal compensation but I'm not sure what I could give you that's even close to comparable value. A fishing lure would be pitiful and if I got another dog I'm pretty sure you'd kill me."
There was a chuckle at that and the doctor kissed his trembling hand. "Well while I do admit that I'm not sure I can handle another mutt in this house, you don't need to fret. I don't need anything special, Will. Your presence alone is of incalculable value."
The empath snorted and pulled his hand away so he could turn onto his back and stare up at the ceiling. "See, that's my problem. You say all of those cheesy pickup lines that drive me crazy but I know the morning will come and you'll have some grand breakfast planned along with an over expensive gift you know I can't accept but will guilt trip me into taking anyway because you know it'll also be irresistible. And then I'll feel like a piece of shit because all I've got to offer is dirty dishes."
"And why are you so certain of that outcome?"
"Because that's exactly how Christmas ended up," he deadpanned, glaring over at him, "At least this time there won't be a crowd to make me even more uncomfortable."
Hannibal laughed again and ran his thumb along Will's uneven stubble, pressing his lips to his cheek. "Call me predictable, I can't help myself when it comes to you. It's as if my common sense disappears at the mere mention of your name."
"You're doing it again," he grumbled, but a small smile was starting to form, "How can I not feel so incompetent when you're over here playing Lithuanian casanova?" There was a moment of silence before Dr. Lecter was suddenly straddling Will with his chin firmly in his grasp.
"Incompetent? Please don't tell me I just heard you insulting yourself again, William. After all you know the consequences of self deprecation." The consultant's cheeks flushed a deep crimson and he tried to avert his gaze but Hannibal's grip only tightened. "Oh no don't you dare look away, I want you to answer my question."
He swallowed hard and felt sweat begin to form on his forehead. "Okay, I'm sorry. It just slipped, we were both playing around after all."
The Lithuanian raised an eyebrow before leaning down to kiss him slowly. The heat and lust behind it was enough to make Will want to strip then and there but Hannibal pulled away before he got the chance. With a deep sultry voice that made the empath almost melt, he whispering into his ear, "Five nice things."
William groaned. "Come on it's 2am, can't this wait until morning?"
"It's either this or I pull you over my lap and give you a lesson in self respect." The way his voice seemed to ride the line between a growl and a purr sent a shiver down Will's spine. "Not that I would mind the latter, but I recommend choosing the first option. After all…" His fingers traveled down his side and made their way under his shirt to trail along his ribs. "Tomorrow is going to hold a lot of fun and games that I'd hate for you to be too sore for."
Fucking shit, he thought as blood rushed to his member, he's got me. "Okay okay just give me some space before I explode, you're driving me crazy."
A triumphant smirk took over his features and he planted one last kiss to his exposed collarbone before sitting up again. "I expect all five to be sincere and meaningful or else I'll just have to use my alternative therapy method."
Will shot a glare at him but sighed. "Fine, I've got a fantastic ass as you're so insistent to point out."
"I only speak the truth," he mused, taking his hand, "Four more with a little less sass if you don't mind."
There was a little more grumbling but Hannibal's free hand tapping his thigh warningly was more than enough incentive to cooperate. "I'm really good with dogs... I'm decent at my job-"
"Oh no you don't," the doctor interrupted sternly, "A genuine compliment about yourself, Will. That's your only warning."
William groaned and hid his face for a moment before peeking up at his lover. "I'm really good at my job?"
That made him smile softly and kiss his forehead. "The best. 2 more and we can both sleep soundly." While Will doubted he was going to get any sleep tonight he bit his tongue. The last two positive things were always the same and took him a lot of strength to say out loud.
"I'm..." He swallowed hard and took a deep breath. "I'm not a monster. And I am worthy of your love." Tears pricked at his eyes and he was more than thankful when Hannibal scooped him into his arms and kissed him deeply.
"That's right. You did so much better this time, my mongoose. I'm so proud of you." The little whispers of encouragement and praise made tears spill onto Will's cheeks as he hugged the psychiatrist tighter. "I'm right here, Will. Breathe for me, everything's fine. Don't cry my sweet teacup it breaks my heart to see you so upset."
After a few sniffles William took a deep breath and let his body melt against Hannibal's. "I'm fine... Thank you. I think I'll be able to sleep easier now."
"I hope so, after all tomorrow will be a long fun day. I'd hate for you to be too tired to enjoy the festivities." And that's when he got the perfect idea for his present to Hannibal. It wouldn't be too over the top but carry sentiment along with practicality. Something the doctor couldn't refuse or dislike if he did it right.
William Graham was going to make the best anniversary dinner ever imaginable.
As morning rolled around and Hannibal presented Will with an exquisite breakfast in bed, the younger man was beginning to plan his master scheme. Cooking itself wasn't the obstacle, he had watched the expert do it enough times he could make an amazing meal if he tried. No, William was worried about entering the kitchen itself.
There were certain rules in the Lecter house. Some were more forgivable than others like switching the laundry when asked the first time or not leaving casework piled up in the bedroom but some were not just rules. They were law. This included those such as showering every day, eating every meal, and absolutely no self deprecation. These were rules where punishment was not negotiable no matter what excuse Will gave. If he didn't shower then Hannibal would spank him with the brush after giving him a bath or if he didn't eat then he'd be doing so after a strapping to give a few examples. The most important rule of all though was simple:
No entering the kitchen under any circumstances without direct and specific permission.
It there was anything Hannibal loved the most after Will himself it was his kitchen. The man treated it as a holy sanctuary where trespassers would be severely prosecuted. At first hearing of the rule and possible consequences, William just laughed. It seemed ridiculous to avoid such a public space as the kitchen but after a long meeting with one of Hannibal's thick wooden spoons he learned to take the rule seriously. Whether it be grabbing a snack or simple curiosity for what was for dinner though Will found himself over the doctor's lap for breaking the rule almost as often as he was punished for endangering himself.
While Hannibal would appreciate the gesture, there was no way the empath would get away with such deliberate disobedience unless he buttered him up with another present. It would be a genuine leather paddle embroidered with the phrase, "Daddy's Slut." The psychiatrist would get so excited and flustered he'd skip right to the night's festivities to try it out in a more intimate setting instead of pure discipline. The plan was fool proof through and through.
After a morning of cuddling in bed and a long hot shower together, they had decided to watch a movie with lunch until it was time for Hannibal to leave. While it wasn't a full work day both of them detested that he had to go to work at all on such an occasion. But it was Will's opportunity to put his plan in motion. While pretending to pay attention to the film, his gaze constantly traveled to the clock. Everything was clicking into place, exactly how to accomplish everything in an orderly fashion.
1:30 exactly the doctor would leave in order to arrive at his office at exactly 1:45. This was to leave plenty of time to prepare everything for his first patient at 2:00 and he wouldn't leave until the end of his last appointment at 6:00. That meant he'd be home at 6:30 since he'd most likely pick up flowers on the way home in his silly gentleman fashion. If all went accordingly, that left Will 30 minutes to check the pantry and fridge for ingredients he'd need and leave for the store, 30 minutes for shopping, 30 minutes to pick up the present and return home, 3 hours to prepare the meal, and 30 to set the table in the romantic way possible. The evening had to run like clockwork if he was expected to finish before Hannibal returned.
"Will?" the said man said, his voice cutting through the younger man's thoughts. "Will are you listening to me?"
Cheeks flushing, the brunette glanced up at him. "What? I'm sorry I didn't hear you. I was spacing out again."
He let out a long sigh and ran his fingers through Will's slightly damp curls. "That much is obvious. I was just reminding you to behave while I'm gone. Since you don't work today there's nothing to keep that mischievous little mind of yours under control and I don't want to get another call from startled neighbors that you're trying to fix the roof while it's still wet. Understand? Just because I'm not here doesn't mean the rules are suddenly null and void."
Though he tried to keep it from doing so, Will felt his cheeks grow warmer. All he could do was hope his face was neutral enough that his lover wouldn't get suspicious. To distract Dr. Lecter just in case he kissed along his jaw, a move that he had learned rendered the other almost defenseless. "I'm not a child, Hannibal. I think I can handle being home alone for four and a half hours. You have nothing to worry about."
Indeed Hannibal's face turned an amusing shade of red and he pressed his lips to his forehead and nose. "I know my sweet boy, but you do have a habit of naughtiness when you think I wouldn't be any the wiser. When will you learn that I always find out?"
"When getting caught by you stops being fun," he mused, chuckling as the Lithuanian flushed further. He kissed him harder and wrapped his arms around his neck so their foreheads were pressed together. "You better get ready, it's already 1:05. I'll put the dishes on the countertop so you can help me wash them when you return." Hannibal smiled and kissed him back, biting at his lip as his hands groped his hips.
"What would I do without you?"
"Use your left hand a whole lot more." The comment earned him a hard swat but it was more playful than mad so he just grinned cheekily. "Now one more kiss and you're getting ready. I don't want to hear you complain about how I make you late."
"And you wonder why I'm worried about you being naughty in my absence," the blond teased before pulling Will closer. There was a small fight for dominance inside the empath's mouth as their tongues entangled in the ever so familiar dance but of course Lecter won. "What's the score now?" he asked as they finally pulled away for air, "204-3?"
William rolled his eyes and pushed him back. "I'll catch up eventually, just you wait. Now go, I mean it. No don't give me that look you've wasted 3 minutes already."
"A moment is never wasted if it's with you," Hannibal hummed but he got off of the couch, "But I will do as the agreement stated. Just promise me to hold up your end of the bargain and behave for me."
The word "promise" made the deepest pits of Will's stomach begin to churn. Not telling the full truth was one thing, but promising to behave with full intent to disobey was nothing short of lying in its purest form. Breaking one of the big rules was dangerous, but two was practically presenting his ass on a platter to Hannibal. He made a mental note to get another present while he picked up the paddle.
Forcing a smile, Will gave a weak scout salute. "Promise. Are you going to stop stalling now?" The relief and gratitude that swept over the Lithuanian's features was enough to make the guilt grow tenfold in the matter of seconds.
"Thank you, Will. You have no idea how much your safety means to me, I don't want to spend all evening worrying if you're behaving yourself or not but I trust your promise."
Jesus fucking Christ if there's a god out there he's guilt tripping hard today, William thought as he tried to keep his smile from falling. "I'm glad. Go." With one last quick kiss to his forehead Hannibal finally left the room and the brunette collapsed with a long groan. He didn't understand why he was getting so worked up now. It's not like he had ill intentions or sinister motives, this was all to repay the love of his life. He was in the right.
Then why did he feel like such a shitty boyfriend?
He did his best to keep his composure as the doctor left for work, the guilt building with each kiss to the top of his hand or his nose. And of course he had to leave by saying, "I promise I'll make up my departure to you once I return my mongoose." Karma was rearing her ugly mug and headbutting Will hard. But it was his own fault for falling in love with such a perfect gentleman.
"Fucking shit," he grumbled as he watched Hannibal drive away, "I have a lot of work to do if I want to save my ass and conscience."
The meal preparation wasn't going exactly how he planned. It wasn't the fact that he couldn't find all the ingredients necessary for the native Lithuanian dishes he had planned (in fact he prided himself on how quickly he acquired them) or that he was running out of time.
He had just overestimated his cooking abilities.
Cursing under his breath despite the fact that the house was empty, he tended to a large burn while trying to keep the gaping knife wound across his palm from bleeding all over Hannibal's apron. Things had been coming along fine as he had finished preparing the Cepelinai and had begun working on the Balandėliai until he cut his hand open while cutting the onions.
The pain burned something fierce and he was so frantic to stop the bleeding he slipped on some water that had spilled on the tile and landed right on the stovetop, searing off layers of skin on his left forearm. Now the Cepelinai was burning and his knee was bruised from also running into the side of the countertop. What had seemed like a simple kind gesture was now turning into a disaster. Tears pricked at his eyes a combination of reacting to the chopped onions, the piercing pain in now both of his arms, and the familiar overwhelming disappointment in himself.
"What kind of man are you?" he muttered as he bandaged his hand carefully, turning the stove off, "Hannibal's given you a new life, a new reason for living, and all you can do is ruin dinner? It's a miracle he's stayed with you for this long when he's so out of your league. Pathetic."
And if that wasn't bad enough, his ears caught the familiar sound of the said savior's Bentley pulling into the driveway. His head snapped up as anxiety flooded his senses. It was only 5:30, he knew Hannibal's schedule inside and out he shouldn't have been done until 6:00 unless-
Unless his last patient of the day cancelled.
He let out a string of more colorful curses as he struggled to hide the half done food. There was no way the psychiatrist would let him get away with being in his kitchen if he didn't even have a decent meal as a peace offering. The only option was to try his best to hide everything and act like nothing had happened. If he rolled down the sleeves of his flannel the burn would be invisible and as long as he kept his hands in his pockets the knife wound would be hidden. Frantically shoving still hot pots and pans into cupboards and throwing ingredients back wherever he thought he remembered them belonging he rushed to the living room and jumped onto the couch as the front door opened.
To slow his breathing down he picked up a book that had been left on the coffee table and began to read. After all it was quite normal for Hannibal to enter the house unnoticed when Will's focus was elsewhere. Still he could feel his heart beating loudly against his sternum as he heard the blond's footsteps echo softly on the tile floor. He couldn't help but flinch when a pair of strong arms wrapped around his neck and warm lips brushed against his cheek. "I'm back my darling, did you miss me?"
He looked back at him in mock surprise. "I'm sorry I didn't hear you pull up. Otherwise I would've greeted you at the door." He almost winced at how effortlessly the lie rolled off his tongue. In fact he was close to confessing then and there when he noticed a perfectly wrapped present in one of Hannibal's hands. "What on earth is that?"
"I promised to make up my untimely departure to you, didn't I?" he purred into his ear, letting his empty hand travel Will's flannel. It should've turned him on but all he could do was panic as the Lithuanian's fingers neared his hidden burn. Luckily Dr. Lecter retreated back to the empath's shoulder and kissed his cheek again. "You can open the gift now if you'd like, it won't bite."
Swallowing hard, Will took the package and set it in his lap before slowly undoing the ribbon and unwrapping it. Once his eyes fell on what laid inside he could swear his heart stopped. "Hannibal you didn't."
It was a small scaled replica of the boat Will had been planning to build. Each mast was perfectly placed, the sails fully functional even in its miniature form, the hull exquisitely crafted, and the deck polished to perfection. His hands couldn't help but tremble as tears filled his eyes. "You made this by hand?"
There was a soft hum as the doctor ran his fingers through the brunette's hair. "I thought it would've been done sooner but the painting took me longer than expected. Not to mention I had to compile your various designs so it was as accurate as possible." A pause. "Do you like it? I know it's nothing fancy but-"
"Like it?" William finally choked out, "It's the most beautiful thing I've ever seen. Oh Hannibal I couldn't ask for a better present." He turned around to hug his partner tight, tears finally streaming down his cheeks. "Thank you. I'll cherish it forever."
He could feel Hannibal's breath hitch and wasn't surprised as he was lifted off of the couch into the older man's arms. "You're most welcome, Will. I'm glad to see that it has brought much joy to you."
That was when the brunette knew there was no way he could admit to his crimes. Imagining the man he had grown to love carving and painting ever little painstaking detail for hours on end until his fingers grew tired and weak made his heart swell with guilt at his own incompetence. He could never look him in the eye and confess that he not only broken his trust but ruined perfectly good food.
He'd rather die.
They stayed swaying in their loving embrace until Hannibal gently set him back onto the couch and smoothed his hair back so he could kiss his forehead. "I'm going to make us some dinner. You sit here and try to relax, okay?"
He managed a small nod and hid his bandaged hand in his pocket as he picked the book back up with the other. Of course he was beyond petrified at the thought of the Lithuanian finding a single item misplaced in his kitchen but it was too late to do anything about it. Protesting a homemade dinner would only raise suspicions. All he could do was pray to whatever person in the void of the universe that was giving him so much grief to spare his ass as Lector made his way into the kitchen.
The first drawer was opened, Hannibal was still humming Franz Liszt's Lieberstraum so nothing must've been found out of place. Another drawer, no negative reaction. As pots were set up on the counter Will began to breathe again. There was hope that his prayer had been answered. In fact he was celebrating internally when the pantry was opened and the sound of various food crashing to the floor echoed through the house.
The humming had stopped.
"William Graham." The way Hannibal growled out his full name in a tone that was still calm and collected sent a shiver down the empath's spine. When his lover was trying to remain calm so desperately then he was more than upset.
"Yes, sir?" he choked out meekly, his body beginning to tremble.
"Come here. Now." There was no fancy way of presenting the order, no lighthearted approach to the situation. The underlying message was clear and simple; "get your ass in here if you ever want to sit again."
Though his legs felt like jello, Will forced himself off the couch and dragged himself to the kitchen. Part of him wanted to attempt to lighten the mood by asking for permission to cross the barrier between the dining room and the kitchen but one look at his partner's face and the mess that surrounded him shut him up quickly.
Fruits had exploded against the tile, bits of their remains splattered on one of Hannibal's good pair of loafers. Vegetables rolled along the floor covering themselves with germs since there had been no time to mop today or the day before. A fresh bag of flour had tumbled to the ground and burst open to release a cloud of white that now coated everything within a three foot radius of the pantry. But the worst part of all was the fact that Will had absentmindedly shoved one of the pots of boiling water into that very pantry in his panic. Now the flour was becoming a sticky mass that coated the remains of the fruits, vegetables, and not only the doctor's shoes but his socks and the cuff of one of his favorite pairs of slacks. William didn't need to see the way the man's nostrils flared or how red his face was to know the obvious fact.
Dr. Hannibal Lecter was pissed.
"William," he started , making Will wince, "There seems to have been something that had taken place while I was gone. I think a burglar must have made it into the house unnoticed by you and decided to wreck my kitchen." There was no amusement to his tone and the empath could feel his stomach churn faster as he recognized where Hannibal was going with this. "After all it couldn't have been you since you are well aware of the rule and consequences of breaking said rule that clearly states that you are not allowed in my kitchen without permission and especially unsupervised. You also promised to me before I left to behave yourself in my absence so of course you wouldn't have deliberately disobeyed along with breaking my trust, right William? I'm just glad the burglar didn't harm you -"
"Stop it!" Will begged as tears spilled over onto his cheeks once again, "Don't you think I feel like a pathetic piece of shit already?! I never needed your help with that!"
There was silence except for the sobs that Will struggled to keep under control. "Why?" Hannibal finally asked quietly, his soft voice revealing the hurt and disappointment he usually was too embarrassed and stubborn to show. It cut through the brunette with a pain that far surpassed any wound he had inflicted on himself that evening. "Why did you try to hide it from me? You could've saved yourself so much grief. Did you think I'd be too upset to understand?"
Vigorously shaking his head, William's shoulders shook with sobs. "I just wanted to do something nice for you! You've done so much for me and I have nothing to offer in return so I thought I could make you a nice dinner with all of your favorite food or whatever from your home country and we would 'dine in candlelight' as your favorite music played but I can't do anything right! You've dealt with my bullshit for a full year and I can't even give you a decent meal." He rubbed at his eyes as he sniffled, tears soaking his sleeve. "How pathetic am I? After all the amazing things you've done for me all I can give you is trouble."
Another beat of silence passed before Will was pulled into a tight embrace. "Oh my sweet William," Hannibal sighed as he ran his fingers through his thick curls, "You still don't get it after all this time. This relationship isn't and has never been a one-sided affair. The only reason I'm so inclined to shower you with gifts is because the joy you've brought to my life is of an indescribable value. Before you came into my life I was a lonely, sad, bitter man who never expected he would find anything close to love. But you..." His breath hitched and he held Will tighter as if he was afraid to let go and lose him. "You understand me like no one else can. The fear I once felt to show my emotions and face my past disappears in your presence." Will began to cry softly into Lecter's chest, clinging to him desperately. "William, I try so hard to make you ignore the voice in your head that screams of your shortcomings and monstrous nature because I know the truth. Not only are you the best thing to have ever happened to me, but you are the strongest, kindest, sincerest, hardworking person anyone would have the pleasure of meeting. The fact that you planned such a perfect evening for me speaks volumes about your true character. The one I see no matter how many times you fall into darkness. I love you expecting nothing of material value in return because loving you until the day we die is more than enough for me."
That absolutely broke him and Will began to wail uncontrollably, blubbering what had happened in an incoherent mess. "You left so I went to the kitchen and messed with your ingredients and then went to the store even though I told you I'd stay home and I ran over someone's foot with my cart without apologizing and I knew you'd be mad about the whole breaking the rules thing even if I made an amazing meal so I wanted to bribe you with more presents so you wouldn't beat my ass so I picked up some stupid leather paddle and some new plates you'd like and then I came home and went back into the kitchen again because I'm stupid and then I was cooking and cut my hand open because onions can go suck a-"
Up until this point Hannibal had been rubbing Will's back comfortingly as he listened to his wailing. But as soon as he processed the fact his teacup had injured himself he interrupted. "Excuse me?"
Pulling away, the psychiatrist placed both hands on his shaking shoulders. "William, William look at me right now. I need you to calm down and answer me truthfully, no beating around the bush or outright lying to me." He waited until he had Will's full attention before calmly asking, "Did you hurt yourself while I was gone?"
"It wasn't on purpose," he whimpered, upset Hannibal had stopped hugging him, "I was trying to cut some onions and the next thing I knew my palm is bleeding. I tried to dress it safely and stop the bleeding!" he reassured when the blond's expression grew concerned, "I really did I promise!"
"But?"
Uncomfortable silence followed. "But I sorta tripped and burnt my arm really bad," Will whispered, his cheeks turning a deep pink, "But I-"
He was cut off by Hannibal grabbing him by the back of his neck and forcefully leading him to the bathroom. "I swear William Graham," he growled in his ear, "If you've seriously injured yourself and dressed it horribly with full intent to hide said wounds from me I'm whipping your sorry ass all the way to the hospital."
Shuddering at his stern tone and the very thought of such a punishment, the empath felt his face grow warm. "Hannibal, I promise I was going to tell you everything but then you gave me that amazing gift. I know it's the same as lying and I'm really sorry and I'll make it up to you somehow like cleaning that awful mess that's all my fault-"
"William," he interrupted, cutting him off once again as he lifted him onto the bathroom counter, "I'm not mad because you tried to do something nice for me. In fact I find it rather endearing. I'm disappointed that you decided to break my rules in order to do so." He took Will's bandaged hand and began to carefully unwrap it. He let out a sigh of relief once he saw that it wasn't horribly deep. "You're lucky it's so superficial, any deeper and it would've required stitches. I'm going to clean it up and I expect that you let me redress it for the next few days so I can keep an eye on it."
"Yes, sir," he mumbled, his gaze glued to the floor as tears welled up in his eyes again. Hannibal being mad was bearable, Will was rather accustomed with people being upset with him. But disappointment was absolutely torturous. "I'm sorry."
"I know, my mongoose," he reassured him gently, kissing his nose in an attempt to cheer him up a little, "Hopefully this will be the last time I have to punish you for such overwhelming disobedience." He finished cleaning the wound and dressing it before planting a sort kiss to his palm. "Now, show me where the burn is."
With great reluctance, William forced himself to roll up his sleeve, wincing at the sharp intake of breath the Lithuanian took. "It's not as bad as it looks-"
"Don't you even start that bullshit with me, young man," Hannibal scolded as he pulled out some aloe, "If you had tried to take care of that yourself then it would've ended up infected. This will sting at first but trust me when I say it'll make it feel better in the long run."
He tried to bite his lip to keep himself from reacting to the pain but after the doctor began to apply it to his forearm Will hissed and drummed his feet against the side of the counter. "Fucking shit that does NOT just sting!"
Dr. Lecter sighed as he tried to tend to it more gently. "I know baby, but I need you to calm down. Fussing about it won't make the pain go away. Why don't you explain what happened after you got burned, hmm?" He hoped changing the subject would distract him enough where he could finish in somewhat peace.
The empath sighed and winced at Hannibal continuing to clean the skin. "Well... After I burnt myself I put it under cold water since it's the only thing I knew to do with heat based injuries. In fact... I was wrapping my hand when I heard you pull into the driveway. I kinda panicked and just threw stuff wherever I could remember getting them from. So if you find half-made Balandėliai in the fridge or overdone Cepelinai in one of your cupboards then that's from my attempt to cover everything up. I jumped on the couch and managed to grab a book as you unlocked the door and well, you know the rest."
Will tried to gauge just how much trouble he was in by watching how the Lithuanian reacted to the finale of his story. He was concerned to see his eyebrows furrow at the part where he began to throw things where they were guessed to belong but the brunette felt some relief when Lecter smiled softly at the mention of the native dishes. But by the end the neutral, unreadable face had returned. All William could do was sit in silence as his arm was wrapped and let his dark thoughts of what misery was to come fill his consciousness.
"So," Hannibal finally started as he began to apply the final bandage, startling Will slightly back into reality, "Let me see if I've got the list of your crimes correct. You lied straight to my face when you promised to behave yourself since you had already planned your master scheme prior to the conversation which also broke my trust in the process, left the house without informing me, entered my kitchen multiple times despite knowing it was against the rules, injured yourself due to your disobedience, attempted to hide your naughtiness from me which ended up creating an even bigger mess, lied to me again when I returned, fully intended to keep not one but TWO serious injuries from me that if left unattended could've ended with you in the hospital, and insulted yourself multiple times once you were caught." He pinned the bandage and placed his hands on either side of William so he was trapped with no where to look but right into his burning amber irises. "Am I missing anything?"
Will shrunk down with each item on the list and winced at the mention of the self deprecation since he had forgotten about that part. Hearing them all at once like that made his face turn crimson as he began to realize just how much trouble he was in. "No, sir. That's all of it."
Hannibal nodded and lifted him back onto the ground, taking his chin gently so he had Will's full attention. "I'm going to start dinner. While I do that I want you in the corner thinking about how you could've gone about this differently. Afterwards you are showing me the paddle you bought and we will have a further discussion about your misbehavior. There will be no arguing, no snide remarks, and absolutely no attempts to justify your naughtiness. Have I made myself clear?"
Sniffling, William nodded. "Verbally, Will."
"Yes, sir."
"Good." His lover released his shoulders and gave him a swat towards the living room. "Go on, I expect no dawdling."
Yelping at the unexpected smack, Will pouted and covered his ass as he made his way towards the corner. After a few moments staring at the wallpaper listening to the psychiatrist put away all of the medical supplies he had used he grew restless. With a small whine, the empath looked over his shoulder and crossed his arms. "I said I'm sorry."
"Yes you did," Hannibal agreed, rolling up his sleeves as he entered the kitchen, "And I believe that there is no talking or moving in the corner. Put your hands behind your back and behave before you lose pants privileges. I don't want to hear a single sound or see your face until I call you over for dinner. This is your only warning." He raised an eyebrow as the brunette groaned. "An apology doesn't excuse your behavior, Will. If your attitude doesn't improve by the time dinner is done you are going to be a very sorry boy."
William's cheeks flushed red as he was scolded and turned to face the corner before reluctantly putting his hands behind his back. It wasn't the fact that standing still for 15 minutes plus was impossible, it was more the mere concept of "corner-time" that he despised. Being forced to stand quietly with his nose in the corner and quite often a red backside on display for such a long time made him feel like a naughty little child. Every time Hannibal threatened to put him in the dreaded "time-out" he always felt his cheeks grow warm with embarrassment. Of course when he brought this complaint up to the psychiatrist he only laughed and said, "That's the point. I'm glad to know it's so effective at doing its job."
There was one good thing about being sent to the corner, he had plenty of time to think. Unfortunately he usually ended up thinking about how stupid he was to get himself in such a position or his impending doom. This time he chose the latter.
Why did you have to buy a leather fucking paddle as a peace offering, huh? he scolded himself as he glared at his shoes, Most people who are hoping for a sex filled evening would get something like a nice cock ring or some lingerie but no, you had to find yourself a man who has a thing for spanking and a leather fetish. Oh god what if he decides to spank me all night? Of course I'd feel too guilty to safeword out of it which will get me into more trouble and then my ass will be so sore I won't even have the energy for a good fucking before bed. How pitiful would that be not even getting anything besides shower sex on your one year anniversary? But you never thought anniversaries mattered anyway so-
"William!" Hannibal called, snapping Will out of his trance, "You may exit the corner and join me at the dining room table for dinner."
Blushing, he turned around and entered the dining room as he wrung his hands. "Sorry, I got lost in thought again. I hope that wasn't your fifth attempt to get my attention."
Dr. Lecter chuckled softly as he brought the food in and set it down on the table with the grace of an angel that Will couldn't help but envy. "It was only my third, don't fret. I know it's hard for you to get out of that head of yours. If you don't mind, I'd love for you to get the new dishes you mentioned and set the table while I make my final preparations."
Albeit confused about what preparations would be left with all the food on the table, the brunette nodded and rushed to the guest room where he had hidden the presents. It was a lovely dining set that told stories of Greek mythology along the rims. Hannibal had always loved going on and on telling him of the myths beneath starry skies or under the covers when neither of them could sleep. Those stories carried some of the empath's fondest memories with his lover.
He unpacked it quickly and carefully carried pairs of plates and bowls back to the dining room. I'm fact he was so concentrated on making sure he didn't break or chip anything that when he looked up at the table he was so startled he almost dropped everything.
The velvet table cloth had been laid out and rose petals were ever so carefully spread across the table top. Silver platters of the Lithuanian cuisine Will had failed in preparing earlier were now before him in all of their glory, the aroma enough to knock him over. He looked over at Hannibal who was lighting the last candles on the ivory candelabra, mouth agape. "Hannibal you didn't have to do all this -"
"Nonsense," the blond scoffed, setting it gingerly on the center of the table, "You were so excited for a nice meal together as we dined on candlelight that it only seemed proper that I didn't let your plan go to waste." He turned to smile warmly at which absolutely melted Will's heart. "Now show me the beautiful dishes you bought me."
His cheeks flushed and he held out the plates. "It's nothing compared to a hand crafted boat model but I thought you'd appreciate the design." He paused as the psychiatrist picked up the bowls that told the story of Persephone and Hades. "Happy anniversary, Dr. Lecter."
Will watched with anticipation and anxiety as his fingertips traced the patterns of Persephone's curls and Hades' helm of darkness. "Well? Is it worth all the trouble I've caused you today?"
His answer was the dishes being removed from his grasp and set on the table so Hannibal could wrap him in a tight embrace. That was surprising enough but what truly caught the empath off guard was feeling warm tears begin to soak his shirt.
"Thank you Will," the psychiatrist breathed into his ear, his voice trembling as he struggled to not cry, "I couldn't ask for a better gift. You know me so well." Now William was desperately trying to keep himself from sobbing, tears stinging his eyes.
"Please don't flatter me, it's just some plates and bowls you have plenty of those."
"Yes," Hannibal agreed as he pulled away and took Will's hands into his own, "But none of them share such beautiful sentiment and thought behind their presentation." Kissing the top of Will's hand, he let their foreheads rest against one another. "It's a treasure that I will hold dear as long as I hold the honor of cherishing the greatest gift of all which is you."
The brunette's face turned a deep crimson. "Careful, you might give me diabetes with how thick you're laying that sugar down. Your sweet nothings are almost too much for me to handle."
With an amused smirk Lecter planted kisses along his knuckles. "And you're too sweet for me but I still allow myself to drown in the depths of your overwhelming beauty and charm. I don't waste words my teacup, I mean everything I say with no uncertainty. Do you believe that, Will? Do you trust that my love for you is genuine?" Each word was hot on Will's neck, begging to be branded into his flesh.
"Of course," he managed to get out, blood this time rushing to his member, "Now can we eat? I'm starving."
To Be Continued