READ FIRST: Before you begin the story.. When I write Clarice, I imagine her as Jodie Foster's portrayal. Which is a more sensitive, considerate woman. Still with the courage and determination.. But slightly different from Julianne Moore's character if you've only seen Hannibal.
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Clarice slept peacefully on her living room sofa. In the dark, without any awakenings. Silencing those screaming lambs had been quite the nerve-wracking experience.
It was good to finally get some rest.
Until the small sound of the creaking door filled the room, that is. Clarice's eyes weakly opened when she heard the sound of the door. Thinking it was just due to being in the state of dreaming, she shut her eyes and returned to slumber.
Clarice then swore she had heard footsteps. Not wanting to risk anything, she stood up and entered the darkness, fumbling to find a light switch. That was when an oddly familiar voice echoed in the room. "Well, well, Clarice. A little drowsy are we? My apologies. I can assure you, my intentions were not to wake you."
The sentence was finished with a small chuckle. Clarice's eyes widend. "Doc..Doctor.. How.. When?" Clarice felt a finger pressed lightly aganist her lips. "Now, Clarice. No need to be frightened. You, more than anyone should know I would never cause harm to you." Clarice bit her bottom lip, unsure as to what to say.
She knew he would return. But this late at night? Oh how it had caught her off guard. Clarice just continued to search for the light switch. A little more frantically. "Ambitious.. Very ambitious."
Suddenly an arm wrapped around her waist, drawing her in and pulling her closer. "There's no need to be afraid, Clarice."
Clarice had to admit it to herself. She had longed to see him again. There was something so attracting.. So.. luring.
"Doctor Lecter, I don't think--" Clarice stopped mid sentence when she felt his hand lower to her hip. He removed the gun from her belt and heard it drop to the floor with a clang, causing Clarice to gasp lightly. "Shh, my beautiful Starling." His?
He pressed his lips to her forehead and kissed her ever so softly. Sure, he couldn't see her due to the darkness, but that could never change her beauty. She had been forever engraved in his mind. Along with her striking beauty. Detail by detail. He found her to be so perfect. In every way possible.
"Now.. Clarice." Hannibal smirked. "If I turn the lights on, will you promise not to flee from me?" Clarice gave a brief nod. "Yes.. Yes, Doctor." How amusing it was to him. Still being called Doctor all of these years. That would have to change.
With a flip of the switch, light filled the room. He knew where the switch was all along! Clarice looked into his eyes as if starring into his soul.
They had been closer than she thought they were. And she refused to back away.
His hand softly brushed over her cheek. A sly smirk on his face.
An image of the FBI then flashed into her mind. What would they want her to do? Cuff him! Turn him in! Instead she placed a hand on his neck.
Love isn't about finding the perfect person. It's about finding an imperfect person perfect. She blinked slowly, aware of what she was getting herself into.. But it's too late to go back. Nor would she want to. He was her future.