Characters of Hannibal aren't mine; just my OC. All credits go to its rightful owners.

Author's Note: So… this is just a really small drabble between my character and our cute and adorable Frederick Chilton. I'm just practising my writing and hopefully this wasn't too bad. Reviews are more than welcome J (keep in mind I'm not a very experienced writer and this is only my second time posting a fanfic) Enjoy!

Frederick Chilton was right there standing right before me, his suspenders visible from underneath his overcoat and grey suit jacket. A phone call was keeping him busy until an audible beep marked the end of the call. I shifted a little in my seat shyly as he turned and gave me a small smile that tugged the side of his lips. He was handsome.

"So, Elaine, how are you doing?" Chilton solicited, grabbing the chair and sitting swiftly. He had already discarded the coat and the jacket, leaving him exposed with only the suspenders. I smiled sheepishly.

"I'm alright, just a faint headache that keeps on bothering me at work and.."

"You're sure you're okay?" His tone was concerned.

I sighed, "Not really."

His discomfort in response to the answer was obvious. "You're having nightmares again, aren't you?"

Reluctantly, I answered, "Yes."

His face scrunched up in focus as he tried to find a solution. When he was like this, I took the chance to carefully observe the features of his face. The way his beard compliments his face, his sea-green eyes darting back to mine for a second before looking in distance back while searching for answers. His fingers tapped rapidly on the surface of his mahogany table.

His voice broke the silence between us.

"I think that.."

I remained solid, paying close attention to his words. I uncomfortably sat upright, silently doing so, so that he wouldn't think that I was going to cut his thoughts, dreading for what he was about to announce.

He looked back at me and said almost solemnly, "you lack of a companion."

For one, I was expecting the same answer because it was the total truth. Marie -my sister- was busy with kids, and I was busy with my own work as well; rushing for the deadlines, as expected, as a columnist. Friends were forced to be suppressed and in the end, abandoned. Boyfriends were almost flings. And all that was left was..

When I looked up, Chilton was directly looking at me. He had an unfathomable expression on his face and I swallowed back a small sense of guilt. He would have to sacrifice his time for me.

We both knew that fully well.

"Elaine," he said quietly. "I believe that with the daily stress and building pressure your job brings forth, without any social life (at the word life, he raised his eyebrows and motioned to the scenery outside the window, where snow was falling) you wouldn't be able to cope if you still pursue. And the very fact that you have almost no one to talk with certainly amplifies this problem," said Chilton.

My heart pounded, listening to his every word.

"And your only solution is me."