Chapter 3

…

Will opened his eyes slowly, taking in his surroundings…forgetting for a moment where he was before all the memories from the previous night came flooding back to him. Turning his head, he watched the sleeping form of Hannibal beside him, feeling the smile that crept on his face as he sat up a little and looked Hannibal up and down. Hannibal looked at peace as he lay on his back, the steady breathing he made, his arms at his side. Will lifted his hand, hovering for a moment or two before placing his hand very gently on Hannibal's abdomen. He leaned down, making sure not to wake the older man.

"Hey little one, I'm your daddy. I've been a real jackass to your father, but just know…we want you so much." He whispered.

Hannibal couldn't help smiling as he heard Will's voice, opening his eyes and turning his head to watch the younger man.

"Sorry, did I wake you?" Will asked.

"I don't mind."

Will moved further up the bed, coming to lie beside Hannibal before kissing him.

"How are you feeling this morning?"

"I feel fine, please don't fuss."

"Listen, I really am sorry about all the things I said to you yesterday. It was uncalled for. You're the last person I'd have ever expected to have a baby."

"I should have told you about my condition sooner, I really never thought it would be an issue. I just assumed I was too old…and now to get pregnant like this I..."

"Well, it's a shock, I won't lie but we'll be okay."

"I never thought I'd be much of a father."

"You were a good influence on Abigail."

"Perhaps, but then I killed her, what if I harm this child too."

"Will you stop…don't talk like that. This is different and you know it."

"But Will I…."

"You're not that man anymore, and this baby….this baby is ours. It's a part of you, of both of us. You two are stuck together for the next nine months, the bond you share…that's special, and you could never hurt it."

"I hate feeling this vulnerable…Will I need you with me on this."

"I'm not going anywhere…I love you."

Hannibal's smile quickly faded as the smell of bacon and eggs made its way up the stairs.

"Hannibal…what is it?"

Before the older man could answer, he threw back the sheets before rushing through to the bathroom and emptying the contents of his stomach. Will pulled on his trousers and jumper before making his way in to the bathroom to see Hannibal leaning over the toilet, his hand on his stomach. Will took the glass from the sink and filled it with water before kneeling down beside him and passing him the water.

"Here, take a few sips…it should help."

Hannibal took the glass and sipped the water before leaning against the wall as Will joined him.

"I'm sorry you had to witness that."

"Hey, stop apologizing. It can't be helped, the joys of pregnancy I guess."

"Mmmm."

"You're not in any pain are you?"

"Mmmm no, I'm okay."

"Just keep drinking."

Will took Hannibal's hand in his and entwined their fingers, no words needed as he supported his partner, Hannibal's head finding it's way to Will's shoulder.

…

Alana looked up from the task at hand to see Will entering the kitchen.

"Oh hey, morning…breakfast?"

"Please, you really didn't have too Alana."

"Nonsense and anyway, I got nothing else to do today. How's Hannibal doing." She asked as she put eggs on a plate before passing them to Will.

"He's nauseous, I don't think he'll be up to eggs…sorry, I'll have his share."

"Dry toast it is then."

"Dry toast?"

"Trust me; I was pregnant once…I know what he's going through."

Hannibal appeared in the doorway, his face pale as Alana gave him a warm smile.

"Morning Hannibal."

Will was on his feet, his arm on Hannibal's back as he led him to the chair, Alana pushing a plate in front of him.

"That's very kind Alana but I'm not really hungry."

"Hannibal, you need to eat something. I know you're feeling sick but trust me, this will help settle your stomach." Alana smiled, sympathetically.

Alana watched as Hannibal took a few bites, discomfort on his face as Will placed a gentle hand on his back.

"Well…I have to head out…an appointment so if you just lock up when you leave, spare keys are in the drawer by the front door. I'll see you both later."

"Thank you for last night Alana, it's much appreciated."

"Hannibal you are more than welcome, I'll see you both soon."

Alana picked up her bag and made her way to the front door to hear Will following behind her.

"Alana wait up…"

"Everything okay?"

"What…oh yeah, I just wanted to say thanks again for talking sense in to me last night. I really was acting like a complete jackass."

"Will…you do love him, don't you?"

"More than anything."

"Well that's all that matters, I know the baby's a shock but you'll get through it together. Just try and remember it's a lot harder on him and he's gonna need you, more than he ever has before."

"I know and I will be."

"I really have to go, I'll call later tonight."

"Bye Alana, have a good day."

…

Will watched Alana drive off from the patio before closing the door and making his way back to the kitchen to see Hannibal by the bin, disposing off the toast Alana had given him.

"Hey…you're lucky she's left, she'd have killed you."

"I managed one slice, that's enough."

"Fair enough."

Will walked over to his partner, bringing his arms around his waist, bringing him closer to him. Will eyed him carefully, seeing the tiredness in his face.

"Why don't we head home, you look like you could use more sleep."

"As much as I'd love to sleep, I have back to back sessions today."

"Well can't you cancel them?"

"It wouldn't be fair, these people need me. They need to talk about their problems, their feelings and it wouldn't be fair to deny them…you of all people should know that."

"I suppose so; just…make sure you take things easy okay. I'll be checking up on you."

"I wouldn't have it any other way, I do love you."

"I love you too, and we will do everything we can to make this as easy on you as possible…I promise. You ready to head home."

Hannibal shook his head as Will went to retrieve their jackets bfore heading home."

…

To Be Continued…