Falling In France.

Chapter Four.

Stepping over the threshold of his modern styled apartment, Hannibal gently set Celeste on her feet. ''the bedroom is just through there'' he pointed towards his usually private domain, ''and that is where you will be sleeping Madame, if you have no objections. I assure you it is comfortable.'' He paused to witness her reaction.

She appeared calm. ''but, monsieur Hannibal, I could not take your room. Where will you sleep?''

''Do not worry yourself over me, dear one. I shall be comfortable enough in the lounge.'' He assured her. She seemed to give in and accept his wishes, ''Now. If you would like to bathe then you may, of course, do so. The bathroom is just through there. I shall prepare a light meal while you relax.'' He looked into her eyes for an affirmative and saw desire there. For a hot bath, he supposed.

''Ok, Hannibal.'' She whispered. His eyes never left her as she went to the bathroom. When she was out of sight, he took her case and left it in his room, by the silken sheets of his bed. He smiled; she would be very comfortable here, indeed.

-Switch POV-

She undressed quickly, holding her breath to quiet the soft gasps escaping her lips as the rough material rubbed on her sore skin. Her back and neck were damaged the most and she ached with every movement she made. The hot water soothed her tense muscles as she lowered herself into the steaming water.

She thought of Hannibal, how his eyes read hers and how he seemed to know everything she wanted, everything she needed. Everything she desired. She desired him, she thought. She was surprised at the sudden realisation but she knew it was true. She gasped. Did he know that too? What would he do if he found out? Would he throw her back into her father's home and leave her to suffer? No. She didn't think he would do that. He was a gentlemen and a friend to her, even in the short time she had known him.

She sighed at this thought as the pain slowly ebbed away. After a few moments she began to clean herself using the assortment of soaps and oils on the shelves by the tub, making sure to be gentle on the bruised areas. When her hair and body were clean she lifted herself out of the tub, surprised at the lack of pain it caused.

When she opened the door, she found he had left her a pair of silk pyjamas there. She dried and put them on before walking into the kitchen, wonderful smells hitting her nose.

-Switch POV-

Hannibal was dishing up the plates of beef steak and vegetables when he smelled her. He had not heard her emerge from the bathroom but he could smell her. She had used coconut oil and almond body wash, mixed with the vanilla scented shampoo she had used on her hair. It was a heavenly concoction of scents and he turned to see her stood only metres from him, smiling sheepishly. ''I hope you enjoyed your bath, dear Celeste.'' He addressed her.

''but, of course. It was a delight, monsieur Hannibal.'' She smiled making her eyes glow a darker red. It was beautiful. She was beautiful. Her long black hair glistened as she walked towards a seat at the island bar and climbed upon it, her eyes never leaving his. For the first time since the orphanage, Hannibal was speechless. ''The dinner smells amazing Hannibal.'' She complimented, bringing him out of his reverie.

-Switch POV-

Celeste watched him with eagle eyes and a small smile, revealing a row of perfect, white teeth. She did this purposefully, gauging his reaction. He seemed unaffected, but Celeste knew better. A red fire burnt behind his eyes, that only she could see.

She thought that, maybe, she would have to one day show her true self to him. She was just as strong as anyone her age, but she was fast, lithe, flexible and skilled. She doubted he knew that. If she could trust him enough in the days that follow, she would reveal herself to him, and hope that he accepts her. She thought he would, as the same fire that burns red behind his eyes, burns behind hers.

Someone cleared their throat. She looked up. It was Hannibal. ''Oh, Monsieur. My apologies, I was away with my thoughts.'' She said, flushing a bright red.

''That is perfectly fine, Celeste. Enjoy your meal.'' He said, gesturing to the plate before her. She hadn't noticed it before. It smelled wonderful, the rich aroma filling her senses.

-Switch POV-

As she began to eat, Hannibal watched her with rapt fascination, before starting his own meal. They sat in comfortable silence and glanced up at each other every several minutes before he broke the silence, ''So, Dear Celeste. Would you like some wine to celebrate your new found freedom?'' he asked, a light smirk gracing his face.

''Wine sounds lovely monsieur. But do you mind if... well, it has been a long night you see, and I would like some fresh air...'' she was nervous, he thought. But, why?

''Of course, I will just clean up and we may go-''

''It's not necessary to escort me, Hannibal. Please do excuse my rudeness, and I am grateful for your offer but I like to walk alone to... clear my mind, you see.'' Ah, she wanted time to herself. How did he not see that before? She was the only person able to evade him like that.

''Celeste, do you really think it is safe for you at this time?'' he asked, uncertain of what he could do to change her mind.

''Of course, Hannibal. I will be safe.'' She assured him.

''Then go. Enjoy the air, My Dear.'' He said with a smile.

''Thank you, Hannibal.'' She said.

She stood and walked into the bedroom, changing. When she came out, moments later, she was wearing tight black pants and a white shirt with a leather jacket to match. He felt a light burn inside of him at her appearance. That's my girl, he thought. She put on some leather boots and waved goodbye to him, he smiled back.

When she left out of the door, Hannibal collected the dishes and went to wash them in the sink. When he was done he let his mind wonder. He hoped she was safe, his dear Celeste. What if she wasn't? Oh, god. He shouldn't have let her go out alone. She can be very persuasive, that girl. He grabbed his own leather jacket and boots and ran out of his home following her light scent, hoping he would find her safe.

-Switch POV-

When she left the apartment, she felt a cold wind ruffle her silky hair. She walked around the block and decided on a shortcut through the alley to the park in the town centre. As she rounded the corner, she heard a wolf whistle and the heavy footsteps of unmistakably drunken men. There were two of them and they were right behind her. This could get ugly, fast.

She quickened her pace. ''Hey babey! Want a good time?'' one of them yelled in German. She turned to get into a defensive stance. One man, the one that had yelled, looked about 37, and the other around 40. They both stunk of whisky.

''No. Thank you for the offer but I am in a rush to return home.'' She said in fluent German. They looked surprised at her linguistic skills, but kept advancing on her.

''come on now, you wouldn't want this to get ugly would you? Better you give it than we take it, hmm?'' the older man said. Her stomach churned but she ignored the strong urge to be sick.

''I will give you one more chance to leave me alone before I make you.'' She said, lowering her voice to a metallic hiss. They only laughed.

She turned to leave and the younger one grabbed her wrist and threw her to the ground, hitting her head against the hard wall. The older one then attempted to climb on top of her but she was too quick. She jumped to her feet and twisted, kicking him square in the jaw. ''ahh!'' he yelled, falling to the ground. His friend looked pissed and tried to grab her hair so she whipped it around and it slapped him in the face.

She laughed. It was time. Unfortunately for them her inner monster had taken control. She was going to kill the disgusting creatures, and she was going to love it.

Before the man could react, she turned and lashed out at his face, scratching it deeply from his right eye to his chin. He cried out, but it was too late. He had had his chance. She launched at him and took him to the ground, straddling his body. She grabbed his face, ignoring his whimpers and pleas, and exposed his neck. Before he realised what was happening she struck, like a viper, her sharp teeth cutting through his tender skin like a knife through butter. The monster inside was overjoyed.

When the blood began to poor out, she closed her mouth over the wound and sucked hard, swallowing the sweet liquid. When she had had her fill, she sat up and snapped his neck; turning to the unconscious man she had kicked. She took a long, serrated knife from her pocket and lashed out, cutting across his abdomen. She stood and began to watch his guts spill from the cut. It was then that she became aware of another presence in the alley. She inhaled deeply before turning to face him.

''Hannibal'' she whispered. He would hate her now. Wide eyed, she turned and fled, not caring over her appearance. Luckily there were no people out at that time and she was able to get to the park without being spotted. She had nowhere to go now. What would she do?

The river in the park was near; she could hear the steady flow of water. She turned in that direction and ran toward the stone bridge. When she reached it, she allowed her tired body to collapse against the cobble stones. She sat up when she could sense another approaching. It was him. She gazed emotionlessly at the water below, her legs crossed.

Hannibal sat down beside her and took her in his arms. She was confused. Did he still want her? Did he still care for her?

-Switch POV-

When Hannibal had left the apartment he had caught a light smell of coconut and ran after it, remembering the bath oil she had used. He followed it all the way around the block until it took off in another direction, through an alley.

When he turned the corner, he saw the most beautiful sight he had ever imagined. He could not move, instead he just watched. She was magnificent; the way she struck out, lightening quick and disabled her opponents.

He had, at first, thought she was in danger but he quickly realised he was wrong when he right leg swung around into the German's jaw and knocked him fully unconscious. After that, he could only watch as she took down the second man and straddled him. He could not believe his eyes; she was drinking from the man. Draining him.

Her teeth and nails were sharp, like his. She had to be like him; different. But better. She had the same red in her eyes, the same fighting skill, the same sharp teeth and animalistic fury. She was well contained like him and knew how to control herself. But now... now she was free; letting go of any and all emotions. She was beautiful. Even more so than he had believed was humanly possible. But, she wasn't human. And neither was he.

When she had had her fill, she leaned back and snapped the filthy man's neck. Then she moved back to the unconscious form and gutted him, faster than even he could.

She lifted her face then and inhaled as her body tensed. She had sensed his presence. She turned and whispered, ''Hannibal''. Her lovely face, splashed with blood, was tainted by a faint agony. She thought he would hate her. He knew how she felt; he had felt the same when Lady Murasaki had left him on that boat, disgusted by him.

She turned and fled before he had had chance to move, lost in his thoughts. Before following, however, he saved the memory of her fight in his memory palace, ready to return to it later.

He followed then, and smelt her, the blood mixed with her natural scent and the scents she had used during her bathing.

When he reached her, she was sprawled on the cobbles of the old bridge before she once again sensed his arrival and sat up with her legs crossed and her face devoid of any and all emotion.

He sat beside her and, after a short moment of thought, he wrapped her in his strong embrace. He could feel the confusion rolling off of her in waves. He let her muse for a few minutes and then whispered close to her ear, ''I love you, Dear Celeste. And I would never leave you because of that.'' He took a breath when she gasped and looked up at him, ''you are mine, Celeste. And I will make sure that you always are.''

Tears fled from her eyes in tiny rivers and he watched them with fascination. Why does she cry? Happy, or sad?

-Switch POV-

She was so happy. He had just proclaimed love to her. She would do the same, she decided. But first, ''why do I not repulse you, Hannibal?''

''You could never, my dear. And because I am the same as you. We are both monsters in the eyes of humanity, but we are not alone. We have each other. You will always have me; no matter what.'' She watched him lift his hand to her face and remove it. There was a tear there. Without any hesitation, he lifted it to his lips and tasted its sweet flavour. ''Why do you cry, Celeste?'' he enquired.

'I cry, my dear Hannibal, because I am happy. I cry because... because I love you too.'' She whispered. She watched as her words changed him, his maroon eyes glowed red and his mouth curved into a breathtaking smile. He was happy, too.

-Switch POV-

She loved him. She truly loved him the way he loved her. The red in her eyes glowed and her sparkling white teeth were revealed in a beautiful smile. We are happy, he thought. And he vowed, then, that he would make sure that she was never unhappy again.

Little did Hannibal know that, sometimes, bad luck finds you.