A/N: I'm really sorry I'm so slow! But I'd honestly prefer to take my time to give you a fairly good chapter than to just write whatever pops into my head (wait, that's what I do anyway!). I feel as if there is no content in this whatsoever so I'm trying to make it easier to read at least. Anyways, Enjoy!
Disclaimer: The usual "Blah I hate my life, I don't own any of the characters I'm using. I could never be smart enough to create Hannibal Lecter!"

Ardelia decided to talk to Clarice and find out how she really felt. She woke up and plodded down the stairs in her slippers to find Clarice sitting at the kitchen table watching the news on their little portable television which was seated on the counter.
"Probably hoping for news on Lecter." Ardelia thought to herself.
She sat opposite Clarice, arms crossed 'interview' face on. Clarice knew this look and knew something was up.

"What's wrong Dee?" she asked warily.
"I went into your room a few days ago, when you had left for a run."
"Ardelia! I thought we promised never to go into each others rooms without permission!" Clarice was shocked that Ardelia would do this, it was completely out of character.
"I know, but I was worried about you. I saw your room, Clarice. I understand why you've been the way you were for the last few months."
"I'm sorry I din't tell you, I couldn't. I was ashamed, scared embarrassed. I understand if this is too much for you. I can leave if you want me to." Clarice really didn't want to leave. Ardelia was like her family. She couldn't bear life without her.
"You're not going anywhere! I'm here for you, always. You shouldn't be afraid to tell me anything, Clarice. I love you." Ardelia reassured her.
Clarice exhaled, "Thank you, Dee."
"I need you to tell me stuff though." "Anything, I promise."
"So, do you love him?" Ardelia wasn't one for sugar coating. She got straight to the point.
"I don't know Dee, I just don't know. I'm so confused! In my head, all I can hear is Chilton calling him a monster and the eyes of society looking down on me. In my heart, I see this courteous, intelligent gentleman. I've never met a man like him before. And I'm not talking about the cannibalism. I don't even think about that when I think about him. I'm not in love with Hannibal the Cannibal, I'm in love with Dr. Hannibal Lecter. The man behind that hideous mask. And we can never be together, you know? He's a wanted man and there's nothing I can do about it. That's what makes me depressed. All those short relationships that meant nothing when I was younger, I could be in those and I didn't want to be in them. Now I want to be in a relationship and I can't be in it!" The tears were streaming, hot down her cheek. Her throat was closed up. She was beginning to hyperventilate.

Ardelia walked over to her and put her arms around her friend. "I think it's okay. I mean, you're just two 'normal' people in love. There's nothing peculiar about it. And her, one person down, six billion to go!" She tried to lighten the mood a little.
Clarice took deep breaths and wiped under her eyes.
"Ugh, is this what being in love feels like? I don't think I can handle feeling like this forever."
"So you're serious about him?"
"Very. Although, chances of finding him are very slim. You have to wait for him to find you. That brilliant man knows how to hide himself."

That night, Clarice thought about her feelings. Since the last time she saw Hannibal and he kissed her, it felt as if he took the sun with him. She never heard birds sing. There was no light around her. Just gloom and sadness. There was no light at the end of her tunnel. She knew she would never be able to find Hannibal, let alone be with him. But still, she could dream a happier life for them. And that's what she did. That night, the lambs didn't scream.

Ardelia felt very happy with herself. When Clarice went to bed that night, she danced around the room. She had found him. She couldn't believe it. But with a little help from some 'friends', she found Lecter staying at a B&B not too far from them. She had to plan how this meeting was going to happen though. She had contacted Lecter and was now currently waiting for a reply. She was living on a prayer.

Ardelia checked in on Clarice before she went to sleep. She peeped in to find her friend smiling happily in her sleep, wrapped up in her blankets.

"Maybe there is such a thing as a happy ending," Ardelia pondered, as she nodded off to sleep, excited for the outcome of the next few days.

As always, review! It makes my day. I adore every single one of you little people.
Muchos love,

Chloe x