When I woke, my head was pounding. I opened my eyes, wincing at the sudden attack of sunlight from a huge balcony window. I glanced down, noticing I was lying on a large wooden bed. The sheets were beautiful satin and felt wonderful under my skin. Frowning, I realised I couldn't move my hands. I leant my head back, seeing them cuffed to the headboard of the bed.
The bedroom door suddenly opened and Hannibal entered, holding a tray of food. I scowled at him as he sat down beside me. He smiled a little, picking up a fork, scooping up a small amount of scrambled eggs from the plate.
"Here." He said, moving the fork to my mouth.
I turned my head away, keeping my mouth firmly closed. The food did smell delicious, but I refused to give in.
"Come now, Clarice. You have to eat." He said, pushing the fork to my mouth again.
"I'm not hungry." I muttered.
He placed the fork onto the plate, sighing. I refused to look in his direction, instead, I stared out of the window as much as I could, considering I was cuffed to the bed.
Minutes went by and neither of us spoke. I could feel his eyes moving over my body, watching me, analysing me.
"Once again, you drug me and take me to god knows where to feed me god knows what." I said flatly.
"You had a gun in your hand, Clarice. Even I cannot predict what you would have done with that. I won't let you take me in. And I assure you, this meal is completely vegetarian."
I gritted my teeth tightly at his 'joke', still refusing to look at him. Had I wanted to take him in? I wasn't even sure. I wasn't sure about anything anymore.
"Why haven't you killed me yet? Like the others?" I said, my emotions remaining hidden, for the time being.
"Oh Clarice." He sighed. "I have never had the intention to harm you."
"Why not?"
"You're different from the others." He murmured.
I frowned a little, risking a glance at him. His eyes were burning as he stared at me, making me shiver.
"Different, how?"
"You interested me. You always have. There's something about you, Clarice that I find absolutely captivating."
There was a long pause before either of us spoke again.
"Where are we?"
"Quid pro quo." He smiled a little.
"I don't want to play games, Doctor Lecter."
"Back to formalities I see, Clarice. Very well then."
We sat there in silence, staring at each other.
He won't budge, Starling. You might as well play his little game.
"Go, Doctor."
"What did you intend to do with that gun of yours when I entered the bathroom?"
I sighed. I didn't even know myself. I always had my gun with me. It was my protection. Did I need protecting? Would the monster under the bed really hurt me?
"Make an effort to answer, now." He said bluntly.
"I don't know." I hissed.
"Did you intend on apprehending me?"
"I don't know." I paused for a moment, shaking my head. "No, I wasn't going to apprehend you."
"You don't sound certain." He narrowed his eyes a little at me.
"I'm certain." I hissed at him.
He smiled briefly, nodding once.
"Where are we?" I asked after a while.
"You've been out for days, Clarice. Welcome to Lithuania."
My eyes widened slightly.
"Lithuania?" I asked, frowning.
"Yes. The place of my birth. The place where I grew up."
I took another look around the room, this time analysing everything. There was a beautiful mahogany dresser in the corner and a wardrobe to match. The floor was also dark wood. Dare I say, it looked wonderful.
"I can see you are still fighting inner demons, Clarice. Therefore, I will have to keep you restrained. Until I feel like I can trust you somewhat, you will remain this way. Apologies."
"How long do you expect to keep me here?"
"You can leave whenever you choose. I'll un-cuff you right now if you wish. I'll not keep you here against your will, and I would not call on you again if you choose to leave. I would, however, have to sedate you before taking you to a hotel near the airport. Precautions." He smiled a little.
"And if I choose to stay?" I asked, quietly.
"If you choose to stay, you will have to earn my trust and I will have to earn yours. There's no going back if you stay with me, Clarice." He paused for a moment. "I will give you some time to think."
He then stood from the bed before leaving the room. I lay there, frowning to myself. Did I want to stay? I wasn't sure. My head was telling me to run but my heart was longing for me to stay.
I knew I would always be connected to Hannibal Lecter for one reason or another. Leaving him now wouldn't change that. Staying with him would intensify everyone's curiosities, but we would be long gone and out of sight for anyone to catch a glimpse of us.
I chewed on my lip gently as I thought back to my childhood. I could imagine my father turning in his grave at my situation. He always had such hope for me, even when I was barely ten years old. I couldn't believe it when he was taken away from me. I was too young. I needed him and he left me.
He'd be so disappointed, Starling. You really fucked it up this time.
I shook my head gently at my thoughts. I had fucked up, but unlike before, I now had nothing to lose. I was ready to face the world. Ready to face my demons. Ready to live again.
"Doctor Lecter?" I called anxiously.
Within less than a minute, I heard his footsteps along the hall before the door opened. He walked to the bed in silence, sitting down beside me.
"Yes, Clarice?"
"Take me with you." I breathed.
"You're certain?"
"Yes. I want to run with you." I nodded.
He was shocked, but he did not show it. His brave little Starling was finally ready to fly the nest, and he was so very proud of her.
"That's my girl."
