Ch. 20

Feeling refreshed and decently dressed, Will and Hannibal made their way to the kitchen for breakfast. Will offered to cook, and made scrambled eggs and bacon. He added some steamed vegetables for some extra color and served himself and Hannibal. They ate in relative silence, their eating only being broken by the occasional smile and fond look across the table. Once they finished breakfast, Will cleared the table and sat down again to relax a bit. As they allowed their stomachs to settle, Will tried to think of something to do for the day.

There were some nice museums around, but he realized that many places wouldn't be open on a Sunday. He tried to think what other places he could take Hannibal to so they wouldn't be cooped inside the house all day. The only places open would be stores, and Will didn't want to take Hannibal shopping. He frowned as he mentally picked through his options.

Hannibal watched Will, he could tell Will was feeling upset, and he hazarded a guess that he was trying to offer a plan for the day. Hannibal was thinking along the same lines, and couldn't think of anywhere he'd want Will to take him. He thought about what he and Alana would do on boring days that they really needed to get out of the house. Hannibal got an idea, it wasn't exactly site seeing, but it was something to get them some fresh air.

"Will, could we go to a park today? I'd like to go for a walk I think, would you mind walking?"

"That's a great idea. I've been struggling to think of something for us to do today, I'm glad you thought of something. I know a nice park I sometimes go to, I think you'll like it. It's pretty peaceful too, not a lot of loud people or anything."

"That does sound appealing." Hannibal found himself looking forward to his walk with Will, he was accustomed to walking with Alana and they always had Winston with them. It would be nice to walk with Will and not have to worry about cleaning up behind Winston or deal with people who wanted to pet the dog.

"I'm ready to go. Are you ok wearing slacks and that shirt? It's a little dressy for a walk, but I guess it's not too hot out. Will you be ok in your shoes?" Will chewed his lip; worried that Hannibal might get blisters even though they were just going for a walk.

"I'm perfectly comfortable, my shoes aren't made for running but for a stroll I will be just fine. As long as you won't be embarrassed by my overdressing then I see no need to change." Hannibal smiled at Will and stood to gather his wallet, phone, and keys, making sure he didn't forget anything.

"Embarrassed, I'll only be embarrassed at how slobby I look it comparison! But it's no problem. Shall we go?" Will gathered his own things, double-checking that he didn't forget anything either, and led the way to the car.

As usual, Will gave directions to Hannibal as he drove, and within twenty minutes they arrived at the park. It was a nice little park with lots of trails looping through a well-forested area. There were patches of well-manicured lawn mixed in, allowing one to feel that they weren't lost in the woods, but the trees added much to the atmosphere.

Hannibal exited the car and linked arms with Will as they headed into the park. The trail was a nice wide paved path and a couple exiting the same path smiled at them from the opposite side of the trail. Hannibal nodded at them and Will offered a flustered smile before he turned to stare purposefully at the landscape around them. Hannibal smiled when he felt Will link their hands and lower their arms so that their hands could swing comfortably between them as they walked. He allowed himself to admire Will from the corner of his eye as the walked.

Will tried not to be overly conscious of Hannibal's gaze as they strolled through the park, but he was having trouble appreciating the surrounding vegetation that usually calmed him when he came to the park. He had been pleased originally when the other couple acknowledged them, but then he felt very self-conscious. Hannibal looked so distinguished, even without a vest and coat, and Will felt like everyone who looked at them was asking themselves why a man like Hannibal would choose a guy like Will. Will began to wish he'd at least put some gel in his hair or worn pants instead of shorts.

They passed three other couples and a lady with a stroller by the time they were half way through the path Will liked to walk. Each person they passed, despite their polite greetings and smiles, added to Will's anxiety. He only dared to look at the people's lips as they greeted them, for fear he'd see the disapproval in their eyes. He was feeling completely inadequate and considered faking a migraine or purposely spraining his ankle so they could go home.

Originally, Hannibal excused Will's obvious distraction, but as he felt the tension in Will's body just from holding his hand and caught the little frowns that flickered across Will's face, he decided to inquire as to their cause. Seeing a bench ahead, Hannibal led Will to it and sat himself down, pulling Will close to his side.

"William, you are upset, please tell me why? Do you not like the walk? Do you…feel uncomfortable being seen with me in public?" Hannibal worried that Will was unhappy with their relationship being noticed by strangers; they had gone out to eat earlier, but a restaurant is a slightly more controlled environment. Anyone who might have troubled them would have been removed from the establishment. Could Will be ashamed of being with an older man? Was Will embarrassed by their matching love bites? Hannibal felt something cold coiling around inside him.

"No! Hannibal…I feel ashamed…of me. I'm so…unsuitable for you. No one who sees us can possibly think I deserve you." Will felt a little silly admitting his fears on a park bench, but he couldn't keep the shame inside anymore, it was hurting too much. He could feel his chest constricting as he worried that Hannibal might realize just how little Will was in comparison to him.

"William, Dearest, never worry about what other people think of you. If you must listen to someone's opinion of you, let it be Alana's or mine. We know you best and love you most. I can safely say that in my eyes you are exactly who I deserve. Will, remember what that waiter said? We are soul mates; you are made for me. Anyone who doesn't think as highly of you as I do doesn't deserve to have any influence on you."

"Hannibal…you love me?" Will knew it was silly to be so affected when Hannibal had implied it so many times before, but he couldn't help how it made his heart swell.

"Yes William, I do love you. I'm sorry I haven't come out and said it before now; I felt it was understood. You are mine Will, just as I am yours. Nothing can ever separate us." Hannibal had a strong desire to carve his name across Will's forehead, that way no one could doubt that Will was his. He managed to quell the desire by remembering the bites they'd left each other. For now they were a good enough claim. Maybe someday they would have something more permanent.

"No, it's fine. It's just nice to hear it like that." Will blushed and leaned over to kiss Hannibal softly. "I love you too." He kissed Hannibal again and buried his face in Hannibal's neck. "I don't ever want to leave you."

"You don't have to, and honestly, I'm not sure I'd let you even if you wanted to." Hannibal was glad that he could say things like that without any red flags rising in Will's mind. His Will had so much faith in him; Hannibal was so proud and felt deeply honored. Will really was so perfect for him.

"Come on, let's finish our walk then. It'll only get hotter out here the later it gets." Will pulled Hannibal along with him and they leaned close to each other as the strolled through the park. Will managed to smile back at the next few couples they passed, and he could feel Hannibal's approving gaze.

As they approached the car, Hannibal pressed feather-light kisses on Will's wrist, neck and cheek. He only drew away to open the door for Will and get into the driver's seat. He pressed a firmer kiss to Will's lips once he was settled in the car, but he reluctantly pulled away from Will so he could drive with a relatively unclouded mind. Will fidgeted in his seat, eager to get home, and Hannibal did his best to ignore Will's burning gaze.

When they got home it was past lunchtime already, and Hannibal hated to skip a meal as much as he loved to love Will. Hannibal emptied his pockets on the coffee table as had become habit, and made his way into the kitchen. He was aware of Will following him, unquestioningly the entire time. Will had emptied his pockets as well, and shed his shoes and socks at some point on the way to the kitchen. He watched Hannibal look through the pantry and refrigerator, and eventually bring out a bag of figs. He washed five figs in the sink and placed them in a wooden bowl. It wasn't the best lunch, but it was enough food to count.

Hannibal only smiled calmly at Will as he passed him on the way to Will's bedroom. Will followed behind him, tossing his shirt and pants on the floor as he entered the room behind Hannibal.

Hannibal was removing his shoes and socks when Will walked into the room. Will slipped out of his boxers and laid on the bed, admiring Hannibal as he casually removed his clothes layer by layer. When he was completely free of fabric, Hannibal sat on the bed near Will's head and placed the bowl of figs next to him. Curious, Will sat up next to Hannibal and peered down at the bowl between them.

Will leaned into Hannibal's palm as he stroked his face and he accepted the fig offered near his lips. Will took a large bite, leaving half of the fig balanced between Hannibal's fingers. As Will chewed, he watched Hannibal pop the remaining half of the fig in his own mouth. They worked through the remaining four figs in a similar fashion, and Will found he had never enjoyed a fig as much as he did then. He was also pleased to note that the blossoming hunger he felt after their walk had receded for the time being, and turned his mind to focus on Hannibal.

Hannibal placed the bowl on Will's nightstand, and turned to look at Will. He could see Will's contentment, and felt a similar feeling reflected in himself. He leaned over and kissed Will, interested by the flavor of fig mixed into their kiss. He enjoyed the new flavor, but preferred to taste Will and only Will as much as he could. He licked and sucked at Will's mouth until he could hardly detect a trace of fig left, and Will was pulling Hannibal firmly into his lap. Hannibal cherished the moan that escaped Will as he settled over him and felt Will harden fully beneath him.

He shifted, allowing Will's erection to press up next to his own and kissed Will hungrily. Will trailed his hands over Hannibal's chest and shoulders, allowing himself to explore the exposed skin as if he hadn't tried to memorize it already. Hannibal dragged his hands through Will's curls, gently tugging at the strands to pull soft little gasps from Will. Hannibal pulled Will's head back, exposing his mottled throat, and kissed over his old marks. He licked at the torn flesh from his old bite, and prodded at the little punctures with the tip of his tongue. A light trickle of blood flowed over his tongue, and Hannibal quickly sucked it up.

Will and gasped loudly beneath him, and gripped his hip with bruising force. Hannibal moaned against Will's flesh as Will ground their erections together. Will kept one hand on Hannibal's hip and allowed the other to ghost along Hannibal's shaft. Will was startled when Hannibal gripped his hand to stop him and suddenly was off of the bed. He was only registering the lack of warmth when Hannibal crawled back onto his lap and pushed a bottle of lube into his hand.

A jolt of electricity went straight to his cock, though Will was feeling unsure of himself. He'd been comfortable with their lovemaking so far because Hannibal guided him and hadn't pushed him out of his comfort zone. Will wasn't sure he could top for Hannibal despite his body's clear interest. He began to protest or apologize, but Hannibal cut him off with a firm kiss.

"Take your time, we don't have to if you aren't ready." Hannibal kissed Will more and carded his fingers through Will's curls soothingly.

Will relaxed beneath him and slowly moved his hands back to Hannibal's hips, leaving the lube beside them on the bed. He hesitantly ran his hands up and down Hannibal's thighs, marveling at the muscles he could feel under the smooth skin and dusting of hair. Will was suddenly highly conscious of the fact that the man he loved was a skeleton wrapped in muscles, tendons, and veins that protected his internal organs. He was stunned; the man he loved would grow old and die. Hannibal's body would be lost forever, and Will couldn't imagine what would happen to his soul once he died. Will glanced up and saw Hannibal's warm maroon eyes watching him curiously. Will could imagine the skull hidden under the beautiful face he so admired, and felt a rush of adoration for Hannibal. If Hannibal wanted Will to top, then Will could do that for him. He wanted to make the most of the time they would have together.

Will picked up the bottle of lube and uncapped it. He warmed the lube between his fingers before carefully pulling Hannibal higher over his lap and sliding his fingers over puckered flesh, watching for Hannibal's reaction. He couldn't help smiling when he saw Hannibal's eyelids flutter shut and felt the heat radiating from his body. Steeling his resolve, Will pressed at Hannibal's entrance. He remembered how Hannibal had given him time to adjust to the intrusion, and did the same for him now. When he was sure Hannibal was more relaxed around him, he slid his first finger in the rest the way.

Hannibal gasped and his breath came in warm damp pants across Will's lips. Will worked one finger in Hannibal, careful to stretch him before adding a second finger. This time, despite Will's preparations, Hannibal hissed in pain. It took a little time for Hannibal to adjust, but once he did he kissed Will reassuringly. Will scissored his fingers, stretching Hannibal, allowing him to gently thrust his fingers. Hannibal moaned softly, and Will added a third finger, thrusting gently until Hannibal pressed back against his fingers. He worked his fingers, finding an angle that caused Hannibal to gasp and his breath to quicken.

Will noticed the tremor in Hannibal's thighs as he balanced himself above Will's lap. Making up his mind, Will pushed Hannibal gently back into the bed and settled himself between Hannibal's thighs. He worked his fingers in Hannibal a little more, and then picked up the lube again. Will sucked in a breath as he smoothed the lube over his cock, ignoring the precum that dripped down his length. He watched Hannibal's face for any signs of doubt as he lined up his cock with Hannibal's hole.

Sensing Will's hesitation, Hannibal stared up at him. He was through waiting, he wanted Will and there was no reason to delay their pleasure. Hannibal felt like he was in agony waiting for Will to finally fill him.

"Please Will, I can't wait anymore." Hannibal's voice came out hoarse and strained. He was grateful he didn't have to be ashamed of his own desperation. When Will's eyes met his, he saw only understanding and affection.

Will pushed into Hannibal slowly, not wanting to cause unnecessary pain. He was overwhelmed by the heat and pressure that was wrapped around him; Will almost forgot how to breathe. Hannibal wrapped his legs around Will's waist and pulled him closer, moaning when he felt Will's hips flush against him. Will felt like the air had been knocked out of him when he slid completely inside Hannibal. He had to catch his breath, and then began to thrust gently when Hannibal urged him to move.

It took a little while for them to find a comfortable rhythm, but Will made sure to hit his lover's prostate with each thrust. Hannibal was gripping the sheets beside him in pleasure as Will pumped inside him. Hannibal couldn't speak, he could only gasp and moan as Will filled him, again and again. He tried to meet Will's thrusts, but after a while he could only claw at the sheets around him as Will fucked him.

Will was surprised by Hannibal's reaction; of course he aimed to please him, but he hadn't expected Hannibal to writhe beneath him quite so much. Will was fascinated by the quick rise and fall of Hannibal's chest and the way he struggled to keep his eyes open and on his. Will moved one of his hands over Hannibal's chest and down to his cock. Hannibal jolted beneath him at the first brush of Will's hand, and it was like a switch and been flipped in his vocal chords. Hannibal cried out, loud and desperate as Will slicked the precum down his length and pumped his cock in time with his thrusts.

"Please, please Will!" Hannibal gasped. "I need you Will, I need. I need you. More, Will, please! Harder!" Hannibal keened, startling Will, who acquiesced and thrust even harder.

Will marveled at the man beneath him, pressing kisses to every inch of skin within reach as he jerked him off. He gave up keeping his hand in time with his thrusts as he felt himself getting close. As his thrust became irregular, he tried to focus on Hannibal's pleasure. Will brushed his thumb over the head of Hannibal's cock as he jerked him off and stretched to press a kiss to Hannibal's lips.

"Will! I'm so close. Oh god, Will!" Hannibal's voice cracked as Will felt Hannibal stiffen beneath him.

As Hannibal's pleasure washed over him, Will felt his orgasm rock through him and came with a sigh. He felt Hannibal relax underneath him, and after carefully drawing out of him, Will melted over Hannibal. Hannibal was as boneless as Will, but he kept his legs wrapped around Will and brought his hands up to cradle Will against his chest. Neither man minded the sweat or cum cooling on them; they were too satisfied to move.

Will's mind was blank, and he felt like he was basking in the sunshine. Hannibal's mind on the other hand, was buzzing with happiness. He couldn't be more pleased with his William; he was perfect. Hannibal had no doubt that Will was his equal and his true soul mate, and most importantly, Will was completely his. No matter what might happen, Will would never be able to forget him, they were tied together forever.

They ended up napping together, until Will woke up feeling sorely in need of a shower and saw the state they were both in. He kissed Hannibal until the older man woke up grudgingly. Will decided it was his turn to care for Hannibal, and led him to the shower. He made sure the temperature was nice and warm before stepping into the spray and pulling Hannibal in along with him. Will washed them both off and took extra care with washing Hannibal's hair. Will loved how silky and smooth Hannibal's hair felt in comparison to his own rough curls.

Once clean, Will stepped out of the spray, wrapping a towel around his waist. He shut off the water and led Hannibal out of the shower, bundling him up in a towel. Will dried him off and patted gently at Hannibal's face as the older man fought to stay awake. Once Hannibal was dry, Will dried himself off and hung up their towels. Realizing he hadn't brought it any clothes, he led Hannibal back to the guest room.

Will dug through Hannibal's suitcase, pulling out a pair of boxers and helped Hannibal step into them. Feeling a little more awake, Hannibal managed to put on a pair of silky pajama pants and a t-shirt by himself. Will took that time to change into his own boxers and throw on a t-shirt. Feeling sufficiently dressed, Will nudged Hannibal into the kitchen and pulled out a chair for him. Hannibal sat at the table, watching Will as he made a quick dinner of rice and fish.

Will set the table and sat down to eat. Despite Hannibal's sleepiness, he finished his food quickly, as did Will. He contemplated eating more rice, but Will assumed he'd feel more full in a few minutes if he gave his stomach time to register the food. He took up the plates and put them in the washing machine. When Will turned around he expected Hannibal to still be sitting half asleep at the table, but he was heading down the hall into Will's room.

Hannibal dumped the pile of dirty bed sheets and clothes from earlier in the hamper and pulled Will into the bathroom. Will saw Hannibal had brought his toothbrush into his bathroom, and the two men brushed their teeth together, occasionally bumping shoulders and offering little smiles around their toothbrushes. Both men having prepared for bed, Hannibal pulled Will with him to the guest room. Hannibal lay down and Will settled next to him immediately.

Will didn't mind that it was only seven in the afternoon, Hannibal was tired, and Will would be lying if he said he didn't want to sleep too. He tucked himself against Hannibal's side and listened to Hannibal's breathing as it deepened. Not long after Hannibal fell asleep, Will succumbed to his droopy eyelids and was asleep as well.

Will was woken up around five in the morning by the phone ringing. He had a feeling of déjà vu and frowned. Hannibal was awake as well, and he turned to look at Will. Will contemplate answering the phone, but he wanted so badly to stay in bed. Sensing Will's reluctance to leave, Hannibal crawled over Will and out of bed. He padded across to Will's room and picked up the phone.

"Hello." Hannibal tried not to growl at the phone, but it was rude to call so early in the morning.

"Hannibal? Already answering the phone for Will now are you?" Alana chuckled but it sounded very tense.

"Alana? Are you alright?" Hannibal quickly picked up on the difference in her voice.

"Uh, well, actually…I'm sort of afraid. I was calling Will to ask if he would send you back to me a little earlier than planned…There's a serial killer in town. The police say he's killed four women already and they put out a warning for women who fit the killers targets." Hannibal felt rage bubbling up in his chest as he heard Alana's forced laugh.

"And you fit the target profiles, don't you?"

"Yeah, I do. And…I didn't want to tell Will, I don't want him to worry more than he already will, but I noticed strange boot prints around the house yesterday when I took Winston out for a walk." Hannibal could hear Alana fidgeting and pacing on the other side of the line. "Sorry, it's just I mean, really? It's like I won the death lottery!"

"Don't worry Alana, I will leave today after breakfast. I'll spare Will the details, but I believe he's more equipped to handle the stress than you think."

"I'm sorry to cut your visit short Hannibal, take your time with breakfast. I have to teach today anyways, and I'm pretty sure I'm safe at school. But I'd like you to be here before it gets dark, I don't want a serial killer surprising you when you get home." Hannibal was amused by Alana's worries, but also irritated. He was going to find the killer and take care of things.

"Don't worry about me Alana, I can take care of myself. Don't let your guard down during the day though, if I'm driving all the way back I want to find you safe and sound when I arrive. I'm going to let Will know what's going on now, he's staring at me from the doorway. Goodbye Alana." Hannibal waited for her farewell and put down the phone.

"I'm sorry Will, someone might be targeting Alana. I'm going to leave after breakfast so I can watch out for her. Don't worry Will, she'll be just fine. I wouldn't let anyone harm her anymore than I would let anyone harm you. Ok?"

Will frowned but nodded as he pulled Hannibal into a hug. Hannibal rubbed his back as Will struggled to remain calm.

"You'll get rid of the killer, right?" Hannibal didn't miss the cryptic tone or the way Will avoided his eyes. "And…don't…don't get caught." Will pressed a kiss to Hannibal's lips and looked at him nervously.

Hannibal was fully aware Will was asking him to kill, and he felt his heart warm. "Yes, Will, I'll get rid of him for you. Don't worry, I have time to be sure I won't be caught this time." Will nodded his understanding and led him to the kitchen. They prepared a large breakfast together, and sat down to enjoy their last breakfast together until the next time Hannibal could visit.