Krissy had seen a lot in her life. She had witnessed more horror and violence than many ever would. She was no stranger to the sight of a mutilated body either. But when she laid her eyes on the pillaged and flayed body of Randall Tier, even she was horrified. Fossils had been pierced into his skin, his entire lower jaw removed, and replaced with the teeth of the animal Tier had used to kill. A sickening tribute to the killer. And it was Will who had created it.
Krissy supposed it was hypocritical of her to be disturbed so deeply. She had killed. Violently. But this was what had always separated her from her brother. She didn't kill for fun or pleasure, she killed to survive. So, had Will. Until now. She watched as his eyes surveyed his latest victim, Jack to his left side and Hannibal to his right. The Angel and Devil on his shoulders.
"This killer has no fear for the consequences of what he has done" Hannibal announced.
"No guilt?" Will suggested, already knowing the answer.
He had no reason to feel guilty. He didn't care for Randall Tier. He didn't hate him either. And Krissy felt the same. Her father already knew that Will was the killer, that was as clear as day, but even if he was as oblivious as usual, she wouldn't have told him. The world was safer without Randall in it. If only that was why Will had killed him.
"He knew his killer. There's a familiarity here. Someone who met him, understood him. Someone like him. Different pathology, same instinct" Will explained.
"His killer empathized with him?" Jack questioned, quirking an eyebrow at his former friend.
"Don't mistake understanding for empathy, Jack. No, if there's anything, it's...it's envy. Randall Tier came into his own much easier than whoever killed him" Will confessed, as if he was only realising the truth himself.
He seemed so confused. So conflicted. Something Krissy could understand better than most. It was difficult to know where Hannibal's thoughts ended and hers began.
"This was a fledgling killer. He's never killed before, not like this" Hannibal exclaimed, in an almost proud tone.
"Not like this, no. This is the nightmare that followed him out of his dreams" Will murmured, as his eyes caught Krissy's, who hadn't said a word since they had arrived at the crime scene.
"You're unusually quiet" Will stated, trying to gauge her reaction.
"It's fucked up. There's not really much else to say" Krissy replied, pushing herself off from where she had been leaning against the nearby wall.
She could see that Will was hurt by her words, his forehead wrinkling, as he looked to the ground. He felt rejected. She could see how Hannibal moved close to his side, almost reaching out for him. Clearly thinking the exact opposite.
"At least this guy isn't gonna' hurt anyone else" Krissy pointed out, as her father pursed his lips.
"One killer off the streets" Jack sighed, with a shake of his head.
Just as Krissy opened her mouth to speak, she noticed a familiar face standing a few metres away. Her eyes went wide as she watched Margot walking towards them, not hiding the way she was glaring at Hannibal. Krissy instantly rushed to push herself in between the two, reaching out to take Margot's arm.
"What the hell are you doing here?" Krissy hissed, already trying to drag her away.
"I was worried about you—" Margot began, but Krissy was quick to cut her off.
"Margot, you can't be here right now" Krissy insisted, her gaze flickering over to Hannibal's, his piercing hazel eyes firmly on the pair.
"And neither should you. Not after what you said to me at the motel" Margot pointed out, making Krissy groan.
"I was...I was just upset, okay? I didn't mean what I said" Krissy told her, as she led them out of the exhibit room and into the nearby ladies' toilets.
"He killed that man, didn't he? How long until your next, hm? Until he's bored of you?" Margot pushed.
"I can handle myself" Krissy retorted, as Margot reached up to cup her cheek, surprising the younger woman.
"You don't have to. I can help you, Krissy. I want to help you" Margot exclaimed, brushing her thumb over Krissy's cheek.
"Why? Why do you even care?" Krissy frowned
"We're the same. You and I. All these men are trying to control us, ruin our lives...but it doesn't have to be that way. Not with me. We can be each other's escapes" Margot went on, her eyes flickering down to Krissy's lips.
"Margot..." Krissy trailed off, her breath catching as the woman in question leant forward, pressing a soft kiss to her lips.
Krissy was in too much shock to respond. At least for a few seconds. Margot drew her closer, moving her hand to the nape of Krissy's neck, as she felt Krissy kiss her back, with just the slightest pressure. Their lips moved against each other slowly, exploring each other's mouths, as Krissy brought her hand up to tangle in Margot's hair, pulling lightly as a soft groan left the older woman's lips. Krissy was stumbling back a few moments later, breathing heavily, as she shook her head.
God, now she was even more confused.
"I shouldn't have done that" Krissy sighed, running a hand over her face.
"Why not? Afraid to piss off your boyfriends?" Margot panted, as Krissy let out a laugh of disbelief.
"Hannibal has no problem removing obstacles from his life. In fact, I think he'd probably enjoy destroying you" Krissy muttered.
"I'm not scared of him" Margot replied.
"You should be. I am!" Krissy admitted, in a shaky tone.
"Then why are you still with him?" Margot insisted.
"I...it's complicated, okay? I just...I need him. He's the only goddamn thing in my life that makes sense to me anymore" Krissy confessed.
"Do you love him?" Margot frowned, as Krissy opened her mouth to reply, but was quick to clamp her lips shut a moment later.
"...You should stay away from me" Krissy told her, seeing hurt flash over Margot's features, before she quickly masked the emotion.
Margot clenched her jaw but reluctantly went to walk past her, stopping at the door, something stopping her in her tracks. Her eyes were sad when they connected with Krissy's, almost as if she felt sorry for her.
"He doesn't love you. A man like that...he's not even capable of love" Margot informed her, before exiting the bathroom, as silence swelled around Krissy.
"You appear to be lost in thought" Hannibal mumbled, later that night.
He and Krissy were lying in bed, something that felt far too natural for them both. Krissy didn't look up from where her head was pressed up against his bare chest, having been enjoying the silence between them. Hannibal's presence was so much sometimes, it was nice to just...be.
"A psychiatrist and a mind-reader? You really are full of surprises, Doctor Lecter" Krissy replied, in a teasing voice, running her hand down his chest.
"I know you well enough to tell when something is playing on your mind" Hannibal pointed out, causing the younger girl to bite her lip.
"...Margot kissed me" Krissy confessed, feeling how Hannibal went still underneath her.
"Did you return her advances?" Hannibal asked, after a few tense moments, as Krissy pushed herself up to look at him.
"You don't get to do that. After everything you've done to me, you don't get to make me feel guilty for...for a mistake" Krissy muttered.
"A mistake?" Hannibal pushed, as Krissy let out a sigh.
"I want you, Hannibal. I can't imagine being with anyone else anymore" Krissy admitted, as Hannibal tilted his head, bringing his hand up to trail his fingers over her cheek.
"I thought it would please you to bring Will into our relations. Have I miscalculated?" Hannibal inquired.
"No. I'm just...confused. I don't know if you've noticed but my life is one big mess" Krissy scoffed, lowering her head onto the pillow beside Hannibal.
"This will all be over soon. We will leave this place, and our burdens behind. We can start anew" Hannibal promised, rolling over so they were both facing each other.
"Where will go?" Krissy queried, knowing truthfully that it didn't matter to her.
Not as long as he was there by her side.
"Europe. Italy, perhaps. At least to begin with" Hannibal suggested, as a small smile grew on her lips.
"Not your home?" Krissy questioned, as Hannibal pursed his lips.
"I have not had a home for many years now" Hannibal replied.
"Well, that makes two of us. I doubt they'd even let me back into England" Krissy murmured, her brow furrowed.
"Do you miss it?" Hannibal asked.
"I miss the nostalgia. Some of the memories with my brother. My sister..." Krissy trailed off, rolling onto her back, running a hand down her face.
"She'd be scared of me now. Of what I've become" Krissy sighed, in a hurt tone.
"Would she? Or would she praise you for escaping your parents' clutches? For surviving where many would not?" Hannibal pushed.
"...Is that what you tell yourself when you think of Mischa?" Krissy couldn't help but reply, watching as something dark grew behind his eyes.
"Mischa taught me much. She moulded every part of my life. The way I love" Hannibal told her, as Krissy reached out to run her hand down his arm.
"You never talk about your past. You're always shutting me out. Even now" Krissy stated.
"Dwelling on the past is a most unhealthy way to live a life" Hannibal pointed out.
"I just don't like the thought of you keeping me at arm's length" Krissy informed him, as he shuffled closer to her, perhaps without realising it.
"You have seen behind my person suit, but if I remove it completely, I fear it will overwhelm you" Hannibal explained.
"Maybe you underestimate me" Krissy mumbled, as Hannibal smiled at her, leaning down to press a quick kiss to her forehead.
"I see you. As I did on the first day we met. All that fiery power, waiting to be let out. You've flourished" Hannibal told her, in a proud tone.
"But there are still parts of my life you are not ready for. My culinary skills being one of them" Hannibal added, as Krissy averted her gaze.
"Will understands that part of you better than I ever could" Krissy stated.
"Yet it is you I share my bed with" Hannibal replied, brushing his hand through her hair.
"I'm not jealous. Not of Will. I...I've missed him" Krissy confessed.
"As have I" Hannibal agreed.
"...Do you plan to see Margot again?" Hannibal couldn't help but ask, as Krissy raised an eyebrow.
"Will my response influence whether you plan to eat her?" Krissy scoffed, as Hannibal gave her an amused look.
"Do you think me that possessive?" Hannibal smirked.
"Yes" She replied, leaning up to press her lips against his, capturing his bottom lip.
"My brother was never a good person, but Margot's brother...he's a monster. I don't want to leave here with any unfinished business..." Krissy trailed off, as Hannibal gave a slight nod.
"I'm sure there is way to lead Mason to our dinner table" Hannibal stated.
"Let me deal with him" Krissy exclaimed, as Hannibal opened his mouth to argue.
"I'll let you watch" Krissy mumbled, before kissing him again, pulling herself up so she could lie on top of him, straddling his hips.
"Labiausiai viliojantis pasiūlymas" Hannibal grinned, against her lips.
"I'll take that as a yes?" Krissy grinned, running her hands down his chest.
In response, Hannibal reached down to grab her hips, suddenly flipping her over so he was the one on top. He kept his hands where they were, effectively pinning her to the mattress as he leaned down to begin peppering kisses down her jaw. His nose wrinkled as he smelt Margot's expensive perfume mixed in with Krissy's own scent, his teeth scrapping over her neck, causing goosebumps to rise over her skin.
"After this, you will remove Margot from your life?" Hannibal questioned, in between his kisses.
"If that's what you want" Krissy hummed, her eyes fluttering shut as she felt Hannibal bite down on her neck.
"It is" He murmured, pressing a kiss against the bruised skin, enjoying how it reddened under his lips.
Krissy ran her hands over the wine bottles in front of her, brow furrowed as she debated over which expensive wine to buy for her...partner? Lover? She supposed her relationship with Hannibal Lecter was far too complex to ever be defined anymore. He had told her how he planned to have Will Graham for dinner in two days' time. She hoped he didn't mean it literally.
"You can't go wrong with red" A familiar voice announced, as Krissy let out a groan.
"I'm beginning to think I need to get a restraining order against you, Miss Lounds" Krissy retorted, turning to the older woman with a glare.
"Oh, please. It's not me you need saving from, Miss Dixon" Freddie pointed out.
"I'm not interested in being in your book about Will Graham" Krissy murmured, picking up a bottle of red, and inspecting the label.
"How about a book of your own?" Freddie suggested, as Krissy let out a laugh of disbelief.
"I'd rather stick pins in my eyes" Krissy said, with a fake smile, as she went to walk past the journalist.
"Are you sleeping with them both?" Freddie inquired, making Krissy roll her eyes.
"What, do you have a crush on me or something, Freddie?" Krissy mocked.
"You know, you're different now than the first time we met. More confident, maybe? More sure of yourself, certainly. Though I doubt that's a good thing for the people around you" Freddie explained, as Krissy walked over to the checkout.
"What are you suggesting?" Krissy asked, in a bored tone.
"That you're dangerous. And paired with Hannibal Lecter and Will Graham, well...God help us all" Freddie insisted.
"If I'm such a threat, you probably shouldn't be talking to me, don't you think?" Krissy retorted, as she handed the wine bottle to the cashier.
"You got any ID on you?" The cashier asked, as Freddie suddenly thrust her own hand out, ID in hand, a wad of cash underneath, which the cashier was quick to take.
"Keep the change" Freddie smiled at the man, who handed Krissy the bottle back.
"Another former patient on Doctor Lecter's is dead...I wonder how long it will be until the next body drops" Freddie exclaimed, as Krissy walked towards the store's exit.
"You really do like the sound of your own voice, don't you?" Krissy deflected.
"I couldn't save Abigail Hobbs. Perhaps I'm just trying to do the right thing now" Freddie went on, as Krissy let out a harsh scoff.
"You never gave a shit about Abi. I doubt your mind dwells on anything other than your next paycheck" Krissy stated, as Freddie's forehead wrinkled.
"I wasn't aware you and Abigail were so close that you had nicknames for each other" Freddie pointed out, as Krissy pursed her lips.
"Freddie, let me give you some advice that I wish someone had told me a long time ago. Drop it. Just drop it and leave. This...whatever you think this is, trust me...it's not fucking worth it" Krissy told her, turning to face the redhead.
"He's really broken you, hasn't he?" Freddie realised, the pity clear in her voice.
"...Don't approach me again" Krissy warned, before turning on her heel to storm away.
Two days later, Freddie Lounds disappeared without a trace. Her last known whereabouts, were only miles away from Will's home. Freddie clearly hadn't headed her words. And now, she had paid the price. Krissy was surprised by the guilt that clawed away at her. Freddie was not a good person by any means, but did she really deserve to die? Still, Krissy had her doubts. Would her father really have allowed Will to kill a woman just to stay in Hannibal's favour? She supposed he might. If it meant Jack saved his daughter too.
"I provide the ingredients...you tell me what we should do with them" Will announced, as he began to empty his bag of groceries on the kitchen counter.
"What's the meat?" Hannibal inquired, as Will slid the parcel of meat toward him.
"What do you think?" Will asked, as Hannibal opened up the parcel, and inhaled deeply.
"Veal? Pork, perhaps?" Hannibal suggested, feigning ignorance.
"She was a slim and delicate pig" Will smirked, causing Hannibal's lips to part, his gaze turning lustful for a moment.
"But clearly not smart enough" Krissy murmured, pouring a glass of wine for herself, as Hannibal gave her an amused look.
"I will make us lomo saltado. We will make it together...you slice the ginger" Hannibal exclaimed, handing Will a large kitchen knife, the scar on his wrist evident, from Will's previous attempt on his life.
It was a sign of trust. As deep as Hannibal could show. Will's eyes flickered over Hannibal's scar for a moment, gripping the knife tightly in his palm. Krissy wasn't an empath, but she knew what Will was thinking at that moment. Of Abigail. Of Krissy. Of himself, even. All the people that Hannibal had wronged, and the man in front of him had all but offered himself up. Krissy suddenly reached out to grab Will's hand, watching as his jaw tensed, his eyes snapping to hers.
"I'm better with a knife than you are" Krissy pointed out, as Will relaxed his hand on the knife, and reluctantly passed it to her.
"You certainly know where to put the knife. And you're not afraid to twist it either" Will mumbled, in a quiet tone.
"I've been taught well" Krissy replied, quirking an eyebrow at Hannibal, who was staring intently at the pair.
He left the room soon after, to prepare the table in the adjacent room, allowing the two a moment of privacy. Without Hannibal's influence looming over them. Krissy knew Will was still hurt by her reaction at the crime scene, appearing to feel rejected.
"You did what you did out of self-defence, Will" Krissy told him, in a hushed voice.
"At first. But the rest...that was my own design" Will admitted, his brow furrowed, confused by the darkness in his own mind.
"Randall Tier deserved to die" Krissy stated.
"Perhaps I do too" Will muttered, as Krissy turned to him with wide eyes.
"Hey, don't do that. I know you, Will. And after everything, all the things we've done, I'm still standing right here beside you" Krissy insisted, reaching out to cup his cheek, watching as he leant into her touch.
"But we both know who's breathing down our necks" Will retorted, as Krissy dropped her hand from his face.
"We're surviving" Krissy suggested, turning back to the counter, and beginning to slice the ginger as she had been asked.
"Evolving" Will clarified.
Krissy's stomach churned the moment the meal was placed in front of her, bile immediately rising at the back of her throat. She knew she had been fed human meat before, but never willingly. Her hand shook a little as she picked up her knife and fork, looking up to see Will already chewing on his first bite. His features gave little away, his mask well and truly up. Krissy could feel Hannibal's' gaze on her as she carved the meat in front of her, gulping softly before placing the meat against her tongue. She swallowed the meat quickly, finding the meat tasted...disturbingly normal. Still, there was a certain bite to the food, and an aftertaste that turned her skin grey. She scrunched her eyes shut, desperately trying to forget what she had just placed in her mouth. She flinched a little when she felt a hand on her shoulder a second later, looking up to find Hannibal about to take his seat at the head of the table. His eyes flickered to her lips, before leaning down to kiss her, his hand coming to rest under her chin, tilting her head up. She felt his tongue brush against her bottom lip, as he deepened the kiss, an electric feeling pulsing through her as their tongues met. As he slowly pulled away, he licked at his lips, eyes still closed.
"The meat has an interesting flavour" Hannibal announced, tasting the tang of the meal from Krissy's tongue.
"It's brazing. Notes of citrus" Hannibal added, as he took his seat, and carved a piece of meat for himself.
"My palate isn't as refined as yours" Will muttered, bitterly.
"There is no need to be possessive, Will. We share all at this dining table" Hannibal told him, bringing his fork to his mouth.
Krissy couldn't help but wonder who had sparked the jealousy in Will. Herself, or Hannibal? It was hard to tell now. The lines were so blurred. Either way, she found herself looking away from his heated gaze, reaching out to take a sip of her wine.
"Apart from humane considerations, it's more flavourful for animals to be stress-free prior to slaughter. This animal tastes frightened" Hannibal went on, taking another bite.
"What does "frightened" taste like? It's acidic" Hannibal replied.
"The meat is bitter about being dead" Will said, in dark humour, earning a small grin from Hannibal.
"What kind of sheep doesn't fear before its slaughter?" Krissy exclaimed, as Hannibal raised an eyebrow.
"One who understands the process. The thin line between prey and predator" Hannibal suggested, reaching out for his wine, inhaling deeply before taking a large gulp.
"This wine is exquisite" Hannibal congratulated.
"It was picked out by our guest of honour" Krissy confessed, as Hannibal tilted his head for a moment.
"This meat is not pork" Hannibal pointed out, turning back to his former friend.
"It's long pig" Will insisted, as Hannibal straightened up, a strange emotion flashing over his face for a split-second.
He almost seemed...hurt?
She wondered why he kept asking what the meat was that Will had given them. Hannibal enjoyed smart quips and vague words, why did he seem so intent on getting Will to confess what he had done? Reluctantly, she took another bite from her meal, chewing the stringy meat, and realising something. Hannibal had said the meat should have tasted, acidic, bitter even, but that wasn't what she tasted. Her eyes widened a fraction, connecting with Hannibal's, a challenge behind his hazel gaze.
It wasn't Freddie Lounds.
The relief Krissy felt was immediate. She was glad neither Will or her father had stepped over that line. But the feeling was short-lived when she saw the way Hannibal's jaw was clenched, knowing the fire that Will was playing with. Hannibal wouldn't take kindly to having the wool pulled over his eyes. She wondered if she should speak up, and warn Will of the danger, but decided against it. She knew Hannibal wouldn't like it. He had always enjoyed playing with his food, after all.
It turned out Will had more surprises ready to destroy the fragile trust that had been growing between the three, in the most unexpected place. Krissy sat on the couch in Hannibal's office, her elbows resting on her knees as she tried to absorb the information she was being told.
"There's no baby. It isn't even an embryo yet, but here I am, feeling maternal" Margot exclaimed, in a soft tone.
Will's baby.
The man had stayed as quiet as her during Margot's admission, too many emotions flashing over his face to count. Will was going to be a father. Krissy herself wasn't sure how to feel. Two people she cared about were going to have a bond that would last a lifetime. The mere thought of that caused something ugly, and possessive to come over her.
"You conspired with your unborn child to liberate yourself. You've made Will an unknowing accomplice" Hannibal stated.
"I got what I wanted from Will but I didn't understand what I was taking until the strip turned blue...I'm not proud of myself" Margot confessed, looking up at Will.
"Nor should you be" Will scoffed, his lips drawn in a fine line.
"You said—" Will began, but Margot quickly dismissed him.
"I lied" She shrugged, nonchalantly.
"Did you know?" Will asked, glaring at Hannibal.
"I was aware of Margot's goal of having a child. I was not aware you were the means to achieving it" Hannibal suggested, as Krissy as a harsh sound left Krissy's lips.
"Please. Don't feign innocence, Hannibal. It doesn't suit you" Krissy scolded.
"What do you want from me?" Will questioned the mother of his future child.
"Nothing...or as much as you'd like to give. I always thought men were an optional extra in childrearing, so I'm not opposed to a male influence. As long as it's not my brother. He's not good with children" Margot replied, through a tight-lipped smile.
"You can't just have a baby to save yourself, Margot" Krissy stated.
"...Why not?" Margot retorted, as Krissy pushed herself to her feet.
"Because it's not going to stay a goddamn baby! It's going to grow up, have its own thoughts and feelings. And one day, it's gonna' find out you gave birth to it just to keep your father's blood money" Krissy exclaimed, angrily.
"Well, it doesn't really concern you anymore. Does it?" Margot pointed out, smoothing over the corner of her skirt.
"Seriously? You kiss me, and then you fuck my...so yeah, it concerns me" Krissy muttered, shaking her head.
"You kissed her?" Will frowned, turning to Margot in shock.
"I have a type, Will. And you...aren't it" Margot mumbled.
"You know what? Fine. If you want to fuck up yet another child in this world, be my guest. But I'm not gonna' stand here and watch" Krissy exclaimed, turning around to storm out of the room, as silence followed after her.
"You've done some brain-dead things in your time, dad. But this is up there. Really high up there" Krissy announced, after storming into Jack's office, who dropped his head into his hands, ready for what was to come.
"We used to start of a conversation by saying hello in this family" Jack pointed out.
"Hello. Are you stupid?" Krissy insisted, as Jack ran a hand over his face.
"What is it I've done this time?" Jack asked.
"You sent Will to dinner with something that isn't Freddie Lounds. And if I know, you can bet your life Hannibal knows too" Krissy explained, watching as concern flashed over her father's face.
"It was Randall Tier. Will thought it would work—" Jack started, but Krissy was quick to cut him off.
"Yeah, well...Will gets a lot of things wrong" Krissy complained, slumping down in the seat opposite his desk.
"I'm getting the feeling that someone's pissed you off" Jack stated.
"Will's gonna' be a dad" Krissy exclaimed, as Jack's eyes almost popped out of his head.
"...Oh, I'm going to kill that son of a bitch!" Jack yelled, pushing himself up from his chair, as Krissy let out a groan.
"Oh for God's sake, I'm not pregnant, dad. It's Margot's" Krissy informed him, as her father let out a sigh of relief.
"Who the hell is Margot?" Jack frowned, as Krissy rolled her eyes.
"You are seriously out of the loop, huh?" Krissy huffed.
"Considering the loop consists of a disturbing cannibalistic orgy, I'm happy to be missing out" Jack retorted, making Krissy laugh.
"So, I'm guessing Freddie is alive?" Krissy questioned, earning a curt nod.
"Can I trust you not to bring this back to Hannibal?" Jack asked.
"He already knows, dad. Look, I can handle Hannibal, but you need to stay out of this. He's dangerous—" Krissy insisted, as Jack let out a scoff.
"My point exactly, Krissy. I hate this. I don't want you breathing the same air as this man. I don't want you on the same goddamn continent!" Jack informed her.
"It's my life" Krissy told him.
"And I'm your father. I was supposed to protect from men like Hannibal Lecter" Jack sighed.
"I'm gonna' be okay. I promise, alright? If there's one thing I'm good at...it's surviving" Krissy suggested, as Jack nodded reluctantly, leaning down to press a kiss to the top of her head.
The next day, Krissy felt compelled to see Will, to explain her feelings, even if she didn't quite understand them herself. She was overjoyed when he opened the door and a group of dogs came out to greet her, licking at her ankles and biting excitedly. All of them somehow seemed to remember. One dog, in particular, ran up to her, jumping up, and placing its paws on her stomach.
"Winston?" She giggled, stroking the excited dog's head in disbelief.
"He came back last week. Just arrived in the dead of night, after I killed Randall Tier...Hannibal had him, didn't he?" Will questioned, as he led her into his home, the dogs following close behind.
"He protected me for a long time" Krissy smiled, crouching down to wrap her arms around Winston, who licked at her face.
"When I couldn't?" Will suggested.
"Look, I'm sorry about yesterday. You didn't know what Margot was planning and...and she's right. It doesn't really have anything to do with me" Krissy explained, as Will shook his head.
"Of course, it does. It has everything to do with you, Krissy. I've been thinking about you, almost constantly lately. Margot was a welcomed distraction" Will confessed.
"I have to admit, I thought it would be Alana warming your bed, not Margot" Krissy stated, as she looked around the home she remembered so well.
"I miss it. When I was living here. You always made me feel...safe" Krissy sighed.
"It seems like a lifetime ago now" Will murmured, coming to stand close beside her.
"Perhaps you could come back?" Will offered, with a soft gaze.
"I don't think Hannibal would like that" Krissy pointed out, as Will pursed his lips.
"He enjoys keeping you close by his side. Always in view" Will went on.
"We have become rather co-dependent" Krissy admitted, as Will slowly reached out to touch her arm, with the lightest of touches.
"My mind might not be on fire anymore, but I still feel just as confused. As...tired. Don't you?" Will asked, as she nodded.
"I don't know how much more I have to give" Krissy confessed.
Will let out a soft sigh, before lowering his head to her shoulder, gripping her arm, pulling her closer. Krissy found herself following suit, hiding her face in his chest, feeling the world slip away from them for just a moment. She felt as if they were in a bubble of their own, the only sound around them the quiet hitches of their breath. Until, Will's phone began to ring, causing them both to part, feeling even more tired than before. Will's brow furrowed as he saw a number he didn't recognise was calling him, and placed the mobile to his ear. Krissy couldn't tell what was being said, but the look of devastation on Will's face was enough to tell her what she needed to know.
Something awful had happened.
Krissy spent no more than five minutes standing at Margot's bedside before she couldn't bear it any longer. The baby was gone, just as Margot's ovaries were. Her brother had taken that from her too. Krissy was practically seething when she felt Hannibal enter the room, his dark presence looming beside her for a few seconds, the evil inside him seeming to bleed into her. She could sense how he had turned to her, his head tilted as if asking a question.
What was to be done about Margot's attack?
The question was answered as Krissy inhaled sharply, turned on her heel and marched out of the hospital room. Her destination was already decided. When she arrived at the Verger residence, it was clear where she would find Mason, loud music blaring from a large stone barn. She was able to sneak inside with ease, seeing as there was no lock on the door. The barn appeared to have been made into a makeshift maze, as she was able to hear pigs squealing from inside the maze. Her gaze fell on a man at the top of the stairs that overlooked the maze, keeping her footsteps quiet as she moved up the steps. The man didn't see her coming, as she placed her gloved hand over his mouth, cutting off his shouts. Kicking out the back of his knee, she sent him flying off the stairs, as a sharp scream left his lips, and landing on the ground with a thud. She stormed up the stairs, banging her fist on the speakers, as the music came to an abrupt halt.
"Carlo?" A voice called out, as a blond man stood up from the armchair he had been sitting on.
She stalked closer to the man, whose eyes narrowed, seeming surprised to see her. He adjusted his glasses, taking a better look at her, recognition seeming to hit him.
"I was expecting the baby daddy. It seems my sister must have sent one of her whores instead" Mason greeted, as Krissy tilted her head toward the decanter of whiskey on the arm of the chair.
"Celebrating?" She suggested, pointing to the decanter.
"I had hoped I might be about to become an only child" Mason grinned, grabbing the decanter, about to pour himself another glass, when Krissy grabbed the alcohol from his hand.
Before he could say anything else, Krissy had pulled the top of the decanter and thrown the contents over the blond, drenching him from head to toe. Mason pulled his glasses away from his face, an irritated expression flashing over his features.
"I'm going to feed you to my pigs" Mason announced, cleaning his glasses before putting them back on.
"Try it..." Krissy trailed off, taking something out of her pocket, just as Mason took a step forward.
He froze when he spotted the lighter in her hand, flinching as she opened it, a flame coming to life. Her lips were curved, more in a snarl rather than smile. She waved the lighter in the air, causing Mason to stumble back a step, getting closer to the maze full of pigs below him.
"I should thank you, Mason...I've been so confused lately about what I want, who am I...but if there's one thing I know for sure, it's that I want to fucking kill you. And I want it to hurt" Krissy spat out, through gritted teeth.
"Kill me and Margot ends up with nothing" Mason pointed out, as Krissy gave a shrug.
"This isn't about you. Or Margot. It's about me! What I want!" Krissy cried.
"Go on then. Do it" Mason retorted, throwing his hands out, glaring at her.
"...Not yet" Krissy exclaimed, lunging forward to punch him in the gut, causing him to almost fall into the maze below.
"I want to play with my food first" Krissy muttered, grabbing him by the hair, and slamming her fist against his face.
She punched him square in the jaw again a second later, not giving him a moment's rest. Just as he had done to Margot.
"What is about families, huh? They take and they take until there's nothing left..." Krissy trailed off, throwing Mason to the floor.
"Well, not this time. I'm not gonna' let it happen again" Krissy growled, placing her foot against Mason's throat, as he let out a choking sound.
Her head shot up as she heard clapping from behind her, twisting around, a strangled gasp leaving her lips when she saw who was standing there.
No. It wasn't him. It couldn't be.
"Mum would be so proud" Her brother grinned, beginning another round of applause.
"You're not here. You're not..." Krissy stuttered, stumbling back from Mason's bleeding body, clutching at her head.
"I never left, Krissy" Ken told her, his voice suddenly sounding like it was right next to her ear.
Krissy let out a cry when she felt a hand touch her shoulder a moment later, practically hyperventilating when she looked up to find Will staring down at her. She tried to calm her breathing as her eyes darted around, seeing no one else but them there.
"Is he dead?" Will inquired, looking down at Mason's unmoving body.
Right on cue, the man let out a spluttering cough, spitting blood out onto the floor beside him as he rolled onto his side. Will was quick to grab the man by the lapels of his jacket and hauled him to his feet, bringing him right to the edge of the platform.
"Do you think it was Margot's idea to have an heir? You think it was your idea to take it from her? My idea to come here and kill you? The only thing that you, your sister, and I have in common is the same psychiatrist" Will all but growled, an animalistic tone to his voice, one that Krissy had never heard before.
"Doctor Lecter is the one you want to be feeding to your pigs" Will spat out.
She watched as the realisation dawned on Mason's face, knowing he had been played. They had all been once again. Hannibal had set his chess pieces exactly where he wanted them, and waited for his chaos to unfold.
They were all his puppets, in the end.
Author's Notes: I hope you all enjoyed this chapter! Lots to take in from this update, all these characters are playing with fire. What do you want to see happen in the season 2 finale as we're almost there? Please leave a review:)
sleepinglionzz32: Haha, I'm glad you like this story enough to re-read it! I hope you like the update:)
BrittStar1199: I don't think even Krissy knows what she truly wants, but she's got a big decision to make soon. We'll have to wait and see who she sides with in the end. Thanks for reviewing:)
FeliciaMartinez: There will be more Hannigram in this story too, as the trio's relationship develops. Lots more to come with Margot in this season and the next too! Thanks for reviewing!
SlytherinPride2292: Aw, I'm really glad you've been liking the story and Will/Krissy's relationship! It only gets more intense every chapter, haha.
