Hannibal sat beside Clarice on her bed. He stroked her face gently. "You know, you ought to wear some sort of night-dress." He smiled eloquently. "Perhaps, I have something that is your taste." He left the room and returned carrying a beautiful blue, silk nightgown.
"It's gorgeous! Oh you really shouldn't have." Clarice tried to sit up, but arrows of pain shot through her limbs. "Don't hurt yourself. Here." He helped her put on the garment, and stepped back to look at her. "You look stunning Clarice. As always."
"Thank-you Dr Lecter. And not just for the nightdress." She smiled gratefully.
"Anything for you, Clarice." He patted her hand.
"You can sleep on the sofa-bed in here if you like." She offered, hoping with all her heart he would agree. "The spare room is a disgrace." She added.
"That's very kind of you." He smiled, sorting himself with a comfortable bed. "I'd better bring you some food Clarice."
"Don't trouble yourself. I'm fine."
"No you're not. And it's no trouble." Clarice could see that this was an argument she was going to lose. Hannibal went downstairs and came back a few minutes later with a tray holding two bowls of soup. "The only half-way decent items of cuisine in your kitchen Clarice." He grinned, teasing her. "I'll do your shopping in the morning don't worry." He placed the tray in front of her, and picked up his bowl of soup.
"Doctor Lecter?"
"Yes?"
"You are the only man I know who can make powder soup taste delicious." Clarice laughed. Hannibal winked at her, and they finished their meal. Clarice attempted in vain to conceal a yawn of pure exhaustion. "Time of bed, I think." Hannibal placed her tray on a side table; and tucked her bed covers round her. He kissed her forehead gently. "Goodnight Clarice."
"Goodnight Doctor Lecter." She replied, getting comfortable. She watched him as he settled down to rest for the night. It made her feel safer, knowing he was there to protect her. But it was in the dead of night when she revealed her inner thoughts.

"Let go of him! Oh God! No, no you can't. Hannibal!" Her efforts were wasted as the officers dragged the doctor away from her, and shoved him roughly into a chair. Clarice could just see the needle being brought out. She flew at the officers but she was seconds late as Hannibal Lecter's limp body fell to the floor. "No!" She cried, tears streaming down her lovely face. "I love you Hannibal." She whispered into the ear of the body.


Clarice woke with a start. Her whole body was frozen with fear. She felt warm arms round her and turned quickly to see Hannibal holding her. She threw her arms round his neck and cuddled him close. "It's alright. I'm here." He soothed.
"Oh God. That dream was so real. I thought they killed you!"
"Calm down, it's alright. I'm here and I'll look after you." His soft voice relaxing her. They lay together in the dark room until both fell asleep.