Hannibal brushed her hair away from her face and looked deep into her eyes. She stared at the floor, trying to pretend that this was a dream. She felt her chin being lifted by Hannibal's gentle finger, her eyes met his and he drew nearer.
"No. Don't, please." She moved away, so her back was to him.
"What is it?" He asked, not expecting an answer but craving one.
"I just can't...." Her voice trailed off. Hannibal placed his hands on her shoulders; her body trembled at his touch.
"Clarice, tell me." He repeated. She blinked back tears, and bit her lip. He gave her a little shake and she let out a sob.
"Clarice?" He sounded a little annoyed with her and roughly turned her so he could see her face.
"Tell me!" He only raised his voice a fraction but Clarice shrank back.
"I can't. Please just leave it." She begged.
"I need to know." He held her arms. "Now Clarice." She looked at him, her eyes filled with angst and pain.
"Alright. I'll tell you, but you'll hate me."
"I won't."
"Well, when my father died I vowed never to show affection as it is a sign of weakness." She explained, and turned her back. "I have to be strong."
Hannibal sighed. He understood now why she had pulled away with any signs of warmth shown to her. He knew he had to help her, even if she resisted.
"Clarice, you can't push the world away." He said softly.
"I have to."
"No, you don't." He spun her around. "You can show your feelings."
"It's better that I don't." Clarice replied. She hated it that there was always a feeling in the air that he was right.
"You have a right to."
"Dr Lecter, I used to be a cop. I've never shown affection it's just not in the job description. I can't change who I am." She said, frustrated.
"I understand your beliefs Clarice, but why don't you open up your shell? Is it because you are afraid to let the good in with the bad? Or because your mommy and daddy may disapprove of you actions? Clarice look inside yourself, you will find the answers." Hannibal brought his face, close to hers to show that he was sincere. Clarice sighed, and returned his gaze. Their lips met and for the first time since her father's death Clarice felt the shell inside her open, taking in the love, trust and friendship Hannibal was giving her.
He broke the kiss, and cuddled her close. She laid her head on his shoulder and closed her eyes. She had never felt so close to anyone before, and she needed to feel his warmth, his presence to be able to open up to others. He had been the skeleton key all along, to crack the shell.


Sorry this is getting really strange, peeps. There will be more chapters as I have plans for this story. No clues though. Ta ta.