Chapter 46

Clarice had never been cared and fussed so much for in all her life. Since she had told Hannibal that she was pregnant she had seen a side of him that was over caring, well that was she felt, but what she hated most was that he would take chances.

Which in her case meant no wine or spicy foods, which was two of the things she enjoyed very much. Clarice knew that it was for the baby and not his personal taste of torture that he did it, but it still got on her nerves.

She had somehow avoided having morning sickness, and that pleased her immensely, but her hormones were having a field day, she could cry over a flower or laugh when Hannibal looked at her. it was driving her crazy.

Clarice busted out laughing at the thought that it was herself she figured to be the crazy one, after all here she was, pregnant and the father just happened to be a world known cannibal. That was just too fun to pas by.

Hannibal had sought refuge in his office in town, and she really didn't blame him, instead it was the staff that had to put up with her, while Hannibal was gone. She felt sorry for them. Having a high pregnant woman buzzing around with you, was hardly worth the salary they where getting.

Hannibal had decided to examining Clarice himself, the same would happen when she would go into labor, he would bring his child into the world him self. There where to be taken no chances on the world knowing that there was to be a child of Mr. And Mrs. Lecter. Safe guard.

Clarice had to admit that she felt more at ease with Hannibal as her doctor then she would have with a stranger. Clarice couldn't deny that she was anxious, maybe even paranoid, she was afraid when Hannibal wasn't around, she thought there were agents all over, is of cause turned out to be nothing, but she was egdechy, Clarice blamed it on her hormones.

Clarice walked out onto the Terence, the afternoon air laid a cool cloak around Clarice as she inhaled the wonderful air that was filled with flowers, the sun was beginning it's descent, to hide away and make room for the moon. The wind played with her hair and her silk robe. She welcomed the chill in sent through her body as she closed her eyes.

She heard music, it was classical, carried on the wind, and she knew Hannibal was home. The soft tones of the piano lifted her up, she felt like flying. There was something both saddening and uplifting almost alive about Goldberg's variations. Clarice had come to love it as much as Hannibal, of cause the stereo was nothing compare to Hannibal's talent at the Piano, she loved sitting in the corner at listing to him play, it even seemed to soothe the baby, whom was growing impatient to see the light of the world.

It cost Clarice many sleepless nights, and she only hoped that it would be over soon, Hannibal had told her that she was due in five days. But the time seemed to slow down even further with the knowledge that it was coming to an end.

The sun had set, and the moon castes it's gray light over the shapes that were out in the night. Clarice didn't feel like going in, the air had just the right temperature; Clarice stood and took in all the nature, trying not to think too much.

What a turn life had taken, she wanted to be an agent, that she accomplished, it was her life dream, and now look at her, she was living as a criminal, wanted in several countries for questioning, she was married to a cannibal and was expecting his child. How ever did that happen?

Clarice couldn't stop her mind, in wanted to remind her again and again why she was here. This was the card faith had dealt her.

Clarice suddenly felt a jolt of pain, and before falling to the ground she managed to call out for Hannibal, her mind reiterated his hurried steps from somewhere in the house, but she was out by the time he had reached the room.

Clarice heard his voice gently talking to her, but his form was a blur as was the rest of the room. How long had she been out? Was the baby ok? Clarice couldn't feel anything, she felt nauseated and she wished she could see more clearly.

Moments passed when Clarice finally could hear his voice more clearly, and she found her own voice. "What Happen?" her cottonmouth made it hard to speak.

Hannibal held a glass of water to her mouth. "You had an accident my dear." His voice betrayed none of those emotions he might have. There were noting but pure caring and love. Clarice looked at him, her blue eyes seeking his maroon. "How bad is it?" Clarice wanted to go right to the point.

Hannibal looked right back at Clarice, seeing her worried feelings running across her face, he knew she was expecting the worst.

"You have to spent the reminder of the pregnancy in bed, I have further more given you an epidermal, so that you feel no pain." Hannibal stopped the stream of words, looking for signs that Clarice could bear no more, when he found none he went on. "you won't be able to give birth naturally."

Clarice took on the burden, without signs of defeat. "I see." Clarice looked out in the air. "But you'll still be there right?" It meant nothing if she could have him there, then she knew it would all be fine.

"Of cause my love." Hannibal drew Clarice in, her head resting on his shoulder. "Then I know it will be all right." Hannibal smiled down in her hair. She had such faith in him, he was honored by it.

Clarice already felt annoyed by the fact that she would have to spend several unnumbered days in bed. She was sure to get bored since they didn't owe a TV. But it was better to be safe the sorry. And so she would spend the days in bed, hoping for his company.

The days went by tormenting slow. The staff was understandingly keeping out of Clarice's way; it was only Hannibal who dared come near her. Clarice's mood swings was getting worse by the minute.

Finally six days later, to every ones relief, Clarice went into labor. Hannibal had sent every one home, giving them extra money for their silence. Hannibal was a strict master, they all knew that, but as long as they did what they where suppose to, there was nothing, for even though he could be strict he was a fair one as well, and generous.

Hannibal delivered his daughter almost seven hours later. He was taken by the strength Clarice passed, just as she looked ready to give up she found more strength. Though he had his hands full, he found time admire his little warrior.

His daughter lay asleep in her cradle, Clarice had passed out, from all the work she had done in the past hours.

Hannibal stood on the terrenes, enjoying the sunset. Tonight it looked even more beautiful, his hand held a glass of wine. He could hear Clarice's soft breathing mixed with his daughter.

He would never have dared hope that he would one day becoming a father. It sounded strange, even now. Father. The sky was painted with reddish light mixed with the golden sun.

He would never have foreseen the turn of events. Clarice had been kicking, and denying her own feelings for so long. Had she finally seen how unhappy she had been? he had promised her happiness, he had promised her his love.

He had always feared that one day she would leave, leave him, or even worse, she would try and get back to her former masters. But his thoughts were his shame, oh he didn't doubt her love for him, but he had a fear deep down inside she would one day leave.

Yet she was there every morning, lying next to him in their bed, if was her. who whispered her declaration of love in his ear. It was she who was there to kiss him sensual when he seemed lost in his line of thought. She was always with him.

She had given him all of her, and now she had given him a child.

The sun had set, but there was still light, Hannibal emptied his glass and walked into the master bedroom, where his wife and child were sound asleep.

He lingered over the cradle, looking at the beauty lying there, unaware of the burden she carried. Clarice and Hannibal had decided that their child should know it heritage. It should have the knowledge, it would serve as protection as well and pride.

Yes she might be the daughter of a world know cannibal, and the killing machine of the FBI, but she would still be their child.

He turned to look at the sleeping figure of his wife, even in her sleep she was grace, she was his haven.

Clarice began to stir, and Hannibal found his seat next to her in the bed.

"Hi" Clarice's voice was still sounding muffled. "My love" Hannibal offered in return, taking her hand and lay kisses on her palm and fingers.

Clarice could see that he had been thinking about something that concerned him, through the years she had been able to read him, better then he thought.

"What is it Hannibal?" he had given up being surprised at Clarice's ability to read him, as he had given up trying to hide something that had great meaning from her as well. But he didn't want to be insecure; he didn't want Clarice to think that he was afraid of her leaving.

"Are you happy? With being here, with me?" Clarice knew the importance of her answer. "Hannibal, there is no place I would rather be, I might not have seen it at first, but now." Clarice fought her tears. Hannibal kissed her, as his lips sought out her salted tears, Clarice found her voice again. "I wouldn't know what to do, if you weren't in my life, you are my life, as much as our child now is."

"I am happy, more happy then I would ever have dreamt I would be. How could I not be? I'm in love, with a man that I would do anything for. I have a child, something that I would never have thought would happen."

Clarice couldn't say anymore, her words where lost in her sobs and Hannibal helt her tight. He inhaled her smell and talked into her hair. "I will never let you go Clarice." She knew that it wasn't a treat, it was a promise. "Nor will I ever let you go."

Clarice fell asleep in the arms of her husband, her lover, her happiness.

A/N well dear reader, I am sorry for the delay in posting, but well, allot of things have happened, lately. Too much work, no computer. But I hope this lengthy chapter will make up for it. Again I'm sorry.