Clarice groaned and sat up. She looked around confused for a moment, trying to figure out why she was in her office. Gasping, she realized in horror that she had fallen asleep on her desk. Looking at her watch in shock, she realized that she had been asleep for almost 5 hours. It was now nearly 3 o'clock in the afternoon, and she had not done any of the work she had planned. Clarice carefully wiped the drool off her folder, disgustedly scolding herself for being so irresponsible and immature. She couldn't believe she had fallen asleep.

She stood up and walked out of her office, heading upstairs to talk to Crawford about taking her work home early with her. Knocking softly on his office door, Clarice suddenly felt very self-conscious, terribly aware of her mussed hair and wrinkled blouse. Crawford's deep voice bade her enter and she slowly swung the door open. He was sitting at his desk, elbow-deep in paperwork.

"Yes?" He asked, not looking up from what he was writing.

"Um...sir?" Clarice said hesitantly, standing in the doorway. He looked up and smiled warmly.

"Oh, Clarice! Come on in. Was just finishing up the finance report here for your trip. I have it all arranged, all you need to worry about now is solving the damn thing." Crawford handed Clarice a brown folder full of papers. She nodded and looked inside, checking the papers.

"Thank you, sir." Holding the folder against her chest in an attempt to hide the wrinkles in her blouse, Clarice cleared her throat. "Um, sir? Would it be alright if I headed home early today? I would like a chance to review this case a little more intensively before flying out there to solve it."

"Of course! I don't think anyone will miss you here." Crawford regretted the words that he had just spoken, realizing too late how insensitive they sounded. Clarice smiled gratefully, thanked him again, and exited his office, breathing a sigh of relief as she closed the door behind her.

X

Clarice called in sick to work the next two days. She spent the time at home drinking, trying to numb the confusion that left her head spinning and her faith in doubt. As much as she wanted to get away from the life that surrounded her, she was afraid. She was afraid that if she left, then she would lose all contact with Hannibal. The only person who seemed to give a damn about her these days. The only person who left her with something to live for. Too many times did Clarice pack and unpack her suitcase during those two days. Too many times did Clarice pick up the phone, tempted to call Crawford and tell him to find someone else to take the case. And too many times did Clarice cry herself asleep on the couch, under the blanket that had been left for her.

On the morning of her flight, Crawford called Clarice. The jarring ring of the phone brought Clarice out of a deep sleep and she stumbled towards the phone, grumbling when she stubbed her toe on coffee table.

"'ello?" she answered in a scratchy voice, stifling a yawn.

"Clarice, it's Jack Crawford...I was calling to make sure you are ready to leave."

Clarice cleared her throat, "Yes, sir. I'm ready."

XXXXXXX

Author's Note: Wow. It has been 6 bloody months since I updated this here fanfic, and I apologize. I have been having serious writer's block on this story and have written and re-written this chapter countless times. I am hoping to get some time to add more this weekend and possibly next week. I will definitely not wait another 6 months! Please review...it makes me feel good...LOL