A/N: Hey everyone! I have a few fanfics ending soon and want to start a new story, so I've made a poll on my profile for you all to vote on! Please check out the poll, and see which new story you want to see the most.
Not long after moving out of her father's house, the arm of Miriam Lass was found, completely devastating Jack. Krissy knew that even he had begun to think she could be alive, and the Ripper had made all that come crashing down. Jack was feeling lonelier than ever and needed his daughter there, but a dark part of Krissy's mind couldn't help but feel he had brought it all on himself. He shouldn't have pushed the killer. Krissy had barely slept since the invasion of her privacy, despite moving into Will's, as she expected the Ripper would be able to find her easily enough if they wanted. The pair had fallen into a comfortable routine, managing not to get under each other's feet. However, having two people who had frequent night terrors living under the same roof was bound to create problems. It appeared it was Will's turn to wake up the household that night, as Krissy's eyes fluttered open, hearing his panicked cries coming from his bedroom. She heard the pitter-patter of tiny feet and saw two of Will's dogs rushing into the room, whining softly, obviously wanting her to help their owner. Krissy rubbed her eyes, as she debated whether to knock on Will's door when she saw something out of her peripheral vision. It was Will. He was stumbling down the corridor, as if in a trance, as Krissy quickly put two and two together, realising he must have been sleepwalking. Swinging her legs out of the bed, she went to follow him, worried where Will would end up. She increased her pace when she saw him nearing the front door and reached out to grab his hand. Will flinched at this movement, his eyes darting around, as he seemed to wake up. He looked down to see who was holding his hand, trying to calm his panicked breathing, as Krissy squeezed his hand.
"Not sure if it's the best time to go for a walk, Will" Krissy teased, ushering over to the clock, which stated that it was three in the morning.
"I might be a little underdressed I suppose" Will replied, looking down at his thin white shirt and boxers.
"You're burning up" Krissy frowned, reaching out to touch his cheek with her other hand, feeling how sweaty he was.
"I just need an aspirin" Will mumbled, walking over to the kitchen, a pot ready and waiting.
"You might be getting sick" Krissy suggested, following him into the kitchen.
"It's my mind that's sick. Not my body" Will sighed, running a hand over his face.
"…You know what you need. Ice cream. That'll make you feel better" Krissy announced, stumbling over to his freezer.
"Is that your medical diagnosis?" Will mocked, as Krissy gave him a grin, before opening the freezer.
"Oh no. This just won't do. All you have is vanilla ice cream? Well, now I'm really worried about you" Krissy teased, as Will let out a low chuckle.
"In between finding killers for the FBI and teaching my class, it doesn't leave a lot of time for groceries" Will pointed out, as Krissy pulled the tub from the freezer.
"Sounds like your lucky I'm here then. I'll go shopping in the morning" Krissy told him, grabbing a bowl and spoon.
"Are you gonna' feed me too?" Will scoffed, quirking an eyebrow.
"Not unless you want me to" Krissy answered, as Will shook his head, a fond smile on his face.
"…Actually that reminds me of something. We haven't talked about rent yet. I can-" Krissy began, but Will cut her off.
"You don't need to pay me, Krissy. I know your not working at the moment" Will stated, watching Krissy's hands falter for a moment.
"Did my dad ever tell you why I'm not working?" Krissy questioned, averting her eyes to the ground.
"No. He didn't" Will replied, not sure if he should push further.
"I got in a fight at work. One of the other nurses realised who I was. She said I shouldn't have been allowed to look after patients, that I should be in prison. I was going to walk away, but then she said…she said I was just like my brother. And I saw red" Krissy sighed.
"What did you do?" Will inquired, seeing how hard her hands were gripping onto the counter.
"I told her she'd better hope I wasn't. And then I did what I always did. I walked away. I asked to be transferred to another ward. That should have been the end of it…but then the nurse disappeared. Someone had recorded the fight, leaked it to the papers. I even got interviewed by the police…her body showed up a couple of days later. With the same wounds as all my brother's victims. I had been in police custody when she had been killed but the hospital said they couldn't afford to keep me on anymore. Not after I had got one of their staff killed" Krissy explained.
"It wasn't your fault" Will exclaimed, in a firm voice, as Krissy turned to him.
"I'm like poison, Will. Everyone around me gets infected in the end" Krissy muttered; her hands balled into fists.
"Then I suppose it's a good thing I've got my own poison" Will exclaimed, as Krissy's eyes snapped to his, her lips twitching into a small smile.
"...What were you dreaming about? I heard you in your room…it didn't sound like a good dream" Krissy pointed out.
"They never are" Will mumbled, running a hand through his curls, as Krissy began to spoon out the ice cream.
"C'mon, I told you a fucked up story, it's your turn now" Krissy insisted, handing him the bowl, as they walked over to the kitchen table.
"I dreamt about the Copycat. Or at least the image my 'fucked up' mind has concocted" Will admitted, grabbing the spoon, and shovelling some of the cold ice cream into his mouth, enjoying the cooling sensation.
"Is it the Devil?" Krissy scoffed, thinking it seemed appropriate.
"It's a stag. It's been, uh…following me. I can't seem to outrun the thing" Will muttered, taking another bite of the ice cream.
"Is that why you've started sleepwalking? Trying to run away from your nightmares?" Krissy suggested as Will gave her a look.
"Now your starting to sound like Doctor Lecter" Will teased, making Krissy giggle lightly.
"Speaking of our mutual friend. Have you told him about this?" Krissy inquired.
"The sleepwalking? Yes" Will nodded, swirling around the last of the ice cream with his spoon.
"What does he think?" Krissy asked, as Will gave a tiny shrug.
"I don't think any of us really knows what Hannibal's thinking" Will replied.
"Ah, you've noticed that too" Krissy agreed, as Will pushed the bowl away from him.
"Look, I may not be a psychiatrist, but I do have first-hand experience with feeling like your out of control…unfortunately, denial isn't the best course" Krissy explained, as Will pinched the bridge of his nose, but still nodded, nonetheless.
"I just need some sleep" Will mumbled.
"I can hit you round the head with a blunt object if you want" Krissy suggested, as Will gave her an amused look.
"And leave myself at your mercy? That seems unwise" Will stated, making Krissy grin, as she leaned a little closer.
A loud trilling sound had them both jumping, as Will realised it was his phone, and knew there was only one person who would call him at that time. Jack had a new case for him, a possible Chesapeake Ripper victim. Krissy was quick to add she was coming too but was immediately shot down by her father. He told her she was no longer needed. It was a clear message. Come home or be removed from the case. Jack should have known she was far too stubborn to be bought that easily.
Krissy pulled at her dress for the second time in less than a minute, wishing the hem was a few inches lower. Still, she didn't regret her choice in an outfit. When Hannibal had invited her to a charity event, she had been unsure, and when he informed her it was an Opera performance, she was put off even more. Upper-class men and women were the norms at such a performance, and she certainly wasn't. Just as she was getting ready to decline, she felt a sliver of guilt that had her changing her mind. He hid it very well, but Krissy could tell that Hannibal was lonely. As far as she could tell, Will and herself seemed to be his closest friends. And she didn't like letting her friends down. Not only that, but Hannibal couldn't push her to talk about her encounter with the Chesapeake Ripper in such a public place. She had so far managed to completely avoid the subject in their sessions and wanted to continue that. Killing two birds with one stone. Still, if she was going to be judged, and gossiped about all night…she was certainly going to give them something to talk about. For once, Hannibal had seemed speechless when he had collected her that night, seeing the outfit she was wearing. A black blazer dress, with a large chunky belt around her waist, showing her figure off well. The dress finished above her mid-thigh, showing more leg than she was used to. Not to mention the way the blazer gaped around her cleavage, dropping low and showing the creamy skin there. She accessorised with a pretty, gold chain that draped down her chest, a stark contrast to her otherwise black outfit. Krissy had even made an effort with her hair, giving her brunette locks soft curls, which lay to the side of her shoulder. It was certainly a statement piece.
"Have you gained the reaction you were hoping for?" Hannibal questioned after the performance, as they were supposed to be mingling with the other guests.
"And some" Krissy smirked, looking towards a group of women, who were stealing glances their way, whispering between themselves.
"I am beginning to think you enjoy trouble, Krissy" Hannibal exclaimed, as she shrugged.
"Regretting inviting me, Doctor Lecter?" Krissy asked, quirking an eyebrow his way.
"The opposite actually. Nor do I disapprove of your choice of dress" Hannibal answered, surprising Krissy.
"Even if it causes a scene?" Krissy suggested.
"Especially if it does" Hannibal grinned, as Krissy shared the expression.
"Hannibal! It is so wonderful to see you…and who is your…lady friend?" An older woman in a red dress, looking like she had just stepped out of the 1920's, questioned as she approached them.
"I'm Krissy" She replied, a fake smile on her face.
"Krissy…?" The woman insisted, clearly looking for more.
"Just Krissy. And you are?" Krissy retorted.
"Mrs Komeda. I don't think I've seen you at any of our gatherings in the past, dear. Are you new in town?" Mrs Komeda inquired.
"This isn't my usual crowd" Krissy confessed, as Hannibal's eyes darted between the two women.
"Yes that is…evident" Mrs Komeda muttered, looking at her up and down with a disapproving look.
"I saw you staring at me from across the room, Mrs Komeda. Do you like my dress?" Krissy went on, a challenge in her eyes.
"It's uh, certainly different. Are you Doctor's Lecter's date for the night?" Mrs Komeda guessed, as Krissy scoffed lightly.
"What else would I be?" Krissy queried.
"My husband thought you could be an escort" Mrs Komeda mumbled, just loud enough for Krissy to hear, watching the young girl's jaw tense.
"Oh, an expensive one, of course. I didn't mean to offend, dear" Mrs Komeda added, full of fake sweetness.
"Well, you better run along back to your husband, dear…and let him know that he could never afford me" Krissy told her, ushering to her body, with a smirk.
Mrs Komeda looked absolutely scandalised by Krissy's response, turning on her heel and storming back over to a balding man, who Krissy assumed was her husband. Giving him a quick wave, Krissy let the smile she had been forcing to drop from her face, taking a long swig from her champagne.
"I suppose I should have given a more dignified response…" Krissy trailed off, surprised when she saw the amused smile Hannibal was wearing.
"On the contrary, Mrs Komeda was being unspeakably rude. Better to have a sharp tongue rather than another instrument" Hannibal exclaimed.
"Not that I could bring a sharp instrument into an event like this…unfortunately" Krissy muttered, as Hannibal let out a low chuckle.
"Doctor Lecter! I hope I'm not interrupting" A voice announced, as the pair turned to see a short, round man, sweating profusely.
"Hello" Hannibal nodded curtly, as the other man practically bounced on his feet, a beaming grin on his face.
"Hi. It's so good to see you. This is my friend Tobias" The man exclaimed, holding his hand out for Hannibal to shake, who responded quickly, as if he wanted to get the formalities over with.
"Good evening" Hannibal greeted, holding his hand out to shake the short man's companion, who seemed tight-lipped.
"Who's your friend?" The short man inquired, letting his gaze sweep over Krissy, analysing every aspect of her outfit.
"This is Krissy. She is my date for the evening" Hannibal replied, as he wrapped his hand around Krissy's waist, much to her own surprise.
"I didn't catch your name" Krissy exclaimed, as Hannibal's hand came to rest on her hip.
"Franklyn Froideveaux" The short man informed her, his eyes quickly coming back to Hannibal, who seemed to be the thing he was really interested in.
"How do you two know each other?" Krissy inquired, thinking Hannibal and Franklyn seemed an odd pair of friends.
"There should remain some mystery to my life outside the opera" Hannibal stated, as Krissy quirked an eyebrow towards him.
"I'm one of his patients" Franklyn mumbled.
"Same here. We should compare notes on the good doctor" Krissy teased, as she felt a gentle squeeze on her hip in response.
"Oh…I, uh…didn't realise it was ethical for a doctor to date one of his patients" Franklyn mumbled, jealously clear from his tone.
"What? Oh, no. We're not…we're just friends" Krissy replied, with a nervous laugh.
"Close friends it would seem" Tobias announced, his first words of the evening sharp, a hidden meaning behind them.
"Did you enjoy the performance?" Hannibal asked Tobias, quick to change the subject, as Krissy realised he had stayed silent after Franklyn's accusation.
"I did. I loved it. Every minute" Franklyn interjected, very keen to get his point across.
"His eyes kept wandering. More interested in you than what was happening on stage" Tobias explained, a calculating look in his eyes.
"Oh, don't say too much. You must leave something for us to discuss next week" Hannibal joked, as Krissy let out an amused sound.
"…Do you take a lot of patients to the Opera, Doctor?" Franklyn couldn't help but ask, his jaw tense.
"Why do you ask, Franklyn? Looking for an invite?" Krissy suggested, raising an eyebrow.
"You have a very sharp tongue" Tobias stated, as Krissy took a swig of her drink.
"As everyone keeps telling me" Krissy mumbled, a fake smile back on her face.
"Franklyn, good to see you" Hannibal exclaimed, shaking the short man's sweaty hands quickly.
"You too" Franklyn nodded, wiping his hands on his trousers.
"Tobias" Hannibal nodded, as the pair reached out to shake hands, their eyes connecting for a moment too long.
Krissy's eyes darted between the pair, feeling a tension grow in the air. She felt uncomfortable at what was behind Tobias' eyes. Nothing. It was as if he was completely emotionless. Hannibal seemed to recognise this, studying the man in front of him, his own face tense. Franklyn ushered his friend away with a nervous smile, looking giddy after the interaction.
"Well, that was uncomfortable" Krissy announced, realising that Hannibal's arm was still wrapped around her waist.
"Franklyn can get a little overexcited at the best of times" Hannibal informed her, sipping his champagne.
"I meant his friend. There was something…not right with that guy" Krissy frowned.
"I suppose it's lucky that we are both currently off the clock" Hannibal responded, as Krissy clinked their drinks together, both watching as Tobias and Franklyn walked slowly towards the exit.
Krissy tried to keep quiet as she stumbled up the porch to Will's house, taking her heels off before she entered the home. However, her plan was quickly ruined as soon as she opened the door, a cacophony of barks erupting as soon as they saw her. Krissy placed her finger to her lips, using her other hand to stroke the dog's soft fur, as she shut the door behind her.
"Winston, help me out here, mate" Krissy exclaimed, looking to the leader of the pack, who merely tilted his head.
"Talking to animals? That's not a good sign" Will announced, from where he was sitting on a nearby armchair, as Krissy's eyes snapped up to his brown ones.
"Hey. Sorry to wake you" Krissy replied, removing her coat.
"I wasn't asleep—" Will cut himself off, as he saw what she was wearing under the long coat, eyes wide.
"Oh, right the dress. Yeah, I thought if the snobs were gonna' gossip about me, I'd really give them something to talk about" Krissy grinned, seeing how Will's mouth had gone slack.
Will gave no response, instead openly letting his gaze drift over her, feeling his mouth go dry. Krissy's lips twitched into a smirk as she realised he was checking her out, and decided she was definitely happy with her choice of outfit.
"What, uh…what did Hannibal think of the dress?" Will asked, a few moments later.
"He found it quite amusing I think" Krissy grinned.
"Did you enjoy your night?" Will inquired, as Winston ran over to him, licking his hand.
"Enjoyed? Maybe not. But I'm glad I went. I think Hannibal needs a friend" Krissy mumbled.
"Your head wasn't turned by all the glitz and glam?" Will suggested, quirking an eyebrow.
"Honestly? I'd rather have been home with you" Krissy admitted, realising that she had called Will's house her own home.
A rare genuine smile grew on Will's face at her words, as the dogs seemed to notice the mood, barking, and jumping around happily. Krissy felt a warm feeling in her chest, knowing what the emotion was. Happiness. They may have had the Chesapeake Ripper's shadow looming over them, but at that moment it didn't really seem to matter. She was right where she wanted to be.
Krissy pinched the bridge of her nose as burning pain shot through her head, making her openly grimace. It was strange, she had never suffered from headaches in the past, but they seemed to be becoming commonplace recently. She was just beginning to regret coming to one of Hannibal's lavish dinner parties when she felt a hand touch her shoulder. She flinched a little, her head snapping up to see Alana Bloom's concerned gaze. Krissy prayed that Alana wasn't about to bring up the Chesapeake Ripper, as she really wasn't up to conversing about the serial killer at that moment. Krissy could tell Hannibal's politeness was the only reason he continued to accept her wishes to avoid the subject, but his patience was wearing thin. She was even thinking about cancelling her therapy session with him later that week.
"Are you alright?" Alana inquired, seeing the way she had been hunched over.
"Probably all the wine going to my head" Krissy replied, indicating to the glass in her other hand.
"I heard Jack's banned you from the B.A.U" Alana stated, making Krissy scoff.
"More like grounded me. I'm not sure how he manages it since I've left home" Krissy mumbled, placing her wine glass on a nearby silver plater.
"I also heard you moved in with Will. I was a little…surprised" Alana confessed.
"I needed a place to crash, and Will had a spare bedroom. It's as simple as that" Krissy shrugged, but Alana didn't seem convinced.
"Does Will realise that?" Alana pushed, making Krissy frown.
"Will's an adult, fully capable of making decisions without you, Doctor Bloom" Krissy retorted.
"He's not in a good place. Becoming intimate with him-" Alana began, but Krissy quickly stopped her.
"Intimate? Are you trying to ask me if I fucked Will Graham?" Krissy scoffed, a little louder than she meant, earning a few scandalised looks from around them.
"I'm just trying to look out for my friend" Alana insisted.
"So am I" Krissy stated, with a shake of her head, as she went to turn away.
Krissy was just in time to see the man in question handing a bottle of wine to their host, their fingers touching for a moment, lingering longer than needed. Krissy saw Will smile shyly at Hannibal, his eyes darting between their hands and Hannibal's own smiling lips. She saw how Will flushed under Hannibal's intense gaze, giving the older man a nod before turning on his heel. Hannibal watched Will leave with a fond expression, as he looked down at the wine he had been given.
"What was that about?" Krissy exclaimed, walking over to Hannibal, who was busy opening the bottle of wine.
"Will was informing me that he couldn't stay-" Hannibal began, but Krissy stopped him.
"I meant the flirtatious little glances and smiles" Krissy interjected,
"I'm not sure I understand what you mean" Hannibal responded, pulling the cork off the wine bottle.
"Uh-huh…and I suppose the attractive Doctor Lecter doesn't know how to flirt either?" Krissy questioned.
"Now who's flirting" Hannibal exclaimed, quirking an eyebrow, as he poured the wine into two glasses.
"Hmm, it's not gonna' be that easy to sway me away from the subject, Hannibal. You should know by now I'm very stubborn" Krissy explained, as Hannibal passed her the glass of wine.
"Like a dog with a bone" Hannibal stated, with a teasing smile.
"I'm serious. Do you want a piece of that?" Krissy inquired, mischievously.
"You can be very vulgar when you want to be, Krissy" Hannibal scolded, with no heat behind his comment.
"Well, I'm not the only one. Alana Bloom was just asking me in not so many words, whether I've fucked Will" Krissy mumbled, taking a sip of her wine.
"…Have you?" Hannibal inquired, with a curious tone, surprising Krissy.
"I wouldn't tell you if even I had. I don't kiss and tell" Krissy informed him.
"Good to know" Hannibal exclaimed, clinking their wine glasses together, a hint of a smirk on his face.
"You know, when you asked me to come out with you, I hadn't expected it would mean trekking through the freezing fields around your house at the ass crack of dawn" Krissy announced, following Will through the snowy grass all around them.
He had woken her up early that morning, stating that he had heard an animal in distress, calling to him from a few fields over. Krissy hadn't thought too much into it, sleep still fogging her mind. There weren't many places that she wouldn't follow Will Graham at that point.
"What were you expecting? A date?" Will inquired, as Krissy gave him a look.
"No" Krissy chuckled, rushing forward so that she could walk beside him.
"…Why not?" Will couldn't help but ask.
"I don't think the word 'date' is really in my vocabulary" Krissy admitted, bringing her warm coat tighter around her chest.
"Are you telling me you've never been on a date?" Will scoffed, clearly not believing her.
"Never had a relationship, never had a date, never…well, there's just a lot of nevers, I guess" Krissy shrugged, making Will frown.
"I spent most of my first date talking about how bodily fluids leak out of human bodies when a person dies…the woman worked at a Mortician's. It was later that I realised she only worked as a receptionist there" Will informed her, making Krissy giggle.
"And who says your not a catch?" Krissy grinned, nudging him with her elbow.
"Besides, you went on a date with Hannibal recently" Will pointed out, as Krissy rolled her eyes.
"As a friend. Big difference there" Krissy reminded him.
"I'm glad" Will stated, as Krissy gave him a questioning look.
"That, uh…it was just as friends" Will mumbled, taking his glasses off to wipe them against his scarf.
"What about you and Hannibal? Just friends?" Krissy couldn't help but ask, making Will frown.
"Hannibal understands me. Accepts me even, it's-" Will started, but Krissy cut him off quickly.
"Intoxicating?" Krissy guessed, watching Will nod.
"…You are, of course, much prettier" Will told her, as Krissy laughed lightly.
"So, are you gonna' make me freeze my ass for much longer, or are we gonna' call it a day?" Krissy inquired, shivering under her coat.
"I think we'll have to. I'm not even seeing any tracks" Will muttered, an uncomfortable look on his face.
"C'mon, Graham. There's a tin of soup waiting back at the house with our name on it" Krissy exclaimed, grabbing Will's hand and pulling him back the way they had come.
Lucid dreaming had always had its perks. Especially when it involved the same nightmares over and over again. It usually took some time for Krissy to become aware that she was dreaming, but once she realised, a peace quickly came over her. Knowing that she was in control. Something that she craved in life, something that had so often been taken away from her. That night was no different, as she was chased up the stairs by a mystery figure, hot on her tail. Her attacker wasn't truly a mystery, they just hadn't revealed themselves yet. Sometimes it would be her brother, her father…sometimes even her mother. Krissy pushed herself up the last step, coming to a dark landing and stumbling through a nearby open doorway. She slammed the door shut just in time, hearing banging fists from the other side, as she locked the door. Suddenly, the noise stopped, making her frown, as Krissy took a couple of steps back. She realised her mistake as she felt a hand wrap around her mouth, her attacker's other arm wrapping around her waist. Krissy quickly sent her elbow flying back, winding her attacker, whose grip on her loosened. She slammed her foot down onto theirs, whipping around and sending a hard punch to their face. Her eyes widened when instead of seeing one of her family standing behind her, she saw…Hannibal. His usually pristine appearance was now dishevelled, his lips turned up in a scowl, a murderous look in his eyes. Krissy immediately turned on her heel, ready to run away from him. She ripped the door open, ready to face who she assumed would be her brother on the other side. However, she didn't get very far, as she felt a pain shoot through her as soon as the door opened. Her eyes found Will standing across the landing, a gun in his shaking hands, his jaw tense. Krissy looked down to see blood pooling underneath her shirt, pain radiating all over her body. He had shot her. Krissy let out a cry as she felt something cold press against her neck, feeling a presence suddenly behind her.
"You shouldn't have run" Hannibal's voice exclaimed, as he cut into her neck, cutting off her scream.
Krissy shot bolt upright in bed, her hands instantly clutching at her neck, trying to catch her breath. She ran a panicked hand through her hair, telling herself over and over again that it was just a dream. Hannibal wouldn't hurt her. And neither would Will…right?
Author's Notes: I hope you all enjoyed this chapter! Things are starting to fall into place for Krissy, the question is will she be able to save Will and herself? Please leave review:)
BaDWolF89: Thanks for the review! I hope you like the update:)
acetwolf: Thank you:) Enjoy the new update!
BookwormKW: Very true, like it was mentioned in this chapter, he is pretty intoxicating!
Black Star 14885: I think it was definitely part of Hannibal's plan like you said, he wants to isolate Krissy and Will. Don't worry, Hannibal will be doing lots more creepy things in the future, haha. The pills are coming into play in a big way in the following chapters, as Krissy starts to realise Hannibal's intentions aren't so pure. Thanks for reviewing:)