Krissy felt her heart beat quicker with every step as she walked down the stairs of the Baltimore State Hospital for the Criminally Insane. She wasn't sure if it was due to the prospect of finally seeing Will again or being in the building she could likely find herself incarcerated in if she made one wrong move. She knew she was playing a dangerous game by concealing the identity of the Chesapeake Ripper, but what choice did she have? Beverly's life depended on her. As did Hannibal's. Maybe even Will's. It was almost too much to bear.
"Krissy Crawford. Now, aren't you a sight for sore eyes" Frederick Chilton exclaimed, meeting her at the bottom of the stairs, with a hungry gaze.
"Doctor Chilton. So good to see you back up on your feet…I've heard you've acquired even more scars than myself in the past year. That is quite the achievement" Krissy retorted, watching as the older man's jaw tensed.
"So wonderful to see a year of captivity has done little to dull your wit" Frederick stated.
"I was told I could see Will. Is there a problem?" Krissy pushed, growing tired of the conversation.
"I am in charge of Mr Graham's care, he only sees visitor's that I believe will be beneficial to his recovery. I have allowed this visit as a favour to your father—" Frederick began, but Krissy was quick to cut him off.
"How kind of you. Get to the point" Krissy insisted, as Frederick's lips twitched.
"Will Graham is a prize patient. One of the most interesting specimens currently in the field. But the only survivor of the Chesapeake Ripper? Well, you are truly one of a kind, Krissy. How fascinating your warped thoughts must be" Frederick pointed out, causing her eyes to narrow.
"My mind isn't for sale. Neither is Will's. I hope for your sake his care has been nothing but exemplary" Krissy told him, crossing her arms over her chest.
"I sincerely hope that was not a threat" Doctor Chilton huffed, as Krissy took a step closer to him, her cold eyes boring into his.
"Trust me, Doctor Chilton, when I threaten you…you'll know about it" Krissy said, with a slight smirk, watching the older man tense under her gaze.
"…You have twenty minutes" Frederick muttered, taking a step back, and allowing her to pass him as the metal gates were slowly opened.
Krissy's confidence faltered the closer she got to Will's cell, feeling how her hands began to sweat, and something icy tightening in her chest. Would Will even be pleased to see her? She had no idea what had happened to him in the past year. Perhaps he wouldn't feel like he used to towards her, too much had changed. She kept her gaze firmly on the floor until she reached the last cell, coming to a halt and slowly turning around, taking a deep breath. A soft sob left her lips the moment her eyes fell on him as if a weight had suddenly been lifted off her shoulders. Will appeared lost in thought, all but glaring at the wall opposite, clearing not having sensed her presence yet. His hair had grown longer now, the curls almost reaching down to his shoulders, his beard a little thicker than before. But she was glad to see apart from that his outward figure was largely unchanged. But what was happening inside Will…that was another matter.
"Will" She exclaimed, her voice barely above a whisper.
He seemed to flinch at the sound, blinking rapidly before his head snapped towards her. She watched as his mouth went slack, and he slowly pushed himself to his feet, a dumbfounded expression on his face. He opened his mouth to speak, but no words seemed to come out. Will ran a hand over his face, muttering something under his breath, as Krissy took a step closer to the metal bars that separated them.
"Will, it's me" Krissy insisted, with wide eyes, reaching out to grab onto the bars.
"A-are you really here?" Will questioned, his brow furrowed as he cautiously approached her.
Her lips twitched into a smile as he reached through the bars, his fingers brushing over her cheek, seeming surprised when they touched her skin, still not believing she was real. Krissy reached up with her own hand to place over his, feeling her chest becoming almost painfully tight. A second later they could hear shouting from further up the corridor, as two guards yelled at her to stay back. Will was the first one to pull away, his movements reluctant.
"It's alright. I'll stay back" Will told them, placing his hands up in the air as he backed up a few paces.
"Miss, you need to stay behind the line for your own safety" One of the guards called down the corridor, as Krissy had to stop herself from rolling her eyes but taking another step back herself to placate the men.
"What's he going to do, flay me with a plastic spoon?" Krissy complained, ushering to the meal tray behind Will that appeared untouched.
A soft chuckle left Will's lips at her comment, a fond look growing in his eyes. He allowed his gaze to sweep over her for the first time, finding that she was paler than he remembered, with dark circles under her eyes, clearly not having been sleeping well. His forehead wrinkled a little when he noticed the newfound definition in her arms, seeming to have increased muscle mass, something which he would have expected the opposite of after a year in captivity. There was something new in her blue eyes, something he couldn't quite put his finger on. He racked his brain, desperately trying to find the right words to explain how he was feeling at that second…
"Hi" Will mumbled, a look of awe still remaining on his face.
"Hey" Krissy replied, with a growing smile.
"I uh, I like the hair" Krissy stated, ushering to Will's longer curls.
"Difficult to get a good hairdresser in prison" Will shrugged, dropping his hands into his jumpsuit pockets.
"I never thought I'd see you again" Will confessed, shakily.
"…I knew. I knew I'd get out. That I'd find my way back to you. God, Will, it's all I've thought about for the past year. I promise, I'm not leaving you in here. We're both gonna' be free" Krissy insisted, wanting nothing more than to reach out to him again.
"Freedom? It seems like such a novelty construct now" Will exclaimed, with a shake of his head.
"I know what you mean. It's strange suddenly being able to make decisions for myself again. Not sure if I'm making all the right choices, you know…" Krissy trailed off, clenching her jaw.
"I suppose it would be a stupid question to ask whether you're okay?" Will stated, his blue eyes boring into hers.
Will felt his heart twist as he watched Krissy's expression crumble, her eyes darting to the ground as they welled with tears, a soft sob leaving her lips. He instinctively took a step forward, hands coming up to reach the metal bars, wanting to get closer to her.
"I don't know what I'm doing. I don't…I don't know who I am anymore" She cried, her voice barely above a whisper.
"Do any of us?" Will sighed, resting his forehead against the bars.
"I'm sorry. I'm sorry I didn't escape sooner, that I…fuck…I've done things. Some really bad things—" Krissy began, but Will cut her off immediately.
"I forgive you. For whatever you've done, whatever he's made you do, Krissy. It's not your fault" Will pushed, watching as her bottom lip trembled.
"He has Beverly" Krissy announced, abruptly.
Will gripped the metal bars in front of him a little harder in response, scrunching his eyes shut, the image of a smiling Beverly flickering behind his eyelids. He never should have got her involved.
"Is she alive?" Will questioned, earning a slow nod in return.
"There's something else. Something I haven't told them yet. I don't know if I should…it's about Abigail" Krissy began.
"What happened to her? Why did he…" Will trailed off, with a pained expression.
"…She's alive, Will. I've been with her for the past year" Krissy explained, watching as Will's eyes almost popped out of his skull.
The world seemed to come crumbling down around him after that, now having to hold onto the metal bars to keep himself upright. He couldn't understand it. She was dead. He had been so sure of it.
"Hannibal Lecter took you both. Faked your deaths?" Will tried to clarify, as a frown slowly grew on Krissy's face.
"I tell you Abigail is still alive, and that's your response?" Krissy retorted, having expected him to be angry, to cry even.
"I'm just trying to understand what's happened—" Will began, but Krissy cut him off quickly.
"Bullshit. Why are you trying to…he's listening, isn't he? Chilton. He's got a fucking mic in your cell, hasn't he?" Krissy exclaimed, bitterly.
"That's not a denial" Will pointed out, making Krissy scoff.
"I don't know who took me, Will. I never saw their face" Krissy stated.
"Now, who's talking bullshit" Will retorted, as Krissy shook her head, ruefully.
"I don't want to fight with you, Will. I'm so fucking tired of fighting" Krissy sighed, as Will's eyes softened a little.
"Why are you protecting him? After everything he's done to you? To both of us?" Will insisted, as Krissy tore her gaze away from his.
What could she say to him? She couldn't understand her own actions, what hope did she have of explaining it to one of Hannibal's other victims? She just wanted things to go back to how they used to be.
"He's gotten into your head, hasn't he?" Will realised, with wide eyes.
"I swear I can feel him eating away at my mind even now, pushing out everything else that used to matter—" Krissy began, but Will cut her off.
"Until it's only him left" He finished for her, as she nodded, unsurely.
"He trusts me, Will. Or as much as he's capable of trust. I can get him to hand himself in or...I can make this right-" Krissy began, but Will stopped her once again.
"You need to cut him out, Krissy. While there's still a piece of you left" Will warned her, watching her run a shaky hand through her hair.
"If I cut him out, what do you think he's gonna' do? We're…conjoined now, whether I like it or not" Krissy mumbled, with a bitter expression.
"Not for much longer" Will said, in a voice barely above a whisper.
"What does that mean?" Krissy frowned, taking a step closer, feeling her heart beat a little faster.
"Did he hurt you?" Will asked, his eyes flickering down to her bandaged ankle.
"When he first took me. I tried to escape and he…made sure I couldn't in the future" Krissy muttered, in a conflicted tone.
"Well, I suppose that makes this easier" Will nodded, before slowly turning on his heel.
"…Will, what have you done?" Krissy asked, a sinking feeling growing inside her.
"What I had to do" Will sighed, before lowering himself onto his bed, dropping his head into his hands.
Krissy needed no further explanation to know that Hannibal was in danger, and with one last look of panic, she turned to race back up the corridor. Her heart was beating so quickly it was all she could hear, almost becoming a mantra for her to run faster. The guards seemed confused by her sudden change but didn't comment on it. She raced up the stairs of the institution, trying to think of where Hannibal would have been. It was a Thursday afternoon. That meant Hannibal would be going for his swim after office hours, but would he—
Krissy's panicked thoughts were interrupted as she all but collided with Doctor Chilton, who was wearing a smug expression, now blocking her exit. She glared up at the older man, debating whether or not she could get away with throwing the man down the stairs. She doubted any of his staff would care.
"And where do you think you're going in such a hurry, Miss Dixon?" Frederick smirked.
"You know perfectly well. Now get out of my way" Krissy warned, her hands balled at her sides.
"To save Hannibal Lecter's life. I'm starting to think that might not be in my best interest" Frederick went on, as Krissy grit her teeth.
"Either get out my way or I shove that cane where the sun doesn't shine—" Krissy began, but he cut her off with a wave of his hand.
"You don't seem to be heading to your father to tell him of the Good Doctor's looming danger, why is that? Worried what he may find out?" Frederick pushed.
"Why do I feel like you're about to make me a deal?" Krissy muttered, as Frederick's smirk widened.
"One therapy session and in return, I keep your father out of the way, allowing you time to make a dashing rescue…or whatever it is you plan to do with Hannibal" He explained, watching Krissy's eyes narrowed.
"Deal" Krissy sighed, knowing there was no point arguing with him.
"…On one condition. I'm gonna' need your car" Krissy said, watching as a look of horror dawned on Frederick's face.
Krissy was sure she had broken a few speed limits as she raced through the city, hitting the kerb with Frederick's car more than once, out of practice with being behind the wheel. It certainly wasn't like riding a bike, she mused. Once she pulled into the pool parking lot, she didn't even bother to stop the car engine, her feet already pushing her out of the car and towards the pool. Her eyes went wide when she found the front door closed, realising Hannibal must have paid extra to visit the pool after hours. She paced around the building for a few moments, before throwing caution to the wind and grabbing a nearby rock, smashing one of the windows to the reception. She crawled through the gap she had made, picking up a shard of glass from the floor, realising she had no other weapon to protect herself. She still had no idea what she was walking into. Krissy frowned when she arrived at the large pool to find it empty, not a soul in sight. Making her way towards the locker room, she came to a halt when she heard voices from down the stairs and gripped the glass tighter in her hand.
"You know, the Iroquois used to eat their enemies to take their strength. Maybe your murders will become my murders…" A male voice trailed off, as Krissy reached the bottom of the stairs.
Krissy's mouth dropped open when she spotted Hannibal on the far side of the room, a noose hung around his neck, standing precariously on a bucket beneath his feet. Her eyes were quickly drawn to his wrists which were both cut, a steady flow of blood seeping out onto the marble floor below. She could see from far away how pale Hannibal was, and from the amount of his blood coating the floor, he wouldn't last much longer. Krissy then turned to his attacker, a shorter man with black hair, donning a sports jacket and trousers, a wet appearance to his hair as if he had recently been in the pool. From the way his finger was brushing against the trigger of the gun in his hand, Krissy guessed he would have no trouble using the weapon.
"I'll be the Chesapeake Ripper now" The man exclaimed, still not aware of Krissy's presence.
"Only if you eat me" Hannibal muttered, hoarsely.
His eyes fluttered over to hers a moment later, appearing barely able to stay conscious. The man with the gun followed Hannibal's gaze, whipping around to face Krissy who had slowly been approaching him from behind. She raised her hands in the air immediately, having already hidden the shard of glass in her sleeve.
"I wouldn't suggest it, mate. You don't know where he's been" Krissy announced, taking a cautious step forward.
"I know you. You're the one the Chesapeake Ripper took…why didn't you kill her?" The man frowned, twisting his head to face Hannibal.
"As if he could. The Chesapeake Ripper's murders are child play compared to my brother's" Krissy insisted, as the man tilted his head.
"…Oh shit. That's right. You're Ken Dixon's sister. Now he…he is an artist" The man replied, with a look full of awe.
"Unlike you, it would seem. You're gonna' hang him? What century is this?" Krissy scoffed, approaching the older man.
"Judas had the decency to hang himself in shame at his betrayal. I thought he could use some help" The man went on, ushering to Hannibal, who was struggling to stay still on the bucket.
"You've been talking to Will?" Krissy guessed, as the man nodded.
"Matthew Brown. Orderly at the hospital…and soon to be a serial killer" The man stated, giving her a manic grin.
"Right. I heard about the bailiff's death. That was you, huh?" Krissy asked, trying to get close enough to strike the killer.
"Impressed?" Matthew smirked, making Krissy huff.
"Stealing the form of murder from another serial killer? So original" Krissy mocked, crossing her arms.
"How about a headshot? Is that original enough?" Matthew threatened, holding the gun up to her head, having seen how she had been trying to inch towards him.
His forehead wrinkled when he saw how Krissy didn't even flinch at the action, her only response was a quirk of an eyebrow. Clearly, he wasn't going to get the reaction he wanted.
"You're a fledgling killer. I'm sure you've left a long and very incriminating trail behind you. I bet you have no escape plan either. You need help if you plan to get out of this. From someone with experience…" Krissy trailed off, as the gun was slowly pulled away from her face.
"And why would you help me?" Matthew pointed out.
"Because we can help each other. I get you out of this and in return…you take the blame for the Chesapeake Ripper's murder" Krissy explained, as Matthew's eyes narrowed.
"When in reality?" He pushed.
"I'll be the one to kill him" Krissy replied, as Matthew's lips twitched into a smirk.
"For what he's done to Will?" Matthew asked.
"For what he's done to me…I suppose hanging would be enough. At least it would be slow" Krissy mused, turning her attention to Hannibal, who had drooped forward.
"Maybe a partner is just what I need" Matthew grinned, ushering her to walk up the steps, an excited look in his eyes.
Wasting no time, Krissy approached Hannibal, the soles of her shoes becoming stained in his blood. She came to a stop just inches in front of him, eyes snapping up to meet his half-lidded hazel eyes. He was beginning to shake due to blood loss, sweat covering him from head to toe. She knew he would have no strength to fight her. It would be easy. Despite how much she tried to deny it, there was a good chance he had already killed Beverly. That was his plan in the first place, without her influence, why would he have not? Not to mention, Krissy felt indifferent to whether Abigail lived or died…what was truly stopping her? She'd never really be free until Hannibal was dead, that was clear to her now. Hannibal seemed to notice her inner conflict, forcing his lips to move.
"Would it feel good to kill me?" Hannibal panted; his own eyes boring into hers.
"…No. But it would feel right. Necessary" Krissy admitted.
"A necessary evil" Hannibal muttered, straining against the rope around his neck.
"You could be at peace. Or as close as you could get" Krissy stated, watching a strangely vulnerable expression grow over Hannibal's features.
"I don't crave peace" Hannibal exclaimed, swallowing thickly.
"You know what I crave" Hannibal murmured, as Krissy's eyes flickered down to the bucket.
"I feel the same" Krissy replied, before she sent a hard kick to the bucket.
The noose instantly tightened around his neck, being the only thing keeping his dangling feet from the ground, cutting off his supply of air. Krissy stumbled back a few steps, blinking rapidly at what she had just done. Matthew came to stand by her side, his mouth hung agape, his focus solely on the hanging man. He never saw the way Krissy's arm swung towards him or the glass that sliced into his neck, cutting his carotid artery in one quick swipe. He faltered for a moment, raising his hand up to take a shot at Krissy, who swiftly brought the shard of glass down into the palm of his hand, before pulling the gun from his bloody fingers. The glass had become embedded in his hand, not that it mattered anymore, as Krissy gave a hard kick to the man's stomach, as he fell to the floor, clutching at his bleeding neck. Krissy instantly turned her attention back to Hannibal, lining the gun up to the rope that was strangling him. She took a shot at the rope, which missed by a mere inch. Taking a deep breath, she pulled the trigger, which cut into the rope, causing the noose around Hannibal's neck to come loose. She raced forward to catch him as he flopped to the floor, his knees giving out instantly. Her small hands gripped onto his shoulders, helping to keep him upright, giving him a small shake as she watched his eyes flutter shut.
"Hannibal, look at me. Hannibal!" She insisted, bringing her hands up to cup his cheeks.
"W-when did you decide?" Hannibal panted, hoarsely, as Krissy didn't need him to elaborate the question.
"…As soon as I realised you didn't want to die" Krissy confessed, watching his brow furrow.
She then moved her hands quickly to begin untying the duct tape that was keeping his arms in place, using her fingernails to rip it apart. She threw away the broomstick that had been stuck to his back, and then removed the plaid shirt she was wearing, ripping it down the middle. She made quick work of tying a tourniquet to both his arms, trying to stem the bleeding that was still continuing from his wrists. He would need medical attention as soon as possible, or her efforts would be in vain.
"I thought you might have been working alongside Matthew" Hannibal admitted, his eyes barely open.
"Give me some credit. Is my taste in men really that bad?" Krissy joked, watching as Hannibal's lips twitched into a smile.
She moved one of her hands back to his shoulder, allowing him to lean most of his weight on her, the other hand wrapping around the nape of his neck. She leant forward to press their foreheads together for a moment, closing her eyes, feeling like she could take her first real breath since she had arrived at the pool. Despite the way his arms were aching, Hannibal still managed to bring one of his hands up to brush over her cheek, leaning forward a fraction more, his lips almost brushing against hers.
"Krissy!" Jack's voice boomed, as Krissy sprang backwards, eyes wide as she saw her father rushing towards them.
Jack's gaze immediately fell on Matthew Brown's body, which lay in a heap, surrounded by his own blood only a few metres away. Jack grimaced, averting his eyes when they spotted the way Matthew's throat had been all but ripped open. His lips were drawn in a fine line as he turned to his daughter, clearly having to hold back what he really wanted to say.
"Hannibal's hurt. He needs an ambulance" Krissy stated, as Jack twitched but gave no response.
"Dad. He needs help" Krissy insisted, as Jack gave a swift nod, taking out his phone.
Krissy rubbed at her eyes, trying to brush away the mascara that had smudged underneath them. She had to be extensively questioned by the police at the scene, before being released, currently with no charges. It would be a difficult case to question anything but self-defence…if not for her extensive record. Krissy had tried to sleep in the police station, but no matter how hard she tried, rest evaded her. Eventually, she pleaded to her father to let her visit Hannibal in hospital, having not seen him since he had been carted off into an ambulance. She wasn't sure which emotion she had been feeling. Anxiety, maybe. But it was strong enough to lead her to watch Hannibal sleeping through his hospital window, her brow furrowed.
"I need to understand what happened here" Jack announced, coming to stand by her side.
"I did what I had to do to save a friend. It's not that complicated" Krissy retorted, as Jack shook his head, ruefully.
"Everything about your life at the moment is complicated, Krissy. How did you know Hannibal was in danger?" Jack pushed.
"Will told me about his conversation with the orderly. I thought I better check it out—" Krissy began, as Jack cut him off.
"And why exactly did Will not divulge this information with myself or Alana?" Jack asked, as Krissy couldn't stop the scoff that left her lips.
"You've spent the last year convinced he was a serial killer, refusing to believe a word he says. Why would he tell you anything?" Krissy pointed out.
"Are you angry at me? Is that it?" Jack questioned, making Krissy sigh.
"I'm angry at everyone, Dad. I need you by my side right now, not questioning my every move" Krissy went on.
"I understand that. And the majority of your story. Apart from the bit where you didn't come to get me. You stole Frederick's car—" Jack started, but Krissy cut him off this time.
"He gave me the keys" Krissy argued, as Jack held his hand up to stop her.
"You took the car and put yourself in danger. Why? I'm a cop, Krissy. Protecting people is what I do" Jack exclaimed.
You didn't protect me, she thought to herself, bitterly. She managed to stop the words that threatened to spill over her lips, looking away for a moment, attempting to compose herself.
"I didn't think there would be time. It was a split-second decision. I'm sorry" Krissy replied, as Jack gave a small nod.
"I'm just glad you're okay" Jack said, before pulling her into a hug, his arms wrapping around her shoulders.
"I can handle myself, Dad" Krissy pointed out, hugging him back for a few seconds.
"Not always" Jack mumbled, pulling away with a sad expression.
"You need to get some rest. Maybe we can wait in the relative's room—" Jack began, but Krissy cut him off before he could finish.
"I'd like to stay with him" Krissy exclaimed, watching the way her father's forehead wrinkled.
"He's in a bad way. I should put my nursing experience to good use, right?" Krissy added.
"…Don't run off anymore, alright? I'll check on you in a few hours" Jack relented, as Krissy nodded quickly, before making her way towards the hospital room door.
"Krissy?" Jack called after her, as she reached down to touch the door handle.
"Yeah?" She replied.
"You know you can tell me anything…don't you?" Jack asked, as Krissy gave him a small smile.
"Of course. Thanks, Dad" Krissy exclaimed, before opening the door and walking inside, leaving her father more conflicted than before.
The room was dim when she entered, the only sound inside the steady beep of the machines attached to Hannibal. He had a blood transfusion still running, nearer the end, and a nasal cannula giving him continuous air, but luckily enough he didn't appear to need any further interventions. It could have been much worse. She dragged a nearby chair over to his bedside, sitting down and reaching out to take one of his hands, finding it surprisingly cold.
"Don't make me regret saving your life, Hannibal" Krissy mumbled, holding his hand close to her chest, not realising her father was still watching from the window.
Krissy's eyes slowly fluttered open later that morning, feeling gentle fingers brushing through her hair, bringing her out of her slumber. Her back ached as she slowly straightened up, her eyes connecting with Hannibal's, whose hand was still outstretched. She blinked a few times, finding the sun was now high in the sky, making her wonder just how long she had been asleep.
"You're awake" Krissy exclaimed, running a hand down the back of her sore neck.
"So, are you" Hannibal replied, in a gravelly tone.
"Well, I didn't almost die last night" Krissy stated, looking around to find the blood transfusion had been taken down, as had the oxygen Hannibal had been using.
"You could have been" Hannibal pointed out.
"Hmm, it seems to be a regular occurrence around you" Krissy murmured.
"…You killed again" Hannibal told her, after a few moments of silence.
"To save you. Which has made me realise something. You underestimate me" Krissy went on, as Hannibal quirked an eyebrow.
"I have always seen your potential. More than most" Hannibal corrected.
"You want me to be a killer….then why not your equal?" Krissy suggested.
Her plan was dangerous, but wasn't everything when it came to Hannibal Lecter? He would never let her go. So, why not play him at his own game? Or at least try?
"Do you feel I have not treated you fairly?" Hannibal replied, as Krissy mulled over his words.
"I'm not one of your playthings, Hannibal. I'm not Abigail. Or Alana. Or anyone else that you might have had fun twisting over the years. If you really want what you crave, you're gonna' have to start giving back" Krissy explained, watching as Hannibal licked over his dry lips.
"How would you like me to prove my…giving nature?" Hannibal questioned, pushing himself onto his elbows, bringing him closer to her.
"We're gonna' do things my way. Starting with getting Will out of prison" Krissy informed him.
"Such a task will not be easy" Hannibal pointed out, as Krissy shrugged.
"Nothing worthwhile ever is, right?" Krissy stated, leaning a little closer.
"Your words border on manipulation, Krissy" Hannibal replied, as a harsh laugh left the younger girl's lips.
"I think that's the fundamentals of our relationship. Manipulation, lies, desire, even murder…it's what appeals best to you" Krissy went on, as Hannibal's lips twitched into a smirk.
"And vice versa" Hannibal murmured, reaching out to brush a few strands of her hair behind her ear.
"...Is Beverly still alive?" Krissy couldn't help but ask, not sure if she truly wanted to know the answer.
"She is. And she will remain to be as long as I am not apprehended" Hannibal answered.
"I want to see her" Krissy added, as Hannibal nodded, a few seconds later.
"If it pleases you" Hannibal stated, seeming bored by the talk of her former friend.
"...So, what do you say, Hannibal? Partners?" Krissy asked, watching as his eyes flickered down to her lips.
As if sealing the deal, Hannibal leant forward to press his lips to hers, with just the barest amount of pressure, almost teasingly. Growing tired of their game, Krissy returned the kiss, reaching around to the nape of his neck to kiss him harder. Despite his injuries, Hannibal's lips claimed hers hungrily, his tongue brushing against her parted lips. Just as his hand moved to tangle in her hair, they heard a sharp knock at the door, causing them both to pull away simultaneously. Krissy twisted around to find Jack standing in the doorway, a frown growing on his face when he noticed how breathless she was. Krissy's eyes widened a little when a familiar brunette poked her head out from behind Jack, appearing oblivious to what she had just walked in on.
"Hannibal! Thank God, you're alright, I was so worried" Alana exclaimed, rushing over to the man, her arms wrapping around him in seconds.
"I've been in good hands" Hannibal mumbled, his eyes snapping to Krissy's as he placed one of his arms around Alana's back.
"Jack told me what you did. I don't know what I would have done if…it's so good to see you, Krissy" Alana stated, before pulling the smaller girl into a hug a moment later.
"…Yeah. You too" Krissy replied, patting Alana on the back, awkwardly.
Alana pulled away soon after, not seeming to notice how rigid Krissy had become since she entered the room. The girl in question was finding it difficult not to roll her eyes at the amused expression on Hannibal's face.
"Well, we should get going. I'm sure Alana will look after Hannibal now" Jack suggested, ushering Krissy to stand from her seat.
"I'm sure she will" Krissy murmured, with an almost too-sweet smile.
"I trust my answer to your question was satisfactory, Krissy?" Hannibal exclaimed, as she pushed herself to her feet.
"Very" Krissy replied, as the two shared a look for a moment, which was caught by her father.
Just as Jack opened his mouth to insist their leave, a newcomer arrived in the doorframe, one which Krissy was less than happy to see. The agent who had interviewed her when she first 'escaped'.
"Krissy Crawford. We need you to come down to BAU" The agent announced, as Jack quirked an eyebrow.
"I thought we agreed—" Jack began, but he was quickly cut off.
"That changed when your daughter slit open a man's throat. We can do this with or without cuffs, your choice" The agent insisted, as Jack turned to his daughter with concern.
"I'd be more than happy to answer all your questions, Agent. Anything for the FBI" Krissy replied, with a sardonic smile.
Perhaps it was time to see just how good her skills of manipulation really were.