As the Doctor stepped forward I saw Frederick's muscle tense in an effort not to flinch.

The Doctor stopped just before Frederick. Their chests separated by less than an inch.

I drew closer in case I need to stop Doctor Lecter from doing something he would regret.

The good Doctor rested his hand just above Frederick's elbow and leaned in.

I could just make out the whisper as the Doctor's lips brushed Frederick's ear causing him to shiver.

"Thank you."

Before either of us could do anything, Doctor Lecter stepped around Frederick and strode towards me before drawing me into his arms.

I froze a little before relaxing into his warm chest, inhaling his clean scent. My heart began to race for an entirely different reason.

"Doctor Lecter... we should go." I whispered into his chest.

He nodded, releasing me slowly as if I was going to vanish right before his eyes.

Frederick came up behind me, his hand resting on my waist.

"This way..."

His eyes meet Lecter's but there was no anger or fear between them but something else I couldn't put my finger on.

Surprisingly Frederick was the first to move. Doctor Lecter followed close behind before moving to walk beside Frederick. I had to move quickly to keep up with their long strides in my heels.

Curse my choice of footwear.

The facility turned out to a bit of a maze and I tried to remember all the twists and turns but it was useless.

I refocused on the men before me walking side by side, like old friends. Occasionally Doctor Lecter's arm would brush Frederick's and I swear he shivered at the contact.

Before I knew it we were coming to a stop.

"...don't you think Clarice?" Frederick asked.

I had been so lost in my thoughts I missed he had been talking to me.

"Sorry, Fred. I was in my own world. Mind repeating that?"

His chuckles made me core tighten, the encounter in his office still fresh in my mind.

"I was just telling Doctor Lecter how the apartment is laid out and that he should find it comfortable."

"And as I said, anything would be more comfortable than the hole you call a cell."

There was some lingering resentment in Doctor Lecter's voice but the jest was playful.

Frederick blushed.

"Well, boys..."

They both looked a little offended at being called boys, but they didn't protest.

"...let's get this show on the road."