Disclaimer: I don't own any of these characters.

A/N: I know there are going to be some discrepancies between the wounds that Clarice and Hannibal suffered. Clarice's was more life-threatening and will take longer to heal, probably the more realistic of the two. I am aware that it's quite surprising that Dr. Lecter recovered so quickly from his last gun shot wound. But just bear with me. The situations were different, Lecter was shot in a different area, at a further distance and so on so forth. Anyways, main point, if Clarice seems to be taking longer to heal, that's why.

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Clarice fell in out and out of consciousness as Ardelia, Jack, and Will carried her to the car she told them about.

Thankfully, the car started when Ardelia put the key into the ignition. The drive down the mountain was a tense affair, Jack was in the back with Clarice, cradling her broken body as he tried to staunch the bleeding.

However, by that time Clarice was completely unconscious and unaware of her surroundings.

She didn't feel the car tilt as Ardelia quickly turned into the hospital's parking lot. She didn't hear the surgeon shouting orders to the surrounding nurses. She didn't smell the blood that was coating her shirt in a thick layer. And she certainly didn't hear that same shirt being cut open so that that medical staff could better inspect her wound.

In fact, the only thing that Clarice could do was breath. And there were several times that the doctor's were just very relieved that Clarice continued to do so.

The next morning, Clarice tilted her head and groaned, subconsciously trying relieve the pain that was lodged deep within her skull.

Ardelia woke up quickly. She had been sitting at the bedside of Clarice since the doctors had finished operating and had not moved since. There had been no movement all of the day before. So it went without saying that Ardelia was extremely relieved when she heard Clarice waking up.

Getting up quickly, she leaned over Clarice's prone form, which was now moving slightly. The brows furrowed in concentration.

Slowly Clarice opened her eyes, still squinting from the sudden introduction of light.

"Hey girl, how're you doing?" Ardelia asked concernedly.

It took Clarice a moment to realize where she was and that Ardelia had asked her a question. After clearing her throat and turning towards Ardelia she was sufficiently awake to answer the question.

Despite the gravity of the situation, Clarice couldn't help but reply sarcastically.

"Oh, I'm just fine and dandy. Except for this splitting migraine and aching body of course." Clarice looked up at Ardelia, suddenly the past day's events flashed through her mind.

Clarice tried to sit up, despite the burning pain under her ribs.

"What happened?"

Ardelia tried to ease Clarice back.

"Shh...I'll tell you everything, but if you make too much of a fuss they won't let me stay here," Ardelia admonished.

Clarice nodded slightly and complied, though still very worried. Where had Hannibal went, was he captured? Was Will dead yet? Clarice hoped not, she still wanted to even the score. But now was not the time for that, Clarice reprimanded herself as she focused back on Ardelia.

Ardelia took a deep breath and began.

"Well, after you showed us where the car was, we drove you down to the nearest hospital. After they took you to surgery, others came to question us. Jack and I told them what happened, while Will only sat in the corner. I should have known he was plotting something, but at that time I was only worried for you. Once they found out that Will had shot you, they were going to take him into custody. However, by that time the FBI had shown up. They re-questioned us on everything. I don't know exactly what happened, but Will must have come up with a good story. I couldn't find Will anymore after my second interrogation was over. I asked around, and found out that Krendler had personally released him. Some technicality about not specifically pressing charges, was his excuse. I've done so since on your behalf, and there's now a warrant out for his arrest, although Krendler doesn't seem too worried about it. I'm so sorry, Clarice," Ardelia finished lamely.

Clarice took a deep breath and tried to calm the rage that was burning inside her after finding out that Will got away. However, there were more important things she had to find out about first.

"And Hannibal, is he in custody?" Clarice asked, praying that he wasn't. She let out a sigh of relief when Ardelia replied,

"No, he isn't."

Clarice nodded but didn't get a chance to respond, since Ardelia continued.

"Why isn't he, Clarice? Why did you help him escape again? You can tell me the truth, Clarice. I'll believe you, did he blackmail you, threaten you? What?" Ardelia asked in a strained voice.

"No, he did none of those things. And I've already tried to explain to you why he and I are together, Ardelia. But you wouldn't listen, why should I bother again?" Clarice asked in a mocking tone. Usually she would have been more understanding but the pain in her ribs and anger over the situation lessened her usual self control.

"Why should you try again?! I don't know...maybe perhaps because I am your friend who just spent the last two bloody days trying to find you! I deserve an explanation."

Clarice lowered her eyes. Ardelia was right, she did deserve an explanation. Even if it was one that would be hard for her to swallow.

"Fine, I'll give you one, but you have to promise you'll listen to me and not just start yelling at me like last time."

Ardelia still looked suspicious but agreed.

Clarice took a breath and decided that the best way was to be as blunt as possible.

"The reason that I helped Hannibal escape is because I no longer believe he deserves punishment for his crimes. He has done no different that I would have done. I found that we have much in common and plan on supporting him in the future despite his...slightly sadistic tendencies," Clarice winced as she said the last bit. She knew she was stretching it, but she was trying to be blunt but still ease Ardelia into the idea of her and Hannibal together. Unfortunately, her wince was not unwarranted and Clarice's ploy of gentle persuasion did not have the desired effect.

"Slightly sadistic tendencies?! Clarice...you have got to be kidding me," Ardelia sighed as she looked at Clarice as if she were insane.

Clarice shrugged, perhaps she was insane. It didn't seem to matter much anymore. All she knew was that she had felt the most at home with Hannibal than she had ever felt in her past life before. She no longer had to hide, she knew she would do anything to preserve that existence now.

"No, Ardelia...I'm not kidding you. And if you were my friend you would stop thinking that I'm being blackmailed or am insane. This is my decision," Clarice leveled Ardelia with a steady gaze.

It was Ardealia's turn to look down. After a few moments Ardelia returned her stare.

"I can't just forget everything that Dr. Lecter is-"

"No one ever should," Clarice cut in. Ardelia nodded and went on

"I'm not going to lie to you and tell you that I support your decision. If I ever find Lecter I will turn him in, or at least attempt to."

Clarice sighed and looked away, the expected ending of their friendship speech was right around the corner. It would hurt Clarice to hear it. Ardelia stopped for a moment and took a deep breath.

"But I know you, Clarice. You do what you think is right, no matter what. If this feels right to you...then I won't try to stop you any longer."

Clarice looked up, very surprised. Ardelia eyes were no longer damning, only concerned and loving. Despite the pain she knew it would cause, Clarice reached out and hugged Ardelia tightly.

"I'm sorry I choked you," Clarice mumbled into Ardelia's shoulder.

Ardelia tensed for a moment, remembering the anger she felt upon awakening, before also remembering that the act probably saved her life. If Ardelia remembered correctly, she had been upsetting Lecter quite a bit at that time.

Smirking slightly, Ardelia replied,

"I'm sorry I let Jack get one in on you, that was careless of me. Especially when I was trying to save you at the time."

"That wasn't your fault, either," Clarice said, returning to lay tiredly against her pillows.

Ardelia shrugged

"Well, none of this would have happened if I would have just listened to you in the first place. I'll try not to be so stubborn in the future."

Clarice nodded, just happy that there was going to be a future between them when the hospital room door opened.

A nurse poked her head inside, a visible needle in her hand. Once she saw that Clarice was actually awake, she left for a moment.

Clarice and Ardelia exchanged worried glances.

A moment later, the nurse returned...this time followed by Paul Krendler.

Clarice felt anger once again surge through her veins, making her temporarily forget the throbbing pain under her ribs.

The nurse went to stand in the corner, leaving Krendler the center of attention.

"Ms. Mapp, Ms. Starling," Krendler began, nodding to both women. When neither said anything, he continued in a forced congenial tone.

"Now, I see you are feeling better Ms. Starling. Glad to see it. May I have a moment of your time, in private?" He all but ordered, staring pointedly at Ardelia.

Ardelia glared back at him.

"And leave Clarice unattended? I wouldn't think of it."

"Oh, no need to worry about that, Ms. Mapp. The nurse will stay and accompany us, no worries."

Seeing no other valid reason to protest, Ardelia grudgingly stood.

"If you need anything, just holler, Clarice," Ardelia advised as she left. Clarice nodded and turned her attention back to Paul.

"No, need to be worried, Ms. Starling. This is just one on one, I can't legally interrogate you without your permission until the hospital deems that you mentally up to the task. And since you just woke up from surgery, that might be a while."

Clarice nodded her understanding, secretly happy with his words, although not letting it show.

"That being said...I was wondering how you will enjoy your last days of freedom, Clarice."

Clarice looked back at the nurse, she seemed totally unaware of the sudden change of conversation. Deciding to play along for a moment, Clarice responded.

"Well...whatever do you mean, Paul?" Clarice asked, also using his first name, if he were going drop all pretenses, so was she.

"Only that you will be arrested soon enough Clarice. Murder, accomplice to murder, sabotaging a police investigation, aiding and abetting a known serial killer. Any of those sound familiar, Clarice? I will not let you get by on this one. You don't have your badge or your few and far between FBI allies to help you out this time."

Clarice glared once more, remembering what Hannibal had told her about staying out of prison prompted her next words.

"You can't prove anything, I am innocent of all crimes. It was the culprit it always has been, Lecter of course," Clarice said although she hardly believed any of the words.

Neither, unfortunately, did Krendler.

"I knew you would say that. But don't worry, Clarice. I will do my best to make sure the truth comes out."

With that...Krendler strode resolutely out of the room, a slight grin on his face.

Clarice sighed and hoped that others didn't feel the way Krendler did. She had to stay out of custody for as long as possible, so that Hannibal would be able to come and have at least a shred of a chance to help her escape. Clarice only hoped she would be able to do her part until Hannibal arrived. However, she wasn't allowed much time to ponder. The nurse in the corner sprang to life, just as the hospital door closed. The nurse strode forward confidently and administered Clarice's pain medication. Soon enough, Clarice was drifting off into a land of peace, which while an escape from the pain...did little to help her think of a plan to escape her current precarious position.

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Well, hoped you liked this installment. I'll be gone for most of next week so the next update might take longer than usual. I apologize and promise a big chapter next time. Where has Will gone to? What is Krendler planning? All will be answered then, tune in next time and until then review!! Thanks for reading!!