Chapter 2
Clarice noticed the drive back was longer as Dr Lecter – no he asked me to call him Hannibal – took the scenic route. Clarice wondered if it was also a safety precaution. The conversation flowed easy and Hannibal was pleasantly surprised to learn that Clarice took French at UVA and though she was never quite fluent, she can hold her end of the conversation reasonably well. He thinks it could be fun teaching her Italian one day if she would allow. For her part Clarice thrills to the fact the she managed to surprise him and that he is so obviously pleased with her meagre French.
Once back at the little flat, Hannibal carries Clarice's suitcase to her room for her. The sun is setting over the ocean and the view from the window is breath-taking. After putting her suitcase on the bed, Hannibal smiled at her and left the room.
"Would you care to join me for a sun-downer on the patio once you've settled your things?" he asked her politely from the open door.
"That would be lovely, thanks"
He doesn't remark on her abbreviation like he did earlier and Clarice smiles broadly at him. Once he leaves, she unzips her suitcase and carefully place the picture of the starlings on her bedside table. She goes to put some of her clothes in the wardrobe and found to her surprise that it was almost full. The clothes were of high quality and all in her size. How he managed it, she's not quite sure. There is even underwear. Some more utilitarian and some that are clearly not meant to stay on for very long. The blushes crimson as she examines them. They are all tasteful and of brands she has only seen in the fashion magazines she secretly bought for herself. For now, she makes a space for the few clothes she has brought with her. There are sprigs of lavender inserted in between the clothes here and there and the whole wardrobe smells divine.
Ok, so clearly he means for me to have my own space, but those lingerie isn't something you'd by for a friend. There's always been this chemistry between us, but he's not expecting to have sex right off the bat.
It's unlike any guy she's ever dated. Not that there have been many.
That's because he's unlike any guy I've ever dated. Is that even what we're doing right now?
She is actually quite tired. The day has been rather eventful. This morning she woke-up in her hotel in Florence, tonight she's running away with Hannibal Lecter.
She goes to join Hannibal on the terrace where he has set out a plate of freshly cut fruit and some nuts. She doesn't think she's particularly hungry till the first piece of peach melts on her tongue. She cannot help but giving a small moan in appreciation, closing her eyes to savour the taste better. When she opens then, she finds Hannibal intently watching her and the potency of his stare makes her both nervous and excited. She unconsciously licks her lips and he drops his eyes to her lips immediately. He swallows himself before turning to the bottle of white wine chilling in an ice bucket.
"Would you care for a glass of Testamatta Bianco? It is made from the ansonica grapes and a particular speciality of the region"
She nods and offers him her glass. She has a sneaky suspicion that he will now start her on a semi-formal wine-tasting course but finds that she doesn't mind. She takes a small sip from her glass and he confirms her suspicion by starting to describe the undertones of tropical fruit she should pay a mind too. As of yet she has almost no idea to what he is referring, being a neat-whisky kind of girl, but is more than willing to learn. He picks up his own glass and after swirling the wine in the glass gives it a slow long sniff. When he then does take a sip, it's almost erotic and Clarice hides her smile by taking another sip of her own wine. Regardless of how it's supposed to taste, it's a very good wine, even a novice like her can appreciate that. Hannibal continues to tell her about the grapes and the wine itself but she finds that she doesn't become bored, like she always assumed she would, being lectured about wine.
"Would you like to have something more substantial to eat my dear? I can easily make us something"
"No thank you Dr Lec… Hannibal"
He smiles at her correction.
"The risotto earlier was more than enough and this is just the perfect snack"
He bows his sleek head and seems relaxed in a way she couldn't remember ever seeing him. He sits back in his chair and crossing his legs, takes her right hand in his left and rests if on his upturned knee. He runs his thumb in circles over the area where her wrist was broken. As meticulous and careful as he is, Clarice feels sure that's it's not unintentional. It feels both intimate and vulnerable and raises gooseflesh on her arms. He gives a contented sign as he looks out over the ocean where the sun has now sunk beneath the horizon and multiple boats can be seen on the water. Clarice thinks he looks like a large contented cat. She sits back herself and enjoys the feel of her hand in his. They continue to sip their wine, but when Hannibal goes to fill hers for the third (or is it the fourth) time, she stops him.
"That it for me for now thanks. I never drink much wine; it goes straight to my head."
He nods and taking her hand up to his mouth to kiss the back of it he winks at her.
"A valuable fact I shall endeavour to use to my advantage at every possible opportunity"
"Dr Lecter, are you trying to get me drunk to seduce me?" she asks only half-jokingly.
"Oh no, I want you to be quite sober when I seduce you" he answers her seriously and she can feel herself blush so that she thinks it even covers her shoulders and chest. Again, he brings her hand up to his mouth to place a soft, chaste kiss there.
Clarice swallows before answering.
"I think I'll turn in now, it's been a rather eventful day and I didn't exactly sleep well last night"
"Oh" he lifts his eyebrow at her.
"You said you weren't quite sure I would be coming alone. Well, I wasn't quite sure you'd show-up"
Giving her a slow sincere smile, he replies so softly she barely catches it.
"Seems we both need to learn to trust another person"
She bows her head in acknowledgment.
"You'll find fresh towels in the bathroom, and some toiletries should you require them"
"Thank you, Hannibal" she says as she takes his hand to drop a kiss to the back of his hand this time.
He gets up with her and before she quite realises it steps into her and places a soft kiss on her forehead.
"Quiet dreams, my dear"
"Thanks" is all she can think to say before smiling at him and turning to leave.
Once back in her room, Clarice decides against the luxurious nightgowns he has provided for her, and instead opts for a pair of comfortable shorts and a simple white T-shirt she finds between the other clothes he provided. Seems he catered for a wide variety of moods for her. In the bathroom, she finds some of the toiletries he mentioned. It's the same brand as the hand-lotion he sent her and of the same scent. They feel and smell delicious on her skin.
When she enters her room again, there is a single red tulip on her pillow. She would have to ask him about the meaning. She vaguely remembers something about the meaning of flowers and thinks the red tulip might stand for love, Or was it lust? Well regardless, she is actually enjoying this slow-burn. Most, actually all, of her previous relationships have gone straight to sex. This is a new experience for her. The bed is much better than the one in the hotel, and she has a sneaky suspicion that the sheets are high-thread count Egyptian cotton. It feels glorious and she is still making a list of things she wants to talk to Hannibal about when she falls into a peaceful and dreamless sleep.
The next morning has Clarice standing in front of the wardrobe. She isn't an indecisive person but she and she is debating whether to wear her own stuff or some of the clothes Hannibal has bought for her. She decides on a modest emerald green sundress, with strappy sandals that look very comfy. She's right, they are very comfy. The green of the dress brings out the red sparks in her hair and she find she feels quite beautiful. She doesn't often feel like that but decides she can definitely get used to it.
Hannibal is in the kitchen and turns when he hears her enter. The look on his face is enough to convince of the wisdom of her choice and makes her feel powerful. His eyes slowly sweep down to her ankles and back up. She is surprised to find she finds it neither offensive nor unwelcome, and grins at him when he meets her eyes again.
"Good morning" she says with a smirk
"It is now" he answers cheekily and pulls out the chair for her "Slept well?"
He drops a sweet kiss to her cheek as he pushes the chair in for her.
"Yeah actually. The best I've had in a while. And you?" she smiles as he goes back to what he was doing on at the stove.
"Yes thank you"
"What's for breakfast?"
"Omelettes and croissants with some fresh fruit" he says as he places the plate in front of her. The fact that she so enjoyed the peaches the previous evening haven't escaped his notice and he had made sure to have some more ready for her this morning. He was eager to find what else she might enjoy. Clarice took a bite as he seated himself and groaned again
"My goodness Hannibal. I knew you were a pretty good cook but damm I never really gave much thought to just how good"
He smiles broadly and winks at her, rising a slight blush to her cheeks.
"Good" he hums as he takes a bite from his own omelette.
They were strolling through a plaza when the first cramp hits her.
Shit she thinks at least I brought some tampons with me but it's early. Fuck.
Clarice has always had painful period cramps and pains. Fortunately, it's been quite light the last few years. She had learned to hide them well and this was only sharpened by her time at the FBI. At the café they stop at for lunch, she excuses herself to go to the bathroom and congratulates herself for her foresight of carrying some tampons with her wherever she goes.
Once back at the table, Hannibal opens a bottle of still water and then offers her two tablets in his open palm. Clarice looks at him blankly as she sits back down.
"Really Clarice. You've been in pain all morning and there really is no need"
The horrified expression on her face might be comical if he did not find it so
endearing.
"You've been hiding it very well my dear, but I am a trained physician and I pride myself on reading people rather well"
She still hasn't taken the pills and glances at them.
"What are they? "
"Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug for pain with a very mild muscle relaxant. It should ease the cramps and pains quite well"
Finally taking the pills from his hand, he quietly celebrates this further sign of her trust. He smiles at her reassuringly before starting to tell her about the history of the small town they are exploring currently and Clarice feels grateful to him for the out.
I wish I could tell Ardelia about this. Fuck, this would definitely have warranted a thorough discussion of they guys' qualities over a bottle of whiskey.
After leaving the café, it was Clarice who threated her arm through Hannibal's and placed a soft kiss to his cheek.
"Thanks. No-one's ever been so thoughtful to me. I'm not really used to it"
Lifting her hand to his lips, he kissed the back of her hand.
"I plan to let you get very used to being taken care of my dear"
They wandered through the small town and Clarice had to admit, the cramps and pains were gone. There were some obvious benefits of being with a MD.
"Oh, would you look at that" Clarice exclaimed grabbing his hand, as they rounded a corner and saw a street performance of some play being acted out on the steps of the cathedral with a life band of accompanying the actors. Hannibal had heard the characteristic sounds long before and had been steering them in this direction for a while.
"I thought they were playing over loudspeakers or somethings"
Hannibal help her hand firmly but gently and was thrilled no end that she had almost unconsciously taken his hand in hers. She stood enthralled watching the small performance and he stood silently watching her. The late afternoon sun picked-up little specks of red in her hair and bathed her face in a soft light that was extremely flattering. Hannibal mused that there were very few setting that didn't flatter Clarice Starling in his mind and thought again just how deep he had fallen for this unique woman.
When the performance came to a close, and the actors and musicians bowed to the crowd, he had to let go of her hand so that they could clap. Yet as soon as that was finished, he took her hand and threaded her arm through his. He smiled as she allowed it easily and he started leading her to the small café he was aiming for a light dinner.
It was once they turned a corner that loud sirens could be heard at their back. Clarice reacted instantly, grabbing his arm and all but shoving him into a small alcove of the street. Her hands were fisted in the material of his jacket and she pushed him deeper into the alcove
"They won't know the full extent of our involvement. I can buy you enough time to get out of the city. Do you have cash on you?" Clarice asked in a breathless whisper and her eyes kept scanning the street over her shoulder. Her body was full of tension and her professional demeanour showed Hannibal just why she had made such a good agent.
"It's not for us my dear" Hannibal answered just as quietly, standing very still.
"What are you talking about?" she snapped and tried the door at his back in the hope of finding a quick way off the street.
Hannibal smoothed his hand down her back hoping to calm, cupping his hand over her fisted one in his jacket "It's not for us"
The sound of the sirens was moving off and it was that more than his words that really got through to Clarice. She looked up at his face and Hannibal could sense the stress coming off her in waves. She blinked a few times and gave a small shake of her head
"It's not for us" he said again as he gently but inextricably drew her body closer to his.
She gave a small shudder and pulled back a bit, but Hannibal applied a bit more pressure to her back
"The old housewives across the road must think you pulled me in here for a brief romantic interlude, let's not disabuse them of the fact hmmm?"
Only then did she allow him to pull her to him fully and hid her face in his neck in abject mortification. Her face was burning with embarrassment and Hannibal could feel her skin almost scorching his. He felt that she was bracing herself for his reaction.
"I'm honoured that you find me worthy of defence. There is no need for embarrassment. Are you waiting for a mocking remark? There will not be one"
He kept stroking her back soothingly and when he felt her loose some of the stiffness in her limbs, gently lifted her face so he could place a sweet gentle kiss on her lips. The kiss wasn't probing and he moved from her lips to her cheek to raining soft kisses on her closed eyelids. They stood like that more a few more minutes as the adrenaline was slowly cleared from Clarice's body. Hannibal kept peppering her face with soft slow kisses, every now and again seeking her lips. He knew that her instinctual defence of them showed a deeper subconscious connection between them than her conscious mind was aware of and he rejoiced in his heart. Eventually her hands unclenched from his jacket and instead of pulling away, she put her arms around him and rested them on his back. She allowed herself to be calmed by his presence and soft kisses.
It was only when Hannibal was sure the last of her anxiety had bled out of her system that he took her face in both his hands, and kissed her more thoroughly before finally breaking their embrace. Moving from their little alcove he again threaded her arm through his and continued to lead her to the little restaurant he had been taking her to