Clarice knew that there was something off about Agent Brown, and she would have to be sure to check in on Ardelia a little more often. Not that she thought Ardelia was in much trouble but she couldn't be too careful at a time like this. The case files were long, and the day drug by and by. Her mind kept drifting off subject. I wonder how hard it would be to pull Agent Brown's personal files? Maybe I could give something in there a try. Clarice had gathered all she could on the Nathan Brown and left for home. She would review the files with Hannibal and the two of them together would definitely pick something up quicker. Ardelia decided to review the evidence in the Fieldman case. Clarice was stressed enough as it was. A co-worker she wasn't sure she could trust, a friend whose safety she was concerned about, keeping Hannibal safe and preparing for his departure, and Henry Fieldman's unexplainable death. Great it seems at every turn there is more and more danger. I wonder if I am allready in danger without knowing it. And if I am in trouble I am putting Hannibal in trouble...what to do now? She pulled up to her house and grabbed her crate of files and approached the door. She knocked four times, it had become a sort of code since most people will only knock once or at the most three times. She fiddled with her keys and opened the front door to find all the lights were turned off. The house seemed dead which was strange to her now, because usually Hannibal was running about making the place lively. She walked into the living room and found one lone candle lit on the coffee table. Is this your idea of a game? Allright I don't see the harm in playing a while. She approached the candle and found a note beside it that read only one word:

Kitchen

Clarice raised an eyebrow and walked into the kitchen. There was one more candle on the counter. This time there was a small box with a white ribbon tied around it. She smiled and approached the box. She pulled the little bow on top and it dropped down. She noticed something written on the bow that said "My Safety". She was puzzled as to what that could mean, but when Starling finally opened the box everything made more since. It was Hannibal's harpy. It was cleaned and well kept. She could feel someone standing nearby behind her. She turned around to face Hannibal Lecter.

"What exactly are you trying to say?"

"Clarice, I saw it fit to show you how much I trust you. How much I care for you. This is my only weapon that I carry with me at all times. I want you to have it."

She was a little taken a back. Of course they had their romantic evenings, but this was something else...something more.

"Hannibal, Thank you I just don't-"

"Wait Clarice please, I have just one more thing to give to you."

Hannibal pulled out from his pocket another smaller box this time with a red ribbon tied around it. He approached Clarice and placed it in her hands. She glanced up in his eyes searching for an answer. Of course his face was like stone. When she looked down at the box the only thing written on this ribbon was: "My Heart". Clarice opened the box to find a rather large ring with a beautiful diamond. She looked up at him.

"Clarice, I hope you understand this is my promise to you, to love and protect you, always."

She smiled, put her arms around his neck and began to kiss him. She took his hands and pulled out something from her purse and placed it on the countertop. Her was next to Hannibal's harpy.

"Your not the only one who is willing to give up your safety."

He smiled this time, "Thank you, Clarice."

A/N: Sorry it took so long to get this chapter up. To be honest my mind kind of drew a blank about how to connect these two ideas I had in mind for this story, and this seemed to be the best approach. I know it is short but there is important points in this chapter. So as always please review.

Kanan.