I'm excited about this chapter c: So, in this chapter, Celest is known to use some language that may be offensive to the female gender. (is; cunt). I use this word, not because I would use this word against anyone, but because Celest would. SO don't freak out, call me a bigot or this or that. It's just Celest, it's her who does this.
Lecter was super casual tonight. I can't tell if he was wearing black slacks or those jeans that look good on basically every man ever. Nah… like he'd ever wear jeans. His white button up is tucked into his pants and it ruffles lightly as he looks to me. The contours of his face seem to flirt with the street lamp light… shit, it's like art.
"I'm glad you choose to ride with me. I saw a few shady characters on my way here." He smiles, backing up into my driveway, then out onto the road.
"Yeah, they come around," I shrug ", I can handle them."
"And you forgot a jacket." He scolds, giving me a sideways glance.
"So did you." I taunt, pointing at his bare forearms.
"Well," he chuckles ", mine is in the back seat. I got too hot with the heat on. If you get coled, you may use it.
The ride is relaxed and loose, not like the last time we were in a car alone together. I feel like I'm able to breathe and able to look at him without feeling freaked out. The bar isn't far and I find myself jumping out of his car sooner than expected. We walk into the bar, being waved down by Alana and Will. I give them a goofy grin, quickly half skipping over to eye up what they're drinking.
"Punctual, as always, Hannibal." Alana smiles, lifting her half empty glass of beer to her lips. I look to Hannibal, whose face is smeared with a half joking smugness.
"I can't believe you're not late. You're always late." Will looks to me with a gentle grin. I stick my tongue out, taking a seat as Hannibal touches my shoulder.
"Should I get you a drink while I'm at the bar?"
"Sure," I think for a moment ", grab me a Shirley Temple please." He gives me a nod, heading off.
"How was breakfast?" Alana leans over, a smile plastered to her face. Oh no… is she involved with Will's little scheme too? I swear to sweet god if…
"They drank pink wine out of tea cups while she lounged around in sweatpants that were low on her hips and a shirt to high on her stomach." Will smirks, laughing at Alana's wide open mouth.
"How'd you know about the-" I get cut off.
"Hannibal told me," Will interrupts me with an arrogant grin ", but don't worry, he said you looked enchanting anyways."
"Tea cups? That's almost adorable as Winston begging for treats." She coos, smacking my arm lightly. Is she already fucking drunk or something? How many beers have I missed? How early did they get there?
"It was fine, it was just fine," I lift my hands in protest, seeing Will eye me. His words ring through my mind once more ", it was better than fine. He was a gentleman and I found it slightly alluring." I give into Will which leaves a smile on my face. Alana gave a single clap, patting me on the shoulder.
"I'm so glad you like him. I would've never let Will set you two up if I didn't think you two would fit."
"A Shirley Temple for the lady." I hear Hannibal's voice pass into my ear, a bright drink set in front of me. I thank him, taking a few large sips. Thank fuck, now that he's back, we don't need to talk about this morning.
Before I can register the time, we're an hour or so into conversation and my drink is only half empty. We've been laughing and joking about all kinds of different things; Jack Crawford tripping up the stairs, one of my worse behaved dance student's latest antics, and so on. Alana and Will are eyeing each other up and I can't help but feel triumphant. I got to help make this happen; the girl Will has loved forever and him. It's been a great night so far, until a tall woman approaches the table.
"Aren't you a little unstable to be dating, Agent Will Graham?" The red head speaks, her voice low and vicious. The fuck is this bitch? She looks like a god damn mouse with those buck teeth… and can those jeans get any skinnier?
"That's not your field of expertise, Fred." Alana sneers. Hell, she is drunk. She never gets bitchy, she's always classy and kind.
"Freddie," oh ho ho, she didn't like that little nick name ", and Doctor Lecter? You're letting a mentally unstable man get drunk in public?" Oh hell no, good thing I'm not as well-mannered as Alana while sober.
"Listen, you cunt," I stand, walking over to her as anger floods my veins ", you're ruining my good time and I don't fuckin' like it. You have five seconds to leave the bar and not come back before I drop your ass." She laughs, her nose crinkling; yep, definitely a fucking mouse. I bet she's never had someone like me live up to a threat. Come on, lemmie wipe that smile off your face.
"Are you Doctor Lecter's date? A man at least two decades your senior-"
"Bitch, I'd smash your face in for six bucks and a Doctor Pepper. You've worn out your welcome of five fucking seconds. I don't care if this shit gets me kicked out of this bar for life. Seeing your blood on my knuckles is a pleasure that will keep me wasted for years." Mouseface backs up, biting her inner cheek. Oh that's right, get fucking scared. I suddenly feel a large hand on my shoulder, keeping me placed.
"Miss Lounds," like shit, why'd Lecter gotta step in? ", I've never been for physical assault or rudeness. However, I'd be willing to let my date go ahead if you do not follow her instructions and leave this instant." His voice fades out and I look around the bar… everyone is staring. Fuck, I gotta get out of here.
I rip away from him and spit at Mouseface. I stomp beyond her and out the door, kicking a garbage can over before continuing my walk. I hear footsteps behind me, but I have no more fucks to give. I keep stomping on around the bar's side. The ally in enclosed and only enough to stretch my arms out and it makes me uncomfortable as shit. But I'm so angry that I just keep walking, ignoring the quickening paces behind me. I swear, if it's Mouseface, I'm gonna….
"Celest, stop walking away, it's very rude and you're not in your good mind." Hannibal's voice calls, so soft and cultured, that I find myself stuck in my tracks. As I turn, I suddenly realize how cold I am. Why do I keep forgetting the fucking jacket? I face Hannibal, his jacket in his hands and his eyes fixated on me.
"That was… impressive." He smirks, leaning forward and wrapping his jacket around me.
"Yeah, well she was too god damn annoying. Shit, I gotta go apologize to Alana and Will for ruining their date." I groan, looking to the pavement in shame.
"They're laughing about it," Hannibal places his hands upon my shoulders, now smiling ", they don't like her either. In fact, Will mentioned how hilarious it would be for you two to meet during a session." His hand rises to my face, gentle fingers pushing a stray piece from my face, tucking it behind my ear.
"Good… I just didn't want to ruin it for them. And, uh, sorry for being an asshole. She was just a monstrosity." As I come down from my anger induced high, I feel tears start to brim. I see his eyes narrow, hands trailing from my shoulders to my face, wiping a stray tear away with his thumb.
"Typically, that would be rude. However, I hold an exception for you. It was simply nice to see someone stand up for Will in such a brazen way for once." His smile warms me and his thumbs are there to wipe away any tears. Yet as we l laugh, a cold breeze stops the fun. My exposed flesh raises goose bumps, making me shiver closer to Hannibal. He embraces me, clearly feeling me coming down from the verbal lashing I gave. We stand like this for a while, arms tight around each other before I pull away.
"We should go inside." I suggest.
"That sounds like a good idea." Hannibal nods.
But we continue to stand there, looking to the ground and then to each other.
"Fuck it." I breathe, stepping forward and rising myself on my toes. I put my lips to his for the briefest moments, instantly regretting everything. I feel his hands on my back, pushing my closer to him, the brief moment suddenly extended. His lips are practiced against my own, arms caressing me instead of holding me. Hannibal's being gentle on purpose, he knows I'm hesitant.
I pull back, eyeing him warily. Was that rude too? Must not have been, his arms are still around me, a hand on the small of my back and the other high by my neck.
"Fuck it, Celest? As in," he started, his breathe dissipated ", you're taking a moment's chance or you've decided to after a moment of thought?" His cheeks are flushed and I can't tell if it's the cold or me. Is this how this man behaves. I can't help thinking that the body language is staged; it seems too planned to me. Then again, this seems like a man who doesn't have many romantic encounters.
"Take a guess." I gulp. The confidence I usually own with all my other seductive succession is gone… is this me? Is me shy and timid? Is me a girl who wants to smile and bite my lip, not to seduce, but because she can't help herself? Twenty seven is too young for a life crisis.
Suddenly, his warmth is gone except for the hand on the small of my back.
"Let's go inside."
Ehhh hope that was okay.
xoxoPN