A New beginning Chapter 23: Only Scars Remain, a silence of the lambs/hannibal fanfic

Author's Note: I'm so sorry this last chapter took, literally, years to post. So much has happened in that time. I hope you enjoy it!

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Chapter 22 Only Scars Remain

Date: June 3rd Time: 10AM

Gabrielle let the water from the shower run down her face. Today was the last day she would have with Dr. Lecter. Tonight was the ball, and after that she would be returning to the hotel her classmates were staying at. She wasn't looking forward to the negative attention she would receive. Then, there was the major possibility that the authorities would barge in and ruin everything. She wasn't in a position to really complain though. She could have stayed with her classmates. She could have turned Dr. Lecter in when she figured out who he was. She elected a different path, and she didn't regret it in the slightest. Once she was back in the states, she would only have two weeks until graduation. She was going to a different college than her classmates, which meant she wouldn't have to put up with them for very long. On the other hand, she may never see Dr. Lecter again after today. That was a disheartening thought. She wasn't sure she was ready to lose her mentor just yet.

Meanwhile Dr. Lecter thanked the postman and closed the front door. Gabrielle Had packed what she needed in her suitcases and sent to the hotel via currier. The rest was shipped directly to her home. He noticed how quiet she was at breakfast, but seeings how she seemed near tears he didn't push the subject. He new how she felt about going back, and he could understand why. After closing the front door he promptly went to his room, showered, and dressed for tonight's event. He then came out with four boxes of different sizes and made his way to Gabrielle's room. Not hearing the shower, he knocked. She answered timidly, still in her towel.

"Yes doctor?" She asked a little embarrassed.

"I hate to inconvenience you, but I brought your outfit for tonight." he said, indicating the boxes.

"Please put them on the bed." She said as she clung to her towel; she didn't want to risk flashing him.

"Alright Gabrielle," He said as he opened a box, "Shoes first. Please sit."

"I'm sorry?" She stuttered.

"This dress is in multiple pieces. Normally we would have a maid dress you, but because that isn't possible I will be helping you into it today." He said gently, "Not to worry Gabrielle. You won't be put in any compromising positions."

"Oh, um, okay then." She answered, not quite sure how she felt about him dressing her.

She walked over to him and he knelt down with her shoes ready. They were 3inch, knee high, lace ups. After shoes came.. bloomers?! She couldn't help but giggle when she saw them. Dr. Lecter helped her stepped into them and went to retrieve the next piece while she pulled them up into place. Next a well fitted slip. Once that was in place Gabrielle removed the towel, and the tension in the air dissipated a little bit. The next three pieces took the longest. Skirt, Corset, and then a light coat that was short in the front and long in the back. With the last piece clasped firmly in place it was time for hair and make-up. Gabrielle put on make-up and jewelry while Dr. Lecter put her hair up into beautiful plaits. When everything was said and done, Gabrielle looked herself over in the mirror, amazed by what she saw.

"What is it Gabrielle?" Dr. Lecter asked standing behind her.

"This is amazing." She breathed, "I can't believe it's me standing here. This is all too much doctor."

"You look stunning. The dress fits you better than I hoped." He said twirling her a little. "Are you ready to dance the night away?"

Gabrielle's suddenly red face was more than enough of an answer for him. He escorted her downstairs and to the car. She tried to burn every detail of the house into her memory. She would miss this place. The drive to Paris was a quiet one. Gabrielle couldn't help but imagine the worst possibilities.

"You're going to be fine Gabrielle." Dr. Lecter said, breaking the silence. "Nobody can take what you've learned here, away from you."

"That's not what I'm worried about at the moment." She said flatly, still half in her own little world. "Though I do loath the thought of having to give up the calm that I've found out here. I'm quite ready to be completely done with high school drama."

Dr. Lecter found it amusing that Gabrielle would rather stay with him (a serial killer and cannibal) than go back to people she has known her whole life. He was about to make a snide remark when her wonder caught his attention. She was trying to look at every party decoration all at once. He parked in the first spot he found and went around to her side of the car to help her out.

"Beauty and the beast are here." Ardelia's head set crackled.

"Good," She responded "Get into position and wait for them to get comfortable."

"Understood."

Ardelia paced back and forth in the squad van. She wanted to be out there so bad, but Dr. Lecter knew to look for her. The entire op would come crashing down if she went out there now. She wouldn't deny the she wanted revenge. It's the whole reason she had taken up the case in the first place. In her opinion, Dr. Lecter had messed with Clarice's head, which resulted in her falling in love with him. The outcome of that was Clarice letting several crucial moments pass by, where they could have caught the bastard and put him back behind bars. She wouldn't let that happen again. She would pull this girl from his clutches and rip him apart piece by piece.

Dr. Lecter handed Gabrielle a drink, and chuckled at her confused face, "Just this once. To celebrate out time together."

"If you were anyone else, I would accuse you of trying to get me drunk." Gabrielle stated and took a sip.

"Not drunk. Just relaxed." He said with a smile.

They talked by the bar while they enjoyed their drinks. Once done, Dr. Lecter lead her out onto the dance floor. They danced for at least a couple of hours. Gabrielle didn't notice the time pass. She was far too wrapped in how perfect the moment was. She felt a shift in the doctor's posture and looked up to meet his gaze.

"They're here aren't they?" She asked quietly.

"Yes, my dear." He answered apologetically, "It seems we shall have to cut our fun a little short."

"We need to get you out of here doctor." She urged

"As you wish." He said and danced them off the floor.

They left the party slowly and started down the street. Dr. Lecter was leading them towards and alley he had picked for this very occasion. He was most concerned for Gabrielle's safety. She was an innocent in all this and he wouldn't see her harmed. He heard the agents behind them before she did.

"Here comes the fun." He said sarcastically.

"Doctor." She pleaded.

Just as they reached the alley a female voice rang out, "Freeze Lecter!"

Gabrielle and Dr. Lecter stopped where they were. Within seconds there were hands on Gabrielle's arms, pulling her back.

"No!" She cried out, "Let me go you ignorant sacks of sh..."

"Gabrielle." Lecter interrupted turning around, "Language please."

"Sorry Doctor." She apologized, struggling against the agents holding her.

Ardelia walked forward, gun trained on Lecter. Gabrielle's heart was in pieces. They had just gotten to the mouth of they alley. They should have been home free.

"Hannibal Lecter you are now under police custody. Put your hands behind your head an..." Ardelia started.

"I want this asshole charged with kidnapping!" A man's voice cut her off, and said man emerged from the crowd.

"Gods no!" Gabrielle whispered, "Not him, anyone but him."

Gabrielle gave Dr. Lecter a pleading look. A defeated look, with tears welling up in her eyes. Dr. Lecter nodded, acknowledging what she was trying to convey. She was panicking. She had to get her father's attention before he managed to get his hands on a weapon.

"What the hell are you doing here?!" She yelled at her father. "You're not supposed to be anywhere near me without my permission!"

With the new distraction, Dr. Lecter started walking towards Ardelia. Gabrielle was confused for a moment. He should be running away not coming closer. Then it hit her. He would never be put back in a cage. He would die first. Ardelia noticed, lined up her shot, and took it. Gabrielle freed herself from those that held her and ran for the doctor. She made it just in time, feeling the bullet enter her right shoulder.

For Adelia, the situation had just gone to hell and she hissed, "Damnit, why?"

"Gabrielle, what have you done?" Lecter asked worriedly. "Why?"

"You're not a monster Hannibal. I won't have you put back in a cage." She gasped in pain. "Now go. Get out of here while I still have the strength to stand."

"Gabrielle..." Lecter started.

"Go!" She cried, pushing him towards the alley.

He ran. For her, he ran. Her blood was on his hand, literally. The scent filled his nose, and he saved it within his mind to later be put in it's proper place. Once he was hidden in shadow Gabrielle let herself collapse on the ground. Fire was spreading through her back like wild fire. Something, no, someone was holding her. Keeping her from falling backward.

"You stupid girl." Ardelia hissed, applying pressure to the wound, "What were you thinking?!"

"Not... a monster." Gabrielle muttered before passing out.

The next few days were a blur. She was in and out of sleep constantly. When asleep, there were nightmares. When awake, she was being questioned by all manner of law enforcement. Her mom arrived shortly after she came out of surgery, which was a blessing. She kept the cops in line, and kept her father away. The part that she was most grateful for was that her mother didn't question or judge her. At least, not out loud, but the questions were there. She saw them in her mother's eyes, but never any anger or disappointment. They were allowed to go home four days later when the doctor cleared her for flying.

Going back to school wasn't easy. As she expected news of the incident traveled fast. Gabrielle suspected Becky was fueling the gossip that she heard. She went through the last bit of high school on autopilot. She didn't bother trying to talk to people, and ignored those who questioned or ridiculed her. Then there was graduation. The principal didn't even make eye contact with her when he handed her diploma to her. She was so ready to be done with this craziness. Shortly after graduation all her stuff from the trip arrived and Gabrielle took the boxes into her room before anyone could try to take them from her. She found an envelope in the box and smelt the all too familiar scent of Dr. Lecter's cologne. She opened the letter carefully so as not to rip it.

Gabrielle,
I'm hoping our parting went smoothly, though I suspect that it didn't. Have your classmates been as horrid as you thought they would be? Has Carla or Becky tried to fight you yet? Or are they too afraid of you now because you spent your trip with a cannibal? Is your father still hounding you in his drunken stupor? Your mother is pretty protective of you, so I suspect he hasn't been too much of a problem. You know, I could make sure that he could never hurt you again. All you have to do is ask. But you won't, will you? In your mind your brother still needs his "daddy" in his life. Have you been meditating? I can see you sitting in the center of your room, windows open, relaxed, deep within your mind as so many times before. How about practicing the material I taught you? I do wish I could hear your answers.

Ta,

P.S. If you should ever need to get a hold of me leave an add in the Times with the heading "Sparring Partner Wanted". I'll answer through the email you gave me.

Gabrielle memorized the last part. After folding the paper, licking the fold to soften it, tore off the bottom part. She set in the ashtray she used for her cone incense and the promptly burnt it. Then lit a cone to mask the burnt smell. She opened the present he sent her. It was a rather large stuffed animal lion. She smelt his cologne on it and held it tightly, praying that he was safe.

The End

Again, I hope you enjoyed this. please R&R or even PM me!