Welcome back to No More a Savage Life: Chapter Two

Authors note: Allow me a moment to offer my many thanks to all of my new friends who continue to read and review with such thoughtfulness and dedication. It is both encouraging and humbling. You are all truly appreciated!

A FRIEND IN NEED

Clarice and Hannibal were working in the kitchen, Clarice loaded the dishwasher and Hannibal busied himself cleaning the countertop. Clarice looked over at her exceedingly domesticated spouse and wondered how someone who was capable of such extreme acts of violence could also be capable of living such a normal life. He was a husband like any other…no, a husband more than any other. He was attentive and thoughtful, always putting her needs over his own.

She closed the dishwasher and looked over at him.

I wonder how long it will take him to realize that I'm watching him.

Hannibal continued cleaning laughing quietly as he spoke, "Clarice?"

"Yes, H?"

"Enjoying the view are you?"

"How the hell do you do that H?"

"Your scent changes when you face me. It is more…distinct."

"That really freaks me out H. It's crazy!"

"Some have made the argument that I am as well."

"Yeah well, some don't know you the way I do."

Clarice crossed the kitchen, wrapped her arms around her husband's body and tucked her hands in his front pockets. She held his hips and pulled her body against his. Leaning her cheek on his back she spoke quietly, "I miss your body, it's been a while for us H…are you feeling alright? Are you having pain?"

Hannibal paused. It had been several days since they had been intimate and he expected the subject to come up eventually. He was direct, "Not as such. I am not experiencing pain. I am experiencing…stress."

Clarice was careful to hold him gently and made certain that her touch not be perceived as intrusive. She placed tender kisses on his back and shoulders. Her voice was gentle, "Anything I can help you with?"

Hannibal's body began to respond to her touch. Not wanting to send mixed signals he slipped her hands out of his pockets, turned toward her and wrapped her arms around his neck. "I am attempting to deal with it on my own. I may wish to speak with you about it though I am making a concerted effort to avoid that if possible."

"Avoid what?"

"Avoid divulging to you that which may prove…sensitive. You are my wife not my therapist. I don't wish to burden you with my emotional angst. I believe time and distance from the events will provide the necessary perspective."

"You don't have a therapist and your emotions are not a burden H."

"Clarice once something is heard it cannot be unheard and believe me when I say that the details of my captivity were most unpleasant. I would spare you that."

The phone rang. It was the ring tone Clarice programmed specifically for Ardelia.

Hannibal was relieved. Saved by the bell.

"Speak with your friend, Clarice. I'll be at the piano if you have need of me."

Hannibal reached back and handed Clarice the phone so that she would not be tempted to avoid the call and continue their conversation. Hannibal slipped quickly out of the room. She held the receiver, covered it and called after Hannibal, "You're not getting off that easy H!"

"Give my best to Ardelia, Clarice," Hannibal teased as he moved quickly down the hallway and out of sight.

Clarice put the phone to her ear irritated that Hannibal had eluded the conversation, "What Ardelia?" she barked obviously irritated.

"Wow girl, why don't you just bite my head off?"

"Sorry Dee. I'm just a little upset with H right now. He's shutting me out and it's frustrating."

Ardelia had little sympathy for Clarice and made it obvious in her sarcastic tone, "Oh wow, poor Clarice. Her husband voluntarily surrenders himself to a couple of sadistic freaks and is tortured for days just to save her and when he won't give her all the details she gets all butt-hurt. Boo-hoo!"

"Okay, I get it…it's not about me it's about Hannibal. I'm just really worried about him. He hasn't been himself," Clarice paced the kitchen nervously, "He's been having nightmares and they must be bad because he sits bolt upright in bed and he hyperventilates. It's really heartbreaking to watch. I want to help him but he said he wants to deal with it on his own."

Ardelia was reassuring, "Hey you've got to respect his process, you know."

Clarice sat at the kitchen table and huddled over the phone. It was as if her body formed a protective cocoon in which to purge her from her worries. She didn't respond, she pressed the receiver to her head as if Ardelia would be able to assess her mood telepathically. In fact, she almost could.

Ardelia sensed there were things going unsaid. She questioned, "Is that it? Just nightmares or is something else going on you aren't telling me because the silence is screaming at me louder than your explanation."

"We haven't made love since my birthday," Clarice whispered, hunched over the phone as if worried about being overheard even though she could clearly hear Hannibal playing the piano.

Ardelia shrugged it off, "That was only a week ago. He isn't a young man you know. What's usual for you two and spare me the details I'm only talking frequency. I'm not looking for any visuals or I'll never be able to look him in the eyes again."

"That's the point. It's usually every night. Every other night at the most but an entire week is goddamned unheard of. Even after he was shot he wouldn't wait that long and he won't really talk to me about it."

"Well if he can't perform it might be a sensitive topic. That really freaks guys out."

"He can perform…he just can't seem to…finish."

"Well that's a lot easier to treat I would think. If he won't talk to you will he talk to someone else?"

"Like who?" Clarice hadn't considered that Hannibal might share his experiences with someone other than herself.

Ardelia thought she had an idea of what might work and was excited at the prospect, "What about Barney and Logan? They were both Marines and I know Logan's been through some real shit. He definitely had a bout with PTSD. He might be a good resource. It's not like therapy but maybe Hannibal just needs to get it off his chest. The men can tell war stories or something. At least he can relate to that."

"I'll try anything. You can't really let on to Logan what it's about. Hannibal is too sophisticated. He'll pick up on it right away if he thinks the guys have an agenda."

"What should I tell them?" Ardelia wanted to be clear. This was too important to screw up by miscommunicating details.

"Just tell them we're going to have dinner and hang out. Then you and I will make some lame excuse about the baby or going to buy some female crap and to leave the men alone and see what happens."

Ardelia laughed at the prospect of Hannibal the Cannibal hanging out with a couple of buddies for a night of male bonding. Her amusement was obvious in her tone, "If I know Logan at all he'll be asking a million questions. A little male bonding may be exactly what Hannibal needs."

"I'm desperate Dee I swear I'll try anything."

"Okay Clarice what time do you want us over?"

Relieved they had a plan, there was a sense of anticipation in Clarice's voice, "Let's say seven. It'll give H time to get what he needs to make dinner."

"Are you calling Barney or am I?"

"I'll call him. H is playing the piano so I'll have a clear warning if he's coming. Thanks Dee. I feel a lot better."

"No problem Clarice. We'll see you later on tonight."

Clarice immediately called Barney and invited him to dinner. Barney was perceptive and immediately understood the situation. Clarice was not specific but she didn't have to be. As always Barney was on board.

Hannibal didn't expect Clarice to ask his permission when inviting friends over so when she told him they would be having company he was not suspicious. Since it was Logan and Barney coming over Hannibal simply grabbed his car keys and headed to the market to pick up some steak.

When Hannibal returned he immediately began cooking. Clarice spent her time as far away from Hannibal as possible. She decided to clean the bathrooms and stay as far away from the kitchen as she could without raising his suspicions.

Seven o'clock came quickly and Barney was the first to arrive carrying a very respectable 2000 Napa Valley Hillside Select Cabernet Sauvignon. It was a moderately priced wine and Hannibal seemed to instantly approve.

"Lovely choice Barney, you are improving your wine selections. I am quite impressed."

Barney had been sweating his wine choice and Hannibal's appreciation caused a great sigh of relief from the larger man, "Glad you approve. Of course my palate is not as sophisticated as yours my friend but I do enjoy this wine. I hoped you might enjoy it as well."

Clarice directed Barney to the living room where Hannibal had planned to serve drinks before the dinner. Hannibal waited at the front door. Ardelia and Logan had just pulled up so Hannibal walked outside and opened the car door for Ardelia and extending a hand, helped her out of the vehicle.

Ardelia was very verbal in her appreciation signaling to Hannibal that Logan's manners were lacking.

"See that is how a gentleman treats a lady, Logan. You need to take a few lessons from Hannibal. Your parents were lacking in your home training," she turned to Hannibal as she stepped to the curb, "You are a true gentleman, Hannibal. Your parents raised you well. Logan on the other hand was raised by wolves."

Hannibal bowed slightly, "I cannot speak to Logan's parentage though I am certain Canis Lupus had no involvement. Allow me to thank you on behalf of my parents. Manners were highly regarded in my household. It would please them to know their attention to my upbringing was appreciated."

He guided Ardelia up the steps and opened the front door allowing her entrance, "After you, lovely lady."

She smiled and curtsied slightly, "Thank you kind sir."

Logan rolled his eyes, "I'm never gonna hear the end of this."

He followed Ardelia as with a broad sweep of his arm Hannibal waved him past. Logan whispered to Hannibal, "Dude, you've gotta teach me that swagger. The ladies all go crazy for you!"

"You only need one lady to go crazy for you Logan," Hannibal answered, "And it looks as if all you need to do is open the occasional door. I don't believe learning that particular skill set is beyond your capacity."

Logan paused a moment waiting for Ardelia to find Clarice. He stood beside Hannibal in the foyer until Ardelia was out of earshot, "A little advice would be great. Ardelia's always saying I need to be more like you. I guess Clarice must be filling her head so by comparison you're making me look bad my friend."

"It is not my intention Logan."

"Maybe we can talk after dinner," he handed Hannibal a box of cigars, "Hand rolled from a Cuban guy I helped get out. I met him while I was at Guantanamo. He does great work. We can have a couple and let the girls go somewhere and bond. They wouldn't be interested in the same types of things we would be."

"Perhaps," Hannibal mused, "Clarice might prefer that. We shall see."

Dinner went quite well and Clarice was thrilled at how relaxed Hannibal seemed to be. The food was delicious as always and the conversation lively. Hannibal was in his element hosting the evening. After coffee and dessert, it wasn't long before Clarice suggested the men retire to the living room.

"Dee and I will clear the dishes and load the dishwasher. You men go off and talk about whatever men talk about."

Hannibal gestured to the box of cigars on the sideboard, "Clarice, Logan was kind enough to bring cigars."

"You can smoke them if you keep the door closed. I don't want that wafting all over the house."

The men retired to the living room. Clarice and Ardelia remained in the kitchen. Clarice smiled at Ardelia, "The cigars? Your idea?"

"Of course…it was the only thing I could think of that would insure they would close the door. Hannibal's not going to say a word if he thinks you might overhear him."

"You are brilliant Dee…truly inspired."

"Devious…I know," she laughed.

HANNIBAL UNBOUND

Barney and Logan sat on the plush sofa in front of the fireplace. Hannibal stood quietly next to the Christmas tree.

Barney watched Hannibal carefully. After so many years being his keeper he had developed as close a relationship with him as anyone aside from Clarice ever had. He believed he could almost read his mood, understanding that this was only possible when Hannibal allowed the intrusion. Tonight, Barney sensed a distance from his friend, though he was slightly distracted by the reflection of the fireplace in Hannibal's eyes. The flames made the irises glow brightly like fading embers burning back to life as precious air bellows across them.

"It is quite a lovely tree," Barney commented, "So glad that you were able to come home in time for Christmas. You've been through quite a bit my friend. If you were a cat I'd say you'd gone through most of those nine lives by now."

Hannibal smiled as he clipped the end of his cigar and lit it with a match, "Yes I would have to agree with you."

Logan's curiosity was bubbling over, "What did happen to you? Why did they grab you anyway? Was it some kind of revenge or what?"

"No, Emilia and I had a previous relationship. She believed she might be able to convince me that resuming the relationship was in my best interest. She enjoyed pain and believed it might prove to be a successful motivator. The only thing it motivated me to do was kill her."

Logan was at the edge of his seat, "That was Emilia Dolente right?"

Hannibal nodded and smiled like the cat that ate the proverbial mouse, "Yes, that was her name."

Logan nudged Barney. "That's the chick that's been all over the internet talking about our good friend here. She couldn't get enough of him. She was a real freak show, huh Hannibal?"

"Not anymore she isn't," Hannibal mused, "and yes she was quite…adventurous."

Logan faced Barney and became very animated as he explained what he knew of the relationship.

Hannibal watched Logan quite intently. He was amused by the younger man's interest.

"This chick was really into pain. Like she totally got off on it so when Hannibal got bored with her and moved on she went crazy. She was all over this website talking about how badly she wanted to get back with Hannibal here." Logan turned to Hannibal as if approaching a god with a question, "How the hell at your age are you still driving all of these women crazy? You are the absolute pimp of the century!"

Hannibal turned toward the fireplace. Barney took note of his immediate withdrawal from the conversation.

"Logan perhaps Hannibal doesn't wish to discuss the particulars of his treatment at the hands of Miss Dolente."

"Why not? We've all been through a shit storm or two? Hey Hannibal check this out!"

Logan lifted his shirt and turned to reveal several long broad scars across his back.

"I got captured in Iraq and held for a while. It was really crazy. They had me for about ten days. These are from the beatings. They wanted information. I didn't want to give it to them."

Barney stood and pulled out his shirt tail. Opening his shirt he revealed a large circular scar on his chest just below his collarbone.

"I got this in Camp LeJeune. Training accident...dumb ass recruit had a jammed weapon and turned the wrong way on the range to clear it. Fired a round right into my chest."

Hannibal stood very still for a long moment. It wasn't as if he had any reservations about removing his shirt. Barney had seen him fully unclothed more times than either man could count.

"C'mon Hannibal, your turn!" Logan encouraged, "I showed you mine…you gotta to show me yours!"

Hannibal unbuttoned his shirt and opened it. Even Barney winced a bit.

"These are the bullet wounds from Will Graham, this bullet came from Stuart Miggs, This cluster is the scar from the bundle of arrows and the lovely fresh scars are courtesy of Nico."

Barney stood and gestured that he would like to take a closer look, "Would you mind, Hannibal?"

Hannibal understood Barney's curiosity was different than Logan's, "Not at all Barney."

Barney examined Hannibal's sides closely. He used his voice almost as a sedative, seeking to relax, "So the scars on your side…half are burns and the other half are cuts? The skin?"

Hannibal gestured to a drawer in an end table, "It's over there."

Logan slid the drawer open and pulled out Nico's braid with the strips of Hannibal's preserved skin looking much like chamois twisted within the hair.

"Dude, is this strips of your skin?"

"Yes."

"Dude could you get any more hard core than you are? Seriously. You cut the braid off the guy and took it home with you? That's some beastly shit!"

"I told Nico I would have it back. I meant it."

Barney continued his examination, running his hands over Hannibal's skin as much to comfort as to examine.

"What about the burns? The patterns are very distinctive. It looks like a brand of sorts. What did he use to achieve the markings?"

"He heated the blade of my Harpy with a propane torch and used both the hooked tip and the flat of it to vary the pattern and the level of pain," Hannibal stated the procedure as if reading it from a book. He showed no emotion as he responded. It seemed as though he were relaying a story second hand as if it had all happened to someone else.

"Hannibal you are one tough mother fucker!" Logan beamed, "That would've broken me. Did they offer to stop it at all?"

"Yes, they would have stopped immediately had I agreed to be with Emilia."

"Be with her?" Barney questioned, "In the biblical sense?"

"Yes. Had I agreed to continue my previous physical relationship with Emilia, Nico's ministrations would have ceased. I did not trust that he would not turn his attentions to Clarice at that point, therefore keeping him interested in me as a subject seemed the best way to control that."

"Wow…Dude that's love! I mean…I care about Ardelia but to stop that pain I would've wrapped that bitch Emilia's head in a flag and fucked her for my country if you know what I mean."

Hannibal chuckled at the reference. "That's a very colorful expression Logan but all joking aside, I would never have agreed to service Emilia. I could not do that to Clarice. She would be crushed by the betrayal."

Barney shook his head, "She wouldn't have to know. You didn't have to tell her."

"She wouldn't have to know. I would know."

Barney waited for Hannibal to button his shirt and tuck it back into his trousers. He then extended a hand in support and friendship. Hannibal grasped his hand and covered the grip with his left hand. Barney then did the same so that all four of their hands were involved. They held the grip very still.

Hannibal nodded. There was much between these men. Barney saw something in Hannibal's eyes. Just a brief flash of it before it escaped. He had seen it before. There was just a glimmer of vulnerability behind his eyes.

He's so strong…they almost broke him. Almost.

Barney released his free hand and reached around Hannibal's shoulder pulling him into a quasi-embrace.

"I don't know how you got through that Hannibal but we want you to know that we are your friends and would be honored to have your trust. If you talked about it…you might be able to heal from it faster."

"I don't know where to start…"

Logan became very solemn, "Start at the beginning Hannibal…"

Hannibal took a very deep breath and let it escape from him slowly. He then drew in a second breath ever longer than the first and exhaled in relief with the words, "It began in Lithuania…"

Hope you enjoyed the chapter! You know the routine! Review so I know what you think then drop me a pm and say hi! Until the next chapter my friends!

Regards!

LH