Welcome back my very faithful fan fic friends! FAIR WARNING- LEMON AT THE END OF THE CHAPTER-Lol! Enjoy the chapter, review and pm to say hi!

The Women

Clarice and Ardelia sat in the kitchen wondering what the men were talking about. Actually Ardelia was wondering. Clarice was worrying.

"It's really quiet in there when you consider Logan's in that room," Clarice stressed.

Ardelia waved off the concern, "He knows when to sit down, shut up and listen and believe me if Hannibal is talking Logan is listening. Your husband is like a god to him."

Clarice sipped her coffee, "If we can't figure this out I may call Bloom in Chicago."

"Clarice don't do that…Just don't. Hannibal would be mortified. You can't do that to him. It isn't as if he's violent or anything. The only person he's hurting is himself and don't say it's hurting you too because I don't want to hear it."

"Well it is."

"Lack of getting laid is not a terminal condition."

"Easy for you to say, you've got Logan."

"Trust me from what you've told me Hannibal's a lot more prolific than Logan. We've got a good thing going but neither one of us is in the mood for anything but our pillows after a long day at Quantico. If I bump into him once or twice a week we both feel lucky."

"Once or twice a week…I'd kill myself."

"Really? There are days it isn't even worth getting undressed. Sometimes I'm pissed I shaved for it to be honest. I mean Logan is absolutely gorgeous but he's not that attentive and once he's done…he's done."

"My god I must be really spoiled, I mean Hannibal would never."

"Hannibal would never what?"

"Finish first. He would consider that…rude."

"Even the last time…you mean you…every time, every single time?"

"He makes sure I'm taken care of every single time."

"So what the hell are you complaining about?"

"He hasn't."

"He hasn't what?"

"He hasn't had…you know!"

"What the hell are you talking about Clarice?"

"Jesus, Ardelia sometimes you are so dense! He can get it up and he can keep it up but since he came home last week he hasn't had an orgasm okay? I have…he hasn't. Clear enough for you or what?"

"Oh my god that was entirely too much information!" Ardelia jammed her index fingers into her ears. "Lalalalalalala I can't hear you, Lalalalalalalala!"

"Don't be such a baby! You act like I just showed you a sex tape or something!"

"If you did…I think I'd kill myself."

THE MEN

Hannibal had given the men a very abridged version of his childhood, his incarceration and the events that surrounded it along with some details of his recent captivity. Logan sat leaning over resting his forearms on his knees, jaw slackened in shock, "I was fucking impressed with you before but oh my god…oh my god! You are the strongest dude that has ever walked the face of the earth."

Barney nodded, "Your story is unreal my friend. Does Clarice know any of this?"

"Yes, she knows everything with the exception of the most recent situation. I cannot reveal the details of that captivity to her. She would feel exceedingly guilty and I will not have her accepting blame or feeling complicit on any level."

Barney agreed, "If she found out you could have ended it and didn't because of her, she would blame herself so I get why you're not talking to her about it. So the nightmares of your childhood are bleeding through?"

"Yes. I am experiencing some post-traumatic stress which seems to be linking to the childhood trauma. I find that I am able to control the effects during the day though nights are proving to be a bit of a struggle."

Logan was nodding his head in agreement, "Seriously I get that. When I came back from overseas it was weeks before the nightmares stopped. I'd wake up in the middle of the night and think I was back with them, waiting for the beatings to start. I'd be in a cold sweat and my heart would be pounding out of my chest. It was bad for a while. I went through a debriefing process that included therapy but I guess with your training therapy would almost be an insult to your intelligence."

"It is a unique situation. I understand what is happening to me and I am aware of what measures I can take to alter my body's responses. The nightmares are disruptive more to Clarice than I as I've had periodic bouts with them in the past and am able to calm myself fairly quickly. She worries about me and seeing my discomfort causes her pain."

Hannibal walked over and sat in a large wing chair next to the fireplace.

Barney watched Hannibal's body language. Hannibal crossed his legs though in a very relaxed manner and allowed one arm to hang loosely at his side on the outside of the chair. He leaned his elbow on the arm of the chair and supported his chin with his thumb and forefinger. He looked pensive, not anxious.

Barney wished to remain physically close to add a level of comfort and support. He sat on the sofa directly across from him and spoke very quietly, "I imagine because you have such strict control over your responses during the day that your mind is using your dreams as a relief valve. Letting off the anxiety you won't allow yourself to vent consciously."

"That would be my assumption as well. Clarice would like me to discuss it with her but I am not certain that would be prudent."

Logan had a quizzical look on his face, "Why don't you talk to her about the nightmares and not the captivity. At least then she would feel like she's helping you."

Barney was in full agreement with Logan on that point, "Hannibal, Clarice is very empathetic to your needs. Just her being with you proves that. She loves you. If you shut her out of the healing process she's going to be even more upset."

Hannibal shook his head, "No…it would be too much."

Barney continued, "Hannibal, filter what you tell her but talk to her. It may not be what you need but it's what she needs. You could find that in helping her you may get some indirect therapeutic benefits as well."

"That may be," Hannibal considered, "She's been…disappointed in me of late. It may help."

"If you are still struggling with this next week you might want to drop in at Quantico. Bloom is supposed to lecture soon. You could bounce an idea or two off him. I talked to the guy a few times before I was cleared for this assignment. I think the Bureau wanted to be sure I wouldn't climb the clock tower and take out the town. He's a chubby little ball of a guy but he was pretty honest and it seemed like he had a good head on his shoulders."

Hannibal shifted his gaze and stared blankly at the fire. Barney again noticed the immediate disconnection.

"Hannibal doesn't need Bloom. He just needs to process how he's feeling. He can talk to us or to Clarice- it isn't as if Bloom has a magic pill or anything."

"Yes…Clarice. I'll talk to Clarice tonight. Thank you for the advice my friends."

Logan smiled when Hannibal called him a friend. He hadn't been around as long as Barney but he had risked his career to help Hannibal escape with Clarice. More important to Hannibal, Logan had proven he was trustworthy. Yes. He had earned the title of friend.

Barney had been at Hannibal's side through some of the worst days of his adult life. Barney stepped in many times, interceding on Hannibal's behalf to protect him, whenever possible, from Chilton's wrath. Hannibal did not consider Barney simply a friend.

Hannibal reached out and Barney grasped his hand. Much had passed between them. Their history was rich as it had emerged from the emotional excrement that was the Baltimore State Forensic Hospital. Their friendship had blossomed and flourished, much like a plant draws its nourishment from scat and thus blooms.

In a time when Hannibal was without help and almost without hope Barney was Kindness. Barney was Mercy…he was a godsend. No, Barney was not a mere friend. He was Hannibal's savior. The two shared a knowing nod.

"You have been a brother to me, Barney. There are no words…"

Hannibal squeezed his hand.

Barney returned the grip, his response simply, "There never had to be."

OUR COUPLE

Clarice was certain to enter the bed before Hannibal. In that way, Hannibal could decide how much physical contact he sought with no pressure from her. She rested on her side and waited.

It seemed an eternity before he entered their bed.

Hannibal slipped quietly between the sheets. He reached for her immediately and pulled her close. There was fabric between them and it took Hannibal by surprise.

"You are wearing a nightgown?"

"I have been all week."

"I'm sorry. Has it been that long?"

"Seems longer."

"Will you…remove it for me? I want to feel the warmth of your flesh against mine. I find that it calms me."

Clarice crossed her arms, grasped the silky fabric and pulled the garment over her head.

Hannibal's breath hitched as her breasts bobbed slightly upon release.

"Clariicce," just her name, drawn out as if stretching the syllables could capture that moment in time.

She quickly discarded the nightgown, tossing it onto a chair not far from their bed.

He spooned himself alongside her and dropped his chin over her shoulder resting his cheek against hers.

His breath was comforting, warm along her cheek. His voice was velvet, "You realize this situation hasn't anything to do with you, Yes?"

Clarice was emotional, "That's not true. It's everything to do with me. You had been trying. When I commented that you hadn't…you stopped. I should have kept my mouth shut. It wasn't my business."

"Everything about me is your business, Clarice. I promise not to shut you out of this. I am sorry I caused you pain," Hannibal ran his fingers up and down the length of her arm slowly, rolling his thumb under as the fingers rolled over as if performing a scale on the piano. "I would love to just…touch you. Would that upset you terribly? I have missed you. I have missed the feeling of your body, the softness of you."

He reached for her breast and cupped it gently. Clarice's breath caught in her throat. He could not see the tears welling in her eyes though he caught their salty scent. His mouth sought her neck.

"Hannibal…"

"Shhhh…please…let us just…be."

He pulled her shoulder directing her to turn toward him. She tried to blink back the tears but it was too late. He leaned in and kissed the spot where the tear settled.

"No tears, my Love. There is no need." Hannibal began to kiss his wife, the touch of his lips brushed gently against hers. He moved from her lips to her cheek following the elegant line of her neck, across her throat. He searched with his tongue the small bowl of flesh at the joining of her collarbone. He could taste her pulse.

Hannibal's lips drew into a soft smile as he felt the drumming of her heartbeat increase with his touch. He rested his head between her breasts and hugged her body, seeking to cradle the child within.

"My time with Emilia seems to have created side effects that are impacting our family, Clarice. I apologize for not involving you in my recovery. I am not used to traveling the path of life with someone by my side. Forgive me."

"There's no need to ask for my forgiveness but I want to help if I can."

"You help me each day more than you know," Hannibal reached up and rolled a flattened palm over her breast. The contact caused her to involuntarily shudder. "I have memorized each and every response your body has had to mine. I treasure you, Clarice. You are most precious to me."

"I treasure you as well, H. You are everything to me."

Hannibal reached up and captured her breast with his mouth. He could feel her head roll back, her desire obvious as her back arched slightly and her breathing increased. Feeling her flesh peak in his mouth Hannibal was encouraged and continued, latched to her flesh and sucking gently. She ran her fingers through his hair, lacing fistfuls of it between her fingers. Still he remained fixed to her, his lips and tongue searching, tasting. A low, breathy sigh escaped her; the sweet sound of it caused his heart to skip a beat and his stomach to flutter.

Hannibal's intention was to talk with her. His intention was to share his feelings. At this moment, all he wanted was to be within her. He explored the captive bit of flesh within his mouth, teasing with his lips, tongue and teeth.

"H…please no. Don't do this to me. Not if we can't…"

Hannibal released his hold on Clarice and gently lowered her shoulder to the bed. He swung a leg over her and mounted her body quickly though he did not move to enter her. His eyes burned with passion.

Clarice glanced down quickly and confirmed his desire. "H, are you sure?"

"I want you, Clarice…now."

Hannibal lowered his head and began to kiss her again, resting his body on his right forearm to support his weight keeping the bulk of it off Clarice. She pulled at his shoulders, eager for his touch.

"I want you, H…I need you."

Hannibal paused, making eye contact with Clarice, "I need you as well. Promise me your patience."

She nodded, "I promise H."

Hannibal kissed her this time much more passionately than he had previously. He moved over her with his mouth placing soft bites all along her body, nipping and tasting as he explored her upper body.

Clarice wanted to touch him but wasn't sure it would be welcome, "H…can I touch you?"

"You may touch my body whenever you wish Clarice. I am yours. You do not need permission."

Clarice reached between his legs. When she gripped him gently, he leaned into her body momentarily and buried his face against her neck.

"Does it hurt? Am I making you uncomfortable?"

"No, it is not painful…this is something I must…deal with but it is important that you do not stop touching me. Talk to me as well. I need to know it's you."

Clarice immediately understood, "She touched you like this H? Is that why it's upsetting to you?"

"Yes. My hands were chained. I need you to know that I was never aroused but there was no way for me to stop her Clarice. I'm sorry."

"How did you avoid that? It seems…impossible."

"If I felt at all…stimulated, I exacerbated my injuries. The pain eliminated the arousal. It was quite effective."

"Jesus…I'm so sorry H. I'll stop."

"No, Clarice. I need to get past this but I cannot on my own. I need your help my Love…talk to me."

Clarice whispered in his ear, "Did she kiss you H?"

"No, that I could avoid. I did not allow that which I could control."

"You've never kissed anyone but me. Kiss me and you'll know who you're with."

Hannibal tilted his head as he considered the idea. It was such a simple solution.

"My clever, clever girl," he praised a moment before taking her lips.

Clarice steadied her hand, allowing him the time to search her lips with his. As she felt him create a pattern with his movements, turning his head very slowly from side to side as he probed her mouth gently with his tongue, she began to move her hand.

His body tensed, just for a moment as she encouraged his body. His breathing released quickly from his nostrils, his exhalations harsh and sharp. She did not stay her hand.

Hannibal continued to kiss her deeply clutching at her mouth with his. He opened his mouth widely to accept her tongue circling his as her hand circled his flesh. She carefully matched the movement of her hand to the rhythm of his mouth on hers.

As he responded to her grasp his breathing began to quicken, his chest rising and falling quickly, his respiration intensified his exhalations snorting quickly against her face. She could feel his body expand, his body become rigid with anticipation, his body trembling at the warning of his oncoming release.

Hannibal released her mouth and reached for her right leg. He lifted and bent the leg at the knee opening her hip and centering himself between her legs. He was urgent in his movements.

He looked at Clarice. She nodded a quick approval and Hannibal dove toward her and pressed himself forward, filling her.

He waited, the gasp, the sigh that took his breath away. My Clarice.

Again he searched for her lips, biting at the lower lip, tugging it, holding it in his mouth, sucking gently until she could feel it full from the attention. He moved with urgency not wanting to lose his heightened passion. He pulled her against him driving his hips toward hers. Still his lips on hers though now the kiss was need, it was passion, their teeth clashed as he bit and tugged at her lips, gasping for breath, his release upon him.

Clarice grabbed his buttocks, driving her hips into his. She gripped his lower lip with her teeth and held it. When she released his lip, it was bleeding slightly.

The taste of his blood stimulated him further, but Clarice released his lips. Confused, he sought to recapture them. Refusing, she turned her head and grabbed his as she whispered in his ear, "H…it's me, Clarice. Let it go… H…Let it go."

Hannibal's body tensed. She whispered again, remembering what he said to her the first time they made love. She hoped he would remember as well, "When you come for me, H…say my name…call to me my Love."

The sensual sound of her voice hummed sweetly in his ear and pushed him over the edge, far beyond the limits of his self-control. It caused Hannibal's body to seize as he approached his apogee the shudder that rocked Hannibal surprised Clarice in its violence. With no more than a soft whisper in his ear, she pursued him, "Call to me H…"

Hannibal's body tensed, in full spasm as he shuddered within her, "Clarriiicee," he called out almost gasping on the syllables with the exhilaration of his ecstasy. His body heaved several times, the pulse of his release causing his muscles to twitch sympathetically. He collapsed as she held him tightly. When, after a few minutes, he was able to regain his composure he whispered huskily in her ear, "Give me a few moments, Clarice and I will have you calling out my name as well."

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Until the next chapter!

LH