The feast started with Hannibal having offered one of his finest wines to everyone, the one most fitting with the dishes. A small conversation started among everyone, with Alana being the social butterfly she was quickly joining. Rana remained quiet, focusing on the food and mostly listening, observing even. While she observed them, Hannibal was studying her with interest and hidden darkness deep inside his deep gaze.
"So, Rana" Mrs Komeda started, taking a sip of her red wine. "From where do you know Hannibal?"
Rana chewed for a moment in silence, not being intimidated by the older woman; although she did feel conscious about their different bodies. The FBI agent had a height advantage, wider shoulders and her arm had more muscles on them, compared to the skinny and rich thin of the woman across from her.
"Dr Lecter and I are acquaintances from work" she explained, not failing to pick up the faint gossip from the other two women further down the table because she did not call Hannibal by his first name.
"Dr Lecter, huh?" she repeated, passive hinting and failing to hide what she thought about it.
Hannibal, then, decided to join in the conversation since he knew how snoopy that certain woman was. "Rana is a Special Agent with the FBI. She and I have been working together, over some cases that requested both Dr Bloom's and mine professional opinions"
"Are you the FBI Agent Rana Stones?" Another woman, Mrs Prone asked, something flashing into her eyes with recognition.
This made our heroine's guts turn, not liking that there was some recognition of her name. "I am," she said, nonetheless as she refused to remain quiet.
Mrs Prone nudged her husband with her elbow. "I told you I never forget a face. That's her. The agent from that TattleCrime article a few years ago" she told him and then turned to face the younger woman. "I remember that article. It made the news. About the FBI agent that took down that drug lord" This immediately got the interest of almost anyone, except for Alana who seem to pick up on the rising tension.
"Those articles are not ones to be taken seriously. It has been proven that the journalist behind it, is not one whose words you should trust. She does tend to exaggerate important things" she said, earning a thankful look from Rana.
Mrs Komeda, however, seem to have picked up on something and she was not ready to let it go. "The source, however, remains the same in the end," she said, taking a few more sips of her wine. "I believe I remember that article. Quite a gruesome picture it had, with all that blood at the scene"
Hannibal had been watching and listening intensely with full curiosity and fascination. Truth be told, he had not done any extensive research on Rana, let alone thought that Freddie Lounds would have an article about her. However, now he made a mental note to search for she had proven to hide more interesting things under that tough image she showed to everyone.
He was not fully aware of what case they were referring to, for at that time he was travelling to Europe when it must have taken place but he would learn. For now, though, he had a role to play. The role of someone that would come in and save Rana, allowing her to see him as something more than a mere colleague; all while drilling deeper into her mind that she could trust him.
"I believe it is time for dessert," he said, wiping his mouth elegantly with a napkin as he had noticed how everyone had finished eating by now, too occupied by the gossip. "Rana, would you like to help me with it?"
It was clear as day to her what he was implying and she kept that fake smile that only he, could see right through it. "It would be my honour to help the great Chef," she said, using mannerisms and fancy flattering words that he expected her to use.
She was working for the FBI, interrogating people and fishing out statements. If she could not fake something and use her words to get what she wanted…what kind of Agent would she be?
They both stood up and walked towards the kitchen, her allowing him to lead in order to hide the fact that she had been at his place before.
Once inside and with the door closing behind them, the female Alpha let out the breath she was holding and took a moment to enjoy the so grateful feeling of being somewhere more private; a feeling she promised to never overestimate.
Hannibal watched her, clear as day that she was trying her best to fit in. It was fascinating to him, to see how easily she faked something that was a far cry from her true self. It almost felt as if seeing himself, with the ability to hide his true nature and his skeletons while faking and projecting an image of someone that could never be associated with those crimes.
In addition, he wanted her to tire herself both emotionally and physically. It was clear that her guards would drop when that would happen and make it easier for him to pass through her defences and shape the image he wanted of him, in her mind.
"I apologise for them. Their lives are very ordinary, orbiting around mundane things and expensive inanimate objects that force them to take interest in something so different from what they are used to" he said, offering her a glass of scotch that he had just poured for her.
Rana opened her eyes, gratefully taking the glass from him and taking a few deep sips for comfort. "It is quite alright. They are not the first nor the last ones to make such questions. However, I do appreciate your interference" a small genuine smile formed on her lips.
Hannibal finished placing the desserts on the food carrier and looked at her. "Of course. Like I have said before, we are on the same side…and I was the one, who requested your presence. It would not be right from my side if I allowed you to face them alone"
Rana took another sip and looked at him, knowing very well what he was talking about…a pack.
He wanted to be part of hers, wanted to be let more into her life. His status alone was confusing her other nature, causing too many reactions and making her indecisive over it. However, the fact remained that more than once he had proven himself worthy of that position. He had watched her back, even when it came to his own associates and acquaintances and he had been on the same side as her…all along.
"I appreciate it, greatly…Thank you, Hannibal" she said and placed her glass on the table, offering him a smile. "What can I help you with?"
After the dessert had been served, the topics of conversation varied but occasionally focused back on Rana and all the latest killings, which once again turned back to Rana.
"I do not think I could ever have the ability to kill someone. I am quite a religious man and I know God Forbid" Mr Prone said, being more talkative the more he drunk. "Are you a religious woman, agent Stones?"
Rana was a little calmer after her talk with Hannibal, especially because both Alana and he had been guarding her back and helping her when others tried to corner her. Hannibal, more than before, as he kept proving that he stayed true to his words.
"I wouldn't say so. Religion is the sign of the oppressed, the opium of the people" she said, quoting a famous man that was quickly recognised by the two Psychiatrists in the room.
"That's Karl Marx" Alana pointed out, not expecting her of all people to quote a famous Philosopher with such precision and right on such a topic.
Hannibal smirked, wiping his lips after he enjoyed some more of his favourite red wine. "Rana, here, has quite an interest in Philosophy and International Cultures" he pointed out with pride, suddenly giving the hungry crowd a new topic to focus on…one easier for her to talk about.
And just as he expected, the topic quickly turned to Philosophy and Rana suddenly transformed into a different person. She was a little more relaxed and answered their questions, all while voicing her opinions with mannerisms but also insight about even the less familiar topics of the certain subject.
In all that time, Hannibal was the one who seem to be able to catch up to her and even continue for her; showing he was not unfamiliar with Philosophy either. Something that did not go unnoticed by her, who appreciated having someone to talk about it and actually have a deeper understanding during their conversation.
Eventually, all the guests left, most more drunk than others. Rana had chosen to stay back and help Hannibal with the dishes, not allowing him to argue about it. She was standing by the sink, cleaning the plates in almost a subconscious way while Hannibal finished emptying any leftovers.
"I do not like to repeat myself, but I still do not find it necessary for you to wash the dishes, Rana," he said, glancing at her back as she rinsed the platter and placed it to dry before going for the next one.
He could not see it but she was amused by his words and yet refused to give in. "I am afraid you will have to, Hannibal. I was raised that way. If one cooks for you, you have to help with the dishes."
"Then I am afraid I do not have much of saying in that matter," he said, equally amused as he allowed her to win this one, having a different goal in mind.
There was a small silence between them as both focused on the task. Hannibal, now wearing only his white shirt with the sleeves rolled up and the same pair of pants he chose for the dinner. Rana had also ditched the heels, allowing her bare feet to carry her better across the kitchen floor as she took dishes into the sink.
As she was finishing with the last ones, she could not help but smile faintly. "Thank you for today, Hannibal. Your cooking is always one I look forward to and…you were right" she said after a small pause, her words making him stare at the back of her head as he enjoyed hearing her say those words. Of course, he was right, he made sure to always be but hearing it straight from her… was a very different thing. "Despite the beginning…it was a nice change for the night"
Hannibal smirked, hearing her say those words. He could hear with her steady beating heart that she was being sincere and honest. He felt like a true winner at that moment and almost a god, for he had played his cards right and he had managed to change this image of his in her mind.
"It was an enjoyable dinner. Your presence played an important role and your philosophical insight is always welcomed to be heard" he explained as he moved towards her.
Rana felt herself holding that smile, hearing him say those things. While the beginning was rough and awkward, the rest of the night passed by nicely. She had a chance to be surrounded by different people with different insights than those she had been used to. However, what truly won her was the simple fact that for once, she felt connected with someone.
While she had people that she was once close to, she still felt lonely at times. Before Will, she could not truly feel like belonging in the groups and teams she had been placed into. Even after Will, her hobbies and interests proved something of a rarity that very few people possessed. And amongst those years of slowly keeping herself away from others, he made his entrance into her life and tonight proved, that it was for the better.
And she liked it.
While at first, she was suspicious, she found her own instincts and body accepting and trusting him more. To one it would sound ridiculous but not to her. He had offered his food and his shoulder for her without truly knowing her and he had introduced her to people that allowed her to share unique knowledge and feel more proud of herself. For she would not lie, she felt odd at times when the FBI team consisted of highly intelligent scholars with specific specializations to unique and tough subjects like anatomy, human psychology, and tech…and then there was her.
She didn't realise she had been quietly staring at the now empty kitchen bench until she felt his body behind her. His warmth was radiating from him in waves that she could feel through her dress, but he kept his body just out of touching reach.
"Something on your mind?" He asked, his voice and breath indicating that he had brought his face closer to her ear.
She could not help the shiver that travelled down her spine at such proximity and because of that husky voice that echoed in her mind. She took a deep breath, something new existing in her eyes. "Just the time, it is getting late and I should get going"
She turned to face him…big mistake.
His proximity forced her to press her back against the kitchen counter to earn some space between them but that led her to be trapped between his well-maintained and well-dressed body and the counter. Hands held the edge of the marble surface as she looked up and stared right into his eyes.
There it was again…this hidden darkness that tempted her to try and touch…investigate and learn…it was hard to resist for a moment and she swore she felt it welcoming her.
His hands were placed on the counter, his body leaning more towards her but inches away from touching…torture, for both of them but it was working on what he had hoped for. "I will have to argue with that," he said, his breathing reaching her own lips that had parted faintly. "It is quite late and it is dangerous to drive" he added, his tone indicating that this was not something to discuss but rather an order.
Rana's heartbeat started to increase as she tried to move her body further back but found the marble counter pressing against her lower back. The movement made her lift her body slightly as if about to sit on the counter while she never broke eye contact with him.
"And what…would you want me to do, Hannibal?" his name rolled off her tongue with a huskiness that even surprised her.
It seemed to work like a drug on him for his eyes glowed red, desire and possession clear in those animalistic irises. "Stay" was all he said, his voice dropping an octave.
His hand moved to her thigh and she felt herself being pushed up. Her body moved on its own, placing her ass on the counter. Her own eyes turned red in response to his, and she felt his other hand moving to her other leg and spreading them open, before moving in between to close the gap separating them.
Their bodies and faces were now closer than ever, their breaths reaching one another as their noses almost touched. Their heartbeats increased and Rana felt her own body temperature rise. Her tongue gently passed over her dry lips as she stared at his. Head tilting to the side, she brought her face a little closer, an inner need taking control of her body and clouding her thoughts.
Their lips almost touched before he gently pulled his head just a few inches away. He kept staring down at her, a ghost smirk forming as he enjoyed taunting her. "Say it" he uttered, his own head bending slightly to the opposite side. "Say what you want"
The command was there and Rana did not know whether to obey or not. Yet, he made sure to leave her with no option as his thumb worked her inner thigh, going higher and higher. She held her breath for a moment, feeling her own body betraying her.
Her instincts started to kick in, blocking any logical part of her mind as his little game worked like a charm on her and made her give him what he has been wanting her whole life…
"You"
That single word was all Hannibal needed to hear, knowing that those games paid off. It had been a challenge to him, to hold himself back when she had presented herself to him like an early birthday present. Dressed in that dress, showing off her sharp brain and love for philosophy…staring right into his eyes, her body inches away.
It was a physical and mental pain to keep his hands away from her body or move so slowly but he knew he had to. He went slow, let her long for him just as he longed for her. Then, he cornered her until she was left with no choice but to give in to what he wanted, give in to him.
And when she uttered that word, he lost his control. His lips fell upon hers with hunger, perfectly closing and working in sync with hers like two lost pieces of the same puzzle that were meant to be together.
Their eyes closed and her hands moved to wrap around his neck, just as he grabbed her thighs and pulled her towards him. Her waist was pressed against his, strong legs wrapping around his torso as his firm hands held her stable; all without breaking the kiss.
She kissed with the same hunger, one hand greedily moving across his back; driving him crazy. Her back came in contact with a door but she barely cared, focusing too much on the kiss to care how many doors he opened with her body before he reached his bedroom…
