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Daniel Maclis
(1806-1870)
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"TOOTHBRUSH." Alice put the item inside the shopping cart. "Cookies."

"I did not put cookies in the list." Hannibal Lecter furrowed his eyebrows confused to his lover.

"What about Pringles?" She chuckled, failing in lying to him.

"You are trying to fool me." He smiled, as she guided the shopping cart and he scanned the supermarket's shelves. "Give me that list." He standed his hand trying not to laugh at that adorable creature.

"Bummer." She teased and gave him back the small piece of paper where he made his notes.

They made a turn and looked around the products displayed around, as a cyle repeated from Alice putting stuff into the cart and Hannibal removing them, considering it "unnecessary and unhealthy garbage."

It was fun though. She managed to make him laugh by the silliest things  like trying out sunglasses twice the size of her face, or gossiping about other people in the market, making funny faces at some Karens that asked for the manager.

He was starting to appreciate those tiny details, that domestic yet sweet life they were developing. He didn't want it to be over.

"It seems we are out of cheese." Hannibal muttered as he read the list with his charming hazel eyes. He was ibcredinly attractive just to go to the market, Alice pointed for him to keep it easy with some casual clothes, but he insisted on wearing a suit whenever he went outside.

"I can look for it." She offered herself.

"Alright, I'll look for some vegetables on the other area." He agreed and they parted ways.

Alice Mallory was like a kid in a supermarket. Growing in a poor family with no means to buy much, when she grew up and started to gain her own money, she'd buy everything she could for Bree and Colin.

And the image of the sugary cereals she saw on one of the aisles immediatly reminded her of her brother. She smiled feeling goofy, while grabbing the narrowed and long colored box.

"They're good but also hella calloric." A voice commented by her side. When she turned around, a tall man, wearing a light blue boho styled sweather that complemented his dark skin, smiled next to her. His chestnut eyes sparkled while his stance was friendly and casual. "My cousin loves those though."

"My brother is a huge fan as well." Alice smiled back politely. "Used to buy these for him."

"Not gonna lie, they're quite addicting." He chuckled, there was something easy, calming in his presence. "But these ones are more healthy, I suggest. Tastes different but, you know..." He shrugged his shoulders.

"Thanks for the tip." She grabbed the box he offered, accidentally brushing her fingers against his, one of them was decorated with an extravagant golden lion ring.

"Um...sorry, my name's Taye." He introduced himself. "Are you from Baltimore too? Never seen you here before."

"Yes, I am." She nodded, pointing around to their surroundings "Just not from this supermarket, I mean..." she widened her eyes at the product's price tag. "How can a cereals' box be so expensive?"

"Agreed." He chuckled.

"I'm Alice." She said kindly.

"Alice, I need to say, I love your dress." He pointed to the colorful rainbow she wore, Hannibal found it adorable on her, but would never allow her to use that in a Baltimore Society event. "You look very good on it." She blushed. "Sorry, was that too much? I'm sorry-"

"No, it's alright." She chortled. "Thank you, I also love your style."

"Thanks, I'm trying to stand out in this grey town." Alice smiled, he was right though, Baltimore in the winter could be resumed only to long dark coats and hats.

"Alice, darling." A voice interrupted the conversation, a pair of blazing hazel eyes landed on the new acquaintance's figure. Hannibal instantly adjusted his posture, placing a hand around his partner's waist. "I'm sorry, who are you?" He didn't try to be polite.

"Oh, Hannibal this is Taye, he was just helping me pick up some cereal." Alice noticed something strange in his tone, but tried to keep things peaceful.

"Cereal. Sugar-coated and unhealthy snacks." He complained, taking the box from her hands and putting back into the shelf. "Not taking those. Anyway, thank you for helping my girlfriend with her indecision."

Taye, even with a daring and wild sight, did not appear affected by his presence. He was chill overall, and would not pick up a fight. "Well, they're certainly not the best, but surely the most fun." He looked at Hannibal up and down, mocking him discretely. "But I believe that's not of your taste."

"Certainly isn't." He replied sharply.

"Um...anyway...thanks for the help Taye. It was nice to meet you." Alice rushed to stop the upcoming argument.

"Of course, it was no problem, Alice." He smirked as a perfect gentleman. "It was nice to meet you. See you around?"

"Yeah, sure." She replied as he walked away giving a wink to her that made Hannibal's blood instantly boil. Alice turned to her partner. "So, what is the next item on the list?" But he didn't reply, he still stared at the same direction where the man left. "Um...are you okay?"

"What did that man want with you?" He glanced at her, suddenly serious.

"He offered me help to pick up a cereals box, as I've said." She found his reaction funny. "Why?"

"It looked like he was trying to flirt with you."

"What? No!" She chuckled, intertwining her arm with his. "That's ridiculous, he doesn't even know me."

"Tried to get know, then."

"Hey." She pulled his chin to face her, smilling at him sweetly. "Nothing happened, and won't happen. And if he tried to flirt with me, rest assured I’d tell him to fuck off and that I have a boyfriend who I’m very happy with.”

That made him feel easier...for now. "Alright." He simply agreed and sighed. Alice kissed his cheek. "I think the list is over."

"Is it? Yay!" She exclaimed, lifting her arms up excited. Even affected by that man's words, Hannibal tried to forget his possessiveness for that moment, and only enjoy that bright presence next to him.

She did, after all, bring the best part of him.

And the worst.

▫️

The office doors revealed an imponent and elegant figure, dressed perfectly as always, the hair brushed in that same pattern, with the sun haired strands adorning her concerned yet neutral expression, hiding her true fears.

"Dr.Du Maurier." Hannibal Lecter announced as he saw her. "What a delightful surprise. Please, sit down." He made way so she could enter the room.

"I won't be staying long." Bedelia confessed, standing still at the middle of the office as Hannibal walked towards his desk.

"I'm curious..." he said while taking off some papers above the surface. Her eyes were able to catch some of the figures, artistic nude feminine sketches, all resembling the same woman. She already knew who it was. "What couldn't wait until our next session?"

"We don't have a next session." She finally took courage to speak up. Hannibal's eyes finally lifted from the desk towards her. "I am no longer your therapist."

He rest the papers and standed still, looking at her, with a serious expression not affected by her speech. "May I ask why?"

"I have reached the limit of my efficacy. I don't believe I can help you."

"Are you giving me a referral?"

"No." She didn't wish that trouble to anyone else. "I am simply ending our patient-psychiatrist relationship."

"You tried to end it before."

"I..." She ran out of words at first. "...am grateful for your persistence in engaging me after my attack." She finished the sentence. "However, in light of everything that has happened with Will Graham, I have begun to question your actions...particularly, your past actions with regards to me and my attack."

"Did you share these questions with Jack Crawford?" Was his only question.

"No." She answered promptly "And nor will I." She made a pause "I would look just as guilty as you. But perhaps that is what you intended."

He started to walk slowly towards her. Pretending be numb. "What exactly am I guilty of?"

"Exactly, I cannot say." Each step of his matched with her nervous and trembling heartbeat. "I've had to draw a conclusion based on what I glimpsed through the stitching of the person suit that you wear." He was very close now, able to watch every single sign of fear shown in her immaculate expression. "And the conclusion that I've drawn..." Bedelia took a huge inaudible breath to continue speaking. "..is that you are...dangerous."

His sinister and quiet eyes were glued at hers. "I'm sorry you feel that way." He faked with no emotion whatsoever.

"Please don't come to my home again." She almost begged in a discrete speech. "I will see myself out."

As Bedelia quickly hushed away from his figure towards the door, already with her hand on the handle, Hannibal announced "I'm resuming Will Graham's therapy."

She stopped.

"To what end?" She questioned at last. "Besides your own."

"He asked for my help."

She feared that both of them became insane already. "Then maybe you deserve each other." When she opened up the door, a figure standed just in front of her, surprising the therapist as a ghost. A sweet, beautiful ghost. "Except you." She muttered in a low, concerned tone.

"Excuse me?" Alice Mallory asked confused, unable to understand what that woman meant.

Bedelia just walked past her, bumping slightly against her shoulder, as Alice watched the figure pratically run away. Hannibal's eyes were stuck at the fugitive blonde.

"Who was she?" Alice asked, still confused.

"It doesn't matter." Hannibal did not wish to give further details. "How are you? Come in." He made way for his love to enter the office.

Alice looked around the grey to red walls, sometimes just by being there it reminded herself of when they met and how it all started.

"This place brings memories." She mumbled.

"Indeed." He nodded, walking over his desk, as he grabbed the papers above. Alice followed him, as always, curious. "I believe I do not have anymore patients for today, shall we head home?"

She sat above his desk, glancing furtively at the papers he had on his hand, and with one of her hands took it from him. "Wow." She reacted over the lines drawn at the white to yellow page.

"It was supposed to be a surprise." He muttered.

"Are these...us?" She asked amused, watching closely.

"Mhmm." He nodded, leaning towards her and smelling her candy perfume.

"And, are they holding hands?" She analyzed one of the many drawings.

"Yes." He positioned his hand above hers, feeling her warm skin.

"And are they..." She turned her face, as the tip of his nose touched her cheek. "....kissing?"

"Could be." He smiled softly as his lips tenderly met hers in a perfect rythm.

She closed her eyes over the sensation, never tired of that perfect life she seemed to be living. No matter how much time she spent in his presence she couldn't get tired of him, almost as if he was a drug.

"Hannibal." She muttered between the kiss.

"Yes?"

"Are you sure you have no patients left?"

"Mhm."

"So, we are..." she turned her body around a bit more above the desk, her hand gripping onto his red tie. "...alone?"

He smiled deliciously previewing what they could do. "Precisely."

"Could you schedule me a private session then, Doctor Lecter?" She whispered irressistibly at his ear, his breath escaped in a trembling and suffering desire.

He wouldn't admit how many times he had that fantasy in his office with her, but he was glad that the opportunity to fulfill his wild dream had finally arrived.

"Definetely, Miss Mallory." He replied assertive. "But we can't start our session here." He whispered, brushing his lips against her ear in a hot steamy breath.

"Where should we start then?"

"I might need to request you to bend over the desk." He gave a devilish smile that gave her chills. "For medical purposes, of course."

▫️

"What do you mean she understood the killer's pattern?" Will Graham's voice reverbeted through the dark and empty cell.

"It just took one glance and she could see this...artistic pattern in it." Beverly Katz described in front of the cell, trying to warm herself with the thin blue coat she wore. "It was quite impressive."

"How did she end up there?"

"She went there to...bring Hannibal's lunch." As she said those words, Will sighed, running his hands through his fluffy hair, feeling stressed. "They're dating, aren't they?"

"I guess it's obvious by now." He muttered reluctantly.

"Well, if by obvious you mean that he stops everything just to answer her texts at a crime scene, or arriving 10 minutes late for work with a silly smile and wet messed up hair, than yes, it is obvious."

"I'm really trying not to think about what he was doing at those 10 minutes."

"What they were doing." She corrected.

"Shit, Beverly, no need to remind me." Will closed his eyes trying to vanish the image away. She found his expression funny if not so tragic.

"Anyway, I'd like to know your opinion on the matter. " Katz changed the subject.

"Other bodies were dumped. Roland Umper got away." Will Graham said after his visualization of what happened to the victim.

"Got away from where?"

"This killer, um, he needs someplace private do what he does...this..mural he builds...a warehouse, a farm, someplace abandoned, upstream from where the body was found. It'll be close to the water."

"Thank you." His colleague said, about to turn away and leave fastly to hush the investigation.

"Just one thing, Katz." Will said, Beverly stopped. "...How is she? Really."

Beverly took a deep moment to answer, she wasn't close to Alice, but from what she could observe, she couldn't seem any less happier, and Katz feared that the truth would upset her friend.

"She seems happy with him." She decided to be honest. "Really happy."

Will just nodded silent, as if he could feel a thousand blades cross his chest. With those last words, she left, and Will continued there, immersed into the darkness.

▫️

"What is that?" She asked as he handled her a polaroid picture.

"It is the killer's mural. Thought you'd be interest to see it." Hannibal explained, as he let her see the picture at their living room.

Alice's pupils expanded at the vision, a reflection of color and gradient that filled her sight. There was something unique, meaningful, that painted their own image of bodies as it pointed to the sky.

"That's..." She couldn't describe it.

"Beautiful, isn't it?" He said.

"Terrifying, but... yes." She affirmed still a bit schocked. "Frightning beautiful. But this part..." She pointed to the white man at the center, Hannibal's addition, the author of that mural. "He seems odd."

"What do you mean?" He noticed her suspicion.

"Looks like he doesn't match the pattern, I don't know." She squinted her eyes. "That shouldn't be the center."

She was smarter than he thought, he'd have to quickly take away her suspicions. Hannibal set the photo aside and attempted to distract her.

"Well, that is something that the FBI shall investigate. You don't need to worry about this." He assured her.

"You're right." Alice nodded. "Oh, I wanted to tell you something." She changed the subject.

"What is it?" He wrapped a hand around her shoulder as they sat by each othe ron the sofa. He could try to deny but he loved that, just to touch, to cuddle next to her as a fluffy plushie. He couldn't get enough of it.

"There's this new course, a sculpting one, and it's free, provided by the state's government downtown. "She spoke excited. "I was wondering if I should participate." Her eyes sparkled with the idea.

"A course?" He questioned.

"Yes, I mean, I have no degrees or certificates in arts, maybe it might appear interesting to a gallery when they attempt to sign with me, isn't it?"

Right, she wanted to sign with a gallery, develpp her work, become financially idenpendent...while he didn't want that. He used those ideas as a way to convince her to stay but now...now he feared she could develop a better life on her oen and move away.

"That is...true." He nodded.

"So, I'm going to enroll myself." She spoke decided.

"And you'll go downtown, by yourself?" He already hated the idea.

"Of course. Why not?"

Hannibal didn't want to admit, but he didn't want Alice wandering around town alone. He wanted to protect her in this bubble, a capsule and never let her break free. It was caring but also unhealthy, toxic.

But he needed to be discrete, take slow steps in order not to frighten her.

"If that is what you want...knowledge is neve enough." He said kindly, but reluctant.

"I knew you'd understand! Aw, Hanni you're the best!" She hugged him promptly.

"Hanni?" He asked surprised by the sudden nickname.

"Oh, it's just something I made up." She chuckled. "It's just that your full name appears too formal sometimes. Why? Do you think it's cringy?"

"...No." He shaked his head, feeling his stomach full of butterflies. A nickname. God it was so silly, so goofy. But made for him. A smile crossed his lips involuntarily. "I...I like it."

She kissed the tip of his nose, as his face blushed even more. Alice was that sweet, funny and irresistible part of his life, she was unpredictable sometimes, and that was the best part of it all. He loved each new surprise and each new step in their relationship.

"What do you think about a picnic tomorrow?" He suggested, already on cloud nine but her romantuc approaches.

"I'd love that." She said excited.

"Then, it is a date." He smiled as she cuddled with him on the sofa, lying her head on his lap. "Want to watch something? You can put on that show of yours."

"Oh you mean that one that I said you should participate?" She chuckled, taking the remote control in her hands, as he pet her hair.

"Yes, that one with the rushed people and the scandalous blonde man."

"You mean Hell's Kitchen" she found his description funny.

"That one, yes."

"But you said you found Gordon Ramsay rude."

"And he is. But I like his cooking."

"I knew it."

▫️

Alice Mallory waited by a tree, her back relied on the wood as she watched the sunlight blind her sight in heaven above. She seemed like an angelical figure, her dress matched with the picnic towel and the basket she carried, with an easy smile on her lips.

"Don't move." A smooth woman's voice invaded her ears at the other side of the tree. "We don't have much time, so listen carefully to what I'm about to say."

"Who are-"

"You are in danger." The woman interrupted. "Hannibal Lecter is not the person you think he is. And when you do realize that, it might be too late."

"How can you say that-"

"Open your eyes and watch through his true colors, Miss Mallory. This is my only warning and advice to you." The voice gave their ultimatum. "Good luck."

Once Alice turned around, all she could see was an imponent figure walking from afar, her blonde hair strands shined by the sun, in contrast with the dark black dress distinct from the green park.

She had no idea of who that woman was, or how she knew about her, which made Alice think about her confessions for quite a while.

"Ready?" A familar voice made her turn around. His eyes met hers. "Are you okay?"

Alice tried not to show her worries over someone she barely met. Of course she knew Hannibal. He knew her better than herself. He helped, loved her. There wasn't anything to worry or watch out over. Hannibal was simply Hannibal, and a rumor was just a rumor.

"Better now that you're here." She grabbed his hand. Hannibal stopped for a moment, feeling a different, ethereal scent in contrast with hers. "Let's go."

▫️

Beverly Katz once again seeked for Will's help in order to understand the killer's mural. Now, accompanied by Hannibal Lecter.

They had shown the picture of the dead eye and now he had taken his own conclusions.

"The killer is in the mural." The agent suddenly said, still holding the picture.

"What do you mean? Literally?" Katz asked confused. Hannibal only watched attentive.

"I mean, the man you're looking for is sewn into his own mural" Will pointed to the white man at the center of the dead eye. "his man."

Hannibal almost smiled as he recognized that Alice Mallory pointed to the same man realozinh something was wrong. She had that deep artistic insight that instantly reocgnized it, while Will Graham captured the whole image and situation trapped inside the killer's mind.

"What happened to his leg?" Katz asked, observing the image.

"Whoever sewed him in took a piece of him. As a trophy. " Will reflected.

Hannibal recalled in his mind of what he did and what the killer's leg tasted like. "He must have had a friend."

▫️

Dr.Du Maurier's house was empty. After attempting to warn Will Graham and Alice Mallory she had run away. And she was right by doing so.

Luckily she wasn't there anymore when that plastic organism entered the dephts of her residence and searched for her figure.

Hannibal knew what she had done.

Knew that Bedelia's strong perfume couldn't be any more different than Alice's sweet and delicate one. He knew that she tried to warn his lover.

But she knew that he would discover and try kill her too.

This time, he was fooled.

But not for too long.

▫️

An opera played smoothly in the background, Alice Mallory and Will Graham seemed to be heading to a death sentence, Hannibal adjusted his tie in a optimistic, elegant aspect.

His large hands placed behind her body on her shoulders, trying to encourage what she was about to do, but she barely could look at her image in the mirror. Each knot on Hannibal's tie reflected Will Graham's step towards the upcoming trial.

The same trial in which she would testimony. Her breath was agitated, her heart speeded, and the only thing that made her keep balance in those heels were Hannibal's hands on her.

"I can't do this."

"You can." He assured her softly, as the snake from Adam and Eve's garden. "Don't worry, I'll be there for you."

"I don't want to condemn him, Hannibal." She confessed.

"You will only say the truth, Alice." He turned her around, looking into her deep blue eyes " And by saying the truth, you'll also honor your sister's memory."

"I'm scared." She whispered vulnerably.

"I know." He pet her head as an obedient dog. "But you'll be alright." He embraced her into his arms. "You'll be alright."

It was the time, as Will Graham took his seat at that auditorium, multiple other guests, witnesses and officers approached the cerimony as well. Jack Crawford and Alana Bloom were quite concerned, conflicted with their duties and their friendship with the accused one, while the serious judge still didn't show up, causing a suspenseful atmosphere that suffocated them all.

It is hard to tell what the accused one felt once he noticed her presence. Once those huge doors were open and he could hear those funny footsteps accompanied by more fast and discrete ones.

Hard to describe how he turned around, taking off the glasses that seemed to be mistaking him, and observed that shy, curved figure being guided by the dilligent and fearless one next to her.

Hannibal Lecter was the sight of luxury and glory, an imponent man dressing in a fine suit, with his arm delicately but also possessively wrapped around a woman's waist. But not any woman.

The only woman that instead of looking for her seat, searched for a face into the crowd. The same woman whose eyes teared up to meet the pair of chocolate ones that stared back into hers. The same woman that stopped in slow motion on her feet when she saw him again.

"Ali." Will muttered in an almost inaudible tone as his eyes locked with hers.

Months had passed since the last time he saw her. When was the last time he saw her? When she shot him. Yes, when she shot him to protect Hannibal. Why did he even attenpt to shoot him in the first place? He couldn't remember it, but he knew he wasn't trustful.

"Alice, darling." The doctor whispered at her ear, almost as a command that awakened her from a trance, moving her feet that became glued on the ground so they could take a seat at the back, far away from Will.

3 perspectives, 3 hearts and 1 decision to be made.

And that decision was hers.

That wouldn't be easy.