A/n: Full disclosure, I just forgot to post this chapter since I wrote it in advance on google docs instead of typing it up here. Hopefully this helps smooth things over a bit 😅, enjoy!

Ashley let out a sigh as she waited for the doors to Will's cell block to slide open. Visiting the mentor she had grown to admire had evolved into her favorite pastime over the past several months. Like Hannibal, she had huge faith in him.

Ashley had been sure to visit every time she wasn't on a case. Officially, she wasn't allowed to go alone. Reid or Prentiss were supposed to accompany her to discourage 'hidden messages' in other languages. They both pretended to not notice when she snuck testosterone pills into his cell during the first visit.

For the most part, they talked about how to recover the memories stolen from them and sometimes they would discuss the best way to catch Hannibal as a group. Other times, Ashley would simply discuss the highlights of the BAU's latest case.

Recovering memories was a weird experience when half of said memories aren't even yours. Ashley had nearly fainted the first time and had adamantly refused to eat anything more solid than mashed potatoes for half a week. Even then, it had taken Doctor Reid stopping by her cell.

Today would be her last time seeing him before his trial began.

"So, tomorrow's the big day, huh?"

Will nodded absent mindedly. "Yeah. I'm uh, looking forward to losing the cuffs."

Ashley tilted her head slightly. "You have to win the trial first."

Will smiled cheekily. "Και οι δύο ξέρουμε ότι θα βρεις έναν τρόπο να με βγάλεις έξω, με τον έναν ή τον άλλον τρόπο." [We both know you'll find a way to get me out, one way or another.]

Ashley nearly stopped breathing altogether and had to resist the urge to glance over her shoulder to see if Emily had understood.

"It's not going to be easy. Hannibal's got you thoroughly ensnared."

Will tossed Ashley a smile that looked more like a grimace. "I know. Doctor Reid managed to get you out."

Ashley huffed slightly and crossed her arms. "Reid managed to convince the higher ups and the judge that I was a material witness, not an accomplice. I doubt it'll be that straightforward with you."

Will didn't know Spencer Reid very well, but he remembered the young man from his days teaching at the academy. He reminded Will of one of those small,flighty birds that never stop tweeting, however the older profiler was starting to see the charm. Reid basically saved Ashley's life.

The oldest profiler had only really gotten brief instances of watching the two brunettes react since Reid and Prentiss typically watched through the security cameras, but you can learn a lot in a few moments. Ashley's body language remained open and she would instinctively stand up slightly straighter when Reid was in her sight. She saw him as an authority figure, and it wasn't hard to tell she respected him. Ashley didn't have the best relationship with authority figures in her life, so the fact that she seemed to view him as a peer or perhaps an equal said a lot.

Ashley, for lack of better words, had simply gotten lucky. Maybe it was the Fates or perhaps even Destiny himself, but whatever it was, she was thankful. She wasn't good at verbally expressing her thanks, but gifts were a completely different story. Reid was probably the easiest. The genius was fascinated with anything mythical after Ashley had provided proof and unsurprisingly had an innate magical ability with a little bit of guidance. Crystals or spell books were easy enough to find when your ex was a witch.

Rossi was also fairly easy. Cigars, and alcohol were her go to. The more expensive and aged, the better. Granted, most Ashley had nicked from Wayne manor. It was the thought that counts, right?

Anytime Ashley saw some cute figurine, she would grab it for Garcia's collection. JJ and Emily were easily bought with new shoes or rather simplistic jewelry. The second Ashley clocked JJ's pregnancy, it switched to gifts for the baby.

With Morgan, she offered assistance with his renovations and helped acquire parts such as new curtains.

Hotch was by far the hardest. In the end, Ashley settled on toys for his son,Jack, and several new ties.

The young necromancer had never been one to trust easily, despite how hard she might try. She trusted the BAU more than most, however. Morgan had naturally taken the longest time to warm up to her.

She had their trust, as they had hers. It only made it that much harder when Ashley had to hand pick her words. The BAU could catch all the serial killers they wanted, but Hannibal Lecter would be hers.

In all honesty, the young demigod had always related to the tale of Achilles the most out of all the Greek legends. He too was only 16 when he was called upon to lead the Greeks to victory in the battle of Troy. Abigail was Patroclus, dying in her place, which meant Hannibal was Hector. Hannibal was hers, no one else's.

Abigail hadn't made it to twenty six as Patroclus had. Had she traded her life for Ashley's? The brunette still could not remember those final hours. Had Abigail greeted Death with open arms in the hopes that Ashley would live? Or had she been absolutely terrified as her life force spilled onto her own kitchen floor once again?

Regardless, Ashley wasn't prepared to lose anyone else to Hannibal Lecter. She didn't know what she had to do, but she would prove Will's innocence and get justice.