"Yes," Erik said, as he wrapped the body in its velvet shroud, then fashioned handles of a sort by knotting the ends of the fabric. Hannibal's strength did not go unnoticed, even if it did go unremarked. Even still, there was value in spending as little time at this chore as possible. "However..."
The corners of his lips twisted wryly. He was growing sentimental over this young man, and never had it been as clear as now. It would seem that the good doctor knew his heart in many ways -- more ways than either of them had realized.
He left the rest unspoken, unwilling to admit to his reasons. Instead, he parted the middle of the velvet for Hannibal to deposit the ruined valence.