A meeting of minds (Hannibal/Hannibal log)
Hannibal had awoken in the small one room space he had taken root in at Bate's Motel. It was not where he had been staying previously. He had been with River, and they had secured themselves in one of the suites in a hotel, awaiting her trial. Then they had been told that all charges had been dropped, and they had celebrated. And then... and then what?
His mind was flawless, his memory impeccable, there was no way that he would have forgotten. Yet here he was, without River, in this place.
He had no doubt that he was in the City still, as when he looked at himself, he was entirely in black and white. He did wonder about his friends, and then his curiosity went to another place entirely.
---
The flat he found himself in was minimalist, but decorated with very beautiful objects that reminded him of a very specific woman. It was laid out in exactly the way that he recalled it, from so long ago.
When he'd been a boy, living in Paris, this had been the home of one Lady Murasaki. Aunt by marriage, teacher, friend, lover. Her beautiful flower arrangements sat in strategic places, as if he had been transported to the day that she had placed them. The suit of armor took up a place of honor, the smell of clove oil and blood still lingering on it.
Hannibal closed his eyes and breathed it all in. His heart not beating any faster despite his delight and shock. Music filled his ears despite there being no record playing. He could smell her, as well. His beloved. She had asked him to stop, once upon a time. If he loved her, he would stop. He had loved her, but he had not. His sister had deserved retribution, and that's what she'd gotten. Nothing more, nothing less. He had lost the Lady on that day. Forever.
The door to the flat opened, but his eyes did not.
---
The door to the flat opened, and Hannibal stepped inside to view the belongings of Lady Murasaki. He wanted to make sure that they were still there, that nobody had touched them. It was important that this place still exist. He knew that just because the flat's door had been there when he'd approached, it didn't mean that the things within would still be the same. He wouldn't expect the City to be so kind. It wasn't.
He was surprised to discover a man within. Standing in the living area, his eyes closed. Hannibal's hackles raised, though there was no outward change in him. No change that would be detected at all, really.
Despite his feelings, he didn't not pounce immediately, there was something very familiar in the way that the man stood, the curve of his mouth, the line of his jaw.
---
A breeze wafted through the room as the newcomer entered. Hannibal did not stir immediately, opening his eyes only after a moment. He gazed upon the boy who stood before him. Knew that the space belonged to him. And knew his face. It was a vision he'd not glanced upon in almost as many years since it had been since he'd seen this flat. Youth, vigor. Violence in the eyes, a hunger that could not be quenched, and an intelligence so vast it was dangerous on its own.
He could not help the smile that passed his lips, as slight as it was. He knew that the boy would see it, nothing would pass his notice.
---
Hannibal noted the smile. The sly, pleased expression that spoke of secret knowledge. His tension settled. His head tilted ever so slightly. A smile of his own appeared.