Aquamarine

8. Hors-d'œuvre.

His eyes, red with tears, vitreous like crystal glasses, Will looked up at Hannibal. It was another of their typical eye-embrace where their mind would meet and their surroundings would disappear.

This time, as if water formed a barrier, Hannibal felt as if he couldn't read his guest as much.

Both of them only met a few hours ago, still it felt like it had been forever.

Suddenly, breaking the intense and mutual mind gazing they shared : a statement.

"Will." Hannibal voiced calmly, his eyes fixed on his friend. No longer locked in a mutual mesmerism, yet Hannibal's mahogany irises were just as intense as the moment they met.

Will wiped his blinking lids with the back of his hand and looked away, hardly tearing off their exchange. The Lamb felt exposed and vulnerable under his host's scrutinising watch.

The Carnophage's eyes roamed over the bruised face of his guest, taking every detail in with an almost predatory focus. The shadows played across Will's skin, highlighting the contours of his face and the delicate lines around his orbits.

Hannibal couldn't help but marvel at the way Will's eyes seemed to hold the deepest oceans within them.

"You must be hungry, Hannibal said, his voice low and smooth, interrupting the silence that had settled between them. I'm done with the cooking, shall we have a taste ? "

Taken aback, Will glanced up at him, curiosity and anticipation flickering in his azure eyes. "What is it ? " he asked, his voice barely above a whisper.

The host smiled, his lips curling into a small, enigmatic curve. "Lamb," he said, rising to his feet, suggesting the younger one to follow him.

As they made their way to the dining room, Will couldn't help but notice the way Hannibal moved with an almost feline grace. His footsteps were light and sure, and his posture was always perfectly poised. It was as if he were always aware of the space around him, and every movement was a carefully choreographed dance.

The dining room was bathed in soft, golden light, casting a warm glow over everything. The long table was set for two, with gleaming silverware and crystal glasses that caught the light and sparkled like diamonds.

Hannibal pulled out a chair for Will, gesturing for him to sit down. Will couldn't help but feel a bit self-conscious as The caring one moved around the table, pouring wine into their glasses, setting down fine porcelain plates of food.

Since the bottle was set aside, pretty close to him, The guest waited for a breach of inattention from his Host to read "Crozes-Hermitage 2020". The dark bottle intrigued him, All those words in a foreign European language confused him, still he found himself amused from the situation and allowed himself a subtle smile, bringing his hand to the glass container to read better.

Lost in his thoughts, he lost track of the short time he had to read and eventually got noticed : "This bottle was sent to me by one of my most cherished friends, from France." With these sudden words and his lucid tone, Hannibal caught Will off guard which made him look at him right in the eyes, put down the bottle then look down as if he was guilty of the most atrocious act.

- 'Curiosity killed the cat', Sorry I wasn't trying to be impolite, I couldn't help but notice the only words I recognised were '2020'. I wasn't going to- I didn't mean... He spoke soundlessly, like embarrassed of the slightest thing.

- Will... it's totally fine, Crozes-Hermitage is a wine appellation located in the northern Rhône region of France. The 2020 vintage was marked by warm and dry weather, leading to ripe and concentrated grapes with good acidity, this will charmingly fit the lamb. In his soft tone, Hannibal walked slowly to the other side of the table. 'Curiosity killed the cat, yes, yet satisfaction and truth brought it back' .

As Hannibal took his seat, he studied his glasses. "Now observe the liquid, notice its viscosity, the way those rich purple hues reveal its deep ruby colour ...

- Almost like blood, interjected the Ephemera."

Hannibal marked a pause and regarded Will with a somewhat pleased expression "Now, you're arousing my curiosity too." he said, his voice low and rich.

Suddenly looking uneasy in his seat, the Lamb felt exposed and vulnerable under Hannibal's piercing gaze, still, he dared a "do I ? " his voice barely above a whisper.

Hannibal tittered, the sound sending shivers down Will's spine. "Yes, most specifically those eyes of yours." Carried by these words, the man facing him leaned in. "They seem to be holding the world's very beginning and its destruction." He was ready to engulf himself in the Host's hazel gaze again when Hannibal, reaching across the table, took Will's hand in his and offered a well assured "I can help you."

Will looked up at him, his eyes wide with a hint of disdain, he heard that sentence over and over again already. "Help me with what? " he asked, frustration building up in his voice.

Hannibal's fingers tightened around his, a faint smile playing at the corners of his lips. Again. "What's up with that constant grin on his face?" Will wondered, another time, he lost focus and the Carnophage was here to get him back on track... "To embrace your iniquities" he broke the silence, in his low and intense voice. "To what ?" The Lamb backed up in a frown, getting his hands out of his Host's grip and looked away for a short moment. Hannibal thought he had lost his friend's pearly eyes forever.

"Mind elaborating ? The younger one eye brushed his Rescuer back, aiming everywhere but for his eyes.

In the dim light of Lithuanian's kitchen, carmin was the colour dominating the scene, his eyes, the slightly open bruises on Will's face, the wine, the hands marks around his neck.

For the first time in his life, Hannibal Lecter was the Devoured one. Devoured by so many sentiments, devoured by the need of devouring itself.

What time is it, Will?"