il_mostro | IC - INBOX/VOICEMAIL/TEXT/THREATENING LETTER

[He wants to tell Hannibal it's fine. That he doesn't mind. He deserves it. He's done nothing at all to earn Hiling's respect or his trust. Besides, Hiling is his submissive and it should be up to him to decide what's rude and what's not.

But he doesn't want to undermine the doctor even if that means undermining himself.

He just gives Hannibal a soft look that says he's been put in quite the spot and shakes his head a little before she turns to him. He can't turn her away any more than he could scold the doctor.

Alfred sits on the other side, reaching to gather the blankets and the girl onto his lap to hold her gently. It's with fatherly affection that he lightly strokes her hair and pulls her closer.]

It's all right, Lass. I'm right here. I'm right here. Christ, Hiling. I'm so sorry. I'm so sorry I didn't go out looking for you. I'm glad the doctor found you.

We'll have to find a way to thank him for this.

[Now this ... this is precisely where knowing where to twist certain things comes into play. Hannibal gave them both quiet but warm smiles.]

There are no thanks needed. I just want to be here for both of you, during your time together. [He puts on a very good soft look of his own.] You are both struggling, and you do not have to.

Dr. Lecter aren't you going to ask him?

[ She looks up at him expectantly. He told her he would. She's all settled in and cooperating just like he wanted her to. Now she should be rewarded for her good behavior. ]

[He continues to hold her. He strokes her hair and tries hard to keep her warm. He looks to Hannibal and he falls all over again for that soft look. The man had told him once, he didn't have to do this alone. Never again would he have to. He could trust the Doctor. Fully and completely.

He squeezes the girl and looks from the other man to her and back.]

Ask me what? Doctor, you know you can ask me anything. I'll give it to you. Never think you can't ask for anything.

[After all, he's done so much for Alfred and Alfred wants to make sure the man knows it goes both ways. He never just wants to take from the man when he's in a position to give.]

[Hannibal's lips managed not to twist into a smirk or anything else. In fact, he kept his amusement under strict control as he nodded his head serenely.]

I gave my word, ergo, I will ask your Dominant for permission. [He stated simply to Hiling, before looking at Alfred.] Hiling wishes to have sexual relations with me. I thought it might be a good motivation for her to seek some therapy for becoming better at dealing with humans.

[ Hiling nods her head. Definitely good motivation. She didn't think of that angle. She'd be significantly more interested in learning how to behave if she's getting some action. Looking up she watches for Alfred's reaction. It does feel good to be held by him but somehow she's still cold to the point her breath is visible. ]

I think it would help me warm up a little too. Please Alfred?

[For a moment, he just sits there, letting himself think. Not really think, but come to terms with what's being asked. It's beyond selfish to say no. As much as he personally sees Hiling as no more than a child, this world certainly didn't. That fact alone makes him hate this place just a little more. She's had sex long before he became his dominant and she'll have it long after their contract is over

As for Hannibal. He's not allowed to be possessive. Hannibal is a man that belongs to no one other than Hannibal. He doesn't even let such a thought cross his mind. It's assinine to not want Hannibal to persue relations with her. He's well aware of the sexual surrogacy sessions the man offers. He'd nearly taken advantage of them himself before the world went tits up again and he missed that appointment.

He wants Hiling to get better. He wants to help her learn and grow. He wants her to be well, to get warm and stop shaking like she's coming apart.

He's certain his troubled frown speaks volumes. He's torn between sheltering the girl and recognizing that this is likely necessary.

Alfred sighs then. Nuzzles into her hair a moment. His voice is measured.]

I can't stop you from having relations with whomever you want. [He actually could, but he won't.] I don't have to like the idea of it but it's not my choice. It's yours, Hiling. If you really want to, you have my permission. [He looks at the doctor then ] There is no man I could trust more to take care of you and honor your wishes. So, you've my permission if you have hers. However, I'm afraid I'll not be staying here for it. I can't. Just..

[He'll transfer his bundle of android over to the doctor so he can stand. Because in the end, he is who he is and he can't deny the people he cares for.] Just take care of her, Hannibal. And never tell me what you two do.

[At this ... Hannibal allows himself a confused blink because. Well. No. He does tuck Hiling down next to him, but he does firmly grab Alfred by the sleeve and tug him back.]

Thank you for your permission. She and I will discuss beginning sessions -- but not this evening. Not in your home, and certainly not while she is this ill. Right now, she needs her Dominant, and her Doctor, to take care of her.

[He gently pushes back Hiling's hair.] Nor would I tell you anything about it. It is Doctor and Patient confidentiality.

[The hand catches him and it's his turn to be confused. But only for a moment. His shoulders sag and his head hangs a little. He should have known better. He's being emotional and went too far. Of course Hannibal would never take advantage of anyone when they're clearly being affected by something. He's always been kind and controlled. Alfred feels a rushing sense of guilt for even thinking such things.]

I know. I...that was uncheratable of me. I know you are a professional without peer. I should have never said that. I apologise. Please forgive me.

[But the problem was still there. Hiling still needs something. She's still so very ill. So he'll take the advice of someone else.] All right. Whatever it is she needs. We're in your hands, Doctor. And Miss Care, you need anything, anything at all, you just ask me, all right. I want to see you better, Hiling. [Try listening to her. Find out from her what she wants]

[ It's not quite what she was expecting. There's an undeniable moment of frustration. After coming all the way here just to ask Alfred now she had to wait even longer. She knew it would be awkward with the way he sees her. But she can feel the support of both of them. They're here for her. At least she doesn't have to be alone. ]

I want... what you have with him. Something like it. He called you "Mi Amanti." No one's ever said anything like that to me.

[Aaaaaah ... yes. There is that. There is that Italian phrase of love that he has been calling Alfred without Alfred knowing it. Which of course now he does.

Hannibal clears his throat and strokes Hiling's hair once more.] Well, you will not find it with me ... but we can find you someone to feel that way with.

[For the second time in so many minutes, Alfred is speechless. There's no hiding the slight widening of his eyes in surprise or the way he colors. He's utterly floored by the fact that he would ever get a term of endearment from anyone, let alone Hannibal.

He tries not to be too flattered or overwhelmed by it. Hannibal isn't making a huge deal out of it, he shouldn't either. In fact, it almost seems like he's trying not to bring attention to it at all. It's only proper that he act normal, ignore it. Time and place. Now is not the time...

He sits quietly back at Hiling's side and takes her hand gently. Pretends nothing was ever said. No need to hang bows off that particular elephant dancing about the room.]

Oh Hiling. I know it don't feel like it now, but I'm sure there's someone out there that'll care for you as much as you care for them. You're still young. You're a sweet young lady. A bit confused at times, but when ain't we all. I can't promise you'll find that today. Can't promise it tomorrow either. [it evidently took Alfred 50 years to get it] but I'm sure it out there. You just got to be patient and think about what you want in a person. And until you find them or they find you, The doctor and I will be here to help you out. Teach you proper so you've got an even better chance at finding them.

[ Hannibal's words hit her hard. She clings to Alfred for comfort but finds nothing. Shaking her head, her whole body tenses. The urge to lash out is hard to fight but she's trying. She didn't know where it came from but it's the sickness taking hold. Finally she grabs Alfred, her eyes wide and lashes full of frost. ]

What you're s-saying is that nobody loves me!

[She looks in that moment like she's been caught by Victor Fries ... No. That man goes by Mr Freeze now days. He's speaking before he knows it. Likely sealing his own fate. If he says it, he'll never be able to let her go once the three months is over. But he can't. He can't let her freeze.

He hopes Hannibal isn't too disappointed in him for how he traps himself into things do easily.]

I didn't say that. Because you know, there's more than one kind of love. I can't love you the way I love.... [No. He can't say it. Hannibal's right there and he's already ruining everything. He can't say it and ruin that too] but you know how I talk about Bruce. About Regulus. You know I love them more than anything in the world. Same way I love Timothy. They're family. My sons...my grandson. You're my girl, Hiling. You're my sweet lass, so you're family too. Like Regulus. Like Bruce. Just because it's not romantic or sexual doesn't mean I don't love you. And I'm sorry. I'm so very sorry I ever made you feel you weren't here. I've only ever had sons before. Don't really know how to handle a daughter.

My dear Hiling ... I cannot possibly love you. I have known you for all of an hour. [Hannibal gently cards his fingers through her hair, for Alfred is folded around her like a blanket.] Yet I can honestly say that in that hour -- I am growing ever fond of you. I want to, as much as Alfred, protect and hold you close to my heart.

[One corner of his mouth twists wryly.] ... I simply have fewer ... emotional hang-ups, for I have helped raise a daughter. If you truly want me to satisfy some sexual need, I will be glad to oblige. Alfred is right, there are different kinds of love, and my love for you is different than the love I have for my Submissives. [Possessive.] .. or for Alfred. [The Most Possessive.]

[ She feels different. Suddenly she doesn't feel so compelled to violence. Just to hear them say that is enough. Her breathing slows as she starts to relax into his arms. This whole thing took a lot out of her. She could take a lot but this was completely unknown to her systems and most of her body is all too human. Now that she knows that she won't be abandoned she feels like she can rest. If she keeps holding onto them then she'll be warm again. ]

Family then. I like that.

[He keeps the girl cradled close. For a man who had been planning on walking out to leave Hiling and Hannibal to their devices, he's now very firmly entrenched. Alfred is likely to stay here. He'll not sleep. He'll merely sit there, holding her. Watching over her.

He only briefly glances up to Hannibal. He's honored. And grateful. And thankful. And honestly a bit amazed. There's so many things he wants to say, to admit to. But he's got a sick girl and that takes priority. Hopefully Hannibal won't think he's been spurned. Grand confessions come after his girl is all better.]

That's right. Family. You're my family now. I'll look after you. I swear. Just rest, all right. Rest and get better. I'll be right here when you wake up.

[Hannibal leans over to take off his shoes, and curls in close to their other side. Allowing Hiling to sandwich between them for safety and support. She is starting to get color back in her cheeks, so that is good.

He catches Alfred's eye, and then lets one shoulder lift in a sheepish, elegant shrug. It was not how he wanted to admit his feelings, but here they were.]

[There they are. A young lady he's now going to consider his daughter and the man who had promised to help raise her. A family. His family. His family that had nothing to do with the Waynes. It's something all his own.

He shifts Hiling so she can get more comfortable. When he does, he pulls a hand away to kiss his own fingertips to reach across and press lightly to Hannibal's lips. His answer. He feels the same way. He mouths the word "Later" before he's nuzzling Hiling again.

They can discuss feelings and all that later. Right now, Alfred has to focus on his girl.]

IC - INBOX/VOICEMAIL/TEXT/THREATENING LETTER

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