IC - INBOX/VOICEMAIL/TEXT/THREATENING LETTER

[il_mostro]

Please leave all IC correspondence for Dr Hannibal Lecter here.

Comments

[compellingstatement]

['Archivist' now, not Mr. Sims.

Jon meets Hannibal's gaze looking confused, frightened. It's nothing to do with the man in front of him and more the situation and emotions roiling inside of him. This is one of those times that he wishes he were more the Archivist. More like some of the other avatars who seemed to have a better handle on their feelings, their guilt.

Except that would be horrible, and he doesn't want to become like the rest of them, forget what being human is.]

I, um... I wouldn't have the money to-

[He drops his gaze and pulls out the money he knows he already owes the man. Jon stands abruptly taking a step forward and offering the crisp bills to Hannibal. He's breathing a little faster.]

I'm sorry. Thank you. It wouldn't be- It would be a very bad idea for me to come to you when I'm... I don't want to hurt you, either, Dr. Lecter.

[il_mostro]

[Hannibal leaned forward, taking the money and folding it into his pocket, before putting his hand around the Archist's wrist to hold the other man into place for a moment.]

I am not doing this for the money, Mr. Sims. I want you to come to me because I think you are a danger to yourself, and you are a danger to those around you. As this is a small circle ... you are probably a danger to someone I know, and care for. So your treatment shall be pro-bono. For ... the greater good.

[compellingstatement]

[There's an impulse to yank his arm away that Jon has to master for a second or two before responding.]

I'm not-

[Well, he is a danger.]

It's not-

[It is like that.]

I didn't come here for that.

[Which is true.]

You would be in danger if you...

[His gaze focuses on Hannibal instead of glancing away. And as it does, Hannibal will have the impression that it's more than just the Archivist looking at him. There are eyes hot on the back of his neck, the sensation of being watched so intensely, the observer might be piercing through him. The fear drains away from the Archivist's face, replaced by something more predatory, calm, and considering. Like a tiger surveying the options for its next meal.

A Statement. Does this man have a Statement? Some connection to the supernatural?]

[il_mostro]

[Hannibal let go the moment he realized he had captured Jon's attention thoroughly. He bore his own dark eyes into the other man's.]

You did not, but I feel that you may need it.

[There are many horrible things that Hannibal Lecter has seen and done, but alas, none of that is supernatural. Simply horrific. That calm gaze covers a great deal of horror.

Beyond that, what Jonathan Sims would see was simply a predator's gaze in return. Calm, but ready to strike.]

[compellingstatement]

[The Archivist's gaze holds for several seconds, and then the sense of being watched fades. He clearly loses interest, glances away toward the door. Whatever he was looking for, it's not in Hannibal. It's only when he looks back, sees the doctor's expression, that it registers for Jon what he'd just done. How easily he'd slipped. But that was... there was a purpose to this, yes? He'd needed to check, to see if Hannibal would be vulnerable.

The rationalization after the fact has his stomach churning just a bit.

He starts to look uncomfortable once more.]

No. No, thank you. I-

I'll handle it. I can handle it.

[Hopefully.]

[il_mostro]

[The moment that intense interest starts to fade, Hannibal can feel his senses pull back from the need to attack Jonathan Sims. He leans back in his chair completely, giving Sims a long and steady look.

Finally, he nods.]

As you wish. I cannot force anyone to seek help. Just be reminded of your mantra, and your grounding exercise. I shall be keeping an eye out for you.

[compellingstatement]

[That last comment engenders a quiet, bitter little huff of a laugh. If this were Basira, he might ask her if that was a joke. He can't help but mutter to himself:] Join the crowd.

[Louder once more:] Yes. Thank you, Dr. Lecter. I'll... buy a pocketknife. [Stabbing himself is the most important thing he's taken away from this conversation, which... might not be particularly healthy, but it's the part he wants to focus on. That mantra he's supposed to say is... He has enough issues with his personal identity without struggling over it each time he wrestles with himself.

Jon supposes he'll try. But it might just be easier stabbing himself a few times, instead. He'll heal, anyway.]

Good day.

[And unless Hannibal stops him again, he'll head out, looking as hunted as ever.]