Through the kitchen window, the setting sun immersed them in crimson light. It smelled of roasted spices and the salty ocean, tart and alluring at the same time. Will breathed in the aroma and let his gaze wander, nothing holding him back anymore.

Hannibal had rolled up the sleeves of his expensive shirt, the long scars on his wrists clearly visible against the soft skin. Attentively, he was washing the sea fish Will had brought home this evening.

"Beautiful specimen, Will." He smiled and dried his hands with one of the fine tea towels.

"It was my turn to provide the meat."

It wasn't the first time they prepared a meal together. Radish, spring onions, an aubergine and some carrots accumulated next to the cutting board. Slicing the vegetables was Will's task. A slow process. He wasn't as practiced and proficient as the older man.

For a moment, Hannibal watched him from across the kitchen, before he took a few steps closer and looked over Will's shoulder. "Let me show you."

Advisedly, he reached around him, down his arms, and laid his hands over Will's, one clasping the vegetable, the other the knife. "Hold it like this." Warm steady fingers had closed around his in a firm touch, leading him. "The tip stays in place. Then push down with enough force, don't loosen your grip." Although Hannibal's upper and lower body were barely brushing against his backside, Will could feel him distinctly.

"Again, and again." Together, they cut up the radish in a smooth rhythm. "You're doing well, Will." The low voice behind him had changed barely noticeable. "Now you're ready, we can speed up the movements." Hannibal shifted his heft and got closer ever so slightly. Will's breath hitched. The heat radiating from both of them mingled.

Then all of a sudden, Hannibal was gone.

With shaky hands, Will put down the knife. His legs felt weak. He was almost used to his body reacting to Hannibal's presence, but this... this intensity was new. As he dared to look up, he saw him standing at the other end of the kitchen with his back to him, his breaths measured and deep.

All this time, Hannibal's touch had been precise, controlled and expedient. But now... Now something had changed.

Will cleared his throat, his mouth was dry. "I have never... I've never done it like this before. You seem quite experienced though."

"You'll be too, very soon." Still, he wasn't facing him.

Fidgety, Will picked up the knife again, swiftly chopped a spring onion, and promptly cut his finger. He winced as the blade penetrated his flesh. A groan escaped his lips.

"Looks like I'll get hurt the first couple of times."

Finally, Hannibal turned towards him.

"You will. And I will take care of you."

"Could he daily feel a stab of hunger for you

and find nourishment at the very sight of you?

Yes. But do you ache for him?"

Bedelia to Will 3.12