"Do you regret letting someone in your house who smells like fish and cheap aftershave, has motor oil on his hands, and is covered in dog hair?"

After a long day of work, Will indeed looked a bit disheveled.

The corners of Hannibal's mouth twitched. "Nothing a substantial bath can't fix. And it's not my house, it's ours."

Will's smile faded and was superseded by a more serious expression. "Do you rue falling for the only worthy opponent you ever had?"

"You are not my opponent, Will. You are my friend, my companion, my ..."

"Partner?"

"I don't need you to be devoted to me. I don't need you to adore me. I just need you to truly see me. And I hope you choose to stay nonetheless."

"What if I do? What if I ..."

"If we ever get apprehended, I want you to disown me." Hannibal said that like he was entrusting him with nothing more than the grocery list, like it was a usual topic of conversation, and perhaps it was. Seemingly impassive, he continued: "I won't drag you down with me."

"I don't intend you to be caught a second time."

Hannibal smiled. "You will be the death of me, someday." The only one who was worthy.

"I already am, and you are mine."

As if coming to an agreement, they looked at each other, before Hannibal uttered: "Then, so be it. Better dead than put into a cage. Curious how it's not my death I dread, but yours."

Will: "I don't intend Hannibal to be caught a second time."

Bedelia: "Can't live with him. Can't live without him. Is that what this is?"

3.13