WIP WEEK (WORK-IN-PROGRESS WEEK) RETURNS IN JULY!

WIP WEEK is a week dedicated to updating fic or art WIPs that is held every two months. All fandoms are welcome to participate. Original works are also accepted. Please tag your entries with the #wipweek or #wip week tag. Since multiple fandoms and ships are participating, please clearly list the fandoms, ships, and content warnings in the post so that they can be properly tagged for any potential readers.

The seventh WIP Week will be held from July 22, 2018 to July 28, 2018.

Each day will have a theme, but you do not have to post every day. You are also not obligated to follow these themes. You can work on one fic or artwork for the entire week if you choose. If you’re not comfortable posting full updates but still want to participate in the week, you can post your daily word count and a small snippet from your work.

Here are the themes for the week:

July 22: Your Oldest WIP

July 23: Your Most Popular WIP

July 24: Your AU WIP

July 25: Your Newest WIP

July 26: Your Previously Unpublished WIP

July 27: Your Favorite WIP

July 28: Your Canon-Verse WIP

If you have any additional questions or suggestions, send an ask here.

WIP WEEK Day Seven: Your Previously Unpublished WIP

I have a lot of these, but I really enjoy this one so I decided to not throw out another a/b/o and give a peek at the yet untitled Familiar Hannibal AU.

A life of a familiar was not a very fulfilling one if you still had not found your magic user at one hundred and twelve.

Hannibal’s residual magic had after the first hundred years bled out of him in dark and murderous tendencies until to kill felt like a deep breath. He didn’t expect to ever find his other half.

Which was why when he found young Abigail it was such a surprise.

Hannibal had just left the grocer that afternoon when a peculiar feeling overcame his senses and dragged him down several streets to a small park.

A small child who could not have been more than a year at best was playing with a toy while a man who he presumed was her father looked at her in fear.

Hannibal had to stop himself from shifting to take a seat beside his witch’s father. “Lovely day for a walk.”

His witch looked up at his voice and her baby babble made his magic sing.

“How old is she?”

A sigh from the father as he pushed up his glasses. “She’s turning one in April.”

“She’s rather small for nine months.”

Hannibal knew they couldn’t communicate much but he attempted to send a thin psionic message.

‘Hello’

She waved and Hannibal was enchanted. He would kill anyone who even thought to do her harm even the man beside him.

“She’s—-it’s been tough.”

Hannibal took in the man’s appearance: haggard clothing, tired eyes, and pale skin.

“Oh, you’ve attempted ciphering.”

The wide eyed stare was comical as was his sudden jump up to run from him. Hannibal used magic to make the man fall back to the bench. He took off his suit coat and unbuttoned his sleeve before rolling it to show his forearm.

There was a very ornate pattern there and also on his other arm, swirls that resembled a stag with red eyes. He had always assumed that meant his magic user was a animus, which she very well still could be.

An immense relief came over the man’s face and Hannibal let his hold drop. “I thought—“

Hannibal fixed his sleeve. “That I was going to take her from you? Has she been targeted?”

“No,” the father sighed, “Not since I had her registered.”

Hannibal gestured to the stroller.

“May I?”

“Yes.”

He pulled the stroller closer and took her into his arms. They both visibly shook and she grabbed his cheeks just as her tiny mouth curved into a smile.

“Hello Abigail.”

“Hi Hanbl.”

“Oh.”

Hannibal looked at the father, who looked more sad than before.

“Does she conjure at home?”

He nodded. “Since three months old. Her mother couldn’t take it anymore and wanted to have her put in one of those…places.”

Hannibal’s lip curled.

“You were right to take Abigail from someone with that mentality.”

“She wasn’t—“

Hannibal moved his witch into the crook of his arm and held out his hand to her father.

“Hannibal Lecter.”

The touch of their hands was oddly warm and Hannibal held back a purr.

“Will Graham.”

Hannibal turned his palm over and read the lines. “You have magic in your blood. I can feel it.”

“No, I’m not…active.”

He looked up. “Not Active? You’re Dulled?”

Will took his hand away, his blush very becoming as he pushed up the glasses that hung on off his nose.

“Yeah. The only son of Marie and Logan Graham is Dulled.”

Hannibal had heard of neither.

“You do not feel dull. Perhaps you’re destined for another path.”

Will laughed. “Sure. I…this isn’t normal. You finding us, Abby manifesting and conjuring.”

Hannibal looked down at Abigail who had since fallen asleep. “Nor is it abnormal as magic takes many twists and turns. I have seen many things in the last one hundred years. This is nothing.”

“Wow. You…you’re sure that she’s your—“

Hannibal lifted Abigail’s sleeve and smiled. “Yes. Do not worry, Will. This is a good thing for all of us. You no longer have to cause pain to your aura by ciphering while Abigail and I—“

“I…can I still see her?”

Hannibal looked at him curiously.

“Pardon?”

He saw tears in the Dulled’s eyes.

“Normally when a witch finds their familiar they go off for the five year training and I—“

“Well of course this is different. No need to pain yourself with thoughts I’m taking her from you.”

Will let out a long breath.

“Thank God, I—“

A older couple seemed to stare as they passed by and Hannibal wanted to growl. He glared until they were gone and his nails grew till Will touched his arm.

“Calm down. It’s ok.”

Hannibal closed his eyes.

“I apologize. I feel very protective over you both.”

“That’s good but save the murder for nightfall ok?”

He opened his eyes and saw Will looked amused but wondered just how much he’d picked up on with his own magic or perhaps just luck.

“Yes, Father Will.”

Will blushed and moved away, his laugh uncomfortable. “Yeah just Will is ok. About the whole training thing…”

“I would of course invite you into my home but if it makes you more comfortable to just have me come to you, I am amendable.”

Will blinked. “Um…maybe we can come by for dinner first?”

Hannibal’s nostrils flared as he took in Will’s nervous scent.

“Yes. I believe that sounds like a splendid idea.”

The radiance that overtook Will’s features was a sight to behold. Hannibal wanted to see him that way always.

“Do you mind if I sit with the two of you a bit? It’s been a very long wait to feel completed.”

Abigail’s magic sparked and he put his hands on her tiny ones, conjuring a pink puffed pony that made her giggle. His inner core buzzed and he made the horse float, which had his witch clap her hands excitedly.

“Yeah that’s fine with me.”

They shared a smile and Hannibal resisted the urge to connect skin again, the feeling of Will’s suppressed magic quite tasty though he’d only had a few seconds.

“Thank you, Will.”

Will moved to stand. “I’ll leave you be, I mean—“

Hannibal pulled him back down to the park bench and the touch made him lick his lips. Will’s eyes widened and cheeks flushed.

“I do believe we‘d both prefer you to stay.”

“Okay,” Will said softly, his voice thickened.

The three of them spent the remainder of the afternoon in the park, hardly conscious of bystanders though there were a few. Hannibal pushed several that seemed interested in them away with barely a flick of his magic though Abigail latched on eagerly to help by the time the sun began to set.

“I do believe it’s been almost four hours,” Hannibal purred, “Nearly time for dinner.”

Abigail was now sound asleep in the crook of his arm, her comfort with him quite soothing and he did not wish to let her go.

Will pulled out his phone and gasped.

“Oh wow, I didn’t realize how long it’s been. Did you still want us for dinner?”

Hannibal nodded. “Unless you have plans?”

Will laughed. “A single father of a hypermagic baby? No I don’t have plans. I would say we could just follow you home but you have to make dinner so—“

Hannibal reached out and touched his forearm. “I could take us there now, if you’re comfortable with magic travel.”

Will’s throat worked as he nodded.

“All my life really until I left home. I just don’t want to be in your way.”

“Never.”

He tightened his hold on Will’s arm and made the three of them disappear only to reappear in his home. Abigail slept through the process and Will barely seemed affected.

“Wow this is…”

“Home,” Hannibal finished, conjuring a small baby bed for Abigail along with a thin blanket, “Please make yourself comfortable while I work on the meal. Are you thirsty?”

Will eyed him oddly and his blush was endearing. “Yeah, I’m pretty thirsty. Must be the travel.”

Hannibal smiled. “Wine?”

“Sounds good,” Will looked at Abigail, “That’s nice, the bed.”

“I do not have much experience with babies but I have seen them in different places. Do not worry that she’ll fall, it’s very secure.”

He walked to the liquor cabinet, conscious of Will’s eyes as he moved and did not want to magic the feeling away.

“You don’t use magic to do everything?”

“I prefer to make meals by hand as well as pour. We were blessed with power but do not need to be dependent on it.”

“A lot of magic users and familiars don’t feel that way.”

Hannibal walked back to the living area and handed Will his wineglass.

“I am not like most familiars.”

Will smiled. “No, you don’t seem like any I’ve met.”

WIP Week Day Six – Your AU WIP

I have many, many AU wips. I could’ve chosen one I haven’t touched in years, which would’ve been nicer than just picking something current and shiny. But I chose current and shiny.

I’ve shared a bit of this fic before under different titles, the Celestial Adam x Wolf Nigel AU. It’s current title is: I’ll Be Your Star (AKA Star Trek). The summary is basically this:

Wolf Mage Nigel gets a job from his half brother Hannibal, who is all wolf. His brother wants him to get back something that was stolen from him by this guy Raki. He goes through Nigel’s Incubus friend Darko, as they haven’t talked all that much since the death of Hannibal’s mate, Will. Will and Nigel were somewhat friendly, but he pretty much blames Hannibal for Will’s death.

Darko finally blurts out that Raki has Will, that Will faked his death and is being held by this Raki who has power like you wouldn’t imagine.

The location/target of Nigel’s job is in the North Woods. He is to go and retrieve the missing thing and kill Raki. Darko offers to come, more because he’s jonesing for the magic he thinks will be there, but Nigel says no. Nigel goes and comes across something that no one has seen in a thousand years:

A celestial star in human form.

He also finds Will, who is not entirely pleased to see him.

Here’s a random excerpt:

“How long have you been here?”

“Since it happened.”

Will had been presumed dead for about a year again a side effect from his choice of mate.

The door opened as they walked up and inside felt warm like a comforting blanket.

“He didn’t feel you till recently.”

Adam touched his back and Nigel purred. “I got hurt and the shield was bad. I’m ok now though.”

Nigel breathed him in this close and Adam smelled like home.

“Who could hurt you?”

Adam stepped back and looked away, his light dimmer than Nigel had seen it so far.

“I’m going to check on something.”

He was gone in a blink, faster than that, and the room felt like less for his absence.

“We don’t know,” Will said and jarred Nigel out of staring at the empty space.

He surveyed the room and saw the decor matched Will’s taste: plaids, browns, and even several dog things.

“He decorated for you,” Nigel accused as he sat on the plaid couch, “You fucking?”

Will laughed. “I can barely touch him without burning you think we’re having sex?”

“Burning?”

Will sat down beside him.

“He’s a Star, Nigel. An honest to god celestial being that decided he wanted to bring me back to life on a lark. I’m grateful and want to protect him.“

Nigel relaxed and didn’t know why he felt better to hear that. “He took it all. The mark, your…monster. All of it.”

Will looked at his hands where there had once been claws. “And I don’t want it back. I don’t want any of it.”

He inhaled and smelled the lie. “Bullshit. You might not want to be a crazy monster but you do want—“

Will glared at him sharply.

“NONE of it.”

They stared each other down in silence for almost too long before Adam reappeared just as suddenly as he’d left. Also bowls of what looked macaroni and cheese came with him in both Nigel and Will’s hands.

“It’s dinner time.”

Nigel raised an eyebrow at Will who just smiled as he started to eat. The moment Nigel took a first bite he moaned.

“Oh,” Adam said softly, “You like it? Will doesn’t always like it and he certainly doesn’t make noises like that while eating.”

He sat down between them and Nigel could feel his skin burn even through clothes.

“It’s fantastic.”

Adam beamed and his light shone brighter. “I like you, Nigel. Would you like to stay?”

Nigel would.

“I’m not sure—“

“Adam, give Nigel a while maybe? It’s hard to take.”

Nigel’s whole body rumbled as Adam moved his hand and ran an invisible hand over his head.

“But I don’t want him to go.”

“Adam.”

Will’s voice felt so far away and could’ve been in another dimension as far as Nigel was concerned. He leaned into the phantom touch and wished it were real, eyes glowing as Adam frowned at him.

Adam sighed and let him go so fast Nigel could’ve howled for want of Adam’s touch.

“I’m happy you liked the mac and cheese. I don’t taste much food but I do like this one and I thought you might want to taste it too.”

Nigel shook himself and took another bite. “Thank you, Star.”

Adam moved in closer to him now. “I like that. You calling me that. Do you know a lot about Stars?”

Nigel felt Will move and walk out of the room which was strange but he preferred only Adam’s scent anyway. “Some, but not much.”

“Neither do I, but I know I am one. It’s like when you open your eyes every morning and just KNOW you’re you? That’s how it feels.”

Nigel flicked his wrist and made his bowl set itself down on the table out of his reach.

“My mother used to read me the story about the human who called a star and that’s what brought magic to Earth. Stars created wolves, monsters, and the like. Like a big bang.”

Adam blinked. “Oh, that’s like my father!”

“Your–”

He blinked out of focus and then was across the room to take a book from the shelf.

“My father told me he conjured up a Star because he wanted to bring his wife back to life but the Star that fell was me! I was a baby so I did not have much power yet and for a mage to use Star Magic–”

He blinked again and Nigel finished for him.

“Stars need to agree for the magic to be free.”

WIP Week Day Five:
Your Newest WIP

The newest fic I’ve started to work on is currently titled: Cut from the Same Cloth. It’s a Regency themed Hannigram AU where werewolves are known but still quite rare. Hannibal stumbles upon a wolf in the woods who turns out to be the newest werewolf in town: Will Graham. Will is not exactly broadcasting his werewolf status but is drawn to Hannibal.

Stuff happens and yeah, I won’t go too much more into it. Here’s a snippet.

The first time Hannibal saw the wolf it was late, almost too late for proper gentlemen to wander the woods, and he was covered in blood.

The wolf turned, sniffed the air and growled but didn’t move.

“I killed him in his home not far from here if you’re hungry.”

It took off before he even finished the sentence and Hannibal wiped his hands on a handkerchief from his pocket.

He hoped it fed well on Lord Glasman, the man was deserved nothing less.

The first time he saw Will Graham Hannibal was also covered in blood but this time his own. He’d taken a long route in order to look for an escape if he decided to hunt this evening and his horse Frances did not take well to the change, knocking him off.

Hannibal had been disoriented enough to lose his sense of direction and when he’d come out of the woods he recognized the modest home in front of him.

Mr. Graham was new in Wolf Trap, a country man he’d heard, and not quite the type to run in his social circle. But Hannibal saw the modest Graham homestead and took a chance he’d get aided.

Will was in his stables brushing his own horse when Hannibal stumbled up to him.

“Pardon me, but I—“

The moment Mr. Graham turned around he recognized his eyes.

“Oh, you’re a were.”

Will’s face showed his displeasure at being called out but he still came to Hannibal at once. “What the hell happened to you, sir?”

“My name is Count Hannibal Lecter. My horse did not like the route I changed us to.”

“Is he into killing people as well?”

Hannibal smirked. “Wolves remember in their forms?”

Will led him towards the house and Hannibal let him. “Yes, we do. He was torn to shreds when I got there, your kill. Not much meat for me.”

“I apologize, Mister….?”

“Graham, Will Graham. Not Lord, Sir, nor Count. Just a Mister.”

They walked through the Graham house and Will directed him to sit at the table. He pulled a box of first aid supplies from a cabinet. He turned and raised an eyebrow in Hannibal’s direction.

“Are werewolves required to feed on humans or do you just enjoy it?”

Will chuckled. “I don’t go after anyone unless they get in my way. But you so kindly offered, so I thought it would be rude to turn away a free meal.”

He took out the iodine and started to swab his wounds. Hannibal was enchanted by the way his eyes seemed to change color with the turn of the light.

“No one knows you’re a creature.”

“No,” Will mumbled, “Just like no one knows you’re a human monster.”

“I’d prefer if they never did.”

“I as well. I have no need for the attention my particular malady would bring.”

Hannibal smiled. “Then I will not have my next ball on the full moon and you will not tell the constable on me.”

Will wrapped a bandage around his wrist.

“Are you inviting me to a ball?”

“Yes.”

“I don’t have the clothes for one nor the inclination to attend such a large crowd.”

Hannibal touched his hand.

“A meal then? At my home?”

Will smiled. “What type of meat?”

“Long pig.”

Will’s laugh was music to his ears.

“All right then. I will bring the wine.”

WIP WEEK Day Four: Your Most Popular WIP

Which is of course: Truly, Madly, Deeply. The Christmas story that’s less Christmas and more story lol. I started writing it three days before Christmas last year on a whim and it’s the most kudos I’ve ever gotten this fast for a fic in the almost three years I’ve been in the fandom.

For anyone who doesn’t know the premise it’s a season one Hannigram a/b/o where they meet at Beverly’s Christmas party and form an attachment due to being true mates. Will is rather against the idea of a mate but finds himself drawn to Hannibal so badly that he ignores basic common sense to give into the feeling without the attachment. Hannibal, of course, fuels the fire by manipulation till he himself gets in trouble because of horrible things like feelings and love. Yes there’s mpreg, yes there will be future chapters with kids in them, but there are also things like murder and pillow talk discussions about their pasts which make them want a future.

It’s about 80% written already so I’ll show off a scene from the next chapter because why not?

Chapter Seven is about 90% domestic fluff. So I’m just picking a spot.

~~~~

The way Will seems to have buried himself into Hannibal’s pillow when he arrives upstairs again makes him smile. “Hungry?”

Will blinks his eyes tiredly and smiles. “You spoil me.”

“Always.”

“The dogs?”

“Resting comfortably in their room.”

Will laughs when Hannibal takes out the tray and puts it over him. “I can’t believe they have a room. I honestly thought you’d make me get rid of them.”

Hannibal sets his food down. “Make you? I was not aware that it was possibly to make you do anything.”

“Touche,” Will says, “I just have heard stories.”

Hannibal climbs onto the bed beside him and sets himself up for eating. “Stories?”

Will has already gotten several bites in his mouth and his eyes close when he moans.

“God this is good.”

Hannibal kisses his cheek. “I am happy to hear. You mentioned stories.”

Will kisses his mouth and nuzzles his cheek. “Mmm,” he sighs, “Stories about pushy alpha mates. I don’t have a lot of friends but I’ve….heard things.”

Hannibal pushes him back just enough that they stare at each other. “Do I strike you as someone who would force you to bend to my will?”

Will smiles. “No, surprisingly. I guess serial killers follow their own rules of alphaness.”

Hannibal caressed his cheek. “I am fairly certain that is not a real word.”

“It is now.”

WIP Week Day Three: Your Canon-Verse WIP

By the Sea

I’m cheating here because really it takes place after canon. I haven’t updated this fic in two years, but yeah I dunno why I’m mentioning it at all except I don’t have any other canon-verse wips. *shrug*

I don’t have anything new either but maybe I will by next WIP week? *hopeful eyes*

WIP WEEK DAY TWO: Your Favorite WIP

Yeah it’s still, A Ghost Story.

I love writing and sharing it, I love when I get comments about the new chapters, and I will probably cry when I finally finish their story.

I shared some of the first chapter last WIP week so I thought I’d share some of the second chapter here now.

Will closed his eyes. “Did I hurt anyone?”

“Not much though you frightened him much more. Francis Dolarhyde kept muttering about his grandmother.”

That’s who she was then.

“Oh.”

Mischa was sitting on the floor by Hannibal’s desk and had not moved. Will wondered if he’d scared her again and hated himself for it.

“Do you get these episodes often?”

He sighed. “I had one at my old school.”

Hannibal turned a page that Will hadn’t realized he’d had in front of him. He looked down as he read, “And screamed ‘Why Will baby, why?’ over and over again.”

Will’s eyes filled with tears. “Yeah that’s what they told my Dad.”

“Will, can you tell me what you feel during these episodes?”

He closed his eyes. “Scared.”

“I will not bring up your father again but I need to ask something else.”

“What?”

“When I entered the classroom and picked you up off the floor, you said something to me. Do you have any recollection of that?”

Will looked at Mischa who nodded.

“No.”

“You called me Hanni and said, ‘Help Will,” as if you yourself were not Will. I do believe you have much more than angry outburst episodes.”

Will smiled and shook his head. “I don’t have split personalities.”

“Will, it’s not uncommon for a traumatic event such as your mother leaving to result in–”

Will felt tears on his face. “It would be so much easier if that was the case. I wouldn’t feel so alone. I feel so….” he covered his face with his hands and started to sob, his shoulders shaking as he couldn’t do anything else.

He felt Hannibal sit down beside him on the couch moments later, his hand on Will’s shoulder.

“I may not be a formal psychiatrist anymore, Will, but you can trust me.”

Will started to laugh, shaking his head.

He felt a chill and saw Mischa had taken his hand. Will took deep breaths and tried to calm down before he wiped his eyes with the other hand. “It’s not me,” he whispered, “None of them are me.”

“Yes, that is what I was–”

“Ghosts. They’re ghosts.”

Hannibal frowned. “Ghosts of a past you cannot let go of.”

Will sighed. “Yeah, sure.”

“Your father is a source of one of these ghosts?”

He wasn’t wrong.

“Yeah.”

“If you’re comfortable….”

Will looked at him, the concern on his face might be entirely false or completely sincere Will wasn’t sure.

“Can we talk about something else?”

Hannibal smiled. “Yes. This is a safe space for you to talk about whatever you’d like.”

Will could’ve reached out and touched him but refrained. “I think I’m okay now.”

Hannibal realized Will meant he did not need comfort and stood up to walk back to his desk. Will tried to squeeze back on Mischa’s hand and felt her do the same. “Thank you for helping me.”

Hannibal sat down and nodded. “You are very welcome. Though there is no need to thank me. Truth be told I had this immediate need to check the Math room though I have no idea why.”

Will smiled. “Maybe you have ghosts of your own?”

“Don’t we all?”

Will nodded. “I had a good day today till Math class though. I made some new friends.”

“Friends are a good idea.”

“They mentioned you.”

“Oh?”

Will leaned back and looked at the ceiling. “Two of them had sessions with you they said.”

“I have seen many students over the years. Most of them do not have ghosts such as yours but they do have some.”

Will could’ve laughed again.

“No one has ghosts as fun as mine.”

WIP WEEK Day 1: Your Oldest WIP

I honestly thought By the Sea was my oldest and to my surprise it’s not!

My oldest WIP was last updated in February 2016 and is Crush. One of my very first Valentine’s Day stories it’s about Will the accountant who has a mad crush on his boss, Hannibal Lecter.

I last left them in a bind. The rules of inter-office romance were rather harsh so they were seeing each other on the sly. Hannibal decided to fire Will in order to show him he loved him.

They kissed on his desk and now everyone knows.

A big Valentine’s Day date was planned…..two years ago. lol.

And this week couldn’t at a better time because I just wrote Chapter Five.

Enjoy!

The sexy times will come in Chapter Six. *laughs maniacally*

wipweek:

WIP WEEK (WORK-IN-PROGRESS WEEK) RETURNS IN MAY!

WIP WEEK is a week dedicated to updating fic or art WIPs that is held every two months. All fandoms are welcome to participate. Original works are also accepted. Please tag your entries with the #wipweek or #wip week tag. Since multiple fandoms and ships are participating, please clearly list the fandoms, ships, and content warnings in the post so that they can be properly tagged for any potential readers.

The sixth WIP Week will be held from May 27, 2018 to June 2, 2018.

Each day will have a theme, but you do not have to post every day. You are also not obligated to follow these themes. You can work on one fic or artwork for the entire week if you choose. If you’re not comfortable posting full updates but still want to participate in the week, you can post your daily word count and a small snippet from your work.

Here are the themes for the week:

May 27: Your Oldest WIP

May 28: Your Favorite WIP

May 29: Your Canon-Verse WIP

May 30: Your Most Popular WIP

May 31: Your Newest WIP

June 1: Your AU WIP

June 2: Your Previously Unpublished WIP

If you have any additional questions or suggestions, send an ask here.

WIP Week Day Six: Your AU WIP

Well I have many, but I’m gonna share from the abo verse mpreg Hannigram that’s taken hold of my muses on and off in the past few days, “Truly, Madly, Deeply.”

This is from Chapter One:

By the end of the evening he learns much about everyone but Will Graham, who seems to have perfected evasion even more so than Hannibal himself. The expert way he directs questions about himself onto others is quite interesting as is the strange allure he casts over the room without knowledge. Every person in the room wants to please him as is their biological imperative but they have no idea why.

Hannibal has never wanted anyone more.

When Will finally excuses himself despite many protests he has hardly spoken the entire time Hannibal has been present but it does not matter. The few moments he gave Hannibal glimpses of him were enough.

Hannibal watches Will say his goodbye to Beverly before he heads for the door and gives his as well hoping to meet him there at the same moment.

He does and feigns a stumble just in time to catch the omega in his arms. Will is breathless and looks shocked at his arrival.

“I apologize.”

They share a look that is oddly silent till a familiar voice calls out.

“Ohhh look what’s up above you!”

Hannibal knows but thinks Will did not, the hidden omega’s anger quite comical when he views the mistletoe.

“I must confess I—“

Will rights himself and glares.

“This is why no one knows. THIS.”

His hiss is lovely, dangerous, and Hannibal wants him more with each passing moment.

“You do not have to oblige.”

Will grabs him by his lapels and says with all the ire in him, “Fuck you.”

Then he kisses Hannibal and both of them are surprised.

Will is his true mate.

The omega groans and pulls back almost instantly. “Oh god no, seriously?”

Hannibal frowns. “I don’t think—“

There are catcalls and whistles as he watches his destined mate leave and slam the door behind.

Hannibal feels an odd hurt to his alpha core.

What was wrong with him?

Why had Will left?

That was not how every book he’d ever read explains true mates.

Hannibal follows and catches up to Will just as the omega gets into his vehicle. He leans down to peer inside waiting for Will to roll down the window.

Will does not and drives off.

Hannibal resists the urge to follow his vehicle and instead plans his murder of Dr. Allen Toby an expert in Omegas whose book seems to be absolutely useless.