Chapter Text
Dr. Lecter is in the shower. It is rare to catch a glimpse of him in this state. After all, it isn't like there is ever anybody else but himself in his home.
Getting out of the shower and drying himself meticulously, Dr. Lecter chooses a set of satin pajamas. He then proceeds to go to bed.
Lying down and staring at the ceiling for a few seconds, his mind begins wandering. He has been alone for a very long time now. And as he turns his head to look at the space next to him, he smirks. He pities those poor sorrowful souls that have to endure somebody else's company every night. Dr. Lecter rather enjoys the alone and the dark. And he can't ever imagine sharing it with someone else.
Turning his head back to the ceiling now, he closes his eyes and drifts away into a dreamless sleep.
Morning comes, just as it does everyday and Dr. Lecter is awake. His body is like a living clock and he never sleeps past six. This morning however, is different. He turns his head to look at his bedside alarm and is shocked to see it was 6:45. His facial expression gives nothing away of course, but on the inside he is frowning.
Getting up and shaking away any signs of sleep, he begins to get ready for his day. He doesn't hurry just because of the time either. Rushing isn't the answer for waking up late.
He chooses a deep purple suit with a lavender shirt and white tie. He ties his jet black dress shoes carefully and then goes to comb his hair. Slicking it back and to the side as he has always done all these years. Looking himself over for a few seconds, he is satisfied. Looking at the clock however, he sees that there is simply no time for a full breakfast. Eating a quick muffin will have to do for now.
Driving to his office, Dr. Lecter is preparing himself for another day of listening to patients moan about their everyday lives. He can't complain too much however. Sometimes, he gets cases that are rather intriguing. Those people he will turn loose on the world, just for his own pleasure and amusement.
Looking at his books, he sees that his first appointment is not for another hour. Strange, he was sure he was supposed to...
He catches a scent then. Fresh dirt and yes, the all too familiar smell of a hospital. He turns around. Abigail is up near his books. Hands on the rail, that scared doe caught in the headlights look on her face.
"Hello, Abigail. I wasn't expecting you this morning." He speaks carefully to her as he always does to ensure that he is control of the situation.
"I'm sorry about that." She says. "I asked Dr. Bloom to bring me because..." She pauses. A look of small fright on her face now.
"Because of what, Abigail?" He sighs inwardly, this girl...
"Because..." A sharp intake of breath from her.
"Abigail, if you cannot tell me, I'm afraid I'll have to take you back."
"NO!" She spurts out. "I told Dr. Bloom to bring me here because something happened at the hospital."
"What has happened at the hospital? Did you have a bad dream? A hallucination?" He rattles off and she shakes her head.
"I... I was walking the grounds and... a boy... maybe my age, I can't remember. He walked up to me and..." She trails off then.
"Pray tell, Abigail. What did this boy do?"
"That's just the thing. I can't remember. All I remember is his hand on my arm and then me being in my room sitting on my bed. I told Dr. Bloom and she told me maybe you could help. She said that you were probably better at this sort of thing and so I told her to bring me here."
"I see. Well first things first, you probably better come down and sit. Things will work better if I don't have to converse with you while looking up the whole time." Abigail nods slowly and begins the descent down the ladder. Being the perfect gentleman that he is, he assists her. Putting his hand on her shoulder and guiding her down. And for a split second as he places his hand, there is an electric spark. He tilts his head slightly, questioning it in his mind, but dismisses it just as quick.
"So, Abigail, before all of this happened, how were things at the hospital?" He says as they both take a seat in his chairs.
"Oh, you know, about as good as things can get in a mental hospital. Crappy food, crappy sleep, an even crappier environment. It doesn't help that I can't make any friends because I don't know who's who."
"Abigail, the world is what we make it. Yes, a hospital can be a very... crappy place as you put it, but that's only because you're seeing it that way. If you want a good and healthy environment, then you have to live it. Interact, think about the good things, feel good about yourself."
"But how Dr. Lecter? It seems like every time I try, something comes back and stops me."
"The memories of your father?" There are small tears forming in her eyes now. She squirms a bit and nods. "Is that what is keeping you from remembering what happened at the hospital?"
"I don't know... maybe?" There are tears now running down her cheeks slowly. He supposes this is the time he should provide some kind of comfort.
He gets up from his chair and kneels in front of her on one knee.
"Abigail, I've told you this many times. You are not responsible for anything that happened. You were a victim. And you did what you needed to stay alive. It's what makes you a strong person. Even if you do think you are weak inside." He gives her a small smile.
"You think I'm a strong person?" She's staring at him, both of her hands clutching her knees. Bottom lip slightly trembling.
"Of course I do, Abigail." He takes one of her hands and holds it in his own. And there is the spark again. A little stronger this time. He can tell from the small reaction in her face, that she too has felt something. He doesn't hint that he does though. So he just gives her hand a little squeeze before getting up. The day after all is about to begin. And maybe, just maybe, Abigail is going to a bigger asset than he thought.
"Unfortunately, Abigail, my patients will be coming in any minute. I'll call Dr. Bloom to pick you up and when I'm through here, I'll come and get you. We can discuss this further over a nice meal. My place?" He's staring at her, almost leaking reassurance into her.
"Sure, that sounds fine, Dr. Lecter."
"I'll see you this evening then." He says as he picks up the phone.