(no subject)

[thewidewideworld]

From here

Curled in Rangar's arms and clutching Athelstan's hand, Sinric keeps his face hidden as they enter their rooms. Somehow it's easier with his eyes closed. It seems to narrow down the visions.

He tries to steady himself enough to stand, wavering like a leaf. "I must smell terrible." He can't tell, still so disconnected from his own body. "I don't remember how long it's been since I washed."

He senses a turn of discomfort from Athelstan. "I can do it alone, it's alright."

Comments

[thewidewideworld]

Hannibal's sensitive nose may pick up that Sinric's liver and kidney functions aren't quite right. Especially the drugs have poisoned him and his system is fighting them.

[cook_the_rude]

"We need to get that stuff out of his system," Hannibal says. "It takes time, but he's not in immediate danger now. However, I will need to watch him and most likely put him on an infusion."

[athelstanthescribe]

"Should we take him down to the infirmary?"

[thewidewideworld]

Sinric's eyelids flutter, not opening but more as if he's dreaming.

[bigarmy_strangepants]

Ragnar holds Sinric in his arms and his lap, stroking his shoulders.

"What can you do for him?"

The doctor doesn't answer, concentrating on Sinric instead.

[athelstanthescribe]

Athelstan doesn't press. Sinric is in a bad enough condition every second might count.

[thewidewideworld]

Sinric bites his lip, trying to suppress a little sob of pain. Still unconscious, still fighting.

[cook_the_rude]

"He is no longer seizing, so there is no need to give him rectal,diazepam," the doctor finally declares. "I am going to put him on a drip with Hartmann's solution and watch him overnight. As I am no longer welcome in the infirmary after my difference of opinion with Guppy Sandhu over the diagnosis of Javert, we should get some equipment for his room and watch him there."

Beat.

"Sinric? We are going to take care of you. We have you."

[athelstanthescribe]

Athelstan nods.

"I'll go to Bar. Just tell me what to get."

[thewidewideworld]

Hannibal's words, Ragnar's touch and Athelstan's nearness help. He grows calmer, his eyes and fingertips stilling.

[cook_the_rude]

"May I have a piece of paper, then I'll write down what we need," Dr. Lecter says. "It's a long list of future technology and substances. Good thing that somewhere, this place has an elevator."

[athelstanthescribe]

"Yes." He hurries to the desk in his own room and comes back with pen and paper.

[thewidewideworld]

While they are busy with that, Sinric slowly comes to, turning ever so slightly to bury his face in Ragnar's thigh for comfort.

[bigarmy_strangepants]

Ragnar strokes him, bending down to be with Sinric while the other two are busy with their list, which seems to involve medical supplies, electronic machines, and a bed on wheels.

"We have you," he whispers to Sinric. "We love you, and your doctor friend is here to take care of you. Prophecy asks a high price, always, and I don't want you to pay it."

[athelstanthescribe]

Athelstan is busily writing down everything Hannibal asks for, occasionally pausing to check he's got the spelling right.

[thewidewideworld]

Sinric tangles his fingers in Ragnar's, squeezing weakly. He keeps his eyes closed, his face turned away. "I'm afraid."

[bigarmy_strangepants]

"It's scary, you are right," Ragnar says, having by now learned that trying to argue everything away is miserably unhelpful, invalidating whatever the other person feels rather than showing a way out. "But at least we are all here to help you deal with it."

[athelstanthescribe]

"We'll find you people who know how to help with new powers", Athelstan offers, glancing up from the list for a moment. "It's Milliways, there must be someone."

[thewidewideworld]

Sinric sniffs and nods, trying to sit up.

It doesn't go well and he falls back into Ragnar's arms, looking as if he might throw up, if he had anything in his stomach to throw up.

[cook_the_rude]

List completed, Hannibal returns to the bed to just sit with Sinric and hold his hands while Ragnar is keeping him steady in his arms.

"When Athelstan comes back, he'll bring things to make you feel much better," he informs him.

[athelstanthescribe]

Athelstan is already gone on his errand.

[thewidewideworld]

At Hannibal's touch, Sinric's eyes widen sharply, his breath quickening. He starts to tremble again, his heart racing as he looks deep into the Doctor's eyes.

And sees.

[cook_the_rude]

Hannibal doesn't flinch away, but instead looks back at Sinric unwaveringly.

"See?" he says, giving the arc word from the tale of Garrett Jacob Hobbes and his unfortunate daughter. Of Abigail hiding from him, and of revealing himself to Will Graham. Of blood spilled in the corner kitchen of an unassuming suburban home with a double garage, of a stately kitchen with a pantry full of secrets, of pigs eating men, and a sow carrying a human fetus, of two women finding fulfilment where two men do not. Of a great red dragon in sorry human shape used as a hand-tied fishing lure just as the one to be caught makes them. Of blood and food, skill and deception, death and love, great creativity and infinite patience.

[thewidewideworld]

And in all of it, Hannibal. Strong and tall and resolute. In cold rage and heated desire. In pain and in pleasure.

Not the horned monster Will Graham saw, black-skinned and menacing. Just Hannibal, true to himself.

"I see." Sinric answers, breathless but calm and unafraid.

[cook_the_rude]

There is true affection in this tale, not just the deep love for Will Graham that Hannibal would give anything for, but affection for Alana or Abigail, for Jack or Bedelia -- and great regret when Hannibal sees the need to sacrifice them to his great game.

Then, there are the likes of Tobias Budge or Randall Tier, minor monsters that fall to the wayside as the connection between Hannibal and Will is forged in fever and blood.

"You do," Hannibal says, almost awed as he realises how far Sinric's new gift goes, and that he would be able to step inside the Memory Palace itself, if he wants to.