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Will dug his nails into his palm as he prepared himself backstage for yet another carnival show. Droplets of rain pattered on the huge tent as patrons poured in and took their seats. Today was an especially tough day for Will since it was the death anniversary of his father, but the show must go on. He was one of the main acts after all.
Breathe in. . .
Breathe out. . .
Breathe in. . .
Breathe out. . .
Breathe in. . .
Breathe out. . .
“Welcome all! Are you ready to see wonders like never before? We’ve got an animal tamer, dancers, gymnasts, carnival whippers, trinkets, and stalls for your delight. Be amazed and let your minds escape the mundane in this month’s circus carnival.” The shrill voice of ringmaster Mason Verger resounds from the circus ring beyond, carrying above the loud rain outside.
“Are you alright?” A familiar, soft voice whispered, breaking through the dark clouds hanging over Will’s head.
Will glanced at the prim and proper man—-that he loathes—-kneeled in front of him. Hannibal was wearing a white button-down shirt with a scarlet vest on top, embroidered with intricate gold thread in a pattern of roses.
“Your top is beautiful,” Will muttered in awe.
“Thank you, I tailored it myself. However, that is not important at the moment. I’m asking you how you feel, Will.”
Will lifted his gaze to see familiar ruby eyes that stared back at him in worry.
Lub dub
Lub dub
Lub dub
Lub dub
Breath hitching, eyes dilating, mouth gaping, Will was mesmerized by how beautiful Hannibal truly was despite their break up three months ago: slicked-back hair, sharp cheekbones that could cut through paper, perfectly pointed nose, and Cupid’s bow lips.
How kissable.
“Will?” Hannibal’s soft, deep voice called for him.
Will shook his head to escape his reverie. “I… I’m not entirely sure. Why do you care?” He instantly regretted how harsh his words came out.
I didn’t mean the spiteful tone, I’m sorry.
The older man chuckled and patted Will’s curls as Will leaned into his warm touch.
Fuck, it’s been a while since I’ve had human contact.
Will closed his eyes, savoring Hannibal’s warmth. It had been three long months since that fateful day…
“Will, Will, Will, I’m so very disappointed in you,” Mason Verger, the carnival’s owner, tutted with an over-exaggerated shake of the head. He was wearing his ringmaster’s outfit, complete with a pompous cane that had a crow’s head. From his pocket, he presented to Will a skimpy black lingerie number, eyebrows raised. Will’s cheeks burned in humiliation. He’d been wondering where those went. “When your mother sold you to make a quick dime for herself, she promised you’d make me lots of money. Seducing our best act wasn’t part of the deal. Have I not made it clear that carnal relations between employees are against the Riz’s rules and mine?”
Will didn’t answer. It’s not like he meant to break the rules… but Hannibal had been quite persistent.
A sharp pain erupted from Will’s side as Verger’s iron cane made contact with his ribs. He gasped and stumbled backward. The cold metal tip trailed up his body, lifting Will’s chin so he was glaring at Verger’s smug face.
“You are nothing but a means to generate cash, Graham. Never forget that. Stop distracting my best talent and focus on yours. Your animals are costing us far too much… What do we do about that, hm? Any bright ideas ?” Verger struck again, slamming the cane into the other side of Will’s ribs, eliciting a choked sound. The sadistic man pursed his lips in disappointment. “Shame I can’t decorate that pretty face of yours…. Nevermind. Guess we’ll just have to get creative with it.” ”
Verger stepped on Will’s hand, grinding his booted heel into his knuckles. Will gulped and bit down hard on his bottom lip, not giving his boss the satisfaction of his suffering. Unsatisfied with Will’s lack of reaction, the long end of Verger’s cane came down on the back of Will’s thighs with a resounding smack. Will bucked forward, falling on his knees and palms. A barrage of strikes landed on Will’s back, but he refused to beg for mercy.
“Not breaking yet?” Mason tutted, turning to his portly assistant. “Cordell, bring me the cat and one of the bitch’s children.”
Cordell turned to the lioness Safia cowering in the corner. He unknotted her leash from the pole where she was chained and dragged her in front of Will. Mason took the leash from him with a smirk, as Cordell retrieved the smallest of the wolf pups, Ruby, from her cage. “Good. Now hold him down. I want him to watch this.”As instructed, Cordell roughly pulled Will’s arms behind his aching back and forced his face onto the ground. Will craned his neck, eyes pleading with his cruel employer.
Now , he begged.
“Please…. don’t .”
With a vicious grin, Verger whacked the two animals one after the other. The beating continued until they were whimpering messes.
Will was frozen, an internal battle raging within him, his empathy threatening to eat him alive.. But when the northern wolf, Sabbacha, mewled for her daughter and friend, Will couldn’t take it any longer. “Stop, please! I’m begging you. I… I’ll break up with Hannibal, just please, leave them out of it!”
In the present, Hannibal carefully examined Will.
“Forgive me; I know we aren’t partners anymore, however, I still worry for you.” The attractive man held Will’s hand to his chest and bowed. Will’s pale skin flushed rosy red as the feeling of love welled in the empty chasm within him. “How have you been?”
Will bit his lip; he couldn’t fall for that act again. Not at the expense of his pack. “... Could be better.”
“I see… you’ve put me at arm's length once more. The forts in the bone arena of your skull have become stronger of late. Enough to exclude even the things you love… even me.”
Will flinched at the slight tone of spite.
Hannibal noticed this, lifted the hand he was holding, and planted a comforting kiss on Will’s knuckles. “I know how taxing this day is for you; you are grieving your father. I want to be here for you, Will. Allow me to, please. You were first my friend before a lover. I care about your life, not those you seem to want to gratify.”
Will pulled out of his grip and glared at Hannibal for the implication.
“I am not trying to gratify anyone. Do not assume my intentions, Lecter. I refuse to allow...” Will trailed off as he extricated himself and hurried to leave, Hannibal caught his wrist and rooted him in place.
“Is that why you broke off our relationship, Will? Did Mason hurt your animals? Did he hurt you?”
Will froze. Cornered and desperate, his feelings burst like a dam. He crumpled, breath hitching, eyes welling with tears. He wanted nothing more than to fall into Hannibal’s arms— the only person he had ever connected with.
As usual, Hannibal seemed able to read his mind.
With a soft tug on the wrist, Will fell back into Hannibal’s firm chest.
“Why didn’t you tell me?” he demanded, soft but with a dangerous undercurrent. Will swallowed the lump in his throat, unable to speak.
“I–I…”
“Tell me, Will, were you terrified by the prospect that Mason might harm me too? Is that why you kept his abuse a secret?” Hannibal’s low voice had Will feeling a tinge of excitement and trepidation.
“Yes.”
Warm arms wrapped around Will’s torso and hugged him close. Will suddenly felt his feet moving and the kiss of cold air as Hannibal maneuvered them outside, pulling them into a secluded side tent used for the carnival’s supplies. Hannibal sequestered them against the wall, forehead resting on Will’s nape, scenting him. Will groaned, knowing he should push Hannibal away. He should be stronger than this. But…
“It irritates me how self-sacrificing you are… but it’s one of the reasons I fell for you.” Hannibal peppered Will’s neck and jawline with soft kisses before he laid his chin in the crook of Will’s neck.
“I missed you,” Will admitted, squeezing Hannibal’s forearm with fondness.
“And I, you… Would you permit me to be selfish?”
Will frowned and leaned back to meet Hannibal’s eyes. Determination was reflected within , and a dark spark that Will was all-too familiar with.
“Hannibal, if it’s violence you propose, then no. I’m not condoning it.”
“Even if it was against your abuser?” Hannibal’s eyes twinkled with mischief at Will’s baffled look.
“What do you mean?”
Just then, a high-pitched shout echoed from outside that made Will wince:
“Graham! Where the fuck are you, you little shit? Your dog bit one of the patrons. I’m putting him down if you don’t show yourself this instant.” Of course, it was none other than Mason himself.
A growl erupted from Will, anger subsuming panic at the prospect of being caught, but then he felt Hannibal’s strong hand cover his mouth.
“We can’t reveal ourselves not yet. Meet me at the big tent before midnight and don’t be late… I leave you with a parting gift, my love.”
On cue, Hannibal dragged his tongue along the tan expanse of Will’s neck and sank his teeth in just below the ear, sucking hard enough to bruise. The younger man moaned obscenely against his hand. Hannibal smirked and licked his mark, as if the two were mates in the wild, before letting Will go and adjusting his clothes.
“See you later,” Hannibal whispered, ducking out of the tent.
Will peeped through the gap in the tent flap to eavesdrop on the conversation between Hannibal and Mason, caressing the hickey with his thumb.
“Have you seen Graham, Hannibal? I swear, that boy has been nothing but a thorn in my side. I only bought him from his harlot mother because of his gift, but those animals are costing us more than they’re pulling in. I’m contemplating culling them. I’m sure Graham won’t mind.”
White hot rage curled in Will’s stomach, fingers bunching into fists. He imagined rushing out and grabbing Mason by the collar, pulling him to the ground, and punching his face in until he resembled the pond-dwelling creature Will knew him to be.
Hannibal’s jaw twitched. A tiny gesture, but one that Will recognized as fury. He subtly led Verger in the opposite direction, shooting Will a warning look not to do anything stupid.
“No, I have not. I’m sure Mr. Graham is attending to urgent business. His act starts after the jugglers; fret about him later. When the performance is done, why don’t we reconvene in the big tent at midnight to discuss the carnival’s future..”
~~~~~
The rain outside had subsided. A dark blanket covered the sky, and curls of clouds hid the moon. The carnival was lit by soft white LED lights that hung from the trees and were wrapped around the tent poles. In the big top, the performance of the night was well under way.
“Ladies and gentlemen, presenting to you our resident whip extraordinaire, Hannibal ze Whipper!”
Will observed from the back of the crowd as Hannibal sauntered onto the stage and cracked his crude bullwhip to grab everyone’s attention.
“Good evening, everyone. As it is quite dark, I would like to provide some light entertainment for you.” Hannibal caught Will’s eye and gave him a wink, reaching once more for his holster, to which Will quirked his brow in anticipation.
The crowd cheered as Hannibal’s twin whips unfurled spectacularly, fire racing down the length of the strips of leather. He strutted across the platform, staggering each snap in perfect rhythm. Gradually he sped up, the routine becoming increasingly complex; Hannibal rotated his body to face the audience on all sides, the ropes whirling overhead in figures of 8 and cracking thunderously on the ground, a mighty phoenix beating its wings in a threat display. His onlookers gasped and recoiled from the stage—but in their hearts they yearned. Hannibal demonstrated complete mastery of his art: a perfect blend of violence and sublime beauty.
Will was as helplessly enthralled as the rest—a moth drawn to a naked flame. It had been three months since he’d last watched Hannibal’s act; with the breakup still fresh and his heart in pieces, he couldn’t stand watching his ex and how magnificent he was. It didn’t seem respectful. As Hannibal once told him, “To enjoy art is to absorb it with all your being. If you gaze upon it with hooded eyes, you disrespect the artist and his efforts.”
Speaking of disrespect…
Will glared at Hannibal’s assistant, Franklyn Froideveaux, as he jumped to relight Hannibal’s whip. The besotted look on his face turned Will’s stomach. No doubt he’d spent many nights imagining himself on the receiving end of Hannibal’s lash. His total lack of subtlety always made Will twitch with annoyance.
Hannibal is mine . Stop your gawking, you’re ruining the show.
“"For my last technique, it is dedicated to the one who rules my heart; my lover, my King, my Queen.” Hannibal once again caught Will’s eyes in the crowded room, and Will felt his heart skip a beat.
Turning slowly, Hannibal alternated his flaming whips in both hands, cracking one after the other, speeding up until the strikes began to blur. It was the classic Queensland Crossover. To Will, Hannibal looked like he was performing a fire dance, just for him—a mating call in a way. His muscular arms flexed and tightened, always in perfect control; a literal beacon of stability, Will’s paddle steering him through the tumultuous seas of life.
At last, the finale: Hannibal slammed both whips down onto the ground with an almighty crack, the ropes flaming out in a final burst. The crowd went wild, but Hannibal barely heard them, too busy searching faces for his favorite sapphire eyes. But Will was already gone; bouncing curls melting away into the crowd as he fled.
Locked in the nearest bathroom stall, a wave of adoration and self-loathing engulfed Will. It made him feel nauseous. He leaned against the wall, breathing erratically, fearing that he might be sick. He was supposed to be up next, after Katz, Price and Zeller’s juggling act.
What was I thinking? Just because we had our little moment earlier does not mean we’re magically getting back together. Dear God, I can’t deal with this right now.
A repeated knocking saved Will from his meltdown. With shaking hands he unlocked the stall door, to find a sweaty Hannibal standing before him. Will tried to close it in his face, but Hannibal quickly pushed his way inside before he had the chance.
Hannibal trapped Will between his arms, placing a hand on the wall on either side of his beloved’s head. Will refused to meet Hannibal’s eyes.
“Was my performance so unsatisfactory you had to rush to the nearest toilet?”
Will’s stomach twisted, quickly refuting the allegation: “No, Hannibal you were… majestic. Like an elemental spirit from the myths; a fire fae performing a… mating dance.” Hannibal’s countenance softened at the praise. He brought up a hand to stroke Will’s bearded cheek.
“Then what has you so distraught, mylimasis?” he crooned. Will shrunk away from his touch.
“Stop calling me those sorts of names, it’s confusing me.”
Hannibal tucked his index finger under Will’s chin and gently lifted his face. The love in Hannibal’s eyes almost crushed Will.
I don’t deserve it.
“If my actions earlier did not make it clear, I apologize.” Hannibal wiped the tear that fell from the corner of Will’s eye with his thumb. “I want you back, Will— and if Mason Verger is the only one standing in my way, then he shall disappear.”
Moonlight seeped through the window and bathed Will with its silver glow, softening his sharp features. It made Hannibal’s heart thump in delight.
“May I kiss you?” he murmured, leaning in a fraction. Will nodded and closed his eyes, lips quivering in anticipation. . He felt Hannibal’s thumb press against his mouth, grounding him. The tenderness of Hannibal’s fingers fell away, replaced by the brush of soft lips. No movement, just a gentle touch… and finally, Will’s tears were set free.
Hannibal peppered pecks around Will’s cheeks as he captured each droplet that fell. Will sniffed and laid his hands on Hannibal’s chest, trying to push him away.
“Stop, my tears are salty.”
“They taste like you. I don’t care if they’re salty.” Heat blossomed from Will’s cheeks as he opened his eyes, looked away, and pouted. “Feeling better?” Hannibal cupped Will’s face with both hands and leaned forward so their foreheads were touching. Will hummed in reply.
“Good. Now, get out there and wow everyone with your pack.”
With that, , Hannibal kissed Will’s cheek, opened the bathroom door, and nudged him outside. Will stumbled but caught himself and grinned back at Hannibal, before jogging towards the menagerie, where his beloved beasts in cages called.
~~~~~
Mason Verger walked into Will’s tent without warning, startling the young man and his furry family.
“Oh, there you are. Are they ready yet?” Mason demanded. Will bit his lip to stop a quip from escaping. “I asked you a question, Graham.” Mason kicked the nearest cage which startled Asclepius, the black mamba. Asclepius hissed and tried to bite Verger through the bars.
“Stop! Are you insane?!” Will pushed his employer aside and kneeled in front of the agitated snake. “Shhh, you’re okay, Ace, I’ve got you. Smell me. I’m here. No one’s going to hurt you.” Will opened the cage door and reached in, allowing the snake to wrap around his arm and slither up to settle on his shoulders. Asclepius saw Verger across from Will, aggressively hissed, and bared his fangs. “Leave,” Will’s voice was filled with venom, a tone that Mason had never guessed him capable of. He took a faltering step back. Mason had only been spoken to like that once before, back when he was planning to cut the pay of his circus employees on a whim. At that time, it had been Hannibal who had sent shivers down his spine.
“... Just make sure you keep your little pets in check. We don’t want a repeat of last time.”
Concealing his fright, Mason Verger slunk out of the tent, reminiscent of a dog with its tail tucked between its legs. Will scowled at his retreating back, letting Aceslither back into the cage. He checked on Sirius and Sassaba, his northern wolves. They had three cubs: Remus, Ruben, and Ruby who were currently snuggled between their parents. Will scratched the ear of Saba and earned himself a purr. Siri bumped his head against Will’s hand, also asking for a scratch.
“Needy, aren’t they?” a familiar voice interjected. Sirius and Sassaba growled at the intrusion. Will had to whistle to make them heel.
Turning around, Will found Hannibal petting Safia. A tender expression was plastered on Hannibal’s face as Safia purred. Will had only seen Hannibal like this when they were together; a tightness started to form in his chest.
“She really likes you. Should I be jealous?”
Hannibal chuckled at Will’s quip before he sauntered toward him and pulled him into a hug.
“Look at you, teasing me after breaking down in the bathroom.”
“Shut up,” Will mumbled as he laid his head on Hannibal’s shoulder and hugged him back.
They stood there embracing, surrounded by cages, before Will at last drew back. He retrieved Asclepius for his performance, letting the snake slip into his sleeve and wind around his waist like a belt.
“It always amazes me how calm and collected you are, allowing a dangerous beast near your family jewels.”
Will heartily laughed as he opened the gate of the wolves’ pen.
“I treat him well; he shows me the same respect. Even-steven.” Will petted Saba and Siri as they trotted out, followed by their pups.
“Is Safia going out too?”
Will closed the gate and approached the far corner of the tent to unlatch Safia’s collar where she was chained to the wall.
“Of course, she’s our finale.”
Safia the lioness bumped her head into Will’s hand, asking for a petting, and Will obliged.
“You’ll do amazing, my love. Would you allow me to assist you?”
Will nodded, allowing Hannibal to pat his head before taking the leash.
Inhaling deeply, Will centered himself with a stern shake of his head. Will knew he must be clear-minded to execute his act pristinely. He ushered his herd behind the stage.
Hannibal followed with Safia, waiting in the wings beside Will. He squeezed Will’s bicep in reassurance and planted a soft kiss on the bite mark he created earlier. “Your pack will do amazing. Just signal me; I’ll send the wolves out and unleash Safia on the crowd.”
Will chuckled, running his fingers through Sirius’ soft black fur and patting Ash’s head to calm himself; the snake’s head snuck out of his maroon button-down shirt, looking strangely adorable.
Both men watched from behind the scenes as Mason grabbed the mic on-stage, tapping it to get everyone’s attention. “For our last act tonight, it’s one of the Verger Carnival’s finest. I present to you our pride and joy, Will Graham, the animal tamer!”
Will swallowed down his sneer at the false praise. Little more than an hour ago, Mason was threatening to execute his entire pack. But now wasn’t the time for anger.
On cue, Will whistled and the family of five wolves growled and jumped through the curtain. The audience gasped, unsure if the wolves would attack them.
Will heard a faint ‘good luck’ from Hannibal, before he too ran through the curtain onto the stage, to the opening chords of AC/DC’s ‘Thunderstruck’. The guitar riff played as Will reached for the hoops sitting ready on stage. Will held out the rings one-by-one and the wolves jumped through, leading them in a zigzag pattern across the floor.
Thunder
Thunder
Thunder
Fascination and affection filled Hannibal’s heart at Will’s skill, as the animal tamer expertly guided his pups to walk backward to the beat. Will rolled forward and each of the wolves followed him in sync.
I was caught
In the middle of a railroad track (thunder)
I looked 'round
And I knew there was no turning back (thunder)
Will took up position in the middle of the stage and started to stomp and clap along with the music, prompting the crowd to do the same.
“Louder!” Will commanded and the audience followed with enthusiasm.
To the side of the stage was an oversized box, sturdy enough to stand on, decorated in shiny paper to catch the eye. Will climbed on top, gesturing for his pups to line up in single file down below.
Yeah, it's alright, we're doin' fine, so fine
Thunderstruck, yeah, yeah, yeah
Thunderstruck, thunderstruck
Will inhaled to steady himself, before kicking off into a backflip. The world spun, Will’s heart pounding as the guitar riff slowed down. It was a gymnast’s landing; Will’s feet were planted safely back on the box in an extraordinary display of balance. His pack below howled and copied their master, the entire line doing a coordinated backflip.
The crowd cheered and clapped as Will opened his eyes and bowed. His pups followed suit, prostrating themselves forward on their paws with their butts raised, tails wagging adorably. Will turned to look at Hannibal through the gap in the stage curtain and nodded at him.
Hannibal smiled and strode out to join Will, ushering the wolves off-stage. .
A young lady in the front row who was crocheting paused and squealed to her friend: “Oh my goodness, Hannibal ze Whipper is his assistant! That’s so cute. Do you think they’re an item?”
Will noticed Hannibal’s crowd-pleasing smile turn into a smirk at the line of questioning. He raised his eyebrows at Will suggestively, scarlet tainting Will’s cheeks, before sweeping aside the curtain and disappearing.
Concentrate, Will berated himself, looking to Ace concealed up his sleeve—-time for the next part.
Drums, guitar, and a flute started to play to the tune of Snake Charmer by Brian Reitzell featuring Marc Almond.
Will sucked in a huge breath and closed his eyes, refusing to look into anyone else’s. Arousal simmered in his blood; he could still see Hannibal’s red-eyed stare and devilish smirk behind his eyes..
He shivered as Ace slithered around his upper body, cool scales rubbing against heated skin, finally peeking his head through his shirt. With trembling fingers, Will popped his collar open, giving the crowd a clear view. The audience gasped, prompting Will to circle his hips in a seductive motion. He moved with the slow music as his fingers moved methodically down the buttons of his shirt, revealing plains of creamy skin and toned muscle, well-developed from his time in the carnival.
Look in my eyes and watch me crawl
You're in my mind and in my soul
And I can't breathe as you take hold
Unhooking the last button, Will shrugged his shirt off to showcase Ace coiled around his body. The smooth scales caressed him like a lover, making Will shiver as he began to dance.
You're a snake charmer
Snake charmer
Hannibal sputtered backstage as Will continued to sway his hips to the slow tune, shimmying his arms, palms open and movements flowing. From behind, Hannibal had an incredible view of Will’s plump ass and broad shoulders. The snake’s scales reflected on Will’s glistening skin, making him shine like a god.
‘God, help me control my impulses or I may kill each and every person witnessing this sinful act,’ Hannibal prayed. It had been three long months since he’d had the privilege of touching that glorious body… and there was still so much he longed to do. Oh, the wonderful, sinful things Hannibal could teach him… if Will would only have the courage to commit once and for all.
So crawl over my face
Your kiss is cold, a cold embrace
Muscle burn and skin on skin
Deeper, deeper til you get in
Til you get in
Til you get in
Til you get in
Will leaned back, spine bending sensually as his arms moved like waves, encouraging Ace to move across the length of his body. As the snake’s grip tightened, Will sank to his knees and struck a provocative pose: a hand splayed across his crotch to draw the eye, head drawn back to expose his neck and the contour of his abdomen sheened with sweat, arm outstretched toward the sky. Ace lay his head directly above Will’s bite mark and hissed at the audience.
The crowd went wild: cheering and pulling out their phones to take photos. A stray rose even found its way on stage.
Above the clamor, Will heard a low, guttural growl coming from behind him, making all the hairs on his arms stand up. The click of cameras and cheering halted.
Will opened his eyes, confused, until he felt soft material being draped over his shoulders. It was Hannibal’s signature red-lined Victorian cape.
Hannibal kneeled behind him and fastened the cloak around Will’s neck, trailing his fingers down Will’s abs and pinching his side. Will yelped and gripped Hannibal’s hand, leaning back to glare at him. Hannibal wasn’t paying attention— too busy himself glaring at the audience.
“Jealous are we?” Will challenged, eyebrows raised. “Come on, Hannibal, relax. I have one more act.”
Looking down, Hannibal met Will’s eyes with contained fury. “Fine, but you’re all mine after this,” he purred, gently uncurling Will’s fingers from his wrist and helping him up.
Recognizing his scent, Ace decided to wrap himself partially around Hannibal’s arm, chaining both men together. Hannibal licked his lips in satisfaction. He would gladly be tied to Will for all eternity… but for now, he still had to share. Hannibal carefully took hold of Ace, turning to the audience and giving a stiff bow of apology.
“Ladies and gentlemen, I apologize for interrupting. I do not appreciate it when my colleagues are objectified. Now, for his last act, Mr. Graham is going to be playing with a rather ferocious kitty. Please welcome to the stage, Safia!”
Hannibal quickly stepped out of the spotlight and handed the snake over to Will’s backstage assistant, Peter Bernadone. It was time to make way for the star of the show. Hearing her name, Safia prowled out from behind the stage curtain with her head held high. The air around the audience changed from one of fear to wonder. The lights dimmed, making the lioness seem more panther-like in color, were it not for her burning amber eyes that reflected to the crowd.
“Safia, come,” Will called with a velvet voice.
Safia turned on cue, her looming size becoming more apparent with every step.
Safia’s ears perked at the starting tune of Bones by Imagine Dragons. She circled around and faced Will, rearing up onto her hind legs as Will caught her, throwing Hanibal’s cape behind him and placing her massive paws onto his shoulders. Safia towered over Will, but the younger man was strong, as seen by the toned muscle in his arms.
Gimme, gimme, gimme some time to think
I'm in the bathroom, looking at me
Face in the mirror is all I need (ooh)
Will took a step back; Safia followed. Will swayed to the right, the lioness mirroring. It looked like the start of a waltz. The sight of Will dancing with the deadly beast, muscles flexing in the dim light, sent a rush of heat through Hannibal’s body. He hid his lower half behind the stage curtain, lest someone see the prominent bulge in his pants.
Wait until the reaper takes my life
Never gonna get me out alive
I will live a thousand million lives (ooh)
Will slid back suddenly as Safia purred and pushed herself off him. Taken by surprise at the force, Will caught himself just in time with a gasp, turning the slip into a backflip into the crowd. Landing on his feet, Will started to march around the audience to build hype. Safia prowled behind him, roaring gleefully on occasion.
My patience is waning
Is this entertaining?
Our patience is waning
Is this entertaining?
Coming full circle, Will backed up toward the stage curtain where Hannibal was waiting. Hannibal poured a bit of powder on his lover’s hands before sliding on Will’s signature black gauntlets, passing him two huge hoops just as the beat changed.
I-I-I got this feeling, yeah, you know
Where I'm losing all control
'Cause there's magic in my bones
With one ring held lax, Will lifted the other and Safia jumped straight through. Will then held out the second, but Safia ignored him. Instead, she sat and licked her paw. Her reaction gained a fit of chuckles from the audience. Will rolled his eyes fondly. Working with animals was never smooth sailing. To grab her attention, Will backed away a few steps and clinked the metal hoops together. The sound made Safia’s ears perk up, turning toward him.
I-I-I got this feeling in my soul
Go ahead and throw your stones
'Cause there's magic in my bones
Now they were getting into the swing of it. With the audio cue, Safia lunged through the rings without hesitation, Will alternating hands as he led her across the floor. The audience was loving every second. Will grinned, seeing that Safia was warmed up… but not quite warm enough.
Will tossed both the rings to Hannibal waiting backstage. Hannibal promptly coated the rings with kerosene and lit them on fire, passing them back. Will hissed, feeling the heat through his fire-resistant gauntlets.
Playing with a stick of dynamite
There was never gray in black and white
There was never wrong 'til there was right (ooh, oh)
Feeling like a boulder hurtling
Seeing all the vultures circling
Burning in the flames I'm working in
Will clinked the flame-coated rings in encouragement. The lioness dutifully followed their routine, her trust in Will overriding her survival instincts to shy away from the fire, as she jumped through both flaming rings. Everyone in the audience cheered as Will tossed the hoops in the air and caught them with ease.
In the meantime, two raised platforms were prepared on the left and right of the stage, as three flaming hoops were lowered from the ceiling, and suspended by a wire. With a little coaxing, Safia ascended the stairs to the right, up onto the platform. On cue, Safia launched herself forward, claws scraping against the wood as she flew through the fiery hoops and landed gracefully on the other side.
Down below, Will was playing to the audience, juggling the fiery rings. There was a moment where he fumbled; a burst of flame flared towards the audience as the metal made contact. Up on the platform, Safia was preparing to jump back across, but the sudden brightness made her startle. The lioness lunged herself forward, but her hind legs were a bit late on the launch. She made it through all three rings, but her back leg caught on the final hoop, singing her fur and burning her flesh. Safia let out a yelp of pain. She managed to reach the other side— but only just. Her front paws dug into the wooden platform, hanging from the ledge. There was an alarming 10ft drop that could cause considerable damage to the lioness.
“Safia!” Will screamed in horror, echoed by the crowd. He dropped his props on the ground and quickly kicked sand from the arena on top of them to douse the flames.
Safia chuffed as she struggled to reach safety. Will yanked the gauntlets off his hands and sprinted to the platform, ears ringing. Hannibal got there at the same time, just as Safia’s left paw slipped.
Don't mind (there it goes)
There goes my mind
'Cause there's magic in my bones
Will and Hannibal locked eyes. Both reached out just in time to catch Safia before she completely lost her grip. Each of them took a paw and, with immense effort, pulled the lioness up onto the platform. She moaned in relief, bumping her head to Will’s and then to Hannibal’s in gratitude, before licking each of their cheeks.
The crowd released their collective breath and cheered for the couple.
Once they were back on solid ground, Hannibal offered for the children in the audience to come up and pet Safia to give Will some breathing space. The children did as they were told like Hannibal was the pied piper, calling to them in his mellow voice. They rose giddily from their seats and ran toward the steps.
While each of the kids took their turn, Will ran his fingers through the singed fur on Safia’s leg.
“I’m so sorry my little one, I promise this is the last time” Will’s voice had a quake to it as his vision turned glassy.
Through his unshed tears, Will saw a blurred hand reaching out to cup his cheek. He pulled away at first, but when the warm fingers touched his skin, Will couldn’t help but lean in with a stifled sob.
“I am with you now,” Hannibal murmured into Will’s ear, whilst the excitable children carried on, blissfully unaware of his distress. “Neither Verger nor any man can keep you from me, never again. I love you, Will.” He pressed a quick kiss to the top of Will’s head and wrapped an arm around his shoulders, allowing Will to lean on him.
Finally, it was the last child’s turn. She approached Safia, caressing her fur with care. The lioness seemed to like her and nudged her head into the little girl’s hand. Hannibal observed the child with interest. She was the spitting image of Will with her brilliant blue eyes, but… the vibrancy only lasted until her father called her from a few meters away where the other parents were waiting:
“Abigail, let’s go. Your mother wouldn’t appreciate us being late.”
The girl flinched, mouth downturned as she went to pull away. Hannibal reached out and gently caught her wrist. Abigail frowned and met his eyes.
“Safia likes you. If you want to see her again, or you simply wish to get away from your father, call this number,” Hannibal whispered and handed her a lollipop with a lion on the wrapper.
Abigail curiously examined the treat, unsure where to find the number.
“It’s on the other side of the wrapper. Hannibal only gives sweets to children he likes,” Will explained as he wiped the corner of his eyes.
Abigail smiled shyly at them before going to meet her father. The man glared at them in suspicion before they both left the vicinity. Safia was now draped over Will’s legs; his face buried in the scruff of her neck.
“I can feel the exhaustion and anxiety radiating from you, my love,” Hannibal commented softly, laying a hand on his shoulder. “The wolves and Ace have been escorted back to your tent by Mr. Bernadone. Safia will be fine, she is a strong lioness.”
Will sniffed one last time before patting Safia to sit up so that he could move. The big cat purred, moving off Will and settling down on the platform.
“Shall we?” Will asked, standing up to dust himself off, before offering a hand to Hannibal. His lover smirked and accepted, yanking him to the ground without warning. Will landed between Hannibal’s legs, their faces inches apart.
“Mason is eyeing us at this very moment. Remember our rendezvous, my love.” Hannibal pecked and nibbled Will’s lips before releasing him.
With one last stroke of Safia’s fur, Hannibal departed down the stairs. Will led the injured lioness back into their tent while Mason closed the show with the audience in his usual insufferable, smarmy voice. Will gritted his teeth. Thankfully this would be the last time he’d ever have to listen to it.
~~~~~
Hannibal stroked his chin in contemplation, cracking his bullwhip on the floor with his other hand.
Shall I propose marriage before we kill Verger, or after?
Hannibal licked his lips, brow furrowing as he cracked the whip faster in agitation, alternating back and forth.
FWUSH FWUSH
FWUSH FWUSH
FWUSH FWUSH
“Are you going to whip me with that?” Will’s teasing voice startled Hannibal out of his thoughts. The tip of the whip cut his cheek. “Hannibal!” Will ran across the tent and got in Hannibal’s face, grabbing the whip from him, and tossing it aside.
Hannibal blinked, mesmerized by how Will’s unruly curls framed his face; his blue eyes shone like the sea, and his chapped lips looked incredibly delicious. Cupping Will’s face, Hannibal smiled at the warmth he felt.
He ran here to me… me .
“That could leave a nasty scar if you don’t treat it,” Will whispered, caressing the cut on Hannibal’s cheek.
“I will, after tonight’s activities,” Hannibal promised, mirroring the loving gesture.
Suddenly, a sneer cut through the air:
“Well, well, well. Look who we have here. Did I not tell you what would happen to your animals if this affair continued, Mr. Graham?”
The pair turned to see the menacing form of Mason Verger crouched by the tent entrance. He rose with a manic grin, Hannibal’s bullwhip clutched in hand.
“This is quite heavy. I wonder how your pets would enjoy a little taste?”
Will let out what one could only describe as an animalistic snarl as Verger strode up to them and yanked Will from Hannibal’s grasp. Their ‘boss’ tutted, as if scolding two unruly children.
“You both have been very, very naughty. You know employees can’t have relations in my carnival, yes?” Hannibal took a step forward. Mason raised a finger in warning. “Ah, ah ah, not so fast, Lecter. One scream from me, and Cordell will cull sweet William’s mutts. You wouldn’t want that, would you? Now, you stay put like a good little dog while I punish loverboy over here.”
Verger kicked behind Will’s knees to make him kneel. Will grunted, locking eyes with Hannibal, the two having a silent conversation. They had to pick their moment.
In one sudden motion, Verger grabbed hold of Will’s collar and ripped the maroon button-down shirt clean off his back. Will flinched, ducking his head. Hannibal’s eyes darkened in rage at the barely-healed lines criss-crossing over Will’s skin; the wounds he had so bravely tried to hide. Hannibal stood with his hands behind his back to hide the way his fingers were curling into fists.
There was a pause, the promise of violence hanging in the air… and then:
CRACK
The first lash of the whip contacted Will's exposed back. Will gasped, biting his lip instinctively to stifle any sign of weakness… but then he caught Hannibal’s eye. A humiliated flush crept over Will’s cheeks. Now was not the time for pride. It was time to put on a show.
As the next blow landed, Will forced out a high-pitched groan for the benefit of his audience, the sound almost erotic. As predicted, Verger cackled in delight at the sound. Will’s employer was a true sadist; the more he was enjoying himself, the less controlled he would become.
Seeking more of Will’s sweet agony, Verger unleashed a torrent of blows, each harsher and more wild than the last. Will writhed and sobbed, back curling away from the blows, as droplets of blood began to fall. It was impossible for Hannibal to tell which reactions were genuine, and which were inflated. Concealed behind his back, Hannibal’s knuckles were turning white, his own blood joining Will’s on the floor where his fingernails cut into his palm.
Verger dolled out 10 blows in total. His efforts left him ruined; wild-eyed and sweating like a pig, already unkempt hair completely ruined. He grinned maniacally at the sight of Will broken and prostrated before him.
“Hmmm, this doesn’t seem like enough,” he crooned, turning his head to the side. “Cord—-”
Before Verger could call for his assistant, Hannibal made his move. He lunged forward and grabbed hold of the bullwhip, wrapping the tendril around Verger’s arm to constrict his movements. The other struggled, but in his exhausted state, he was no match for Hannibal ze Whipper’s incredible strength.
Hannibal yanked backward, catching Verger by the collar as he staggered in towards him. A karambit knife slid out of Hannibal’s sleeve. He forced the blade inside inside his soon-to-be-former boss’ mouth, hooked curve pressing into the flesh of his cheek.
“One word, and I’ll cut out your tongue. Blink if you understand.” The malevolence behind Hannibal’s calm tone made Mason shake. He blinked rapidly. Hannibal sneered, but for now, he had more pressing concerns.
“Will, can you move?” Hannibal peeked out from behind Verger to see his lover leaning on his palms, breathing heavily. His words were a soothing balm of warm honey to Will’s wounds: “Listen to my voice, love. You’re here, with me. Whatever this man has done to you, I will give back tenfold.”
Will’s ears were ringing, pain and anxiety threatening to eat him whole, until Hannibal’s voice reached him like always. Will managed to get a hold of his breathing, tilting his head up to see Hannibal holding their employer at knifepoint.
Hannibal sighed in relief to see Will conscious. Verger took the opportunity to try and push the knife out of his mouth. Hannibal smirked and, without hesitating, sliced through both Verger’s tongue and cheek. Verger howled the best he could, copper flooding his mouth, a piece of his own tongue sliding down his throat.
“You shouldn’t have done that,” Hannibal reprimanded lightly, hurling the maimed man onto the floor beside Will.
Hannibal knelt beside his lover and offered him the knife. Will stared at the bloodstained blade.
“He’s stunned at the moment,” Hannibal said, nodding to the moaning Mason who was twitching on the floor. “You can inflict as much damage as you like on him… or you can watch me do it. What will it be?”
Will looked between the glinting knife and the gurgling mess of his employer. Fury coiled inside him.
Ever since my mother sold me into your care, I have experienced nothing but suffering and agony.
Teeth bared, Will took the knife, bracing against the sting from his lacerated back. He gripped the blade and knelt over Verger, positioning it against his neck. Will’s voice was eerily calm as he passed the sentence:
“I sever your vocal cords just as you tried to sever the bond of love between Hannibal and I.” He sunk the blade into Verger’s neck, fascinated by how easy it was to cut through the ligaments and tendons, blood spraying over Will’s face. But he wasn’t done. With Mason Verger twitching in his death throes, Will dragged the blade lower. “I slice into your stomach to reveal your tainted innards; a gutless swine who would hurt an innocent animal for profit and pleasure,” Will stabbed Verger deep in the side, haphazardly slicing the knife across to open him up. Using his free hand, Will groped around inside Verger’s abdominal cavity and took hold of his intestines, pulling them out to the exposing light. “Now everyone will see you for what you truly are.”
With the deed done, Will sat there in silence, staring into Mason Verger’s glassy eyes. Hannibal knelt beside him, gently taking the knife from his hand. Will’s grip was steady, despite everything.
“You did so well, my love,” Hannibal praised, positively glowing as he searched Will’s face “Do you feel better?” Will ruminated on the question, staring at Verger’s corpse. A sense of accomplishment and satisfaction filled his chest, raising his gaze to meet Hannibal’s. He nodded. His partner’s eyes gleamed with pride.
“Doing bad things to bad people makes you feel good,” Hannibal declared, caressing Will’s cheek.
Will’s once-empty chasm overflowed with love and adoration. For the first time in three months he smiled genuinely, turning to kiss Hannibal’s palm. The fingernail welts left there were oozing blood, prompting Will to kiss and lick the wounds— a coppery, sweet taste filled his mouth, a flavor distinctively Hannibal.
Hannibal moaned, enjoying the feeling. The image of Will mutilating Verger’s body elicited a rush of adrenaline and heat that went straight to Hannibal’s pants.
“Will,” he rasped, adjusting himself in his trousers, pupils blown wide with arousal. Will had the look of a feral creature. He squeezed Hannibal’s hands like a vice, adoration and naked desire making his voice shake.
“I didn’t say it back earlier… I love you, Hannibal. I love you so much. The past three months have been hell without you.”
Will’s resolution and honesty gave Hannibal courage. He reached inside his vest and pulled out a ring box. He opened it to reveal a simple obsidian band crowned by a single sapphire in the middle. Will gulped gazing at the beautiful jewelry.
“And I love you more than anything in this world, Will. The three years we were together and these three months spent apart, made me realize how deep my feelings run for you” Hannibal paused, a vulnerable edge to his voice. “I confess, I am a selfish man… I never want to share you with anyone else. Will you be the Patrolcus to my Achilles?”
It turned out he needn’t have worried. Will’s answer came immediate and fierce:
“Yes” It was almost a hiss. “God, yes, Hannibal. I’ll be the Patroclus to your Achilles, for as long as we both shall live.”
Hannibal took Will’s bloodstained hand, letting the ring fall onto his finger. It fit like a glove.
Without warning, Will surged forward, knocking Hannibal to the ground and capturing his lips in a heated kiss. The heady scent of Verger’s blood filled the air, the corpse only inches away as they rutted through their clothes.
Both men rocked their crotches against each other, desperate to touch as their tongues entwined, tasting blood, sweat, and saliva. Hannibal’s hands ran up and down Will’s sides, squeezing and caressing, before snaking his hands into the back of Will’s trousers and squeezing his ass. Will moaned, giving Hannibal an opportunity to deepen the kiss, grinding his hips up to meet his fiance’s aching cock.
Will shivered as Hannibal pulled his trousers down, exposing him to the cold air that stung his lacerated back and sent goosebumps racing up his arms. His cock was smooth and perfect. Will leaned into Hannibal’s touch, seeking warmth; but his partner was being maddeningly gentle.
“Hannibal,” Will begged against his lips.
“I’m worried about your wounds, Will. I don’t want to hurt you further.”
“You’re not doing anything about this,” Will raised an eyebrow, motioning to his pulsating cock. Amusement glimmered in his eyes. “Don’t you care that I’m in pain? I need you, Hannibal.”
Persuaded, Hannibal undid the clasp of Will’s maroon cloak and laid it on the floor, guiding Will gently down onto it. Will hissed as his back met the velvet material, and Hannibal helped him fully remove his trousers. Will reached for the buttons on Hannibal’s vest, fumbling in haste to undo them.
“You have too many layers… off.”
Hannibal quickly obeyed, stripping his vest, shirt, and pants; not necessarily in the order. He admired how beautiful Will looked beneath him. The scars on his arms, thighs and chest were proof of his hard work. Hannibal gave his thigh a squeeze, pushing them apart to make space for himself.
“This is our first time… my first time,” Will admitted, turning his face to one side, avoiding Hannibal’s eyes.
For the past three years, the couple had, of course, been intimate. They’d gone down on each other, kissed, rutted, frotted; you name it, they probably did it… all except penetration. Hannibal, after all, was still a man of tradition. Nothing less than marriage—or, at the very least, an engagement— was the appropriate state for proper lovemaking.
Hannibal chuckled, taking hold of Will’s chin and turning him gently but firmly back to face him. him gently prying Will’s hands away and He leaned down, their bare cocks rubbing against each other. Will panted, rolling his hips up to meet him. Hannibal took them both in hand as they rutted, the ooze of precum making the glide deliciously smooth. “I’ll be as gentle with you as I can, mylimasis,” Hannibal promised.
Will shuddered as a teasing finger circled his hole, pressing on the rim. A whimper escaped him, pushing back against Hannibal’s finger on reflex. Smiling like a cheshire cat, Hannibal lifted his cum soaked fingers to Will’s mouth. They shared a heated gaze, Will licking and coating Hannibal’s fingers with his saliva, enjoying the salty taste. Drawing back, Hannibal returned to Will’s hole, slowly pressing one finger inside past the ring of muscle. Will mewled, trying to draw him deeper.
“Hanni—-more,” Will gasped.
Hannibal gladly obliged, pushing both his index and middle fingers in and out in a constant rhythm. Will moaned, back arching, the tent filled with obscene, wet noises and the chorus of Will’s pleasure. The dirty sounds coming from his lover encouraged Hannibal. He added one more finger, Will cursing at the sudden added pressure.
“Bear with it, my love,” Hannibal growled, nibbling the soft skin of Will’s neck. The latter groaned and writhed as Hannibal stretched him open, scissoring his fingers until Will was finally wide enough to take him. Without warning he pulled out, and Will almost sobbed at the sudden emptiness, until he felt the thick tip of Hannibal’s cock kissing his slippery hole. Inch by inch, Hannibal buried his veiny cock inside Will’s body.
“Tell me to mo—-”
“I swear to god, if you ask me for permission, I’ll fuck myself on your cock, Hannibal,” Will growled, fingers digging into his lover’s back “You’re doing great, just please, please, move already, I can take it.”
Well, seeing as he asked so nicely…
Hannibal smirked, hips snapping forward, burying himself to the hilt. Will gasped and swore in approval, clenching his thighs tighter around Hannibal’s hips. Hannibal pulled out and slammed right back in, finding Will’s pleasure spot; Will moaned so loudly, that Hannibal feared he might bring down the entire tent. Chuckling, he covered Will’s mouth with his hand, leaning down to whisper in his ear:
“As much as I love hearing you moan for me, mylimasis, if you don’t quiet down we may alert Cordell which would be a great shame. I rather want to take my time with you.” Hannibal sealed Will’s lips with a kiss.
Will groaned against his mouth as they settled into a steady rhythm, Hannibal drinking in each and every sound that fell from his lover’s lips. Will wrapped his arms around Hannibal and clawed at his back, pressing them together, as if trying to lose himself.
“I’m close. Ha-Hannibal, I’m going to—”
“Wait for me, my love, I’m so close too.”
Hannibal thrust five more times, before he felt Will tightening around him. A burst of warm fluid coated his chest as Will’s cock spurted, twitching madly against his stomach. Hannibal pressed his lips to Will’s neck with a snarl, cock pulsing deep inside Will’s heat, filling him with seed. Marking him. Claiming him.
Sprawled on the floor covered in sweat and cum, Will and Hannibal fought to catch their breath, sharing the same air as they helped the other to breathe normally.
“I love you, my Achilles,” Will declared raggedly. Hannibal reciprocated with equal fierceness.
“I love you, my Patrolcus. I’ll burn the whole world to the ground for you.”
Now growing soft, Hannibal gingerly pulled out of Will and laid flush beside him, one arm curled around his lover’s side. Will grinned, peppering Hannibal’s wounded hand with kisses, snuggled in their embrace.
“So, what now? We just killed our employer,” he mused. Hannibal flashed him a wicked smile.
“As it so happens, I persuaded Mason to sign over the rights of the carnival to me last week. An organizational restructuring is in the horizon. You and your pack will never have to do dangerous stunts ever again.”
Will stared at Hannibal in awe and kissed his chin.
“You’re brilliant… whereas here I am, a complete nightmare to deal with.”
Hannibal raised a brow, running his fingers through Will’s curls.
“What makes you say that?”
“Hannibal, I killed another human being and enjoyed it. My eyes always see the worst in people… hence why I’d rather deal with animals.”
Hannibal planted a tender kiss on the top of Will’s head and leans down so their foreheads were touching.
“My little nightmare, you have beautiful eyes. I wouldn’t have it any other way. You saw the best in me, didn’t you? You accepted me for who I am, despite my proclivities… and I love all of you in turn. That's why I asked you to marry me.”
Will smiled and blushed, avoiding eye contact.
“Sap… come on then, what do we do with Verger’s body and Cordell?”
Hannibal smiled cheekily, a dangerous gleam in his eye. “Feed them to your pack, announce the organizational reconstruction and our engagement, of course. I want everyone to know you’re mine.”