OOM: With Alana, after the events of 'Rôti'

[cook_the_rude]

Dr. Hannibal Lecter is walking up the hospital corridor towards Will Graham's room, with a canvas basket containing a thermos and some covered containers.

"Alana?" he calls out, quietly.

Comments

[patterns_bloom]

Alana lifts her head from her hands, sitting up to see Hannibal's approach. "Oh, Hannibal," she says softly, lighting up with a weary smile--which soon fades as she stands. "Hello."

[cook_the_rude]

"Alana," he says again. "Step outside for a moment. I brought you coffee, and something to eat."

[patterns_bloom]

"Did you?" Alana says, shoulders slumping a fraction as she relaxes. "That's very kind of you. Thank you."

She lays her hand on her coat on the back of her chair, debating over whether or not she'll need it, and chooses to leave it behind. Then she steps over to him, following his lead outside.

[cook_the_rude]

Hannibal very softly closese the door behind them, and puts his basket on a metal cart that happens to be standing in the corridor. He takes out his thermos, detaches the cups, and pours coffee for both of them, handing Alana one. An empty cup remains in the basket.

"How is he?" he asks, sipping his own coffee.

[patterns_bloom]

"Will is still unconscious," Alana murmurs, clutching her coffee. "They've told me he's been having petit mal seizures. Hannibal, what on earth is happening to him?"

[cook_the_rude]

"We all wish to know," Dr. Lecter says. "I can only hope that the good doctors here will help us in differentially diagnosing his problems."

[patterns_bloom]

"Were you aware of the seizures?" she asks, taking a bracing drink of her coffee.

[cook_the_rude]

"I suspected them, in connection with his losing time," Hannibal says, looking grave.

[patterns_bloom]

"If you suspected them, why didn't you tell me?" Alana asks, stunned. "He seems to have problem after problem that I head about in hindsight. Was Will warned of your suspicion, also?"

[cook_the_rude]

"It was far too early days to go throw about vague and unfounded suspicions," Hannibal says. "I was starting to form suspicions, but that case got in the way before I could properly examine him, or talk to him about it."

He shakes his head, and heaves a deep sigh.

"Petit mal is a symptom, not a cause," he adds. "We still have no idea what caused it."

[patterns_bloom]

"They're still dangerous," Alana says, and then wilts again. "I'm sorry. I shouldn't be taking my frustration out on you. It's... It's been a long week."

She sips warily at her coffee. "Do you think that case is the one which finally broke him?"

[cook_the_rude]

"I sincerely hope not," Hannibal says. "But he needs a break. Jack must give him that much."

[patterns_bloom]

"He'll have to now," Alana nearly growls, digging her fingers into the sides of her coffee cup. "That case was ridiculous. I can't believe Dr. Gideon survived."

[cook_the_rude]

"He should not have," Hannibal says. "And I think it's not, ultimately, certain that he will pull through. Being shot point-blank like that does a lot of damage in any case."

Pause.

"It is just as miraculous that Dr. Chilton survived."

[patterns_bloom]

Alana shakes her head, paling. "I... I don't like to think of Dr. Chilton regularly," she says, "but even he didn't deserve what Dr. Gideon did to him. I'm... glad Will arrived at my house when he did."

[cook_the_rude]

"He quite likely saved your life, even in his state," Hannibal says, gravely.

"But enough of that. I promised you food!"

[patterns_bloom]

Alana blinks rapidly at the containers, having completely forgotten that they were there. "Oh, of course," she says, crinkling her brow. "Thank you, Hannibal, I don't remember the last time I ate."

[cook_the_rude]

"I thought so," Hannibal says, putting the containers out onto the metal cart.

There is cutlery, and even a proper cloth napkin.

He opens two lids. One reveals insalata caprese, and the other pasta with salsiccia in a sauce of fresh tomatoes.

[patterns_bloom]

Alana's eyes widen a little as she sets her coffee cup down. "You've done it again, Hannibal, wow," she says, smiling. "Thank you."

She selects a portion of the delectable-smelling meals, and dines with small bites. "Mm," she says. "This is delicious."

[cook_the_rude]

"I had hoped so," Hannibal says. "Even an unhappy vigil in a hospital is no reason for food that is not tasty."

[patterns_bloom]

"There are few good reasons for food that isn't tasty," she says, nodding. "I admit I'm made much happier by the compassionate cooking of a friend."

[cook_the_rude]

"Which is my intention," Hannibal says. "I can be helpful with cooking, at least."

Happily, he watches her eat.-