OOM: For Sinric

[cook_the_rude]

Hannibal's office is brightly lit today, the windows open to let in grey wintery light which washes palely over the furniture and art.

The pictures are Tang dynasty landscape paintings today, interspersed with court scenes of officials wearing complex hats.

Hannibal politely gestures at the couch, then goes to fetch the wine glasses.

Comments

[cook_the_rude]

"Do you have a wig to hide your hair if you want to?" Hannibal asks.

[thewidewideworld]

"Sometime I darken it, to make myself stand out less. But it doesn't seem to do my hair any good." He snorts softly. "For all my complaining, I'm still very vain about my hair."

[cook_the_rude]

"Why not a wig?" Hannibal asks. "That would be better for your own hair."

[thewidewideworld]

"It would. I had not thought of such a thing. Perhaps the bar can provide me with one."

[cook_the_rude]

"You shouldn't leave without it," Hannibal says.

[thewidewideworld]

"Then I shall do so, and ask her for some robes as well. It seems easier to dress as a woman when I want to be unnoticed." He sips the wine, letting it warm him.

[cook_the_rude]

"You're not so tall that you'd stand out," Hannibal says.

[thewidewideworld]

"No. It is strange not to seems so short in a crowd. Although Yan is easily a head taller than me. I don't doubt his sons will be too."

He lets his hand fall, resting comfortably on the arm Hannibal has around his shoulders.

[cook_the_rude]

"That is a definite advantage," Hannibal says, warmly putting his hand over Sinric's.

[thewidewideworld]

It's nice, just to be held so. Especially somewhere as familiar and comforting as Hannibal's office. He relaxes a little more, reminding himself that he's safe. His fingers entwine with Hannibal's, focusing on the soft slide of skin.

[cook_the_rude]

Hannibal leans in to kiss his cheek.

[thewidewideworld]

The kiss is warming and he closes his eyes, squeezing Hannibal's hand. He sighs and turns a little to return the kiss to the corner of Hannibal's mouth.

[cook_the_rude]

Hannibal kisses the tip of Sinric's; his fingers move to stroke Siniric's thumb.

[thewidewideworld]

Sinric lets out a soft sigh. "Hannibal." It's by no means a protest, subconsciously opening to the touch.

[cook_the_rude]

"I am here for you," Hannibal says, softly; his fingers keep moving, oh so gently.

[thewidewideworld]

Sinric lets that sink in, still confused and unsure what he needs. But like Ragnar and Athelstan's kisses, Hannibal's touch feels good, healing. He shifts to kiss Hannibal's generous lips, still chasted and soft.

[cook_the_rude]

Hannibal returns the kiss, careful and slow, closing his eyes as if to concentrate entirely on tasting that kiss.

[thewidewideworld]

Sinric draws back with a sigh, setting the glass down with care before reaching up to cup Hannibal's cheek. "Forgive me. I'm still-" he shakes his head and gives up on words, kissing Hannibal again, his lips parting softly.

[cook_the_rude]

"You have not kissed for a long time," Hannibal says, quietly.

[thewidewideworld]

"Not until I came back here. It's more..." He bites his lip. "I haven't shared myself for pleasure, with someone I hold in affection, for a long time. Not since Constantine. I feel as if... as if I've forgot how."

[cook_the_rude]

"You don't have to," Hannibal says. "You were pretty wild the last time -- four years ago for you, just a few weeks for me. We can try again if you want, but there's no hurry."

[thewidewideworld]

"I remember." He smiles softly. "I felt so free that night. So wonderfully wild. And I'm very grateful for that. Because of what you allowed me to be that night, I was able to be more free with Constantine in our last days together."

[cook_the_rude]

"So you made memories to last you the rest of your life," Hannibal nods.

[thewidewideworld]

"For all of us, I hope. When I guided him to bring me to peak for the first time, he became very keen to see if the others could be coaxed so also. It was... a most enjoyable time. The last happy days of our family." He turns away, blinking.

"Forgive me." He shakes his head. "I came to share wine and music with you and here I am speaking of times past and loves lost."

[cook_the_rude]

"You know you are always welcome to do that, with me," Hannibal says. "If not to me, who then should you be able to talk to about yourself without needing to censor what you say?"