The Eyes Have It

Will sat sipping his wine and pushing his dessert around his plate. Hannibal and Julie were engrossed in a conversation about different psychiaatry journals. He noticed Hannibal's eyes rarely left her. The dark maroon reflecting points of light in the room. Will loved the sound of her voice when she spoke passionately about something. He loved the way she laughed when she found something amusing.

    "I would love to give you a tour of the house, Julie." Hannibal said clearing the plates.

    "Oh that would be wonderful. Your home is gorgeous."

Will nodded and walked over to her while Hannibal dissapeared back into the kitchen to dispose of the plates.

     "He hasn't been able to take his eyes off of you this entire evening." Will said leaning against her chair.

She looked up at him, her eyebrow raised disaprovingly.

    "Will, what did I say about jealousy?"

He bit his lip and offered his hand to help her from her chair. He put his arm around her waist and pulled her close.

    "I know, I'm sorry. I don't know what's come over me."

Hannibal moved back through the door and offered his hand to Julie. She slipped from Will's grip and took Hannibal's hand as he lead her through the house. Will followed, quite interested in the history of the house. Hannibal ended the tour in his office. He poured a whisky for himself and Will as Julie perused his loft lined with books. Will found himself staring at the bookcase that served as the entrance to Hannibal's secret room. Hannibal was watching him. His wheels turning.

    "Julie, come down here please." Hannibal called to her not taking his eyes off Will

Julie carefully climbed down the ladder and wandered to Will's side, sitting on the arm of his chair.

    "As you probably already know, I have been seeing Will as a patient for a short time now. I have started to use some unorthadox treatments on him and he seems to be responding well. Since you are here, I would like to perform another exercise with him that would involve you. Would you be comfortable with that?"

Julie smiled and put her hand on Will's shoulder.

     "Whatever I can do to help Will, Dr. Lecter."

Hannibal smiled and walked to the bookcase. Will felt his heartbeat jump as Hannibal swing it open.

     "Please, follow me."