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snax-writes · 28 days ago

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[part two! i hope you like it!]

You look so much like your mother (in certain lights) - i. lecter // ii. beloved wife

summary: bedelia and hannibal attend the grayson’s annual advent dinner.

series masterlist // hannibal nbc masterlist.

chapter i // chapter ii.

warnings: pregnancy

word count: 3.2k

December 1996

"Bedelia, darling, are you ready?" Hannibal called upstairs, adjusting his shirt cuffs.

"Yes, one moment." She called back, she gathered her stuff into her clutch before walking down the stairs, her heels in hand.

Hannibal's eyes raked over her appearance, from her golden locks over her deep V-neck dress to the heels clutched in her hand. A smile played on his lips as he took in her attire. "You look beautiful."

"Thank you." She stepped into her heels, gripping on to the door frame to balance while she pulled the second shoe on.

Hannibal couldn't resist the temptation to tease her. He leaned against the wall, his eyes darkening as he watched her. "Need a hand?" He asked, holding out his hand to steady her.

She managed to find her balance, the heels now firmly in place. "I think I've got it," she replied. "But thank you for the offer." She murmured, looking up at him.

With Bedelia now standing steady on her feet, Hannibal stepped closer to her, the space between them narrowing to mere inches. His gaze roamed over her, taking in every detail of her appearance, the way her dress clung to her curves, the way her hair cascaded down her shoulders.

He let out a low hum of approval. "You are a vision," he murmured. "Radiant." His hand found her still-smooth belly.

She smiled, pressing a chaste kiss to the underside of his jaw.

Hannibal's eyes fluttered shut as Bedelia's lips brushed against his skin. A low sigh escaped his lips, the touch sending shivers down his spine.

He regained his composure before taking a little step back. "The driver is waiting." He handed her her coat.

She slipped into her coat before taking her gloves and her clutch, while Hannibal slipped into his own coat.

Hannibal opened the door, allowing his wife to exit first. Glistening snowflakes clung to the cobblestone path and the edges of the buildings. He followed behind her, his hand gently resting on the small of her back. His footsteps punctuated by the crisp crunch of snow beneath their feet. A sleek black Mercedes-Benz S-Class waited curbside.

As they stepped out into the cold night, white snowflakes danced in the air, illuminated by the dim glow of streetlamps.

Hannibal opened the rear passenger door for her. The interior of the car was warm, a stark contrast to the chill of the winter night. Once she was inside and settled, he rounded the car and slipped into the backseat next to her. The driver gave a subtle nod through the rearview mirror before starting the car.

The Mercedes slid smoothly onto the road, its plush leather interior contrasting with the frosty night. Silence filled the cabin, save for the low hum of the engine and the swish of the windshield wipers.

Hannibal glanced at Bedelia. "Warm enough?"

She nodded, a smile settling on her face. Ever since she had taken that positive pregnancy test a few weeks earlier he had been even more attentive.

Hannibal's hand found its way to her stomach, his fingers tracing gentle circles over the still-flat plane. "How are you feeling?" he asked quietly, his gaze meeting hers.

"I'm fine, Hannibal." She answered, indulging him and his protectiveness.

Hannibal kept his hand on her stomach, his touch gentle and protective. "No nausea?"

She smiled, shrugging. "I'm sure it'll be fine once we're there."

Hannibal nodded, his gaze lingering on her for a moment longer before he leaned back into the seat. "If you're not feeling up to it, we can skip the event." He said quietly.

"It's just a little nausea. I can still do the Grayson's Advent dinner." She answered.

Hannibal eyed her for a moment, his expression calm and observant. He could see the hint of fatigue in her expression, even though she smiled reassuringly. "If you're sure."

"Yeah. The Grayson's are nice, their guests too." The Grayson's were an exuberant, childless surgeon couple, who often treated them like their own. “I want to go.”

A small smile tugged at the corner of Hannibal's mouth. "Mrs. Grayson will dote on you all night."

The car continued through the city's streets, the lights of the high-rises and mansions passing by in a blur. The journey to the Grayson's elegant townhouse seemed shorter than usual.

As the car slowed, Hannibal turned his attention back to Bedelia. "I suppose you'll have your fill of appetizers and dessert." He said with a hint of wry humor.

She grinned.

The car came to a smooth stop in front of the Grayson's townhouse. Hannibal stepped out, offering his hand to Bedelia as he always did. Once she was out of the car, he closed the door and turned to her, a small smile playing on his lips.

"Ready?" He inquired, his gaze studying her for any signs of discomfort.

"Yes." Her voice was sure.

Hannibal nodded slightly, his hand hovering near the small of her back as they walked up the steps to the Grayson's front door. The house was elegantly decorated, the scent of pines and spices wafting through the air.

The door opened before they could knock, and Mrs. Grayson greeted them with a warm smile.

"Hannibal, Bedelia," she said, clasping her hands together as if in prayer. "I'm so glad you made it."

"We wouldn't miss it, Mrs. Grayson." Hannibal replied, returning the greeting. His hand brushed against Bedelia for a moment, a quiet reassurance.

Mrs. Grayson ushered them inside, the warmth and the soft glow of lights inside instantly having a calming effect. The townhouse was elegant, yet cozy and very much Christmassy. They hung up their coats as Mr. Grayson appeared from the dining room, his eyes lighting up at the sight of them.

"Ah, there they are!" He exclaimed, striding forward to shake Hannibal's hand before turning to Bedelia, "My, you look absolutely radiant, dear."

"Thank you." She gave a bashful smile.

Mr. Grayson chuckled, his expression warm and friendly. "I mean it. You're positively glowing." He glanced at Hannibal.

He looped her arm through his own, gently steering her into the sitting room, while his wife linked her arm through Hannibal's, leading him in the same direction.

"Come, come, everyone is eager to see you both." Mrs. Grayson stated, a motherly tone in her voice. A gathering of about a dozen guests, mostly friends of the Grayson's, were already present.

The chatter of the guests filled the room, their voices blending with the soft background music playing from the speakers. A waiter moved through the space with a tray of champagne flutes. Hannibal took two - for him and Bedelia, although he'd have to drink them both. The guests, both familiar and unknown, turned to acknowledge the new arrivals with nods, smiles, and soft greetings.

Mrs. Grayson led them through the room, making the rounds of polite introductions. Bedelia immediately and easily slipped into her usual bright personality. As they were paraded around the room, Hannibal observed Bedelia's interaction with each guest. She effortlessly engaged in easy conversation.

Hannibal smiled politely and engaged in small talk, when necessary, but his focus was more on his wife than the conversation. Despite her earlier fatigue, she was effortlessly charming and sociable. Her laughter rang out at one of Mr. Grayson's jokes, her eyes sparkling with mirth.

As the evening wore on, the guests became gradually more at ease, perhaps thanks to the generous flow of alcohol. Mrs. Grayson made sure that everyone always had a full glass - Hannibal's glass was perpetually topped up, while Bedelia's stayed untouched. Hannibal watched how her fingers gracefully held her champagne flute, as she gesticulated mindful of the intact drink in her hand.

Dinner was announced and Hannibal carefully observed how the evening was affecting Bedelia, her flushed cheeks, the sparkle in her eyes. He couldn't help but notice her relaxed state, the weariness from earlier entirely gone. As they moved toward the dining room, he leaned in closer to her. "Everything alright?"

"I told you I'd be fine as soon as we're here." She smiled, changing her full glass with his empty one - inconspicuously for onlookers.

Hannibal hid a knowing smile as Bedelia swapped their glasses. He couldn't help but admire her quick thinking and her careful act of normalcy in front of the guests.

"You never cease to surprise me." He murmured, his voice low and close to her ear.

She grinned, tucking herself under his arm. He gently touched the back of her shoulder to steer her into the dining room where the others were already finding their seats. She took her place at the table, a swirl of conversations and laughter filling the air. Mrs. Grayson ensured that Bedelia was placed next to her.

He shot a smile to her as he sat down on her other side.

He casually observed his surroundings. He couldn't help but notice the way Bedelia had shed her earlier weariness, her interactions and demeanor vibrant. He took a small bite of food, his gaze flicking back to his wife, who was engaged in conversation with Mrs. Grayson.

The Grayson's guests were a mix of surgeons, professors and psychiatrists. Small talk and laughter echoed around them, the atmosphere warm and festive. Hannibal took part in the conversation when necessary, responding with his usual eloquence.

He found himself discussing the latest medical journals with a surgeon, but his focus was primarily on Bedelia. He observed the way she effortlessly engaged in conversation, her face alight with laughter and her eyes sparkling. He watched as his wife avoided her wine glass, only drinking water.

The two couldn't miss the knowing glances Mrs. Grayson shot in their direction. Joy glittered in her eyes.

Indeed, Mrs. Grayson had noticed Bedelia's lack of wine consumption. However, she said nothing, continuing her conversation with her as if nothing was amiss. He could see the hint of excitement and joy in Mrs. Grayson's eyes every time she looked at Bedelia.

Hannibal's gaze flickered briefly to meet Mrs. Grayson's. A silent acknowledgement: he saw her knowing glances and understood them. He took a sip of wine, his gaze returning to his wife.

As the dinner progressed, the talk turned to recent surgical cases and medical breakthroughs. Hannibal and Bedelia both contributed to the conversation with measured words and well-informed opinions, even throwing in a sarcastic comment or two. But his attention was still on Bedelia, watching as she laughed at a story from one of the guests.

Finally, the dishes were cleared, dessert was served.

Bedelia glanced at him once or twice, catching his watchful gaze. Each instance her eyes met his, a small smile would play on her lips before she returned to the conversation. Hannibal took the moment to reach for Bedelia's hand under the table, gently lacing his fingers with hers.

Hours passed in a blink, and the guests slowly began to leave, each bidding their goodbyes to the hosts and thanking them for the wonderful evening.

Hannibal and Bedelia were among the last to leave, and as they picked up their coats, Mrs. Grayson approached them, her eyes sparkling with obvious joy.

Mrs. Grayson gave each of them a fond embrace, her happiness practically radiating off her. As she pulled away, she gently cupped Bedelia's face in her hands, "You look positively radiant, my dear. Truly." Her fingers lingered on Bedelia's cheek as she threw a glance at Hannibal.

Bedelia grinned, nodding as if wanting to confirm the woman's suspicions. "Thank you, Madeleine. I really enjoyed the evening."

Mrs. Grayson's eyes widened, her voice dropping into a reverent whisper, "Oh my, I was right, wasn't I?" Her lips stretched into a wide smile of joy as she glanced between Hannibal and a smiling Bedelia, "Please, tell me I was right."

"Next year we might have to organize a babysitter." Hannibal commented dryly.

Mrs. Grayson clasped her hands together in a gleeful gesture, "Oh my word! I called it! I knew it!" She turned to Mr. Grayson, her voice now slightly raised in excitement. "Robert, they're expecting a little one!"

Mr. Grayson, standing at the door, had just said his goodbyes to the last guests. His face quickly shifted into a warm smile as he closed the door, his eyes landing on a quietly amused Hannibal and a beaming Bedelia. "Oh, I knew the moment they arrived. The woman is glowing like a second sun and the man is not leaving her side for anything." He noted.

Hannibal smiled, his hand still resting on the small of Bedelia's back, a habit that had formed over the years. He chuckled slightly at the comment. "Is it that obvious?"

Mrs. Grayson gave a soft laugh, waving her hand. "Oh please, you're the proudest husband and father-to-be ever. You've been watching her all evening."

Mr. Grayson chuckled as well, adding, "Not to most people, but Madeleine and I know you both well. You learn to notice the subtlest signs." He cast a fond glance at his wife, who was still bubbling with excitement.

Bedelia, who had been enjoying the warm reactions, smiled sweetly at the couple. "We were hoping for you two to be the first to know," she confessed, "as honorary grandparents. I'm not far along, so we'll still wait to announce officially."

Mrs. Grayson's eyes got watery, tears of utter joy welling up. "Oh, I'm going to spoil that baby rotten!" She exclaimed, her voice a mix of laughter and tears as she hugged Bedelia.

As she turned to Hannibal, Mr. Grayson stepped forward, embracing Bedelia gently and planted a fatherly kiss on her hair. "We're honored, our dear, we truly are."

Bedelia smiled wide; a single happy tear had found its way down her cheek and was quickly dabbed away.

Hannibal could not help but smile at the display of emotion. To see Bedelia so joyous and content was something that would fill his heart eternally. Mrs. Grayson, in her own tears, clutched on Bedelia's hand as Mr. Grayson reached to hug Hannibal, "Congratulations, son. You'll be a wonderful father."

He patted the older man on his back, a strange feeling of contentment flooding him. "Thank you," he managed to say, his voice thick with unsaid emotions. The thought of becoming a father, of having a miniature version of himself and Bedelia, was both exhilarating and terrifying.

As he pulled away, his arm found its way back around Bedelia, gently pulling her close to his side. He placed a tender kiss on the top of her head, his eyes meeting hers for a fleeting moment. In her radiant happiness, she was even more stunning than usual.

She smiled, leaning into him more.

He gently caressed her cheek with his thumb, his gaze filled with tender tenderness. "We should get going then," he murmured.

"Yeah, we probably should."

After they said their final goodbyes to the Grayson's - Mr. Grayson shaking Hannibal's hand heartily and Mrs. Grayson squeezing Bedelia's for a solid minute - they put on their coats and stepped outside, the cold night air hitting them.

As the pair made their way back to the car, the cool evening air providing a slight bit of grounding against the emotional evening, Hannibal couldn't help but notice Bedelia's slightly misty eyes. He reached for her hand, folding his fingers over hers and pulling her a little closer.

Bedelia glanced up at him, her expression soft and content. She squeezed his hand gently in response. "Thank you," she whispered, her voice filled with a quiet happiness. They walked to the car.

As they reached the vehicle, Hannibal opened the back seat door, holding it open for Bedelia. Once she was settled, he closed the door and made his way to the other side.

Sliding into the car, he shot Bedelia a glance. He couldn't help but admire her, her flushed cheeks, the joy still lingering in her eyes. He leaned towards her slightly, his voice low. "Comfortable?"

"Very." She smiled, lacing her hand with his, as the driver started the car.

As the car began to move, Hannibal's fingers played with hers, his touch light and gentle against her soft skin. He could almost feel her pulse drumming against his fingertips. His gaze flicked from their intertwined hands to her face, studying her quiet smile.

"I'm glad I'm doing this with you." She noted.

His lips curled into a smile; he moved a little closer to her. He gently tucked a stray strand of her hair behind her ear, his touch tender. "Likewise." He responded, his voice soft and low.

The car rolled through the night, the city around them bathed in the soft glow of streetlights. Hannibal's thumb traced soft patterns against the back of her hand, a quiet comfort between them. He raised their intertwined hands and gently pressed a kiss against her knuckles.

They pulled into the driveway, the car coming to a stop. Hannibal got out, circling around to open the car door for Bedelia. He offered her his hand, a subtle smile on his lips.

"Thank you." She smiled, already walking to their door while her husband gave their driver a tip.

Hannibal followed silently, his gaze trailing after her. The house was dark, the porch light offering the only illumination. He followed her footsteps, his keys jingling in his hand.

She watched as he stepped up to the house, on hand in his pocket, the other playing with the keys.

Hannibal turned as he reached the door, aware of her eyes on him. He noticed the amused smile on her face and the dangerous glint in her eyes. "What's that smile for?" He asked, his voice soft.

Bedelia, her hand still firmly in his, tugged him a little closer. "Who, me?" She asked, her voice deceptively innocent. As Hannibal leaned down, she pushed herself up onto her tiptoes and pressed a soft kiss on his lips.

He chuckled against her lips, a low and rumbling sound, before deepening the kiss. His hand came to rest on her waist, pulling her against him, the warmth of her seeping into him even through his jacket.

After a moment, he wrenched his lips away, his breath slightly ragged. He looked down at her, his eyes dark and intense. "You're being cheeky." He murmured, his voice thick and laced with desire.

Bedelia giggled softly, a light, sweet sound that sent a shiver down his spine. "I have no idea what you're talking about." She teased, her hand playing with the hairs at the nape of his neck.

His fingers, which still held the keys, made quick work of unlocking the front door.

Hannibal's eyes darkened, a sly smile curving his lips. "Sure, you don't." He answered, his voice a low, intimate murmur. He pushed the door open, the hallway ahead of them, dimly lit but cozy. His arm wrapped around her waist, he led her inside, his touch gently firm against her.

The house, dark and silent, felt warm and comfortable, enveloping them like a cocoon of familiarity. The click of the door as it closed behind them echoed faintly through the room, a soft sound in the quiet. Hannibal kept his hand on Bedelia's hip, guiding her through the hall, their footsteps muted on the plush carpeted floor.