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Title: A Memory To Treasure
By: angstytimelord
Pairing: Hannibal Lecter/Will Graham
Fandom: Hannibal
Rating: PG-13
Table: 8, 50ficlets
Prompt: 22, Bed
Author's Note: This is a 50-ficlet AU series for Will/Hannibal. In this universe, the two of them are deeply in love with each other, though neither knows quite how to bring that love out into the open.
Disclaimer: This is entirely a product of my own imagination, and I make no profit from it. I do not own the lovely Hannibal Lecter or Will Graham, unfortunately, just borrowing them for a while. Please do not sue.

***

Hannibal inhaled deeply, trying to stop his senses from reeling so wildly. He had to slow things down, had to make sure that he took this slowly. He didn't think that Will was ready for what might happen between them, and he wasn't going to push.

Will was fragile, both emotionally and physically. Yes, he might be in love, but there was a great deal more to a physical relationship than simply loving someone.

As badly as he wanted Will, he didn't think that this was the right time or place for them to make love for the first time. He wanted to take Will in the comfort of a bed, not on the living room couch. This was all moving far too quickly for either of them.

He knew that if this continued, Will would regret it.

This wasn't the place for them to make love for the first time. As much as he loved Will, and knew that Will loved him in return, this was too rushed, too spur-of-the-moment. This wasn't what he wanted Will's first time to be like.

He wanted that first time to be perfect; he wanted it to be a memory that Will would treasure forever -- and he wanted to be able to treasure that memory himself, as well. He wanted ti to be romantic, like a fairy tale or a dream come true. Not a quick seduction on the couch.

For that reason, he had to stop. He had to slow this down, return the two of them to sanity, and proceed much more slowly in the future.

Sighing softly, Hannibal lifted his gaze to Will's face -- and what he saw there reassured him that slowing this down would be the right thing for both of them. Will didn't look afraid, but he did appear to be more than a little apprehensive.

Hannibal smiled, raising a hand to stroke Will's cheek.

"You aren't ready for this, are you, my love?" he asked, his voice very soft. "There's no shame in that, Will. The first time you ever make love is a very big step, even when you love the person you are giving yourself to. I think we need to slow down a bit."

Will nodded slowly, but he looked disappointed. "You haven't changed your mind, have you?" he asked, his voice breathless. "I don't think I could stand it if you did that."

Hannibal smiled, shaking his head. He sat up slowly, then bent to take Will's face between his hands and gaze into his young lover's eyes. "Will, I could never change my mind about wanting you. Or loving you," he murmured, his voice very soft. "Never."

He could see the relief in Will's eyes; it nearly broke his heart to think that the young man could be so unsure of his own attractiveness, or of his worth in Hannibal's eyes. Did he really think that anyone could tire of him, or not want him?

Of course he did. Will's psyche was the most fragile thing about him.

No one so beautiful should be so unaware of their own worth. Hannibal was determined to make sure that Will never questioned that worth again; he wanted to ensure that the young man in his arms knew he was desired, and above all, that he was loved.

Will should never have to doubt that he was wanted. Hannibal didn't doubt that Will wanted him; the least he could do was give Will that same feeling of buoyancy, of being loved, that he himself had every time he gazed into those incredible blue eyes.

"When it's time for us to make love, I think it'd be better if we did it in a bed," Will said with a soft laugh, his voice shaking slightly. "This isn't really the best place."

Hannibal echoed that rueful laugh, helping Will sit up and lean against him. "You're right, my sweet. We don't have much room here. And even though I want you badly, this feels .... rushed. I want us to take our time, to savour each moment."

Will nodded, taking a deep breath before speaking.

"This isn't something we need to just jump into," he said, sounding as though he was choosing his words carefully. "I want our first time to be something we work up to, Hannibal. Something that we can anticipate and look forward to. It's not that I don't want you now, but --"

Hannibal nodded, placing a finger against Will's lips with a soft smile. "You don't have to explain, Will," he said. "I know exactly how you feel. And you are quite right. We should work up to this, anticipate each step. That will only make it better for both of us."

"You aren't mad that I stopped you?" Will asked, still sounding a bit shaky. His blue eyes still held a trace of fear, a fear that Hannibal wanted to soothe away.

"Mad?" Hannibal was surprised by the question. "Will, how could I be angry about this? I completely agree with you. Yes, I do want you badly, but this isn't the right time or place for your first experience with lovemaking. So no, I'm not mad."

Will's smile went directly to his heart, making him go weak all over.

All he needed to make desire rise within him again was to see that smile. He wanted to carry Will off to bed right now, this very moment, and make love to him all night.

But that could wait, Hannibal told himself firmly as he stood up and reached for his clothes. They could wait, and they were both content to do so. They would anticipate their first time together, plan for it -- and as he had said, that would make it all the better for both of them.

***