tried to resist certain characters BUT NO

[dined]

'Just so.'

[ A breath twists into sounding amused, lips almost moving into a complete curve, but they rest. And eyes, peculiar maroon flicker here and there, gentle pressing on the tensions from the puppeteer. The signs of 'displeasure' are further than obvious—furrowing your brow would be the bare minimum.

Despite that, there's that attempt to soothe with his voice. Perfectly leveled: ]

As I understand, there are many opportunities ahead for an approach, perhaps even tiptoe on that topic of choice.

[ Simple, isn't it? ( Is it? ) His shift certainly suggests that. An actual shift from one matter to another, subtle as fingers knit together.  ]

On the other hand, what this may say about you... that is another matter.

Comments

[itsamotif]

Mun set on a topic you'd rather not dwell on?

[dined]

Not so much unwanted as it is untimely.

/creeps on

[pendulumofmind]

Psychoanalyzing again, Dr. Lecter?

/bats eyelashes at

[dined]

A disagreement, Will.

[ And there's clearing in the air—if that's possible? After all, friend is a comfort. Despite the accusation he's aiming for, there's something that resembles a smile in his direction. ]

As for the disagreement, 'honest disagreement is often a good sign of progress.'

[pendulumofmind]

[Will, for his part, is relaxed in his chair. There might be the ghost of a smile in return.]

A good quote. And one I'm sad to say I don't recognize.

[dined]

Mahatma Gandhi.

[ A quiet huff, maybe a laugh while that most definitely becomes a smile now. A brief flash as he seats himself, tugging at the edges of his sleeves, a tug at the little wrinkles that only he is almost cursed to notice. ]

After all, it would be very untrue to say my services prove useful to everyone.

[I don't think I've ever seen anyone play Hannibal before, though!]

[harmonicmotion]

What kind of topic? [N's voice is very quiet, barely above a whisper, and nearly drops out at the end.
That man's reaction is very peculiar, even to someone who is as unsocialized as N, so he can't help being curious.
But, the man is a perfect stranger! N remembers his manners a bit late:] If I may be so bold.

[There, now his question sounds more polite! Wait, he never greeted the man. Should he do that now or wait until he gets an answer— the confused little thoughts running around in his head must seem so transparent, moreso with the awkward gaps of silence and the way his words run together when he does speak.]

there's been a few think but EEK N!

[dined]

One met in privacy.

[ A smile, despite how hush-hush he must be. It's an obvious topic. One that needs a proper table, dinner placement, and dining. Fancied up and ready, that's a true gentleman.

And he's definitely good at that. Despite the hush-hush, there's something sincere in his expression. Or perhaps it's an illusion of it. After all, the stranger is so kind. And yes, so bold.

He meets that politeness, equal and proper. ]

[Yup! ;3; This one's anime-based, so he differs a bit, but he's still N.]

[harmonicmotion]

I see. [He quiets, his usually empty eyes still holding a look of curiousity, before he lowers his gaze and tugs down the rim of his hat, apparently unnerved by or simply unused to prolonged eye contact.

Introductions? Those are usually what follow. He doesn't typically introduce himself as readily to adults as he does children: neither Plasma nor the police typically hire children. But, right now, he hasn't made any effort to disguise himself, so his nickname shouldn't be anymore of a giveaway than his appearance, and the man seems almost trustworthy:]

By the way, my name is N. [He holds out a hand for a shake.] It's... nice to meet you.

[relatable]

Approach? What kind of approach? [There's a curiosity in her eyes. What does he have planned?]

[dined]

A friendly one—

[ He meets those eyes. Knowing eyes. Maroon sinking into ones so bright, a shadow draping over until they sink in. Reaching in, feeling in.

And there's a blink to break it. ]

—of course. [ He finishes with a beat. ]

[relatable]

[Of course. She watches him for a moment.]

I meant an approach to what? [It's not like his methods are exactly kosher. She's not complaining, just curious.]

[anysay]

Sometimes, field work rewards us with perspective, Doctor.

[dined]

Evidently.

[ Hello, Jack. How are you, Jack? Are you feeling well, Jack? Anything cracked in that case, Jack? How's life, Jack? Why won't you go ahead and lay it out for me, Jack?

Piece

by

p i e c e.

Tell me, Jack. ]

[anysay]

May I assume your current experiences don't qualify as favorable?

[owedawe]

There are things that could be said about all of us...

well snap

[dined]

However, picking out the smallest details [ —peeling the skin— ] and laying them out [ —laying out the strips— ] says a lot more, does it not?

One elaborate puzzle, but does anyone actually take the time to observe the pieces?

[owedawe]

Perhaps.

You do.

[noticing]

[ honestly he wouldn't have had anything to say if it wasn't for the first two words and the way they were said. but something about this man, his mannerisms, his disposition, it's eerily familiar is all the wrong ways. the reproach of someone who obviously values himself above who he's talking to. condescension intertwined with a tendency to psychoanalyse. the barest hints of manipulation, though all try in situations like this. if he were to guess, he would say either a psychologist, or a psychopath. ]

Do share your observations with the rest of us. I love to see amateurs at work.

[dined]

[ Hardly difficult to escape your own name, Sherlock Holmes. So excuse the quirk of his lips which might be a smile, either the display of friendliness from one or... amusement? My, that might be it. Hannibal Lecter definitely knows how to hold a face, as we later find out in the years ( literally ), but everything about his voice is tucked and proper. ]

Patient confidentiality, [ ( You think you're so funny, don't you, Hannibal? ) ]

Mr. Holmes.

[honorher]

What do you think it says about her?

[dined]

[ Oh, Abigail. There's a lot to say about you, isn't there? About you and I, on and on we go and we are just drenched in something terrible? 'What do you think it says about her?' Those maroon almost mistake the question, perhaps the question being mirrored to a poor girl with an ugly scar on her neck. Daddy and Mommy and ugly graffiti and little accidents.

These are terrible days, but he's here and that's just fine. ]

Something suppressed. [ It's so easy to meet eyes. ] And now we could say she's finally able to breathe.

[honorher]

So you help her feel free?