a new muse takes up residence

[avoirfaim]

[A small smile that doesn't reach his eyes, and one that already has his mun worried.]

There's nothing to be concerned about, Miss Mundane. Perhaps I can be helpful to you, rather than a burden. We could always start with the basics, your home life, your childhood. Perhaps we could discuss what it is that led you to such an activity?

One where you find yourself playing the part of the puppeteer, and yet experience anxiety at the mere thought of putting on a show.

I assure you, I don't bite.

[Something is there then, in his eyes and the quirk of his smile, but for only a moment. Are we really going there, Hannibal? Are we really playing this game?]

If you insist on calling it a game, then a game it is, though in that case I would advise against stacking the deck so strongly in my favor. Having a female version of myself in your head as well...may prove to do more harm than good.

[is that a threat?]

Of course not, simply an observation. It rarely ends well when two psychiatrists are at odds about a common patient.

Comments

[honorher]

You and Dr. Bloom are both in her head? Or just you and a female version of you?

[avoirfaim]

Just a female version of myself I'm afraid, one with particularly fine bone structure. Though I would not be so quick to consider Dr. Bloom too much like I am.

[honorher]

You're both doctors. Well-known doctors, as I understand it. What's so different about you?

[avoirfaim]

[The fact that she is the rare case of a psychologically sound psychiatrist, for one.] Dr. Bloom has a more...traditional approach to psychological medicine than I do, as you already know. We also have very different temperaments, where out personal lives are concerned.

[pendulumofmind]

[A female version of Hannibal. Congratulations, that rendered Will speechless for several seconds.]

I have... no doubt examining your 'puppeteer' will be quite entertaining for you, Dr. Lecter.

[avoirfaim]

[Oh yes, a female version of Hannibal indeed, one who is patiently tapping on the glass.]

You would understand better than most that those in our field do not take too kindly to being manipulated. Examining may function as a way to eliminate the problem altogether.

genderbent!Lecter. that would be interesting to meme <3

[pendulumofmind]

Perhaps peaceful negotiations could be made. Their insistent tugging never goes away completely.

you are so welcome to her. i'll keep an eye out for you on memes

[avoirfaim]

[a small smile. It doesn't reach his eyes.] Perhaps. And how are you handling the added tug to your own psyche, William?

and you're always welcome to tag me in those memes!

[pendulumofmind]

It's... peaceful here. Mostly. I'd call it a vacation if it still didn't involve murders every other day.

both eyes open as often as I can spare them.

[avoirfaim]

A vacation does not have to be away from work to be a vacation. Perhaps a rest is exactly what you've been needing.

[casanovakitty]

I almost wish someone like you was in my mun's head. Seeing her get all fidgety and uncomfortable about what it might say about her that she does this would get a laugh out of me.

Seeing as how easy it is for her to put me in embarrassing situations.

[avoirfaim]

I am not surprised that you do. Unfortunately, there aren't many people like me. Meaning, of course, that I prefer the more unorthodox techniques of my practice.

[casanovakitty]

More unorthodox practices?

Erm like hypnosis, and....things like that?

[avoirfaim]

Hypnosis is outdated, though not without it's merits. I prefer the realm of experimental work.

[casanovakitty]

Experimental....[he sounds so nervous about that]...uh right.....

Sounds...eh...risky.

[avoirfaim]

Only in untrained hands. I assure you, experimental has a tendency to mean not vetted by willing authorities, rather than not researched and vetted by experienced professionals.

I apologize , he doesn't exactly trust psychology

[casanovakitty]

I see...well some people ( like me ) are a little nervous about anything that involves someone else and their own brain.

( I'd prefer nobody near my brain but me )

s'all good

[avoirfaim]

An understandable fear, and not irrational. Familiarity with the human mind can have, in less than moral hands, disastrous results. [ less than moral hands like his, woops. ]

Re: s'all good

[casanovakitty]

*nods*

Exactly

My little second cousin- he was completely fine until one day he just flipped out and completely broke down , nearly permanently injured himself and wound up in an institution with this crazy idea that everyone hates him. We found later that someone had been pulling some freaky mind games on him.

(Well technically it was a telepath and not a psychologist...a telepath who knew some psychology. Bloody Telepaths)

[relatable]

There are two of you? [She's not sure if that's a good thing or not. It's at least interesting though. However Hannibal thinks is interesting.]

[avoirfaim]

[He chuckles, behind his lips.] No, there is only one of me. I would consider the other an impostor, or at best an alternate version of myself.

[relatable]

I'm actually relieved to hear that. With two of you, I'm not sure how many secrets I could keep. [Joking. She would keep them all. :') ]

[avoirfaim]

[A smile, though not without filing that comment away for future reference. Jokes can be unusually telling.] I do not doubt that you would manage.

[relatable]

[Her smile is a little pressed, but she nods.] I already have two doctors in my life. Three would be a bit much.

[avoirfaim]

You're probably right, though I would not be so quick to underestimate your ability to cope.

[relatable]

I'm not. It's just a lot having you. Not in any sort of bad way. I'd prefer it to the alternative. [Though most of what she's been going through isn't because of him. It's her whole life now in general.]

[avoirfaim]

Good. [He's glad that she's not doubting herself, truly.] Not to worry, I will be sure to keep the third away from you. You have my word.

[relatable]

Someone might call that possessive.

[avoirfaim]

And what might you call it?

[relatable]

[There's a long pause. She turns her head to the side, blinks once, and then smiles as if she's figured it out.]

Caring.

[instagraham]

At odds with yourself, Doctor? You're usually the picture of composure. [ not a skill he fucking envies at all shut up ]

[avoirfaim]

[ the fact that his practiced composure has gone noticed by you, will, is not surprising, but does give him reason to preen a bit. Keep the compliments coming. ]

At odds with? No, I would not say that. We are simply...having a discussion on the topic of hierarchy.

[instagraham]

[ like you need them you grotsky little -- ]

Sounds more like a competition. [ he took special notice of that pause. can he build a cabin and just live in dr. lecter's hesitation? ]

[avoirfaim]

[ yes, come live in his pause, Will, and mind the pun on your way in. Here, have an amused little smile. ]

Competition implies a chance of defeat.

[instagraham]

[ have one of his pretty bitter smiles, he keeps them just for you, girl. ]

I can't tell if that's conceit or humility.

[avoirfaim]

I would hesitate to doubt your ability to discern between the two, William. Nevertheless, you have nothing to worry about regarding my ability to stand against an opponent of that sort. Consider me aptly named.

[instagraham]

Going to war with yourself, or your equivalent -- Doesn't sound very healthy. Or courteous.

[avoirfaim]

No, I can't say that it does. We'll have to make sure that the battle remains short, then, won't we?

[instagraham]

[ nnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnope.jpg ] Leave me out of it. No offense but one of you is enough.

[avoirfaim]

[ excuse you that's an offense, william. ]

I was simply using the royal We, Will, nothing to be concerned about. I've no intention of dragging you through my own conflicts. That is, unless you decide that you want part in them, in that case how could i refuse?

[instagraham]

Yeah, I'll uh, [ that'll be the day ] I'll keep you updated.