[Danger, danger. Not that Hannibal lets anything dark out in his words, but he doesn't want Chilton to think he has to stand on some sort of pretense with him. Not now, at least. Later, maybe, when he's dealing with him in much more hands-on ways than listening to his problems.]
Running an asylum is not an easy task; I commend you for it. But, as you have called it natural already, let it be known that there is nothing suspicious about it. Everyone needs someone, from time to time. You needn't worry about how such a thing looks when it is only you and I who know.
[Unless Chilton wants to brag about his doctor being Hannibal Lecter, and then by all means. Go crazy.
Hah, ah, I won't argue that point. [His grin is sheepish, almost deferential -- but not quite there. For whatever unique admiration Hannibal yields from him, Chilton is nevertheless an egotist. He won't bend wholly without a fight.]
I'm sure my anxiety is unfounded, but since my attack at the hands of Abel Gideon, I'm somewhat -- [convinced that people think less of him] -- made hyper aware of how that might reflect upon the hospital.
[Aw yeah, good save.]
I wouldn't want our funds compromised, of course. It is state regulated.
Psychiatrists being attacked by their patients is more common than people might believe. If I am attacked, it is in my office and I have no one but myself to rely on, unless I have hidden a firearm under my desk.
You have orderlies, yes, but your patients are not regular people who are just tired of living and wanted a punching bag. Someone to slap. Your patients are violent and disturbed, and it is highly likely that they could harm you without any hope of you recovering fully in the few seconds it would take help to arrive.
If the state cannot take the little time it takes to read the statistics about patients attacking their doctors and take into account the difference between most patients and yours, then the fault is not your own. If such a thing were to happen, I believe you could sue, could you not?
[blah blah chilton your work is so dangerous you're so brave i can't imagine that horror blah blah americans like to sue thing don't they blah blah the government is dumb blah blah would you like some ham?]
Sue, yes, to secure my immediate situation -- but potentially sabotage my long term relationship with the association in the meanwhile. It isn't very fun, is it, being the ousted party.
[Being hated, despised? No problem. But being torn from his power source, being banished from his only value of validation? Chilton might just yield before the state, in that regard. No matter how much he agreed with Hannibal's opinions on government.
As long as it wasn't his sort of governing under critical eye.]
It's nice that -- [Hannibal is listening to him.] I ah, just wanted to say how much. I appreciate this.
[Hannibal will go up to bat for Chilton, if he needs him to and it gets Hannibal something that he wants. More of the man's adoration, perhaps, because when the inevitable happens, the look on his face—not only did he dine at the cannibal's table, but he considered him something akin to a friend, and how could a friend do such a thing?
Hannibal's dinner parties certainly include people he wouldn't consider friends, after all. But Chilton, invited for private dinners...how could they not be friends in some capacity?]
You're welcome, Frederick. What are old friends to do if not be there for each other in times of need?
Old friends? [His voice was embarrassingly hopeful, his implicit need for a second confirmation rather telling. He tried to recover with a clearing of his throat, a light nodding incline with his head, but he had already exposed himself.
Chilton really wanted this, with Doctor Lecter.]
I quite like that. [A beat -- and dare he? Dare he?]
Hannibal.
[He outright savors the name, speaking it in this friendly context, thinking himself special among Hannibal's collection of people.]
[Someone in Hannibal's life seeking validation from him? Nothing new. Had he ever thought such a thing might come so obviously from Chilton? Not really. But then again, now that he had Will at his beck and call, now that he'd been gutted, he couldn't imagine that their lives wouldn't intersect further.
A night in may have seemed divine to Chilton, but he had no idea how much more divine it was for Hannibal.]
Yes, old friends. [The smile he gave him wasn't one of a host attending to his guests pleasantly. It was more the smile of a host finding someone in said party that he clicked with far more than the sycophants he was surrounded with—the smile of a man who'd found the person he'd been so hopeful to see in order to get a bit of fresh air from a crowd he could barely tolerate, even if no one else could ever pick it up. Companions, even.] And we both know it's always good to have old friends for dinner, isn't it?
[Hannibal Lecter: the funniest motherfucker in the world, even if it's just to himself.]
I simply couldn't disagree. [Frederick Chilton: never even occurred to him that something that sounds so pleasant is probably his fate. But who could blame Hannibal, really? Inevitably Chilton, having subscribed so fervently to Hannibal's cult of personality, is going to snap a little at the reveal. He'll take the betrayal so personally, so viscerally, that every day would be a fresh chance for revenge, within his asylum. Especially since Hannibal will so effortlessly resist, provoking Chilton's vengeance into obsession.
But that's a Chilton of the future.
Now he is absolutely in love with the idea of being elevated to Someone Important to Hannibal Lecter. That winked intimacy, that whisper of similarity (however manipulated it is) stimulates Chilton. For a man who normally derides the company of others (real popular fellow here), his sincere interest in Hannibal fascinates himself. It's unlike his fascination with his patients, there are tonal cues of adoration -- and he wants to analyze it all.
Bit narcissistic of Chilton, but that's a given.]
You know, Hannibal, it's possible that some of our institution psychiatrists might take my recent attack as a -- [Slight rolling of his eyes.] Wake-up call. If ever a position opens...
[In order to have to put some sort of effort into anything at all, Hannibal would have to be facing someone who presented a real challenge. He'd have to be up against a person who could be considered as competition, and Chilton is certainly nowhere near competent enough to earn such a rank in Hannibal's mind. He'll let him think he's Someone Important until the jig is up, if it ever occurs. He'll let him think Hannibal is there for him like a good friend, will offer advice and aid in any way he can. If faced with the idea of being put in a different hospital once caught, he will all but demand to go into Chilton's, just to watch the man unravel day by day until he thinks he's safe. That Hannibal being restrained is something that will stop him.
And it's then that the whole thing will come tumbling down, and Frederick will be wishing he was holding his organs all over again in order to get away from the man he once dared to refer to by first name.]
Several of your staff have been killed [because of you] so of course others may wish to head to different pastures for work. Perhaps, if you need someone to consult with, that might be doable. I'm quite pleased with private practice, however, so I would have to humbly reject an offer for a full-time position. My apologies, but if such a need arises, I can offer referrals in place of actually coming myself.
[Because like hell will Hannibal work for Chilton. The pure nerve behind it all but rises off of him in a stench, hot and wet and pervading the room if only to find something to cling to and seep into like an insidious humidity.
Hannibal is his own boss. That's how it's going to stay.]
[Hannibal, this is why no one can resist you. You're so elusive, it only makes people crave you more, just ask the FBI. Chilton, somewhat deflated by the rejection, primly nods. He accepts Hannibal's answer, of course, and even understands the rationality behind it -- one's own career should be apt to one's vision -- but nevertheless. Daydreams of smirking conversations in his office wither before his eyes.
The wistful sentiment (again, rationally) surprises him. Chilton was never a man highly invested in his peers.]
Consultation is a splendid idea. [Hey, he'll take that consolation prize. More time to observe and soak in Hannibal, more material to question himself over. How curious, that Hannibal might ignite a bit of an identity crisis of Chilton's own.] I have so many patients who might interest you. Violent deeds done, by the criminally insane -- as I'm sure you know. [Some unironic nod to another psychiatrist's observations? Shocking!]
It might be a nice reprieve from your usual?
[Showing off one's toys to fellow boys, that's what this is.]
[If Hannibal weren't elusive to an extreme degree, he and Chilton would already be talking with bars or glass between them. He was far too smart to be caught (or so he'd thought, but then he'd never met anyone quite like Will Graham before), and he took necessary precautions to make sure that stayed a reality. Working with Chilton? It wouldn't influence Hannibal's ability to stay under the radar.
Working for Chilton? It was a matter of pride. It was a matter of the man not being competent enough for Hannibal to even consider it. While Chilton may have thought there was a power struggle where Hannibal couldn't really think of it that way (again, he was nowhere near Hannibal's level, as far as he was concerned), anything that could make sure he knew there was no power Chilton could lord over him, the better.
It was easier to hide behind wanting to be his own boss as opposed to saying as much and risk possibly insulting him.]
I have become a bit more acquainted with the criminally insane as of late, though I can't speak to whether it has been good for anything more than added knowledge. [A reprieve? Chilton's views were far more skewed than that had any right to be. Not that Hannibal could judge. Righteously, at any rate.] I would be interested in that from a scientific standpoint, definitely. I appreciate the offer, Frederick, and would like to take you up on it soon.
[Wrapping Chilton around his finger was one thing. Getting so close? Another. And it was wonderful.]
[The smile quirked on his face reveals only his eager anticipation of such an endeavor. While still possessive of his patients, Chilton considers Hannibal a respectful enough man who can clearly identify boundaries -- unlike those scrappy PhD seekers whom Chilton so often despised. But regulation demanded that he bend over a little, when it came to the informational use of the criminally insane.]
Since, I assume, you'll be coming without FBI connotation, the state insists on a week's notice for your clearance. For proper analysis of prisoners, I mean, not just a brief visit. [And his smirk grows more clandestine, as he leans in a bit closer. A bit more intimately.] But if your curiosity suddenly captivates you, I can expedite all the proper paperwork to a couple of days, at most. Waiting doesn't suit the uncommon man, does it?
[The evidence of Chilton's narcissism flaring up again. The enemy of lines, of standing like some herded body. He himself never enjoyed waiting, patience was always a virtue lost upon him. Hence his inclination to fiddle, to manipulate, to force the outcome his wanted. While he would learn from the Abel Gideon trauma (he would learn better technique, he would learn harder focus), he wouldn't conceive simply redirecting his energy into something more productive.
That's like admitting something is wrong.]
There is, of course, one patient who you know already.
[Referring back to Hannibal's acquaintance with the criminally insane as of late. He was careful not to say Will Graham's name.]
I hope that won't curdled your appetite. We could always do lunch.
[Freddy boy leans in, and Hannibal has no desire to back off. If he were a different kind of man, he might lean in and duck his head to make sure his compadre's next few words were impossible to miss. But as it is, he doesn't, instead lifting an eyebrow to indicate interest. Interest in what Chilton was saying, interest in Chilton himself, interest in whatever he might say or do, like friends who have very common interests that aren't to be spoken of too loudly.
The idea of Hannibal being curious about the criminally insane, like he needs more exposure to it, would be enough to make him laugh himself silly, were he prone to it. But he's not, so he absorbs his words and thinks of how amazingly wonderful Chilton's face will be in papers and on the TV whenever Will's name is cleared after Hannibal's been proven to be the Ripper and gone off elsewhere to never be seen again.
Except in letters sent directly to Will, of course.]
Trust me when I say that I have an iron stomach. [Still the funniest guy ever, this Hannibal Lecter.] I can wait the necessary time, Frederick. I've no intention of causing you any added stress, even if it's just another trip to the fax machine. A week is perfectly fine, and it will give me time to get myself prepared for any outcome. As for your patient that I personally know...we can leave him for a later visit. A month or so, perhaps.
[Let him rot in horror and worry while the name of Lecter is being spoken and he can't do a thing about it and has no way to see the man himself. That's a plan he quite likes.]
I'd define that as charitable. [Pleasant words spoken so pleasantly. He likes this shop talk, he thrives in the feeling of mutual worth and shared interests. These are psychiatrists talking. Doctors. Men of esteem.
The thought never occurs to Chilton that Hannibal might be soaking in the inevitability of the asylum keeper's humiliation.]
Charitable, given that -- well, we're all aware of the history. Between you two.
[The fact that Hannibal humored Chilton's possession of one Will Graham elevated his mood even higher. It was an offering of respect -- or such was how Chilton chose to interpret the gesture. It had the intended effect -- his pulse bumped, a light pink flush swarmed his cheeks.
[There is one man of esteem between them, but Hannibal would never say such a thing. Not until he's forced to look at him through a barrier. Did you truly believe yourself to be anywhere near a match for me, Frederick? Were you really so fooled? and so forth and so on. He'd save it all for later, letting the man believe that Hannibal was intent on them being the closest of friends.
The poor bastard.]
I will cope with the matter soon enough, Frederick. No need to worry about how it may influence me. In a week, when I come to you, I will be completely fine. It'll almost be like Will Graham's betrayal and subsequent outing ever occurred.
We could always discuss it. [He hasn't pulled back, from that intimate space. Getting real cozy in here for Doctor Chilton.] If his betrayal has had an enduring negative impact on you, I mean. I would certainly extend my resources to you, as you have done for me.
[Symbolic of what he thought was their friendship? Certainly, Chilton understands that there's a give and take in any interpersonal relationship. But more than that, there's the power outlet of having a man like Hannibal on his psychiatric sedan, having Hannibal opened for him.]
If you wanted a more personal acquaintance, I mean. Unless your current therapist has also met Will Graham...? Although. I'm sure there's some benefit to that unbiased distance.
My personal therapist has not met Will Graham, no, though he has been a topic of discussion, as well as Abigail Hobbs. The FBI would not have known where to find him had they not consulted with my doctor, seeing as how I was meant to have a session with her and neither called nor came. She knows me well enough to know that I would never engage in such a rude behavior unless circumstances were beyond my control.
[Who else takes "rude" to as high a level as Hannibal does, Frederick? Think for a moment about that. If you can stop thinking about how intoxicating and wonderful a creature Hannibal is, of course.]
It's very beneficial. [A pause for drama, though Hannibal's dramatic pauses are hardly as easy to spot as Chilton's.] She suggested that I stay out of any attempts to rehabilitate Will. Keep my distance. I want to help him, I do. But her advice is sound, and always has been; I respect her and defer to her wisdom whenever I feel my own reasoning is compromised.
And what stimuli must it take, to compromise your reasoning? [He'll admit to his fascination, as unapologetic as it was. Raw as such curiosity might come across, his sentiment is nevertheless sincere; Chilton would not bear his usual patronizing smirk for someone like Hannibal Lecter. Bearing in mind that his sense of propriety was leagues beneath Hannibal's own, Chilton was still a man to keep kind to those he considered peers.
The problem was, of course, finding people he saw as equals.
This single stand of moral fiber caught up with him, as he realized the imprudence of his query.
He caught himself with a staccato clearing of his throat.]
Not that I'm expecting -- I mean, rather, why don't we call it a rhetorical question? Forgive my trespass, Hannibal, I just find it unbelievable to consider your reasoning ever compromised. And then my natural inquisitive nature kicks in, how it rules me.
[Hannibal understands that Chilton is a learned man, but he also understands that being learned doesn't necessarily mean being smart. One can have a great deal of knowledge and still be inept in other important areas. So Chilton earned degrees, good for him. It still didn't force his personality to grow into something more nurturing, but not every doctor in every field can be the ideal of one.
Chilton will be easy to play. Hannibal just has to offer his advice about anything under the sun, he has to keep the man feeling adoration for him, he has to keep him under the guise that they're friends, and he has to never, ever show irritation for calling him by his first name.
It's not that difficult. It's a lot like he has to be with his patients, though the "friendship" thing is allowed to factor into it. An adjusted arrangement he's already extremely used to, nothing more.]
Rhetorical. [The word is spoken simply. The balls on this man (not that Hannibal thinks so crassly, of course), to turn off his filter, or—does he not have one intact? Maybe they'd work on that, if Chilton was self-aware enough to realize as much.] Frederick, let me tell you something. There are very few things I am unwilling to talk about in regards to myself. My childhood and adolescence, I discuss with no one. The times when my emotional issues try to overtake my reasonable ones, I discuss with my doctor. You are a psychiatrist of renown, yes. [hahahahahahhahahaha] But you needn't worry about whether or not I have an outlet for such things. I do. She never comes to dinner at my table, however, so I can't honestly think of a time the two of you could meet. She's also not taking patients any longer, otherwise I would have referred you to her instead of myself.
I would prefer you. For such a situation, I mean, no offense intended to her in this hypothetical. Moot point, I know, since she isn't taking patients, but -- I would prefer you.
[Exposing his vulnerability to yet another person is somewhat unbearable for Chilton. Hannibal, at least, already possesses the relevant facts -- no need to relive those, he thinks. His smile betrays his unease for the moment, the awareness of being so exposed to another human being proves daunting.
It difficult for him to transfer power, even temporarily. Even when he knew he needed to.]
Perhaps I simply find the idea of therapy with you all the more palatable.
[It seems Chilton does understand a few things. Don't try his psychology on Hannibal, because he can smell it a mile away. It won't work. If he tries, Hannibal will answer what he thinks is perfectly fine to answer, and he'll work around what isn't. A faulty filter can be blamed, certainly, but Hannibal's not going to make things heated or awkward between them by "calling out" Chilton every time he messes up. That doesn't make him a good friend, does it? It really just makes him a jerk.]
You flatter me. [Not really, but it comes out honestly and pleased.] And if by palatable you're subtly asking for finger foods [still so funny, this guy] whenever you visit the office, yes. Yes, Frederick, I can prepare whatever you'd like, all you have to do is ask.
[Gourmet chef at his beck and call? Chilton is living the high life, isn't he?]
[Oh, and he adores it. The sense of gratitude swelling in some secret part of him (a heart? something lower?) overwhelms him, it's such an unusual sense of. Power.
Yes, unlike normal people, Chilton weaponizes even thankfulness. It's the palpable emotion he himself feels when someone does something for him that he wanted all along; it most other cases, such is achieved by manipulation.
But not in this case, no. Chilton doesn't yet know that he's the one being manipulated.]
I ought to do something nice for you, in return.
[Face value, that would seem like an altruistic act born of gratitude. But as Hannibal probably knows, it certainly isn't that as much as it's a ploy to maintain contact under Chilton's directive. Contact as he wants the context. He isn't a man who can help his controlling tendencies, even amongst people he likes.]
[His heart better not swell too much; enlarged hearts aren't exactly the best when it comes to mealtime at Casa Lecter. That would be rude.
If Hannibal has anything to say in regards to this "who's manipulating who and doesn't know it" situation, that's how it will stay. Chilton won't know until it's too late, and there will be Hannibal, smirking out from a cell and waiting for the questions about what were you feeding me every Friday night, Hannibal?]
You do enough as it is, Frederick. All I really need is to see you enjoying what food I prepare. I think that is what any proud chef desires most, and as long as you enjoy it, that is more than enough for me.
[He finds it charming, of course. This humble rhetoric, this friendly exchange. And beneath the veneer of comrades indulging in good hospitality, Chilton enjoys the perverse subtext of being served, of that (unearned) entitlement.
Yes indeed he has massive issues with power.]
I must say, Hannibal, I enjoy everything you do.
[Until those nights when Hannibal answers back from that cell.]
[Hannibal does, in fact, have a great deal of power. It's always interesting to see who reacts as though they're suddenly of superior quality whenever he lays a plate before them, when they have a gourmet meal prepared and not a single cent was charged. It's always telling, the looks on their faces and they way they shift in their chairs as he ducks his head and serves them, seemingly so humble about it all. He prepares, he cooks, he serves. Of course, bigger dinners, he can't do it by himself, but when it's more private affairs, or when things aren't going as quickly as he can?
Of course he's observing everyone's reaction. And, of course, Chilton is of extreme interest.
This is quickly becoming the best day in a long while.]
You're filled with flattery today, aren't you, Frederick? [He's never going to stop calling him Hannibal, unless he thinks he's in trouble, isn't he? That's going to take some getting used to, but he'll cope easily.] If I knew it took only a few dinners for you to sing my praises, I should have gotten back into contact with you sooner.
I must say, I rarely cook a dinner without some sort of meat. But I think, perhaps, a vegetable-only meal is in order until your digestive system is back on par. If you'll forgive me not procuring something more foreign than usual, I'd be more than delighted to prepare something soothing for you, and give you enough to take home and eat off of for days.
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[Danger, danger. Not that Hannibal lets anything dark out in his words, but he doesn't want Chilton to think he has to stand on some sort of pretense with him. Not now, at least. Later, maybe, when he's dealing with him in much more hands-on ways than listening to his problems.]
Running an asylum is not an easy task; I commend you for it. But, as you have called it natural already, let it be known that there is nothing suspicious about it. Everyone needs someone, from time to time. You needn't worry about how such a thing looks when it is only you and I who know.
[Unless Chilton wants to brag about his doctor being Hannibal Lecter, and then by all means. Go crazy.
Literally.]
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I'm sure my anxiety is unfounded, but since my attack at the hands of Abel Gideon, I'm somewhat -- [convinced that people think less of him] -- made hyper aware of how that might reflect upon the hospital.
[Aw yeah, good save.]
I wouldn't want our funds compromised, of course. It is state regulated.
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You have orderlies, yes, but your patients are not regular people who are just tired of living and wanted a punching bag. Someone to slap. Your patients are violent and disturbed, and it is highly likely that they could harm you without any hope of you recovering fully in the few seconds it would take help to arrive.
If the state cannot take the little time it takes to read the statistics about patients attacking their doctors and take into account the difference between most patients and yours, then the fault is not your own. If such a thing were to happen, I believe you could sue, could you not?
[blah blah chilton your work is so dangerous you're so brave i can't imagine that horror blah blah americans like to sue thing don't they blah blah the government is dumb blah blah would you like some ham?]
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[Being hated, despised? No problem. But being torn from his power source, being banished from his only value of validation? Chilton might just yield before the state, in that regard. No matter how much he agreed with Hannibal's opinions on government.
As long as it wasn't his sort of governing under critical eye.]
It's nice that -- [Hannibal is listening to him.] I ah, just wanted to say how much. I appreciate this.
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Hannibal's dinner parties certainly include people he wouldn't consider friends, after all. But Chilton, invited for private dinners...how could they not be friends in some capacity?]
You're welcome, Frederick. What are old friends to do if not be there for each other in times of need?
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Chilton really wanted this, with Doctor Lecter.]
I quite like that. [A beat -- and dare he? Dare he?]
Hannibal.
[He outright savors the name, speaking it in this friendly context, thinking himself special among Hannibal's collection of people.]
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A night in may have seemed divine to Chilton, but he had no idea how much more divine it was for Hannibal.]
Yes, old friends. [The smile he gave him wasn't one of a host attending to his guests pleasantly. It was more the smile of a host finding someone in said party that he clicked with far more than the sycophants he was surrounded with—the smile of a man who'd found the person he'd been so hopeful to see in order to get a bit of fresh air from a crowd he could barely tolerate, even if no one else could ever pick it up. Companions, even.] And we both know it's always good to have old friends for dinner, isn't it?
[Hannibal Lecter: the funniest motherfucker in the world, even if it's just to himself.]
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But that's a Chilton of the future.
Now he is absolutely in love with the idea of being elevated to Someone Important to Hannibal Lecter. That winked intimacy, that whisper of similarity (however manipulated it is) stimulates Chilton. For a man who normally derides the company of others (real popular fellow here), his sincere interest in Hannibal fascinates himself. It's unlike his fascination with his patients, there are tonal cues of adoration -- and he wants to analyze it all.
Bit narcissistic of Chilton, but that's a given.]
You know, Hannibal, it's possible that some of our institution psychiatrists might take my recent attack as a -- [Slight rolling of his eyes.] Wake-up call. If ever a position opens...
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And it's then that the whole thing will come tumbling down, and Frederick will be wishing he was holding his organs all over again in order to get away from the man he once dared to refer to by first name.]
Several of your staff have been killed [because of you] so of course others may wish to head to different pastures for work. Perhaps, if you need someone to consult with, that might be doable. I'm quite pleased with private practice, however, so I would have to humbly reject an offer for a full-time position. My apologies, but if such a need arises, I can offer referrals in place of actually coming myself.
[Because like hell will Hannibal work for Chilton. The pure nerve behind it all but rises off of him in a stench, hot and wet and pervading the room if only to find something to cling to and seep into like an insidious humidity.
Hannibal is his own boss. That's how it's going to stay.]
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The wistful sentiment (again, rationally) surprises him. Chilton was never a man highly invested in his peers.]
Consultation is a splendid idea. [Hey, he'll take that consolation prize. More time to observe and soak in Hannibal, more material to question himself over. How curious, that Hannibal might ignite a bit of an identity crisis of Chilton's own.] I have so many patients who might interest you. Violent deeds done, by the criminally insane -- as I'm sure you know. [Some unironic nod to another psychiatrist's observations? Shocking!]
It might be a nice reprieve from your usual?
[Showing off one's toys to fellow boys, that's what this is.]
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Working for Chilton? It was a matter of pride. It was a matter of the man not being competent enough for Hannibal to even consider it. While Chilton may have thought there was a power struggle where Hannibal couldn't really think of it that way (again, he was nowhere near Hannibal's level, as far as he was concerned), anything that could make sure he knew there was no power Chilton could lord over him, the better.
It was easier to hide behind wanting to be his own boss as opposed to saying as much and risk possibly insulting him.]
I have become a bit more acquainted with the criminally insane as of late, though I can't speak to whether it has been good for anything more than added knowledge. [A reprieve? Chilton's views were far more skewed than that had any right to be. Not that Hannibal could judge. Righteously, at any rate.] I would be interested in that from a scientific standpoint, definitely. I appreciate the offer, Frederick, and would like to take you up on it soon.
[Wrapping Chilton around his finger was one thing. Getting so close? Another. And it was wonderful.]
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Since, I assume, you'll be coming without FBI connotation, the state insists on a week's notice for your clearance. For proper analysis of prisoners, I mean, not just a brief visit. [And his smirk grows more clandestine, as he leans in a bit closer. A bit more intimately.] But if your curiosity suddenly captivates you, I can expedite all the proper paperwork to a couple of days, at most. Waiting doesn't suit the uncommon man, does it?
[The evidence of Chilton's narcissism flaring up again. The enemy of lines, of standing like some herded body. He himself never enjoyed waiting, patience was always a virtue lost upon him. Hence his inclination to fiddle, to manipulate, to force the outcome his wanted. While he would learn from the Abel Gideon trauma (he would learn better technique, he would learn harder focus), he wouldn't conceive simply redirecting his energy into something more productive.
That's like admitting something is wrong.]
There is, of course, one patient who you know already.
[Referring back to Hannibal's acquaintance with the criminally insane as of late. He was careful not to say Will Graham's name.]
I hope that won't curdled your appetite. We could always do lunch.
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The idea of Hannibal being curious about the criminally insane, like he needs more exposure to it, would be enough to make him laugh himself silly, were he prone to it. But he's not, so he absorbs his words and thinks of how amazingly wonderful Chilton's face will be in papers and on the TV whenever Will's name is cleared after Hannibal's been proven to be the Ripper and gone off elsewhere to never be seen again.
Except in letters sent directly to Will, of course.]
Trust me when I say that I have an iron stomach. [Still the funniest guy ever, this Hannibal Lecter.] I can wait the necessary time, Frederick. I've no intention of causing you any added stress, even if it's just another trip to the fax machine. A week is perfectly fine, and it will give me time to get myself prepared for any outcome. As for your patient that I personally know...we can leave him for a later visit. A month or so, perhaps.
[Let him rot in horror and worry while the name of Lecter is being spoken and he can't do a thing about it and has no way to see the man himself. That's a plan he quite likes.]
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The thought never occurs to Chilton that Hannibal might be soaking in the inevitability of the asylum keeper's humiliation.]
Charitable, given that -- well, we're all aware of the history. Between you two.
[The fact that Hannibal humored Chilton's possession of one Will Graham elevated his mood even higher. It was an offering of respect -- or such was how Chilton chose to interpret the gesture. It had the intended effect -- his pulse bumped, a light pink flush swarmed his cheeks.
It was like he was a man intoxicated.]
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The poor bastard.]
I will cope with the matter soon enough, Frederick. No need to worry about how it may influence me. In a week, when I come to you, I will be completely fine. It'll almost be like Will Graham's betrayal and subsequent outing ever occurred.
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We could always discuss it. [He hasn't pulled back, from that intimate space. Getting real cozy in here for Doctor Chilton.] If his betrayal has had an enduring negative impact on you, I mean. I would certainly extend my resources to you, as you have done for me.
[Symbolic of what he thought was their friendship? Certainly, Chilton understands that there's a give and take in any interpersonal relationship. But more than that, there's the power outlet of having a man like Hannibal on his psychiatric sedan, having Hannibal opened for him.]
If you wanted a more personal acquaintance, I mean. Unless your current therapist has also met Will Graham...? Although. I'm sure there's some benefit to that unbiased distance.
[But it isn't as fun, he wants to say.]
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[Who else takes "rude" to as high a level as Hannibal does, Frederick? Think for a moment about that. If you can stop thinking about how intoxicating and wonderful a creature Hannibal is, of course.]
It's very beneficial. [A pause for drama, though Hannibal's dramatic pauses are hardly as easy to spot as Chilton's.] She suggested that I stay out of any attempts to rehabilitate Will. Keep my distance. I want to help him, I do. But her advice is sound, and always has been; I respect her and defer to her wisdom whenever I feel my own reasoning is compromised.
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The problem was, of course, finding people he saw as equals.
This single stand of moral fiber caught up with him, as he realized the imprudence of his query.
He caught himself with a staccato clearing of his throat.]
Not that I'm expecting -- I mean, rather, why don't we call it a rhetorical question? Forgive my trespass, Hannibal, I just find it unbelievable to consider your reasoning ever compromised. And then my natural inquisitive nature kicks in, how it rules me.
[His measure of apology.]
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Chilton will be easy to play. Hannibal just has to offer his advice about anything under the sun, he has to keep the man feeling adoration for him, he has to keep him under the guise that they're friends, and he has to never, ever show irritation for calling him by his first name.
It's not that difficult. It's a lot like he has to be with his patients, though the "friendship" thing is allowed to factor into it. An adjusted arrangement he's already extremely used to, nothing more.]
Rhetorical. [The word is spoken simply. The balls on this man (not that Hannibal thinks so crassly, of course), to turn off his filter, or—does he not have one intact? Maybe they'd work on that, if Chilton was self-aware enough to realize as much.] Frederick, let me tell you something. There are very few things I am unwilling to talk about in regards to myself. My childhood and adolescence, I discuss with no one. The times when my emotional issues try to overtake my reasonable ones, I discuss with my doctor. You are a psychiatrist of renown, yes. [hahahahahahhahahaha] But you needn't worry about whether or not I have an outlet for such things. I do. She never comes to dinner at my table, however, so I can't honestly think of a time the two of you could meet. She's also not taking patients any longer, otherwise I would have referred you to her instead of myself.
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[Exposing his vulnerability to yet another person is somewhat unbearable for Chilton. Hannibal, at least, already possesses the relevant facts -- no need to relive those, he thinks. His smile betrays his unease for the moment, the awareness of being so exposed to another human being proves daunting.
It difficult for him to transfer power, even temporarily. Even when he knew he needed to.]
Perhaps I simply find the idea of therapy with you all the more palatable.
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You flatter me. [Not really, but it comes out honestly and pleased.] And if by palatable you're subtly asking for finger foods [still so funny, this guy] whenever you visit the office, yes. Yes, Frederick, I can prepare whatever you'd like, all you have to do is ask.
[Gourmet chef at his beck and call? Chilton is living the high life, isn't he?]
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Yes, unlike normal people, Chilton weaponizes even thankfulness. It's the palpable emotion he himself feels when someone does something for him that he wanted all along; it most other cases, such is achieved by manipulation.
But not in this case, no. Chilton doesn't yet know that he's the one being manipulated.]
I ought to do something nice for you, in return.
[Face value, that would seem like an altruistic act born of gratitude. But as Hannibal probably knows, it certainly isn't that as much as it's a ploy to maintain contact under Chilton's directive. Contact as he wants the context. He isn't a man who can help his controlling tendencies, even amongst people he likes.]
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If Hannibal has anything to say in regards to this "who's manipulating who and doesn't know it" situation, that's how it will stay. Chilton won't know until it's too late, and there will be Hannibal, smirking out from a cell and waiting for the questions about what were you feeding me every Friday night, Hannibal?]
You do enough as it is, Frederick. All I really need is to see you enjoying what food I prepare. I think that is what any proud chef desires most, and as long as you enjoy it, that is more than enough for me.
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Yes indeed he has massive issues with power.]
I must say, Hannibal, I enjoy everything you do.
[Until those nights when Hannibal answers back from that cell.]
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Of course he's observing everyone's reaction. And, of course, Chilton is of extreme interest.
This is quickly becoming the best day in a long while.]
You're filled with flattery today, aren't you, Frederick? [He's never going to stop calling him Hannibal, unless he thinks he's in trouble, isn't he? That's going to take some getting used to, but he'll cope easily.] If I knew it took only a few dinners for you to sing my praises, I should have gotten back into contact with you sooner.
I must say, I rarely cook a dinner without some sort of meat. But I think, perhaps, a vegetable-only meal is in order until your digestive system is back on par. If you'll forgive me not procuring something more foreign than usual, I'd be more than delighted to prepare something soothing for you, and give you enough to take home and eat off of for days.
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