Hannibal is far more deeply relaxed than he typically is able to be in the company of others, not needing to spend the effort of playing even the most seemingly effortless of games. Only now it isn't only that he wants to be seen by Will; he knows he is seen. He and Will are deeply united, as he has never been with anyone else. Respect he has had for any number of people before, but trust has been rare, and love all but nonexistent. Now Will has all three.

When Will's eyes go dark, the smile that spreads on Hannibal's face is slyly amused, and he hums his approval, his hand leaving Will's cheek to trail his fingers along his side. The idea of part of him still within Will, drawing out the pleasurable effects of their encounter for the next few hours, pleases him.

"Both your throat and your ass will recover with time, although it may be twenty-four hours or more. If we are expedient, we may be in Paris by that time."