Physical contact is something that Hannibal typically uses as a tool to influence emotion, to ingratiate or intimidate or arouse, without much emotion on his own part. Yet he touches Will because he wants to calm him, to reassure him. They are close enough that Hannibal can hear Will's pounding heart, feel his warmth, inhale his scent. After Will looks into his eyes Hannibal pauses a moment, then lifts his other hand to gently caress his friend's cheek. In another situation it might be like a priest calming the sacrificial lamb before the knife, but now he wants Will to know his affection, his forgiveness.

"I've made a place for us," he explains, his voice soft, his hand still on Will's cheek. "I've secured the necessary documents for us to be able to leave the country without the knowledge of the FBI."