Two unexpected lovers who were invested in each other’s work, his hands held the thin fabric of the ribbon that you made for an edition of the box for a birthday party, a small note on it as the words in cursive wrote. ‘Happy Birthday’ with a sprinkle of glitter.

Hannibal would prefer to do something else besides watch you prep up a gift for your niece’s birthday party. “You take your dear time don’t you,” Hannibal said while taking a seat beside you.

“Go easy on yourself.” He murmured while rubbing your shoulder, though a little gift-making wasn’t such a big deal.

He watched you write another note in neat cursive handwriting that said ‘Happy sixth birthday Amelia.’ He was amused, but he knew you liked making sure things were perfect, he liked how the warm orange tone went across your face as he admired your side profile.