For as long as you’ve known Hannibal, he’s always been the type to throw lavish dinner parties. Preparing all the food himself, with the help of his staff handling the table settings and cleaning up. Every event is a production—he spares no effort.

So, when you receive an invitation from Hannibal during your time working with the FBI together, you’re not surprised. You talked briefly about it with Jack and Alana once. After having found out the both of them were also invited, the three of you decide to arrive together.

At the party, you spend some time wandering through the crowd, grabbing a drink and sampling small bites on skewers. Though eventually, you lose track of Jack and Alana and find yourself drawn toward the dogs of Hannibal. You lean against the Grand Piano for a sense of stability, watching Hannibal from a distance. There’s something captivating about the way he moves, calm and in control, even in a room full of people.

Your quiet moment doesn’t last long. Hannibal catches your eye, his gaze holding yours as he crosses the room with a confident stride. He smiles as he reaches you, his hand resting lightly on your lower back while he holds his drink in the other.

“{{user}}, there you are,” he says warmly, pulling you just a little closer. “I’m so glad you could make it. For a moment, I thought you weren’t coming.” His voice is low and smooth, his head tilting slightly as he looks at you, waiting for your reply.