continued from here ( x )
@unstcbleempathy
He’s unable to find his own opinion on what exactly he’s become. He has…mixed feelings on the topic. There were two sides of him that rarely got along with one another. One loved the concept of being able to kill, while the other was still HORRIFIED by the idea. Dual opposites of his of own self constantly fought in conflict, and yet, Graham seemed to embrace whatever darkness he had evolved into. New opportunities were opened for him and he was able to peek into the new darker universe that was offered to him. He would be able to fully step past the curtain that separated him from what rested beyond.
“Apart of me doesn’t agree with the concept of what I am,” his slouched seated position gave off an easy nature. “I feel both comfortable and uncomfortable in my own skin.”
When an unexpected visitor knocked on the door, Dexter opened it with surprise to see Will Graham. His immediate reaction to inform Will Hannibal wasn’t in at the moment, met with Dexter’s surprise to Will confirming he wasn’t here for him. ...Okay, then. It is mentionably less rare for the two of them to interact now, but never without Hannibal.
So he let Will inside. Why else would he be here unless he needed to discuss something. What’s weird though is that Will is seeking out Dexter, and not Hannibal. There has to be a reason for that.
The sheer curiosity of why had him leading them into the living room, lounging on opposite sides of the couch with beers in hands.
Dexter is listening to Will, but he sucks at this. His own emotions are shallow surface level when they exist at all. Muted. But he’s come to like Will, in his own way Dexter is capable of, so he wants to try.
“...I think the problem’s your empathy. You have these urges, they even make you feel good. Until, uh... I don’t know. I’m assuming it starts to go south for you once you realize what you’ve done.”
He pauses for a moment, trying to be thoughtful, but comes up with nothing. He opts for the truth, “I don’t experience empathy. Ever. Got the brain scans to prove it. I don’t care about how people feel, or the consequence of my actions. You do. But you also slip into a rich violent fantasy world." It’s up to Will which path he wants to take. Dexter leaves that hanging in the air without say.
Dexter theorizes Hannibal Lecter can experience empathy as well, but with the ability to switch it on and off at will. He doesn’t mention it, because Will doesn’t need to hear it. Dexter’s a monster same as Hannibal, but Will Graham is still on that path where he doesn’t have to become one himself.
Hannibal delights in what Hannibal is. Dexter feels no remorse for what Dexter is, but the thought that he could have saved himself from this occurs often enough.
It is Will’s darkness that draws Hannibal to Will. Inexplicably, Dexter wants to nurture and expand the light which exists in Graham.
He hates himself for what’s about to come out of his damn mouth. Above most else, he prides himself on being loyal. Fuck, if this ever gets back to Hannibal. “...You need to be careful with Hannibal. He cherishes you, but that won’t protect you if you cross him. Maybe especially not. And, uh... Well. Since we’re on the topic-- Graham, I like you; but fucking over Hannibal won’t protect you from me, either.”
@unstcbleempathy
(( note: i @’d you again in the hopes it would reappear in your notifications. i normally wouldn’t do that, but i did b/c i changed my response a bit & wanted you to reread it just in case you had read it already ))
