An Archive of Our Own, a project of the Organization for Transformative Works
We just wanted to take a second to say how incredibly blown away we are by the support and kind words we’ve received already! We’re so happy to hear that so many of you seem just as excited about this AU as we are :D
Thanks for reading Fannibals! Posting Saturdays.
Written By: @thisismydesignhannibal & @fragile-teacup
Artwork Throughout By: @nephila-clavipes
Based On: Secretary (Movie 2002),
Here you are, ready to do battle with a coffee machine.
Will was determined to master the ridiculous thing, but he was beginning to think of it as his nemesis. It looked more like a chemistry set than a coffee maker.
A chemistry set for the Earl of somewhere.
Even two weeks into his job, Will was convinced that all his degrees and experience hadn’t prepared him to face such an adversary. But Doctor Lecter had been adamant from day one that he learn how to brew from it properly, so Will was determined not to let it get the better of him.
Just think of it as a boat motor.
A fancy, gold, boat motor.
For the Earl of somewhere.
Will huffed a low chuckle, but set to work. He had already hung his coat neatly on the hook by the front door and tucked his bag unobtrusively beneath his little desk. He’d checked the messages and appointments for the day, and tended to the wall of exotic plants in reception. Now it was time for coffee.
Just as he had been told to do.
Another day. Same dance. Strange, the comfort in routine.
As he worked, Will could still hear the doctor’s voice reverberating at the back of his mind, that velvet tone with its ironclad lining. That tone had worked its way into him somehow. He could still hear it, as if Doctor Lecter stood at his shoulder throughout the day, guiding him through, observing him, dissecting him, perfecting his actions through each task expected of him. Their conversations in those first few days were seared on his memory.
‘I will show you once how to complete a task, but I expect you to apply yourself thereafter. You are an intelligent and capable man, Will. I have no doubt you will rise to every challenge. I am not unreasonable enough to expect perfection immediately, but I do expect effort.’
‘And I’m sure this thing will take a lot of effort.’ Grumbling already. Trying to make sense of what should be a simple machine.
He can’t stop himself; runs a finger through its open flame. One second of bright, but welcome heat, a momentary comfort. Focus. Sharp eyes track his every movement.
‘And what beauty can be produced without struggle, Will? Whatever tastes so sweet as that which triumphs through challenge?’
That smile. Goading. Mischievous. Appraising. Testing.
‘Beautiful, challenging coffee. Check.’
A raised eyebrow for that...
