Please the Patriarch:
An: genuinely I’ve written so much I don’t even know what part this is, I gotta go through or organise everything 😂
Tag: @charliedawn @iloveslasher @myers-meadow-selfship
Hannibal Jr’s POV:
There had been an incident down at the prison last night and I woke up to a phone call at six in the morning. I was quick to answer it.
“Hello, yes this is he. Oh really? Thank you for letting me know. I can be there in less than an hour.”
I sighed, running my hands over my face. They were moving my father to a different building. Supposedly one of the inmates broke out and tried to kill him, obviously that didn’t end well for the inmate who was now missing his nose. I took a quick shower, rushing my routine as I would have to call a few clients and cancel today. As I made my way to the kitchen, I was surprised to find someone already awake.
“Newt?”
They didn’t respond, so I drew closer.
“Mx Newt.” I tried again.
I seemed to have startled them out of whatever trance they were in, because they almost fell out of their chair. I was quick to offer my hand to steady them.
“Hey, sorry. Umm, what time is it?”
“6:12”
I raised a brow at their odd behaviour, watching their eyes widen.
“Oh.”
“Why are you awake?” I asked.
“Didn’t fall asleep yet.” They shrugged.
I frowned.
“Sleep is-“
“Very important to growing minds, yes I know Hannibal. I didn’t do it on purpose. I just can’t sleep recently. Are you off to work this early?”
I shook my head no.
“Something happened down at the prison.”
“Oh no, is your father ok?” They asked, genuine worry in their town.
I wasn’t aware they’d grown affections for him, considering they’ve only met the once. I made myself a cup of coffee, setting a small amount aside for them. Normally I wouldn’t support someone their age drinking caffeine, but I had a feeling they wouldn’t go to bed after I left, so they’d be needing it. I didn’t have time to make a real breakfast, so I grabbed a protein bar, and gave them an apple.
“Oh, thank you.” The smiled at me. “Umm, Hannibal, would you like me to go with you?”
I was surprised by their question.
“I’m not exactly sure a prison is the best place for you to be spending your time.”
“But going alone can be quite stressful, I know you don’t like change in your routine.”
I smiled at them. They were quite a polite child. I’m a few more weeks the adoption paperwork would official be done, and they would become one of us. Part of the family. The invitation was extended to their sister, who it seemed a Morgan had grown quite fond of. Spending a lot of his time driving back and forth to the college after work. He was hardly around right now, but that’s what young love did to a boy.
“You don’t have to come with me.”
“I don’t have school today and Peter wasn’t feeling well earlier so he kicked me out of his room so I don’t get sick.”
“Peter isn’t feeling well?”
They shook their head.
“I don’t think it’s anything serious, just a little sniffle.”
“We’ll then I suppose we should pick him up some medication on the way home.”
I watched their eyes light up, as realisation hit them.
“Yeah, yeah, let me go get dress, give me three minutes.”
Normally I didn’t allow running in the house, but who was I to squash their joy right now. It warmed my heart that they wanted to visit my father again. I thought for sure he’d scared them off last time. They came down wearing a little brown suit that appeared to be suede, and a lemon yellow under shirt. They flicked their hair out of the collar as they came back to the kitchen.
“You look nice.”
“Thanks, I’d say the same but you always look nice.” The laughed lightly.
There wasn’t much laughter in this house, and it was a nice change of pace. We sat in a comfortable silence for the first fifteen minuets of the drive. They watched the trees out the window for the most part.
“Hey Hannibal?”
“Yes?”
“Would you mind if I played some music? It’s a little too quiet and the sound of the air vents is making me dizzy.”
What an odd way to describe such a small sound. I hadn’t even noticed they were on until they said something.
“Don’t worry, I won’t play anything bad.” They quickly followed.
I gave them a quick nod as I watched them fiddle with the Aux chord Peter had put in my car. He also hated sitting in silence. It was funny how alike the two teens were. I was pleasantly surprised when they started playing something I knew.
“Sergei Prokofiev?” I asked.
They hummed lightly.
“He’s one of my favourites.”
I listened to the symphony peacefully. It was a rather nice piece. A few more song played before I brought the car to a stop.
“Alright, stay by my side, do you understand?”
“Yes sir”
“Good. Hopefully this will be a quick trip.”
They stayed behind me as we went inside and greeted the lady at the front desk. She gave us our visitor badges and a few guards escorted us to my fathers new cell. It was secluded and away from any other inmates. Perhaps he’d finally get some peace and quiet. I grabbed the book I’d brought out of my trench coat pocket.
“Dante’s Inferno?”
“You’ve read it?”
“Not yet, I’ve always wanted to though. It’s nice that you and your father share a similar taste in literature.”
“It’s is, isn’t it? Perhaps he will let you read it when he is done.”
They gave me a bright smile. The holding cell was all thick bulletproof glass, so the cameras could watch him from all angels. I cursed under my breath, it we certainly be more difficult if he wanted to attempt to escape from this one. There were only small slots where they were pass him his food.
“Hello Father.”
“Hello Jr. I see you’ve brought the child with you.”
“Good morning Doctor Lecter!” They greeted softly.
“You should speak up child.”
“My apologises.” They said a little louder.
I could tell they were nervous, the fidgeted with the hem of their suit jacket.
“How are you feeling, Hannibal explained to me what happened.”
“I’m quite fine child. Though I must admit I was caught off guard. And now, I’m essentially being punished for defending myself.”
“I’m sorry.”
“What do you have there?” My father turned his attention back to me.
“I brought you another book, they said you were still allowed to have them, as long as there where no hard covers.”
I moved over to the slot and slid it through to my father.
“Interesting choice my boy.”
I gave him a small smile. Being in prison much feel like the nine circles of hell sometimes. I was glad it wasn’t me who was on the other side of that glass.
“How are the boys?” He asked.
“Peter is feeling a little under the weather, but Newt and I will bring him medicine and soup on the way home. Kevin is well, Kevin, you know how he is-“
“That I do. And Morgan?”
“Morgan is visiting the college where my sister attends today. He wanted to bring her a home cooked meal for lunch.”
“I wasn’t aware you had siblings.”
“Sibling, just the one.” They corrected.
I must admit, that was rather bold of them. Not even Peter dared to correct our father.
“Her name is Serenity, she’s studying law. Morgan and her a great friends.”
“Friends?” He asked amused.
“I do believe Morgan shares some affections for the girl. But I approve of her, she’s polite, intellectual and loyal.”
“All good traits to have. I would be rather interested to meet her.”
“We’ll she’s very busy with school, but I will send a letter to ask. She’s met everyone else already. Though I don’t think Kevin or Peter like her much.”
My father chuckled.
“Kevin doesn’t like anybody, my dear. And how are you doing today?”
“I’m fine.” The shrugged, “a bit bored is all. But Hannibal let me come with him today so this is nice.”
“Perhaps you should ascertain a hobby.”
“Morgan did say he would teach me about the circulatory system when he got home today. Does learning count as a hobby?”
“I suppose it does. You’re interested in medicine?”
“Blood, mostly. But the rest is rather fascinating as well.”
My father gave me a knowing look. I do think he likes them.
“Oh, Father, I came to tell you Newt’s adoption should be finalised before the end of the month.”
“Congratulations my dear. It’s a difficult venture to win the heart of my son. And Congratulations to you too Hannibal. You’ve taken so good care of my boys, I have no doubt you’ll be an excellent parent.”
“Thank you.”
“Yes, thank you!”
I heard the sound of the door click.
“I do believe our time is up I’m afraid. You take care dear, Hannibal.”
He nodded to each of us.
“Please do try to stay out of trouble Father.”
“Goodbye Doctor Lecter!”
Newt waved as the followed me out the door. The ride back was much the same as the ride there. Expect for the few stops we had to make to get supplies for Peter.
“Would you like to help me with the soup?”
“Of course. I’ve never made this kind before, what is it again?”
“Curried sweet potato and chickpea soup. It makes up for the proteins Peter lacks in his diet. Well the diet the both of you share I suppose.”
“It’s sounds amazing.”
It was nice getting to spend some one on one time with them, outside of a clinical setting. They seemed to fit in quite nicely here. Things were all going to plan for once, which was a great relief. I watched as they rolled up their sleeves and tied an apron around their waste.
“Shall we?” They asked.
“We shall.”
An: a bit shorter than normal but I’ve been sick for the whole week so I don’t have much an edgy right now. Hope you enjoyed it none the less.