Intro Post

It’s storming and the lights are flickering (and Hannibal detests/is afraid of the dark during bad weather). The lights flicker off the moment Will plunges the spoon into Hannibal’s mouth. Hannibal is shivering (while rooted to the floor) and his jaws instinctively clamp down around the spoon because at one point he believed it would be his last morsel of sustenance. It’s agonizing as it sticks to the roof of his mouth and spills across his tongue and seeps into his gum line. He ends up choking on a sob and a mouthful of ice cream as he wets himself because of the resurfacing trauma. Cue Will feeling guilty as hell when the lights come back on because Hannibal is standing/trembling in a puddle of urine and Hannibal won’t speak for the rest of the night or the next day.

Imagine eight year old Hannibal escaping from the cabin and he’s so starving that he eats a few handfuls of snow just so his stomach won’t feel so empty. Later in life he never eats vanilla ice cream (or any other flavor for that matter) because the texture and temperature is too similar to snow. Will only knows he always turns down an offering of ice cream and thinks it’s weird as fuck that Hannibal is so averse to it because everyone loves ice cream. One day Hannibal is in the middle of a tangent and Will shoves a spoonful into his mouth and it triggers his cryophobia.

---

i never really explore any headcanons or fanfic ideas outside of hurt/comfort and vulnerable Hannibal. but i just discovered a brand new word and needed to get this out.

imagine Hannibal being embarrassed of his involuntary bodily functions around Will. namely: burping and farting because it happens to everyone from time to time. imagine Hannibal becoming bloated after his first solid meal post-fall and he can no longer hold in a silent little toot.

Will's nose crinkles in disgust. "Goddamn. What is that smell?"

and Hannibal blurts out this phrase in the span of a single breath: "My sincerest apologies, Will. It was a simple case of Borborygmus--"

"I have no idea what the hell just came out of your mouth." Will damn near has a stroke attempting to recall the pronunciation of that unfamiliar word. "But I'll need you to explain it to me in English."

"Borborygmus -- intestinal rumbling caused by moving gas -- leading to Flatulence -- the releasing of said gas."

Hannibal doing anything but admitting the words "i farted" out loud.

---

Vulnerable Hannibal Fic Rec List

Updated 3/12/2025 with two new additions located at the bottom of the page! A few of these fics are mine, but the rest are some of my favorite fics I've ever read that feature vulnerable Hannibal in various seasons, AUs, and post-canon.

shrike (to your sharp and glorious thorn):

Will begins to notice a change in Hannibal's behavior post-fall. He's become something akin to a fretting housewife.

The Ache Against The Wind (Rewritten):

3x13 AU: Will travels into an alternate dimension after plunging into the Atlantic and is confronted with the unexpected aftermath following the removal of Hannibal's toilet in the BSHCI.

Pareidolia:

Six weeks post-fall, Hannibal suffers from a seizure during dinner.

Je Te Laisserai Des Mots:

Six months have passed since Will pulled them over the cliff. Even in light of their progressing relationship, much of Hannibal still remains a mystery to Will. For reasons unknown, he’s begun to pull away. (A sequel to Shrike--my housewife Hannibal fic!)

Between The Hour Of Reprieve:

At the cliff house, Hannibal receives a much-needed-hug.

A Cabin In The Woods by KoolJack1:

Hannibal is thirteen and runs away from the orphanage when he feels that a fate of the elements will be better than the fate of abuse. He finds a small cabin in the woods, thinking warmth will be all he finds. He also finds Will. But who changes who?

this is absolutely amazing. i've never read an AU quite like this. a true masterpiece.

Recipricol Alchemy by Scifibabe:

In the silent echoes of his dreams, Will Graham treads a line blurred between control and chaos, each step drawing him inexorably towards claiming Hannibal as his own. It's a perilous dance on the edge of darkness, where the thrill of possession whispers of a transformation too profound to resist.

one of my faves. i can't even describe how perfect this explores their season 2 dynamic. such a unique trajectory and i am living for it.

Hold Me, Don’t Let Me Go by sourweather:

It's a few months after the Fall when it finally hits him. Hannibal has barely been touched in 3 years. And Will won't let it go on for another moment.

so precious omg. love it

Hosanna In The Highest by sainthannibal:

During the fall, Hannibal receives the brunt of the injuries, which leaves him unable to care for himself. Will discovers how much he enjoys taking care of him.

the post-fall whump is immaculate 🤧 love it

You Made Me Soup by itsybitsylemonsqueezy:

Hannibal comes down with pneumonia while incarcerated. Will decides to make him some soup. Absolutely no one thinks it's strange that Will comes to give his ex soup when he finds out he's sick. No one at all finds this suspicious. At. All.

god, i love this one so much. sick hannibal being hand-fed in the BSHCI? wailing my heart out

The Boy Under The Monster’s Bed by Wr4tttttthh:

There were deep wounds that needed healing, new and old, physical and otherwise.

one of my faves. Will finding Hannibal hiding under the table? a gut punch 😭

Delicate Ghost by hannigramcracker & TimmyJayBird:

She was different- not the ghost of his memories, but something about this bloodied child ripped right at Hannibal's chest, and left him drowning in a cold snow he thought he had left in his childhood, that he had locked away within his skull. Drowning, with only one hand to grasp at, one body to cling to. One man to work him through the trauma and remind him what life was.

so amazing. a unique perspective of how Will would deal with Hannibal becoming distressed while on a case together. one of the first vulnerable hannibal fics i've ever read 🥺

You With Those Nails, Me With This Cross by TheBitterKitten:

Will goes too far.

wailing into my pillow omg this had the perfect amount of angst.

The Distance Is Quite Simply Much Too Far For Me To Row by softhan:

Hannibal is having a rough time recovering from his injuries post-fall, and retreats into himself to avoid confrontation with Will while he's still weak and ill. Having to play happy husbands hardly helps.

my all time fave Hannibal whump fic. the way he's scared Will is disgusted by his accident? eternally sobbing. forever recommending this to anyone who is searching through this rec list.

Silk and Lace by jonnimir:

Bedelia leaves Hannibal and Will a gift at the house on the cliff.

crying because this was so tender and sweet. touch-starved hannibal at the cliff house. chef's kiss.

Not So Fast by scifibabe:

Hannibal wakes from a heated dream with a need that can’t be ignored—and Will, half-asleep but all too eager, is more than happy to help. What begins as a midnight indulgence quickly spirals into an overwhelming game of push and pull, as Will’s relentless appetite pushes Hannibal to the edge and beyond. Kinktober Day 10: Overstimulation + Face-Sitting

desperate and needy hannibal. need i say more? loved it 🤭

Hush Now by scifibabe:

What starts as Will stitching up Hannibal's latest hunting injury turns into something else entirely when a teasing "let Daddy take care of you" slips out. It's meant to be a joke--until Hannibal's reaction tells a different story. One playful push leads to another, and soon enough, they're both realizing they might be into this a little more than they expected. Kinktober Day 19: Fisting.

I truly cannot recommend Hush Now enough! It'll live rent free in my mind and heart for the rest of my life ♡

The Antidote To Grief by incidentsofunkownorigins:

On Will's idea, they visit Mischa's grave. What Will had hoped to be a healing moment of closure breaks something in Hannibal and he is the only one who can put the pieces back together.

this is such a beautiful take on Hannibal and Will visiting Lithuania together and how that would impact Hannibal. ♡

Pulse Point:

Post-Fall, an injured Hannibal awakes from an erotic dream, desperate and needy, aching for Will's touch.

Marveling at a Spoon by scifibabe:

After a gourmet dinner, Will Graham and Hannibal Lecter decide to indulge in something a little more... pedestrian—a joint. As the smoke settles and their usual control begins to loosen, Hannibal finds himself experiencing a sensation he never expected: a heightened sensitivity that unravels him under Will’s teasing touch. What starts as a curious experiment in relaxation quickly turns into a surprising discovery, one that leaves even the meticulous Hannibal completely undone. Will is all too eager to take advantage of his newfound knowledge, and Hannibal, for once, is too overwhelmed to resist.

god, i loved this so much.

We Are Now Among The Ruins by ADeedWithoutAName:

Hannibal survived the fall, but not unchanged. He intends to give Will the only gift he now can, and Will intends to honor him in the only way that matters.

i rarely read MCD, but this one is so worth the pain. i am eternally sobbing from this 😭 i also cannot recommend this one enough!!

Something Sacred by scifibabe:

In the quiet aftermath of their survival, silence has taken hold. Hannibal hasn't spoken since the night they washed ashore, his voice swallowed by their shared trauma. Will, haunted by the absence of words and the weight of unspoken things, has learned to reach Hannibal through touch, through the quiet rituals of care. When the strain of Hannibal’s pain becomes too much to hide, Will draws a bath—an unspoken offer of comfort. But today is different. Today, beneath the surface of familiar rituals, something stirs. As the warmth of the water surrounds them, walls begin to crack, and a fragile trust, once guarded so fiercely, blooms into something more intimate and vulnerable than either of them anticipated. In the quiet steam of the bath, two men find solace in each other’s arms, where tenderness can no longer be ignored.

this was so beautiful and soft omg. forever wailing about Hannibal asking Will to join him in the bath. ♡

A Pinch Of Salt In The Wound:

Renderered mute and bedbound post-fall, Hannibal begins to spiral.

You Believe Me Like A God:

Hannibal becomes severely injured post-episode 3x13.

compimento by cervviidae:

Hannibal learns what it's like to be Will's husband.

one of the most beautiful fics i've ever read that explore post-fall hannibal being loved with genuine tenderness and affection by Will. one i'll forever recommend.

Solace In Being Heard by air_of_the_Waterfall:

Hannibal is having terrible nightmares, and Will comes up with a rather unexpected method of helping him get a full night’s sleep.

i love that this offers such a unique look into Hannibal's childhood trauma and how it would impact his sleep. can't recommend it enough!

Bright Burn by Shotgun_sinner:

Hannibal suffers life-threatening injuries post-fall. Will makes decisions to save Hannibal, while trying to recover the life with him that he's only just realized he wanted. How far will he go to keep what's his?

the whump is immaculate in this post-fall fic too 🤧

crave, then succumb:

Hannibal receives a second hug post-fall, while high as a kite on morphine, and ends up unraveling in Will's arms.

chimera of the chapel by bleakmidwinter:

When Will Graham wakes up from a coma three months after the fall, Jack reveals that Hannibal Lecter didn't survive. Outside the realm of Hannibal's influence, Will decides to discover the full truth behind the world's sudden and seeming falsehood. Everybody seems to hold their own opinion on Hannibal's fate, but Will knows better than anyone that trust and honesty are as elusive as death.

incredible. i can't even express how much i loved this. the tender moments and development of their relationship is so beautiful 😭♥️

Keep Me Warm by nbcravenstag:

Will arrives home after walking through a blizzard, fully expecting an angry husband, but instead finds a traumatized little boy, terrified of the cold and haunted by what he's already lost.

the hurt/comfort in this was amazing. love it so much.

Beauty Not Needed Here by kralbellen:

“I know you are in love with me.”

It's not a question but not fully a statement either. A certain amount of doubt colores Will's tone, giving the sentence a nervous lilt.

Hannibal's first instinct is to deny it, in some half-hearted, last effort at self-preservation. He almost smiles – there is no self-preservation left for him when it comes to Will.

Hannibal is asexual. this was so tender and sweet. eternally wailing into my pillow. as someone who's ace this was like a breath of fresh air.

O Holy Night by memequeen1127:

Hannibal gazes at him right back, smiling as if he knows exactly what Will’s thinking. And considering how they know each other inside and out, he very well might.

“Merry Christmas, Will,” he says softly.

Will smiles. “Merry Christmas, Hannibal.”

the sweetest oneshot i've ever read. Hannibal regresses during Christmas and Will is so patient and caring. wailing about this until the end of time 😭🩵

The Perception Of Reality Through Language by Angelic_Disaster:

Hannibal can recognize the factors of trauma in others but not in himself. That's why he denies that there is a reason why he doesn't speak Lithuanian.

sobbing at this for eternity. Will speaking to Hannibal in Lithuanian and then Hannibal breaks down in his arms?? i couldn't ask for anything more beautiful than that in a fic.

Living With A Ghost Of Summer by itsbeautiful:

Based on a requested prompt. Where Will is an idiot, ahem, I mean Will loves Hannibal and tries to surprise him by making a home cooked meal using dishes from Lithuania. Fails spectacularly to lie his way out of it and everything goes horribly wrong. And then they cuddle. The end.

one of my favorites. Will cooks Lithuanian food for Hannibal, who ends up becoming an emotional mess.

Know Me See Me by incidentsofunknownorigins:

On the way to the cliff house, Will makes a decision for himself. Once they get there, he acts on it. But he finds Hannibal is much more deeply broken by his stay at the BSHCI than either of them realized. This time Will must put the teacup back together.

the premise of this fic is something i've been searching for and craving to read for so, so long (eternity, basically) because there can never be enough cliff house fics that explore Hannibal being touch-starved and vulnerable and dealing with the effects of being isolated for three long years. ♡

between here and there by hannigramized:

Will's name is the last word Hannibal spoke in his presence. That was two months ago, directly after the fall, and Hannibal has not said a single word since. Now Will has to navigate through their lives together without Hannibal's voice to guide him.

love this so much! it's the most amazing mute!Hannibal fic i've ever read.

Take Me The Way I Am by Thinminted:

Will didn’t miss Molly, not really, but he occasionally missed who he was when he was with her.

A story about learning to trust your partner with all of yourself.

a very beautiful exploration of Hannibal and Will's developing relationship post-fall.

èclair by cerviidae:

Hannibal touches dough instead of skin. Hannibal is kissed by the feeling of flour on his lips, accidental and impersonal, instead of by the mouth of the man he loves. Three years in confinement had starved him, and now, though his body is healed, his soul remains ravenous. He cleans most of what he can of the whipped cream, scooping it back into another piping bag as he wills himself not to be irrational about this. This mess, this imperfection—it means nothing at all.

amazing post-fall fic about Hannibal's insecurity about being enough to satisfy Will in everyday life and also explores their developing physical relationship and how Hannibal's touch-starved state would have an impact on that. so beautiful. genuinely left me speechless.

Home Is Not A Place by shotgun_sinner:

Post-Fall, Hannibal recovers from his injuries. Will takes care of him, and their relationship evolves much more easily than Hannibal thought it would. The only issue is that Will is a constant presence, and he hasn't had alone time in three years. It ends up not being an issue at all.

one of the first post-fall fics i remember reading years ago that touched on Hannibal's touch-starved state and i've been hooked on that trope ever since lol. always a fave to re-read from time to time.

and the first time that you kissed me, i drank dry the River Lethe by cerviidae:

“Would you like me to come over?”

Silence stretches between them, taut and trembling. Then, the faintest sound—a throat clicking, a breath stalling. Hannibal can already see the war in Will's mind, the reasons she is telling herself not to accept. The burden she is convincing herself she must not be. Hannibal does not give her the chance to refuse.

“I would not mind.” A pause. A breath.

Then, finally, “Yes.”

*this is not a fic focusing on Hannibal's vulnerability, but it is one of my new favorites i've come across.* it's a genderswap AU of an exploration into their physical relationship. Hannibal and Will are both desperate to satisfy the other and it is so tender. this may be hands down the most beautiful smut fic i've ever read?!

earl grey and honey by cerviidae:

Will’s tenderness is a constant. And what a gift it is. Will conjures summer itself through sheer will, as though he could pull Hannibal out of winter’s grasp and set him down in a field of green and gold. Hannibal knows nothing of the ache of bones any longer. His days are filled with cooking and cleaning, the motions of care and love. He kneads dough with his mother’s frantic energy, channels her restless hands into feeding Will, keeping him full. And Will, in turn, keeps him warm. It is love.

any time i read anything by this author, i know i'm about to be wailing my heart out. this is incredible and so lovely.

Verisimilitude by becks:

Will Graham can't believe it when they tell him Hannibal Lecter's dead.

Good. He shouldn't.

(Or: An experimental lobotomy and its unanticipated aftermath.)

i remember reading this years ago and it was so incredible! i've never read a fic with this plot and it was executed perfectly. the end of the last chapter? an absolute masterpiece. i was on the edge of my seat. it's incomplete, but i hope one day the author returns to this fic because it's one of my favorite ever and such a unique exploration of Hannibal and Will's relationship.

Saint Valentine by cerviidae:

Vampire Hannibal Lecter learns what it’s like to love and be loved.

Y'ALL I HAVE NEVER BEEN MOVED TO TEARS BY MORE THAN ONE OTHER FIC. BUT THIS ONE??? I'M IN THE MIDDLE OF READING THIS RIGHT NOW AND I'M GENUINELY ABOUT TO WEEP, BLINKING BACK TEARS BECAUSE THIS IS SO STUNNING AND TENDER AND EVOCATIVE. might also be the fact that i'm listening to Hozier at the same time lol. I CANNOT RECOMMEND THIS ENOUGH. VAMPIRE HANNIBAL BEING LOVED BY WILL SO THOROUGHLY THAT HE'S MOVED TO TEARS?? PERFECTION!! 😭🩷

i don't want to set the world on fire by cerviidae:

Will and Hannibal celebrate Valentine's Day stranded in a fire lookout tower

everyone, go read this asap because it is the most unique and beautiful and perfectly orchestrated exploration of their post-fall dynamic i've ever read. Hannibal's longing for Will in this is so palpable and the desperation he shows for Will when their relationship turns physical? ABSOLUTELY EXQUISITE AND HEARTWRENCHING!! i quite literally just finished reading this and damn was it stunning. still wiping tears from my eyes 😭

i have loved you in a tame way & i have loved you wild by cerviidae:

Will tells himself it don’t matter that he’s got company for this job, tells himself he don’t mind having the kid around, even if it does feel off. He knows he can’t afford to be picky—not in this kind of work, where jobs are hard enough to come by. And maybe if the boy’s just gonna keep ignoring him, they won’t have to cross paths all that much. He’s fine with that. Easier to keep his head down, get through the summer without any trouble. They won’t see each other.

Out of sight, out of mind.

-or-

A Hannibal fic inspired by Brokeback Mountain

Y'ALL, GO READ THIS RIGHT NOW because it contains mute Hannibal and it is one of the most beautiful AU explorations of their relationship i've ever read. chapter 9 in particular made me ugly cry. Will helping Hannibal try to learn to speak again was so unexpected (and i've never seen that happen in a fic before??) also, the progression of Will's struggle with his sexuality and eventually accepting himself and his feelings for Hannibal is so, so beautiful and raw and real. Will treats Hannibal so lovingly in this fic and whenever Hannibal's vulnerability is at the forefront, it never fails to make me weep.

wring me of all the blood i shall bleed:

Post-Fall, Will is growing more and more distant by the day. Hannibal, on the other hand, is unwilling to speak—be it a result of brain damage or a self-imposed state of mutism. Life on the run is as peaceful as it can be. Until Will enters a new relationship in an effort to stem the curious glances and endless questions from the locals.

---

Mulling on. I do think people tend to characterize hannibal as low emotion but I’d argue it’s actually the polar opposite, I think he’s an extremely emotionally driven high sensitivity character. It’s just. Not always the emotional responses that are socially acceptable. I think he is also extremely good at repression, compartmentalization, and forms of disassociation that are the learned skills of someone with the emotional skin of a third degree burn victim.

That being said, I think one area of emotion he is almost completely numb that helps him operate the way he does, is he has almost no fear. In his own ways he does have empathy, regret, guilt, etc although not nearly as often as he should, but the part of his brain/emotions that feels fear is often completely non existent.

I think that’s very much an effect of extreme trauma. The worst happens, what is there left to fear? You’ve already seen hell and survived. You’re living on borrowed time and have defied death and god, you might as well do whatever you want. What could you possibly fear after that.

This makes an interesting contrast to will, who is introduced to us as being almost entirely fear. It is his number one driving force. It’s hard to narrow down the things Hannibal saw in him right away, but I do think that it’s interesting that a man who has conquered his fear through suffering and feels he is better for it meets a man who is driven by and in shackles of fear, and wonders if he is put through the worst so there is nothing left to fear, what beautiful thing will be there when the shackles are gone?

---

AHHHH IM STILL IN LOVE WITH IT A BILLION DAYS LATER 🥹 tysm for making it for me!! you're so, so talented 🩵🩷

Does anyone want screencap edits for profile pics or blog headers or stuff like that? I haven't done much with stills but it sounds like fun. Lemme know if you have smthn specific in mind! My DMs are opennnn

updated 11/23/2024 with five new additions!

i need to rave about these new additions (except for "crave, then succumb" because that one's mine lol). some of these are very recent reads and some are ones i've rediscovered after not having re-read them in a very long time.

bright burn by shotgun_sinner was one of the first fics i remember reading when i first joined the fandom. before i even had an AO3 account lol. i think it was one of the first vulnerable Hannibal fics i ever read and it was amazing. i vaguely remember what happens. i think this particular fic (and the fic where post-fall Hannibal has explosive diarrhea and vomits in Will's car) both awoke something in me. and i've been devouring every vulnerable Hannibal fic ever since. 😌

compimento by cervviidae is my newest discovery. HOUSEWIFE HANNIBAL LOVERS RISE UP BECAUSE WE'VE BEEN BLESSED WITH A NEW FIC!! i quite literally found it last night and gobbled up every single word. it was so beautiful. i was wailing into my pillow. 😭♥️

solace in being heard by air_of_the_waterfall was one of the first fics i remember reading that explored Hannibal's childhood trauma and vulnerability with Will post-fall. i'm so glad i found it again. i haven't re-read it in a long time, but i definitely will when i have the chance. i remember it had the perfect touch of whump and hurt/comfort. Hannibal sucking on Will's finger during a nightmare?? and then a pacifier? the cry i crowed while reading that for the first time 😭♥️ this fic and its sequel series have lived in my head rent free. love it.

chimera of the chapel by bleakmidwinter is amazing. so much happens. i can't even remember it all. but the development of Will and Hannibal's relationship is so so beautiful. the little intimate moments melted my heart. specifically: when Will asked Hannibal if he'd ever been held like this?? the sob i fucking sobbed 😭♥️ also Will taking Hannibal to Lithuania against his wishes and forcing him to face his trauma head on is chef's kiss. i normally cannot read fics that are this long because i have the attention span of a bug, but it's totally worth the read.

Vulnerable Hannibal Fic Rec List

Updated 11/23/2024 with five new additions located at the bottom of the page! A few of these fics are mine, but the rest are some of my favorite fics I've ever read that feature vulnerable Hannibal in various seasons, AUs, and post-canon.

The Ache Against The Wind (Rewritten):

He’d sustained a substantial amount of brain damage throughout the last eleven days, Will had been told. Resulting in Post-Traumatic Amnesia. Content Warning: Hannibal is tortured in the BSHCI via beatings, laxatives, enemas, starvation and the “water curing” method after his toilet is removed. Will saves him.

Pareidolia:

Six weeks post-fall, Hannibal suffers from a seizure during dinner.

Je Te Laisserai Des Mots:

Six months have passed since Will pulled them over the cliff. Even in light of their progressing relationship, much of Hannibal still remains a mystery to Will. For reasons unknown, he’s begun to pull away. (A sequel to Shrike--my housewife Hannibal fic!)

Between The Hour Of Reprieve:

At the cliff house, Hannibal receives a much-needed-hug.

Shrike (To Your Sharp And Glorious Thorn):

After the fall, Will begins to notice Hannibal’s behavior is becoming akin to a fretting housewife.

A Cabin In The Woods by KoolJack1:

Hannibal is thirteen and runs away from the orphanage when he feels that a fate of the elements will be better than the fate of abuse. He finds a small cabin in the woods, thinking warmth will be all he finds. He also finds Will. But who changes who?

Recipricol Alchemy by Scifibabe:

In the silent echoes of his dreams, Will Graham treads a line blurred between control and chaos, each step drawing him inexorably towards claiming Hannibal as his own. It's a perilous dance on the edge of darkness, where the thrill of possession whispers of a transformation too profound to resist.

Hold Me, Don’t Let Me Go by sourweather:

It's a few months after the Fall when it finally hits him. Hannibal has barely been touched in 3 years. And Will won't let it go on for another moment.

Hosanna In The Highest by sainthannibal:

During the fall, Hannibal receives the brunt of the injuries, which leaves him unable to care for himself. Will discovers how much he enjoys taking care of him.

You Made Me Soup by itsybitsylemonsqueezy:

Hannibal comes down with pneumonia while incarcerated. Will decides to make him some soup. Absolutely no one thinks it's strange that Will comes to give his ex soup when he finds out he's sick. No one at all finds this suspicious. At. All.

The Boy Under The Monster’s Bed by Wr4tttttthh:

There were deep wounds that needed healing, new and old, physical and otherwise.

Delicate Ghost by hannigramcracker & TimmyJayBird:

She was different- not the ghost of his memories, but something about this bloodied child ripped right at Hannibal's chest, and left him drowning in a cold snow he thought he had left in his childhood, that he had locked away within his skull. Drowning, with only one hand to grasp at, one body to cling to. One man to work him through the trauma and remind him what life was.

You With Those Nails, Me With This Cross by TheBitterKitten:

Will goes too far.

The Distance Is Quite Simply Much Too Far For Me To Row by softhan:

Hannibal is having a rough time recovering from his injuries post-fall, and retreats into himself to avoid confrontation with Will while he's still weak and ill. Having to play happy husbands hardly helps.

Silk and Lace by jonnimir:

Bedelia leaves Hannibal and Will a gift at the house on the cliff.

Not So Fast by scifibabe:

Hannibal wakes from a heated dream with a need that can’t be ignored—and Will, half-asleep but all too eager, is more than happy to help. What begins as a midnight indulgence quickly spirals into an overwhelming game of push and pull, as Will’s relentless appetite pushes Hannibal to the edge and beyond. Kinktober Day 10: Overstimulation + Face-Sitting

Hush Now by scifibabe:

What starts as Will stitching up Hannibal's latest hunting injury turns into something else entirely when a teasing "let Daddy take care of you" slips out. It's meant to be a joke--until Hannibal's reaction tells a different story. One playful push leads to another, and soon enough, they're both realizing they might be into this a little more than they expected. Kinktober Day 19: Fisting.

I truly cannot recommend Hush Now enough! It'll live rent free in my mind and heart for the rest of my life ♡

The Antidote To Grief by incidentsofunkownorigins:

On Will's idea, they visit Mischa's grave. What Will had hoped to be a healing moment of closure breaks something in Hannibal and he is the only one who can put the pieces back together.

Pulse Point:

Post-Fall, an injured Hannibal awakes from an erotic dream, desperate and needy, aching for Will's touch.

Marveling at a Spoon by scifibabe:

After a gourmet dinner, Will Graham and Hannibal Lecter decide to indulge in something a little more... pedestrian—a joint. As the smoke settles and their usual control begins to loosen, Hannibal finds himself experiencing a sensation he never expected: a heightened sensitivity that unravels him under Will’s teasing touch. What starts as a curious experiment in relaxation quickly turns into a surprising discovery, one that leaves even the meticulous Hannibal completely undone. Will is all too eager to take advantage of his newfound knowledge, and Hannibal, for once, is too overwhelmed to resist.

We Are Now Among The Ruins by ADeedWithoutAName:

Hannibal survived the fall, but not unchanged. He intends to give Will the only gift he now can, and Will intends to honor him in the only way that matters.

Something Sacred by scifibabe:

In the quiet aftermath of their survival, silence has taken hold. Hannibal hasn't spoken since the night they washed ashore, his voice swallowed by their shared trauma. Will, haunted by the absence of words and the weight of unspoken things, has learned to reach Hannibal through touch, through the quiet rituals of care. When the strain of Hannibal’s pain becomes too much to hide, Will draws a bath—an unspoken offer of comfort. But today is different. Today, beneath the surface of familiar rituals, something stirs. As the warmth of the water surrounds them, walls begin to crack, and a fragile trust, once guarded so fiercely, blooms into something more intimate and vulnerable than either of them anticipated. In the quiet steam of the bath, two men find solace in each other’s arms, where tenderness can no longer be ignored.

A Pinch Of Salt In The Wound:

Renderered mute and bedbound post-fall, Hannibal begins to spiral.

Crystalline:

Hannibal becomes severely injured post-episode 3x13.

compimento by cervviidae:

Hannibal learns what it's like to be Will's husband.

Solace In Being Heard by air_of_the_Waterfall:

Hannibal is having terrible nightmares, and Will comes up with a rather unexpected method of helping him get a full night’s sleep.

Bright Burn by Shotgun_sinner:

Hannibal suffers life-threatening injuries post-fall. Will makes decisions to save Hannibal, while trying to recover the life with him that he's only just realized he wanted. How far will he go to keep what's his?

crave, then succumb:

Hannibal receives a second hug post-fall, while high as a kite on morphine, and ends up unraveling in Will's arms.

chimera of the chapel by bleakmidwinter:

When Will Graham wakes up from a coma three months after the fall, Jack reveals that Hannibal Lecter didn't survive. Outside the realm of Hannibal's influence, Will decides to discover the full truth behind the world's sudden and seeming falsehood. Everybody seems to hold their own opinion on Hannibal's fate, but Will knows better than anyone that trust and honesty are as elusive as death.

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Vulnerable Hannibal Fic Rec List

Updated 2/15/2025 with one new addition located at the bottom of the page! A few of these fics are mine, but the rest are some of my favorite fics I've ever read that feature vulnerable Hannibal in various seasons, AUs, and post-canon.

shrike (to your sharp and glorious thorn):

Will begins to notice a change in Hannibal's behavior post-fall. He's become something akin to a fretting housewife.

The Ache Against The Wind (Rewritten):

3x13 AU: Will travels into an alternate dimension after plunging into the Atlantic and is confronted with the unexpected aftermath following the removal of Hannibal's toilet in the BSHCI.

Pareidolia:

Six weeks post-fall, Hannibal suffers from a seizure during dinner.

Je Te Laisserai Des Mots:

Six months have passed since Will pulled them over the cliff. Even in light of their progressing relationship, much of Hannibal still remains a mystery to Will. For reasons unknown, he’s begun to pull away. (A sequel to Shrike--my housewife Hannibal fic!)

Between The Hour Of Reprieve:

At the cliff house, Hannibal receives a much-needed-hug.

A Cabin In The Woods by KoolJack1:

Hannibal is thirteen and runs away from the orphanage when he feels that a fate of the elements will be better than the fate of abuse. He finds a small cabin in the woods, thinking warmth will be all he finds. He also finds Will. But who changes who?

this is absolutely amazing. i've never read an AU quite like this. a true masterpiece.

Recipricol Alchemy by Scifibabe:

In the silent echoes of his dreams, Will Graham treads a line blurred between control and chaos, each step drawing him inexorably towards claiming Hannibal as his own. It's a perilous dance on the edge of darkness, where the thrill of possession whispers of a transformation too profound to resist.

one of my faves. i can't even describe how perfect this explores their season 2 dynamic. such a unique trajectory and i am living for it.

Hold Me, Don’t Let Me Go by sourweather:

It's a few months after the Fall when it finally hits him. Hannibal has barely been touched in 3 years. And Will won't let it go on for another moment.

so precious omg. love it

Hosanna In The Highest by sainthannibal:

During the fall, Hannibal receives the brunt of the injuries, which leaves him unable to care for himself. Will discovers how much he enjoys taking care of him.

the post-fall whump is immaculate 🤧 love it

You Made Me Soup by itsybitsylemonsqueezy:

Hannibal comes down with pneumonia while incarcerated. Will decides to make him some soup. Absolutely no one thinks it's strange that Will comes to give his ex soup when he finds out he's sick. No one at all finds this suspicious. At. All.

god, i love this one so much. sick hannibal being hand-fed in the BSHCI? wailing my heart out

The Boy Under The Monster’s Bed by Wr4tttttthh:

There were deep wounds that needed healing, new and old, physical and otherwise.

one of my faves. Will finding Hannibal hiding under the table? a gut punch 😭

Delicate Ghost by hannigramcracker & TimmyJayBird:

She was different- not the ghost of his memories, but something about this bloodied child ripped right at Hannibal's chest, and left him drowning in a cold snow he thought he had left in his childhood, that he had locked away within his skull. Drowning, with only one hand to grasp at, one body to cling to. One man to work him through the trauma and remind him what life was.

so amazing. a unique perspective of how Will would deal with Hannibal becoming distressed while on a case together. one of the first vulnerable hannibal fics i've ever read 🥺

You With Those Nails, Me With This Cross by TheBitterKitten:

Will goes too far.

wailing into my pillow omg this had the perfect amount of angst.

The Distance Is Quite Simply Much Too Far For Me To Row by softhan:

Hannibal is having a rough time recovering from his injuries post-fall, and retreats into himself to avoid confrontation with Will while he's still weak and ill. Having to play happy husbands hardly helps.

my all time fave Hannibal whump fic. the way he's scared Will is disgusted by his accident? eternally sobbing. forever recommending this to anyone who is searching through this rec list.

Silk and Lace by jonnimir:

Bedelia leaves Hannibal and Will a gift at the house on the cliff.

crying because this was so tender and sweet. touch-starved hannibal at the cliff house. chef's kiss.

Not So Fast by scifibabe:

Hannibal wakes from a heated dream with a need that can’t be ignored—and Will, half-asleep but all too eager, is more than happy to help. What begins as a midnight indulgence quickly spirals into an overwhelming game of push and pull, as Will’s relentless appetite pushes Hannibal to the edge and beyond. Kinktober Day 10: Overstimulation + Face-Sitting

desperate and needy hannibal. need i say more? loved it 🤭

Hush Now by scifibabe:

What starts as Will stitching up Hannibal's latest hunting injury turns into something else entirely when a teasing "let Daddy take care of you" slips out. It's meant to be a joke--until Hannibal's reaction tells a different story. One playful push leads to another, and soon enough, they're both realizing they might be into this a little more than they expected. Kinktober Day 19: Fisting.

I truly cannot recommend Hush Now enough! It'll live rent free in my mind and heart for the rest of my life ♡

The Antidote To Grief by incidentsofunkownorigins:

On Will's idea, they visit Mischa's grave. What Will had hoped to be a healing moment of closure breaks something in Hannibal and he is the only one who can put the pieces back together.

this is such a beautiful take on Hannibal and Will visiting Lithuania together and how that would impact Hannibal. ♡

Pulse Point:

Post-Fall, an injured Hannibal awakes from an erotic dream, desperate and needy, aching for Will's touch.

Marveling at a Spoon by scifibabe:

After a gourmet dinner, Will Graham and Hannibal Lecter decide to indulge in something a little more... pedestrian—a joint. As the smoke settles and their usual control begins to loosen, Hannibal finds himself experiencing a sensation he never expected: a heightened sensitivity that unravels him under Will’s teasing touch. What starts as a curious experiment in relaxation quickly turns into a surprising discovery, one that leaves even the meticulous Hannibal completely undone. Will is all too eager to take advantage of his newfound knowledge, and Hannibal, for once, is too overwhelmed to resist.

god, i loved this so much.

We Are Now Among The Ruins by ADeedWithoutAName:

Hannibal survived the fall, but not unchanged. He intends to give Will the only gift he now can, and Will intends to honor him in the only way that matters.

i rarely read MCD, but this one is so worth the pain. i am eternally sobbing from this 😭 i also cannot recommend this one enough!!

Something Sacred by scifibabe:

In the quiet aftermath of their survival, silence has taken hold. Hannibal hasn't spoken since the night they washed ashore, his voice swallowed by their shared trauma. Will, haunted by the absence of words and the weight of unspoken things, has learned to reach Hannibal through touch, through the quiet rituals of care. When the strain of Hannibal’s pain becomes too much to hide, Will draws a bath—an unspoken offer of comfort. But today is different. Today, beneath the surface of familiar rituals, something stirs. As the warmth of the water surrounds them, walls begin to crack, and a fragile trust, once guarded so fiercely, blooms into something more intimate and vulnerable than either of them anticipated. In the quiet steam of the bath, two men find solace in each other’s arms, where tenderness can no longer be ignored.

this was so beautiful and soft omg. forever wailing about Hannibal asking Will to join him in the bath. ♡

A Pinch Of Salt In The Wound:

Renderered mute and bedbound post-fall, Hannibal begins to spiral.

You Believe Me Like A God:

Hannibal becomes severely injured post-episode 3x13.

compimento by cervviidae:

Hannibal learns what it's like to be Will's husband.

one of the most beautiful fics i've ever read that explore post-fall hannibal being loved with genuine tenderness and affection by Will. one i'll forever recommend.

Solace In Being Heard by air_of_the_Waterfall:

Hannibal is having terrible nightmares, and Will comes up with a rather unexpected method of helping him get a full night’s sleep.

i love that this offers such a unique look into Hannibal's childhood trauma and how it would impact his sleep. can't recommend it enough!

Bright Burn by Shotgun_sinner:

Hannibal suffers life-threatening injuries post-fall. Will makes decisions to save Hannibal, while trying to recover the life with him that he's only just realized he wanted. How far will he go to keep what's his?

the whump is immaculate in this post-fall fic too 🤧

crave, then succumb:

Hannibal receives a second hug post-fall, while high as a kite on morphine, and ends up unraveling in Will's arms.

chimera of the chapel by bleakmidwinter:

When Will Graham wakes up from a coma three months after the fall, Jack reveals that Hannibal Lecter didn't survive. Outside the realm of Hannibal's influence, Will decides to discover the full truth behind the world's sudden and seeming falsehood. Everybody seems to hold their own opinion on Hannibal's fate, but Will knows better than anyone that trust and honesty are as elusive as death.

incredible. i can't even express how much i loved this. the tender moments and development of their relationship is so beautiful 😭♥️

Keep Me Warm by nbcravenstag:

Will arrives home after walking through a blizzard, fully expecting an angry husband, but instead finds a traumatized little boy, terrified of the cold and haunted by what he's already lost.

the hurt/comfort in this was amazing. love it so much.

Beauty Not Needed Here by kralbellen:

“I know you are in love with me.”

It's not a question but not fully a statement either. A certain amount of doubt colores Will's tone, giving the sentence a nervous lilt.

Hannibal's first instinct is to deny it, in some half-hearted, last effort at self-preservation. He almost smiles – there is no self-preservation left for him when it comes to Will.

Hannibal is asexual. this was so tender and sweet. eternally wailing into my pillow. as someone who's ace this was like a breath of fresh air.

O Holy Night by memequeen1127:

Hannibal gazes at him right back, smiling as if he knows exactly what Will’s thinking. And considering how they know each other inside and out, he very well might.

“Merry Christmas, Will,” he says softly.

Will smiles. “Merry Christmas, Hannibal.”

the sweetest oneshot i've ever read. Hannibal regresses during Christmas and Will is so patient and caring. wailing about this until the end of time 😭🩵

The Perception Of Reality Through Language by Angelic_Disaster:

Hannibal can recognize the factors of trauma in others but not in himself. That's why he denies that there is a reason why he doesn't speak Lithuanian.

sobbing at this for eternity. Will speaking to Hannibal in Lithuanian and then Hannibal breaks down in his arms?? i couldn't ask for anything more beautiful than that in a fic.

Living With A Ghost Of Summer by itsbeautiful:

Based on a requested prompt. Where Will is an idiot, ahem, I mean Will loves Hannibal and tries to surprise him by making a home cooked meal using dishes from Lithuania. Fails spectacularly to lie his way out of it and everything goes horribly wrong. And then they cuddle. The end.

one of my favorites. Will cooks Lithuanian food for Hannibal, who ends up becoming an emotional mess.

Know Me See Me by incidentsofunknownorigins:

On the way to the cliff house, Will makes a decision for himself. Once they get there, he acts on it. But he finds Hannibal is much more deeply broken by his stay at the BSHCI than either of them realized. This time Will must put the teacup back together.

the premise of this fic is something i've been searching for and craving to read for so, so long (eternity, basically) because there can never be enough cliff house fics that explore Hannibal being touch-starved and vulnerable and dealing with the effects of being isolated for three long years. ♡

between here and there by hannigramized:

Will's name is the last word Hannibal spoke in his presence. That was two months ago, directly after the fall, and Hannibal has not said a single word since. Now Will has to navigate through their lives together without Hannibal's voice to guide him.

love this so much! it's the most amazing mute!Hannibal fic i've ever read.

Take Me The Way I Am by Thinminted:

Will didn’t miss Molly, not really, but he occasionally missed who he was when he was with her.

A story about learning to trust your partner with all of yourself.

a very beautiful exploration of Hannibal and Will's developing relationship post-fall.

èclair by cerviidae:

Hannibal touches dough instead of skin. Hannibal is kissed by the feeling of flour on his lips, accidental and impersonal, instead of by the mouth of the man he loves. Three years in confinement had starved him, and now, though his body is healed, his soul remains ravenous. He cleans most of what he can of the whipped cream, scooping it back into another piping bag as he wills himself not to be irrational about this. This mess, this imperfection—it means nothing at all.

amazing post-fall fic about Hannibal's insecurity about being enough to satisfy Will in everyday life and also explores their developing physical relationship and how Hannibal's touch-starved state would have an impact on that. so beautiful. genuinely left me speechless.

Home Is Not A Place by shotgun_sinner:

Post-Fall, Hannibal recovers from his injuries. Will takes care of him, and their relationship evolves much more easily than Hannibal thought it would. The only issue is that Will is a constant presence, and he hasn't had alone time in three years. It ends up not being an issue at all.

one of the first post-fall fics i remember reading years ago that touched on Hannibal's touch-starved state and i've been hooked on that trope ever since lol. always a fave to re-read from time to time.

and the first time that you kissed me, i drank dry the River Lethe by cerviidae:

“Would you like me to come over?”

Silence stretches between them, taut and trembling. Then, the faintest sound—a throat clicking, a breath stalling. Hannibal can already see the war in Will's mind, the reasons she is telling herself not to accept. The burden she is convincing herself she must not be. Hannibal does not give her the chance to refuse.

“I would not mind.” A pause. A breath.

Then, finally, “Yes.”

*this is not a fic focusing on Hannibal's vulnerability, but it is one of my new favorites i've come across.* it's a genderswap AU of an exploration into their physical relationship. Hannibal and Will are both desperate to satisfy the other and it is so tender. this may be hands down the most beautiful smut fic i've ever read?!

earl grey and honey by cerviidae:

Will’s tenderness is a constant. And what a gift it is. Will conjures summer itself through sheer will, as though he could pull Hannibal out of winter’s grasp and set him down in a field of green and gold. Hannibal knows nothing of the ache of bones any longer. His days are filled with cooking and cleaning, the motions of care and love. He kneads dough with his mother’s frantic energy, channels her restless hands into feeding Will, keeping him full. And Will, in turn, keeps him warm. It is love.

any time i read anything by this author, i know i'm about to be wailing my heart out. this is incredible and so lovely.

Verisimilitude by becks:

Will Graham can't believe it when they tell him Hannibal Lecter's dead.

Good. He shouldn't.

(Or: An experimental lobotomy and its unanticipated aftermath.)

i remember reading this years ago and it was so incredible! i've never read a fic with this plot and it was executed perfectly. the end of the last chapter? an absolute masterpiece. i was on the edge of my seat. it's incomplete, but i hope one day the author returns to this fic because it's one of my favorite ever and such a unique exploration of Hannibal and Will's relationship.

Saint Valentine by cerviidae:

Vampire Hannibal Lecter learns what it’s like to love and be loved.

Y'ALL I HAVE NEVER BEEN MOVED TO TEARS BY MORE THAN ONE OTHER FIC. BUT THIS ONE??? I'M IN THE MIDDLE OF READING THIS RIGHT NOW AND I'M GENUINELY ABOUT TO WEEP, BLINKING BACK TEARS BECAUSE THIS IS SO STUNNING AND TENDER AND EVOCATIVE. might also be the fact that i'm listening to Hozier at the same time lol. I CANNOT RECOMMEND THIS ENOUGH. VAMPIRE HANNIBAL BEING LOVED BY WILL SO THOROUGHLY THAT HE'S MOVED TO TEARS?? PERFECTION!! 😭🩷

i don't want to set the world on fire by cerviidae:

Will and Hannibal celebrate Valentine's Day stranded in a fire lookout tower

everyone, go read this asap because it is the most unique and beautiful and perfectly orchestrated exploration of their post-fall dynamic. Hannibal's longing for Will in this is so palpable and the desperation he shows for Will when their relationship turns physical? ABSOLUTELY EXQUISITE AND HEARTWRENCHING!! i quite literally just finished reading this and damn was it stunning. still wiping tears from my eyes 😭

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coffee's first fics circa 2023

when i first started writing fanfiction in April of 2023, i wrote so many of them (even a 52k word fic) on my notes app before i found my savior google docs 😭 i didn't want to add these to the vulnerable Hannibal fic rec list because i was still getting the hang of writing when i originally posted these. but i figured i'd repost them anyway because there can never be enough vulnerable Hannibal fics imo. these all take place post-fall. ratings range from mature to explicit.

burn with need (5k words):

touch-starved Hannibal busting a nut for the first time in three years. tender bathtub hand job.

past the point of greed (3k words):

Hannibal is overwhelmed from having unrestricted access to food for the first time in three years. *cw: eating disorder and vomiting.*

drowning beneath familiar depths (6k words):

A loud noise triggers Hannibal's childhood PTSD.

Aging Rust On A Brittle Heart (2k words):

Hannibal panics when Will leaves unannounced.

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I really wanna know what happened in Mizumono moments after Hannibal smelt Freddie’s perfume on Will. How did he end the visit? How did Will not notice a shift in the atmosphere with his empathy? Like come on, Willy boy—put that over-empathetic brain to work. 😩

And the dinner scene when Hannibal suggests they run away together, feed Will’s dogs, and leave a note for Alana—but Will doesn’t want to. I bet Hannibal was fighting back a sniffle and a tearful hiccup with each bite. You know that sore, sandpaper sensation in your throat when you’re about to burst into tears, but holding it back?

Imagine if while Hannibal was eating, he choked because his throat felt so raw and Will had to do the Heimlich maneuver on him—and it only worsened his emotional state because Will has been playing him and just witnessed him gasping for his life over a small chunk of lamb. Tears are streaming down his cheeks, but Will believes it’s only a simple case of watery eyes. Then an ugly, voice-cracking sob bursts from Hannibal’s chest because Will is being so gentle with him—rubbing his back and asking if he’s all right (since he’s never nothing but elegance and grace 24/7)—and for the first time in decades his voice abandons him.

He hasn’t felt this off-kilter or this unlovable since he was in the orphanage—mute and alone—just waiting for someone to truly see him.

Will’s seen him—but he knows Will doesn’t want him as he is—who he’s always been. It’s a crushing blow. One he never thought he would have to experience because he never imagined meeting someone like Will.

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you worded it perfectly. i deleted a similar paragraph in my previous reply before posting bc i was scared it would anger people who don't agree lol.

but i do also think the take of 'If you write about Hannibal's trauma having an impact on his life as an adult then you are wrong and don't understand his character. Hannibal is not traumatized from witnessing his parents' murder and then unknowingly eating his sister (while in the middle of being starved). Hannibal's always been evil. His childhood experience would have no impact on his relationship with Will' doesn't have to be the set standard. i'm sorry, but it doesn't interest me as a writer 😭

also you're so right. people can have different opinions and that's okay. someone directly invalidating and bashing another person's speculative lens because it doesn't perfectly match their view of the narrative lens is unnecessary and rude. that shouldn't happen as much as it seems to. i'll shut up now before i ramble any longer. tysm for sharing your thoughts with me. <3

hey so can we talk about how characters in fiction are not autonomous individuals, but tools crafted to explore themes and provoke emotional/intellectual responses?

and more specifically, maybe also include how reducing Hannibal's actions to mere "evil" obscures his symbolic role as a disruptor of societal norms?

and maybe, MAYBE (if we have time), then carry the conversation into how focusing solely on Hannibal's morality erases the show's intended commentary on human behavior, repression, and connection?

please?