Latest Posts by coffee-in-rain - Page 3

*clears throat and taps mic three times*

Will's breath catching when Hannibal laughs in front of him for the first time or smiles in front of him for the first time.

Will witnesses Hannibal's laugh (a sweet and boyish rasp) one morning on accident after two fingers graze the unknowingly tickle-ish area of Hannibal's stomach while checking his gunshot wound for any signs of infection. Will realizes Hannibal is so babygirl and a housewife all wrapped up in one being and worth ruining one's entire life for. Will also realizes Hannibal's teeth are the cutest things in the entire world. That is when Will truly falls in love. During a random overcast morning as rain patters softly against the roof of their safe house.

sobbing because that's truly how it went down in Hannibal's mind. babygirl was so so blindsided and drunk on love for the first time ever 💔 @hannibalbabygirlifier this post made me think of you. let's sob together 🤧

Sorry for pretending I was killing for you, I'm turning you into the FBI btw.

Prompt- Hannibal unwillingly regressing during season 2b. Will is still angry at Hannibal for killing Beverly and Abigail, and thinks Hannibal is some emotionless being. Cue Will’s shock when something triggers Hannibal and Will has to watch over him. (I don’t know if this is anything but you just don’t see any Hannibal agere fics set in s2)

WILL SEEING LITTLE HANNIBAL DURING SEASON 2B??!!

live reaction of me reading this prompt. ohmygod ohmygod i love this so fucking much because you are so right, anon!! there are only a few fics where Hannibal regresses and most of them (not all) take place post-fall, though many years ago i read one or two that take place after Will leaves the BSHCI. right now i have a few different scenarios, but i'm gonna make a poll so people can decide what specifically triggers Hannibal into a regressed state.

here is the poll btw

tysm for sending in this prompt!! i'm almost finished with the chapter of my housewife Hannibal sequel where Will travels back in time to the cliff house and finds out Hannibal regressed while alone in the bathroom and cares for little Hannibal at the cliff house. (the chapter alone is 7k words right now holy hell 😭) when i finish that, i'll definitely be starting on this prompt! Hannibal regressing has me in a chokehold i swear to god

rebirth (explicit, 1.4k words)

Post-Fall, Hannibal needs Will's assistance to relearn how to perform even the most natural of tasks (such as reaching orgasm) after suffering from brain damage and amnesia.

y'all! i made some edits to my previous ramble and added some scrumptious additions about Hannibal's overactive cowper's glands 🤭 and made it into a more concise tiny little ficlet to have a home on AO3! might be my shortest one yet, but it was very fun <3

imagine Hannibal getting attacked by a shark after Will pulls them over the cliff.

it's the first time Will ever hears Hannibal scream and sound sincerely terrified.

Hannibal keeps screaming Will's name over and over because he's scared and in agony and keeps getting pulled under the waves by the shark. Will realizes pulling them into the ocean at night was actually a mistake.

I'm exploring this in my cliff house fic right now, but thoughts on potential abuse that took place during Hannibal's stay at the BSHCI?

They took his toilet and books. I get the feeling there was sleep and food deprivation. I think lot of the guards didn't treat him well when they had to deal with him. Not like Alana would do anything about that. Especially after they figure out he won't attack them or try to escape and they basically have a willing punching bag. (Especially after Will gets married, Hannibal loses what little fight he has)

What if as they start recovering from the fall and getting closer, Will starts to see little tells and triggers and starts to piece together that Hannibal was not in fact treated to a luxury stay under Alana's care as he thought. Cue Hannibal constantly denying that he has trauma and fighting the tlc Will is trying to give and Will dealing with the guilt in the aftermath for being the cause of it all. Bonus points if Will goes into a rage and goes after (or at least wants to) the people who hurt him and Hannibal gets all flustered about being protected and cared for

OMG I AGREE!! also very excited for your fic. i'll touch on Hannibal's abuse in the BSHCI because you know whump is my bread and butter 😏

firstly, i think Hannibal did indeed face abuse (emotional and physical) like gaurds being rough and not caring if he got thrashed around or injured on their end. like omg imagine if when Hannibal was in that dolly thing with the wheels (wearing his straitjacket), one of the gaurds who absolutely hated him sped up the dolly thing and roughly pushed it over so Hannibal landed face first onto the floor with no way to brace himself and got a bloody nose and black eye. i might write a fic about that actually: Will finding Hannibal sedated and crumpled on the floor with the dolly thing crushing him. 😭

sorry i got sidetracked, but anywho!! i do think Hannibal faced starvation and missed meals, too. maybe not consistently. but at least a few times during those three years. i bet it messed with his mind a lot more than he would willingly admit to himself and bring back memories of being chained up with a growling stomach. on those nights, Hannibal probably struggled with night terrors.

i know this next part is so niche and not everyone needs to agree with it, but my headcanon is after Hannibal's toilet was removed there was at least one instance where laxatives were snuck into Hannibal's food or water, or Hannibal was restrained and forcefully given an enema by a few of the gaurds so they could watch Hannibal suffer without access to a toilet.

another headcanon i have is that sometimes Hannibal regressed in the BSHCI when the isolation and touch starvation became too unbearable. little Hannibal would curl up under the blanket and fold it over his head to be out of view when sucking his thumb for comfort and rocking himself to sleep. ohmygod what if i write a fic about that too?! 😭 Will going to visit Hannibal and Alana tells him Hannibal is regressed 💔 crying and i haven't even written it yet lmfao.

Hannibal regressed at least a few times. especially on his birthday or mischa's birthday because those are difficult days to be alone. Hannibal tried not to regress on Will's birthday because little Hannibal wouldn't think Will wanted to see him ever again.

going back to the toilet removal and laxative/enema torture: Hannibal probably regressed in those moments because such a loss of control was nearly foreign and unbearable.

Hannibal was probably triggered with memories of being trapped in the cabin with the men who killed his family (before he became mute) and asking to use the bathroom yet being forced to hold it for as long as possible. even when it became agonizing, especially when he was sick and couldn't hold in diarrhea. the men would punish young Hannibal with beatings and not give him anything to clean up the mess or throw him out in the snow for a period of time as punishment or lessen the amount of food he would be given, if any at all.

in the BSHCI, Hannibal would probably try to mask any signs of regression, though, so mutism was the best coping mechanism in those circumstances.

also omg we have the same brain because i've been thinking about Hannibal being sleep deprived in the BSHCI since winter. my headcanon is that it would occur on rare occasions, but be enough to send Hannibal into a regressed state. for two days (because that's as long as the guards would have during the weekend when Alana would not be there) lights would not be turned off when scheduled to be and music would blare loud in the speakers constantly. little Hannibal would be overwhelmed and shove both hands over his ears to soften the sound as much as possible, but it wouldn't offer much relief at all. i might write a fic about this too omg because imagine Will seeing a sleep deprived version of little Hannibal sobbing for silence and darkness and sleep in the BSHCI. 😭

now, on the topic of Will noticing signs of Hannibal's abuse/mistreatment

the first time Hannibal felt the urge to use the bathroom in Will's presence would probably bring up feelings of unease and resurfacing emotions and memories. especially if Hannibal was injured and incapable of getting around without assistance from Will. Hannibal would most likely involuntarily regress in that moment because there was (in little Hannibal's mind) a very high likelihood of being denied the option to seek out a bathroom and a very high likelihood of being tortured in such a way that made losing control of one's bladder or bowels inevitable and a very high likelihood of being punished for it. it would shock Will, seeing Hannibal fall into a state of regression and clearly be distressed about being allowed to use the bathroom.

my headcanon is that Will instantly adores little Hannibal and feels an overwhelming sense of protectiveness and fondness for this newfound version of Hannibal.

another moment where Hannibal may regress post-fall is during the first time Hannibal is hungry and it is not at all close to dinner time yet. Hannibal knows asking to have a snack is not some huge feat or something to be wary of while in Will's presence. but regressing temporarily eases Hannibal's worries about possibly being denied food (because Hannibal is hopeful Will would not deny little Hannibal the comfort of food). little Hannibal is cautious in asking Will for a snack and Will can sense it's a monumental moment. Will rushes to bring little Hannibal a snack and settles into bed and hand-feeds little Hannibal every bite to make it clear there is no reason for Hannibal to ever again be wary about asking for food. regressed or non regressed.

these are all my thoughts i have right now, but i may come back to this eventually and add some more. thank you so much for sharing your thoughts and sending in this ask. i would absolutely love love love talking more about vulnerable Hannibal with y'all. please feel free to send in more asks or share your thoughts with me about vulnerable Hannibal! <3

Will being reminded time and time again Hannibal is only human post-fall. This turned into word vomit because I just typed to my little heart's content so the ending is a bit rushed lol. It ain't a formal fic. Just a little post-fall blurb.

They're standing underneath the shower head, warm water trickling down. Will is holding Hannibal by the waist--keeping his weak body steady and upright--because Hannibal is unbalanced due to a high dosage of pain medication. It's Hannibal's first shower after the stitches from his healing gunshot wound were removed. There's only a shower in this motel room--not a bathtub. Will knows Hannibal's been dying to bathe properly for weeks instead of the unsatisfying sponge baths.

Hannibal is washing shampoo through each gray strand, removing built up grease from his scalp when every finger steadily begins to slow and comes to a complete halt. Will is worried something's wrong--maybe Hannibal strained something while raising both hands over his head. Hannibal is barely breathing. Will leans in and peers over Hannibal's shoulder. Heat is creeping into Hannibal's cheeks. Hannibal's cock is half-hard and stiffening by the second.

Will is shocked--but not at all surprised. He doesn't recall having ever given Hannibal a moment of privacy besides using the toilet. He knows Hannibal is touch starved and can't be at fault for such an involuntary reaction. Fingers stroke gentle circles against Hannibal's waist. "Rinse your hair. It's gonna get in your eyes and burn like hell." He knows Hannibal's brain damaged mind needs gentle reminders on occasion--even for basic steps such as washing one's hair. He knows Hannibal is relearning mundane tasks. He knows. He is patient through it all even when it comes as a shock that Hannibal still needs reminders for everyday things--that Hannibal could forget how to perform a single task--that Hannibal depends on Will.

Hannibal's nearly finished rinsing his hair and his fingers begin to tremble and his feet slide along the shower floor as if it's becoming uncomfortable to remain still.

Will knows what needs to happen and wonders if Hannibal is waiting for permission--permission Hannibal doesn't need yet still seems to search for, even if stuck in a perpetual state of mutism. He knows Hannibal is shy in searching for guidance--that fact never ceases to shock Will. "Take care of yourself." He waits for a long stretch of time for something to happen--for Hannibal's hands to move. But they only remain curled in Hannibal's hair, shaking as much as the rest of Hannibal's body. Then, it dawns on Will.

Embarrassment is not the reason for Hannibal's refusal. He simply doesn't remember what to do or understand what Will means. It's a fine motor skill issue and an amnesia issue. Hannibal's cheek burns Will's lips where a gentle kiss is placed upon wet and flushing skin.

"It's okay if you don't remember how, darlin', I know you've been doing your best." Will's hands move from Hannibal's waist toward Hannibal's stomach. He rubs over the soft, subtle swell of Hannibal's stomach. Giving Hannibal time to adapt to skin to skin contact after enduring three long years without a single affectionate touch. He knows it feels foreign, especially because of Hannibal's brain damage and amnesia. Hannibal awoke one month ago--confused--terrified even if attempting not to show it--because Hannibal's last unfractured memories were of being in France. Dim. Faded. Not Fresh. He keeps each touch slow and gentle, allowing Hannibal's touch starved body unrushed moments to adjust.

Hannibal's untouched cock is stiff and leaking and twitching in response to every caress of Will's hands along Hannibal's stomach. Hannibal's breathing is shallow. Hannibal's eyes are clenched shut. Will understands now. Hannibal must've been a virgin at this stage in life--a killer--but never granted anyone the chance to touch. Hannibal is aching--throbbing--barely able to contain a rising whine as trembling fingers betray him, clinging to one of Will's forearms. He trusts Will and only Will. Even though it's taken a long time for Hannibal's distrust to melt away.

Will understands in all reality Hannibal is a decade older. But Hannibal's current state of mind is only 19 years old. Will wouldn't ever dare to speak such a statement under another circumstance. But this version of Hannibal is sweet in rare moments when not attempting to ward off the world beneath a stone cold exterior--one not yet perfected--one with easily discovered fractures Will is unable to ignore after knowing Hannibal for so long. He whispers the single phrase that comes to mind. Right next to Hannibal's ear. "Do you need my help, sweet boy?"

Will can tell Hannibal is trying to fight it: the shock, the trembling gasp twisting an undignified whimper threatening claw its way forth, the small and pitiful abortive thrust--pitching forward into empty air. It comes to Will easily as if a second nature buried deep and forgotten. He soothes Hannibal's breathless whimper with a kiss against a soaking wet temple. "Easy, baby, I'll take care of you," Will whispers and curls a calloused palm around Hannibal's cock. A frail and wobbling moan erupts from Hannibal's mouth--shattered and hoarse and needy. Hannibal's other hand claws at the wall for balance. Will's grasp is gentle (unyielding yet nearly lax) as Hannibal's overwhelmed body struggles to find its rhythm in wake of such a foreign sensation--of such jaw-dropping pleasure. He knows it must feel like Hannibal's first time ever approaching orgasm due to brain damage and amnesia. Hannibal's feet are damn near slipping and Will loops an arm around Hannibal's waist. "You don't have to rush. Find your pace, sweet boy."

Echoing off the tiled walls are Hannibal's whimpers and moans--thin and ruined from rusted vocal cords. Hannibal's head is tipped back and leaning against Will's shoulder. He sobs a wordless plea once Will begins taking over with a sure and steady fist--spurring long-awaited friction around Hannibal's neglected cock.

Will can barely keep Hannibal upright because of how erratic Hannibal's shifting is becoming: sharp, unpracticed thrusts desperate to meet each stroke as if this sensation is entirely new and deeply craved--and pressing back against Will's clothed cock--Will wore boxers for Hannibal's comfort. He can't resist thrusting in response, burning with a mirrored need. He knows Hannibal is close: with nails digging into skin, with nails clawing at the walls, with thighs trembling, with knees threatening to buckle, with a rising stream of needy, breathless cries cresting into the air, with each swift twist of a wrist, with each murmur of praise breathed against Hannibal's ear. Hannibal's voice cracks on each unraveling wail--strained and wet with tears of overwhelm. He knows Hannibal's cheeks are soaking in fresh tears along with water from the shower head. Hannibal's chest is heaving bright with a flush--sinking in and filling with each ragged breath. He swirls a thumb around Hannibal's nipple--and again and again--when Hannibal's pulsing cock twitches in response--when Hannibal's sobs cease to be audible in wake of a toe-curling climax.

Will guides Hannibal through those dizzying, mind numbing moments. He presses endless kisses to Hannibal's jaw and cheek and temple. He climaxes soon after, a deep moan spilling forth. He cradles Hannibal, who's trembling and gasping through the aftershocks. He guides Hannibal out of the shower and into a clean set of pajamas. He showers quickly and steps out of the bathroom.

Hannibal is staring up at Will, eyes glassy and cheeks still warmed with a blush. He tentatively reaches out. He wants to be held. Will knows.

ILY ILY

Hannibal being excited to experience a gas station hot dog with Will would be so cute??!! like omg imagine the excited little thrill pulsing through Hannibal's veins 😭🩵 and Will is shocked when Hannibal eats without a single complaint. imagine if Hannibal wanted the exact same toppings as Will too. i'm wailing

also omg what about injured Hannibal (delirious on pain meds because he's come down with an infection) when they're driving in search of their safe house and there's only a gas station nearby. Will buys two hot dogs, eats one in a hurry and brings the other one out to the hearse (which would be perfect for allowing Hannibal to rest and not be seen lmao). imagine Will sliding in the back where Hannibal is resting. He wakes Hannibal and breaks the hot dog into small pieces. He expects Hannibal to grimace or refuse to eat or complain. Then, Will remembers Hannibal is mute and hasn't spoken a word in weeks. He slowly feeds Hannibal bite by bite. Will asks "Is that gonna be enough for you, darlin'?" and Hannibal's half-lidded eyes widen because Will's never used a pet name before. Hannibal nods, cheeks flushing and straining with a mouthful of food. Imagine Will's heart absolutely melting as he watches Hannibal eat little bites of a hot dog. 😭

***btw sorry for this ramble. I'm pmsing and the thought of Will watching Hannibal eat little bites of food is so cute at the moment it's about to make me weep lol.***

Will kisses Hannibal's forehead in silent praise and relief. He makes a move to leave to toss out the trash. But Hannibal's fingers curl into the sleeve of his sweater. He sees a crease of apprehension between Hannibal's brows and smooths it over with a thumb, gentle pressure, and kisses right over it. He knows Hannibal's anxiety spikes at night. That Hannibal is afraid of waking without Will. That Hannibal is afraid of Will being taken. That Hannibal is afraid of Will choosing to leave. Even now. He crumples the trash into the corner of the trunk and settles in next to Hannibal. He coaxes Hannibal closer, until Hannibal's cheek is resting flush against Will's neck. His fingers stroke through Hannibal's greasy hair, slow and gentle. He knows it's not what Hannibal is surrounded with which matters. He knows it's who Hannibal is surrounded by which matters.

sorry my brain just vomited that up and i couldn't stop typing because vulnerable Hannibal always has me in a chokehold. even when it's the prospect of Hannibal eating a hotdog

"hannibal HATES wills plaids" "hannibal would never let will wear plaid after the fall" hannibal gently dressed will in his softest plaid shirt and tucked him into bed before turning himself in to the fbi when will awoke and rejected him. i dont think he gives a fuck to be honest

wait wait wait mutuals rb this with a description of ur voice

THIS THIS THIS! i agree with y'all 100%

Let me preface this by saying, please know, these are only my thoughts about Will and Hannibal post-fall, and I'm genuinely not forcing them down anyone's throat. Please don't come at me for saying this. Anyone is welcome to disagree. I'm just trying to engage in a polite discussion.

I don't understand when people say stuff along the lines of: "Hannibal would not want Will to wear plaid flannels to an opera. He would make Will change into something nicer." or "Hannibal would have a hard time slumming it with Will post-fall when they're on the run. He would complain about everything, refuse to eat gas station food and be picky about everything from their sleeping arrangements to their clothes to their choices of meal, etc."

Because Hannibal literally did live through very tough times as a child and would be able to adapt in those circumstances as an adult. Hannibal would probably be worrying about Will's health and comfort (and willingness to stay by his side) much more than the reality of having to eat a gas station hot dog or worrying about what clothes Will chose to wear (which lets be real: Hannibal never criticized Will's fashion choices ever in the show--not once--there's no inclination in the show that alludes to Hannibal finding Will's outfits ugly at all). Hannibal literally wears plaid patterns himself. Hannibal wouldn't want to change every single thing about Will. Hannibal doesn't want a copy and paste version of himself. That would be boring and not at all satisfying. Hannibal wants Will. Like... Will's clothes are a part of himself and his self expression. I think Hannibal finds Will's fashion sense something worth adoring and allowing Will free reign over, because it's what makes Will... Will.

Also because food is so important to Hannibal (and there's food insecurity stemming from his childhood), I don't think Hannibal would ever dream of telling Will certain foods are off limits or shame him for eating junk food if Will wanted a little sweet treat. He would want Will to indulge in every enjoyable aspect of eating. He would probably ask Will about childhood memories and the emotions tied to such junk food because it would be an opportunity to learn more about Will's past and quirks.

"hannibal HATES wills plaids" "hannibal would never let will wear plaid after the fall" hannibal gently dressed will in his softest plaid shirt and tucked him into bed before turning himself in to the fbi when will awoke and rejected him. i dont think he gives a fuck to be honest

No need to do this if it doesn’t inspire you but I have a prompt! Post fall, will and hannibal talking about his time in incarceration and will being pleased with him for waiting so long and being so good, quietly waiting behind bars just for him, that it gets to his head a bit. Will, rewarding him for being so devoted to him, taking his time pleasing him, overstimulating him and making him feel good until he’s losing his mind and a begging whimpering mess just for him

"if it doesn't inspire you"

IF IT DOESN'T INSPIRE ME?!

HONEY, I AM FOAMING AT THE ACTUAL MOUTH BECAUSE THIS BEAUTIFUL IDEA RIGHT HERE IS MY BREAD AND BUTTER!!!

*giving you a standing ovation for this*

come on, y'all, everybody clap for the amazing anon because omg Will praising Hannibal (specifically for waiting all that time) and driving Hannibal out of his mind until he's a whimpering, trembling, sobbing, snot nosed mess, hiccuping for breath is such a great post-fall trope 😭 thank you for sending in this prompt. i'm adding it to my list asap! you're an absolute godsend <3

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

lord keep and protect me from ever becoming a fandom mean girl

on the topic of my season 3 fic where Hannibal's tortured via laxatives and starved after his toilet is removed in the BSHCI, i was scrolling through tiktok one day in 2023 and saw it recommended by someone and let me tell you, my jaw dropped?!! (/positive). then when i opened the comment section, someone who hadn't read it yet said: "toilet??" and i thought that was so fucking funny because it really put into perspective how crazy that summary was 😭

this was me in the spring of 2023 after i started writing my 54k word fic about Hannibal being tortured via laxatives and starvation after his toilet was removed in the BSHCI, and people actually left lovely comments on it when i expected at least one person to be like: "goddamn bitch what the fuck is this monstrosity"

YOU!! YES, YOU!! GO WRITE THAT FANFIC YOU THINK NOBODY BUT YOU WILL READ!!

if you have any thoughts about vulnerable Hannibal, please feel free to bombard my inbox and share them because i would love love love to hear about other people's thoughts on vulnerable Hannibal as well! also please please please send me Hannigram prompts if you have any ideas you want written!!! vulnerable Hannibal is my niche at this point, but i'm also trying to branch out into more casual pwp or domestic bliss themes as well if those are of interest to you. btw there are no guidelines you have to stick to for submitting a prompt. i'm open to writing anything! smut prompts are perfectly fine too (and something i really, really want to practice writing more of as an ace author).

i'm a bit scared why am i getting so many new followers today 😭

but let me just say: hey, there, y'all! ily all and i am so, so grateful for every single one of you <3

i'm a bit scared why am i getting so many new followers today 😭

but let me just say: hey, there, y'all! ily all and i am so, so grateful for every single one of you <3

YOUR MINDDDDDDDDDD genius unparalleled unrivaled artistry, every time i see your username pop up i know im about to witness some of the most beautiful inspiring hannigram pieces

omg I'm so flattered because I honestly just spit out whatever comes to my mind??!! I am so grateful to be surrounded by sweet and uplifting people like you 🥹 ILY and I hope your pillow is always cold and in perfect condition for a well nights sleep ♡

sneak peak incoming!!

"I've missed you very, very much as well, sweetheart. And do you want to know who else has missed you—just as much as I have?"

It seeped back into Will's heart once again: that near foreign emotion in relation to another human being… invading with a welcome and all encompassing surge of warmth, of affection, of something far more potent than endearment… in the wake of bearing witness to a wrinkle of confusion knitting itself in the center of Hannibal's forehead.

Love. Fondness. A tender-hearted sense of possession.

It weaved between every arc of bone, nestled itself inside every crevice of muscle and soft tissue as if forever destined to reside there—a silent singe to Will's soul. Leading to a thumb smoothing over the creased skin in light-handed, circular motions. Leading to Hannibal's abortive, heart-wrenching flinch. Leading to quiet, ceaseless murmurings of reassurance until Hannibal's expression slackened, second by second, into silent understanding, into a resemblance of tentative trust—trust Will would not dare take for granted.

"Winston, Buster, Max, Jack, and the girls, Ellie, Harley, Zoe. Do you remember who those names belong to?" Will asked, voice soft and ever patient.

Nodding, Hannibal's sharp canines peeked out, scraping over the plump surface of his bottom lip. He was feeling doubtful, once again. Will understood even before Hannibal's jaw slackened in preparation to speak, voice wobbling and filled with caution. "They've missed me, too?"

I have so many thoughts about regressed Hannibal ♡

How do we feel about Hannibal regressing at the cliff house because he's so overwhelmed with being in Will's presence once again?

Because I'm already 6k words deep into writing a fic about it 😭 I've never taken this long to write a fic before (started in late January), but I think I might be cooking something up

How do we feel about Hannibal regressing at the cliff house because he's so overwhelmed with being in Will's presence once again?

Because I'm already 6k words deep into writing a fic about it 😭 I've never taken this long to write a fic before (started in late January), but I think I might be cooking something up

Thinking of combining my two favorite tropes together. Housewife Hannibal + insecure, emotional Hannibal experiencing release for the first time in three years and Will being there to witness it.

Let me set the scene: Will comes home to the unanticipated sight of Hannibal resting in the backyard hammock, cock half-hard, sun-sapped complexion a touch sunburnt. He seems to have slept through dinner preparations, entirely accidental—a first—not even close to a disappointment in Will's opinion.

Imagine Hannibal and Will's first time occurring on a hammock in their backyard beneath the sun midafternoon. Soon, the hammock is creaking and swaying, and Hannibal's bare ass is burning from the hammock's friction. He's sobbing and writhing because Will is gobbling his ass up like it's banana pudding, opening him up and pressing featherlight kisses against his cock every now and then.

(ALSO, TO THROW A LITTLE PINCH OF HANNIBAL'S INSECURITY IN HERE: imagine if moments prior, Hannibal was feeling insecure once Will finally removed his underwear because he hasn't had access to a razor in three years and it's genuinely a whole shrub down there. Hannibal's mind short circuits when Will says something like: "There ain't nothing wrong with a little hair, darlin'." and kisses him, deep and gentle, savoring his breathless whine, before diving in).

He's whimpering, breathless and trembling, and it's only been a few minutes. He isn't able to last much longer because he's so touch starved even though he wants to (out of embarrassment, out of the want to satisfy Will), and Will knows this. Will pauses when Hannibal's voice rasps through higher pitched, helpless moans, a sound so thin and wrapped in ruin it's nearly inaudible. But Will knows what's bound to happen, can recognize it in the twitch of Hannibal's thighs and the sound of fingernails scraping against the hammock from where they're pinned down by Will's own hands, thumbs stroking reassurance into Hannibal's trembling hands.

Will presses a kiss to Hannibal's right inner thigh and scrotum, where it's full and sensitive and sweaty (also sorry if 'sweaty' is gross, but come on, y'all, they're outside in Cuba 😭), and another sob falls from Hannibal's slack-jawed mouth. Tears are encrusted in Hannibal's wilting lashes, and Will thinks he's never looked more beautiful bathed golden in the ever shifting swatches of sunlight, cheeks flushed and chest heaving for air. Will can tell it's too much, too fast, too mind numbingly good for Hannibal to handle as touch starved as his body's become.

Will curls a hand around Hannibal's cock and whispers: "Let go, darlin', you don't have to hold out for me," and Hannibal busts a nut for the first time in three years. Bonus points if Hannibal passes out because it's hot outside and he's so overwhelmed (and he's in his fifties let's be real) and then Will rushes to dampen a rag with cold water and grabs three water bottles in a panic. Hannibal is only unresponsive for a few minutes, but it feels like a nerve-fraying eternity for Will, who's wiped his overheated body down with the cloth and shoved cold compresses (like frozen bags of peas or something because it's all they have at the moment) between his armpits, on his chest and in between his legs to cool him down. Hannibal's cock is softened, twitching in shock when he awakes moments later with a rising whimper, eyelids remaining closed.

It's cold--everywhere. That's all Hannibal knows. Will runs a hand through Hannibal's hair, murmuring reassuring words when it's clear he's unable to open his eyes just yet. Will carries Hannibal inside, placing him on the couch. Hannibal's cheeks are flushed, deeper than the result of a simple light sunburn, and Will knows he must feel mortified, embarrassed beyond belief. Will doesn't let it fester: Hannibal's shame that he's left Will unsatisfied, neglected, because Will never finished. Instead Will says: "It's all right, darlin', you'll have more than enough chances to make up for it." Even though there's no need to make up for it, because it isn't a failure in Will's eyes as it is in Hannibal's, knowing he can drive Hannibal to such a state with only his mouth.

*takes a bow* end scene

"They also psychologically torture each other but it’s mainly just for enrichment in their cage. Will knows hannibal will go crazy and start eating the drywall if he’s bored even a second so he deliberately instigates shit and causes situations just so hannibal has a project."

LMFAO THAT IS SO TRUE

god, i loved everything you shared and touched on!!

"I do honestly think it’s touchy as hell right away too. On the cliff a dam is definitely broken and there is a kind of physical contact and intimacy there hasn’t been before, and I think once they start touching there’s no reigning that back in. I definitely think a first kiss would be initiated by will because funnily enough even though he doesn’t have it early on, by that point hannibal almost has a strange insecurity with him-he is deeply vulnerable to rejection from him and I think would be afraid of pushing especially now. That being said, I think it would happen very quickly, within the first day, and it’s as natural as breathing. They’re already in each others space, clinging to each other for warmth, survival, coming down from the high of everything, treating their wounds, at some point it goes from just breathing in each others air to being connected. They’ve begun to blur. I’m extremely soft about them showering together, sleeping intertwined, in the days after. There’s just such a peace after the hollow ache that has been there for both of them for so long. I do think it is an interesting stretch for will to spend with hannibal because he starts to see him in a much more vulnerable light. He starts to be more of just a man to him, a man that he loves, that wakes up from nightmares or has flashes of insecurity he starts to recognize, that has strange little fussy habits and preferences that make will feel fond."

WAILING MY BOOTY OFF BECAUSE SAME 😭🩵 Helping each other shower post-fall and Will seeing Hannibal in a new light (when he's feeling vulnerable or insecure or when Hannibal's severe touch starvation is made apparent) is my bread and butter <3 also i agree about the amount of murdering they would do, because it would be so fun for them to do together, but at the same time, their freedom and ability to be with each other would be more important. ALSO ALSO HANNIBAL BURNING FOOD BECAUSE HE'S DISTRACTED BY WILL IS SUCH A SCRUMPTIOUS HEADCANON!!!

i would love to hear more of your thoughts on Hannibal and Will's post-fall relationship (and maybe even Hannibal being more emotional in contrast to how most of fandom sees him, because i very much agree with you on that)!! honestly, feel free to ramble to your heart's content because i love all your takes on them <3

Yippie!! Wahoo!!

Okay on Hannibal being more emotionally driven than people think. The thing is I think he’s actually basically in emotional overload at all times. This is a man that feels everything INTENSELY at any given time. Art is life changing and euphoric to the point of sitting by it and recreating it every single day. Good music brings genuine tears of emotion. Love is akin to devotion for him, it transcends everything. He has very specific coping mechanisms and ways he has learned to be BECAUSE of this, the way people learn to mask the aspects of themselves that they feel are deficient.

So much of his hedonism is a combination of intense love of everything life has to offer and the fact that it’s a double edged sword. Feeling everything intensely equally makes it so he is unable to sit with unpleasant feelings or things. Having gone through the early years of his life with the constant of fear, pain, loss, hunger, cold, discomfort, magnified by 1000 in someone who everything is exceptionally intense for, there is a clawing hunger for only the best of everything, to not be having a bad time ever for even a second. He will not suffer boredom, humiliation, indignity, without a disproportionately volatile and impulsive response. He’s a ticking bomb easily set off, he’s just learned to hide it. Anyone truly apathetic wouldn’t care about the whole rude thing, it would fly completely over their head.

It’s a through line in every version of media made about him that one key component of his character is that he is very capable of love and that it’s a driving force for him. I think he has a much greater depth of feeling for people than average, and those he does love and consider family are on the receiving end of absolute devotion and adoration, but again, it is a double edged sword. With the ability to love that deeply there is also the ability to feel intense disappointment, alienation, disgust, etc about people. His love is above and beyond the average persons, but his feelings of dislike and therefor apathy are disproportionate as well.

Many of his kills aren’t completely random or unfeeling- they are people that inspire negative emotions such as politicians that try to destroy the nature and beauty in the world, doctors that are cruel and derogatory to their patients, academics that are deliberately exclusionary and condescending, in general people that in his eyes actively make the world a worse place. He cannot stand ugliness because what is a minor inconvenience to the average person is blindingly unspeakably ugly to him.

This isn’t to say he doesn’t still kill people that don’t fit in this category- there’s very much two types. Those he kills because they make the world a worse place and in his eyes don’t deserve the beauty of life, and those that are just in the wrong place at the wrong time. I think the second category falls into a weird place in terms of his empathy- I’m just spewing thoughts here but I think he has this weird thing going on that he has suffered about as much as a person can and still finds life joyful and even feels that he’s better for it, is even excited and compelled by the idea of his own death, that he just genuinely doesn’t think what he’s doing is that bad. He’s the boomer parent going “well back in my day I walked 50 miles through the snow to school” except it’s back in my day this this this and this happened and I’ve seen the ugliest the world has to offer and I’m keenly aware of it, so getting your arm chopped off and being gaslight really isn’t that bad, maybe you’ll even be better for it and see the world through new eyes/become something more beautiful for it! Isn’t that exciting! He even thinks death is exciting and a beautiful change in its own way, so it doesn’t phase him. The smaller fish is eaten by the bigger fish and the bigger fish will someday get got by the shark and as the bigger fish he is perfectly capable of empathy for the smaller one, even does see himself in its shoes, but sees it just as a beautiful cycle of life that will happen to him someday too and it isn’t at all a bad thing to have experienced it and been a part of something. How wonderful, for it all to have meaning. But in general I don’t think he does anything he does without empathy-he just does it anyways. “Extreme acts of cruelty require a high degree of empathy.”

All this isn’t to say that he doesn’t have times that he does shut off his empathy at will, or behave deeply apathetically, but it’s very much a learned skill. There is a feral dog, a volatile child, an open wound of a person deep down but age and rigidly practiced self control have given him the ability to repress things and control his reactions in a way someone who does not struggle with that simply never would. In the way someone who struggles deeply socially might practice and overcompensate to the point of becoming excellent public speakers and social butterflies, he has crafted himself a person suit that is calm, always rational, collected and emotionless to serve him as he makes his way through the world. He’s almost a matryoshka of person suits. The first layer the world sees is the charming kind social butterfly that is perfectly normal. The second, the unfeeling sociopath, the monster. But that’s just another suit intentionally stitched to serve him. The third, further down, as I said, is the emotional burn victim whom every metaphorical breeze is a severe sensation. He is a master of repressing pain- whether it be no reaction to physical torture or violence, or over a decade of repressed memories, he takes pride in being able to control the volatile beast within and letting it out just enough. He actually is pretty successful with this for a long time! But of course will bursts his way into his life and breaks down those walls just enough that it’s like dominos and his grip on all of it starts to loosen.

SO. Pivoting onto post fall relationship.

I do think there’s a total acceptance of that vulnerability at that point. Some people see him as still having walls or even being resentful towards will but I really don’t think he is. I think he’s just genuinely euphoric that they are together and that there is family and peace and unconditional love at last. I think one of his biggest driving forces is a desire for genuine true all accepting-unconditional love. If I did the worst will you still love me. He’s definitely the bitch asking if you’d still love him if he was a worm. That was really the whole thing with Abigail in season 2-if you think I killed her will you still be able to love me and accept me. The tragedy of it is without Abigail will probably would have been able to forgive everything else but Hannibal needed to know even if he did the worst, that nothing would be enough to sever them. So now that he really does have that I see him as a deeply content cat purring and basking by wills side.

I do honestly think it’s touchy as hell right away too. On the cliff a dam is definitely broken and there is a kind of physical contact and intimacy there hasn’t been before, and I think once they start touching there’s no reigning that back in. I definitely think a first kiss would be initiated by will because funnily enough even though he doesn’t have it early on, by that point hannibal almost has a strange insecurity with him-he is deeply vulnerable to rejection from him and I think would be afraid of pushing especially now. That being said, I think it would happen very quickly, within the first day, and it’s as natural as breathing. They’re already in each others space, clinging to each other for warmth, survival, coming down from the high of everything, treating their wounds, at some point it goes from just breathing in each others air to being connected. They’ve begun to blur. I’m extremely soft about them showering together, sleeping intertwined, in the days after. There’s just such a peace after the hollow ache that has been there for both of them for so long.

I do think it is an interesting stretch for will to spend with hannibal because he starts to see him in a much more vulnerable light. He starts to be more of just a man to him, a man that he loves, that wakes up from nightmares or has flashes of insecurity he starts to recognize, that has strange little fussy habits and preferences that make will feel fond.

I was talking the other day that I feel like Will will sort of enjoy getting things for him but he’ll be so particular about how hannibal gets only the best. He’ll grumble all the way about it but go out of his way to get exactly the right coffee beans, tea leaves, flowers, etc for him. And it’s not even that hannibal cares, he would love anything from will! But it’s important to will that his beloved has exactly what he wants and likes. Of course will is ridiculously possessive, we know that, and it’s only amplified post fall. Hannibal is the most precious thing he has and of how he treats his dogs is any indication, he is VERY particular about what hannibal gets. I also think he’s spent so long wanting/trying to hurt him, there’s a particular delight in wanting to please him, to see him delighted and it’s because of HIM. Oh and if he gave something that hannibal could wear, the fucking power trip of that kind of claim on him.

I think they teach each other things a lot too. I love will teaching him fishing, and loving Hannibal’s undivided attention and how much hannibal wants to be involved in wills interests, and in turn will dabbles in cooking and music and such. They often cook together, although hannibal starts burning things more often than he ever has in his entire life because will gets very randy about him in the kitchen. And there’s absolutely nothing to unpack there, no sir!

Of course they do murder stuff, I mean. It’s them. But I think less and less as the life they’ve carved out together is too important to risk drawing attention, so it’s a special date night treat rather than Hannibal’s manic look at me come catch me flurry in Europe.

They also psychologically torture each other but it’s mainly just for enrichment in their cage. Will knows hannibal will go crazy and start eating the drywall if he’s bored even a second so he deliberately instigates shit and causes situations just so hannibal has a project. There’s a lot more honesty though when it really matters, the mind games and lying are mostly just a weird sex thing for them, they know where they’re at at the end of it. Hannibal also is running Pavlov-esque experiments on whatever dogs will gets just as something to do and will is begrudgingly okay with it as long as it’s harmless.

Hannibal’s social life is bad because will acts like a deranged lunatic going “you know other men????” Anytime he mentions like. The mailman. But he’s okay with it because will is all that he actually needs and the only person he actually cares to talk to-as long as will still goes with him to parties and operas because if he doesn’t get his little nights out on the town he will kill everyone and then himself. Relationships, it’s all about balance.

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?

Hey I know this isn’t exactly along the guidelines but… Hannibal realizing he’s transfem after the fall. He and will could both have their becomings together!

omg that is so sweet "having both of their becomings together" 😭🩵 curling up in a ball and wailing (/positive). tysm for submitting a prompt!! i'm tucking it into my future fic folder <3

to anyone reading this: *begging on my hands and knees and batting my lashes at you*

please please please send me Hannigram prompts if you have any ideas you want written!!! vulnerable Hannibal is my niche at this point, but i'm also trying to branch out into more casual pwp or domestic bliss themes as well if those are of interest to you. btw there are no guidelines you have to stick to for submitting a prompt. i'm open to writing anything! smut prompts are perfectly fine too (and something i really, really want to practice writing more of as an ace author).

Vulnerable Hannibal Fic Rec List

Updated 3/23/2025 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 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.

Lithuanian Words:

Will is trying to find Hannibal to consult with him on a case. He finds Hannibal drunk into an emotional stupor in his study, speaking in a language Will doesn't understand. Filled for a prompt on the Hannibal kinkmeme. Hurt/comfort.

omg this was the very first vulnerable Hannibal fic i read years ago and i can't believe i found it again?!! god i love this so much because Hannibal regresses to speaking Lithuanian when Will stops by (and it's so rare to see in season 1/season 2 fics).

so so real omg the way he's a vulnerable little pumpkin in the BSHCI becoming crestfallen when Will says "no" after being asked if it was good to see him 😭💔

Me seeing hannibal looking sad and pathetic in his tupperware

you just know Hannibal's mind would do the equivalent of a blue screen and he would stand there frozen in shock the first time it happens, soaking in Will's southern accent softening the word 🤭

Something something hierarchy of needs pyramid with will graham calling hannibal baby just once on it somewhere

Hitting follow on every reblog with tags that seem like they might be a hannibal apologist

me when i realized there were no fics exploring Will finding out Hannibal's toilet was removed in the BSHCI and i had to write it myself 😔

people will see a fandom thing and be like "why isn't this a fanfic" "why is there no fanfic about this" my brother in christ, because you're not writing it