Title: Honour Every Part
Fandom: Hannibal (TV)
Rating: General (but see content notes)
Pairing: Hannibal/Will
Length: 250 words
Content notes: Consensual cannibalism, character death, future fic.
Author notes: Please excuse the UK spelling. I usually try to match the spelling to the fandom, but I just couldn't this time.
Summary: This was only ever going to end one of two ways.


"You need to add more thyme," Hannibal said, peering over Will's shoulder. "It will bring out the flavour--"

"--of the marinade," Will finished. Thirty-whatever years, and Hannibal had never stopped treating him like a novice in the kitchen. He pushed the slices of meat around the pan and scattered a pinch of fresh herbs over them. He turned to look at Hannibal. "Happy?"

Hannibal inclined his head, a faint smile playing over his lips. The sunlight through their kitchen window illuminated every line and crease on his face, highlighted every silver hair, but he still looked better than he had for a long time.

Will leaned his head into Hannibal's chest for a moment, seeking out warmth.

"How long did you hang the meat?"

It still pained Will to hear uncertainty in Hannibal's voice. There had been too much of that in the last few months. "Probably not long enough."

"Always so impatient." Hannibal brushed against Will's back as they moved to the table. "I'll be here as long as you need me. You don't have to rush."

Two places were set at the table, as always. Will poured two glasses of wine without thinking, and had to rub his eyes with the back of his sleeve before he filled only one plate.

Hannibal watched him with the detached curiosity that hadn't fooled Will in a long time. "Did you look forward to this, or did you dread it?"

Will picked up his knife and fork, and looked down at all he had left of Hannibal outside of his imagination. "Yes."