(no subject)

[cook_the_rude]

On this wonderful bright May afternoon, Dr. Hannibal Lecter is sitting in a booth near the back window, with a large sheet of paper and a number of pencils and scalpels, drawing.

He's drawing a re-imagination of a classic painting, 'Judith Slaying Holofernes', the version by Artemisia Gentileschi.

In his pencil version, Holofernes has no beard, is blond, and looks remarkably like Eric Northman. Judith does look a little like Sunshine in the original already; now she looks even more so.

The maid, in Hannibal's version, is wearing round glasses and a worried expression.

He is whistling as he works.

Comments

[cook_the_rude]

"Of course you can," Dr. Lecter says. "You just saw me draw it. It's just your faces, with no added blood or vampires. Take it home and cherish it."

[herr_bookman]

"I've always felt that your gifts come with a price," Autor murmurs, peering at the sketch. He picks up his book. "But for the life of me, I can't think of what the catch behind this one is."

[cook_the_rude]

"The price for most of my gifts isn't nearly as steep as you seem to think," Hannibal says, "and this is just what it seems -- a spontaneous little sketch of two good friends."

[herr_bookman]

"Ah, but there's where you're wrong," Autor says, adjusting his glasses again. "I'm not your friend."

[cook_the_rude]

"You aren't friends with Rae, then?" Dr. Lecter asks, almost playfully.

[herr_bookman]

"What? Of course I'm friends with her," Autor says, frowning a little. "Don't twist my words."

[cook_the_rude]

"I just said it was a sketch of two good friends," Hannibal points out. "I didn't claim you were my friends, even though you wound me if you insist you're not."

[herr_bookman]

"Well, then I wound you," Autor says callously. "While I must give you my compliments as to the quality of the sketch, I simply cannot take it. Good day, Dr. Lecter."

[cook_the_rude]

Dr. Lecter chuckles. "Always so very keen to discharge yourself from my company," he says.

[herr_bookman]

"And you always seem so keen on keeping me near," Autor says, furrowing his brow. "I wonder why."

[cook_the_rude]

"I like you?" Dr. Lecter says.

[herr_bookman]

Autor stares at the good doctor for a long time. The boy shifts his feet. "You really shouldn't," he says distantly, and then dips his head. "Good day."

He turns to walk away.

[cook_the_rude]

"Good day, Autor," Dr. Lecter says, taking up his large drawing again.

[herr_bookman]

Autor nods and wanders off, wondering whether or not he should have taken the drawing after all.

[cook_the_rude]

Dr. Lecter orders a glass of wine as Autor leaves, appearing as content with the world as always.-