Chapter Text
The ticking of the clock echoed in Hannibal's ears, loud and unbearable. It was making it excruciatingly difficult to focus his attention on the patient in front of him, but then again, Hannibal never truly pay attention when it came to the beta. He was currently reduced to tears and fidgeting with the same napkin Hannibal had handed him in the beginning of the session, crumbling it into a distorted mass of white flakes in his hands. The beta was insufferable, Hannibal knew, but not rude enough to be considered a nuisance to society. But as Franklyn Froideveaux rambled on and on, Hannibal couldn't help but feel his patience dwindling with every second. Did frustration count as rudeness?
"I just feel so lonely, doctor. What should I do?" The beta cried, dabbing his red eyes with the nearly disintegrated tissue. Its pulpy mass began to fall to the ground with every turn in Franklyn's hands.
"I am not here to dole out advice, Franklyn. You know this," Hannibal drawled, his voice gruff from lack of use during their 45 minute session. Mr. Froideveaux had the propensity to tears and while usually, Hannibal was able to drown it out with his own internal thought, they seemed particularly difficult to avoid this time. The man in front of him looked like a bloated pig, sweating from every pore. If Hannibal were a lesser man, he probably would not have been able to contain his disgust. Fortunately for Franklyn, he was not a lesser man.
"I know, doctor, I know. But-but as a friend, perhaps you could just-" Franklyn blew his nose and with a huff, dropped the napkin to the side on Hannibal's mahogany table. Hannibal's eyes subtly shifted to the discarded napkin, then back to the beta in front of him.
"Franklyn. We have discussed this before. Our relationship, while intimate, is not a friendship-" the alpha sighed, uncrossing his legs and learning in, his posture practically loomed over the man.
"But, but Doctor Lecter-"
"Franklyn, I must insist we end the session for tonight." Hannibal's voice remained cool and calm, his usual Lithuanian lilt remaining smooth, but Hannibal knew Franklyn had gotten the message. The beta simply nodded once, getting up quickly to collect his things. It was endearing, Hannibal supposed, the way the beta responded to an alpha in authority. Similar to the way a pet respected its owner. "I'll walk you out," Hannibal continued, allowing the sniffling man to turn about the room and head towards the door.
"Doctor Lecter, I must apologize," Franklyn whined as Hannibal ushered him towards the exit.
"That's quite alright." And while it wasn't actually alright, Hannibal was not about to let this man break his demeanor. The alpha took the beta by the shoulder as he walked with him, trying to get Franklyn out of the room as smoothly as possible. The beta exited out of the door, turning quickly to get some last words in before Hannibal twisted his lips up in a tight smile, nodded goodbye, and finally closed the door.
Hannibal's tight-lipped smile relaxed into a grimace as he walked back around to where the beta had originally sat. Taking out a silver-shelled ballpoint pen from his pocket and snatching up the wastebasket near the back, Hannibal gently pushed the used tissue into the trash. The muted scent of beta was all that was left of Franklyn Froideveaux: a chemically clean smell like lysol and bleach. Probably from scent enhancers that were marketed towards sad and desperate betas who wish for the world to take them as seriously as they take themselves. It was a disgusting smell and, although faint, Hannibal would pick it up from a mile away. It made treating Franklyn Froideveaux quite simple. He was a beta desperate for the approval of alphas. Therefore, their relationship worked quite well. His problems were simple and incessant. While Hannibal enjoyed the mental free time that came with listening to Franklyn's rant about unimportant and mundane social issues, it came to be quite boring after a while. Hannibal can admit he snapped just a little today, ending the session a few minutes earlier than usual. He doesn't usually and while he thinks it rude to end a session for abruptly, it was better for his and Franklyn's sake in the long run.
The clock ticked on and Hannibal noted that his next client would be arriving soon. The alpha fiddled with his tie, smoothing out his vest before sitting down at his office armchair. The leather of the chair crinkled under his weight as Hannibal scanned the desk before him. Neat and nearly inhumanely organized. Perhaps he should have a file out of place just to not draw unusual suspicion. Humans are messy, Hannibal learned as a child. And although he too is human, Hannibal had always felt himself a different species of human. Perhaps even a more advanced species. He couldn't understand the trite and mundane emotions that humans seemed to experience every second. It must be tiring for the lesser humans, Hannibal had always thought. Although, this was not sympathy or empathy, but instead merely an observation from a child who observed everything.
The alpha reached down in his desk to fish out the file of his newest client, who was set to appear in merely minutes. The manila folder opened and nothing but a single sheet of paper shifted inside. While his usual clients had files that bulged (Franklyn's nearly spilled open), this specific client was nothing but a single page. One page to say everything that there ever was about him. And while others may think this to be a sad fact, Hannibal could appreciate the simplicity.
William Verger was 22 years old and born in Blue Bonnet, Louisiana. This was his first time coming to therapy. Hannibal could assume this since there was no medical record attached. And while Hannibal might think this odd, he was more inclined to focus in on the omega symbol that was circled in black ink. The information on Mr. William Verger was quite limited as it seems. How interesting, Hannibal mused. It had been quite a while since his last new client and he was finding himself bored with his usual.
Omegas were, in Hannibal's opinion, quite pathetic creatures. He held no resentment against them, just pity. While betas were annoying and desperate, much like rowdy golden retrievers, omegas were simply sweet and fitful little things. They tittered and smiled too hard and fidgeted in their seats all while drooling over the closest alpha to them. Hannibal knows enough to understand that society had some help in shaping omegas into the walking, talking stereotypes they are today. Every alpha dreamed of their very own omega, perfect and sweet. They were unfortunate in a way, burdened with the task of bearing life for unworthy alphas. The cycle continued on and on until the end of time. Alphas developed their machismo complexes in order to attract the most suitable omega to their sides and perpetuate their DNA for the rest of the world to see. It was all rather logical and painfully unexciting. And while Hannibal had no interest in ever mating with an omega, he could see its benefit in maintaining the image he wished to present to the outside world: normal, usual, expected.
William Verger would be no exception. Simple file for a simple man. Hannibal could easily think of hundreds of different reasons as to why a young, married omega might come in to see him. Martial issues, fertility issues, self-esteem issues. With omega clients, Hannibal had broken them down into only a limited number of problems. They were easy to sort out, easy to calm, and easy to please. So there was no doubt that crossed Hannibal's mind that he could not fix William Verger.
The shrill ring of the doorbell alerted the alpha to the presence behind the entrance. It was time to unveil this new client of his and Hannibal once again tweaked on his usual plastic smile. With an elegant swing of his arm, Hannibal pulled open the ornately carved door, revealing what he could only assume was a vision of his own creation. It made Hannibal pause for a second, maybe less than. Mr. Verger was no simple man, as Hannibal had once thought, for no mere human could be this bewitching, this vexing. Hannibal has never felt what others may call true love, as love for him had always been an abstract concept confused for the firing of neurons in the brain and the releasing of chemical reactions to create a state of euphoria. He's felt lust before, a rather animalistic feeling deep in his loins. Hannibal had always appreciated going back to the basics.
But this was unique.
Unique in a way that he isn't sure he could describe. William Verger looked up at him like he was looking up at the face of God. Did he look at everyone with such wonderful, inquisitive eyes? Deep crystal blue caverns that seemed to bore into Hannibal's soul (if he had believed in that sort of thing). Mr. Verger was young, as Hannibal knew he would be, but how lovely a creature he was. Unruly curls that flowed down like rivers, like grape vines, like Botticelli goddesses. Soft rosy cheeks that hinted at a slight plumpness and shapely pink bow lips. The elegant slope of a creamy white neck. Hannibal suddenly knew what it must have felt like to be akin to a god, seeking out the affections of a lovely young mortal and metamorphasizing himself in order to have them. After all, what were love stories build from if not the tatters of Ancient Greece? Had Zeus not loved Leda? Had Apollo not loved Hyacinthus? Had Hades not loved Persephone?
Hannibal's visual frenzy came to an abrupt end at the sight of a faded and scarred mating bite peaking out from under the Omega's shirt, right at the base of his shoulder. While Hannibal could appreciate keeping traditional, he found it was truly unfortunate that the omega was married. Hannibal had half the mind to snatch the boy up for himself, just as the gods had paved the way before him.
"Doctor Lecter-?" The omega murmured lowly, voice slightly rougher than the omegas Hannibal had come to know. It ran down his spine like water down a rocky creek, trickling slow and steady. The alpha knew he would most likely be disappointed by Will the way he's always disappointed by beautiful omegas. But, Hannibal wanted this omega, if only because it pleased the alpha to look at him.
"Yes, come in Mr. Verger." Hannibal purred as he backed up to allow the omega to slip past him. He was a slight thing, skinnier than a feral cat, but Hannibal enjoyed the way he felt as he brushed against him when trying to squeeze past. Hannibal subtly leaned down to scent the omega to quench his own curiosity. To his surprise, the boy was more or less scentless, but had a faint chemical undertone. Scent blockers, perhaps? He wonders what the lovely little thing would smell like without the use of synthetics-- like honey and rotting fruit, like blood dripped flowers that matches his cheeks. The thought made Hannibal's mouth water.
Hannibal closed the door behind them with a heavy clunk before turning back to see the omega wandering the office. He looked like he belonged there, in Hannibal's carefully designed palace. The rich maroons matched the icy cold of the omega's eyes. The dark woods complimented his even darker hair. He flitted around the room like a little bird, taking in each corner and brushing his fingers along the curves of the furniture. Curious thing, Hannibal thought. Very tactile.
"Please, sit down," Hannibal hummed before he took his own place in his chair, crossing his leg over the other and curling his fingers together. The sweet creature walked with soft steps towards the empty chair, his shoes faintly clicking against the polished wood flooring. He barely sunk into the leather of the seat, not willing to relax into its plushness the way other omegas had. He didn't seem nervous, but rather impatient, tapping his fingers silently against the arm of the chair. Hannibal would be lying if he said he hadn't noticed the gold band wrapped around Will's elegant bony ring finger.
"We can begin by telling me why you've decided to come today, Mr-"
"It's just Will." The omega chirped, fidgeting in his seat. He looked...uncomfortable. Like a moth pinned on a corkboard. Hannibal wanted to peel back his wings, dissect him slowly and marvel at the beauty of his hues.
"Will." The name rolled off of Hannibal's tongue in a purr. A lovely name for a lovely boy. A will to live, a will to fight, a will to survive. "Alright. Let's begin by discussing why you've come today, Will."
"Well, as I understand," the omega began, shifting again in his seat, "You're authorized to dole out prescriptions."
Hannibal tilted his head ever-so-slightly. The boy was here for a medication prescription? His file hadn't included any reference to a medication prescription. The sudden stab of disappointment began to gnaw at Hannibal's gut. Perhaps he was wrong, perhaps the boy was simply a drug addict looking for his new dealer. But that was rather odd, wasn't it? Other than the skittish behavior and the litheness of his body, Will hadn't looked like a drug addict. In fact, he looked rather healthy. There was shine to his hair and a sparkle in his eyes. His cheeks were pink and his lips were soft. He looked rather well taken care of. Like a particularly well-fed cat. His owner must care a great deal for his appearance.
"I see," Hannibal slowly murmured. "And what would you be seeking a prescription for?"
"Birth control," Will deadpanned, his eyes unwavering from Hannibal's gaze. Hannibal inhaled in the scent of desperation reeking off the omega, sharp and tangy like burnt orange peel.
"A rather odd request," Hannibal drawled, "Why come to therapy for a prescription instead of going through your primary practitioner?"
"Well, Doctor-"
"Please, just Hannibal." The alpha's smile grew slightly, a tinge of teasing that made the omega's cheeks grow a beautiful rosy blood red that pooled just below the skin's surface.
The omega blinked once, twice, before continuing, "Hannibal… you'll see that my primary is also the family doctor." The alpha's name on Will's tongue sounded like heaven and Hannibal wished to drink it from his mouth.
The picture, however, was becoming clearer with every second. How trivial, Hannibal thought. An omega who wishes to take birth control without the knowledge of his alpha. It was a rather common issue for omegas who's alphas were in control of the most miniscule parts of their lives. Not every omega wished for motherhood and while it was well within their rights to deny an alpha a child, it was still common practice amongst traditional families for the alpha to be the head of the household. If Will had made an appointment with Hannibal just for this reason, he must have a particularly willful alpha at home.
"And I assume you'd not like your alpha to know of this?" Hannibal asked, "May I ask why?" He knew why already. What was a more unjust punishment for an omega of Will's caliber than to carry the child of an alpha they despise? No alpha could live up to the standards that prime omegas deserve. Well, no alpha other than Hannibal himself.
Frivolous thoughts. Hannibal should stop thinking about such things.
Will scoffed, rubbing his hands together. "How do you suggest, Doctor, that I bring up to my husband that I don't want to have his children, nor do I even want his….manhood...near me." Will had slowly sunk into the seat more, becoming more comfortable in Hannibal's presence. "It's not exactly something I can bring up at dinner time."
"Do you find that you aren't satisfied with your marriage?" Hannibal knew the phrasing of his question was a bit leading. He didn't really care. He watched as Will's pupils began to shrink as he fidgeted in his seat once more. Instead of looking at Hannibal, the omega's attention moved to his surroundings. He was like a cat being cornered, looking for any escape route. It amused Hannibal to see him so untrusting in his presence, but try as hard as he might to not let it show on his face. Avoidance of questions was common in therapy and usually the alpha would move on and come back to it later, but seeing the omega have such a reaction to the question was more than delightful for the doctor. He wanted to see the inner workings of the omega's mind, he wanted to see just how far he could push him. "Will?" Hannibal asked once more, bringing Will back to the question at hand.
"I suppose you could call it that. Dissatisfaction." Will pronounced every syllable with acute sensitivity. The sound of the word made Hannibal's skin crawl. He watched as the word was pulled out from between Will's teeth, harsh and sharp like razors. Will wasn't upset by the fact that his marriage was in shambles, heartbroken the way most omegas would be, Hannibal internally mused, he's annoyed by it.
"So you've come here not for therapy, but for a prescription of contraceptives behind your husband's back?" Hannibal questioned further. He could tell the question had bristled Will as the omega began to shrink slightly back into the chair, gripping the side arms. It was interesting to see how visceral his reactions were. They were unlike Hannibal's, who has spent decades attempting to mask his emotions behind his plastic smile. Will was young, 22 years old and practically a barely ripened fruit. Hannibal would be lying if he wasn't curious to see what Will had looked like in his youth. A little vixen, Hannibal was sure. His feline features were alluring and Hannibal has no doubt that they've drawn in their fair share of alphas and betas. Which begs the question: what made Will finally settle for one?
Finally, Will once again met eyes with Hannibal. "Doctor Lecter, do I sense judgment on your part?" Will smirked teasingly, his lips curling up at the corners.
Hannibal lightly chuckled at the question, feeling himself beginning to grow more and more curious the further he spoke with the boy across from him. Will Verger was not a typical omega. He was not sweet and empty-headed. He was manipulative. He knew how to play the alphas around him by weaponizing the assets that have marginalized him all his life. No doubt he's done this since he was young, Hannibal silently mused. A young tyrant in the making.
"Of course not. I hold no judgement against my clients." Hannibal responded cooly, leaning back against his seat. The heat of Will's stare caused Hannibal's skin to prickle deliciously.
"Let me ask you a question, doctor," Will's lips curled around each letter. "Do you believe that Alphas and Omegas could truly be friends?"
An interesting question. Hannibal paused before responding, noticing the fresh pink in Will's cheeks, his creamy neck beginning to strain. "Do you believe they can?" Hannibal turned the question back. The corner of Will's lips turned up in a semi-smile.
"I don't think so. They're just too different." The omega responded back, his hand raising up to brush a loose curl behind his ear. Hannibal had noticed the action, his eyes snapping to the sight and then back at Will's eyes. He was playing a rather dangerous game with Hannibal and the alpha wasn't sure if Will knew all the rules quite yet.
"Different? In what way?" Hannibal pressed on.
Will hummed, tapping his fingers softly against the arm of his chair. "Well, you tell me, doctor. Don't all alphas want to just get laid and knock up as many omegas as they can?" Alluring ocean eyes stared into Hannibal's, luring him and ensnaring his senses, but the alpha could see through the little charade Will was putting on for him. If asking doesn't work, charm the therapist, get the prescription. Hannibal knew he shouldn't be baited by the little act, but he couldn't help but be intrigued. Therefore, he played along.
"You believe that Alphas and Omegas are ruled by their primal instincts?" Hannibal's pulse quickened with every tick of the clock. It rang like drums in his ears. How he wished time would slow its marching.
"Aren't they?" Will purred. "Aren't we all ruled by some primal urge in us? You see, Hannibal. I find that alphas and omegas will never be able to truly be friends. Alphas will always want to keep omegas barefoot and pregnant. Omegas will always be knocked up and complacent. It's the way of life, don't ya think?" The batting of eyelashes, the small panting breaths. Their bodies began to naturally gravitate towards each other and Hannibal knew this was all in the omega's design. It was a enticing one, if not effective. What a clever little tongue, Will had. Hannibal wanted to cut it out and watch it writhe.
This was a dangerous conversation. Hannibal should end it. He knows he should end it. He knows this. He knows this. He knows this.
A phone begins to ring. Will seems apologetic, embarrassed even, as he reached into his pocket and pulling out his phone. He looked up at Hannibal with downward casted doe-eyes, begging for acceptance of his remorsefulness. How could the alpha resist such a look? Hannibal nods curly and Will is up from his seat and in the corner of the room. He speaks in hushed tones and quiet hums and Hannibal knows it's Will's husband on the line. A soft I'll be home soon, a little no worries, a subtle I'm alone, yes I love you too. It was all so fake, so very manicured, and it made Hannibal's teeth ache. He desperately wanted to know who this alpha could be, the one who dared to muzzle the mouth of such an exquisite omega and turn him into a river of platitudes and false affection.
Will hung up shortly after and shoved the phone back inside his pant pocket. "I-I um, apologize Doctor Lecter. I think I must be going now." He quickly rushed to put his jacket back on and Hannibal could see his hands were shaking.
"It's quite alright," he watched Will fasten his buttons with clumsy precision and Hannibal had half the mind to do it for him. "As for your prescription…" Hannibal began, "I'll send it personally to your pharmacy."
Will's cheeks erupted in a bright pomegranate red, so juicy that Hannibal wished to take a bite. With wide eyes, Hannibal could see that the seductress was gone and the naive young man was back. The mask had fallen just a bit. Will batted his eyelashes in surprise and looked down bashfully at his feet. "Doctor.. I-"
"Please, I insist you call me Hannibal." Any sense of familiarity between them was welcome to Hannibal, who wished to hear his name fall from those perfect lips like petals of a tree.
Will's lips curled into a smile, genuine and sweet. All the youth and innocence a teenager could have. "Thank you, really." How pretty he was when he was his most natural self, Hannibal mused. I wish to see all of his sides, every last one.
"And I'll be happy to continue to refill them," Hannibal began, "If you'd be willing to come back for more sessions." The alpha sat up from his chair to guide the omega to the exit. He slid one hand down to Will's lowerback, his hold firm and yet gentle. He wonders if the sudden contact was too familiar, if he was crossing the line too soon. If Will held issue with it, he didn't make it known.
"I've always hated the term 'session', it makes it seem so clinical," Will laughed, following the alpha to the door.
Hannibal's eyes crinkled as he smiled, a light rumbling began in his chest. "Well, then perhaps we could have something akin to...conversations."
"Conversations? Like between friends?" Will smirked, his smile mischievous. He looked up at the alpha with boyish enjoyment and Hannibal resisted the urge to curl his arm tighter around the omega.
"Yes, between two friends." Hannibal felt his stomach begin to warm and his legs began to feel numb. His lips curled up into a smile. Not plastic, not fake, but genuine.