empathicfault | IC Inbox

It is always best to keep him wrongfooted and the situation kind of did that. What he likes to do to isolate me is drive subtle wedges in between me and anyone he meets that I care about. Plant little seeds of unhappiness he hopes the host’s own imagination will grow.

Ah. [ Will's smile is a little wry. ] I'm familiar with that technique. A lot harder to do when the target is surrounded by friends and family, admittedly.

[ Will leans in for a gentle kiss this time, pulling back with a small smile. ]

Even if he didn't talk to them, I'm sure he could tell you were different. Bet that was infuriating, changes he didn't have a hand in.

[Malcolm smiles, his eyes widening a little. It surprises him that he hadn’t thought of that. And he’s also delighted.]

God, I hope so!

[ Will always loves surprising a smile out of Malcolm like that. He grins in response, the small smile now nowhere to be seen. ]

He'll have a harder time poking holes in your resolve after this place.

I did stab him right before I got here. But he was from before that. He didn’t know.

It sounded like he didn't know a lot of things you'd been through.

[ And because what he has to say next is delicate, Will gently brushes Malcolm's hair back and kissed his temple. ]

Having met him, there's no way he'd die from one stab, you know. I'm sure he'll survive to guilt trip you another day.

[Malcolm lifts his head to look at Will’s eyes. He wishes there was less hope in his own gaze; he knows Will will see it.]

Do you think so?

[ Will's smile is warm and reassuring. ]

I do. He's too stubborn to go from that. He'll be okay.

[ He kisses Malcolm's forehead, hugging him close. And he hopes the bastard comes out of it with a shaky hand, at least. ]

Well, the police found us right after it happened, so maybe he’s back in his cell at Claremont already. [He melts against Will as he’s hugged, happy to soak up the warmth.] And we can visit him there so you can get a proper look at his cell.

Well, I've already had a good look at his cell, in that memory of yours we shared. But I'd still like to see him in it after we get back, so that'd be nice.

[ Hearing about the police arriving does make him a little concerned about whether Malcolm will be in trouble with them, but- for now? They've broached the topic enough. ]

Ainsley was worried that you'd never come back, you know. That I'd whisk you away or you'd like this place too much. Hopefully I eased her worries.

I’m glad you did. I wasn’t sure what to say. I want to see them again, but part of me isn’t sure about going back. Maybe we can take her on a trip with us somewhere. So once we leave she knows we can always come back.

I think that'd help, yeah.

Don't want you to miss out on more time with your family, if you want it. You don't have to...go back to your old version of normal, in order to have that.

Now and then. In manageable doses. Note to anyone who thinks I’m A Lot: I’m the least A Lot in my whole family.

[ Will laughs lightly, breathing in the smell of sleep and comfort from Malcolm. ]

I did get that impression. I'm honestly glad I had the screen in between us for this first meeting.

Yeah, it takes some working up to, the whole Whitly experience. Dinner at my mother’s legacy townhouse on the Upper East Side, for example.

[ Will whistles quietly, acting impressed. ]

So you're saying I'll need to see a tailor before I head over there. And probably comb my hair. And maybe leave the dogs at home.

She definitely won’t let the dogs inside. She made me get rid of my snakes as soon as one of them got out of its enclosure one time. And you can see a tailor if you want to but she won’t make you stay outside no matter what you wear or I’m going with you.

[ That gets another chuckle out of Will. ]

Glad to know I'd have company, at least.

You know, I never did go to any of Hannibal's fancy dinner parties. Sort of wish I had the experience now.

Ew. No you don’t.

[ Will laughs and rolls a little in place, turning bright eyes at Malcolm's. ]

No, I really don't. I'd rather have a root canal.

[Malcolm grins.]

I’m afraid we only offer kisses here.

Oh, yeah? Guess I'll have to 'settle' for that, then.

[ He stares into Malcolm's (very blue) eyes before leaning in for the offered kiss. As he pulls back, he smirks a little. ]

And you said you don't banter...

Did I just banter? I’m having so many new experiences with you.

[Teasing a little, but also still true.]

[ Will grins, eyes closing in what looks like bliss. ]

Same here. And yes, you did. Congratulations.

[ After a long moment that seems like he might be dozing, he opens his eyes again, looking at Malcolm. ]

You were really worried how I was going to react to your family?

Well… it was more that I wanted your perspective. I was curious what you would see, from the outside.

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