Clarice made her way down the stone steps of the prison. She was nervous about seeing Dr. Lecter but at the same time filled with a joy she couldn't explain.

Eventually she reached the usual corridor which led to his cell. As soon as the door opened she walked quickly down the hall AWAY from the other inmates. This was mainly about what happened to her the first time with Miggs and his reaction to seeing her.

When she reached his cell her heart began to race. He looked as handsome as ever but she daren't say so. She decided to catch her breath but tried not to look like a fool as she did so.

"Getting ahead of ourselves are we Clarice?" Lecter teased playfully. His dark eyes twinkled with a hint of mischief as she did so.

"Sorry I was just in a hurry" Clarice apologized and straightened up. She made sure her clothes were not wrinkled or stained. She wanted to look her best for him since he was very keen on manners.

"Please sit" Lecter said politely. He raised one hand in the direction of a seat placed in front of the cell.

Clarice smiled politely and parked herself upon the chair. She didn't cross her legs but kept them tightly together. She was anxious to speak to him properly and yet nervous about how she appeared to him.

She was wearing a white blouse with 2 buttons undone, a black pencil skirt with a small slit on the left side, black tights, black heels and a gray blazer. Her accessories consisted of 2 small diamond studs and a fake pearl necklace.

"Are you well? It has been some time since we last spoke" Lecter said politely. He had sat himself upon his bed with crossed legs and his hands perched upon his knee.

Clarice smiled "I am doctor thank you for asking. Work has been stressful but I am managing" she said politely.

Lecter smiled "I am glad to hear that Clarice. The last time you came you seemed upset about the treatment you were receiving. You look much more pleasant when you are happy" he said admirably.

Clarice felt a gentle blush tint her cheeks. The things he said were astounding; he really knew how to make a woman feel special. She coughed discretely "It's nice to know you think so much of me Dr. Lecter" she said gratefully.

"I speak nothing but the truth Clarice" Lecter said with a slightly fond tone.

Slowly he let his eyes roam her body. His heart raced every time he got a glance of her but he was good at keeping his cool.

Her soft creamy skin; He longed to touch it for real someday instead of just looking at it through glass. Her short auburn hair the colour of fire; he deeply wished for her to grow it out but still loved her short bob. Her big blue eyes the colour of the sky that changed with every emotion that filled her.

Her breasts were average sized and yet perfect; he was not a man to judge on size and simply appreciate the finer things. The shirt she was wearing made outlined them wonderfully and he could slightly see her laced bra but kept that to himself.

She had long slender legs well toned; she had mentioned she liked to run which was probably why they were so long. The black tights she wore looked great on her and he was loving that cheeky slit on the left side.

"I brought you something" Clarice said sweetly a cheeky smile spreading across her face.

"I see. How kind of you" Lecter said gratefully. He loved it when she brought gifts and somehow she always knew what he liked.

Clarice placed a small pouch bag in the drawer then pushed it through. That sweet smile on her face became bigger and more bashful.

Lecter approached the drawer slowly and took out the pouch. He held it in his hand and stroked it with his thumb for a while. She had brought him a gift which was rare as she usually just came to talk about work and was often grumpy.

"It won't bite" Clarice teased playfully. There was a naughty twinkle in her eye as she said this. She loved teasing him as it made her visits more fun and enjoyable.

Lecter smirked impressed by her boldness. He had become rather fond of her visits and admired her courage. Slowly he untied the pouch and his eyes widened in shock.

"Clarice this is..." Lecter said in amazement.

"Do you like it?" Clarice said bashfully. Her eyes looked concerned as if she thought he would hate it.

She had given him a small picture frame with a photo of her inside. She was wearing a pretty blue shirt and was stood in the garden wearing a smile.

Lecter stroked the picture with his finger. Never had he received such a personal gift before; not since he was a young boy.

"Clarice..." He said gently but with a more sincere tone. His eyes became gentle and yet so full of life.

Clarice stood up and walked closer to the glass then placed her hand upon it. She gazed at him gently "I love you...Hannibal" she said quietly.

Lecter looked at her tenderly his maroon eyes filled with love. She was so kind to him and yet was so feisty which he loved about her. He hadn't cared about someone like this before; not since Mischa.

Lecter placed the photo upon his desk in the corner slowly and then walked towards the glass slowly. As he reached closer he could feel his heart race faster; what kind of magic did she use on him to make him feel this way.

Lecter raised his hand to touch the glass. He wanted to touch her in person but this was all he could do till his next escape.

They symmetrised each other but said not a word and simply gazed into each other's eyes admiring one another.

After 20 minutes Clarice sighed heavily and a pained look came across her face "I have to go" she said sadly.

"That you do Clarice; it is getting late and you need to rest" Lecter said firmly but in a gentle tone.

Clarice turned to leave but never removed her hand. She took a deep breath then said quietly "The next time you escape...come see me".

Lecter smiled deviously "I promise" he said cautiously. The guards were always watching so sometimes they had to speak in hushed tones about more personal matters.

Clarice walked away and pulled her hand from the glass. She hated to leave him but she had to. Her heart ached with love for him but their relationship would always be secret and it would stay that way.

Lecter watched her walk down the corridor miserably. He knew how hard this was for her but admired her courage and emotional strength.

Outside

Clarice climbed into her mustang without a word. She shut the door and then just sat at the wheel silently. She loved him deeply but their lifestyles were too different and yet she didn't care.

Lecter was a cannibalistic murderer yes but he was more polite, mature and sincere than the stupid lecherous workers at the FBI. He spoke only the truth to her and merely scolded her when she was out of line. He listened to her past without raising an eyebrow or looking bored like so many had before.

"Get a grip Starling like it'll ever happen" She scolded herself crossly. She was a serious woman but she wanted to have her dream with him. It was hard to accept but she was in love with him.

Inside jail

Lecter was reading a book upon his bed silently. The picture of Clarice was sat in the corner on his desk.

"Excuse me Dr. Lecter" Barney said politely but with an anxious tone.

Lecter looked up from his book and smiled charismatically "Yes Barney what can I do for you?".

"I..uh...I brought your food" Barney said placing the tray in the drawer.

"Thank you Barney I appreciate your kindness" Lecter said gratefully.

Barney pushed the drawer through and then said "Let us know when you're done". With that he left but would be watching from the monitor.

Lecter closed his book but placed a bookmark on his page. Slowly he rose to his feet and the fragrant smell of his meal wafted through his nose. He was very pleased with the meal Barney had given him.

Chicken with herbs, peas, a small corn on the cob and a small container of BBQ sauce. There was a napkin and luckily he had been given plastic cutlery.

He took the plate and sat upon his bed to eat. Quietly he cursed at being forced to use children's table wear and being treated like a prisoner. As he began to enjoy his meal his mind was filled with Clarice. She was an amazing woman but great forces kept them apart.

"Someday Clarice..." Lecter whispered quietly.