AN: After long consideration, I have decided to continue this fic, although I'm not sure how many more chapters it will be. Thanks to Kelsey and her amazing review, I have plucked up the courage to continue writing. Hope you enjoy!

CHAPTER 3

When Clarice woke the next morning, Hannibal was gone. She knew it was dangerous for him to be in her home, let alone stay, but she wished it was different.

After the bureau let her go, she had felt nothing but emptiness inside her. Hannibal had somehow changed that. He was beginning to fill a hole in her heart that she never thought would heal.

This time, it was a few weeks before Clarice got another letter from Hannibal. The long wait frustrated her, but after all, he was on the run. He couldn't take too many risks. She didn't want him to.

Taking a seat on her couch, she opened the letter, placing the envelope beside her. She smiled, seeing his beautiful handwriting on the paper.

Dear Clarice,

I know it has been a while since I last contacted you. Forgive me. I know you are battling your demons and trying to decide what is right and what is wrong. I'd suggest going with your heart, Clarice. It will make you happier than what your head is telling you to do.

Would you still take me in, Clarice? If you had the chance once more? Would that satisfy you? It would certainly satisfy Ole' Jackie Boy. But he is no longer your superior. No longer your safety net. Nevertheless, you think about it, don't you? About finally putting me back behind bars. But could you bring yourself to do it? We shall see, hm?

I have booked you a flight and the ticket should arrive in the post shortly after this letter. I hope you will come to find me, Clarice. The chase is not over yet. It'll be just like old times. I look forward to seeing you again, Clarice.

Hannibal Lecter M.D

Clarice read the letter and re-read it at least a dozen times. She closed her eyes, inhaling deeply before exhaling, trying to relax herself. Unfortunately, it didn't seem to work. Should she get on that flight and hunt him down?

Are you insane? Don't forget what he has done!

Hannibal was right. She was fighting her inner demons. She had two choices. One, she could get on the plane to wherever it was going, and see Hannibal again. Or two, she could ignore his request, which he would think was unspeakably rude.

What's it to be, Starling? Go with your head or your heart?

She closed her eyes once more, contemplating the thought. Suddenly, something fell through the letterbox. Heading into the foyer, she picked up the thin package. Before she even opened it, she knew what it was.

A plane ticket. To Lithuania. She frowned to herself. Lithuania was Hannibal's home country. Why on earth would he want to take her there?

It was then she looked at the date.

Shit I have to leave tomorrow morning.

Heading upstairs, she packed a suitcase, not knowing how long she'd be gone. No one would even notice anyway.

For the rest of the day, she either read books, listened to music on the record player and drank herself into oblivion once more.

Deciding it was time to go to bed, she had a quick shower before sinking beneath the sheets. Sighing heavily, she stared up at the white ceiling above her. She was going to see Hannibal again. The thought scared her but excited her at the same time.

Within a few minutes, Clarice fell into a restless sleep. The lambs were louder than ever. Was that a warning to her?

She woke early the next morning to catch her flight. She had an insufferable man sitting next to her, talking the whole way. To make the journey more tolerable, she ordered a few glasses of whiskey. The man beside her shot her a strange glance.

Yes I know it's 7am and I'm drinking whiskey. So fucking what.

She was glad she didn't say her thoughts outloud. That could have caused quite a scene. For the rest of the flight, the man beside her was silent, although she could feel his beady eyes watching her.

Finally after the plane had landed, she got through security with no problems and then it occurred to her.

Where are you actually going?

Hannibal had given her no information in his letter, and she couldn't see him through the small crowd. She was at a loss, until she saw a man holding a sign.

Circa El Slantrig. Anagram. Nicely done, Hannibal.

She headed towards the man, who spoke no word of English. She nodded to the board he was holding, and then pointed to herself. The man spoke in their native language before leaving the airport.

Clarice followed him, dragging her suitcase along with her. The man kindly put her case into the trunk of the car before she climbed into the passenger seat. She knew this was risky, but she didn't really have a choice. She was in a foreign country, with no way of contacting Hannibal.

While they drove alone, Clarice took in her surroundings. There were beautiful lakes and so much greenery. It was incredible.

After about a ten minute drive, the man stopped the car in the middle of nowhere. He then pointed towards a farmhouse in the distance. I took out my purse, but the driver shook his head. Presumably, Hannibal had already paid for it.

Ever the gentleman.

She thanked the driver, even knowing he couldn't understand her, before heading towards the farmhouse. The long gravel path leading to the door was making her feet ache. Hannibal always said she needed to invest in some sturdier shoes.

On arriving at the door, she knocked gently. After waiting for a while, she knocked again, but once more, there was no answer. She tried the door, which was unlocked, so she entered the house with a certain amount of caution.

Was Hannibal even there, or was he playing tricks on her? But in an instant, she knew. The smell of fresh food cooking that came from the kitchen was enough to make her stomach growl. She headed towards the room, standing at the door frame.

She watched him move around with elegance. Not knowing he was aware of her presence, she stood there for a while before speaking.

"Here I am, Hannibal."

AN: I'm sorry guys, this really isn't my best work. I've been out of writing for so long that it might take me a while to get back into it. Apologies.