I was thinking maybe I could make clay-roasted thigh. would you enjoy that ?

[ for some reason , that causes him to quietly chuckle ] that’s quite alright. I’m a great listener — or so I’ve been told. I’m a therapist.

[ a polite smile was offered in response ] just a therapist , I’m afraid. my name is hannibal. it is nice meeting you, stiles. and it will be a pleasure to cook for you.

[ the man’s eyebrows raised for a brief moment. how interesting. ] that is me , yes. I’m surprised mr. graham mentioned me. I hope he had nice things to say.

[ that managed to get a chuckle from hannibal ]. that is very much like will. he is quite reserved , he’s not a good listener. although I’m glad he didn’t say anything too bad about me.

he is easily overwhelmed by anyone , so you shouldn’t worry about it too much. [ he paused for a moment ] I wonder if I should drop by mr. graham’s class sometime.

you’re right. [ the older man turned his head towards stiles. ] how rude of me. I’ll get right to it. please , take a seat at the table while I ready everything.

[ and hannibal leaves momentarily , only to come back carrying a bottle of red wine ] you may call me whatever is most convenient for you. [ he pours the man a glass full of wine ]

I don’t mind it , to be honest. [ he then pours himself a glass of wine as well ] please , I insist , all meals must be accompanied by a glass of wine. it helps deliver the flavor of the meat — or fish, of course.

he’ll be celebrating christmas with a bottle of wine by the fireplace.

[ the other’s reaction succeeds in making hannibal chuckle. he finds it refreshing to spend time in the company of this man. he somewhat reminds him of Will. ] it is alright. why do you find it to be pretentious, though ?

interesting. . . thank you for the clarification. [ he offers the other a polite smile , as he then moves on to serve the food ] I find other alcohols to be fancier than wine.

[ hannibal begins cutting into the meat , carefully placing the slices onto the plates ] whiskey , perhaps. I’m not too fond of it though.

[ once a plate is served , he hands it over to the other ] cocktails are nice , you are correct. now , eat up. you surely look hungry.

[ hannibal watches in amusement , quite pleased by how stiles seems to devour the food. it’s always a pleasure to have such an eager guest. ] thank you. I enjoy cooking for others.

[ hannibal begins cutting the meat on his plate ] of course. I rather enjoy your company.

[ the older man looks up from his plate , an amused smile drawing on his lips ] you do not annoy me , really. I would say you’re quite interesting.

[ he finds that reaction to be amusing though he manages to bite back a chuckle. ] I hope the food is to your liking.

that is delightful. [ seeing that the other man has finished , hannibal decides to serve him another plate ]. you look like you need the food.