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and, i would argue, the smartest person in this room by felixknorth
Fandoms: Hannibal (TV)
05 Aug 2025
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Summary
A Season 2 AU in which Will Graham did not, at any point, accuse Hannibal of being the Chesapeake Ripper.
Will Graham is the smartest person most people will ever have the misfortune to meet. Hannibal Lecter has been no exception; he's brilliant, but his failing is that he assumes he's the mastermind in every situation. He still thinks Will didn't pick up on every weird joke, every coincidence, every threat disguised as a charming quip, every flashing neon sign that screams "Hannibal Lecter is the Chesapeake Ripper!"
Now, Will has to decide what he wants from Hannibal. For the first time in his life, it seems like there's a possibility that somebody might be close enough to his level for a real connection. Hannibal is an apex predator in a garish suit, blind to Will's superior camouflage, and the Ripper's obsession with Agent Graham is so obvious it's drawing attention from... undesirable sources. If Will can manipulate everything to his desired outcome, Hannibal could become the equal Will has always wanted.
If he wants to protect their fragile peace, it'll take a lot more than just Hannibal Lecter.
That's fine. After all, Will has never been able to stop himself at just one stray.