[It's just one thing he likes about Will, but even Percy isn't obtuse enough to notice the change in conversation. They can speak of Will more at length later. For now, he realizes that his questions and comments will be given attention. That's enough for him. There's another smile that says Percy is well-aware Hannibal doesn't know this piece of him, the fact that Percy's led Greek armies and Roman armies into battle, how his fighting style works, how the two types of demigods behaved. It's his reality.]
But isn't passion what makes the whole thing move forward? If we were structured and organized, we wouldn't be getting closer to the truth. People want answers. That's why they push on and use it to drive them. [At least, that's how Percy works. He nods in agreement to Hannibal confirming he'll leave the confidentiality in place. But he also doesn't confirm names or anything of the sort.
It's when Hannibal explains about the stocks that his expression shifts to something…less. Less of a smile, less understanding, just a little irritation and anger. Even he and Annabeth were a game to someone. He doesn't like it. He knows better than to outright yell and he keeps his anger in-check, licking his lips and biting his cheek to think clearly. He notices the movement of Hannibal's eyes but he thinks nothing of it. This is about Annabeth. This is about him. This is, he thinks, more important than anything now. To understand.]
…really. [The tone is low, a threat that he could be more but he's keeping himself in check. Attacking Dr. Lecter isn't wise, and he's not even sure he particularly wants to. It's conflicting, given what he knows about Hannibal and Will and Hannibal and Chane and Hannibal in general. His hands curl into fists particularly tight around the pen.] Why. Why us? [Not even me. "Us." He and Annabeth are a unit. Together. He wasn't supposed to lose her, but now that he has this knowledge he knows there's nothing he could have done. This is Luke and the General all over again, luring Annabeth into holding the sky because he knew Percy would come after her. This is fighting the Titan Lord and screaming at him not to touch Annabeth. This is waking up without memories, with only a wolf to tell him his name, with only Annabeth's face in-mind to drive him onward and play right into Hera's hands. This is Tartarus all over again, Percy falling several stories into the darkest parts of the Underworld to follow her so she would never be alone.
But then…Hannibal explains why. His arms shake a little in their effort not to lash out, but he keeps his head bowed for a moment to calm again. Annabeth died because Dr. Lecter wanted to see what would happen. Because Hal suggested her death to Russell. Because Yuna moved the bear trap. Because, because, because. He considers those words for a long time silently…before his head snaps up.]
I'm still alive, aren't I? [It's nearly growled out, but again, he makes no moves to attack. He's furious…but restrained. He hates it. He hates this. It's also not quite an answer. Grief has driven Percy to this place, but the heroic mindset he's been raised with has carried him to justify his actions, to keep others safe, to bring him here to the lair of a monster so willingly.] Shattering means defeat, Dr. Lecter. I'm not going down that easily. Not without getting them back.
no subject
But isn't passion what makes the whole thing move forward? If we were structured and organized, we wouldn't be getting closer to the truth. People want answers. That's why they push on and use it to drive them. [At least, that's how Percy works. He nods in agreement to Hannibal confirming he'll leave the confidentiality in place. But he also doesn't confirm names or anything of the sort.
It's when Hannibal explains about the stocks that his expression shifts to something…less. Less of a smile, less understanding, just a little irritation and anger. Even he and Annabeth were a game to someone. He doesn't like it. He knows better than to outright yell and he keeps his anger in-check, licking his lips and biting his cheek to think clearly. He notices the movement of Hannibal's eyes but he thinks nothing of it. This is about Annabeth. This is about him. This is, he thinks, more important than anything now. To understand.]
…really. [The tone is low, a threat that he could be more but he's keeping himself in check. Attacking Dr. Lecter isn't wise, and he's not even sure he particularly wants to. It's conflicting, given what he knows about Hannibal and Will and Hannibal and Chane and Hannibal in general. His hands curl into fists particularly tight around the pen.] Why. Why us? [Not even me. "Us." He and Annabeth are a unit. Together. He wasn't supposed to lose her, but now that he has this knowledge he knows there's nothing he could have done. This is Luke and the General all over again, luring Annabeth into holding the sky because he knew Percy would come after her. This is fighting the Titan Lord and screaming at him not to touch Annabeth. This is waking up without memories, with only a wolf to tell him his name, with only Annabeth's face in-mind to drive him onward and play right into Hera's hands. This is Tartarus all over again, Percy falling several stories into the darkest parts of the Underworld to follow her so she would never be alone.
But then…Hannibal explains why. His arms shake a little in their effort not to lash out, but he keeps his head bowed for a moment to calm again. Annabeth died because Dr. Lecter wanted to see what would happen. Because Hal suggested her death to Russell. Because Yuna moved the bear trap. Because, because, because. He considers those words for a long time silently…before his head snaps up.]
I'm still alive, aren't I? [It's nearly growled out, but again, he makes no moves to attack. He's furious…but restrained. He hates it. He hates this. It's also not quite an answer. Grief has driven Percy to this place, but the heroic mindset he's been raised with has carried him to justify his actions, to keep others safe, to bring him here to the lair of a monster so willingly.] Shattering means defeat, Dr. Lecter. I'm not going down that easily. Not without getting them back.