Shattered Life

Part fifteen – Shards of Glass

What is the price of fixing a shattered mirror?

With shards of glass shining like stars.

Would you risk picking up the pieces of your life,

knowing that your hands may bleed?

"CLARICE DON'T"

Bang.

1st January.

Hannibal watched Clarice drop gracefully to her knees. The gun fell lifelessly to her side.

Red sparks appeared to rain down all around them; shooting out from the firework which had just exploded overhead.

Clarice's eyes were glancing over him as if she was still trying to figure out in her mind if this was happening.

Once the firework had retreated back into nothingness an eerie silence clung to the scene unfolding in the clearing. Until…

"Hannibal?"

He broke then; staggering towards her then collapsing on his knees in front of her. Clarice was enveloped in Hannibal's strong arms and she hugged him back fiercely.

Tears were streaming down her face as Hannibal pulled back to regard her. His hands ran over her face ah he reacquainted himself with every little detail that he had come to know so well.

Clarice was the first to speak although she did not entirely trust herself with the words.

"You came back,"

"I promised I would never leave you, and I would not lie to you ever Clarice."

They embraced again but Hannibal pulled away quicker this time. His gaze travelling to ret upon her stomach.

"Clarice, you're huge," he exclaimed.

His wife almost managed a smile before leaning forward and resting her head on his shoulder.

"I suppose 28 days can really change a person," Clarice murmured into his neck.

Hannibal helped her to stand and then turned to return back to the house. However both Clarice and Hannibal looked together at the gun and then at each other.

"Was I really worth that Clarice? You would have taken that route to escape from it all,"

"I couldn't be courageous if I had lost what I was fighting for."

Hannibal seemed to consider this before replying.

"I want you to promise me something Clarice,"

"Anything,"

"Life is a very precious thing my love and even when you think there is nothing else that could ever make you happy ever again you must hang on to it. Promise me you will. Even if I was not there the memories would stay with you a lifetime."

"I promise,"

It was then Clarice began to take in her husband's appearance. Running her hands over the bruises and cuts on his face before trailing her hand to the side of his now blood stained shirt.

"Hannibal what happened to you?"

"Sadly my journey back to you was more eventful than I had originally planned,"

"But you're bleeding, I…"

"It is nothing that cannot be fixed my love. Besides I have discovered that you also have a story to tell.

With that Hannibal pulled out a rumpled newspaper article from his pocket. It was headed, "Escaped ex agent threatens citizens of Washington".

"Old habits die hard, eh Clarice?"

"I think they have exaggerated a bit. I just wanted to return and be with my family."

"Family?"

"Yes. You're my family. Do you remember what you said to me 28 days ago?"

"Some of our stars are the same,"

"Yes and I know now they always will be,"

The couple looked into the blackened sky and saw the bright beads of light shining back at them. As well as the splattering of fireworks bringing in the New Year and new beginnings.

Walking back to the house Hannibal and Clarice hopefully left there troubles behind them, for now a least.

Neither noticed that night the loud and colourful explosions that continued into the early hours. For both were lost in their own world which although broken had been fought for and saved.

Fin.

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Well that is the end of my story. I have always been debating whether to write a sequel or start something new so any suggestions would be welcomed. I have also been thinking about doing some one shot fics or just happy Clarice and Hannibal fluff.

I would like to thank Kristin, Marina, Danielle L.B, Phantom Ange, Crnflkgal, DocOckgal, Trogdortrekkie, Shattered Heart, Penelope and everyone else who has reviewed or read my story.

Thanks also to JetNoir for your continued support and encouragement.

Reviews much appreciated, especially from any reader members or not who have kept with this story throughout.

xxkatyxx

Disclaimer: The plot is mine and quote at the beginning but the characters belong to Thomas Harris.