Office Hours, Tuesday evening

[sharp_as_knives]

Hannibal had been wary about coming back here after all the singing on Friday, but things today seemed fairly sane. Or at least largely within the bounds of science and psychology that he could extrapolate to. Which was good, because he had finishing touches to put on tomorrow's lesson, now he'd been assured the proper ingredients.

[OOC: Open door, doing paperwork, please drop by! Still needing a TA...]

Comments

[sharp_as_knives]

"Horror stories?" That did sound interesting.

Then Hannibal shook his head. "Surely you've consumed things purely for the pleasure of it before? Your chef must prepare beautiful and tasty dishes that aren't all about the nutritional content." If not, he wasn't sure who he ought to pity more.

[bluhblahbluh.livejournal.com]

"Well, yes, he does." Drac had to think about this a moment. He leaned back in his chair and templed his fingers. "I guess I wonder if nutrition can be dropped at all from the conversation. The idea that it needn't be considered is... odd, to me."

[sharp_as_knives]

"It is generally one of the considerations," Hannibal acknowledged. "But if I may present an example, at human weddings cake is traditional these days. It has little to no nutritional value; its value is in its beauty and taste and the tradition behind it."

He would have loved to ask about the "drinking blood" thing, but Mavis had seemed to enjoy his food, and in any event he suspected it would be rude.

[bluhblahbluh.livejournal.com]

"Surely you mean nutritional purpose? There is still value, though it may not be positive."

[sharp_as_knives]

"I stand corrected." Hannibal nodded at him and tried not to sigh. "But yes, I suppose everything has a value. It's simply not always the driving force behind its consumption. Or even a strong consideration."

He shook his head. "Eating would be terribly dull if nutrition was our only worry. Nor would my dinner parties be quite so popular," he added. "But I'm curious about something you mentioned earlier - horror stories involving substitutes?"

[bluhblahbluh.livejournal.com]

Drac shook a finger at that. "No no. Horror stories involving use of the real thing. Monsters being poisoned, mostly, through their food. Purposely or not. Or being hunted for simply trying to survive."

[sharp_as_knives]

"Ah. In that case, your attention to Mavis' allergies makes even more sense." Hannibal shook his head. "It's a terrible thing." And if he referred as much to adulterating food as killing people, well.

"Are monsters openly known where you're from, then? You seem to have a thriving community."

[bluhblahbluh.livejournal.com]

Drac shook his head sadly. "No. We hide in the shadows, now. Some of us can blend in with humans, but there is always the fear of being discovered. A place to be safe and themselves is a welcome rest."

[sharp_as_knives]

"I imagine it would be." Hannibal smiled rather grimly. "As I'm sure you're aware, humans are very good at persecuting even other humans. Blending in may be easier, but there is always that fear. It's good that you can provide a safe haven."

[bluhblahbluh.livejournal.com]

"It was the dream of my wife and I, to provide a safe place for our daughter to grow up. For our friends to visit in safety and without fear." It was something he could do and not grieve. "They are family to me; we protect our family, do we not, Doctor?"

[sharp_as_knives]

"We do indeed." Hannibal nodded. "I regret I have no remaining family by blood, but I also have friends who are dear to me, and I will do whatever I can to keep them safe." Even if it meant framing them for murder and sending them to prison. He knew he had a different idea of "safe", okay; it would all end up best for Will in the end.

"And children should always be protected from those who would harm them." Whenever feasible, anyway.

[bluhblahbluh.livejournal.com]

"Exactly. And speaking of children," Drac looked over at Mavis, and narrowed his eyes. She'd been incredibly silent for a long time... "Mavis?"

The pup looked up, innocence written all over her face.

"Mavis?"

"Whfflp?"

Drac held out a hand and she dropped her head sadly. Walking over to him, she spat a well chewed pen into his hand. He sighed.

"My apologies, Doctor. I believe it is time to feed my daughter." He wrapped the pen in a handkerchief and offered it to the man. "I will replace this."

[sharp_as_knives]

Hannibal tried not to look too pained; it was a nice pen, but not irreplaceable. "I probably should have kept a better eye on that." He took it gingerly and gave Mavis an exasperated look.

"I realize you're missing class tomorrow, but I assure you ink and wood were not on the menu. I'll find you other things to eat if you wish to make up the time."