Hannibal Is Breathless--precome Welling Around The Catheter In Ceaseless Beadings. He's Soaking Will's

Vulnerable Hannibal Fic Rec List

Updated 2/3/2025 with four new additions located at the bottom of the page! A few of these fics are mine, but the rest are some of my favorite fics I've ever read that feature vulnerable Hannibal in various seasons, AUs, and post-canon.

shrike (to your sharp and glorious thorn):

Will begins to notice a change in Hannibal's behavior post-fall. He's become something akin to a fretting housewife.

The Ache Against The Wind (Rewritten):

3x13 AU: Will travels into an alternate dimension after plunging into the Atlantic and is confronted with the unexpected aftermath following the removal of Hannibal's toilet in the BSHCI.

Pareidolia:

Six weeks post-fall, Hannibal suffers from a seizure during dinner.

Je Te Laisserai Des Mots:

Six months have passed since Will pulled them over the cliff. Even in light of their progressing relationship, much of Hannibal still remains a mystery to Will. For reasons unknown, he’s begun to pull away. (A sequel to Shrike--my housewife Hannibal fic!)

Between The Hour Of Reprieve:

At the cliff house, Hannibal receives a much-needed-hug.

A Cabin In The Woods by KoolJack1:

Hannibal is thirteen and runs away from the orphanage when he feels that a fate of the elements will be better than the fate of abuse. He finds a small cabin in the woods, thinking warmth will be all he finds. He also finds Will. But who changes who?

this is absolutely amazing. i've never read an AU quite like this. a true masterpiece.

Recipricol Alchemy by Scifibabe:

In the silent echoes of his dreams, Will Graham treads a line blurred between control and chaos, each step drawing him inexorably towards claiming Hannibal as his own. It's a perilous dance on the edge of darkness, where the thrill of possession whispers of a transformation too profound to resist.

one of my faves. i can't even describe how perfect this explores their season 2 dynamic. such a unique trajectory and i am living for it.

Hold Me, Don’t Let Me Go by sourweather:

It's a few months after the Fall when it finally hits him. Hannibal has barely been touched in 3 years. And Will won't let it go on for another moment.

so precious omg. love it

Hosanna In The Highest by sainthannibal:

During the fall, Hannibal receives the brunt of the injuries, which leaves him unable to care for himself. Will discovers how much he enjoys taking care of him.

the post-fall whump is immaculate 🤧 love it

You Made Me Soup by itsybitsylemonsqueezy:

Hannibal comes down with pneumonia while incarcerated. Will decides to make him some soup. Absolutely no one thinks it's strange that Will comes to give his ex soup when he finds out he's sick. No one at all finds this suspicious. At. All.

god, i love this one so much. sick hannibal being hand-fed in the BSHCI? wailing my heart out

The Boy Under The Monster’s Bed by Wr4tttttthh:

There were deep wounds that needed healing, new and old, physical and otherwise.

one of my faves. Will finding Hannibal hiding under the table? a gut punch 😭

Delicate Ghost by hannigramcracker & TimmyJayBird:

She was different- not the ghost of his memories, but something about this bloodied child ripped right at Hannibal's chest, and left him drowning in a cold snow he thought he had left in his childhood, that he had locked away within his skull. Drowning, with only one hand to grasp at, one body to cling to. One man to work him through the trauma and remind him what life was.

so amazing. a unique perspective of how Will would deal with Hannibal becoming distressed while on a case together. one of the first vulnerable hannibal fics i've ever read 🥺

You With Those Nails, Me With This Cross by TheBitterKitten:

Will goes too far.

wailing into my pillow omg this had the perfect amount of angst.

The Distance Is Quite Simply Much Too Far For Me To Row by softhan:

Hannibal is having a rough time recovering from his injuries post-fall, and retreats into himself to avoid confrontation with Will while he's still weak and ill. Having to play happy husbands hardly helps.

my all time fave Hannibal whump fic. the way he's scared Will is disgusted by his accident? eternally sobbing. forever recommending this to anyone who is searching through this rec list.

Silk and Lace by jonnimir:

Bedelia leaves Hannibal and Will a gift at the house on the cliff.

crying because this was so tender and sweet. touch-starved hannibal at the cliff house. chef's kiss.

Not So Fast by scifibabe:

Hannibal wakes from a heated dream with a need that can’t be ignored—and Will, half-asleep but all too eager, is more than happy to help. What begins as a midnight indulgence quickly spirals into an overwhelming game of push and pull, as Will’s relentless appetite pushes Hannibal to the edge and beyond. Kinktober Day 10: Overstimulation + Face-Sitting

desperate and needy hannibal. need i say more? loved it 🤭

Hush Now by scifibabe:

What starts as Will stitching up Hannibal's latest hunting injury turns into something else entirely when a teasing "let Daddy take care of you" slips out. It's meant to be a joke--until Hannibal's reaction tells a different story. One playful push leads to another, and soon enough, they're both realizing they might be into this a little more than they expected. Kinktober Day 19: Fisting.

I truly cannot recommend Hush Now enough! It'll live rent free in my mind and heart for the rest of my life ♡

The Antidote To Grief by incidentsofunkownorigins:

On Will's idea, they visit Mischa's grave. What Will had hoped to be a healing moment of closure breaks something in Hannibal and he is the only one who can put the pieces back together.

this is such a beautiful take on Hannibal and Will visiting Lithuania together and how that would impact Hannibal. ♡

Pulse Point:

Post-Fall, an injured Hannibal awakes from an erotic dream, desperate and needy, aching for Will's touch.

Marveling at a Spoon by scifibabe:

After a gourmet dinner, Will Graham and Hannibal Lecter decide to indulge in something a little more... pedestrian—a joint. As the smoke settles and their usual control begins to loosen, Hannibal finds himself experiencing a sensation he never expected: a heightened sensitivity that unravels him under Will’s teasing touch. What starts as a curious experiment in relaxation quickly turns into a surprising discovery, one that leaves even the meticulous Hannibal completely undone. Will is all too eager to take advantage of his newfound knowledge, and Hannibal, for once, is too overwhelmed to resist.

god, i loved this so much.

We Are Now Among The Ruins by ADeedWithoutAName:

Hannibal survived the fall, but not unchanged. He intends to give Will the only gift he now can, and Will intends to honor him in the only way that matters.

i rarely read MCD, but this one is so worth the pain. i am eternally sobbing from this 😭 i also cannot recommend this one enough!!

Something Sacred by scifibabe:

In the quiet aftermath of their survival, silence has taken hold. Hannibal hasn't spoken since the night they washed ashore, his voice swallowed by their shared trauma. Will, haunted by the absence of words and the weight of unspoken things, has learned to reach Hannibal through touch, through the quiet rituals of care. When the strain of Hannibal’s pain becomes too much to hide, Will draws a bath—an unspoken offer of comfort. But today is different. Today, beneath the surface of familiar rituals, something stirs. As the warmth of the water surrounds them, walls begin to crack, and a fragile trust, once guarded so fiercely, blooms into something more intimate and vulnerable than either of them anticipated. In the quiet steam of the bath, two men find solace in each other’s arms, where tenderness can no longer be ignored.

this was so beautiful and soft omg. forever wailing about Hannibal asking Will to join him in the bath. ♡

A Pinch Of Salt In The Wound:

Renderered mute and bedbound post-fall, Hannibal begins to spiral.

You Believe Me Like A God:

Hannibal becomes severely injured post-episode 3x13.

compimento by cervviidae:

Hannibal learns what it's like to be Will's husband.

one of the most beautiful fics i've ever read that explore post-fall hannibal being loved with genuine tenderness and affection by Will. one i'll forever recommend.

Solace In Being Heard by air_of_the_Waterfall:

Hannibal is having terrible nightmares, and Will comes up with a rather unexpected method of helping him get a full night’s sleep.

i love that this offers such a unique look into Hannibal's childhood trauma and how it would impact his sleep. can't recommend it enough!

Bright Burn by Shotgun_sinner:

Hannibal suffers life-threatening injuries post-fall. Will makes decisions to save Hannibal, while trying to recover the life with him that he's only just realized he wanted. How far will he go to keep what's his?

the whump is immaculate in this post-fall fic too 🤧

crave, then succumb:

Hannibal receives a second hug post-fall, while high as a kite on morphine, and ends up unraveling in Will's arms.

chimera of the chapel by bleakmidwinter:

When Will Graham wakes up from a coma three months after the fall, Jack reveals that Hannibal Lecter didn't survive. Outside the realm of Hannibal's influence, Will decides to discover the full truth behind the world's sudden and seeming falsehood. Everybody seems to hold their own opinion on Hannibal's fate, but Will knows better than anyone that trust and honesty are as elusive as death.

incredible. i can't even express how much i loved this. the tender moments and development of their relationship is so beautiful 😭♥️

Keep Me Warm by nbcravenstag:

Will arrives home after walking through a blizzard, fully expecting an angry husband, but instead finds a traumatized little boy, terrified of the cold and haunted by what he's already lost.

the hurt/comfort in this was amazing. love it so much.

Beauty Not Needed Here by kralbellen:

“I know you are in love with me.”

It's not a question but not fully a statement either. A certain amount of doubt colores Will's tone, giving the sentence a nervous lilt.

Hannibal's first instinct is to deny it, in some half-hearted, last effort at self-preservation. He almost smiles – there is no self-preservation left for him when it comes to Will.

Hannibal is asexual. this was so tender and sweet. eternally wailing into my pillow. as someone who's ace this was like a breath of fresh air.

O Holy Night by memequeen1127:

Hannibal gazes at him right back, smiling as if he knows exactly what Will’s thinking. And considering how they know each other inside and out, he very well might.

“Merry Christmas, Will,” he says softly.

Will smiles. “Merry Christmas, Hannibal.”

the sweetest oneshot i've ever read. Hannibal regresses during Christmas and Will is so patient and caring. wailing about this until the end of time 😭🩵

The Perception Of Reality Through Language by Angelic_Disaster:

Hannibal can recognize the factors of trauma in others but not in himself. That's why he denies that there is a reason why he doesn't speak Lithuanian.

sobbing at this for eternity. Will speaking to Hannibal in Lithuanian and then Hannibal breaks down in his arms?? i couldn't ask for anything more beautiful than that in a fic.

Living With A Ghost Of Summer by itsbeautiful:

Based on a requested prompt. Where Will is an idiot, ahem, I mean Will loves Hannibal and tries to surprise him by making a home cooked meal using dishes from Lithuania. Fails spectacularly to lie his way out of it and everything goes horribly wrong. And then they cuddle. The end.

one of my favorites. Will cooks Lithuanian food for Hannibal, who ends up becoming an emotional mess.

Know Me See Me by incidentsofunknownorigins:

On the way to the cliff house, Will makes a decision for himself. Once they get there, he acts on it. But he finds Hannibal is much more deeply broken by his stay at the BSHCI than either of them realized. This time Will must put the teacup back together.

the premise of this fic is something i've been searching for and craving to read for so, so long (eternity, basically) because there can never be enough cliff house fics that explore Hannibal being touch-starved and vulnerable and dealing with the effects of being isolated for three long years. ♡

between here and there by hannigramized:

Will's name is the last word Hannibal spoke in his presence. That was two months ago, directly after the fall, and Hannibal has not said a single word since. Now Will has to navigate through their lives together without Hannibal's voice to guide him.

love this so much! it's the most amazing mute!Hannibal fic i've ever read.

Take Me The Way I Am by Thinminted:

Will didn’t miss Molly, not really, but he occasionally missed who he was when he was with her.

A story about learning to trust your partner with all of yourself.

a very beautiful exploration of Hannibal and Will's developing relationship post-fall.

èclair by cerviidae:

Hannibal touches dough instead of skin. Hannibal is kissed by the feeling of flour on his lips, accidental and impersonal, instead of by the mouth of the man he loves. Three years in confinement had starved him, and now, though his body is healed, his soul remains ravenous. He cleans most of what he can of the whipped cream, scooping it back into another piping bag as he wills himself not to be irrational about this. This mess, this imperfection—it means nothing at all.

amazing post-fall fic about Hannibal's insecurity about being enough to satisfy Will in everyday life and also explores their developing physical relationship and how Hannibal's touch-starved state would have an impact on that. so beautiful. genuinely left me speechless.

Home Is Not A Place by shotgun_sinner:

Post-Fall, Hannibal recovers from his injuries. Will takes care of him, and their relationship evolves much more easily than Hannibal thought it would. The only issue is that Will is a constant presence, and he hasn't had alone time in three years. It ends up not being an issue at all.

one of the first post-fall fics i remember reading years ago that touched on Hannibal's touch-starved state and i've been hooked on that trope ever since lol. always a fave to re-read from time to time.

and the first time that you kissed me, i drank dry the River Lethe by cerviidae:

“Would you like me to come over?”

Silence stretches between them, taut and trembling. Then, the faintest sound—a throat clicking, a breath stalling. Hannibal can already see the war in Will's mind, the reasons she is telling herself not to accept. The burden she is convincing herself she must not be. Hannibal does not give her the chance to refuse.

“I would not mind.” A pause. A breath.

Then, finally, “Yes.”

a genderswap AU of an exploration into their physical relationship. Hannibal and Will are both desperate to satisfy the other and it is so tender. this may be hands down the most beautiful smut fic i've ever read?!

earl grey and honey by cerviidae:

Will’s tenderness is a constant. And what a gift it is. Will conjures summer itself through sheer will, as though he could pull Hannibal out of winter’s grasp and set him down in a field of green and gold. Hannibal knows nothing of the ache of bones any longer. His days are filled with cooking and cleaning, the motions of care and love. He kneads dough with his mother’s frantic energy, channels her restless hands into feeding Will, keeping him full. And Will, in turn, keeps him warm. It is love.

any time i read anything by this author, i know i'm about to be wailing my heart out. this is incredible and so lovely.

i think about this all the time omg 😭 i read a fic about years where Will cooked Hannibal Lithuanian foods and he had a mini breakdown. and i have not stopped thinking about it since 💔

Do you guys ever think about how he never cooks food that would be familiar to him from childhood/Lithuania because I’m thinking about how he never cooks food that would be familiar to him from his childhood/Lithuania

Let me take a moment to gush about both (Explicit 18+) fics because they're incredible.

This first new rec is titled "Not So Fast."

@graciereadshannigram who is the kindest soul ever (aka scifibabe on AO3) was generous enough to write one of my prompts (where omega Hannibal gets gobbled up by alpha Will and cries from overstimulation 🤭) and omfg I loved it so much!

This second new rec is titled "Hush Now."

It altered my brain chemistry and is officially my fave fic of all time. If you're searching for a post-fall fic where Hannibal is both vulnerable and needy then you'll love this one. I can't even express how much I love this but I'll include one of my fave moments because I'll be raving about and re-reading this fic until the end of time.

Will’s fingers hovered just above Hannibal’s erection, maddeningly light, brushing like the faintest ghost of a touch. The barely-there sensation sent pulses through Hannibal’s body, as if his skin was straining for contact, his cock twitching beneath the confinement of fabric. “What’s this, hmm?" Will’s voice was mocking. He leaned in closer, the warmth of his breath spilling against the curve of Hannibal’s ear, sparking a tingling sensation that trickled down his spine. “Does Daddy need to take care of this for you too?”

when I read that for the first time I nearly spat matcha all over my bedroom because my gasp was so intense lmfao. Please send @graciereadshannigram (scifibabe on AO3) all the love for writing both of these amazing little gems ♡

Vulnerable Hannibal Fic Rec List

Updated 10/20/2024 with two new additions located at the bottom of the page!

The first five fics are mine, but the rest are some of my favorite fics I’ve ever read that feature vulnerable Hannibal in various seasons, AUs, and post-canon.

The Ache Against The Wind (Rewritten):

He’d sustained a substantial amount of brain damage throughout the last eleven days, Will had been told. Resulting in Post-Traumatic Amnesia. Content Warning: Hannibal is tortured in the BSHCI via beatings, laxatives, enemas, starvation and the “water curing” method after his toilet is removed. Will saves him.

Pareidolia:

Six weeks post-fall, Hannibal suffers from a seizure during dinner.

Je Te Laisserai Des Mots:

Six months have passed since Will pulled them over the cliff. Even in light of their progressing relationship, much of Hannibal still remains a mystery to Will. For reasons unknown, he’s begun to pull away. (A sequel to Shrike--my housewife Hannibal fic!)

Between The Hour Of Reprieve:

At the cliff house, Hannibal receives a much-needed-hug.

Shrike (To Your Sharp And Glorious Thorn):

Hannibal feels anxious about the prospect of Will abandoning him one day because he isn’t at all capable of being like Molly. His anxiety only heightens when Will gets a job. (features crying housewife Hannibal speaking Lithuanian).

A Cabin In The Woods by KoolJack1:

Hannibal is thirteen and runs away from the orphanage when he feels that a fate of the elements will be better than the fate of abuse. He finds a small cabin in the woods, thinking warmth will be all he finds. He also finds Will. But who changes who?

Recipricol Alchemy by Scifibabe:

In the silent echoes of his dreams, Will Graham treads a line blurred between control and chaos, each step drawing him inexorably towards claiming Hannibal as his own. It's a perilous dance on the edge of darkness, where the thrill of possession whispers of a transformation too profound to resist.

Hold Me, Don’t Let Me Go by sourweather:

It's a few months after the Fall when it finally hits him. Hannibal has barely been touched in 3 years. And Will won't let it go on for another moment.

Hosanna In The Highest by sainthannibal:

During the fall, Hannibal receives the brunt of the injuries, which leaves him unable to care for himself. Will discovers how much he enjoys taking care of him.

You Made Me Soup by itsybitsylemonsqueezy:

Hannibal comes down with pneumonia while incarcerated. Will decides to make him some soup. Absolutely no one thinks it's strange that Will comes to give his ex soup when he finds out he's sick. No one at all finds this suspicious. At. All.

The Boy Under The Monster’s Bed by Wr4tttttthh:

There were deep wounds that needed healing, new and old, physical and otherwise.

Delicate Ghost by hannigramcracker & TimmyJayBird:

She was different- not the ghost of his memories, but something about this bloodied child ripped right at Hannibal's chest, and left him drowning in a cold snow he thought he had left in his childhood, that he had locked away within his skull. Drowning, with only one hand to grasp at, one body to cling to. One man to work him through the trauma and remind him what life was.

You With Those Nails, Me With This Cross by TheBitterKitten:

Will goes too far.

The Distance Is Quite Simply Much Too Far For Me To Row by softhan:

Hannibal is having a rough time recovering from his injuries post-fall, and retreats into himself to avoid confrontation with Will while he's still weak and ill. Having to play happy husbands hardly helps.

Silk and Lace by jonnimir:

Bedelia leaves Hannibal and Will a gift at the house on the cliff.

Not So Fast by scifibabe:

Hannibal wakes from a heated dream with a need that can’t be ignored—and Will, half-asleep but all too eager, is more than happy to help. What begins as a midnight indulgence quickly spirals into an overwhelming game of push and pull, as Will’s relentless appetite pushes Hannibal to the edge and beyond. Kinktober Day 10: Overstimulation + Face-Sitting

Hush Now by scifibabe:

What starts as Will stitching up Hannibal's latest hunting injury turns into something else entirely when a teasing "let Daddy take care of you" slips out. It's meant to be a joke--until Hannibal's reaction tells a different story. One playful push leads to another, and soon enough, they're both realizing they might be into this a little more than they expected. Kinktober Day 19: Fisting.

I truly cannot recommend this one enough! It'll live rent free in my mind for the rest of my life ♡

commenting on fics is so fun in my opinion because you can say the most random things to express your love for the fic that's just pummeled your heart. for instance:

"ROLLING AROUNDBMY ROOM LIKE A BOWLING BALL AND WAILING MY HEART OUT AND SNIFFLING INTO MY PILLOW!! THIS WAS BEAUTIFUL 😭🩵"

and you know it'll make the author's day. AO3 authors ily and your amazing fics <3

mutuals, ily

I love seeing my mutuals in my notes because it confirms they’re not mad at me. yet

vulnerable Hannibal fanfic idea rambles:

Post-Fall Hannibal and Will on a getaway boat. One day, Will coaxes Hannibal up deck to sunbathe because he's been deprived of the natural outside air and the sun's rays for so long. Hannibal curls up on the sofa and rests his head in Will's lap. He hasn't felt the touch of another in years and gasps when Will's fingers begin stroking through his hair. He doesn't know what to do in wake of the sudden onslaught of affection. Will's fingers trace over his temple, his clenched eyelids to wipe away the moisture, his dampening cheek. He doesn't anticipate the next moment: Will leaning down to kiss away a stray tear on his temple and whispering reassurance in his ear.

Hannibal being self-conscious when he first starts speaking again after becoming mute for a few weeks/months because his accent is thicker.

Hannibal getting an infection post-fall because his immune system is weak from being isolated for so long. When he has a fever and Will puts him into a cold bath to bring it down, he panics and Will has to reassure him and hold him down the entire time.

Hannibal's food issues resurfacing when he gets an infection and can't keep food down for nearly a week.

Hannibal and Will at a party (sometime post-fall when they're recovered) because Will's coworker invited them and Will agrees because it'll help them blend in. there's a little girl who made homemade ice cream and asks them to try it. Hannibal refuses because the temperature and texture of ice cream is too similar to snow. imagine if it's already angsty because they're in a small argument and Will says something like "open your mouth and eat the damn ice cream" (because the girl is watching to see if they like it) and Will shoves a spoonful of it into Hannibal's mouth. triggering Hannibal's cryophobia.

Hannibal being overwhelmed when Will asks if he wants a second helping of food for the first time when they're finally recovered from the fall. He's only ever been given three helpings of food and an occasional snack throughout the last 3 years. (turning into a bit of a ramble) but imagine if Hannibal is struck with a sudden familiar urge that he hasn't felt since living at his uncle's home: the urge to eat as much as he can now that there is unlimited access. Hannibal waits too long to answer and Will takes his silence as confirmation that he doesn't want seconds. He does. But it feels too late to answer; a missed opportunity. Cue Will's empathy kicking in and he's hit with every emotion Hannibal is feeling and sits back down at the table (right next to Hannibal instead of across the table) with a second serving, coaxing Hannibal to eat; that it's okay to still be hungry.

Hannibal forgetting certain English words when he's exhausted (or because of brain damage) post-fall. Will asks what he wants for breakfast and Hannibal mumbles "blynas" or "le crêpe" instead of pancake.

Hannibal being nervous to say "i love you" for the first time to Will because it's unpracticed; something he's not yet said in the English language.

Hannibal freezing up when Will asks what's the last thing he ever said in his native language.

Hannibal's gunshot wound becomes infected sometime post-fall. He regresses (involuntarily) because it's too much stress for his body to handle at the moment. It comes time for Will to lance the boil and normally, Hannibal's pain tolerance is very high (most things don't phase him), but right now, he's restless: writhing and sobbing as Will proceeds to drain the puss from the infected area.

Will gets a job post-fall to maintain appearances. He comes home one afternoon to an empty house until he reaches the backyard and finds Hannibal curled up on the outdoor sofa, napping beneath the sun.

this next one is a very old idea (from 2023) that i never explored: Hannibal and Will are at a restaurant for a dinner with a coworker, etc to blend in. Someone is a relative of one of the men who killed Hannibal's family. Hannibal makes the connection and doesn't want to cause a scene, but speaking becomes impossible. His speech starts to slur and he stumbles over every other word. He excuses himself and retreats into the bathroom and throws up. Will finds Hannibal hunched over the toilet and all Hannibal can do is cling to Will, begging to be taken home.

another old idea (i don't think i'll ever write it myself, but i would love to read it if anyone ever wrote it): Hannibal and Will are staying with Lady Murasaki while they recover. One night, Will asks Lady Murasaki what Hannibal was like when he came to live with her and his Uncle Robertos. Will learns of Hannibal's muteness, nightmares, issues with wetting the bed during night terrors, and his issues with food: how he was very malnourished and hesitant to eat in front of other people, how he would either gaurd his plate and eat as fast as he could or refuse to eat at all depending on the meal, how he panicked the first time they tried to serve him a bowl of soup, how he would sometimes raid the pantry or the fridge in the middle of the night when he thought everyone was asleep, how they would find food hidden in his room for safekeeping, how he cried the first time they gave him a birthday cake (because he hadn't experienced that in so long), how he refused to eat most cold foods (like ice cream, etc). Will also learns of Hannibal's progression from muteness leading to the ability to speak again. How Lady Murasaki and his Uncle Robertos noticed Hannibal was self-conscious during that first year (because vocal fatigue would often set in, making it even harder to pronounce words without it being hindered by his accent, while learning a new language. Especially because other children would tease Hannibal for having such a thick accent which he eventually trained himself to tone down). Cue Will's heart breaking because he wonders if Hannibal still does it: tones down his accent out of worry people would struggle to understand what he said. Then Will goes back upstairs, where Hannibal is asleep and writhing in bed because of a nightmare. He recognizes the stench of urine and wakes Hannibal (who's in distress), providing comfort and helping Hannibal get cleaned up and changed into a new set of pajamas. Will comforts Hannibal (knowing he's ashamed for wetting the bed) and calls him "sweetheart" for the first time.

Hannibal having lupophobia (fear of wolves) ever since he was a child and watched a pack of wolves eat the bodies of his tutor and parents and scratch at the cabin windows and door to get in. Also, imagine young Hannibal being chased by a rabid wolf when he finally escaped the cabin. He and Will are living in Canada post-fall and one day, they're either walking around town or in their backyard when a wolf appears, leading to Hannibal's distress.

Hannibal getting sick sometime after episode 2x10. Will finds Hannibal asleep on the chaise lounge in his office (or in the middle of retching in the bathroom). Vomiting always reminds Hannibal of the time he puked after realizing he'd eaten his sister or the time he'd eaten so fast (because of past starvation) that he ended up vomiting. Hannibal regresses (involuntarily) and Will decides he can't be left alone. They make it to Will's house and he cares for Hannibal the entire night. During dinner, Hannibal's food issues resurface (reluctance to eat something unknown) and in a regressed state, he mistakenly believes Will is taking the bowl of food away (though Will is only grasping it to hand feed Hannibal).

vulnerable Hannibal fanfic idea rambles:

Post-Fall Hannibal and Will on a getaway boat. One day, Will coaxes Hannibal up deck to sunbathe because he's been deprived of the natural outside air and the sun's rays for so long. Hannibal curls up on the sofa and rests his head in Will's lap. He hasn't felt the touch of another in years and gasps when Will's fingers begin stroking through his hair. He doesn't know what to do in wake of the sudden onslaught of affection. Will's fingers trace over his temple, his clenched eyelids to wipe away the moisture, his dampening cheek. He doesn't anticipate the next moment: Will leaning down to kiss away a stray tear on his temple and whispering reassurance in his ear.

Hannibal being self-conscious when he first starts speaking again after becoming mute for a few weeks/months because his accent is thicker.

Hannibal getting an infection post-fall because his immune system is weak from being isolated for so long. When he has a fever and Will puts him into a cold bath to bring it down, he panics and Will has to reassure him and hold him down the entire time.

Hannibal's food issues resurfacing when he gets an infection and can't keep food down for nearly a week.

Hannibal and Will at a party (sometime post-fall when they're recovered) because Will's coworker invited them and Will agrees because it'll help them blend in. there's a little girl who made homemade ice cream and asks them to try it. Hannibal refuses because the temperature and texture of ice cream is too similar to snow. imagine if it's already angsty because they're in a small argument and Will says something like "open your mouth and eat the damn ice cream" (because the girl is watching to see if they like it) and Will shoves a spoonful of it into Hannibal's mouth. triggering Hannibal's cryophobia.

Hannibal being overwhelmed when Will asks if he wants a second helping of food for the first time when they're finally recovered from the fall. He's only ever been given three helpings of food and an occasional snack throughout the last 3 years. (turning into a bit of a ramble) but imagine if Hannibal is struck with a sudden familiar urge that he hasn't felt since living at his uncle's home: the urge to eat as much as he can now that there is unlimited access. Hannibal waits too long to answer and Will takes his silence as confirmation that he doesn't want seconds. He does. But it feels too late to answer; a missed opportunity. Cue Will's empathy kicking in and he's hit with every emotion Hannibal is feeling and sits back down at the table (right next to Hannibal instead of across the table) with a second serving, coaxing Hannibal to eat; that it's okay to still be hungry.

Hannibal forgetting certain English words when he's exhausted (or because of brain damage) post-fall. Will asks what he wants for breakfast and Hannibal mumbles "blynas" or "le crêpe" instead of pancake.

Hannibal being nervous to say "i love you" for the first time to Will because it's unpracticed; something he's not yet said in the English language.

Hannibal freezing up when Will asks what's the last thing he ever said in his native language.

Hannibal's gunshot wound becomes infected sometime post-fall. He regresses (involuntarily) because it's too much stress for his body to handle at the moment. It comes time for Will to lance the boil and normally, Hannibal's pain tolerance is very high (most things don't phase him), but right now, he's restless: writhing and sobbing as Will proceeds to drain the puss from the infected area.

Will gets a job post-fall to maintain appearances. He comes home one afternoon to an empty house until he reaches the backyard and finds Hannibal curled up on the outdoor sofa, napping beneath the sun.

this next one is a very old idea (from 2023) that i never explored: Hannibal and Will are at a restaurant for a dinner with a coworker, etc to blend in. Someone is a relative of one of the men who killed Hannibal's family. Hannibal makes the connection and doesn't want to cause a scene, but speaking becomes impossible. His speech starts to slur and he stumbles over every other word. He excuses himself and retreats into the bathroom and throws up. Will finds Hannibal hunched over the toilet and all Hannibal can do is cling to Will, begging to be taken home.

another old idea (i don't think i'll ever write it myself, but i would love to read it if anyone ever wrote it): Hannibal and Will are staying with Lady Murasaki while they recover. One night, Will asks Lady Murasaki what Hannibal was like when he came to live with her and his Uncle Robertos. Will learns of Hannibal's muteness, nightmares, issues with wetting the bed during night terrors, and his issues with food: how he was very malnourished and hesitant to eat in front of other people, how he would either gaurd his plate and eat as fast as he could or refuse to eat at all depending on the meal, how he panicked the first time they tried to serve him a bowl of soup, how he would sometimes raid the pantry or the fridge in the middle of the night when he thought everyone was asleep, how they would find food hidden in his room for safekeeping, how he cried the first time they gave him a birthday cake (because he hadn't experienced that in so long), how he refused to eat most cold foods (like ice cream, etc). Will also learns of Hannibal's progression from muteness leading to the ability to speak again. How Lady Murasaki and his Uncle Robertos noticed Hannibal was self-conscious during that first year (because vocal fatigue would often set in, making it even harder to pronounce words without it being hindered by his accent, while learning a new language. Especially because other children would tease Hannibal for having such a thick accent which he eventually trained himself to tone down). Cue Will's heart breaking because he wonders if Hannibal still does it: tones down his accent out of worry people would struggle to understand what he said. Then Will goes back upstairs, where Hannibal is asleep and writhing in bed because of a nightmare. He recognizes the stench of urine and wakes Hannibal (who's in distress), providing comfort and helping Hannibal get cleaned up and changed into a new set of pajamas. Will comforts Hannibal (knowing he's ashamed for wetting the bed) and calls him "sweetheart" for the first time.

Hannibal having lupophobia (fear of wolves) ever since he was a child and watched a pack of wolves eat the bodies of his tutor and parents and scratch at the cabin windows and door to get in. Also, imagine young Hannibal being chased by a rabid wolf when he finally escaped the cabin. He and Will are living in Canada post-fall and one day, they're either walking around town or in their backyard when a wolf appears, leading to Hannibal's distress.

Hannibal getting sick sometime after episode 2x10. Will finds Hannibal asleep on the chaise lounge in his office (or in the middle of retching in the bathroom). Vomiting always reminds Hannibal of the time he puked after realizing he'd eaten his sister or the time he'd eaten so fast (because of past starvation) that he ended up vomiting. Hannibal regresses (involuntarily) and Will decides he can't be left alone. They make it to Will's house and he cares for Hannibal the entire night. During dinner, Hannibal's food issues resurface (reluctance to eat something unknown) and in a regressed state, he mistakenly believes Will is taking the bowl of food away (though Will is only grasping it to hand feed Hannibal).

omega Hannibal being shy about building his first nest post-fall because he hasn't been able to make one in three years. imagine Hannibal getting emotional (burrowed underneath a mountain of blankets and one of Will's shirts cradled against his chest) because it's the first time in years that he's had a moment of privacy; a place to seek comfort.

omega Hannibal falling ill post-episode 2x10. Will comes over to check on him, and sees Hannibal curled up in his nest, shivering with a fever and whimpering in discomfort. it's the first time Will's ever heard Hannibal make such a distressed sound.

Here is the link to my first post (a vulnerable Hannibal fic rec)!

https://www.tiktok.com/t/ZTjrdFBkE/

Tell me why it's more nerve wracking than posting on AO3 lol.

edit: omg y'all if AO3 had the capability to show you how many people are viewing your fic like tiktok does for videos, i would be stressed out, but also it is a bit thrilling tbh 🤭

making a tiktok account for my hannibal headcanons and vulnerable hannibal rec list and rambles <3 i woke up from a nap and it came to me like a vision.

Hannibal's food trauma flaring up in the winter is always on my mind.

During season 2, post-episode naka-choko, Hannibal is in the middle of a binge (eating foods from his childhood because it helps him feel closer to Mischa, and because there is always a persistent and illogical, deep-rooted fear of running out of food) and regresses. He's wearing the red sweater and matching pajama pants. His hair is unstyled, laying soft across his forehead. He's alone in the dining room until someone else unexpectedly enters the room. Will (because they both gave the other a spare key), who is stunned when Hannibal startles for the first time ever and gasps and starts choking on a mouthful of food. And for a few moments, Will is frozen --waiting for Hannibal to settle. He doesn't. He's clawing at his throat and tears are pouring down each cheek. Then, Will rushes over and does the heimlich maneuver on Hannibal. The mouthful of food lands onto Hannibal's plate. He's gasping for breath, blinking wetly--and Will is unprepared for the next moment: the back of Hannibal's skull presses closer; a small, reversal nuzzle; seeking comfort. Will is still holding onto Hannibal's waist, holding him up, feeling how bloated and strained his abdomen is right now. Then, Hannibal's chest lurches and he starts gagging and ends up vomiting all over the table. His fists are curled around the table's edge and Will struggles to hold him up from how violently he's retching. Puking always distresses little Hannibal because puking reminds him of the moment he realized he ate the soup filled with Mischa's remains. He's a trembling wreck, tears and snot and saliva and bile coating his mouth and chin. He doesn't respond to Will's questions of concern. He disassociates, blinking blankly and reliving flashbacks of being trapped inside the cabin with Mischa and being so, so hungry and cold and scared, even if he didn't want to show the men he was afraid. He doesn't react until Will brings a napkin up to his mouth, wiping away the mess. He startles again, whimpering yet not able to move in such a cramped position. Will realizes something is wrong when Hannibal's rasped and ruined voice fills the air: something foreign and trembling, a half-formed cry. That's when Will realizes something is wrong. That Hannibal isn't drunk. There is food everywhere; multiple pans half-full. There is no cutlery, because Hannibal's been eating everything by hand-feeding himself. He's shivering and disheveled and reeking of vomit. Will knows leaving Hannibal like this is not an option. For the first few moments, consoling Hannibal does not come with a natural ease, but Will slowly begins to understand that touch and a gentle voice are comforting for little Hannibal. The mess is first on Will's list, and he makes Hannibal sit back down and drink some water, then begins cleaning up the table. Hannibal becomes distressed when he realizes what's happening; that food is being taken away. It takes a few moments for Will to calm Hannibal down. To remind Hannibal that he's already had enough. Soon, Will leads Hannibal upstairs to change into clean pajamas. Then, Hannibal asks Will to stay, in a voice so small that Will couldn't possibly refuse.

Later, when little Hannibal is asleep, curled up against Will's chest after explaining winter always makes him hungry and sharing stories of his childhood (maybe abuse at the orphanage), and sharing that he's never had a best friend after losing Mischa until now, Will begins to second guess everything and no longer wants to go through with the plan of entrapping Hannibal. Especially when little Hannibal admits to Will he didn't mean to eat the soup--he was just so hungry--and Will is left wondering what it means until everything clicks into place.