Chapter Text
Dearest Hannibal,
I apologize for not writing recently. There has been recent trouble in our organization that I was required to personally contend with. As you know, the family business needs constant supervision. However, such is no reason to forgo communication with my dearest brother. It was rude of me and I hope you can forgive my forgetfulness.
How are your patients faring? I know your practice is thriving but it has been so long since you have last told me about an interesting case. In fact, you must come visit me sometime. I have plenty to keep your larders full and I believe you have not practiced your Russian in many years. Is it not time to do so? I find America unspeakably dull and Americans intolerable, I do not know how you bear it. Why just yesterday I met an american girl, incorrigible and unapologetic for her many faults. She was a heiress and believed herself above me. The contempt in her eyes was quite unconcealed and you would of found her well suited for your kitchen utensils. Fortunately enough, Robertus wanted her to be made an example of. She looked quite hilarious, strung up on the ceiling as her slovenly father screamed in horror when her blood dripped on to his face.
I hear the Chesapeake Ripper has become active yet again. The ripper seems particularly brazen and I worry about the games that are being played. We all have our vices, and I only ask you to be more careful in yours. You always have the most elaborate of plans and in the madness you have created, there is no doubt a grander purpose. I simply worry for you, forever and always. What we have established here, the connections we have do not extend to the United States. I know that is one of the reasons why you left but it is safer here to do what we do best.
I miss you. Just yesterday, I saw the Kirov Ballet perform and it was lovely. I thought of you and how much more I would have enjoyed it with you getting overly emotional with the soaring crescendos of the violins. No one can quite do dramatic like you do.
Do you often go to the opera alone? You know that such art is meant to be enjoyed with friends.
With Much Love,
Mischa
Mischa,
There is no need to apologize. You know I would forgive you the world. Additionally, I am sure you are quite adequately equipped to handle anything that disrupts what we have established. Robertus needn't worry about anything.
My patients are doing well. Some snivel, some cry, others say nothing at all. It is quite the norm here. I find myself annoyed with one in particular. He is a strange and needy mess with an unusual fixation on his psychiatrists. He is not distasteful enough to warrant a home visit from me, but I am sorely tempted. His problems are conventional and my mind tends to wander during sessions with him.
But Mischa, I met a man. This is why I have "come out of the woodwork" as one might say. His mind is a mirror and I am fascinated by him. Never have I found a person with such similar intellect and world views as me, yet he is so different at the same time. He is not like us, Mischa. His propensity for murder is a side effect of the serial killers he is forced to empathize with. I left him a gift in the middle of a field and it was the first time anyone has really seen me for who I am( apart from you). However, he is still limited by society and his own constraining morals. Currently, he is my patient, but I look forward to the day in which I can enjoy his company without false pretense.
I understand that you are wary of the game I play, and this is why I have not informed you of my nightly activities. You are my younger sister and it is my duty to care for you. I already feel as if I have neglected my duties as an elder brother by leaving you in Lithuania and now Russia. Though I know you are an accomplished young woman, I still remember the girl who always waited for me past bedtime to come back from boarding school.
I hope you disemboweled that american heiress. Carefully splaying someone's intestines is very satisfying after they have been particularly irritating. I would have also derived much satisfaction from seeing that man's face stretched in horror. Ripping out organs may be my modus operandi but the psychological can be just as thrilling.
I loathe travel and Russia is a barren wasteland to me. Subjecting me to such an environment would be quite cruel of you. Therefore, you must visit me. I have a marvelous dinner planned for us. We can enjoy the ballet or the orchestra together even if you do mock my enjoyment of them.
Yes, I go to the opera alone but my clever sister already knew that. I believe it is easier to delve more deeply into the beauty of the music without unnecessary stimulus and social niceties.
You are a constant presence in my thoughts. That is to say, I think of you often.
Faithfully Yours,
Hannibal