Warning: Castlevania season IV spoilers

I've finished the last season of Castlevania and I have what is generally referred to as post-series depression. So here's a pentadrabble featuring Alucard and Greta.

"If we extend the liveable area to the river bank, we can draw water along this way via the system you researched, and feed the crops on the other end, here," Greta was saying.

She looked up at Alucard, who stood opposite her, thoughtful as he tracked a path with his finger onto the yellowed paper of a newly drawn layout diagram - the settlement they were building, which was to encompass new living structures, the castle, and the Hold. Presently it was midday, and they had agreed to set time aside every day to convene on how to build the basis that would sustain their new lives. They had met in one of the temporarily erected tents before his home, while the castle was still being cleaned of debris and bodies following the recent onslaught.

"That could work," Alucard agreed, his brow knit in concentration. "This irrigation network is an ancient concept, but no less useful in directing the flow of water where it's needed, all the way to... here," he showed.

Greta hummed from the other side of the table. She raised her gaze, watching him with an unreadable expression. Her amber eyes softened on him.

Alucard looked up, and half a smile curved his lips. "What?"

The woman shrugged, tilting her head to regard him with brimming mischief in her gaze. "This is much easier than I thought it would be."

Alucard straightened, watching her with a raised eyebrow. "Oh?"

Greta looked away and ran a hand through her dark hair. "Leading bloody battles and thwarting Evil is one thing," she said. "None can deny your superior fighting skill, but…"

Alucard crossed his arms, his features set in a tired frown. "Oh my God," he demurred, sighing. "You actually meant it. You really thought I was 'useless', didn't you?" He dragged his hand across his face.

Her expression changed, and beyond control Greta laughed outright then. "No! But… listen, resettling an entire community is no easy feat - this," she held her hand over their work, fingers splayed, "I could not have done this without you. I believe what I am trying to say, is..." she paused, pursing her lips.

"Well, well," Alucard bared his teeth in a knowing grin, "The town headwoman being short of words, for once—" he stopped, eyes widening as Greta suddenly leaned forward from across the table, and a slender but determined hand reached around his nape. He was brought closer, and her fingers curled in his hair. There was a dull, rhythmic hammering in his ears, and late he noted it was the sound of his heart. Could he get used to this? He could certainly try.

"Thank you, Alucard," Greta said. "For everything."

Alucard pressed his palms flat on the table, golden eyes locked on hers. Their faces were inches apart, and her gaze involuntarily flitted to his lips. The dull thumping from before was louder and rather dizzying as he watched the deepening blush on her nose and cheekbones. "Adrian," he corrected with a smirk.

Her fingers drifted from his fair hair, ghosting his neck, and settled on his shoulder. He felt the pressure of a slight grip. In the distance, someone had begun to play a flute, and its ringing notes barely reached them, together with the chiming laughter of children.

Greta smiled. "Adrian."

A/N:

This is the first short piece in a series of post-season IV Castlevania AU snippets.

If you like the idea, and there's any prompt in particular you'd like to see written as a short here, let me know.