Threads of Healing ||Alucard X Fem Reader||

The days following Y/N's decision to stay in the castle unfolded quietly, though not without their share of small, significant moments. Life began to settle into a fragile rhythm between her and Alucard. The vast hallways, though eerily silent, became less oppressive as the two navigated their days alongside one another. The castle still bore marks of the climactic battle that had ended Dracula's reign, but it was no longer merely a site of destruction. Slowly, it was becoming a home.

Alucard had offered Y/N a room down the hall from his, sparing her one of the more ornate chambers once intended for nobility. She had appreciated the gesture; the simple, sunlit room suited her. Every morning, she woke to the faint sound of Alucard moving through the castle, attending to various tasks, often lost in thought. Y/N would find him in the library or in one of the many rooms cluttered with forgotten treasures, surrounded by books or ancient tools. He seemed to have immersed himself in studying and cataloging his father's legacy.

Today was no different. She found him in the grand hall, meticulously organizing the remnants of Dracula's once-unmatched collection of artifacts and books. His expression was thoughtful, his golden hair catching the dim light from the tall windows. Y/N lingered in the doorway before speaking.

"You've been at it all morning," she said softly, stepping inside. "You should take a break."

Alucard glanced up, startled but quickly recovering. "There's much to do," he replied. "And I'm not particularly tired."

Y/N crossed her arms, tilting her head with a knowing look. "That doesn't mean you shouldn't rest. Even someone as...exceptional as you needs to step away sometimes."

Alucard smirked faintly. "Exceptional, hm? I'll have to remember that."

She rolled her eyes. "You know what I mean."

Despite himself, Alucard set aside the tome he'd been examining. "If I do take a break, will you promise to stop fussing over me?"

"Not a chance," Y/N retorted, smiling.

They spent the next hour seated by one of the smaller hearths in the castle. Alucard had insisted she pick a book from the shelves, and the two read in companionable silence. The crackle of the fire filled the space between them, creating an atmosphere of peace that felt rare yet welcome.

That evening, Y/N decided to prepare something for dinner. Though the castle had no shortage of supplies, most of it was either aged beyond use or preserved far too long. She rummaged through the storeroom, finding just enough to craft a simple stew. Her hands worked methodically, chopping vegetables and stirring the pot over a low fire in the kitchen.

When it was ready, she brought two bowls to the dining table, calling for Alucard to join her. He appeared shortly after, looking mildly surprised.

"You cooked?" he asked, eyeing the bowl curiously.

Y/N shrugged, sliding one toward him. "Don't sound so surprised. Everyone has to eat, and I figured it might be nice to share a meal."

He took a cautious bite, his expression softening as he nodded in approval. "It's good. Thank you."

They ate in quiet companionship, exchanging occasional comments about the day's work or snippets of their lives before meeting. When they finished, Alucard insisted on clearing the dishes despite Y/N's protests. Watching him in the kitchen, a faint smile tugged at her lips. In small moments like these, it felt almost normal.

As he set the last dish aside to dry, Y/N leaned against the doorway. "You've had a long day," she said thoughtfully. "I'll draw you a bath. It'll help you relax."

Alucard turned, a soft smile gracing his features. "Thank you, but you don't have to trouble yourself."

"It's no trouble," she replied firmly, already heading toward the hall.