Archive of Our Own ^beta

Prompt: that’s the first time i’ve ever seen you smile.”

Complete au of the first episode.

...

Teito moved across the courtyard enjoying the warm sunlight on his face. He had only been at the church for a few days but it was already beginning to grow on him. They had taken him in despite Teito knowing nothing more than his name. A name he refused to provide as a sense of shame rushed through him that he couldn't understand.

In his time with the church he had noticed that no matter where he was he wasn't alone. There was always someone watching him. Whether it was the nuns or one of the bishops. This annoyed him but he allowed it. They took him in, fed him, and asked for nothing in return. The least he could do was allow their curiosity.

Once he reached the fountain Teito laid out on the cool stone. Despite the warmth of the day the stone was always cool to the touch. Here Teito could stare up at the sky mostly undisturbed.

A soft sound next to him drew Teito's attention and he turned his head to the side. There was the mermaid Razette. She maid a soft questioning sound at him.

"I'm okay, Razette," he said with a soft smile to her, "What brings you out here?"

She made a series of sounds that he couldn't understand. Still he allowed her to continue listening intently with the soft smile never fading. Razette was something else. She was one of the few in the church that he could allow himself to relax around.

After a few minutes however she stopped suddenly. She appeared to be staring at something to his right. Teito pushed himself up on his elbows to see Castor, the red haired bishop standing there. Out of the three bishops he spent his time with this one was the hardest to read. Or he was normally. Teito could see a strange set of emotions going across his face. The biggest one was surprise.

Unsure of what surprised the man so much he asked, "What's wrong, Castor?"

"That’s the first time I’ve ever seen you smile.”

Oh... That was right. He didn't smile very much. Usually it was when he was alone with Razette. Or when he was alone and a memory wanted to make itself known. The memory of a blond haired boy in a military uniform. He felt as if he should know that boy but he couldn't remember why.

A light flush crept up his neck as he said, "I haven't had much of a reason to smile. I'm missing my memories and all I know is my name."

Castor ruffled his hair before he said, "That's okay, young man. We will help you all we can."

"Thank you, Castor."