Vexen had always left the window open a crack encase anything needed to slip in at night. His father had told him to do so as a young boy. When his magic was first blossoming.
And these days he made sure Zexion did the same.
A cracked window was an easy invite from a witch. The bit of bread and honey. It was good to make friends with the creatures around him.
Nothing could have prepared him for Zexion shaking him awake with a panicked look. For his insistent hands and clinging shadows. The Dark had always curled close around the boy. Kept him safe.
It had stormed the night before and it was perfectly common to wake to waterlogged wings on his table beside the candle made for guests.
It would go out if they meant harm.
This was different.
The candle shied away from the pair as much as it tried to help them.
Fairies were common in these parts. He took great care of the plants around his cottage to aid them.
He recognized the pink-haired one faintly. He kept around his roses and had a way with thistle. He was on high alert as he stood firmly before a blond fairy.
"You're safe." Zexion whispered. Vexen knew his tone to mean he'd said it many times before.
It was not normal for a fairy to show fear or anger.
"What happened?" Vexen questioned carefully. "You may call me Vexen."
Blue eyes were sharp on him even at hardly a foot tall. "You can call this place safe as much as you want but I've seen humans capture us. Know our rules."
"I only offer hospitality." Vexen countered. "You've given my son quite the fright. Do you not think it right to say why?"
The fae stared at him before turning to his companion. "Go ahead."
The blond moved away and sat down beside the candle.
"In your language my name is Marluxia. His is Demyx." The fairy started and walked towards them. "I am a nature fairy while he is water. He thought it smart to go out in the storm."
"Wings a bit too fresh for that?" Vexen set a hand down on the table.
Marluxia started at it carefully before walking around it a few times. "Yes. But even the oldest fairy has their limits."
"True." Vexen hummed. "I seek only explanation."
Marluxia stepped slowly onto his palm and sat down. "I enjoy walking at night. When all the flowers are asleep. I found him half dead by a pond."
"I wasn't that bad!" Demyx huffed. "You're the one that shouldn't have been out!"
"That is all there is to say." Marluxia responded. "You're a peculiar human. Hardly warm."
"My specialty is water, ice particularly." Vexen explained and slowly lifted him to offer his shoulder. "Child, start on breakfast."
Zexion gave him a look and turned away. His name was precious.
"You offered your name but fear his," Marluxia mused "Peculiar indeed."
"I did not offer it."
"Mm, but you would." Marluxia carefully climbed onto his shoulder and nestled against his neck and hair. "Thank you."
"Why were you out?"
"Because I could be." Marluxia responded. "Allow us to stay longer?"
"As long as Demyx needs to recover." Vexen was careful.
"I understand."