She looked so small.
She was leaning in the doorframe. Just say it.
"I'll leave," Axel muttered moving toward the door.
"No," she stopped him.
Demyx was silent. A rare occurrence. Once again he found himself thinking about the newcomer. She seemed strong enough, but she was only one girl. Even Larxene had her weaknesses. He wondered if she had reconciled with Axel yet. As he thought, he asked himself why he was interested in this girl.
Because she didn't fit in, he told himself. And because no one else was.
Tori straightened. "I want to talk to you."
"You want to scream at me," Axel corrected.
Tori shrugged, "That's left up to interpretation."
Axel was skeptical, but then he always was. He shrugged. I might as well hear her out.
"I've wanted to tell you," she took a breath. "You are the most arrogant, vain, self-centered, impertinent, rude, pitiful, pathetically weak minded fool I have ever met in my life."
Axel cringed, but didn't deny it. I probably deserve it. He sighed. If this is all she has to say… He made for the door. Tori stood firmly in his way.
"However, I find myself unable to believe it, but I-I am willing to forgive you."
Axel raised an eyebrow. "Really?" He actually felt…hopeful.
"You-you didn't let me finish." Tori said pointedly. "I will, as they say, 'forgive and forget' if you…" she paused.
"What?"
"I-if you," she couldn't say it. I have to. "You have to…say…s-say…"
"Yes?" Axel was confused. Why are women so damn difficult?
She had to remember just to breathe. "Tell me it's not all just a lie." She was gaining strength now. "Tell me I'm not worthless. Tell me I'm here for a reason. Tell me- say that you really are sorry. This can't be another deception. Say it like you mean it. Make me listen. I want to believe. Make me."
Axel smiled. "You don't listen well do you?"
Tori blinked.
"That's what I've saying all along. You just didn't hear it."
She blinked again.
"You have to want to hear it. I don't know if you've noticed, but I don't usually say things outright."
"Oh."
"Oh?" Axel tilted his head. "That's it? 'Oh?'"
Tori blushed. "Sorry. I'm not used to being speechless."
He sighed. Women! But then he had to remember she was still a child. Even if she didn't act like it.
She blushed again. "I'm not used to having to catch up either."
He shook his head. "You have a lot to learn. You can't just listen with your ears. What has Zexion been teaching you?"
"Well not much lately." She admitted. "I don't think he likes me much."
"I don't think so either." Axel agreed.
"B-but," Tori reasoned. "Liking has nothing to do with it, right?"
Axel smirked. "With Zex, liking has everything to do with it. Unfortunately he doesn't really like anyone."
"And you?" Tori asked.
"Me?" Axel walked over to the bed and lay down, crossing his hands behind his head. "I'm a bit more open."
"Open-ended you mean."
He sat up. "What's that supposed to mean?"
"I'll leave it up to you." Tori said as she opened the door and walked out.
Not for the first time she left Axel alone and confused in their room.