A/N: Update Time!

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Chapter 16: Make It Count

(Namine's POV)

The room was dreadfully silent and he stared at me from across the room. I averted his emerald eyes by looking awkwardly to the floor. A few moments later, Axel flitted toward me and began to speak.

"I heard what you said before," he whispered.

"Excuse me?"

"You were talking about Sora, right?"

"Yes, I was..."

"That is very interesting," he said with a devious smile.

"Go ahead and rat me out to your buddies," I hissed angrily, "I don't care!"

"Woah! Settle down," he laughed, "I won't tell a soul."

"Really?"

"Yeah, it can be our little secret..."

"You're not like the others," I declared, "thanks for being so nice to me."

"Whatever," he replied with a mock arrogance.

He flashed a half-smile and I returned back to my drawings. He hovered momentarily and then walked back to his normal spot by the window. On occasion, I heard him sigh and at length wondered if he were about to speak again. I finished my sketch and then wistfully set the book on the floor, beside my feet. I lifted my head and looked upon Axel from across the room. My gazes seemed to escape his attention, his focus was elsewhere. It was then, that I noticed the same contemplative expression he had worn the previous day. His face furrowed from the efforts of his deep concentration. As soon as he snapped back to reality, he resumed with conversation.

"You seem to really like Sora," he casually stated.

"I do like Sora," I blushed, "...a lot more than I should."

"I can tell," he added, "and I know that you're all he has left."

"It shouldn't be this way. I took everything from him," I lamented, "I have been so stupid!"

"Don't beat yourself up about it! What's done is done, got it memorized?"

"I wish it were as simple as that," I said as I fought back the sudden urge to cry.

"Maybe, it can be that simple."

"Huh? What do you mean?"

"How strange, Marluxia hasn't been around all day."

"Yeah, that is rather strange. But, I'm not sure I understand."

"I'm just saying that there's no one standing in your way."

He shot a wink in my direction and I glanced quizzically at him until his words registered within my brain.

There's no one standing in my way.
I am free to go.
I can try to set things right.

"...Oh."

I quickly stood and flashed him the biggest smile I could muster. He nodded in return and I whispered a delicate "thank you".

"Just make it count, okay?"

"I will," I promised.

Then, I ran as fast as my legs would allow and I never looked back.