Axel didn't react to Sora's sudden outburst, idly grabbing a hold of his glass of orange juice to keep its contents from spilling when the table rattled. He waited until the latter had enough time to compose himself before giving him a look as if that would answer the brunet's question. However, it quickly dissipated and was replaced by a weak attempt at a smile, letting his hand rest on top of Sora's shoulder and squeezed it reassuringly.

"Hey, there's no need for an apology. It wasn't like you didn't have your own problems to worry about." He gave a laugh, and a genuine one at that. There was a twinge of sorrow in the mixture, which ultimately grew into something akin to guilt for dumping this on Sora, but he was almost touched by the fact that the teen cared.

"And besides," He continued. "My roommate was there when they took me away, so he ended up forming a rescue team and led them where I'd been taken. Bastard even carried me all the way back to our room by himself after we all got separated."

Axel would admit that he’d been ridiculously lucky about that. He hadn't expected for Ashton to make a vow before he'd been dragged out, and was truly grateful that the man kept his promise. Yet this meant that his laundry list of favors was growing, but he guessed he could make a few exceptions.

At Sora's next question the redhead looked over at him carefully before he reached down and took the latter's hand and coaxed it over to his side of the table. Axel didn't bother to explain, simply pressing it firmly onto the middle of his chest and waited.