I △ VIDEO

[setting_fires]

[Dust, old linoleum, the swish of a leather coat as a black boot takes a step forward, leaving dusty footprints in its wake. Axel's holding the camera like he's shooting footage rather than sitting in front of it, so there's little to look at besides the inside of his 'new' apartment, caught at odd angles as he explores the little there is to tour

Comments

voice;

[mirroredmemory]

[And it sounds like there's a mad scuffle for the NV here, because she just caught the tail end of that and can scarcely believe her ears.]

Axel? Is that- is it you?

voice;

[setting_fires]

[A pause long enough for a slight frown. That someone would know his name is plenty cause for concern, however flattering.]

None other, nice to see somebody's got it memorized!

voice;

[mirroredmemory]

[She's relieved, she's so relieved. Suddenly, after everything that's happened over this last month, there's something that makes her feel something other than terrible.]

I can't believe you're back. You're really back. Are you OK?

voice;

[setting_fires]

Hey, yeah, I'm probably better than okay, all things considered.

[He's starting to feel like he's missing something big here or that she might have the wrong guy except that well...she'd recognized him and known his name hadn't she?]

Look, I appreciate the heartfelt concern but ah...do I know you?

voice -> video

[mirroredmemory]

[Her face falls a mile, because while she should have realised this would happen, it still hurts like a punch to the gut.

Instead, she switches on the video feed, and tries not to let her disappointment show.]

I'm Xion. I'm your friend, I promise.

voice -> video

[setting_fires]

[Video flickers on and Axel tilts his head. He still has no idea who she is but he's more confused now because whoa she does look really familiar...]

You sure you got the right guy? [He points at himself skeptically on the feed.] 'Cause that's not a word many people generally use to describe me.

video

[mirroredmemory]

[She offers him a really weak smile; she's trying to be cheerful, she really is.]

Do you like eating ice cream on the clock tower at sunset with Roxas?

video

[setting_fires]

[Blinks. Alright alright, you've proved your point but...has Roxas been talking about him? For some reason it doesn't seem likely.] Where'd you hear something like that? You know Roxas?

video

[mirroredmemory]

I didn't hear it- I mean... Yes, I know Roxas. He's my best friend too.

["So are you" is left unsaid.]

But you're really OK? Really?

video

[setting_fires]

Best friends, huh? [Too? Axel frowns.]

Is there a reason I shouldn't be?

video

[mirroredmemory]

No, I don't think so. It's just... I was worried about you. And you're OK, so...

[She doesn't miss that frown and deflates a little.]

I'm sorry. I know I don't make any sense. I'm just so happy to see you.

video

[setting_fires]

[Feeling a little awkward here. Roxas had said something strange too so he's obviously missing something, that much is doubtless.] Thanks again, I think...? I'm sure I appreciate it anyway. You got a name?

video

[mirroredmemory]

[This strange, awful mix of joy at seeing him again and sadness at him not knowing her is unsettling, but she's been so grounded in sadness lately that she's clinging resolutely to the positive and trying not to dwell.]

It's Xion. My name is Xion.

video

[setting_fires]

[Xion's expression nags oddly at Axel, once again almost familiar, like a word on the tip of his tongue.] Xion, huh? Well I'm committing it to memory now so I for sure won't forget. [He offers her a smile.]

video

[mirroredmemory]

[Smiles back.]

And once you get something memorised, it sticks.