[private]
[And Axel knows that, but that doesn't mean hearing it isn't somewhat of a surprise. There are few people Axel trusts, and few people who trust him, which is mostly his fault for pushing them away, and when someone wriggles their way past his barrier it's almost...like a disease. His mind tells him to push, push, push away, but deep down Axel really...needs that trust. So he secretly clings to that person as if letting go would mean watching them slip through his fingers.
You're one of the first people Axel could call a friend. And even if there's probably someone else who can be there for you more than him, he's not willing to let you go.
Axel clears his throat and chuckles so he doesn't sound like such a sap.] To be honest I was gonna tease you 'bout it...
[Pause] ...But I, uh. That's good, that you've got someone around.