[action]
[Oh, finally she decides to ease up on the squeezing. His fingers have become tingly. As to why she's intertwining them, he doesn't have the slightest clue. Or maybe he does, but he just doesn't want to admit it. Axel briefly glances at their hands before continuing.]
Well, it took a while, but you remember that boy I told you about? The one protecting his friend? He showed up to help him win the fight.