Axel snorted at what Aerith said and shook his head. His continued grin made it clear that he knew what she said was a joke and that he was continuing in that tone.

"Hey, hey, I don't think you're soft because you're a girl. I just think you might need a little more ... direction, because you were a city girl and this isn't a city."

He wouldn't automatically think that someone was soft just because they were a girl, joking accusation or not.

He knew Larxene.

He pointedly ignored Saix's comment, but glanced sidelong at him all the same, grin in place.