Layla's expression slipped a little from sheer surprise that was being tightly reigned in by habitual nonchalance. Her fingers dug into her arms so that they wouldn't.

"I wasn't angling for that," she said, after a moment.

I really wasn't. It's actually surprising as hell to hear. I could almost feel guilty, but I guess I'm a better alternative than not having a reason.

And it's nice to hear.