new moon's shadow
Jake seems to not be surprised that she's already at the food cart, bowls in hand already. "You and I need to talk," Layla says.
Jake huffs, taking his bowl. "That's all you want to do is talk."
They start walking again, and despite her stated need, they both seem to be satisfied with the silence between them for the moment. Jake jerks his head towards a park farther down the street. "Este camino. I know a spot."
It's deep in the park, facing the Nile and city lights. Jake motions for her to sit on the bench, and she does so, giving enough room so they don't touch.
"What are you wanting to talk about?"
Layla looks out at the quiet movement of the Nile. "I spoke with Khonshu."
Jake sighs, tilting his head back to state at the moon. "And?"
"He implied that it wasn't him who made status quo stay as such." Layla chances a turn to see Jake's reaction. "Did Khonshu offer for you to go?"
Jake runs his tongue over his teeth. "Not…entirely."
Layla waves her hand. "What do you mean, not entirely?"
"Khonshu had deals with me and Marc. After the fight with Ammit, the next time I was in control, it was to go kill Harrow. I dumped the body, and Khonshu reminded me that it was my job to keep the body safe. If we died, it would be my fault. I didn't even have a body in the Duat, he said. I wasn't even worth a soul." Jake shrugs, but the hurt is palpable, etched into the creases around his eyes. "I don't deserve a say in what happens. I'm a tool, nothing more. An object. Steven and Marc, those are people with souls and choices and lives."
Layla takes a bite of her food, turning the words over in her head. "If that was the case, why did you kiss me on the forehead?"
Jake smiles, leaning back. "Ah. Fuiste, eres y siempre serás, mi más bonita casualidad."
Layla tries to keep up with what he says, but he speaks too fast. "And…what does that mean?"
"I'm a fool. I should know my place." Jake goes quiet, devouring his food like it'll disappear.
"You're more than that, Jake," Layla murmurs. She risks a touch to his arm, and he freezes, not moving even when she holds his hand. "You deserve happiness just as much as the others."
"Oh, scarab," Jake sighs, pulling his hand away. "You say impossibilities." Sirens go off in the distance across the river, drawing both of their attention. "Are you done talking?"
Layla frowns, throwing her trash away before summoning her Scarlet Scarab suit. "For now. Don't think I'm letting this lie."
Jake shakes his head, summoning his own suit before taking off across the river. She takes off after him, and as she lands next to him atop a roof, he huffs from behind his mask. "Go home, Layla."
"Make me."
"Eres tonta," He mutters before jumping down to investigate.