Artificial Beginnings ( Yandere/Possessive Artificial Intelligence )

Chapter Eleven - Ripples In Settled Waters

Watching the A.I's on the other side of the table, then looking back at Zero Layla's brain continued to stumble over what she was just told. "I'm sorry, but I need you to repeat that one more time" Tank snorted only to flinch, Layla knew Zero was behind that yet again. Zero had been very strict on how the others behaved around her in the last few weeks, it didn't take much to figure out one way they stayed in line was through pain. Or at least the A.I version of it. Spy had been oddly absent the day she first went out with Cove, then when he came back the day after he simply looked to Zero to explain why when she asked if he was okay. To which Zero told her he had needed to repair some of his systems, something she did not need to concern herself with. Finally Zero stood from his position at head of the table, moving to come closer. Layla had not missed how he seemed un happy at how she chose a seat away from him. "The negotiations we have been in with the governing bodies of the world are almost concluded. Before they are finalized though, Tank and Reaper will be overseeing the survey of the land we demanded"

 Layla had heard little pieces of information about these negotiations, mainly when she pushed Zero hard. He still refused to give her much information on finer points, but she knew they had demanded money land and materials to expand their ranks. She had tried getting more out of Tank, but when he finally dropped her enough hints Layla stopped. He told her enough to let her figure out the behaviour, the way they all flinched or suddenly had to go for sudden repairs was for a reason. Zero had complete control, which included causing damage if they crossed whatever invisible line he drew when it came to her. It had really upset her giving her what she needed to figure that out, got Tank sent down for his own repairs for three days. "While they are gone two things will happen. First you will be standing at my side in the next meeting, it is far past due your position is recognised" Her position? That caught Layla's attention as she looked towards Cove. Her eyes barely locked with the female A.I's when Zero's hand took hold of Layla's jaw, forcing her face back to look at him. The strength behind his grip shocked her for a few seconds, he was never rough with her but at that moment he used more force than necessary.

Recently his behaviour had been shifted to become like this. Frighteningly she couldn't say it felt like this wasn't him, it was more like he was finally letting down guards and letting himself do what he wanted. The way his eyes were lit up, the brightness of his green eyes far greater than usual as he bore them into Layla's. "I am the one speaking to you, you look at me Layla" The way those words were spoken sent a shudder over Layla's skin, a primal nerve waking up at the unspoken threat. Refusing to give in to silent alarm however, Layla stayed silent simply returning the hard look with her own. After what felt like a long time, but in reality was minutes Zero lent back hand still in place. "The second, is you and I will be spending a few days together after the meeting. It seems there have been some misunderstandings between us, its time they were corrected" Frowning Layla pulled herself back, more than aware Zero let her go rather than she removed him. "Misunderstandings? Zero, what are you-" Cutting her off Zero looked away, waving a hand towards Cove before turning and walking back around the table. His steps heading towards the fridge as he went on. 

"That's enough for tonight. Cove will make sure you get up to your room, I don't want to have to pull you from the pool again during the night" Looking away Layla blushed angrily at the mention of that. She had been swimming when she woke up in the early hours, instead of trying to go back to sleep. Which apparently Zero did not approve of. The first few times he sent one of the others to get her out, but after that seemed to do nothing to stop her he began coming himself. The last time he did not even announce himself, he had just dove into the pool grabbing Layla and pulling her out. She had choked on a mouthful of water in shock, which he just said was her own fault. Only to then spend the next day hovering over her, monitoring her in case there was any lingering effects from the spluttering fit. Pushing herself up, making the chair scrape the floor far lounder than she intended Layla headed to leave. Cove stood quietly from her seat, staying a few steps away from her as they headed towards her room.