The cool night chill set him in place as he waited. The window half open as he listened to them all banter and bicker. Very little had been done after Heather's change, besides Oliver up everyone's ass with how they talked and treated her. Anything and everything could harm the baby that laid within her, as he finely put, but all it did was irritate them all. To their enjoyment though, she'd come around and tap him with the spoon she carried, warning him of his actions.

"Is there anything we are missing?" Luciano rubbed his temples, clearly annoyed by the fighting.

"I dunno." Allen spoke up, nudging James, "Why not ask the dark and dreary one?"

"Good point." James turned in his seat, eyes fixed on him, "What have you found in Haven?"

Gillen scoffed, "Not much."

"Lies." Allen shouted.

Now that was different. They normally left him alone, never really digging into him, but now they were all glaring at him. What the hell did they learn and from who?

"Yes, for once I have to agree with the boys." Oliver laced his fingers together, resting his chin upon them, "Seems there's more than one reason to venture over."

"What?" Luciano nearly screamed, "What the hell are they talking about?"

"I do agree, Bruder, what is going on?" Lutz questioned as well.

They had him in a corner, one he wasn't sure if he could back out of without causing an issue with any of them, "What do you think I'm hiding?"

"Laine." Allen and James chimed together.

Whos and whats echoed the room as he felt his face drain of color. Shit, how the hell did they figure that out? There was no way he left any trace of Haven on him when he left, no witnesses or items. But they said her name, clear as day before him. He had only found out that little bit a few days after he talked to her, gaining every aspect of trust from her.

"Who's Laine, Gillen?" Lutz's voice cut through them all.

"A young woman from Haven." Oliver stated for him, "She's ventured over here to our side for her Mistress, as she told Heather, to gather and bring the drug Mirage to her. She's slowly starting to learn the street-"

"How the hell do you know of her and what she does?" Gillen demanded, realizing that he gave more than he planned, "Scheisse."

A few chuckles lifted from the table as curious mumbling followed, but Luciano's glare was the loudest within the room, "You are tailing a woman?"

"I've scoped many houses within the district, learning all I can of the traffic and drugs that are brought in, nothing more. Each home has someone within that either distributes or takes. Her home is one of them."

"And when you are done?" the man spoke through his teeth.

"Then I will wipe her mind." Gillen replied.

And there it was, that burning, rumbling vibration in his chest. So deep it nearly rippled his whole body. He watched as everyone began to calm down, nodding to his notion as the worry seemed to disappear within the air. Well, until he looked at Oliver. His eyes pierced his being, nearly telling him to spit the truth, at least to him. He ignored it all. The conversations growing intense again as they spoke of ways into AlphaCom but his mind was gone. Stuck on one thing. Her. He couldn't explain it. He wanted to. God did he ever. But the first time he saw her, his chest felt heavy and hot, and as he got closer each time, the vibrations grew stronger.

He didn't know what it was but knew it came from her. Only her. Something about her sweet lilac scent drove him nuts as her platinum hair shined in the pale moonlight, how bright her smile was and doe-like aqua eyes were. She was truly stunning to him. Delicate features hidden under a cloak of purple, her white dress hiding all that it could. But it was her kindness that won him. Each night he'd venture out, he'd deliberately go to hers. Every time he did, there was always something there for him. Blankest and food, clothes and drinks. Anything she made herself laid waiting for him. No true rhyme but just her thanking him for protecting her home. Well, that's what she thought. If she only knew the truth.

He glanced back towards them all, seeing them deep in conversation over the issues at hand and Roland still within AlphaCom. Could he escape now? The early evening started to settle in, giving him the hours he had. Maybe, just maybe.

"Gillen?" a whisper called his name.

There was only one person that openly approached him besides his brother. Glancing behind him, Heather quietly walked up to him. It was hard to believe she was now London, a personification like them. Questions were rampant when it happened, yet it seemed to fit the whole thing perfectly.

"Sorry to bother you, but can I talk with you?"

He wasn't sure what to think at that moment. Heather was normally glued to Oliver's side when she was within the building, his hand protectively over her, especially around them all, but she was standing behind him, eyes glancing between himself and Oliver. With a huff, he got up, leaving the room as she quietly slipped out of the room undetected. Once out in the halls, he pulled her towards the entranceway, knowing the rest of them were in meetings like himself.

"Alright, speak."

"Quick to the point."

"I'd rather get it finished with right off."

"So you can see Laine."

He glared at her, "How do you-"

"She spoke of you. Told us how she saw a man climb the wall and walk Haven at night. You've awed her. Believe me, she's told me."

How on earth did this woman know so much? "So you told them?"

"Good heavens no!" she waved her hands, "No, she came in one day. I told the boys about the woman that came into the bakery, looking lost. They didn't realize it was her until she asked about you."

"Asked about me?"

Heather nodded, "She was curious of you and what I may have known. I spoke lightly about you. You're still a mystery to me even, but I gave her what I knew."

He wondered if it was a good idea for her to know so much of New London, the fact that she ventured out as such to retrieve Mirage and venture back to the wall, it bothered him knowing what was out there and how innocent most behind the wall were. He watched many of the people within speak and interact, so pure and uneducated, hidden away for their own 'safety'.

"You there, Gillen?"

He looked back to Heather, "I am."

"Then you are lost in your head." she smiled gently, "I asked you a question."

Gillen sighed, "What is it?"

"Possibly the same one I'm going to ask you."

Turning around, Oliver came towards them, the shit-eating grin plastered on his face, "Didn't think you'd come out of there?"

"Luciano saw you were gone, demanded me to see why." he stood beside Heather, "I guessed you came in and snuck him out."

"It was for only a moment." she nodded, "But the question still remains."

"And it is?" he glared at them.

"Do you feel it within you?" Oliver asked, "That deep vibration. Not fully like how you all felt with Heather when she came to us all, but deeper."

"And if I did?"

"It may be something much deeper than we figured." Heather noted, "Only Oliver can describe the feeling to match you. Everyone else just senses it. You, you truly feel it."

"You may have been cool and collected when you said to wipe her away, but your eyes told a completely different story. It hurt to even think such a thing, yes?"

He wanted to shut them both up, to ignore what they were digging at, but he couldn't. It was true. All of it. Nodding to them both, he turned around, walking away from them as he calculated his timing within Haven for the night.

"Guessing I'm correct?" he heard Oliver snicker.

Flipping him the bird, Gillen marched out of the place, beelining it for the wall. There was more than just her there, was when he first went over but she just vexed him in ways he never thought possible. He tried to stay on course. The boisterous shipping truck roared by, giving him the advantage to sneak in once more. Grabbing hold of the small handles, he held onto the truck as it whizzed by places and vehicles. Carefully, he made his way to the top, resting against the smooth surface as it made its way to the entrance.

He wondered if all was for naught, the digging he did and risking his neck. But he had to. There was one thing that Haven had information on that only he knew. And he was keeping it that way. The shuddering of the vehicle gave him his hint that they were entering Haven. Passing the gate and security, the truck rolled in the gated area, becoming hidden like everyone within. He knew where it was heading, he just had to time it all right to be undetected. The large building opened before them, the heady glow within the truth he knew well. The smell of drugs and liquor was strong, suffocating almost as musky sex waved in here and there. This was what hid within the walls, the true desire of the makers and dealers. The tests for Perfection.

Seeing the metal walkway, he leaped from the truck and snagged the bar, hoisting himself as quickly as possible to scurry down the way, hiding in the shadows as laughter and chatter filled the area. He watched as many of the homes Men and Ladies came forth, flaunting what they had and what was coming. Drugs of plenty laid on the large table as the truck was unloaded, adding more to the pile. Mirage, Drylor, Spriz, Kylsire, so many of the streets deadly drugs laid on the metal piece, and yet none gave him an answer he truly wanted.

"Welcome my friends!" someone shouted from the front of the table, "Gather 'round so we may begin."

Gillen watched as many came forth, including Laine's Master and Mistress. He watched her eyes light up, staring intently at the yellow vials, almost twitching to have them but her husband's tight grip kept her there. He waited, wondering what would come of it all.

"Well, as we see, everyone is here. I'm happy to announce that in due time, there will be at least three new pieces to come in." he explained, gaining cheers and whistles, "Yes, we have made a new set of enhancers, one a stronger dose close to Kylsire, making the body even more nimble and healthy, a twist in Mirage for the age and beauty of our ladies, and a new one. Psuche. Derived from the Greek word for life and the term lining toward the meaning psychology. This aid will not only help the ones weak with the mind but in life aspects as well. No more blood or tears for the spirits no longer here. This will make everything within the woman healthier than anything."

Psuche? Well, there was one he was going to have to get his hands on. Xiao would be gone for another week, dissecting the damn thing and seeing what it was doing to people. The hum of the crowd gave way as he smiled at them all, hearing compliments and more. It made him sick. Knowing what was really going on. This place was never as beautiful as many though, they were just hidden behind a veil of lies and deceit.

"Now, as I say this, don't stop giving your intrusted staff or hands their usuals, stopping it suddenly could harm them even more. So keep that going. Until we know it's truly safe, we can't have any of you fine people attempting to take them."

Gillen glared down, his brow furrowing as the man continued to speak about the maids and servants getting the drugs. Did that mean Laine was being poisoned by her Mistress? Was she being tested and yet never knew? He quietly left his spot, gingerly walking the catwalk towards the truck, praying he could grab the bottle before he was detected. Inch by inch, section by section, he made it to the foot of the truckbed, looking inside as they all continued to speak. His hand rested on the open container, seeing the load of mixtures within.

"Oh, what the hell, one of each." he whispered to himself, "Might as well make them all happy."

In a flash, he grabbed all he could and darted off, out the small window and into the cold night. The brisk air, taking him back slightly as he tucked the vials all away. He trudged off, keeping his head low and mixing with the workers of the area until he hit the wall. He had to get out of there, no time in visiting her. There was too much going on now. Even if he wasn't going to spill everything to them, he had to at least tell them of the new products coming out. More reason to patrol the streets and keep a watchful eye on every scum within the city. His chest vibrated, nearly yelling at him to go and see here. Gillen shook his head, the risk was too high.

"Hey, what are you doing?" someone said to him, grabbing his arm and spinning him around, "Who the hell-"

Gillen cut him off as he covered his mouth with his gloved hand. He tried to reach for his blade but the man was faster as he felt a sharp sting go down his arm and across his chest. He laid a punch to his head and threw the item out of his hand, the boxcutter flying away from them. The man tried to yell, tried to fight him off but the soldier within him came forth and overpowered him. The years of solitude and war screamed at him, unsheathing the blade, he drove it into the man's chest, feeling the warm liquid cascade under his hand. He stabbed him twice more, making sure no sound was heard or sight given as he dragged the dead body to the side of the building, hiding it within the shrubs. The stinging to his wounds caused him to pause. It had to be deeper than he thought and it was slowly becoming noticeable after his adrenaline slowed down. Maybe he had to go to her now, hopefully, she left him something out there to wrap himself up.

Darting off, he followed the shadows and barely lit streets, seeing her's before him and sure enough, the light was on. Making his way through the garden, he scaled the trellis, making his way to the lookout she always stood upon. Over the white railing, he found her basket, food and a sweater laid within. Gillen shook his head, knowing she thought particularly on what to give him. He removed his coat, checking the gash on his arm just to lift his shirt and see the large cut along his torso. Well, so much for being careful and not noticed.

A gasp caught his ear, making him look to the door only to find Laine standing there. Wide aqua eyes stared at him as she clung his scarf tightly to her small frame, "Gillen?"

He tried to speak to her, yet nothing happened as she came to him, looking over his wounds, "Oh my goodness, what happened to you? Are you hurt anywhere else? Shall I call a doctor?"

"Nein!" he nearly shouted at her, "Nein, no doctors. I just need to patch myself up. It's really nothing major. I'll heal in a little bit."

"That will not do for me." she huffed at him, "If you will not see a doctor, then I will tend to your wounds."

Gillen sighed at her, "That won't be necessary."

"Did I seem to ask you if you wanted it?"

He glanced down at her, shocked that she put her foot down on him and yet, he obeyed. Since when did he obey a woman's command like that? She took his hand and dragged him into the dimly lit home, leading him to a room off the corridor.

"Laine, your Master, and Mistress-"

"Are not home at this hour." she cut him off, throwing the lights on and closing the door to the bathroom, "And before you ask, the rest of us are asleep. There is a strict routine for the hands of the house, that they must be rested for the next day early. I am the only one allowed to be awake at this hour for the Mistress will need me before obtaining sleep herself."

She moved around the small room, gathering all that she could and set it next to him. She truly puzzled him, he leaned against the sink as she finished her findings and prepped her work. She sort of reminded him of Heather when Oliver came back from a long night of his torturous play, how she would fix him and care for him. Not that it mattered, he would heal like himself in a day or so, but the man never argued with her. Just let her do what she wanted and accept who she was.

Laine pointed to his shirt, "Please, remove it. I need to see it to fix it properly."

Grimacing, he did as she ordered, removing the garment and waiting for her to begin. The cool cloth came to him, causing him to hiss at the suddenness and pain. Her brow furrowed slightly as she cleaned the slash and attempted to bandage him up, wrapping the dressings around him. Little murmurs left her pout lips as she double-checked her work just to tap on his arm. Holding it out, she repeated her work to him as he watched in awe over her. Her delicate fingers graced him like the early spring wind and rain, barely there yet known. Her long platinum hair held back by antique pins, her cloak gone but the simple white dress gave him an idea of her supple form but hid all from him. Yet her eyes and voice caught him most off guard. How innocent and pure they were. Angelic like really.

"What happened to you to have such long and deep cuts?" she suddenly spoke again.

Gillen froze, how in the hell was he going to explain that? "I, uh, misjudged a ledge and fell. Miss the worst of the metal fence."

She gave a stern glare, "I told you, you should not jump from the roofs. You are bound to get hurt even worse than now. You are being quite reckless."

Thank god she believed that, "Well, it's rare to get hurt like that."

"I do doubt that." she replied, finishing him up, "Although I am curious to something of you."

"And that would be?"

She gathered her materials, cleaning all she could before putting them all away, "Your accent? What is it, may I ask?"

"Oh, Deutsch. I mean, German."

"Really?" her eyes lit up, "You are from Germany?"

"Well, Prussia to be exact."

"Oh, so near or in Königsberg?"

Now that shocked him, "How do you know that? Not many realize it's a nation still standing."

"Master." she smiled, checking everything within as she came to him, "He always speaks of wars and nations. He likes how the armies fought and what power they had. He idolized some of them, his words to us when speaking of them. He values the strength of nations and what they can bring."

If that didn't give his heart a new beat, he wasn't sure what would, "Ja, Sehr Gut, near there for me."

Placing on the shirt she made him, he wondered what else laid in that pretty head of hers until the clink of the vials brought him back to his thoughts of earlier. He turned and looked at her, checking over her arms, yet nothing came out to him.

"Laine, may I ask you something?"

"What may it be?"

"The Mirage, do you take it or just your Mistress?"

"Oh, that is only for Mistress. No one else is allowed to know or take it. I am the only one yet I do not indulge in it."

He nodded at her, "Does she make you take anything? Like a pill or shot or anything?"

She crossed her arms in thought, "Not that I can recall. Even when we are sick, she is very strict about what we are to have. Even a small cold, she is adamant that we are to stay with what she says."

A small relief filled him, "Alright. Just curious."

Gathering his things, he quietly made his way to the door, hearing her follow quickly behind as he took the things within the basket. Glancing back, he found her in the doorway, his scarf suddenly around her shoulders as she waited for him to leave.

"Why did you ask that?" she questioned him.

"I have reasons. But if that changes, and you are to take something suddenly, I beg you not to. Bitte. Please, don't."

Her eyes widened in worry, "Gillen, is everything alright?"

He sighed, "I believe someone is trying to make people sick. Your Mistress is fine but I worry about others. I promise I'll get to the bottom of this."

A small smile graced her face, "You really are looking out for us all. Goodnight, Gillen."

"Gute Nacht, Laine." and then, he jumped down. Landing on his feet just to look up and see the light disappear, "I'm really doing it for you."