The halls no longer seemed daunting to her, their art now moved with her and told a story only she understood. She had grown used to the building and the people within, especially the boys. She adored being around Gillen and Lutz, hearing them bicker and banter at one another yet lean and praise as well. There never was doubt in her mind, the incident of Haven and what had happened gone from her thoughts, only her arm as a reminder of what she lived and survived.

She learned more and more each day she was before them all, and Heather was the best teacher she had. There was more to the world than she ever realized. Every shop and street, to even the woods behind the old building and the river running behind it, every ounce of life and knowledge and technology that was to be given, she took in stride as she began to grow into the world. And now, she was just learning a little more about her own feelings as well.

'The term you are looking for, darling, is love. You seem to love Gillen.' Heather's words echoed in her head, a feeling she thought she understood yet it was so foreign to her.

"How can one be in love?" she asked aloud, knowing no answer would come.

Every time he passed her thoughts, her heart would race and her mood changed completely, she felt her cheeks grow warm as it seemed a strange tingle would claim her body. So strange yet so amazing at once.

"Not that you really understand how to love or give love." Laine reprimanded herself.

Following the halls, she moved through the building, making her way back to Gillen as he worked within the little workshop, something he wanted to show her as well. The book in hand that he spoke of and the tool he requested from his office chamber, she hastily made her way back to him, wondering was all would come next with his teachings.

A squeal of delight caught her attention, pulling her to the kitchen as it's doors laid slightly open. Peeking in, she saw Heather and Oliver within, laughing and smiling as he seemed to rub frosting on her cheeks and she the same to him. Laine couldn't help but smile at them, the happiness that radiated off of them gave her hope and yet a new action crossed before her. She watched as Oliver came close to her, gently caressing Heather's cheeks, just for his mouth to align with hers. Heather seemed to indulge in it as well and then it came to her, a kiss. One of deep affection like she had read. Hums of approval came about until a phone began to ring.

Moving aside, she watched as Oliver wiped his face as he came out of the kitchen, "Oh, sorry Laine, didn't mean to run into you."

"You did no such thing, I was just merely walking through. Is all alright? Is there a mess within that needs to be attended?"

"Best ask Heather, it was our doing. Sorry dear, but I must take this." he smiled at her just to turn to Heather, "I'll be back later love, and I'll give you that rub you asked for."

"You better." was his reply as he darted off.

Laine glanced within once more, seeing Heather wipe the shelves and utensils, "Is all alright? Would you need my help?"

Heather chuckled, "No love, this was his and my doing. No need to have you cleaning our mess."

"What, may I ask, were you doing to cause such a mess?"

"We had a little spat on which icing to use for the next holiday run, and in the heat of the moment, I threw icing in his face, which in then he did the same, and well, you see where it lead to. Just a bit of fun between us."

"I never thought making a mess would be fun."

"You have to find the right person to do so for it." Heather replied, "What brings you down here anyways?"

Laine lifted the book and tool, "Gillen asked for this tool and I gathered the book for myself as he spoke of it the eve before."

"Ah, learning of the Knights and such."

"Oh yes, there is so much more than what I knew from Haven. So much history was kept hidden away and I feel sad not knowing the truth of it all."

"Nothing wrong with learning."

She nodded to the woman as she finished cleaning the room. Laine tried to keep her mind clear yet their action played within her head again, and one word echoed louder than the rest, "Heather, may I asked a question, which in leading will prove that I was what one would call eavesdropping?"

Heather raised her brow to her, "Ok?"

"How does one, well, share a kiss?"

Heather just stared at her, "Well, that's a bit out there."

"Am I in wrong?"

"No, not at all."Are you just curious of it or wanting to?"

Her fingers twirled with one another, metal meeting flesh as they combined. Was it as easy as it seemed in the stories and the people around her?

"Laine?" she looked up to see Heather smiling at her, "Are you wanting to show Gillen your affection?"

"Well, maybe, but I am unsure of-"

"It's alright, no need to fret it. Besides, I do know that he enjoys your presence immensely."

"You do? How so?"

"He spoke about it one day with Oliver. They were attempting to find common grounds and you came up as did I. The two of them love having us around, not even talking, it's just the knowledge of us being there that makes them happy. I know Ollie is really easy to see that but Gillen is reclusive, but you can tell he does."

"How can you see something I cannot?"

"He looks at you when you aren't." Heather told her, "He gives a glance your way and a small smile creases his face. He always tries to keep close to you and always is trying to help you out."

"I thought I was a bother with my new arm for him to help me as such."

"No!" Heather exclaimed, "No, far from it. He's doing it to stay closer to you, to have a reason to."

Now things seemed to look better in that moment for her. He did care for her, just had his own way of showing it. A small calm filled her as Heather's hand laid on her shoulder, "Have I helped you in this case?"

"You could say that."

Heather laughed lightly, making her join in, "Well, then I'm done teaching for the day. Best be off to Gillen before he askes for you. I'll see you later."

"Right, I did tell him that I would not be long in retrieving what he requested from me. I hope he did not think me lost."

"No, he won't and Laine?"

"Yes?"

"It's a kiss, nothing more, nothing less. He will take it well. Just approach him gently." Heather smiled.

With a final nod, she was off. Darting down the hall and into the large rooms of the men and women of the group. Stories and arguments reaching around the rooms as others seemed to just have one another around for the company of it. She still had so much to learn of them all, including their accents and nations, but with Gillen, it wouldn't take her long.

Rounding the last corner, she heard the familiar whirl of the shop, as he and Lutz called it, music lifting from within as she pushed open the door. Sure enough, there he stood, his eyes never leaving his arm as it laid upon the table, his real one moving over it ever so slightly as small tinks and revs of machines filled the space.

"Gillen?"

"You find it ok?" he asked, turning to face her.

"Yes, it was exactly where you stated it would be." she nodded to him, "I became lost with Heather as I found her in the kitchen being rather odd with Oliver. Not a bad odd, but fun."

"Guessing they had a small food war?"

"Is that what it is called?"

"In terms of today, yes."

"Interesting." she said looking over his work as he began to tweak things, "May I ask what you are achieving?"

He pointed to a long piece within the arm, "The hydraulics of the forearm are becoming stiff. It's what helps it move back and forth and around, so now with this piece, I am going to loosen it and help make it easier to move the arm."

Laine watched as he tightened and loosen pieces and move things around as hisses and tinging of metal filled the room. It was fascinating how he knew so much and used it to help so many, including herself when she got a gear stuck. She took him in as he worked, his brow furrowing in spots as he muttered in German, the muscles in his shoulders and neck would grow tight here and there as he continued, frustration laying upon him as the tight tank top showed the rest of his body to her. She was always curious of him, and now, she wondered what more she could find out. The night she clean his cuts from the fall he hid his arm and she barely noticed his definition but now as she saw the location his prosthetic laid, she wondered what was real and not.

Gently and quietly, she took her fingers and traced the metals and plastics, so much like her own as she learned of him. The metal was warm to the touch of her full arm, no jaggedness or pinching like it looked but gentleness. She traced around the cuff and shoulder until Gillen gave a small shudder.

"That part of me is real."

She pulled away, "I apologize, I had no right to touch you in any manner."

"Laine." he spoke her name softly, "It's ok. I don't mind you learning. You just took me off guard when your fingers brushed my skin."

"I did no harm to you, did I?"

A small wiry smile graced him, "No, more like tickled me. Don't let that leave this room."

She nodded to him as he pushed his long hair back against his other shoulder until a snap came to them. His low ponytail came free, the white hair splaying over his back and shoulders. "Sheiße."

"Worry not. I do carry a tie from habit." she jumped up, "I can place it back for you as well, if you like?"

With a sigh, Gillen leaned back against the chair he was perched in, "Go ahead."

Quickly, she combed her fingers through his silky white tresses, lightly settling it all into its usual ponytail. She watched as his shoulders slumped and his head leaned forward as her fingers graced his head again, "I am to believe you like this then?"

"I don't let many touch my head, you're one of the few. And to answer you, yes I do."

Laine smiled at him as she let her hand comb through his hair again, "Good, I am glad to give you something you like."

She wondered what else he would enjoy from her, how such a simple act made him happy with her. As her fingers grew tired, she pulled on his ponytail lightly, his head followed her, his magenta-red eyes glancing up at her in a bored expression. A billowing warmth caressed her body as she looked down at him and the strange tingle from before claimed her again, just as Oliver and Heather passed her thoughts. Before her own rational thoughts came to, she pressed her lips to his in a quick motion.

Laine couldn't believe that she gave him a kiss, and his shocked gasp proved the same thought from Gillen as well, making a wondering fear roll in her. She pulled away, giving a small bow as she clamped her hands together in forgiveness, "I am deeply sorry, Gillen! I acted out in rash and did not gain approval of the action from you. I am truly-"

She was stopped by his hand gracing her chin, gently and warm, lifting her eyes to him, yet she couldn't bear to look at him as he called her, "Laine?"

She keep her gaze down, she was floored with herself acting like so. So much rolled in her head with him yet she never knew the other half of that world. She heard him call her name again but she couldn't look at him. She was so afraid that- a small warmth came to her head as he kissed her forehead.

Finally, Laine looked at him. A warm smile blessed him as his eyes seemed lighter, happier, "Done being bashful?"

"I am not bashful, I am mortified in myself in the act I performed upon you without gaining your own-"

Laine was silenced as he kissed her lips, an electric zing raced through her body as he pulled away and glanced at her.

"There, now that I have your attention." he said, staying close to her, "There was nothing wrong in it, none on my behalf at least."

"Are you sure?"

"Very." he replied his eyes suddenly adverting from hers, "Wasn't sure if you thought like me."

She couldn't of heard that right, "What did you say?"

Those magenta-red irises grabbed her once more, forcing her to look at him in full, "Pure honest truth?"

"Well, I would hope so in this case." she replied.

He sighed, "Let's say I have felt close to you since the day I saw you at the home. Placing out linen on the line. I always knew you were looking at me and I never thought different of it. I enjoyed it from you actually. So, yes, I have developed a few feelings for you."

There was no way Laine was hearing this, from Gillen of all people, but the look in his eyes said it all to her, "Are you stating that you like me then?"

"I believe that's what I said." he said leaning closer to her, "So instead of being shy and reserved, how about we do that kiss over again."

Her nerves were a mess, she felt herself become warm with the thought as butterflies lined her belly. His breath tickled her cheeks as he came closer, moving her arm to lay upon his shoulder just for his to slink around her body and pull her against him. It was happen so fast she could barely breath. How warm and close he was, how her heart raced against her chest, the tiny zing that claimed every fiber of her body, everything was literally happening and god she couldn't wait.

Finally, she gained her kiss. Soft and smooth, almost melting like as he pressed himself to her. It was indescribable. She felt whole almost, alive even as she placed her other arm around his neck, clinging to him with all she had. It was beyond any book had described, or person had spoken, no it was more, and Laine never wanted to leave.

A chime and buzz filled the air, making Gillen pull away from her. She clung to him harder, not wanting it to end as a pout whine left her. A gentle kiss came to her lips once more as he smiled at her.

"Don't worry, I'm not ending those too soon." he spoke lightly as he moved to get his phone.

Well that sucked, she tried to hold her emotions but found it harder than believe. She was awed with herself and actions yet enjoyed the side of him others never seen. She watched as he walked back over to her, placing his arm back on and a disappointing look on his face.

"Gillen?"

"It was Luciano, he and I have to go see another person dealing with AlphaCom outside the limit."

She knew what that meant, and it meant a night or two without him, "Oh, ok. Do be safe."

"When aren't I?"

"The night you came to the home and landed on the fence?"

"Oh, forgot that one." he came over and kissed her head, "Don't fret, Lutz will be there."

"I worry not over him, I worry about you."

He gave a gentle smile, "And this is why I like being around you."

Laine found herself back within Gillen's room, reading the book he spoke of and awaiting his return. Lutz had spoken of some of the histories and ideologies that had existed, how nations fell and rose back up from the ashes. Yet something seemed off to her. He knew the depth of the history, yet when he spoke of some, it was as if he was reliving it again. She tried to understand his views of it all, but he brushed her questions aside, stating that his father spoke heavily upon the matters for Gillen and himself to learn.

She sighed as she looked out over the city lights, soaking in the strange views. She wanted to learn more, to understand the city and its ways yet they all seemed to hold her away from it. The book within her hands gave no help to her wandering mind, almost edging her to press for more.

"Maybe one day with them. Until then, I'll learn what I can."

She tried to focus back on the written history before her, hoping to rid her thoughts, yet something took her off balance as a shadow crossed over the window.

"Gillen?" Laine looked out the cold piece, "Lutz?"

She tried to listen, wondering if she was just imagining the sight only to jump as glass shattered down the hall. Placing the book down, Laine moved to the door, looking out the wooden frame, fear creeping up her spine, "Lutz?"

Silence was the reply, the room growing colder as she waited for him. Something was wrong and she couldn't figure out what. Turning around, she attempted to move to her spot once more, only to stop as a man came through the window. Her breath caught in her throat, her body trembled, and her heart raced as he came farther in. It wasn't Gillen, she knew that much. The man took a step towards her, hand reached out to her, and then she finally found her voice.

Laine screamed out as he came closer to her. She scrambled away from him until her back hit the banister of the hall. Darting towards the stairs, she missed his grasp as she finally saw Lutz below, fighting to protect her and himself.

"Laine!" he shouted, kicking the man away, "Run, run out to Crimson! Do the knock we showed you! Hurry, Frau!"

She didn't hesitate. Laine bolted out the door, hearing Lutz take on both men as she ran barefoot to Crimson Alley. Her lungs burned as her heart seemed it would burst out of her chest, she felt numb as she finally made it to the entrance. Wrapping her hand on the metal pipe, she prayed one of them was around. Any of them really. She tried to collect herself, shivering against the cold until a hand came to her shoulder, making her jump.

"Oh boys, please do not frighten me like so." she spun around to face them only to reel back as the man from earlier stood before her.

Laine tried to scream but he clasped his hand over her mouth, pushing her against the wall. She tried to fight him, pushing and kicking at him yet it was failing more and more. Her mind raced with past of Master and now, how similar they were as her body fought him. Then, he was gone. Ripped off of her as she collapsed to the ground. Looking up, she was met with magenta-red eyes and whitish hair. Gillen.

"Are you alright?" he asked, fear written on his face.

Laine didn't have a moment to reply as the man threw Gillen into the street. She reached out for him, hoping he wasn't hurt. Gillen bounced back to his feet, grabbing the man and attempting to get him away from her. Only then, did she see the gun and knife on the man.

Panic roared in her head, "Gillen, watch out!"

The two of them tussled and fought as Gillen removed the knife from him only to be stopped as the gun rang out. Gillen looked down to his chest as her own followed, the red stain growing more and more upon him.

"No! Gillen!" she screamed as the man shot him twice more, one to his heart and the other to his neck.

His pale white skin was splattered in red before her as her hand still was stretched out to him while he fell. She was numb, unsure of how to move or speak. She watched him get shot. She watched him die and did nothing to help him as the man came to her once more. Finally, she screamed. Screamed out his name with all she could, hearing more footfalls from behind her. Yet the man never made it closer to her.

Laine looked up at him only to see the knife's tip stick out from his eye, the sounds from him nearly inhuman as he began to slump down. There, she saw him once more. Covered in blood as he gritted out in pain, standing before her as he killed them man. Gillen pulled the weapon out only to stab him three more times. She couldn't figure out what was happening or how it was possible for it to be so. He was somehow alive, removing the man from the street as he looked at her, exhausted and pained only to fall to the ground.

She couldn't handle any more, her mind began to go fuzzy as her body felt weak. The footfalls from behind finally came to her as violet eyes and a red flannel came to view as the other ran to Gillen, dropping the bat next to him. The boys finally got to them.

And then, it all went dark.