Protect You, Protect Me
Hero
Liam threw his bags down and immediately wrapped her up in a hug. She flinched as his grasp, his arm laying right against her bruised ribs. He felt her move and let her go.
"Let me see," he said, trying to pull up her sweatshirt. Gray grabbed his hand and stopped him.
"I'm fine, promise." Her eyes pleaded with him to listen and let it go. He stared her down, unable to make a move. His eyes welt up with tears just looking at her face.
"Baby, please don't cry." Gray's hand went up and touched his face and he leaned into it.
"This is all my fault," he sobbed. Gray led him to the bed and sat down next to him.
"It's no one's fault. I should of worn a hat and got out there when I felt something was off," she explained. Liam reached over and pulled of her hat to see her whole face. He sucked a breathe in and Gray didn't move, she didn't want to do anything to set him off. His fingertips gently ran down the bruised side of her face, causing Gray to flinch more. He brushed his thumb over the road rash, shaking his head. Liam grabbed her hurt arm and pushed up her sleeve to see the cast.
"Hey, to be fair I did that. I'm not a good faller. I landed on it funny and broke it myself. Hopefully Zayn can work his drawing magic on it," she joked, trying to make his stone cold stare. Liam picked it up, leaving a gentle kiss on it, then repeated the same thing on her face. Gray turned to match her lips to his.
"It will all heal, it's okay," she whispered once more.
"Come on, you need to lay down. Your mum told me you have to keep that knee up." Gray rolled her eyes, of course he talked to Gloria. Liam carefully picked her up, pulled back the covers and set her down.
"Really, I can walk Liam," she rolled her eyes. He continued to stare at her and say nothing. Liam pulled off his sweatshirt revealing nothing underneath and climbed into bed next to her. There was a large four inch gap between their bodies.
"Come closer," she begged, pulling at his arm. Liam stayed in the same spot, staring at the wall. Gray sighed. What is going on with him? She carefully rolled to her side and scooted close to him, putting her head on shoulder.
"Liam, you listen to me now. Don't turn off or pretend this is your fault. It isn't your fault! You didn't beat me up! You didn't do this to me! I really need you to shake this and touch me because right now I'm scared, and freaked out and I don't know what to do," she sobbed, tears falling down her face. The more she was awake the more she realized what happened to her which freaked her out even more. Liam slipped his arm her head and moved closer to her. Gray buried her face in his chest and sobbed. The truth of her injuries and assault were finally catching up to her.
"Shh, baby girl." He kissed her head and tightened her grip around her letting her cry it out. His hands ran up and down her arm, until the tears had stopped and Gray was peacefully asleep.
----
"Liam, how is it going mate," Louis asked him sincerely. Liam had wanted a good thirty minutes before he eventually crawled out of bed and called him. He just wanted to hold and try to erase the pain and memories from her body. She shuddered in her sleep and whimpered causing him to look over to her.
"Not good Lou. It's bad," he sighed.
"I'm so sorry Liam. All of us having been thinking about her all day. We already sent tweets saying you wouldn't be at the show later today. I know it's 12 hours away, but we figured.." Louis said.
"Thanks mate. I have to figure out what I am going to do here." He ran his hand over his face, feeling like he aged over the past 24 hours.
"Bring her back with you. At least she will be protected," Louis suggested. Liam had already thought about that from the beginning. He wished she never would have left to start with.
"That is the plan. I'll let you go, tell the lads thank you and I'll see them tomorrow." Liam clicked his phone and went back to join Gray in the bed. He pulled her as close as he could with her knee and ribs, and tried to fall back to sleep.
----
"Bitch! Fuck you, you little whore! How dare you date him!" The vivid memories of the voices in Gray's dream woke her up in a sweat immediately. She sat straight up and bit her lip trying not to moan. She forgot about her bruised body. Her sweatshirt was soaked from sweat. There was no way she could sleep now. Gray quickly pulled back the covers, and removed Liam's arm from her body before sneaking out. She needed a shower, badly. The blood still felt like it was caked in her hair. She grabbed her crutches and took small steps to the bathroom.
Unfortunately she didn't plan this out well. Having a misfit knee and a arm that couldn't get wet made it difficult to get into the tub. After moving her body around she finally eased into the water letting the warmth overtake her. It burned on her skin, but it felt so good. All the memories of them started to wash away. She leaned back and closed her eyes letting the tears fall freely for the thousandth time.
Liam woke up cold, not feeling her body on him. He panicked not knowing where she was. He saw her crutches gone, and a low dim light coming from the bathroom. He walked over, lightly knocking before walking in.
"Love," he whispered. Gray was sitting in the water, her good knee drawn up to her chest with her head sitting on it. His whole body shook when he saw her ribs and the side of her body. It was one big irregular oval of bruises covering her ranging from blue to black.
"Oh my god Gray," he said. He balled his fists just looking at her. He was his love that someone decided to use as a punching bag.
"It's.. it's not that bad," she continued to sob unable to look up at him.
"Yes it is Gray, this isn't okay." She finally had the nerve to look up. Her eyes were bloodshot with tears still coming down.
"Well Liam, there's nothing we can do about it. We aren't scientists who can fix this. I got the shit beat out of me I.. I just don't know what to do," she sobbed. Her head rested on her knee again. Liam kneeled down next to the tub and brushed the hair from her face exposing the dark, deep bruises. He didn't know what to say to make her feel better.
"I don't know either love," he whispered. Gray her body letting her head awkwardly lean against his shoulder.
"I want you to come on tour with us for a while," he whispered against her cheek. Gray was taken back. Is this his way of asking her to live with him?
"I can't do that Liam. You will just worry about me, and I'll be in the way."
"Nonsense. I'll worry about you more here. The guys don't care, Lou actually suggested it to me. Come for a while, just until you are healed and we will go from there." Gray took a minute to think about it. She definitely enjoyed the idea, being able to see him whenever, but she worried about becoming a hassle and missing her family.
"Can I think about it," she asked. Liam nodded his head yes.
"Can you help me out?" Liam stood up grabbing a towel from the sink and threw it over the shower rod. He reached under Gray's armpits and pulled her up like it was nothing. Liam set her down in front of her and wrapped the towel around her back, pinning him to his chest.
"What were you going to do if I wasn't here," he joked, finally able to crack a smile.
"I hadn't thought that far," she smiled back. He pulled her in closer with the towel, careful not to hit her ribs and kissed her. Gray surged back, biting his bottom lip causing him to moan.
"Not happening Gray, you can get that thought out of your pretty head." Gray sighed, she had a feeling they wouldn't be close for a very long time.
----
Gray woke up the next morning late, but feeling better then before. Liam ordered them room service, and they sat in silence eating.
"I have a check up today," she told him.
"I'll go with you." Gray put her fork down and stared at him.
"You really think that is possible? The world probably knows you are in Stafton right now."
"I could care less. No one is going to see me, guaranteed." Gray rolled her eyes. Sometimes he was so sure of himself.
"Alright, whatever. We will have to leave in an hour. You best shower," she said. An amused look came over Liam's face.
"Are you saying I smell, love?" Gray giggled and nodded her head yes. He got up and walked over to her, tipping her head up with his finger.
"You should be lucky you are injured right now," he whispered huskily, causing her blood to boil. He walked away whistling into the bathroom leaving Gray in her very naughty thoughts.
----
"Well Miss Cameron, you seem to be shaping up fine," Dr. Whalen explained. Liam was right, no one knew it was him. He wore a large "Stafton High" sweatshirt he stole from Gray, aviators and a his regular baseball hat. It seems without a snapback he was a normal boy.. somewhat.
"Cast will have to stay on for the six weeks like we talked about and I suggest the crutches for 3. You did some pretty good damage on that knee, otherwise you are good."
"Can I lose them before that," Gray asked. Those metal beasts were already driving her nuts.
"She will do the three weeks," Liam chimed up from his spot in the corner. Gray shot him a nasty look causing the doctor to laugh.
"You two can work that out. Take your pain meds when you need them, but you won't need a refill. Otherwise, call if any issues arise. Memory lapse, fainting, fever, anything of that sort."
"Sir? Can she travel right now," Liam asked.
"Travel where?"
"San Diego, I'm in a band there. We would fly out then be on a bus."
"Ah yes, my daughter told me about you. Some direction," Liam laughed thankful that there was at least one person that didn't know him," it should be fine. When you land I want you off your feet though Gray. Better for any swelling." She nodded in agreement. She saw Liam quickly jump on his phone to text someone.
"Alright Gray. Remember, fever, bad headache, anything weird you call me. Even if you are in another time zone." Gray and Liam thanked him before he left.
"Who are you texting," she asked as they walked out.
"Doesn't matter. Let's go." He held the door open for her as they walked out.
----
They spent the rest of the day lounging in bed walking mindless TV. Gray slept off and on which gave time for Liam to plan her arrival on the bus. She hadn't said yes yet, but he knew he could get her to go along with it. After texting all the guys, they were more then willing to make room for her there. All of them were still feeling horrible for what happened. Louis and Zayn even planned for Perrie and Eleanor to come out to keep her busy too. Gray stirred next him, causing him to put his phone down and look at her.
"Hey sleepy," he said. She smiled back at him sitting up.
"What time is it? Aren't you supposed to leaving," she asked all disoriented.
"I moved my flight for tomorrow at noon." He called and rearranged his flight for tomorrow. He couldn't leave her yet.
"You have a show tomorrow?" He nodded his head yes.
"I couldn't leave yet," he said, the words barely falling out of his mouth. Gray sighed, it was time to tell him.
"Is the offer for me to come still open?" His eyes lit up like fireworks.
"Really love? I thought I was going to have to pressure you some more." Gray laughed at him.
"I can't stay here. Too many people out there," she said, shivers running down her spine. He wrapped her into his arms pulling her close. Gray reached down and adjusted the pillow under her knee.
"I have everything ready for you already," he said, blushing. What did he do?
"Should I be worried," she giggled.
"No love, never worry." He kissed her temple.
"I need to say bye to the girls though. They are really confused right now." Liam nodded in agreement.
"Good idea, you can grab some more things too." They snuggled deeper into bed watching the TV. Inside Gray couldn't believe she agreed to this. Maybe her concussion was bigger then she thought.
----
"Mom?" Gray called into the kitchen as she and Liam walked in. Grace came running into the kitchen, only to stop suddenly when she saw Gray's face.
"Hey love, it's okay, it's just Gray," Liam said, quickly walking over and picking her up. The scared look on her face didn't change.
"Hey Gracie girl," Gray whispered trying to hold the tears in. Even her sister was scared of her. Gillian came running in and went up to Gray.
"Are you okay," she asked worriedly. Typically Gillian, it made her smile.
"Yup, I'll just look like a purple people eater for a while." It make Gillian and Grace laugh.
"Where's mom," Gray asked.
"Upstairs, you want me to get it," Gillian's eyes lit up.
"Yup." Gillian ran upstairs bringing her back.
"Liam, lovely to see you again," she smiled and walked up to Gray.
"You look worse then before," she whispered not wanting the girls to hear her.
"I'll heal," Gray said, that seemed to be her line of choice lately.
"I need to talk to you," she said to her mom," I'm going to go on tour with Liam for a bit." Her hands immediately started sweating, she was worried what her mom would say.
"I think that's a great idea," Gloria said excitedly. Gray breathed a sigh of relief.
"I know you are in good hands," Gray blushed, "he is probably better at taking care of you then me."
"I want to come," Grace pouted from Liam's arms. Gray hobbled in her crutches over to her.
"How about you come visit in a bit? Harry told me he missed you," she fibbed. She hated lying to her sisters, but she had to.
"I'll miss you," Grace said, not changing the look on her face.
"I will too, but when you come we will have an adventure! Ok? I promise." Grace shook her head and wrapped her arms around Gray. The sudden motion made Gray sway on her crutches, but Liam's free hand was around her in a second. She gave her one last kiss before walking the stairs, ready to challenge them up to her room. Slowly, one at a time, she made her way up with Liam ready to catch behind her.
"This would of been easier if you let me help you," he grumbled behind her. She laughed and continued going up. They packed up her clothes, Liam laughing at the pictures around her room before heading back down to say one last goodbye. Gray kissed Grace and Gillian before heading over to mom. Liam held back by the girls to give them some privacy.
"Be good Gray, don't get stubborn on him. You two have something special going on. He loves you more then you can tell. Be kind to his heart. I'll see you soon. I love you." Gray held back tears and hugged her mom. She felt like she was going off to war.
"Love you mom." Liam grabbed her bags and they walked out of the house to the taxi cab. A new chapter in her life was ready to start.
"Ready love," he asked, holding the door opened for her.
"You bet."
"Let me see," he said, trying to pull up her sweatshirt. Gray grabbed his hand and stopped him.
"I'm fine, promise." Her eyes pleaded with him to listen and let it go. He stared her down, unable to make a move. His eyes welt up with tears just looking at her face.
"Baby, please don't cry." Gray's hand went up and touched his face and he leaned into it.
"This is all my fault," he sobbed. Gray led him to the bed and sat down next to him.
"It's no one's fault. I should of worn a hat and got out there when I felt something was off," she explained. Liam reached over and pulled of her hat to see her whole face. He sucked a breathe in and Gray didn't move, she didn't want to do anything to set him off. His fingertips gently ran down the bruised side of her face, causing Gray to flinch more. He brushed his thumb over the road rash, shaking his head. Liam grabbed her hurt arm and pushed up her sleeve to see the cast.
"Hey, to be fair I did that. I'm not a good faller. I landed on it funny and broke it myself. Hopefully Zayn can work his drawing magic on it," she joked, trying to make his stone cold stare. Liam picked it up, leaving a gentle kiss on it, then repeated the same thing on her face. Gray turned to match her lips to his.
"It will all heal, it's okay," she whispered once more.
"Come on, you need to lay down. Your mum told me you have to keep that knee up." Gray rolled her eyes, of course he talked to Gloria. Liam carefully picked her up, pulled back the covers and set her down.
"Really, I can walk Liam," she rolled her eyes. He continued to stare at her and say nothing. Liam pulled off his sweatshirt revealing nothing underneath and climbed into bed next to her. There was a large four inch gap between their bodies.
"Come closer," she begged, pulling at his arm. Liam stayed in the same spot, staring at the wall. Gray sighed. What is going on with him? She carefully rolled to her side and scooted close to him, putting her head on shoulder.
"Liam, you listen to me now. Don't turn off or pretend this is your fault. It isn't your fault! You didn't beat me up! You didn't do this to me! I really need you to shake this and touch me because right now I'm scared, and freaked out and I don't know what to do," she sobbed, tears falling down her face. The more she was awake the more she realized what happened to her which freaked her out even more. Liam slipped his arm her head and moved closer to her. Gray buried her face in his chest and sobbed. The truth of her injuries and assault were finally catching up to her.
"Shh, baby girl." He kissed her head and tightened her grip around her letting her cry it out. His hands ran up and down her arm, until the tears had stopped and Gray was peacefully asleep.
----
"Liam, how is it going mate," Louis asked him sincerely. Liam had wanted a good thirty minutes before he eventually crawled out of bed and called him. He just wanted to hold and try to erase the pain and memories from her body. She shuddered in her sleep and whimpered causing him to look over to her.
"Not good Lou. It's bad," he sighed.
"I'm so sorry Liam. All of us having been thinking about her all day. We already sent tweets saying you wouldn't be at the show later today. I know it's 12 hours away, but we figured.." Louis said.
"Thanks mate. I have to figure out what I am going to do here." He ran his hand over his face, feeling like he aged over the past 24 hours.
"Bring her back with you. At least she will be protected," Louis suggested. Liam had already thought about that from the beginning. He wished she never would have left to start with.
"That is the plan. I'll let you go, tell the lads thank you and I'll see them tomorrow." Liam clicked his phone and went back to join Gray in the bed. He pulled her as close as he could with her knee and ribs, and tried to fall back to sleep.
----
"Bitch! Fuck you, you little whore! How dare you date him!" The vivid memories of the voices in Gray's dream woke her up in a sweat immediately. She sat straight up and bit her lip trying not to moan. She forgot about her bruised body. Her sweatshirt was soaked from sweat. There was no way she could sleep now. Gray quickly pulled back the covers, and removed Liam's arm from her body before sneaking out. She needed a shower, badly. The blood still felt like it was caked in her hair. She grabbed her crutches and took small steps to the bathroom.
Unfortunately she didn't plan this out well. Having a misfit knee and a arm that couldn't get wet made it difficult to get into the tub. After moving her body around she finally eased into the water letting the warmth overtake her. It burned on her skin, but it felt so good. All the memories of them started to wash away. She leaned back and closed her eyes letting the tears fall freely for the thousandth time.
Liam woke up cold, not feeling her body on him. He panicked not knowing where she was. He saw her crutches gone, and a low dim light coming from the bathroom. He walked over, lightly knocking before walking in.
"Love," he whispered. Gray was sitting in the water, her good knee drawn up to her chest with her head sitting on it. His whole body shook when he saw her ribs and the side of her body. It was one big irregular oval of bruises covering her ranging from blue to black.
"Oh my god Gray," he said. He balled his fists just looking at her. He was his love that someone decided to use as a punching bag.
"It's.. it's not that bad," she continued to sob unable to look up at him.
"Yes it is Gray, this isn't okay." She finally had the nerve to look up. Her eyes were bloodshot with tears still coming down.
"Well Liam, there's nothing we can do about it. We aren't scientists who can fix this. I got the shit beat out of me I.. I just don't know what to do," she sobbed. Her head rested on her knee again. Liam kneeled down next to the tub and brushed the hair from her face exposing the dark, deep bruises. He didn't know what to say to make her feel better.
"I don't know either love," he whispered. Gray her body letting her head awkwardly lean against his shoulder.
"I want you to come on tour with us for a while," he whispered against her cheek. Gray was taken back. Is this his way of asking her to live with him?
"I can't do that Liam. You will just worry about me, and I'll be in the way."
"Nonsense. I'll worry about you more here. The guys don't care, Lou actually suggested it to me. Come for a while, just until you are healed and we will go from there." Gray took a minute to think about it. She definitely enjoyed the idea, being able to see him whenever, but she worried about becoming a hassle and missing her family.
"Can I think about it," she asked. Liam nodded his head yes.
"Can you help me out?" Liam stood up grabbing a towel from the sink and threw it over the shower rod. He reached under Gray's armpits and pulled her up like it was nothing. Liam set her down in front of her and wrapped the towel around her back, pinning him to his chest.
"What were you going to do if I wasn't here," he joked, finally able to crack a smile.
"I hadn't thought that far," she smiled back. He pulled her in closer with the towel, careful not to hit her ribs and kissed her. Gray surged back, biting his bottom lip causing him to moan.
"Not happening Gray, you can get that thought out of your pretty head." Gray sighed, she had a feeling they wouldn't be close for a very long time.
----
Gray woke up the next morning late, but feeling better then before. Liam ordered them room service, and they sat in silence eating.
"I have a check up today," she told him.
"I'll go with you." Gray put her fork down and stared at him.
"You really think that is possible? The world probably knows you are in Stafton right now."
"I could care less. No one is going to see me, guaranteed." Gray rolled her eyes. Sometimes he was so sure of himself.
"Alright, whatever. We will have to leave in an hour. You best shower," she said. An amused look came over Liam's face.
"Are you saying I smell, love?" Gray giggled and nodded her head yes. He got up and walked over to her, tipping her head up with his finger.
"You should be lucky you are injured right now," he whispered huskily, causing her blood to boil. He walked away whistling into the bathroom leaving Gray in her very naughty thoughts.
----
"Well Miss Cameron, you seem to be shaping up fine," Dr. Whalen explained. Liam was right, no one knew it was him. He wore a large "Stafton High" sweatshirt he stole from Gray, aviators and a his regular baseball hat. It seems without a snapback he was a normal boy.. somewhat.
"Cast will have to stay on for the six weeks like we talked about and I suggest the crutches for 3. You did some pretty good damage on that knee, otherwise you are good."
"Can I lose them before that," Gray asked. Those metal beasts were already driving her nuts.
"She will do the three weeks," Liam chimed up from his spot in the corner. Gray shot him a nasty look causing the doctor to laugh.
"You two can work that out. Take your pain meds when you need them, but you won't need a refill. Otherwise, call if any issues arise. Memory lapse, fainting, fever, anything of that sort."
"Sir? Can she travel right now," Liam asked.
"Travel where?"
"San Diego, I'm in a band there. We would fly out then be on a bus."
"Ah yes, my daughter told me about you. Some direction," Liam laughed thankful that there was at least one person that didn't know him," it should be fine. When you land I want you off your feet though Gray. Better for any swelling." She nodded in agreement. She saw Liam quickly jump on his phone to text someone.
"Alright Gray. Remember, fever, bad headache, anything weird you call me. Even if you are in another time zone." Gray and Liam thanked him before he left.
"Who are you texting," she asked as they walked out.
"Doesn't matter. Let's go." He held the door open for her as they walked out.
----
They spent the rest of the day lounging in bed walking mindless TV. Gray slept off and on which gave time for Liam to plan her arrival on the bus. She hadn't said yes yet, but he knew he could get her to go along with it. After texting all the guys, they were more then willing to make room for her there. All of them were still feeling horrible for what happened. Louis and Zayn even planned for Perrie and Eleanor to come out to keep her busy too. Gray stirred next him, causing him to put his phone down and look at her.
"Hey sleepy," he said. She smiled back at him sitting up.
"What time is it? Aren't you supposed to leaving," she asked all disoriented.
"I moved my flight for tomorrow at noon." He called and rearranged his flight for tomorrow. He couldn't leave her yet.
"You have a show tomorrow?" He nodded his head yes.
"I couldn't leave yet," he said, the words barely falling out of his mouth. Gray sighed, it was time to tell him.
"Is the offer for me to come still open?" His eyes lit up like fireworks.
"Really love? I thought I was going to have to pressure you some more." Gray laughed at him.
"I can't stay here. Too many people out there," she said, shivers running down her spine. He wrapped her into his arms pulling her close. Gray reached down and adjusted the pillow under her knee.
"I have everything ready for you already," he said, blushing. What did he do?
"Should I be worried," she giggled.
"No love, never worry." He kissed her temple.
"I need to say bye to the girls though. They are really confused right now." Liam nodded in agreement.
"Good idea, you can grab some more things too." They snuggled deeper into bed watching the TV. Inside Gray couldn't believe she agreed to this. Maybe her concussion was bigger then she thought.
----
"Mom?" Gray called into the kitchen as she and Liam walked in. Grace came running into the kitchen, only to stop suddenly when she saw Gray's face.
"Hey love, it's okay, it's just Gray," Liam said, quickly walking over and picking her up. The scared look on her face didn't change.
"Hey Gracie girl," Gray whispered trying to hold the tears in. Even her sister was scared of her. Gillian came running in and went up to Gray.
"Are you okay," she asked worriedly. Typically Gillian, it made her smile.
"Yup, I'll just look like a purple people eater for a while." It make Gillian and Grace laugh.
"Where's mom," Gray asked.
"Upstairs, you want me to get it," Gillian's eyes lit up.
"Yup." Gillian ran upstairs bringing her back.
"Liam, lovely to see you again," she smiled and walked up to Gray.
"You look worse then before," she whispered not wanting the girls to hear her.
"I'll heal," Gray said, that seemed to be her line of choice lately.
"I need to talk to you," she said to her mom," I'm going to go on tour with Liam for a bit." Her hands immediately started sweating, she was worried what her mom would say.
"I think that's a great idea," Gloria said excitedly. Gray breathed a sigh of relief.
"I know you are in good hands," Gray blushed, "he is probably better at taking care of you then me."
"I want to come," Grace pouted from Liam's arms. Gray hobbled in her crutches over to her.
"How about you come visit in a bit? Harry told me he missed you," she fibbed. She hated lying to her sisters, but she had to.
"I'll miss you," Grace said, not changing the look on her face.
"I will too, but when you come we will have an adventure! Ok? I promise." Grace shook her head and wrapped her arms around Gray. The sudden motion made Gray sway on her crutches, but Liam's free hand was around her in a second. She gave her one last kiss before walking the stairs, ready to challenge them up to her room. Slowly, one at a time, she made her way up with Liam ready to catch behind her.
"This would of been easier if you let me help you," he grumbled behind her. She laughed and continued going up. They packed up her clothes, Liam laughing at the pictures around her room before heading back down to say one last goodbye. Gray kissed Grace and Gillian before heading over to mom. Liam held back by the girls to give them some privacy.
"Be good Gray, don't get stubborn on him. You two have something special going on. He loves you more then you can tell. Be kind to his heart. I'll see you soon. I love you." Gray held back tears and hugged her mom. She felt like she was going off to war.
"Love you mom." Liam grabbed her bags and they walked out of the house to the taxi cab. A new chapter in her life was ready to start.
"Ready love," he asked, holding the door opened for her.
"You bet."
I LOVE THISSSSSSSS
5/18/14