Gray spent the rest of her day hiding in Harry’s bedroom watching mindless TV. The rest knew not to bother her, as she was still spitting fire. Gray had a hard time believing it all. Her vacation was turning into being very therapeutic, she was starting to face her demons and learn to live with them. Now, with Liam thrown into the mess she didn’t know what to believe anymore. They were supposed to be her friends and to listen to what she wanted. Gray closed her eyes and slept, it was better to dream about Liam them to actually see him in person.

KNOCK,KNOCK

A knock at the door woke up her feeling startled. It was dark out by now and she felt dead to the world.

“What,” she barked to the door. It opened and Karen walked in. Gray’s mouth opened in shock.

“Hello,” Karen said cheerfully.

“Hi, sorry I thought you were one of the guys,” Gray said embarrassed.

“No problem dear, I like to yell at them too. May I sit?” She asked, motioning to the bed. Gray moved over getting her some room.

“I’m sorry we showed up announced.”

“It’s okay, just was shocked to me, that’s all,” Gray said nicely. Last thing she needed was Karen disliking her.

“Is that how you really feel?” Karen smiled and stared at her. Gray kept quiet. Was it the time to really be honest?

“Not really.”

“I figured as much. I love my son dearly, but thinking isn’t always something he is good at, especially when it’s something he is passionate about.” Karen patted her leg.

“I didn’t think was how I was going to meet you either,” Gray joked.

“Well, I am glad I have gotten the chance. Liam has spoken very high things about you, even after he decided to let you go. We all thought he was a bit mad for that,” Karen explained. Gray just smiled, unable to say anything.

“I’m apologizing to you, from my son. It was probably the stupidest thing he ever has done, but Liam had his reasons. I say you give him a chance to explain himself, but that is completely your choice. I am not joining along with the gang of pushing you two together.”

“Thank you Karen,” Gray said. At least one person was on her side.

“Won’t you come down though? Harry pleaded with me to get you down. Not because of Liam, but I think they all feel quite bad.” A look of fear came over Gray’s face.

“Don’t worry dear, you can hang out with me and Karen. We are fun for our old age.” Gray laughed and stood up to join her. She quickly threw her hair up into the messiest bun you could ever create and kept her sweats on. There was no reason to look pretty right now. Karen grabbed her hand and squeezed before leading her down the stairs. Gray’s heart began to race more when they got to the bottom. Everyone was sitting in the living room playing cards. They all looked up when they walked in.

“Well Gray is awake,” Karen turned to Gray,” let’s get a drink shall we?” They walked into the kitchen leaving everyone to stare. Liam couldn’t take his eyes off of her. She looked so different then when he saw her last time. It took all his might to stay in his chair and not run into the kitchen.

Karen handed Gray a cup, but she could barely hold on to it. Gray’s hands were shaking at full force.

“My son really did have an effect on you, eh,” Karen smiled. Gray nodded, smiling back. She could do this. She was already downstairs with Karen being her security blanket, only a while longer to go then she could get out of dodge. They both sat at the breakfast counter, not wanting to go back into the room.

“I suggest what you kids call a drinking game,” Karen said reaching for the deck of cards.

----

It had been exactly an hour since Gray and Karen walked into the kitchen. Liam spent the whole time staring at the doorway and his watch, just wanting for them to come back. Neither of them did, but he could hear them laughing from the living room. Anne joined them not long ago, causing the laughter to get louder.

“How is it that they are having more fun than us,” Harry moaned. The rest of them sat in the living room barely making small talk and casually drinking their drinks.

“Gray,” Liam said. It was the first word he spoke since getting there. Gray always made the party for him. Louis stood and down his drink.

“Finish up lads. We are getting another drink, and then going swimming,” he announced. Mila looked at him like he was crazy.

“It’s like 30 degrees out!”

“So? You want fun, there it is,” Louis said. They all decided to follow by drinking their drinks and headed to the kitchen.

Gray held them all coming before they even walked in. Her leg started to bounce with nerves. She kept her eyes on her cards pretending that they didn’t notice. Harry and Louis lead the back, with Niall and Mila in the middle and Zayn and Liam at the end. It felt like her heart stopped when she saw him. Their eyes immediately connected.

“Where are all of you running to,” Anne asked the group.

“Drunken swimming,” Niall cheered. Anne looked at them like they were crazy.

“It’s cold!”

“We have liquor!” Louis cheered grabbing the bottle of Jack and heading outside. The rest followed leaving Anne, Karen and Gray to themselves.

“Sorry ladies, I have to watch this.” Karen scooted up and left the table. All of them were outside stripping off their clothing in the snow before jumping in.

“So cold!” Zayn yelled out. The only two that weren’t in yet was Mila and Liam, they watched from the side.

“Get in here you two,” Niall laughed as Harry dunked him. Mila laughed, finished her drink and threw off her clothes just into her bra and panties. She yelled out and jumped in.

“Gray, you should join them,” Karen egged her on. Gray looked at her as if she was crazy. It was freaking winter!

“I will if you will,” a voice said behind her. She knew it was Liam; of course he would get close to her. Gray ignored him and walked around, slowly taking off her clothes. Alcohol was did make her brave and Liam deserved the show. She took off her pants only leaving her in her underwear.

“Jump in Gray,” Zayn cheered. Gray turned around and back flipped in. It was something she learned spending all the time at the gym. The water hit her like a brick wall. Cold couldn’t even describe it. She came above water barely being able to breathe. Harry held on her arm just to keep her safe.

“You know, if you ate more and had body fat you would be warmer,” Louis joked.

“Shut it,” she said, playfully splashing him. Gray smiled and shook at the same time. Apparently winter swimming could be fun.

----

Anne kicked them out of the pool, threatening they were all going to sick otherwise. They ran inside and quickly changed from their freezing undergarments. Afterwards they all sat in the living room drinking the coffee and warm drinks Anne and Karen made. Gray sat on the far end of the couch by Niall, that way Liam couldn’t get anywhere near her.

“Share your blanket,” she said to him. Niall pulled the covers over and let Gray in. She snuggled close to her body, knowing exactly that Liam was watching him. She saw his fists clench out the side of her eye. Gray had her evil side that was for sure.

“Gray, are you still leaving tomorrow,” Harry asked from across the room where he and Zayn where sharing a blanket.

“I am,” she bitterly answered. The plane ticket was already bought, they dug their graves.

“You are leaving,” Liam piped up from the corner. He couldn’t believe what he was hearing. She couldn’t leave yet, not until he talked to her.

“I am. Tomorrow,” she barked back. How dare he tell her what to do. Liam sat back down rubbing his fingers over his jaw. She could tell that he was pissed, but he wasn’t in control of her anymore.

“With that, I should get to bed, my ride comes at 5.” Gray uncovered from the blanket and walked into the kitchen.

“Headed to sleep dear,” Anne asked.

“I am, I just wanted to come say thank you to you both and goodbye.” It crushed Gray inside; she really loved both of these women. She hugged Anne first before moving over to Karen.

“Please talk to him before you leave Gray, I beg you,” Karen whispered into her ear while they hugged.

“We will see. Thank you both again.” Gray headed upstairs wiping a tear from her eye. She climbed into the large bed without changing her clothes and forced herself to go to sleep.

----

Gray woke to hear a phone going off. She rolled over to see Mila sleeping in bed beside her. She quietly tiptoed over to the counter and picked up her phone. It was already past midnight. She turned white seeing it was Liam.

Liam: Come talk to me, one last time.

Gray rolled her eyes, this was NOT happening. She quickly typed back a message.

Me: I’m sleeping Liam.

She just about set down her phone when it buzzed again.

Liam: Liar, I can see you right now.

Gray quickly turned with her eyes wide to see him standing in the backyard. He gave her a small wave. Damn him! She needed to get better at her ninja skills. Gray threw on her boots and another sweatshirt before heading out of the room. She quietly walked downstairs to see all of the guys sleeping in the living room. Niall and Louis were on opposite sides of the couch, Harry was in the recliner and Zayn found a comfy spot on the floor. She quietly laughed to herself before heading out the door. It had to be cooler now than ever. Gray wrapped her arms tightly around her body and went to him. There was a good five foot distance between them.

“Hi,” he started off with. Gray said nothing, but continued to stare at him.

“I’m sorry I woke you up,” he said again, trying to get her to talk.

“What do you want Liam?” Gray was tired, cold and irritated. She wanted this conversation over quick.

“I wanted to talk to you. I’ve been wanting to talk to you for a while. I wanted to say I am sorry. Sorry for the way things happened then,” he said, his voice shaking with every word. Gray pulled her arms tighter, the wind cut through every bit of clothing she had on.

“Apology excepted. I’m going to go back to bed now,” she said bitterly and turned around heading for the house.

“No wait,” he yelled and quickly threw his arms around her to stop her. Gray’s breathing quickened. Her whole body was pressed up to his.

“Liam, you have to let me go,” she whispered. She meant forever, not just letting go with his arms.

“I can’t,” he whispered back. Gray closed her eyes and listened to him breathe. This was not happening.

“You had a chance to do that months ago, not now.”

“I know, and I should have but I was being a very large ass at that time and was thinking stupid. I know now Gray, I know who foolish I was. I was trying to look at the big picture for both of us, but every picture I saw still had you in it.” Gray closed her eyes tighter. No matter what, she was not crying tonight. She flipped her body around in his arms to look at him, but that only made Liam hold her tighter.

“I know Liam, I get it. Things haven’t been cookies and milk for me either. But it’s too late for us, we can’t go back to what we used to be anymore,” she explained.

“I don’t want to go back, I want to go forward,” he whispered staring into her eyes. It made Gray’s whole body shake.

“Come in the bungalow, just for a bit. It’s too cold to be standing here,” he pleaded. Gray looked up at him. He always knew his puppy dog face got to her.

“You literally have 15 minutes, and then I am going back to bed.” She followed him inside where it was much warmer. They sat on opposite ends of the small room just staring each other down.

“So do you want to explain to me why you have that hat and bracelet on?” Gray just noticed then he still had her bracelet on his arm, and he was wearing his ‘Gram’ snapback.

“Because I am in love with you,” Liam said honestly. The words fell out of his mouth like it was a pizza order. Gray sucked in a breath. She kept telling herself to not break. Stay strong Gray; don’t let him see your emotions.

“I get that a lot,” she dryly joked. Liam continued to stare her down. Gray was starting to feel uncomfortable; she stared down at her twitching hands.

“I should of never had let you leave that night,” he whispered, barely loud enough for her to hear.

“No you shouldn’t,” she replied in the same tone, not able to look away from her hands. He moved closer to her on the floor.

“Every night since then I have thought about you. To be honest, everyday. I still have all your pictures on my phone. I stalk your instagram. I wish I could take back what I said to you so bad. I dream about you all the time, remembering little random moments. I can’t even walk down the street without seeing something that makes me think of you.” He stopped, and Gray couldn’t seem to get any part of her body to move. These were the words she had wanted to hear for months now. She tried to control her breathing, not wanting Liam to see how much she was starting to crack. He moved closer to her some more.

“I am the biggest fool of all in Wolverhampton. You are the love of my life and I just got scared. Mostly scared for you, I had to protect you.” Gray looked up at him with tears in her eyes.

“Why are you saying these things to me Liam? Why now?” Gray couldn’t understand why he wanted so long. They broke up in the summer and now it was nearly Christmas.

“Because I didn’t fully realize how stupid I was until it was too late. I saw the picture Louis posted of you all when he came to visit and it finally struck me. I knew I had lost you then. It took a lot of planning on everyone’s part for this to happen tonight.” Gray looked at him with a strange look on her face.

“What do you mean?” She was beyond confused.

“Love, you coming here wasn’t just to visit the boys. They all had planned this, mostly Louis and Mila. After I told them everything during their little intervention Louis got to work. You didn’t know at all,” he explained, shocked that she didn’t catch on then.

“No! I knew nothing. I thought I was coming to see the boys, and not you.” Gray was flabbergasted. How did she really miss connecting this all together?

“It was that, but it was mostly for me love. I needed you to be here.” Gray looked up again him again. He had moved closer. They were both facing each other on the floor, their knees touching.

“Why Liam, why?” Gray just couldn’t figure it all out. Her brain was on overdrive. He spent all this time away from her, pretending like she didn’t exist for nothing. Why couldn’t he of called her, texted her, send her mixed signals on Facebook for that matter.

“To do this.” Before Gray could react Liam’s lips were on hers. He put his hand around the back of her neck pulling her in closer. Gray tried to protest and push him off, but it failed miserably. After ten seconds her body melted into him.

Gray pulled back fast, pushing him away.

"No Liam, I can't do this." Liam pulled away looking like someone killed his turtles.

"I can't be your girlfriend right now," she whispered and actually meant it. Things were too deep as it was.

"That's fine Gray. Right now I just want you in my life".

----

Liam finally talked Gray from getting off the floor and lying in the bed next to him. Both of them had sore butts and achy knees for being on the hardwood for so long. Gray and Liam were both on their sides looking at each other.

"So are you going to fill me in on your life for the last months," Liam asked.

"Got a job, left a job. Moved to Chicago to my own apartment. I run a lot." Gray shrugged, that summed her life up.

"Got a job? Where?"

"At a publishing company, but not there anymore. I had to quit coming here," she explained. A smile came across his face.

"You quit your job for me? I am honored." Gray rolled her eyes and hit him on the shoulder.

"It wasn't for you. It was for all of this," she motioned around her. It was true; she came here to be happy again, with or without Liam.

"So you going to explain our last night together," she asked him. It had been driving her crazy since they walked into the bungalow. Liam closed his eyes and thought about it before answering.

"It was a mistake Gray. After our fight I was just so angry. I've never been that angry before. I was mad at you and myself. Mostly me, but the bruise you left on me didn't help. I just wanted to run off with you right then. To protect you from everything, even though that was what got us in this situation. We went to that interview and I already was on edge. He just was a complete ass. For some reason he had a vendetta against me. Just continued to ask me questions about you over and over. There must have been some tabloid story that came out the same day about you being a publicity stunt. When we got back to the hotel and I saw you still didn't come back to our room, I snapped. I figured if you weren't with me now, I should just let you go. The rumors and press were going to get wrong and wrong you know. They were already starting. I tried hiding you for so long Gray, you were so fragile and I couldn't let anyone break you. I had this stupid idea that if I dumped you, everything would be okay. No one would be able to hurt you again. Except I didn't think that I was the one hurting you. I'm so sorry Gray, you don't even know how sorry."

Liam finishing, closing his eyes. Tears escaped and fell down his face. He had been wanting to her those words for weeks now, and wanted to tell her so much more. He just wanted her to realize that he screwed up, so bad. Gray crawled closer towards him, kissing every cheek that fell down from his eyes. She wrapped her arm over his waist and snuggled into him.

"I forgive you Liam," she whispered sincerely to him. Liam put his face in her hair. They stayed wrapped together tightly.

"I'm so sorry Gray, honest. I love you so much it hurts. You don't have to be my girlfriend, you just can't leave me again," he continued to murmur into her hair. She pulled away to quickly give him a kiss and curled back into him.

"I'm not going anywhere right now so hush." She moved her face into his chest more, not able to get enough of him. Liam wrapped his arms around her, pulling him into her. They laid there, practically together as one, and fell asleep.

----

Mila woke up in a panic. Where was Gray? She looked over to see her gone, but all her bags were still in a pile by the door. Mila quickly jumped out of beg and threw on her sweatshirt. It was way past the time Gray's cab was supposed to be here. Gray had to be somewhere. She ran downstairs to see Niall, Louis, Zayn, Harry and the moms looking somber at the kitchen table.

"Where is she," Mila yelled. They all looked up to her like she was crazy.

"She left Mila," Louis said slowly, making sure she heard.

"No she didn't. All her bags are still upstairs, even her purse. She is somewhere," Mila said excitedly. They all looked around thinking. Huge goofy smiles came across everyone’s faces.

"Where's Liam," Niall asked. They were starting to put two and two together.

"Oh my god, the bungalow," Louis yelled. Everyone there quickly threw on clothes and ran out to the backyard. They were all running full speed and shoving each other to get there. Anne made it there before the rest and quietly opened the door.

"Shh," she told the others as they walked in. They went to the end of the living room and turned the corner. Everyone had a breath escape their lips. There they were. Gray was curled up into his chest so much that you could barely see her face and Liam's were wrapped tightly around her. There wasn't a single gap between them.

"Can she even breathe," Harry whispered. Mila waved at him to shut up. She tiptoed closer and whipped out her phone and took an assortment of pictures.

"Everyone out," Anne whispered smiling. No one wanted to wake the sleeping couple. They all quickly left and headed back inside the house.

"Anne, grab the champagne, we need to celebrate!" Karen smiled and threw her hands up in the air. Everyone followed suit, cheering laughing and hugging. FINALLY!

Notes

Title Creds: "Jar of Hearts" by Christina Perri

I do love a good cliffhanger : )