Gray woke up the next morning dazed and cold. Liam’s body was no longer around her to keep her warm. Gray wondered for a second if last night really happened. She shuddered at the thought. Otherwise that was one vivid dream. She got out of bed and stretched when the memories came flooding back.

Flashback

Hot. She felt unbelievably hot. Gray opened her eye to see Liam’s chest plastered against her. She barely had any breathing space. His arms were tightly gripped around her like he was protecting her from the world. Gray wiggled, trying to create some breathing room. His dead arms spread, giving her the time to slip out quietly. Gray tiptoed out into the living room and stripped off one of the sweatshirts she had on. She breathed a sigh of relief; her body could breathe again finally.

“Gray? Gray!” Liam came flying out from the back looking fearful. It was dark; he couldn’t see her standing on the side of the small living room.

“Shit!” Liam flew past her, heading to the door when Gray stopped him.

“Hey! I’m right here,” she whispered. Liam quickly turned around to see her. A smile formed across his lips. He charged over to her and grabbed her for a hug.

“I thought you left,” he whispered against her ear. She could feel his whole body shaking. Gray ran her arms across his back trying to calm him down.

“Nope, just got too hot with you smothered me,” she joked. Liam didn’t find it funny, he continued to hold her not moving.

“Hey, I’m still here, I don’t plan on leaving, okay?” Gray reassured him. Liam grabbed her hand and pulled her back to the bed.

“You scared the living daylights out of me,” he whispered. Gray stroked his face.

“I’m sorry.” Gray whispered. God, she missed him. It was hitting her now on much. For months she was so stubborn and acted like a child. She should have fought harder with him that night. Make him realize that he was being a complete idiot and refuse to leave.

“Love, why are you crying,” he whispered, wiping a tear from her face.

“Because I’m an idiot,” she deadpanned. Liam chuckled at her.

“Why is that?”

“I’m realizing how I should of never have left that night, honest. I should of said that you were being a jack ass and to pull your head out of your butt and went back to the room with everyone else. Instead, I just ran. I always run Liam, it’s what I do. I shouldn’t have done that with you,” she sobbed to him. Liam wiped more tears off her face.

“Love, I was a complete ass. I would of ran from me too. We both are too stubborn. I should have chased after you months ago. Not now. Please don’t beat yourself up about this.” He gave her a quick kiss and pulled her in close to him.

“We are both losers,” she laughed while wiping her eyes that still were crying.

“We are. After tonight, we aren’t going to let this eat us alive anymore. New clean fresh linens tomorrow,” he offered. Gray laughed.

“Linens? Don’t you mean ‘slate’?” Liam rolled his eyes at her, glad she couldn’t see his face.

“Close enough. Now stop thinking so badly about yourself and go to sleep.” Liam snuggled into her one more time and closed his eyes. Gray leaned into his chest, leaving a small delicate kiss on his shirt where his heart would be.

“I love you Liam,” she whispered, already knowing he was asleep.

Gray remembered it all. A huge smile erupted on her face as she threw on the last sweatshirt and headed to the main house. She walked into the kitchen and immediately felt every set of eyes on her. Niall was in mid bite of his breakfast, Zayn looked up from his phone, Mila sat there staring at her with googly eyes and Harry and Louis stared her down like they were reading her mind. She immediately blushed, not liking the attention on her.

“Have you all been drinking,” she asked seeing the three bottles of champagne on the corner.

“Yes, yes we have. How did you sleep? Any ‘Paynes’? Louis asked with a mischievous smirk on his face. Gray rolled her eyes and walked away into the kitchen.

“Oh hello dear,” Anne said warmly. She had the same goofy smile the rest had.

“Morning. Do you have any coffee by chance?”

“Sorry no, we are more of tea people here. I can make you some.” Gray’s eyes went huge. Who doesn’t have coffee? She felt like it was possible to have a panic attack.

“No thank you. Actually, I think I will walk up to the shop and get one myself.” Gray turned around and headed to the living room knowing that everyone was still watching her. Just as she was putting on her coat, Liam walked through the door with a cup in his head. He bee lined over to Gray and smiled.

“Is that coffee,” she whispered, smiling up at him.

“Course.” Gray took a drink from the to-go cup and smiled. Coffee is amazing. Gray ran her around his waist and smiled up at him.

“Thank you.” They were staring at each other, in their own little world not realizing the rest were watching them from the kitchen. Gray looked over her shoulder at the group. Gray unlatched her arm from him and winked, walking back to the group. She could tell they were all dying for information, but the noisy bodies could wait some more.

“Any food left,” she asked, sitting down next to Zayn. She knew he would be the least annoying out of the bunch about the whole situation.

“So Miss Gray, I see you are still here. Care to tell us about that,” Niall asked. Gray took a sip of coffee and shrugged.

“Felt the need to stay.” She heard Louis and Mila groan from across the table.

“Really? That’s it? Do you think we are that stupid,” Louis huffed. Gray looked at them with a serious face.

“Nope. I think you two,” she pointed to Mila and Louis,” are the smartest people in this room.” She smiled at them, silently thanking them. If it wasn’t for them and their pushiness, she wouldn’t be here right now. Gray knew she needed to make it up to them, somehow.

----

“We need something to do,” Zayn yawned. They all sat around the entire morning without making plans.

“Nap,” Niall yawned back. Zayn hit in with the pillow. Gray yawned in agreement with Niall. For some reason she was beyond tired today, even the super strong coffee didn’t help. Gray joined the two on the couch and closed her eyes.

“Where’s Perrie,” she asked Zayn.

“London somewhere.”

“I need to meet up with her before I leave,” Gray yawned again, her words trailing off as she fell asleep. Niall and Zayn soon joined her; all three bodies were smashed on the couch together.

“What is with that girl being smothered,” Harry laughed, walking into the room. Liam peeked his head out to see what he meant. Gray had her back up against Zayn’s side, his arm around her and she was using his shoulder for a pillow. Niall had his head on her thigh and the rest of his body was on top of hers. Two days ago, Liam would have killed them both, but now he just laughed. Gray and him were together, somewhat, and two of his brothers weren’t going to change that. Liam walked over and snapped a picture on his phone.

“Why are you always taking pictures of her,” Harry asked. He had caught on to Liam a long time ago. Liam was never a big picture person himself, but whenever Gray was around it was all the time.

“I’ll tell you later. I was thinking, we should do up a quick surprise party since we all missed her birthday,” Liam explained. He had to change the subject, his pictures of Gray was a top secret thing that only he need about.

“We can make it happen. What are you thinking?” Harry took the bait, thankfully. Both walked into kitchen, leaving the sleeping group alone and to plan.

----

“Everyone ready,” Louis asked. Today was the day they planned to go back to London so Mila and Gray could spend their last days there. The whole group packed up their bags and had the van packed and ready to go.

“Anne, thank you for everything,” Gray said giving her a huge hug. Karen had left that morning earlier, which Gray had mixed feelings about. Gray knew she would miss the woman, but at the same time it was a relief. She didn’t have to impress her so much. Gray wondered if Karen may have had a vendetta against her. She did make her son’s life a living nightmare for months too. She shook of the feelings, not wanting to think about it anymore. She climbed into the back of the van, taking her seat next to Liam.

“Ready love,” he asked sincerely. She shook her head yes and grabbed his hand. Less words the better at the moment. Liam could tell something was up. He moved closer her, giving her hand a reassuring squeeze.

“What’s wrong,” he whispered, so others wouldn’t here.

“Nothing.” Liam gave her a stern look. He wasn’t born yesterday.

“You sure your mom is okay with us? This?” She asked with fear in her eyes and motioned between them. Liam gave her a reassuring smile.

“Why wouldn’t my mom be okay with us?” Gray bit her lip, trying to think of a way to answer.

“We.. I wasn’t never nice the last couple of months, I acted like a child. I don’t want her to think I am always like that,” she explained. Liam squeezed her hand.

“Love, I think my mum likes you more than me. I was the ass, we talked about this. She begged me to come find you in August but I didn’t listen to her. She wanted to beat me many days. My mum loves you, a lot. We talked about it last night,” Liam whispered. When in the world did they talk?

“You talked last night?” Gray was trying to remember everything that went down. After Gray, Niall and Zayn woke up from their nap, the drinks and fire time started. Everyone was giddy, enjoying the music and not giving a car in the world.

“I did. I think it was when you and Mila decided to dance to Rihanna at midnight,” Liam laughed causing Gray to blush. They did dance, hard. Way too much liquor involved then.

“What did she say?” Gray was prying him for information.

“She liked you. Likes you. Thinks you are good for me.” Liam kept the information to a minimum. Karen and Liam went into great detail about Liam’s relationship and the future, but he didn’t want Gray to know about that.

“Jailbait, I can tell you are withholding information,” she warned, giving him an evil eye.

“All you need to know is that she loves you like the rest of your family here loves you.” Liam picked up their conjoining hands and kissed them. Gray stuck out her tongue at the very same time a flash went off. Gray looked to the front of the van to see Louis’ holding up his phone.

“Tomlinson, you will die if that ends up on Twitter. Hey, you all listen to that one! No more pictures of me on Twitter without asking me! I’m serious, I’m sick of looking like a fool on there,” she dictated to the van.

Liam showed her the two pictures Louis posted. Gray didn’t mind the one of her getting sandwiched between the boys, but the latest of her in her sweats at Harry’s place was a bit much. Gray could see Louis staring at his phone typing. Minutes later, her phone buzzed. She took it out to see the picture of her, sticking out her tongue.

@LouisTomlinson: cheeky girl. @Gramayonnaise

“Louis, I suggest you sleep with one eye open,” she barked from the back. The rest giggled at her, even though Gray didn’t find it funny. Her phone buzzed again, this time and update from the Pioneer.

BREAKING NEWS: Well little Directioners around the world, I think Liam’s IT girl is starting to make another appearance. Louis Tomlinson has posted not one, but two photos of the lovely Gray Cameron in the past week. Gray went through that bitter break up with bandmate Liam Payne in June, and from our little birdie, Louis is also single. Do we see a new couple forming? How will this go for the band? Stay tuned to the Pioneer, you can always hear it here.

Gray rolled her eyes and groaned. This is why she didn’t like things being posted on social media.

“Hey Louis, you know where are dating now,” she sarcastically said to the front. Everyone turned around to look at her.

“Pioneer just put that all out on display,” she replied, showing them all the screen of her phone.

“Gray, do you get Pioneer updates on your phone,” Niall asked cautiously, a smile starting to form on his lips. Gray’s face blushed immediately. She forgot about that part. Ever since Liam and Gray broke up, she had another to do with One Direction sent to her phone. She had to keep up with them somehow.

“I.. it.. no,” she stuttered out. Everyone began to laugh around her.

“You do don’t you! You follow shameless gossipers just so you can see your Liam,” Harry laughed, battling his eyelashes at the mentioning of Liam’s name.

“Shut it all of you!” Gray’s face wouldn’t stop turning redder and redder. Liam squeezed her hand next to her.

“Did you really follow them for us?”

“Just you,” she said quietly,” the rest of your band can kick rocks!”

----

They arrived at Harry’s flat later and unpacked. No one really cared where they were sleeping since Zayn and Niall had apartments in the same building. Gray walked over to Mila and dragged her off into the corner to talk privately.

“Hey, can you shop with me later? I need your help,” she asked.

“You had me at shopping, what’s up?” Gray thought about it the whole way back to London. She really wanted to get something for all the guys just as a thank you present for being so sincere to her, even though she wanted to kill them not long ago.

“I’m in. Give me fifteen minutes.” Gray groaned.

“I still have to break away from Liam.” They were technically by any means, but Gray knew he was going to pitch a fit over this. She knew protective Liam was still there.

Mila looked over at the boys. They were in their own group huddle, more than likely talking about the big plans for tonight.

“Highly doubt that will be an issue,” Mila laughed. Gray looked at her, something was up.

“What does that mean?”

“Nothing, let me change and we will go. Tell the boy, I’m ready to spend money.” Mila walked away and Gray walked over to the group.

“Hey, Mila and I are going to step out for a while, anyone care?” Niall quickly covered up a piece of paper he was writing on and the rest of the guys, shielded him.

“Sure, have fun love,” Liam quickly said before turning back to the group. What in the hell just happened? Before Gray had a chance to talk, Mila was pulling her out of the building.

“Mila, what is going on?” Gray felt like she stuck in the twilight zone.

“Beats me, let’s spend some money!”

----

Three hours later, Gray was drained. She wanted to get each guy something special, but she had no luck. What do you buy someone who has it all?

“What about a bracelet,” Mila suggested. Gray perked up, that could work.

“Find me a place,” she said. Mila quickly typed in her phone and they were off. A little store called “Zap’n Jewerly” was just the place. Small, and cute.

“Oh my god, I’m going to spend loads here,” Mila squealed leaving Gray behind and exploring the racks.

“Hello dear, can I help you?” A small older woman approached Gray.

“Do you do custom work by chance?” Gray had an idea for each of them.

“Not usually, but since I know you we can make it work,” the woman smiled at her.

“Know me?” Gray was confused. She never met this woman in her life.

“You are in the UK dear, with a very popular assortment of boys. Many people know you.” Gray blushed, it was hard for her to remember who the guys really were.

“Come on over, let’s see what we can do.”

----

“Alright, you are a genius Mila,” Gray gushed. The woman there got everything she needed made and done within 45 minutes.

“That’s a given. So what did you get for your boyfriend?” Gray rolled her eyes.

“He isn’t my boyfriend,” she stated. Mila stopped dead in the road and looked at Gray.

“I do hope you are joking.” Gray shook her head no.

“Right now we are friends.”

“Friends that snuggle, make out, hold hands, flirt and practically act like a couple,” Mila questioned with her eyebrow raised.

“Yup, you nailed it on the head.” Gray laughed and trying to continue walking up the street, but Mila stopped her.

“That is the stupid thing I have ever heard.”

“It’s what I want Mila. We leave in three days. I have no clue where I will be or he will be, or when I will even see him again. Why put myself through that crap again,” Gray said, starting to get angry. Why can’t people just let her make her own decisions for once without chiming in?

“You are hiding again, but hey, it’s your life. Do what you want.” Mila waved her hand in the air, willing to drop the topic. Gray started walking down the street again with Mila followed. Their silence was annoying; Gray needed to get some space for a while.

“Listen, I’ll meet you back at the flat, I have to get one more thing,” Gray said, hoping Mila would take the bait.

“Sure sure, don’t get lost.” Mila huffed off leaving Gray stand there. What is it with everyone today? Apparently no one wanted to be around her. Gray put the bag of jewelry in her purse and took off. She thanked herself for wearing tennis shoes and sweats at this point. Winter was too cold to look cute. She walked up two more blocks before running into a liquor store. Suddenly an idea popped in her head and a smile came across her face. She had the perfect idea for a gift.

----

Gray finally made it back to the flat an hour later. After two wrong turns and taking breaks to stop and breathe, she was there. Buying five bottles of liquor and having to carry it all was a stupid idea.

“If our love is tragedy, why are you my remedy,” she sang, listening to through her earbuds and riding the elevator up. Her head bobbed up and down the hallway to Harry’s place. She opened the door, trying to balance everything when they all jumped out at her.

“SURPRISE!” Gray gasped and juggled everything in her hands so it wouldn’t crash to the floor.

“JESUS!” She screamed. Everyone had changed into more clothes and decorated the apartment to be what looked like a birthday party.

“What’s going on,” Gray asked, staring at them all.

“We, my love, are celebrating your birthday,” Liam said, walking up to her and giving her a kiss. Gray continued to stare at them all, unsure of what she should do.

“Is this why I got to go shopping without you turning into the Hulk?” Liam laughed and shook his head yes.

“Go put your crap down! I want cake,” Harry yelled. She followed orders and headed into the spare bedroom shutting the door. Gray quickly changed into a pair of jeans and a nice sweater before turning to her own gifts. She quickly throw the bracelets and bottles into gift bags before carrying it all back down the hall to the rest of them.

“You bought presents,” Niall asked, confused.

“For you all. Just.. just because,” she blushed. Gray felt weird now that they were here in person. Gray quickly passed them out, except Zayn was missing.

“Where’s Zayn?” Harry and Liam exchanges looks.

“He is coming,” Harry asked, taking his bag from her.

“So Gray Goose, what’s this about?” Louis asked her, causing everyone else to pay attention too.

“I just felt you all needed a gift from me, since you went to a lot of trouble to get me out here and putting up with my shit,” she explained. They all shrugged and opened up the bags.

“Oh my god, you got us Grey Goose!” Niall laughed, pulling the large bottle of liquor out of the bag. The rest of the boys moved faster, pulling theirs out.

“Gray, you are epic,” Harry laughed, ready to break it open.

“Flavored even,” she said. They all looked at theirs to see.

“You got Louis’ apple?” Niall starting laughing so hard he couldn’t talk. At the liquor store, she contemplated it, but her and Louis seemed normal again, so apple it was. Louis walked over to her and gave her a hug.

“You probably are the coolest girl I know,” he laughed. Gray smiled back.

“There’s one other thing in there.” They dug around pulling out the bracelets she had made. The woman, Patricia, at the store was more than helpful. She was able to come up with a quick design of their name’s and put them on different strips of leather. Elegant, yet manly.

“You guys are hard to buy for,” she muttered. Liam walked over to her with his.

“Love this is very nice of you,” her murmured to her. He picked up her wrist and tied the bracelet around.

“Hey! That’s supposed to be yours,” she tried to object. He held up his own wrist showing her original bracelet.

“You were mine, I wear yours until you decide to change things.” Gray stared up at him. Tonight was not the night to have a serious talk about their relationship.

“Sure, whatever you say.” Gray turned back to everyone else.

“Let’s pop open some liquor!”

----

After they had their very own taste test bar going on, everyone was starting to feel good. The music kept getting louder, and the laughing was more frequent.

“No dancing on counters,” Liam warned in her ear. They were standing in the kitchen with Gray’s back to him and his arms around her. Liam swayed their bodies with the music. She kept toying with the bracelet on his wrist. Gray thought about taking it off right there and slipping it on her own. It was so beyond tempting.

“Hey, where is my cake,” Gray shouted over the music.

“Zayn should be bringing it soon.” Man, Gray really wanted cake. Cake and liquor, yes please! Gray heard the front door open and see Zayn walk in with another person behind him.

“Perrie!” Gray screamed and ran over to her, hugging her.

“Love! I have missed you so!” They stood there half hugging, half jumping while tears came down her face.

“Oh my god, I am so excited right now,” Gray shouted. Between the alcohol and seeing Perrie after months without her, she could barely control her emotions.

“Oh don’t cry Goose,” Perrie laughed hugging her again. Gray looked up at her.

“Please tell me you brought cake.”

----

“Alright, throw some candles on this thing, I’m hungry,” Niall said. They all crowded around the table putting the cake in front of Gray.

“Wait! Harry and Louis get in here too,” Gray dictated. Everyone looked at her funny.

“What? They have birthdays coming up too. I don’t know when I will see you again so let’s celebrate this crap.” She waved them over so they could all be around it. Zayn lighted all the candles around it.

“Okay. 1.. 2.. 3..” The three of them blew out the candles while the rest took pictures. Gray quietly cut two pieces out before reaching up and smothering them in Louis’ and Harry’s face. They both looked at her like she was out of her mind.

“Whoops,” she smiled. Harry gave her an evil grin.

“Run,” he whispered. Gray took off through the kitchen and hit behind Liam while Harry came following with a huge handful of cake.

“Step away from your woman Liam,” Harry said calmly. Liam looked behind at her, before moving. Harry ran her down as Gray shrieked. Cake covered her hair and icing went dripping down her face.

“Yum, butter cream,” she laughed. Gray felt free, finally happy, and best of all, loved.

Notes

Title Creds: "Still into You" by Paramore.

Sorry all, it's been a long week, and yup it's only Tuesday :) Hopefully I can crank another one out today.

With that, PYPM is coming to an end. When I originally did this story, I only had two chapters left. Thinking I may drag it out though, add some more. Anyone care???

Thanks for your comments too, they have all made me smile. And the 3,000 views, both are extremely cool!