Gray laid in bed wide awake. It was already two in the morning and their plane left in eight hours to go back to the States. Liam’s arm was over her waist, barely holding on to her as he slept behind her. For the first time since she arrived, they finally made it into a bed together. Zayn offered up his spare bedroom which beat the couches they had been sleeping on. Gray toyed with the bracelet on Liam’s wrist and sighed. The weight of making a decision of where to go in their relationship had been eating at her. The birthday party was a blast, it made Gray feel like herself again like when she first met Liam. It was hard for her to even imagine that. Life had changed so much for Gray, in a good and bad way. Now she just had to decide where to go from here.

Gray woke up a couple hours later to feel Liam’s lips on her neck.

“Too early,” she moaned. It took her forever to fall back asleep. Liam ran his fingers down her arm and rested on her bracelet.

“Your plane leaves in four hours love,” he whispered to her. She closed her eyes. She didn’t want to leave yet, it was too soon.

“I know,” she barely whispered out. Liam’s fingers played with her bracelet causing Gray to watch him. Gray yawned and climbed out of bed, not wanting to think anymore.

“Shower time,” she left the room knowing well enough that he was staring her down.

----

Gray left the bathroom thirty minutes later to find the apartment empty. No Zayn, Perrie or Liam to be found. All of her bags were gone, other than her small carry on. She smiled; Liam must have brought everything down to Harry’s place. She quickly changed into her leggings, Liam’s sweatshirt and shoes before heading down.

Everyone was sitting eating breakfast when she walked in. Gray walked over to Liam, kissing him on the head before grabbing herself a plate.

“Who cooked,” she asked.

“Harry,” Mila said. It all smelled heavenly. Bacon, bagels, muffins, everything you could want. Gray took a seat next to Liam, sharing a chair with Mila.

“What time do you want to leave,” Mila whispered to her, not wanting the others to hear yet. Gray couldn’t even think about that. It was killing her inside.

“I’d say in 45 minutes. Just me and you.” Gray didn’t want Liam to join them at the airport, she knew she would already be a hot mess, the last thing she needed was him there watching.

“You sure you both want to leave,” Harry asked for everyone to hear. Mila spoke up first before Gray could.

“Highly doubt it, but we have lives to get back to.” Liam put his fork down and walked down the hallway and into the bathroom, slamming the door.

“What the hell just happened,” Mila asked. Everyone felt stunned, and somewhat shocked. He never acted like that. Liam usually kept everything inside.

“I happened,” Gray sighed, pushing away from the table. She walked down the hallway and opened the bathroom door without even knocking. Liam was sitting on the side of the tub looking away from her. She didn’t say anything, just sat down next to him on the tub.

“Where are we going with this Gray,” he asked, still not looking at her.

“One day at a time,” she answered honestly. That was the only way to put it.

“As two people who aren’t in a relationship,” Liam asked bitterly, finally looking at her. His glare made Gray shiver.

“Yes Liam. I’m not going to go on out and find random guys, look where that got me last time. I just need time to figure this out and how it would even work out.”

“I do not get why you cannot figure it out now. I’m in love with you, you love me. It’s quite simple.”

“I love you, Liam, I do.” Gray didn’t know what else to say. The thoughts in her head about them wouldn’t come out right if she tried to talk. Gray just wasn’t ready to jump in and take that chance right now.

“When will I see you again,” he asked her.

“I don’t know,” she whispered.

“I see we are getting nowhere. Good talk.” Liam quickly stood and left the room leaving Gray to sit there in her thoughts. She groaned, this was becoming more of a pain than ever. It was time to go, definitely. Gray walked out and joined the rest in the living room. She quickly threw up her hair and grabbed her things. Mila started the line of hugs, saying goodbye to the boys while Gray followed.

“You sure you want to do this,” Niall asked. Gray’s eyes welt up as she hugged him.

“Life is calling. No worries though, I plan to see you all again.” She looked out the corner of her eye to see Liam looking at her. Hopefully he realized she meant it. Gray hugged everyone else until there was just Perrie and Liam left.

“I don’t want to go another six months without seeing you. That’s an order,” Perrie said while tears fell down her face.

“Won’t happen.” Gray hugged her in close not wanting to let go. Perrie was her sister, just like Mila.

“You let me know when you are free, I’ll show you how to get down in Chicago,” Gray told her as they pulled away. She walked the few steps over to where Liam was and stood in front of him. He refused to look her in the eye, instead just stare at her forehead.

“Liam Payne, you are being an ass,” she said a bit too loudly. He really was acting like a child. Liam stood there silent.

“Alright then, let’s go Mila.” Gray turned to join her. She didn’t have the time or patience to deal with his mood swings right now. Before she could reach her, Liam grabbed her wrist and pulled her into him. His lips crashed onto her with a passion Gray never felt before. She wrapped her arms around him, not caring who was watching. She felt his lips smile against hers and she pulled away.

“Love you jailbait,” she whispered.

“I love you Gray.” Gray winked at him one more time before grabbing her things and stopping at the door with Mila.

“See you all soon!” Both blew kisses as they walked out of the flat and into the elevator. As soon as the doors shut, if felt like Gray’s heart was in a vice grip. It’s always harder leaving when you know what you are leaving behind.

“You ok, girl,” Mila asked, cautiously looking at her.

“I am, promise,” Gray said looking up at her with tears in her eyes. Mila eyed her again.

“Happy tears.” Gray really did feel happy. She got her second family back. They just couldn’t be like sisters, more like cousins you see every couple of months.

“You know they go to Australia next month after Christmas.” Gray rolled her eyes; Mila never gives it a rest.

“That I do. Can we talk about it later? Right now I just want to get home.” Gray felt her phone buzz in her phone. It was Liam, of course. She wasn’t even to the lobby of the building and he was already starting.

Liam: Wish you would have stayed. I love you.

Gray sighed, putting her phone back without answering. Life was hard enough right now.


----

“Mom? Girls?” Gray yelled as she walked into the house. Mila and Gray had gotten back, both immediately wanting to go home and sleep off the jet lag.

“GREYYYYYY!” Grace yelled throughout the house, sprinting towards Gray. She scooped her up, giving the little girl a huge hug.

“Oh did I miss you,” Gray said, squeezing her tightly.

“We did too. What did you get me?” Gray laughed, she always looked for gifts. Gray reached into her purse pulling out the two bracelets she had made for the girls.

“I got these just for you two. All the boys and I have them and now you do too.” Gray had two more bracelets made at the shop when she went there. A token of her appreciation for her sisters being the best in the world.

“No one else,” Gillian said with wide eyes.

“Nope, just us. Only our family.” Both girls quickly put them on, showing them off to their mom.

“Look mommy, we match with the boys now too. No one else,” Grace exclaimed. Gloria looked over them both carefully.

“They are lovely dear, why don’t you go brag on Facebook so Gray can have a rest,” she joked. Both girls took off leaving them alone.

“Lovely trip dear,” Gloria asked, giving Gray a wicked look.

“Very good,” Gray said, being just as sarcastic.

“I take it you met with Liam?”

“I did. It was rocky, but things are good for us,” Gray explained.

“Back together good?” Gray shook her head no, ignoring the look on Gloria’s face.

“Not yet, baby steps mom.” Gloria through her hands up in the air.

“You two are ridiculous. I’m surprised he didn’t just ask you to marry him right then and there. Instead you aren’t even a couple. I think this is more stupid then the soap operas I watch,” Gloria yelled.

“I know mom, you aren’t the first one to bitch at me about this,” Gray yelled back. So was so sick of everyone getting on her face about this.

“See!”

“I don’t know if you have noticed but it’s our relationship. Liam and me. Not Liam and the rest of the freaking family. I’m so sick of this and everyone butting in! You marry him then,” Gray huffed. She is sick of this.

“He’s a bit young for me dear. I’m sorry everyone is in your business, but I am allowed to be, I am your mother. Can you at least tell me why? We all worked beyond hard to get you two together,” Gloria explained. Gray sat down on the couch. A nap sounded so good right now.

“I can’t seem to figure out the point of being in a relationship again when I don’t even know when I am going to see him. I have to find a job somewhere and the next six months he is all over the place. I know we have flyer miles, but they are going to run out soon. I can’t be involved with someone who I only see for five days every six months. I will go batshit crazy, you know that. Do I love him? Yes, more than anything. But dragging this out without knowing isn’t fair to either of us.”

“Which makes complete sense, but when has anyone been in a relationship knowing what is going to happen in the future? No one,” Gloria said on her rebuttal.

“Duh, I know that. At least those people see each other more, and are not on different continents. I just want to think it over, that’s all. Really think without his body twenty feet near me. Plus Christmas is next week, that’s more important right now.”

“Which reminds me, I need to go shopping. Didn’t think you would be coming back so I haven’t gotten you anything yet,” Gloria laughed, telling the truth.

“My god mom, you really think that less of me?”

“No. You are a very smart girl who just happens to think too much, but I secretly hoped. Christmas in the UK sounds amazing.”

----

“It’s Christmas, it’s Christmas! Gray, wake up! Santa came!” Grace came barreling into Gray’s room, screaming at the top of her lungs. Gray groaned, it was only 6:30am, way too early to be up. They didn’t get home last night until after midnight from her uncle’s house where they always spend Christmas Eve.

“Gray! Come on!” Grace yelled again, pulling Gray’s hand until she woke up. Gray yawned, grabbing her phone and followed Grace to the living room. Gloria and Gillian were already there looking just as tired.

“Before we start anything, I need coffee.” Gray walked into the kitchen looking at her phone. She smiled seeing Liam’s name pop up.

Liam: Merry Christmas my beautiful love. Call me when you are up.

Gray dialed him up while digging through the cupboards for a cup.

“Love,” he answered. Gray’s heart melted, his voice sounded so good through the phone.

“Hey there,” she yawned.

“Grace get you up early?”

“Ugh yes. I’m on around five hours of sleep right now. There is no amount of coffee that will keep me awake. What are you going?”

“Cleaning,” he simply said making Gray laugh.

“That good of a Christmas, eh?” She flirted with him.

“Would have been better if you were here,” she could hear him pout over the line.

“I’m sure Karen and you would have loved that, maybe you can have me for Arbor Day.”

“Very funny Gray Goose.” Gray could hear Grace whining from the living room.

“Gotta go jailbait, I am being summoned. Talk to you later, okay,” she whispered, even though no one was around. Gray always had a fear he would tell her no.

“Love you.”

“Love you too.” Gray walked into the living with a fresh cup of steamy black coffee and sat down next to her mom.

“I see we didn’t get to be first on your list today,” her mom joked. Gray rolled her eyes at Gloria and turned her attention to the girls.

“Alright ladies, hit me with some gifts. Let’s get this party rolling.” They spent the next half an hour tearing through presents to see what everyone bought. Gray got a very beautiful sweater from her mom, and lots of little cute things from her sisters.

“Thank you girls, I love everything,” Gray said to them. Her mom walked up, digging in a drawer of the foyer becoming back.

“Gray, I have two more for you. This one is from me.” Her mom handed her a small box which Gray opened. Inside was a plane ticket for Australia, leaving three days after the New Year. Gray looked up shocked at her mom. She was already planning a visit, not willing to wait to see Liam, but plane ticket prices were too high.

“You should really close out of your computer more often,” her mom warmly smiled at her. Gray didn’t know what to say. She knew it had to of cost her mom a pretty penny, but it was so thoughtful.

“Did the boys help you with this?” Gray asked. Her mom shook her head no.

“Nope, all mine. They actually don’t even know I bought it for you. I figured you could surprise them for once,” Gloria explained.

“Mom, that is way too much. Those tickets are outrageous right now.”

“Nonsense, it’s a present you are not supposed to care what it costs.” Gray looked down at the ticket again, catching something she didn’t see before.

“It’s a one way?” She asked.

“It is. I couldn’t afford round trip, and this way you can come home when you want to. It’s time for you to forgot those time tables for a while.” Gray reached over and hugged her mom tight. Gray would be thanking her for the rest of her life.

“Thank you so much mom.” Gray whispered, tears hitting her face.

“You are welcome Gray. You are my most favorite daughter about 20 and you need to be with that man,” Gloria laughed. Gloria reached down next to her, and picked up another box around the same shape.

“One more,” she said, handing it to Gray.

“Oh my god,” Gray breathed out. Inside was a beautiful charm bracelet.

“Oh mom, it’s so pretty! You didn’t need to get me this,” Gray gushed, putting it around her wrist.

“I didn’t. That came in the mail a couple of days ago from you know who.” Gray looked up and her mom and rolled her eyes. Of course Liam didn’t follow through with their ‘no present’ rule. He always had a way of surprising her.

“Damn him,” she smiled. The bracelet was more than beautiful. It was covered with small beads that had different designs and imagines on them. Gray laughed when she saw the one with handcuffs on it. She pulled her phone out and snapped a picture sending it to him.

ME: Want to explain this beautiful thing??

Liam texted her back right away.

LIAM: Never seen it before in my life : )

Gray rolled her eyes. He is such a butt. She took another picture and posted it on Instagram.

@Gramayonnaise: Beautiful things come on Christmas. Happy Christmas y’all!

----

Christmas came and went before New Year’s Eve was here. Gray and Liam talked every day, mostly they played tag with text messages and voicemails due to the time change. It killed Gray to not let Liam in on her secret; she didn’t like uncertainty of not knowing where they would full be.

“Hello?”

“LOVE! What are you doing?” Perrie asked her through the phone. Gray smiled; it had been a while since she heard from her.

“Currently eating my feelings while watching chick flicks.” Gray wasn’t even lying. Mila had intimate New Year’s Eve plans with Curtis, so Gray was staying in on kid duty. She ran to the supermarket earlier for junk food and movie rentals.

“I do hope you are joking.”

“Kid you not, Pea. What’s up with you?”

“You should be out! It’s New Year’s! Are you watching the boys on TV,” Perrie asked. The guys were singing on a channel in the UK, but Gray couldn’t get it in the States.

“Not broadcasted here. So instead, I’m going to continue my movie marathon.” Gray actually felt okay about the whole situation. It was mostly due to her leaving in three days to see them all.

“Hey Pea, are you going to be with the guys when they go to Australia right away,” Gray asked.

“Sure am.”

“Good, I need your help. I’m flying out there on the 3rd.” She heard Perrie shriek into the phone.

“They all don’t know though! Don’t tell them!” Gray yelled quickly before Perrie opened her mouth.

“Oh shit, hold on Gray.” Gray heard her cover the phone and tell someone she saw a spider.

“Who’s on the phone,” a voice asked, Gray could tell it was Liam.

“Gray, wait – no give me that back! You have your own phone!” Gray heard before Liam came on the line.

“Hi love.”

“Hey jailbait, give the phone back to Perrie,” she laughed listening to Perrie call him bad names in the background.

“She better than me love?” He joked with her over the phone.

“Not a chance, but I still need to talk to her.” Gray heard more movement until Perrie was back on the line.

“Gray, your Man Wonder is an asshole.” Liam laughed in the background.

“Man wonder?” That was new one.

“Man wonder, sleeping buddy, best friend, whatever. Anyways, I am alone, start talking.” Gray filled her in on how her mom got her a plane ticket out there. Perrie and Gray worked out a plan to get her in a car and to the boys.

“We may be pushing this, their show starts at 6PM that day,” Perrie explained. Gray’s plane landed at 4:45pm.

“Oh I got a better idea,” a wicked smile came across Gray’s face as she filled Perrie in. Three more days and she was there.

Gray woke up to her phone buzzing. Popcorn was spilled all over the couch and the TV was still blaring.

“He.. hello,” she said feeling very disorientated.

“Love? You there?”

“Hey baby, you woke me up,” she yawned into the phone.

“Perfect timing, you have four minutes to go until you start the New Year with me.” Gray looked at the clock on the TV. It was 11:56pm, he was correct.

“I thought you had a show?”

“Pre-recorded, it works wonders.” Gray smiled, cuddling into the couch more. Popcorn crunched under her head but she didn’t care.

“I miss you,” she heard him say.

“I miss you too.” So close to seeing him again. They sat in silence until the crowd on her TV began to count.

“30 seconds,” he said.

“20,” she whispered. They said quiet until the ball fell and the clock said 12:00.

“Happy New Year my beautiful girl,” Liam whispered to her over the line. Gray watched everyone on the screen kiss, cheer and sing “Auld Lang Syne”. Her heart ached a little watching them. She cuddled deeper into the couch, thinking of Liam.

“Happy New Year Liam,” her voice barely said, letting a single tear roll down her face.

----

Gray’s whole body twitched. Finally she was leaving to Australia to see them all. The last few days spread by fast. Between packing, working out the last minute details with Perrie and Steve and making sure Liam didn’t find out, she was good to go. Now, all she had to do was get through the insane line at TSA. Gray’s foot began to tap harder and harder as someone tapped her from behind. Gray turned to see a little girl, probably around Gillian age staring up at her.

“Are you Gray? Liam’s Gray,” she asked. Gray smiled and blushed. Lately more fans have been coming up to her. They never did before, but it’s quite possible her cast back then scared them off.

“I am, but he isn’t mine. What’s your name,” Gray asked, bending down to get at her level.

“Andrea.”

“Andrea, that is a very pretty name, I like it,” Gray said, making the girl blush.

“Can I take a picture with you?”

“OF course, but can you not put in on Twitter or Instagram yet,” Gray asked, hopefully Andrea wouldn’t ask too many more questions. Andrea’s eyes drew big.

“Ok!” She yelled. Gray pulled the little girl in close as her mother snapped the picture.

“Thank you Gray,” Andrea said, following her mom back to where they were. Gray waved and smiled. Hopefully that would make her feel better if she ever got through this line.

----

After two layovers, one that made her run through the airport like a hot mess, Gray was finally on the plane. She spent most of the fourteen hour flight sleeping, only to wake up and check her phone illegally and use the rest room. Finally, they were on the descent into Sydney. Gray continued to stare at her watch, their show started in 90 minutes and she knew they would be pushing it. Perrie worked out a plan with Steve for the night. Perrie was staying there, waiting out front of the stage where she typically watched their show with Lou, and Steve was going to bring Gray into the same spot. They would have to walk across the whole arena, knowing well enough that Liam would spot her in a second. Gray brought a very sexy, yet smart dress to wear, and heels. She prayed she had enough time to change in the bathroom; otherwise Steve would have to deal with a peepshow.

“Thank you for flying with United Airlines.” Immediately, Gray jumped up and grabbed her things, willing to knock down anyone who got in her way. She was able to zoom out of the plane and into the shortest custom’s line with ease.

“Welcome to Sydney,” the worker said, stamping Gray’s passport and handing it back. Gray smiled and took it before sprinting through the terminal looking for the closest bathroom. She quickly jumped into a stall and switched out her clothing, making sure everything was covered before heading back out. Gray probably looked like a fool wearing such a tight dress and Nike sneakers, but when you need to run, you run. She spotted Steve off to the side and rushed towards him. Somehow, he already had her bags in his hands.

“Let’s go, let’s go!” She yelled at him. They both walked as fast as possible to the parking garage.

“We going to make it,” Gray asked. It was already 5:30pm and they still had to get to through traffic.

“Don’t you worry, I got this,” Steve told her, throwing suitcases haphazardly into the trunk. Gray jumped into the passenger suit right before Steve took off blazing through the ramp. Gray gripped the handle tight, trying not to let her body flail around in the car.

“One piece Steve, I want to show up in one piece,” she warned. Steve mumbled under his breath that Gray couldn’t hear. She pulled her phone out of her purse, looking for messages.

Perrie: Where are you?! Close?
Me: Very. If I don’t die with Steve.

Gray could barely contain her excitement, both of her hands shook uncontrollably. She was finally the one surprising him for once and it was exciting. Gray checked over her hair and face in the car mirror one last time before they pulled up to the venue. Steve threw her VIP access, well knowing she was going to put it in. It was to the point where they had no time to talk, just to run. The closer they got through the building, Gray could hear the crowd roar.

“How late are we,” Gray shouted to Steve. They continued to charge through the various hallways.

“About ten minutes.” He stopped them in front of the door that led to the VIP access.

“Ready,” he asked, the first time he broke a smile since she arrived. Gray nodded her head yes, unable to wipe the huge smile off her face. Gray followed Steve through, only to realize she still had her tennis shoes on and her heels in her hand. She followed behind Steve, fully seen by the crowd and Harry, he was the first one to see her. As they followed their choreography, Harry pointed at Louis, who immediately saw her. His eyes light up like fireworks. They went down the line, Louis nudging to Zayn, Zayn to Niall and lastly to Liam. His eyes were immediately glued to her. He continued to sing and move along the stage, but his eyes wouldn't leave her. Gray continued her walk, and made it to Perrie.

“You are here!” She yelled into Gray’s ear hugging her. Steve gave her a boost, helping her onto the box where Perrie was sitting. Gray reached over and hugged her, happy to see her favorite person again.

"Thank god I made it alive," Gray joked. She ripped off her heels and set them behind her.

"I'm surprised you still are the way Liam is glaring at you." Gray flipped around to see Liam's eyes not leaving her. 'STOP' she mouthed to him, blushing. Liam looked away, going back to the show at hand.

“Well Sydney, you are the loudest crowd we have had yet,” Louis yelled into his microphone as they took a break between songs. The crowd yelled louder causing Gray’s ears to ring.

“And beautiful weather here. Definitely not GRAY,” he said, emphasizing the word ‘Gray’. Gray laughed rolling her eyes.
“Oh no, not GRAY,” Niall said, joining in on the fun.

“Yup, GRAY is a color you’d see in Sydney,” Harry laughed. Liam looked at them both, rolling his eyes. He pulled his microphone away and said something to him, but Gray couldn't read his lips.

"Periwinkle is a nice color too, don't you think?" Liam spat at them and turned to the crowd.

"I think our fans want another song! Here's "Live While we're Young." The band started up, causing the boys to follow suit.

“High five Pea, we totally got him,” Gray smiled and yelled to her. They continued to watch the concert, waiting for the minutes to end so Gray and Liam could fully be reunited. Gray moved in her spot like a school girl, happy to be where she was. Life rocked.

Notes

Title Creds: "From Where you are" by Lifehouse.

I asked, you agreed. I'm dragging this puppy out for you. Consider this a filler : )