"Holy crap my ears are ringing," Gray yelled, not realizing it until then. The concert had just ended and the arena was getting quiet again. Steve brought the girls closer to the stage to keep them safe while the boys were backstage.

"You get used to it, or just lose your hearing," Perrie told her. Gray reached down sliding her tennis shoes back on. Heels hated her; she wondered why she even tried. Twenty minutes had already passed and the arena was just about empty. The guys had yet to come find them.

"Where are they," Gray asked her. Perrie shrugged her shoulders.

"Good question, usually they come out by now. Let's go." Perrie linked her arm in Gray's and they walked backstage. Steve was standing by the rear entry door, where they could hear the crowd.

"What's going on Steve-o," Gray asked, she continued their ongoing banter.

"Last minute Make a Wish, they should be done in a bit," he explained.

"We will be around. Where can I get some nachos," Gray asked. She missed every meal on the plane and needed grub. Perrie laughed at her.

"I do believe you are my favorite person," Perrie joked. Steve pointed them down to the concessions where they were able to score some food. They walked up to the second floor and took a seat far up.

"Not going to lie, it's freaking spooky up here," Gray said. The main lights had been turned off already, leaving just an occasional flood light.

"I agree. Oh look! There they are," Perrie said, lowering her voice. They both saw the boys down on the main floor of the arena, you could tell Liam was frantically looking for Gray.

"Is your phone turned down," Perrie whispered seeing Liam pull his out.

"Yup."

"Don't answer it." Perrie pulled out her phone and quickly texted them all.

To: Baby, Harry, Louis, Niall, Liam, Gray Goose
Whoever finds us gets $100. We have nachos!

The girls looked down to see them all looking at their phones before running through the stadium. Gray covered her mouth, making sure they couldn't hear her.

"Bets on who finds us first," she whispered to Perrie. Gray quietly put a chip in her mouth, slowly chewing it.

"Louis, he's got the mindset." Ten minutes had gone by; both Zayn and Niall went past their section but couldn't see them in the dark. Suddenly two hands grabbed Perrie's shoulders making her scream; her nachos went flying into the air. Louis stood up, barely able to because he was laughing so much.

"My nachos," Perrie pouted, looking at the chips scattered across the floor.

"I win," he cheered into the air. Perrie broke out her phone again.

To: Baby, Harry, Louis, Niall, Liam, Gray Goose
Louis beat you all. Section 257. Get up here.

"Gray, I must say, you never cease to amaze us. I thought Liam was going to jump off the stage and tackle you to the ground," Louis said, taking a seat next to her.

"Eh, he needed a surprise." Gray shrugged her shoulders. Harry, Zayn, and Niall came flying up the stairs.

"Yes, we beat him here!" They took a seat next to Perrie, waiting to see the moment Liam arrived. Gray's hands began to sweat in nervousness. Where was his butt? Liam came shooting up the short hallway and turned up to look at them all. He was breathing heavily like he just sprinted here. Gray couldn't stop smiling. She stood up, jumping over Louis' body and made her way down the stairs to meet him. You could have heard a pin drop in the 10,000 seat arena. The rest of them were completely quiet, just waiting to watch it all. Gray made her way down to him. She wrapped her arms around his neck, causing Liam to pick her up. Her legs wrapped around his waist and Liam's hand covered her butt just in case her dress went up. Once their lips met, it was electric. They matched each other completely. Their lips were like puzzle pieces, matching completely. Gray's hands toyed with the hairs on his neck as they continued in their moment, not hearing the cat calls behind them.

"Hi jailbait," she whispered, pulling her face just inches from his.

"Hello beautiful love." Gray unlocked her legs from his waist, letting her feet hit the step below. His arms stayed closely around her body.

"Miss me," she asked him. He kissed her head, looking her in the eyes.

"More than you ever know," he whispered. Gray smiled back at him, feeling the love. She grabbed his hand, dragging him back up to the group. Liam sat down next to Louis and pulled Gray down to his lap.

"Can we get a round of applause to Gray here," Harry said, picking at her nachos. They boys clapped and Gray threw her hands in the air, making the 'raise the roof’ sign. She is amazing, she knew it.

"Perrie, props to you. You held in the secret." Gray reached over Louis, giving her a high five.

"How long do we get you Gray,?"

"Umm.. that's up for discussion." They all looked at her confused.

"I don't currently have a plane ticket back to Chicago, just had a one way ticket." Liam was shocked to hear this. Gray always planned ahead, even if was something small like when it was time to eat.

"No ticket? What happened to the Gray back in March," Louis laughed.

"She died, Gray 2.0 is here."

----

They all got back to the hotel late and everyone felt tired. They retreated to their own rooms, Gray followed Liam to his. He had been driving her wild since they sat down in the arena. His hands roamed her body discreetly, but even to drive her wild. Her back, arms, and thighs, it all was intoxicating to her.

"So Mr. Payne, are you done driving me crazy yet?" Gray pushed his body up against the hotel wall. He didn't even fight back, letting Gray have the control.

"Back at you. You made me go through a whole concert without being close to you," he whispered in a low tone to her. Gray's body shivered with excitement. Liam bent down, brushing his lips against her bare shoulder.

"I.. I wanted to surprise you," she stuttered, unable to think while he was touching her.

"You did love, best surprise I have gotten in a long time." HIs eyes twinkled down at her. Gray couldn't stop staring at him. He was perfection.

"As much as I would love to stay up late doing very naughty things with you, I have to get to sleep. We have an interview bright and early." Liam walked away from her, taking off his pants and shirt.

"Oh come on! That's not fair," Gray yelled, throwing her arms up in the air. Liam stood there standing in just his boxers. It was a sick, cruel joke. Liam laughed at her.

"I am a horrible person, I know." Liam pulled down the covers of the bed, and climbed in.

"You plan on joining me?" Gray huffed, taking off her dress and throwing his shirt over herself. She climbed in next to him, laying her head on his chest. Liam's hand lightly ran his hand up and down her arm from fingers to shoulder.

"I missed this," she murmured and yawned against her chest.

"Me too. I could do this every night for the rest of my life." Gray smiled and cuddled into him more. He smelled the exact way she left him. Liam's hand continued to run up her arm, slowly lullabying her to sleep.

----

For once Gray was up before Liam. Typically he always hand delivered her morning coffee, but Gray found herself with an extra pep in her step this morning. She went downstairs for coffee and a muffin and took a shower before Liam woke up.

"Hi love," he said groggily looking at her. She smiled, walking over to him for a good morning kiss.

"What time is it," Liam asked, lingering at her mouth. His fingers ran through her somewhat done hair. Gray nuzzled him with her nose.

"7:45. Get up." She kissed him one last time before going back to doing her hair.

"What time will you guys be back," Gray asked, looking at him through the mirror.

"Guessing around noon. Aren't you coming?" Gray spun around, looking at him.

"I get to come?" Her eyes beamed in excitement. Liam walked over to her, twirling her already curled hair.

"Sure. Perrie is. You can keep each other company and maybe stay out of trouble."

"You sure about this? There will be people watching," she asked him. Liam was never a fan of being in public with her. Mr. Protection liked to keep her safe. He never let her come to their functions before.

"Absolutely. Gray 2.0 can handle it, i hope." He chuckled to himself before heading to the shower. Gray went back to doing her hair. Oh my god, what was she going to wear?

----

"Gray! He let you out?!" Perrie asked shocked when they met everyone in the conference room lobby. Gray laughed, squeezing Liam's hand.

"I was told we couldn't start trouble," Gray warned. Perrie rolled her eyes, pretending not to care.

"He can piss off. I like you in polka dots," Perrie said, checking over her outfit. Gray decided to pull out an old favorite, the very same yellow polka dot dress she first wore meeting Liam. She hoped it would bring her luck like it did the first time.

"Alright, line up kids," Steve yelled to them. All but Gray assumed the position. They stood in a straight line, looking they were about to all hold hands. She looked at them funny. Was this kindergarten? Liam jumped out line and went toward her.

"When there when have our girls around we have a plan. Protect and move. This way neither of you get hurt. Louis in front, me in back," he explained, popping her into place. Niall led the group with Zayn and Perrie behind her. They headed out the front of the hotel only to be surrounded in screams. Gray kept her head down, staying very close to Louis' back. Liam squeezed her hand harder, letting her know it was okay. Once they were into the blacked out SUV, she felt like she could breathe again but she didn't let go of his hand.

They pulled up to the radio station after, only to complete their assembly line once more. Once inside, Perrie and Gray took their seats in the adjoining room in the radio where they were able to see the boys during their interview.

"No trouble you two," Liam smirked to them before joining the others.

"Oh boy, don't get on Twitter," Perrie warned looking at her phone. The frown on her face alone told Gray it wasn't good.

"Why are you looking," she asked her.

"Habit sadly. Keep thinking that one day people won't be incredibly mean. The latest one is that we are a lesbian couple," Perrie explained, looking upset.

"Come here," Gray said, reaching her phone out to take a picture. They both smiled as she quickly snapped it.

"Let's fee them some more," she chuckled, quickly posting the picture on Instagram and Twitter.

"You have an evil side. I like Gray 2.0." They both grew quiet as the interview started.

"Hi Hey Hello welcome to Garrett and the morning show! We have some exciting guests this morning. Boys said hello," Garrett, the host said. All the guys exchanged hellos in the microphones.

"Welcome to Sydney!"

"Thank you for having us," Harry chimed in.

"How's the tour been going," Garrett asked. Liam stepped up to the mic.

"Amazing, our second show here will be tomorrow then we venure off."

"Ahh yes. Liam it seems you have been causing a stir on Twitter. I was just checking a bit ago and it seems your lady friend has caused a lot of buzz." Liam coughed, he already felt uncomfortable.

"She seems to do that a lot," he replied nervously.

"Is this a new girlfriend? I see she is in our waiting room with another girl we all know." Garret looked their way, waving to them.

"She is a friend of mine, and of course we you know Perrie." Liam looked behind at her; she winked trying to tell him it was okay.

"Is this the Gray everyone has been talking about? You other boys like her too?"

"Gray is amazing, she is everyone’s friend," Niall spoke up, giving Liam a break.

"Hi Gray!" Garrett waved again like a fool at her. She waved back, turning to Perrie.

"How bad do you think Liam is freaking right now," Gray whispered even though no one could hear them.

"Considering his fists are balled already, I assume pretty bad," Perrie snickered. Gray looked to see Liam's hands were balled and looked very white.

"Gray! Say Gray, are you a singer too," He asked her through the window. Gray made a gross face and gave him a thumb down. Singing was definitely not her hidden talent.

"Oh she answers! Thumbs down, she is not a singer folks," he said into the microphone," I've heard some of your nicknames too. What’s that about?"

"Our fans seem to put all together. Perrie and I are Zerrie, all of us lads are grouped together too." Zayn explained to Garrett.

"Do Liam and Gray have one?"

"No, we don't," Liam sternly answered. Gram was for their family, not the whole world to hear.

"I think we should find one for Gray and Perrie, they are two peas in a pod, “Louis suggested.

"Let's do it. We will take a break. Listeners out there, Twitter me some ideas and best one will get a shout out. Otherwise, we will be back with One Direction!" As soon as the microphones cut out, Liam felt like he could breathe again. He looked behind his shoulder to see Gray not even paying attention. Perrie and her were laughing at something on her phone. He sighed, one more commercial break and then they could get out of there. They made small talk with Garrett until it was time to start again.

"You are back with Garrett and the morning show, plus the only One Direction. We sent you on a Twitter quest for a nickname for Perrie and Gram, the ladies of One Direction. My lovely assistant Fiona has picked the best finalists." Fiona stepped up to her mic, with the piece of paper in her hand.

"Number 1 is from Haley T. She went with 'Prarrie." Number 2, from Lorelei L. She picked 'Gerrie'. And last, number 3 from Angela N. 'Prey'."

"Oh all of those are creative, what one do you say boys?" Garrett asked him, taking his place again. The boys quietly huddled together.

"All three were quite smart, but we have chosen... Gerrie!" Louis said in a dramatic effect. Both Perrie and Gray cracked up from the other room. They were loud enough for everyone else to hear.

"Gerrie power!" Perrie cheered into the air. Gray's whole stomach hurt from laughing.

"We sound like a spice girl," Gray said, laughing so hard she snorted. It caused Perrie to start laughing all over again.

"Well considering the amount of laughing coming from the room, I think you picked a winner. Boys, how about you sign off to Sydney and Lorelei. The rest of the country, you heard it here first." The interview cut out, letting them all breathe. The boys turned around to see the two girls continuing their laughing spree. Liam found it beyond adorable. Gray always looked so calm and confident when she was with Perrie.

"Grab the laughing women and let's get out of here," Niall said. The girls stumbled out of the room, trying to control themselves. Liam threw his arm around Gray's shoulders, pulling her in close.

"I can't bring you anywhere," he laughed, kissing the top of her head. They took the lead out of the building, with everyone following behind. Harry quietly pulled out his phone ready to snap a picture. Gray had put her hand in the back pocket of his jeans, while Liam's hand rested on the top of her arm. Harry and Liam had a late night heart to heart not long ago. Liam made him swear to secrecy before filling him in on why he was always taking pictures. Harry now vowed to help.

"Where to next," Gray asked, looking up at him.

"Hotel. Then party on a boat." Gray's eyes got wide.

"A boat? What about a boat?" She questioned quickly.

"Fill you in later, let’s get you back. Maybe I'll make you laugh too." His voice trailed off at the end. Gray bit her lip, whatever he had planned, she wanted in. Gray could only imagine how sexually frustrated the car ride would be back home.

----

Gray and Liam laid in bed, neither of them talking. Sheets and clothes were scattered throughout the room. Gray sighed as Liam’s hand lightly ran up and down her bare back. Neither of them had the energy to talk at that point. It was better just to be together. They hadn’t been intimate since she left him back in June.

“Gray,” he quietly said to her. Gray opened her eyes and lifted her head off his chest.

“We can skip the boat if you want,” his eyes sparkled like a teenage boy. Gray laughed him him and put her head down again.

“In your dream jailbait. I’ve never been on a yacht before.” The guys filled her in on the way back to the hotel. They rented a yacht to spend the night out on the open sea. Gray was beyond excited. The biggest boat she was ever in was a canoe. Liam yawned, he seemed to care less.

“I don’t want to share you,” he pouted. Gray rolled her eyes. Clingy Liam was back.

“It won’t kill you.” Gray crawled up the bed, matching their faces together.

“Besides, you get me for a while,” she whispered before kissing him. Liam quickly flipped her body over, making him on top. His hips dug into her, making Gray gasp.

“Man wonder, you need to get off me,” she giggled trying to push him off. Liam pushed his body down farther on her, pinning her against the mattress.

“You are stuck with me,” he whispered, kissing right below her ear. Gray turned her head, letting him have more access.

“Always,” she whispered. His eyes told her everything. She looked into them, knowing he would always love her, to the very end. She bent her head up, kissing him once more.

“I want to go on the boat, get off.” Liam’s body was so relaxed; Gray was able to shove him off easily. She ran from the bed before Liam could grab and trap her again. Liam groaned as she walked away, throwing on her clothes from before.

“Get up mister, I want to party.”

----

They arrived at the harbor and were quickly brought to the yacht. If you could even call it that. The thing looked like a giant ship to Gray. For the first time since meeting Liam, she felt starstruck. Gray had never seen anything so beautiful before in her life. Perrie led her through, showing her it all in every room.

“Isn’t it gorgeous,” Perrie asked. Gray shook her head, unable to think of a right word for this place. Perrie dragged her to the lowest level where the bedrooms where held.

“Throw your stuff in one, I want to go lounge on the deck,” Perrie cheered, running into the room at the end of the hallway. Gray walked into the room next to it, only to be even more shocked. A large queen bed was in the middle of the floor covering in all white linens. The walls were a soft peach color and matched the light wooden furniture. There were no lights on the walls or ceiling, just a small glow from the runners covering the floor. It was literally romance central. Gray placed her bags in the corner of the room and met Perrie back in the hallway. Somehow Perrie had enough time to change into a high waisted two piece swimming suit and a cover up dress. God, she could move fast.

“You coming or what?” Gray found it beyond cute on how excited Perrie was. They hurried back up the steps, ignoring the guys who were sitting in the main living room and went to the chairs in the back of the deck. Perrie dramatically said down in one with a sigh.

“Relaxation, I have missed you.” Gray stretched out on the chair next to her, putting on her sunglasses and ready to take a nap.

“Gray,” Perrie said next to her causing her to come out of her happy coma.

“Gerrie,” she giggled back.

“Have you thought anymore about you and Liam,” Perrie said quietly, wondering if Gray was going to get upset. Gray was quiet for a moment before answering.

“I have.” Perrie turned to look at her.

“And…” she begged for information.

“I think I should probably talk to him about that tonight.” Gray could tell Perrie could barely contain herself.

“Will it be a good talk or a bad talk?”

“Good,” Gray smiled. Perrie jumped out of her seat, tackling Gray in hers.

“Thank god you finally became a smart girl! I was starting to think I had to beat you,” she laughed. Perrie got back up and took a seat in her chair.

“What changed your mind?” Gray looked out at the clear blue water ahead of her. Of course it had been on her mind since she left him last time. All their memories, stupid little jokes, and also they stupid little fights. It made her realize she couldn’t life without him.

“I can’t life without him,” she simply responded, looking right at Perrie. Gray smiled just saying it. She finally was okay and comfortable with her decision.

“You two are adorable,” Perrie gushed,” when are you telling him? Can I watch?” Gray laughed at her.

“Absolutely not and later after dinner.” She hadn’t thought that far ahead, but on a boat this big it shouldn’t be hard.

----

“I can’t breathe,” Gray complaining. They had just finished an amazing dinner of chicken and fixings that was cooked by the chef on board. Gray felt like she was in a food coma. She leaned back in her chair, not being able to move. Liam’s hand was on the back of her chair, twirling her hair. She looked at him out of the corner of her eye and smiled.

“Want to take a walk with me,” she whispered. He shook his head yes and stood up.

“Where are you two going,” Perrie joked, giving Gray and evil eye.

“Perrie..” Gray warned. The boys didn’t need to know everything right away. Liam grabbed her hand and they walked out into the back deck together. Gray shivered, the temperature dropped at least 20 degrees since her and Perrie were out there.

“Find a spot, I’m going to grab a blanket.” Gray quickly walked into the lower deck, grabbing a blanket off the couch before heading back outside. Liam had made himself comfortable on the built in couch that looked out into the sea. Gray snuggled up against his chest with her back and threw the blankets over them.

“Ugh, I still can’t breathe,” Gray sighed. That was way too much food. Liam rubbed her belly below his hand.

“Feels like a food baby,” he joked in her ear. Gray slapped his hand as he laughed louder.

“I am baby free thank you,” Gray pouted.

“For now.” Gray turned her head to look up at him.

“Something you want to fill me in on that jailbait?” Babies were NOT in her future. Liam quickly pecked her on the lips.

“Kidding, calm your knickers.” He put his hand back on her stomach.

“My knickers are calm,” she pouted again. They sat there together in the quiet, just feeling the boat move beneath them. Everyone else was upstairs laughing about something, but they didn’t care, they were in their own element. Gray’s hand moved to his bracelet. She toyed and played with it, working up the courage to start this conversation.

“Do you think I could get this back,” she asked him. Liam was staring off into the sky.

“What do you need,” he asked, not paying attention. Gray tugged at the bracelet to get him to look.

“You want your bracelet,” he asked, talking slowly to make sure she understood. Gray nodded her head.

“I want to be back to where we were,” Gray whispered sincerely.

“I thought we were going forward, not backward,” he asked again. Liam was having a hard time digesting all of this. She made him struggle and beg weeks ago, and now here she was going along with it.

“We are going forward. Gram 2.0. I have been thinking a lot more than I should. Why wouldn’t I want you? You are the best man in the entire world.” Gray sat up so she could look at him. Liam’s expression on his face didn’t change.

“You understand what is going to happen right? Even more criticism online, chants and mean things said to you whenever we are out, people taking a lot more pictures. You won’t be as protected as you are now.” Gray knew that from the start. Coming to Australia alone and going to their radio interview already caused serious ruckus online. She knew she would have to learn with it. Gray unhooked his bracelet from her wrist and put it around his. Goosebumps covered his skin.

“I’m willing to take on whatever happens with you Liam. You are my life,” she said once she was done. Liam looked at her with tears in his eyes.

“I love you so much Gray.” He kissed her passionately making Gray melt. Thank god this went well. Liam pulled back, yanking the bracelet off his wrist and slipping it on hers. His hands shook like crazy.

“I feel like this a marriage,” he muttered, making her laugh. Once he was done, Gray looked at the bracelet on her wrist. She missed those gray and purple threads more then she could imagine.

“You still sure about this,” he asked her one last time.

“Definitely. Come on, let’s join the group. Perrie is probably pissing herself.” Liam quickly stood up.

“Race you,” he whispered before taking off up the steps. Gray could never back down from a challenge. She tore off after him, trying to pass him on the single line of steps.

“You should let your girlfriend win,” she yelled as they got to the top.

“Never happening!” Liam was still ahead of her when she launched herself onto his back. Liam tried to shake her off but she had a vice grip on his body. Liam tried to shake her off once more as they rounded the corner into the room. Gray’s body shifted causing all her weight to go to the right and make Liam loose his balance. They both came crashing down on the carpet right in front of the group.

“What in the hell,” Harry shouted. Gray was laughing so hard nothing came out of her mouth. Perrie looked at both their wrists.

“Hell yes,” She screamed loudly, making them all jump. She ran over to Gray on the floor and hugged her.

“Can’t breathe,” Gray whispered.

“Can someone tell us what’s going on,” Louis asked, confused by it all.

“Gray finally took her head out of her ass and finally got back together with Liam. Man wonder is no longer,” Perrie explained. Gray rolled her eyes, such a drama queen.

“Alright, who had two days?” Louis asked the group.

“Me!” Niall cheered. The rest of them took out their wallets and exchanged bills.

“Did you bet on me,” Gray questioned in disbelief.

“Sure did love. Thanks for the fifty bucks,” Niall laughed. Liam finally got off the ground and pulled her up into his arms.

“You are all evil, pure evil!” She laughed, not sure what to think of it all. Liam kissed her head and laughed. She looked up at him, feeling happy as always. Life worked, and the puzzle pieces were connected.

Notes

Title Credits: "Making Memories of Us" Keith Urban.