"I don't want to be pregnant anymore!' Gray cried to Gloria as they sat on the couch. It was true, she was sick of being pregnant. Everything hurt, from her organs and bones down to her skin. It was fun when she had a cute little bump, now she just looked like a whale. Once week 35 hit it became unbearable. No one explained that part to her. Gray was tired, crappy, uncomfortable and emotional every moment of the day. She was sick of doing this alone, sick of feeling huge and just wanted her body back. Gloria sighed and gave her daughter a strong hug.
"I know love you are so close to the end only four weeks to go," she reasoned.

"That's a month Mom! That' too long," Gray cried again while the tears fell down from her face.

"It will breeze by, you have gotten this far already sweetie." Gray moved away from her mom, trying to clear her eyes.

"It's complete bullshit mom, I don't want this anymore." Gloria sighed and rolled her eyes.

"Now you are just be dramatic. You love that baby, we all know that and you do too. Is this because your shower is today without Liam?" Busted. It was a part of why she was so upset today, Gray even knew that. He should of been there but he couldn't. It shouldn't have been a shock to her, he was busy and even in another country, that was his job and he was supported her.

"Some," she whispered to her mom.

"I thought so. It will be fine, you will see him soon just like always. Now get your butt downstairs and freshen up. And quit spazing," Gloria ordered. Gray said nothing else and headed down to her mom cave. She had gotten the babies room done already, plus decorated her mini living room. It helped her stay busy, which was nice. Now, without nothing else to do other then this shower she knew the days were going to crawl by. She looked at the clock, three hours until everyone started to show up. Perfect time to squeeze in a nap. She crawled into her bed this time and closed her eyes. The first thing that came to her mind was Liam, her man and the night where he got so upset.

Flashback

Gray woke up in the middle of the night to go the bathroom. She peeked up to see Liam still sleeping in the same position they were when they were awake. It killed her inside to see him so upset, as it did each time. He was such a strong man, but even the best break. He broke and she was there to pick up him. Gray smiled and crawled quietly out of bed to do her thing.

"Gray?" His voice echoed through the hallway as she opened the bathroom door.

"Right here," she whipsered meeting up with him. Even in the dark she could see his frowned face.

"I got cold."

"Told you I get hot," she laughed. Gray grabbed his hand and dragged him back into bed.

"Come on, you need your sleep." She covered up in the blankets waiting for Liam to lay down. He stood there staring over before finally settling down. Gray snuggled her back up into his stomach and held his arm tight around her.

"What are you worried about," she asked.

"Everything. You, me, the baby. How everything will work, where we will live, when I will see you again." Gray sighed, the poor kid was becoming her at this point and thinking too much.

"We will work it out Liam, we always do," Gray told him. Liam buried his face into her hair more.

"What if I miss the whole thing?"

"You mean the birth," Gray asked.

"Yes, what if I cannot get back in time? What will you do?" Gray thought about it for a minute. She had been wondering the same for a while. Depending on when Little One decides to show up, Liam was looking at a flight from either four or eight hours.

"My mom will be there with the camera. You will make it though Liam, I'll make sure of it. Any sign and I will call you I promise." She picked his hand off her stomach and kissed it.

"I don't like not knowing Gray, I like control." She giggled beside him, wasn't that the truth.

"I know jailbait, I'm the same way remember? Your butt will get here so shut it and go to sleep." Gray moved in his arms once more trying to find a comfortable spot before closing her eyes. Liam stayed silent behind her, so she knew he was still awake searching his brain for answers. He needed to let go and just go with life, that's what she had learned after all these years. You have to let live to you where it wants and enjoy every moment.

"Best it's going to get," she told herself looking in the mirror once more. Her jersey cotton dress stretched over her stomach making it look bigger but at this point nothing else was going to make it smaller. It was what it was. She threw on her ballet flats and headed upstairs feeling refreshed. The nap was definitely a good idea. Gray reached the top of the landing to see the living room completely redone covered in a bee themed shower. Her eyes lit up just seeing all of it.

"How'd we do," Gloria asked as she walked over to her.

"Amazing. Mom, thank you! This is beautiful," Gray gushed. She really did need to find a way to thank her mom after all of this was over. She really had been amazing over these last months. If there even was a way to thank her, but Gray would find a way. She quickly gave her a hug before pulling her phone to take some pictures.

"Liam needs to see this." She snapped a bunch before sending them off. She walked back over to her mom smiling.

"Knew you would calm down. Now here, starting cutting your guests are going to be here soon," Gloria responded. Gray took the knife cutting up pickles while sneaking them too. Even not being pregnant they were still her downfall. She kept cutting away only to stop when the doorbell went off.

"Isn't it early," Gray asked her mom. The party didn't start for another twenty five minutes.

"Beats me, go see who it is." Gray walked through the house to the front door and opened it.

"Holy shit," she breathed out. Mila stood in front of her looking just as shocked as Gray.

"Hi," she squeaked out. Gray shut the door and stood outside with her on the stoop. She knew Gloria invited her, but she didn't think she would actually show.

"What are you doing here," Gray breathed out trying to control her breathing.

"Um, your mom invited me." Mila was uneasy, Gray told her. She fumbled with her hands and looked away. Gray knew she had two options. Hear her out or send her ass on her merry way. Option number two sounded amazing, but Gray knew she had to be smart and nice, she was a mom now after all.

"Shall we sit," she asked walking over to the porch swing. Mila followed her and sat down next to her.

"Gray, I want to tell you that I am sorry. Honestly, I really am. I should of never have acted the way I did to you. You've been my best friend for ages and I never should of went crazy on you," Mila said quietly but sincerely. Gray knew she was telling her the truth, Mila could always been an easy person to read.

"I know, and I am sorry too. Why though Mila? Why did you even start?" Mila sighed before answering. She looked out into the yard trying to gather her thoughts.

"I don't know. Honestly. I just snapped Gray. Curtis and me had been fighting and you just seemed to be the target at that time. And yes, I was jealous. I know that's beyond wrong but I was. Now when I think about it, I was incredibly stupid," Mila cried out telling her. Tears fell down her face just thinking about that day. She lost her best friend, part of her family and almost her husband because of her stupid mouth.

"Oh Mila, you have nothing to be jealous of. Heck I wish this was you and not me. You were ready for kids, I wasn't." Gray grabbed her hand letting her know it would be okay.

"Please, you and your hips were born for kids," Mila quietly laughed.

"Sure sure. Still though, I really did wish you were in this position, not me. It was too soon with everything going on with Liam. Being pregnant on tour bus sucked," Gray explained.

"I bet. When I found out about the accident I went nuts. Poor Curtis had to deal with me calling every ten minutes. It made me crazy not knowing if you were okay or not." Mila tears began to come out faster now. That was a scary time for her, hearing about the crash on the news and not getting information about Gray drove her insane. She spent most of that morning crying her eyes out.

"Yeah, that wasn't fun," Gray whispered out.

"You are great at scaring me Gray." Mila quickly threw her body on Gray shocking her. She sobbed and shook while Gray held her body and rubbed her back.

"Hey, I'm perfectly fine. Other then being far too huge right now everything is okay," Gray said trying to reason and calm her down. Mila moved back so she cold see her face but didn't let go of their embrace.

"I'm so sorry Gray, I will am." Gray stared at her face watching the tears fall down. Oh Mila, gosh did she miss her best friend.

"I forgive you Mila, swear." They both smiled at each other once more before hugging again. Mila broke away and stood.

"With that said I have to tell you something, but I promise I am not trying to steal your thunder today, okay?" Gray looked at her feeling puzzled.

"What is it Mila," Gray asked already feeling anxious. She hoped this wouldn't start another battle between them she was already tired enough. Mila sighed and pulled her flowy dress tighter letting it hug her stomach. She had a very small little baby bump going on. Gray's eyes went wide and smiled.

"No freaking way!" She jumped up and hugged Mila as they screamed together.

"Mila the mommy! How far alog are you," Gray asked.

"Right around nineteen weeks. I found out the sex on Tuesday if you want to come with since Curtis is out," Mila offered.

"Of course! Oh Mila, I missed you." They hugged again feeling the love between them.

"Good. Okay, let's go in. I'm freezing and starving." They both laughed and walked back into the house like nothing had changed between them.

----

The shower started with a bang. Gray was having a blast but she still wished Liam could of been here. Heck, even the boys too. She knew they would have dominated at the baby food eating contest easily. Part of her wanted to make them try it when she saw them again. The group ate and laughed and now all that was left was the presents. She had texted Liam three times now filling him in but he still hadn't responded. Gray tried to do the time zone math in her head. He should be awake and with the boys right now. They didn't have a concert until tomorrow. Gray frowned checking her phone again, he was starting to piss her off.

"Honey, why don't you give me that and actually pretend to enjoy yourself," Gloria leaned over, whispering through her smile. It had been driving her nuts on how much Gray kept checking the thing. She needed to in the moment here, not stuck in cell phone land.

"Sorry," Gray groaned regretfully handing the phone over to her mom. She thought about tackling her right then and there to get it back, but with the amount of people in her house it wouldn't be a good idea.

"Gray Gray opened mine first," Grace cheered in the middle of the room. Everyone had gather in a circle to watch. Gray grabbed the bag from Grace and ripped it over. Inside was a tiny pair of booties with little bee's on them. They were adorable.

"OH Grace these are too cute, thank you!" The party went on while Gray opened every gift they had. Her family and friends were way too sweet. Practically everything on her registry had been purchased.

"Thank you all, for everything I mean it," she told the group, starting to tear up.

"You sap," Mila joked nudging her from the side. Gray rolled her eyes at her.

"Please. Give it time, you will be crying at every chance too," she warned.

"I'm a stone cold bitch Gray, you should know that," Mila laughed again. Gray just ignored her and continued to munch on her fruit in front of her.

"So you going to tell me the name or what," Mila asked her. Gray shook her head.

"Top secret Mila."

"Oh come on," Mila groaned," I need to know."

"All I will say, is that is starts with an 'S'. Other then that I'm keeping my lips shut." Mila threw a grape at her.

"You are always so helpful. At least you can agree on a name. Curtis wants Felicity. No way in hell."

"Felicity is cute, reminds me of a cartoon but cute. What about for a boy," Gray asked her.

"We have agreed on Andrew, farthest we got." Gray and Mila sat together and talked some more checking on the past months when Gloria cleared her throat. Both of the girls looked over at her.

"Gray you have one more present." Gray looked around the room but didn't see any she missed.

"The boys sent it which was so kind of them. Not wrapped though so you need to close your eyes," Gloria explained to her. Gray immediately got giddy. The only thing she didn't have for Little One was the travel system she had been eyeing for months. It was ridiculously pricey for her but it had bees on it. How could see not get it! Mila got up from her chair and covered Gray's eyes from behind. The group in the room became quiet which only made Gray more excited. Those boys always knew how to surprise her."Is it my stroller Mila," she whispered up to her.

"Be quiet and wait," Mila barked back. Gray sat there not being able to see. Her legs shook with excitement and she couldn't wait any longer.

"Hurry up people," she yelled out. She heard footsteps around the room when her Mom finally spoke.

"Alright Mila, let her loose." Gray's eyes went uncovered and she blinked a couple of times to focus. She looked around the room to try and find a gift, a box, something that would clue her in when she saw him. Liam. Her Liam was here. Gray's eyes started to water as she got up and walked as quickly as possible to him. Liam wrapped his arms around her while she cried into his shirt. He could feel the wetness form on there. That was his girl in his arms again. The rest of the room stayed quiet watching the long lost lovers come together again. Gray held on to him tightly while he rubbed her back trying to soothe her.

"Wha-What are you doing here," she continued to sob into his chest.

"You wanted me here so I made it happen," Liam whispered back. He kissed her temple and she still held on to him.

"Good surprise," he asked. Gray moved away a touch and looked up at him.

"Great surprise."

----

The rest of the party went off without a hitch and Liam and Gray stayed close to each other. She still couldn't believe he was here with her and wanted to enjoy the time they had. The last guest had gone, along with Mila letting them have alone time together. Liam led her downstairs and stopped at the bottom. He pulled her head close and kissed her with everything he had. Gray welcomed it running her hands along the side of his body. She moaned against his mouth enjoying the feeling.

"Mmm baby you can do whatever you want to me, but you have to let me take this damn dress off first," she told him breaking away. She walked to her room and stripped over the dress leaving her there in just her bra and panties. Liam watched her, leaning against the door frame smiling.

"Like what you see," Gray asked, slowly walking over to him. Liam took her hands in hers, pulling her body close.

"I always like what I see with you," he whispered in a low roar to her. It made Gray shiver with excitement. A little loving right now is just what she needed. Gray walked backwards toward the bed pulling him with her. He had a smirk on his face knowing exactly what she was doing.

"Miss Cameron, it's only five at night. Isn't it a little early for fun," he smiled at her. Gray continued to move until her legs hit the bed. Liam moved up close to her running his hands down her bare arms.

"Nope. Considering I'll be fast asleep in three hours like usual this is the perfect time." She licked her lips slowly turning him on more.

"What if your sisters come down?" At this point he just wanted to drive her wild some more. He could see in her face it was killing her right now. The poor girl had needs.

"Don't care." Gray lowered herself on her bed keeping her eyes on his and scooted back. Liam didn't move, waiting to see her next move.

"You scared jailbait," she whispered to him. Liam stayed quiet still but slowly started to take off his clothes. First went his jean jacket, cardigan and pants to leave him in just his undershirt and boxers. He slide across the bed slowly letting the skin tingle inch by inch. It felt like she was a fire every time he touched her. Gray laid down on her side letting her bump and face look at him. Liam let one finger roll down her face, down her side and landed it on her hip, gripping it tight.

"You are still so beautiful," he whispered. Gray pulled his arm knocking him off his balance. His face landed inches from hers.

"We will talk later about me. Just shut up and do me." She pulled his face into her's shutting down every hope of a conversation. Right now they had to do one thing only - each other.

----

"Not going to lie, I can't wait to do that without a huge ass belly," Gray sighed. They had finished their affairs together and were lying in the dark in her room. She craved food but wanted to enjoy the peace and company right now.

"That sounds like fun," he murmured above her. Liam stifled a yawn and snuggled into her more.

"Did I wear you out jailbait," she giggled.

"You did, plus the plane ride. You kill me." Gray playfully slapped his chest. Liam grabbed her hand quickly and kissed it.

"Where is my ring," he quickly asked looking at her empty hand.

"I had to take it off my fingers got too fat." Gray remembered that day. Other one where she cried her eyes out after rubbing butter over it to slide it off. It killed her to do so but after waking up to a swollen hand with no feeling it had to be done.

"My poor girl," he told her. Gray cuddled up to him more and sighed.

"How long do I get you this time," she asked.

"Just for the night, I have to fly back tomorrow morning." Less then twenty four hours, life wasn't fair.

"Guess I will take it. Come on, I need food." Gray struggled to get out of bed with her huge belly. Liam hopped up and walked around to the other side and lifted her up. He kissed her forehead before putting his clothes back on. She watched him out of the corner of her eye. Liam was such a sight for her eyes.

"Gray, I suggest you stop watching me and get something on," he laughed from the side. Gray gave him the finger before pulling on a baggy t-shirt and shorts.

"Care for some drive thru Mr. Payne," she asked joining up with him on the other side of the bed.

"Is this you asking me out on a date?"

"Nope, this is me wanting a bacon cheeseburger, get your shoes. Baby needs food."

----

They spent a nice calm evening together enjoying life's little treasures of drive thru meals. It was the first time she ever got to go out with him that someone didn't ask for a picture, autograph or scream their names at the top of their lungs. It felt nice and amazing to Gray. It was the calm before the storm since the next time he would be here is when Little One arrived. The thought scared her alone just worrying about having to go through labor. It would be a scary moment to go through.

"You okay love," he asked, picking up on her mood.

"Just scared. I realized the end is near for this," Gray told him, motioning to her belly. Liam smiled at her.

"You are going to be a terrific mom," he whispered.

"What if you don't make it back in time?" That was her number one worry right now, having to go through it all and not have her number one supporter next to her.

"You won't. I've already talked to the boys and the crew. The first moment you call me I am out of there no matter where I am," he reassured to her. There was no way he was going to miss the birth of his baby. Gray crawled closer to him as they laid on the couch.

"I think I need to buy a bigger flat," he told her breaking the silence.

"Why? What for?" This was news to her.

"For you two. Mine right now is a bit small, we will need more space when you come over." Gray realized it, in the almost two or so years they have been together she had never been to his flat. Only Harry's and his mother's house. It was weird for her to think about, never seeing the man she the home of the man she was going to marry.

"Maybe we could do it together?" She looked up at him.

"You want to?" She shook her head yes. After this, they were in everything together.

"Don't leave me tomorrow," she pouted. Part of her knew to keep her mouth quiet but it just slipped out. She wanted him here, deserved him here. The world had gotten enough of him, it was her turn.

"I know love, but I have too. We just have to get to the middle of December them I am all yours. It's not too far away when you think about it. After that I will be here with you and we can figure out the rest of our lives together, I promise." Liam kissed her head trying to comfort her. It killed him to think about how upset she was. The stress of it all was killing him too. He missed almost the whole pregnancy due to being with the boys, he refused to miss his child too.

"I'm sorry Liam, I shouldn't be laying this on you. It's fine, we will be fine I promise." Gray plastered a smile on her face hoping it would cover up her disappoint. Enough stress for them both. Liam gently pushed her up off him and stood.

"Come on love, bed time." He helped off of the couch and lead her to the bedroom. She laid down away from him curling into the blankets and closing her eyes. Sleep really was coming over her. Usually she was in bed before this but wanted to spend time with Liam. He turned on his alarm on his phone and cuddled in next to her.

"Love you baby, always."

----

Liam left that morning feeling broken. Part of him wished that he didn't even go at all, it was so much better to think about her when he wasn't around. He didn't mean it in a heartless way, but out of sight out of mind. When Gray was right up in person to him it was hard. She looked so young and frail with that huge belly even though she was one of the strongest women he knew. Hearing her go so scared about him missing the birth killed him. He knew he had to be there, he demanded to be there but it was all on how everything worked out. He spent the whole plane ride back thinking about him in the memories they had. Hopefully she would be okay until he could see her again.

"Alright Gray let's go find some sex," Mila giggled as they walked through the hospital. Gray rolled her eyes and followed after her. She was beyond excited to find out, at least someone would know before hand.

"You sure you don't want them to quick roll over yours and see," Mila joked.

"Nope, I've gone this long a couple more weeks won't kill me." Gray followed her into the elevator, they enjoyed the quiet ride up.

"You okay sweetie," Mila asked. Gray shook her head yes, not wanting to say anything else. She woke up that morning feel funny. It was different then before, nothing that she felt at any other time of this pregnancy. Her back hurt, her skin hurt, every part of her body was screaming.

"You look a little pale." Mila stood in front of her scooping her out.

"I'm fine, just sick of being pregnant," Gray snapped, waving her off. She wanted to be here with Mila but get home and sit her tired butt down. A movie night sounded perfect right now. The elevator dinged open and they walked to the counter.

"If you ladies want to take a seat we will be with you shortly," the nurse smiled at them. Mila let the way, sitting them in the back of the room. Gray tried to sit but it just made her body hurt more. She stood up, pacing the small area.

"Gray you are starting to scare me," Mila whispered. She watched her like a hawk making sure nothing happened.

"I know, I scare myself. I'm just uncomfortable." She really wanted to cry but she held it in. It shouldn't be much longer and they could get on out of there.

"Mila," the nurse called from the front. She stood up making sure Gray followed her. They walked down the long hallway before going into the ultrasound room.

"You two looking for the gender today?" Mila nodded, laying down on the table. Gray stood next to her throwing on a smile. Even she was excited to find out.

"Let's take a look here." The nurse moved the wand around her stomach and looked up at the screen. She stopped on a section of her belly causing both Gray and Mila to look.

"You ready," she asked.

"God yes, spit it out," Mila yelled, the suspense was killing her.

"Looks like you are having a busy bouncing boy." Mila cheered as tears ran down her face. Gray cried too, holding on tight to Mila's hand.

"Just wanted I wanted Gray. No Felicity for me," she whispered to her.

"I'm so happy for you babe. Perfect just for you." Gray smiled back at her. Her friend was getting her wish, but all she wanted right now was to go home. Gray couldn't be strong anymore. She wanted to cry right now, cry a bunch and just go to sleep.

----

Six hours. It had been six hours since going to the hospital with Mila that morning. Gray had tried to sleep, walk, even take a bath too feel better but nothing else. Her back was throbbing and now making her stomach start to cramp too. It was freaking her out way more then it should. She still had a little over three weeks to go, having this huge amount of pain was too soon.

"Mom? Mom," she yelled frantically. Gloria came flying down the stairs in a panic. She could hear the way Gray spoke and it didn't sound good.

"What's the matter?"

"Something isn't right Mom. I hurt so bad," Gray cried out. She sobbed while holding on to her mom.

"What? Where? Show me," Gloria begged. Gray pointed to her back and stomach, unable to speak.

"Gray! What the hell! How long has this been going on?" She couldn't believe she hadn't said anything before until now.

"Since this morning," Gray quietly told her.
"Gray! It's already three! Come on we need to go." Gloria ushered her through the basement. Gray stopped, looking at her strangely.

"Mom, why?"

"Gray, you are going into labor. Call Liam while I get my stuff and get your butt upstairs." Gloria dictated to her before flying up the stairs again. Gray stood there. No way, this was too soon she still had time. Liam just left two days ago, he wasn't supposed to be back yet. Everything was too soon. Gray grabbed her phone with shaky hands and quickly called him.

"Gray," he spoke shortly while answering.

"Hi baby. Don't freak out okay? I think you need to get on a flight soon," she calmly stated. She heard ruffling over the phone before he spoke.

"What do you mean Gray? What's going on?" She could hear the fright in his voice.

"Mom seems to think I may be going into labor. I've been in pain all morning, I don't know anything yet but wanted to warn you." She walked through her room picking up the bag in the corner. Her mom thankfully made her pack on the day Liam left just in case they needed it sooner.

"Oh my Gray, I'll be there as soon as possible. I have to finish this intervieww and I will be there okay? Don't do anything without me," he told her. Ugh, of course he would be busy at the moment she called him. It would of been so easier if he was on the bus doing nothing.

"It's fine love. Finish your interview and book a flight. I'll keep you and Steve posted." She tried to keep her voice calm hoping he wouldn't hear the shakiness she was feeling. Gray knew it, she felt this was going to happen. Things were going to come too fast and Liam was going to miss it all. She prayed she wouldn't have to do this alone.

"I love you Gray, I'll be there soon." Gray hung up with him and headed upstairs. It was time to be brave, her child was on the way and she needed to stay strong. She got to the landing the same time as Gloria.

"Get in the car sweetie, it's time to go." Gray followed her out to the car and got it. Her mom drove off while Gray said a quiet prayer to herself.

"Dear God, please let Liam get here in time. Please let my baby be safe. Please get me through this."

Notes

Title Creds: "Better Together"

The awaiting chapter of birth will be up sometime tomorrow, promise!

The Yay's have it there will be a spinoff. Gold star to the person who guesses the correct boy it will involved.

Boy or girl? What do you think?