Gray woke up the next morning feeling indifferent. Yesterday was the first night he fell asleep before since their whole entire relationship. He was always the one to wait for her to fall into slumber, but it wasn't that way. Sure, they made up from his protective rant and she felt happy still, but there was something that was nagging her. It made her sleep horribly, tossing and turning all night until she finally gave up around 7. She at the man next to her, remembering how peacefully he looked when he slept. It was like watching a baby in a grown man’s body. Gray got up quietly not wanting to disturb him and headed for her bag. Right now she needed to run and figure out how to shake this nagging feeling.

“How’s it,” a voice said, walking into the room while she pounding out the miles. Gray looked over to see Curtis walk in. She smiled just thinking of him being married to her best friend.

“It’s there,” she said, not sure what else to say. Even running couldn’t clear her head right now. Gray slowed her treadmill down to a walk so she could talk to him.

“Curtis, I need your brain.” He left his weight bar and came over to her.

“What’s up buttercup?” She already was blushing, embarrassed to ask him this.

“How do you even it alive with Mila?”

“You mean with the distance and all,” he asked.

“Yes. Something if off between me and Liam,” Gray told him.

“Been there before Gray. It happens to the best of us. You need a little spice,” he laughed, lightly pushing her in the arm. Gray rolled her eyes at him.

“How am I supposed to do that?”

“You will figure something out, I don’t want to know,” he told her shuddering. It would be like thinking of your sister and brother having sex. Gray busted out laughing at him, unable to breath. She couldn’t stop the giggles and had to stop her treadmill just to calm down.

“Gray, have you been drinking,” he asked, amused.

“No, but I should start.” Gray hopped off the treadmill and wiped her face. Running was enough right now, she needed to talk with Liam, like a normal adult. Gray scampered up to the room, only to find Liam still asleep in bed. She took off her sweaty clothes and slid in next to him. She studied his face again, trying to mentally read his brain. Liam never was one to hide his feeling from her, but sometimes she could see it. He would get tiny stress lines in his face, like the weight of the world was on his shoulders. Gray wished he wouldn’t put so much pressure on himself when it came to them. He had enough to worry about with the tour starting that night and everything else the band was going through. The next months through summer were going to be the hardest. Multiple shows, awards shows, and bouncing from city to city. Gray knew she needed to be strong for him and herself so it would go along better. Gray brushed her fingers across his face, lightly waking him up. His eyes fluttered open and stared at her.

“Hi,” she whispered. Why did she feel so nervous around him lately? Liam reached over, giving her a good morning kiss.

“You taste like sweat,” he murmured.

“Running.” Liam let his fingers roll down the side of her body, letting his hand rest of her hip. He could feel the sweat caked on her and it seriously was becoming a turn on. He just didn’t feel like he could make that move though, there was too much distance.

“What time do you have to leave,” she asked, thinking the same thing he did.

“About two hours, and it’s we love, we leave.” His hang clasped hers, feeling the ring on her correct finger. At least that part let him relax a bit. Gray pushed his body, flipping him to his back and straddled him.

“I know a way we could pass some time,” she moaned. It had been five months, enough was enough. He kept his hands on her thighs, close to her butt but didn’t nothing else. Gray bent down, kissing him all over his collarbone.

“Love, I’ve got to shower,” Liam told her. He shifted her weight, making her fall off to the side and got out of bed. Once again, she felt like she was punched. Liam didn’t even told back to her, instead he heading into the bathroom and shut the door. Gray threw her arm over her face, forcing herself not to cry. He didn’t deserve her tears right now. Liam was a complete prick. Here she was, throwing herself on him and he rejected her. That has never once happened, with any man in her life. Right now she was stuck on what to do. Old Gray would have left. Completely walked out and just said screw it with a ton of tears to follow. New Gray wanted to march in there and bash his head in with a shampoo bottle. It was hard weighing the less of two evils. She got up, and threw her running clothes back on. If he was going to be a dipshit, she wasn’t not staying around to watch it. Time to whip out her phone and let him hear it.

Me: When you are ready to tell me what is eating you alive, I’ll be in Nialls room. Otherwise, I suggest you think real hard about this. I did not come all this way and quit my job for you to be a complete ass. I’m your fiancé, not your doll.

Gray grabbed her things and headed out. Screw this, and screw him.

----

“What did you do to him,” Gray complained to Niall. He of course let her in with no issues or complaints. Niall was the easiest going out of any of them. He knew not to ask questions unless Gray started it. She sat on his bed while he went through his suitcase.

“I don’t believe this is my fault,” he laughed,” he does these things to himself.” Gray agreed with that one. Other then slipping up with her ring, she shouldn’t be to blame for his bull.

“What you going to do,” he asked, changing his clothes. Gray was grateful Liam didn’t walk in now. His over obsessive attitude probably would have thought she was cheating on him.

“Wait until he figures his shit out. I have to follow him around like a puppy for him to figure this out.” Gray’s attitude was coming out like fire. She meant business for once.

“Whoa, that’s not the Gray I remember.” Niall said, looking at her. Gray was way different then when she left.

“Five months alone does a lot to each other. Cliché as it sounds, I think I found myself,” she explained.

“I still don’t know how you made it five months. I thought he would have visited you during that three day break we had but I guess you too worked it out.” Gray’s hands went to stone. Never did she once know about a three day break.

“When was this,” she whispered out. Niall looked at her, knowing he just busted out Liam.

“Beginning of November. Gray, shit, I probably wasn’t supposed to say anything,” Niall said all flustered. Gray jumped off the bed and headed for the door. New Gray was ready to kill.

“Gray, wait!” She heard him yell as the door closed, but there was no way in hell she was stopping. It was a quick walk back to their room. Gray slammed open the bathroom door and pulled back the shower curtain.

“Gray, what are-“ he looked at her with bewilderment, wondering what she was doing.

“Don’t. You just be quiet right now before you dig yourself a bigger hole. When were you going to tell me you had three days off, IN A ROW, and DIDN’T make plans for us to see each other,” she screamed to him. It was taking everything she had not to cry or hit him.

“Gray, let me explain. Just let me get out of the shower,” he asked.

“No. I could care less that you are stark naked right now. Tell me now. Tell me your excuse that you think will make it all better,” she screamed again. He clearly didn’t see that she was livid right now. Her whole body shook with anger.

“Love, I was burnt out. I just needed stop time away from everyone to sleep and clear my mind,” Liam explained. Gray took a deep breath before talking again.

“So, just so I get this straight, you spent three days by yourself instead of getting with your NEW fiancé who was sitting at her house wishing she could see you again?”

Liam did nothing but look at her. The water from the shower was spraying him, her and the floor, but neither of them moved. He knew he was in the wrong right now. When he had those days off, he knew he should of informed Gray, she would of came running but Liam needed to rest. They were in the studio every day for at least eight to twelve hours, plus the interviews and everything else on top was killing him. Liam just wished she wouldn't have found out like this. Gray continued to stare at him. She carefully slid the ring off her finger, and sit it on the sink counter.

“Liam Payne, I’m not saying I’m breaking off our engagement with you, but until you feel like your priorities can be straight, you can keep this,” she said very calmly, wondering where it came from. Anger raged from her body still.

“Love.” He started but trailed off. He couldn't do anything right now being stark naked in a shower.

“You really have nothing else to say right now,” she whispered. He stayed quiet, just looking at her sadly. Gray shook her head, and touched the ring again. Her life was inside those three carats.

“I guess when you figure out what is going on with you, you know where to find me. I cannot believe you right now Liam or whoever you are, it isn't you.” Gray walked out, shutting the door behind her. The anger left, now it was just sadness. She quickly went back to Niall’s room and ran into the bathroom before he could see the tears forming.

“Gray, you okay?” Niall asked, knocking.

“Hells yes. Let me quick shower and I will be ready to go,” she hollered back, hoping he couldn't hear the sadness in her voice. Gray turned on the shower and stepped in letting the warm water hit her back and wash away her tears.

----

The ride to the arena was complete torture. Since they were staying there for two more days, they took a van instead of the large bus. It meant that everyone got to feel the tension in such a small amount of space. Gray moved fast when they got in, positioning herself between Niall and the window. There was no way in hell Liam would be getting closer to her then. He was going to have to work hard to get her back Gray knew that. She could feel his eyes on her the whole time they drove.

“Gray?”

“Hey,” she said, turning her attention to Louis.

“Eleanor wants you to call her.” Gray rolled her eyes, she prayed Louis wasn't running his mouth already. This is the one time she wanted her and Liam’s relationship to stay with her. If Eleanor knew, it meant Perrie and Mila would be next.

“I’ll call her when we get there,” she barked at him, turning her view back outside. She needed some time alone, especially to figure all of this out. It had only been one day and she was already questioning if staying here with them all was a good idea. They pulled into the arena and Gray walked away from them all as soon as she had a chance. Her favorite thing at arenas was to check them out alone, so perfect timing. Gray walked down the dark hallway pulling her phone. Better to get this over with.

“Hi Gray!”

“Hey El, what’s up,” Gray asked.

“I need to plan a trip out there, and since Louis never has an opinion I thought I’d ask you,” Eleanor cheerfully answered. Gray loved her, but she was not in the mood.

“How about end of March? That work?” Gray knew Mila and Perrie would be out here in the beginning, this way she had more alone time with her.

“Works for me!” Eleanor hung up before Gray even had a chance to talk. She stared at the phone wondering if she was in a twilight zone. This trip, which was supposed to be normal, was turning into a major mess up. Gray wondered some more before heading back to their dressing rooms. The boys were on stage, giving Gray enough time for a nap. Maybe she would make up and things would be normal.

----

Gray woke up feeling better, she was still mad but didn't feel like bashing anyone's head in. Deep down she knew Liam had his reasons and she needed to hear them out, but admitting that was hard. Stubborn Gray was still around. She sat up to realize someone had covered her with a blanket and closed the door. Gray smiled, of course it was Liam. It was time to be the adult she was and face their problem head on. She walked out into the hallway only to see the other dressing room shooting noise out of it. Gray walked in to see all of the guys sprawled out across the room, covered up and watching a movie.

"Shh," Harry warned to her.

Gray got the hint. She had two choices, either make her to way to Liam or ignore him completely and take the last empty spot next to Harry. As much as she wanted to prove a point, she honestly missed him. How could see not, he was her love.Gray walked over to him, feeling his eyes bore into hers. The look on his face was indifferent, she knew he was trying to figure out her next move. Gray stopped in front of him staring back. She lifted up his blanket and sat down on his lap. Her arms went around him, her legs to the side by Zayn and she rested her head on his shoulder. Gray felt his whole body relax and melt, like he had been holding his breath for forever. Liam wrapped his arms around her, holding her tight. They needed this.Both weren't in the shape to talk this out,but sometimes the best communication a couple could have. Gray nuzzled her face into him more, trying to make him see how much she loved him. She just wished he knew it, finally.

"I'm sorry," he whispered, Gray barely heard him. It killed her watching him be like this. Gray looked up at him. He had tears running down his face. Thankfully they were on the end of the couch party, so the boys couldn't see him well.

"Shh," she soothed him. Her hands unlocked from his body and brushed the fallen tears away. Gray lightly kissed him before settling back into her original position. She held his body tight, it was her turn to protect him for once.

----

The boys first concert was amazing, more then Gray could of ever imagined. She knew these next months were going to be the best for all their career. They incorporated a new part into the show, each boy sitting on stage by themselves It was usually a cover but it really broke a new connection for their fans in the show. Liam was the last one to have his alone time, and naturally he made Gray cry. It was pretty easy these days but still fitting.

"You cry again Gray," Niall joked coming out from the back. They had been done for ten minutes now and Gray was giving him their alone time before she went barging in.

"Shut it," she laughed.

"He picked 'Fix You' for you." Gray nodded, Fix You was one of her favorites, another one that goes on repeat on her iPod.

"Where is he?" She needed to talk to him and get them back to normal.

"He told me to tell you to go Up," Niall shrugged,hopefully she got the hint.

"What the hell does that mean?" Liam Speak was annoying.

"Thought you would know. I suggest up." He walked away leaving Gray in her thoughts. The only thing that was up was the rafters and the upper seating of the stairs. She headed back through the arena, ready to play a game of cat and mouse.

"Liam," she yelled through the upper deck hallway, hoping it would make him talk. The hallway stayed quiet, other then her phone going off in her hand.

Liam: Getting closer

She smiled, ready to plan this game. Gray continued through, trying to stay as quiet as possible.

Liam: Hurry love, you are quite slow

Gray laughed, that little shit. She stepped up her speed, keeping her eyes open for him at all costs. He found her first though, as she walked back the stair entryway, Liam stepped out behind her. He grabbed her arm, spinning her back into him and in the darkness.

"You are lucky I didn't scream," she whispered, not able to catch her breath. Liam was so good at sneaking up on her.

"Hi," he whispered back. His face was just centimeters from her. Liam stepped into her body, pushing her back until she was sandwiched between him and the wall.

"What do you want mister," she flirted. Gray kept her hands at her side, he was the one making moves here.

"I want you. I want to apologize and tell you I am the biggest ass to my beautiful fiance and I wanted to tell you I'm very glad you have that dress on," he whispered again. It made shivers run through her body, his voice in that tone always had that effect on her.

"Why my dress?"

"Because I can do this." Liam lifted her up effortlessly, still pushing her against the wall. His hands glided under the material and held her almost naked butt.

"Liam! What are you doing," She laughed, surprised by his abruptness. Liam kissed her, letting his lips travel down to her neck. She moaned, it had been too long.

"I'm making sure my fiance knows how much I love her." His lips landed on hers again with more passion. Gray opened her mouth more, making him know he had the green light for a home run.

----

Gray woke up slowly the next morning feeling Liam's arm around her. It made her smile, the first real time since she had gotten there. After their impromptu love fest at the arena last night, they went back to the hotel feeling somewhat like Team Gram again. Gray still wanted to know what exactly was going on in his head, but it would be baby steps to get all of that out. Gray rolled over to see Liam staring right at her.

"JESUS," she yelled.

"Sorry love," Liam smiled at her.

"You just scared the shit out of me," Gray told him, bringing her hand up to her chest trying to catch her breathe. Liam continued to smirk at her.

"You always creep on people sleeping," she smirked.

"Just the ones I love, Good morning." He reached over and kissed her temple. Gray closed her eyes and smiled back at him. This was the kind of mornings she liked.

"I see you are getting back to normal," she murmured. Liam stayed silent,she worried she hit a nerve.

"Where are we," Liam asked her quietly. Gray looked up at him. The sadness was written all over his face.

"Together for starters."

"But not back to where we were," He questioned. Gray shook her head no. They weren't there, yet.

"I don't think either of knew how long five months were when we agreed to this. It did a toll on us Liam, and you keeping that three day vacation a secret didn't help. Do I think we can get back to our happy place? Yes, definite possibly. We just have to work it out again. Find each other's pluses and minus'. And you have to stop taking the weight of everything on your shoulders. I see it, even know. You need to breathe and just let it all go. I know we will figure this out," Gray explained, touching his face with her hand. Liam closed his eyes and leaned into it. He knew he had a point, he had to quick worrying about everything.

"I'll try," he whispered. Gray moved her body closer to him, kissing him. For once, she was the protector in their relationship. Liam looked so fragile laying next to her. She wondered if he could see past this at all.
"Where is it," she quickly asked, sitting up.

"Where is what?' It confused him that she was moving so fast. Gray jumped out of bed, running over to the pants he wore last night. There it was right in his pocket, her perfect ring. Gray moved back over to him, sitting on top of his hips and letting both legs falling on the sides of him.

"Liam, I promise you that for this moment on, I will always be there for you, no matter what, thick or thin. I will always love you, even if you stress so badly you lose all of your hair." Gray kept her eyes on his while she slipped the ring back down her finger. She knew this would be the first step on getting him to trust their relationship. Everyone goes through bumps in their life, he couldn't eat himself up for it

"I really do love you Gray," he whispered out, his voice cracking. Gray leaned down more, putting her face close to his. She could still smell his cologne on his skin from the night before.

"And I love you Liam. Always."

Notes

Title Creds: "Always" by Blink 182


Everyone loves drama, right? I'll be out tomorrow, so new chapter will hopefully show on Sunday or Monday, depending on my hangover. :)

Comment love me up!