“Are you sure you want to do this,” Perrie asked her, staring hard into her eyes. They had been talking over the letter and everything else for the past two hours while they ate dinner. Gray had gone back and forth, until finally making up her answer. Yes, of course part of her wanted to get back with Liam and live that picture perfect fairy tale of life but that just wasn't a possibility anymore. Things changed, and more then they could fix. The bond was broken, she wouldn't be able to continue on with him knowing of the rocky past they had. Of course it would come back, that is what they did. Fight and breakup. It wasn't fair to anyone anymore.

“It’s the right thing to do. I moved here to start a new life, not fall back into my old one. Liam and I need to be friends and parents, that’s it,” Gray told her. Perrie rolled her eyes and tried to speak, but Gray cut her off.

“I know you don’t agree with me Perrie, but this is the way life has to go. We tried to be together and it obviously didn't work. It’s a no. I want to stay here in London and be happy like I was, don’t you get that? I just want to stay this way, to have you all in my life and not have a relationship. It’s done and over Perrie, I’m not going back.” Gray kept her arms tight across her chest not backing down. They were in a deadlock neither of them willing to back down. Perrie finally broke, throwing her hands up in the air.

“Fine fine Gray! I think you are being so stupid but you are right, it’s your life,” she shouted out. A smirk came over Gray’s face. Finally, after all these years she finally one upped Perrie. Time to mark that on the calendar.

“Thank you Perrie,” she smiled. Perrie though had her own tricks going on, Gray had to be completely stupid if she thought she would let her win on this.

“I’m going to go, you have driven me wild.” She collected her things and headed to the door with Gray following her.

“How about you come over to dinner at our place? I’ll invite the boys and we can enjoy the night,” she suggested.

“Sounds great,” Gray smiled.

“How about a little theme party? We know how that went last time,” Perrie laughed. Gray’s eyes went wide and she shook her head no.

“Absolutely not, I’m wearing real clothes!” She shuddered at the thought of all that paint covering her body. It seemed like forever ago but that definitely was a onetime thing. Normal clothes forever these days.

“Please, I’m not in the mood for all that planning. Simple pajama party. We will have pizza, drink and be merry.”

“Fine, fine. You drive a hard bargain,” Gray moaned.

“Good girl, Sunday come on over. Bye girls,” Perrie sang and walked out of the room leaving Gray standing there. Damn that Perrie, she was always so go at roping her into things.

----

“Liam get your butt up and open this door!” The shouts and the pounding fist caused Liam to wake up in a sweat. He check his surroundings, he was still in his living room alone in the darkness. Liam shook off the dreams he had and walked to the door. It was the same dream he always had, Gray marrying another man while Spencer called him daddy. It didn’t seem like a nightmare to most, but for him it was absolute terror. He threw open to see cheery Perrie staring back at him.

“Well don’t you look like shit,” she laughed. Liam scowled at her before opening the door wider to let her in. Perrie took the invitation without speaking and walked right in. The apartment was dark with the blind shut causing her to look around in shock.

“God Payne, don’t you ever enjoy the fresh air?” Liam blew her off and sat back down on the couch.

“What do you want Perrie? It’s been a long day and I am not in the mood for games,” he barked back at her and turned his attention to the blank wall in front of him.

“I just left Gray’s flat,” she started. Liam snapped his head back at her and stared her down.

“Is she okay?” the words barely came out, making him loose his bad body persona real quick. Perrie rolled her eyes. Of course he could act like a douche but never commit.

“Of course, we had dinner. Also saw your letter too,” she spoke. Liam’s eyes turned to slits.

“You weren’t supposed to see that,” he growled at her. It made him furious inside to think of Gray showing his letter around like it was some Christmas card. He poured his heart out into that and it wasn’t must for everyone’s eyes.

“Calm down killer, she left it on the counter and I eavesdropped. Gray didn’t show me it herself,” Perrie told him, reading his thoughts. Liam let out the breath he was holding and relaxed into the couch a bit more.

“Okay, so why are you here Perrie,” he asked in a nicer tone. He was curious to see what she had to say.

“I’m wondering when you are going to make your big move with her,” she questioned, sitting across from him on the large L-shaped couch.

“I’m leaving that up to her. You read the letter, you saw,” he shot back.

“Cut the attitude, I’m being serious here. I spoke with her about you, for a long time and things don’t look good. She has decided to not saying anything about it and go on her happy merry way.” Liam sat back in the couch feeling like the air had left her body. This was not what he wanted. She was supposed to come back to him, all sappy and happy like before. This shouldn’t be any different then that. Now it was true, he was losing his whole family.

“I’m sorry Liam,” Perrie whispered out, watching the pain cover his face. She scooted closer to him and put her hand on his thigh.

“This wasn’t supposed to happen, how could I let this happen,” he sobbed as his hands covered his face. She couldn’t see the tears but Perrie knew they were there. Gray was the only thing on this planet that made him get emotional in a drop of a hat. Perrie moved closer to him and surrounded his body in her arms. It was an old pairing, her small little arms holding on to such a bigger man. She didn’t care though, Liam needed all the support he could get.

“Liam, I don’t think you should give up on her,” she quietly told him after time had past. Liam withdrew from her body, showing her his face covered in tears. His eyes were bloodshot and his nose was beyond red.

“I don’t think I have much of a choice,” his voice cracked.

“Please, you always have a choice. Don’t give up on her. She acts all big and bad but as soon as you show up she cracks like glass. I’m having her over for dinner on Sunday, you need to come.” Liam shook his head yes immediately.

“Of course I am going to be there,” he responded. Perrie gave him a kiss on his cheek and stood up. From the moment, her work was done here.

“Good. Give it time Liam, it will work. You just have to find the right time to reach her,” she smiled before walking herself out. Liam was left in the darken room again surrounded by his thoughts. His mind was going a mile a minute, just like it always did when it came to Gray. He just didn’t know which ones to listen to anymore. He needed a sign, anything to sway him in one direction. Liam trusted her opinion, Gray had to do what was best for herself in her mind, but at the same time it was crystal clear. They were meant to be together. He got up from the couch and shook off the feelings. It was time to plan and figure out a way to end this once and for all.

----

Gray groaned. What in the hell was that noise? It was in the middle of the night and her phone was ringing off the hook. She grabbed in quickly and answered hoping it wouldn’t wake up Spencer who was sleeping in her ring.

“Lo,” she yawned into the speaker.

“Gray? Sorry to wake you.” She smiled immediately and felt awake, it was Mila.

“No no it’s fine. How are you,” she quietly asked.

“Oh I am good Gray, so good. I’m a mommy now,” Mila cooed. Gray immediately sucked in a breath. Mila’s little one was here and she missed it. Gray sat up straighter and leaned against the wall.

“Congratulations mommy,” she spoke back,” tell me everything.”

“He came about an hour ago, I had to get settled before I could call you, but you are the first person I did. It was amazing Gray, I see what all the fuss was about when you had Spencer. Oliver Daniel is his name. Lots of hair and he was six pounds eight ounces. He is perfect Gray, just perfect.” Gray gripped her chest feeling the love for her best friend.

“I take it Neil didn’t stick then,” she joked.

“Hell no. We barely agreed on this one. I made him fill out the birth certificate fast before he could change his mind again. Sneaky bastard,” Mila laughed into the phone. Gray laughed too, trying to keep her voice down.

“I’m so proud of you Mila, who knew we would be mommies right now,” Gray gushed back to her.

“Trust me, I know. I wanted to facetime you, but I figured it would be too late for that with the hour change. I’ll send you pictures though. God, he is just so perfect, I can’t imagine how amazing this would have been. Enough of me though, how are you,” she asked over the phone. Gray held in a sigh. She wanted to tell Mila everything that had been going on, but it just wasn’t the time. They should be celebrate little Oliver, not worrying about Gray and her crappy plans.

“I’m fine, life is good over the pond,” she responded, plastering a face smile on her face.

“Gray, I’m not stupid. Even with you on another continent I can tell when you are lying. Start talking,” Mila laughed into the phone. Gray rolled her eyes, she really needed to find a better edge with people.

“Girl, I’m fine. Spencer had a little hiccup that landed me taking her the emergency room with Liam. It was beyond awkward but other than that, things are good. I really love my job.” She spent all of yesterday by Big Ben shooting anything she could lay her eyes on. It had to be the best four hours of her life since she had arrived there.

“Is she okay? Wait, you went with Liam, umm why,” Mila questioned.

“Yes, she is fine. Practically good as new right now. Liam came because I called Niall and he answered. Trust me, it wasn’t my plan. It went well though, we didn’t kill each other,” she laughed trying to ease the situation.

“Well thank god for that. I can’t bail you out of jail over here. Have you seen him since then?” Gray stayed quiet trying to decide if she wanted to speak about his letter. It was her little piece of his heart that wasn’t meant to be shared but she knew in the long run Mila would find out.

“I’m guessing the silence means that there is more,” Mila smirked through the line.

“He wrote me a letter talking about how he felt,” Gray told her, keeping it short.

“And…”

“And it was nice. I cried, a bunch. It was really nice.” Gray couldn’t find the right words to really describe how she felt. Nice didn’t cut it. Jubilant, ecstatic, wonderful; nothing fit the bill.

“Nice huh? How nice? Nice like you are going to get into his pants, or nice like its time to switch teams and become a lesbian.” Gray snorted but quickly recovered. She quietly padded across the room and shut her door.

“Jesus Mila, you are going to make me wake up Spencer,” She groaned.

“My bad. Now which kind of nice?” Gray sat back down in the bed and covered up. Lately she couldn’t seem to get warm enough in this London winter.

“Neither Mila, my god. We will be friends and parents but that is all,” she told her. Gray heard the phone muffle and voices through the line.

“My god Gray, you drive me nuts. Listen I have to go, Olly is hungry. This conversation is not over, and don’t make me call Perrie, that’s an order. Love you,” Mila told her.

“Love you too.” She hung up the phone and looked at the clock. It was already 4:30am, soon she would have to get up anyway. Tonight was the pajama dinner, plus she had to go into work for a while to catch on her Big Ben pictures. The only downside of not having set hours. She opened the blinds of the window next to her bed and stared at the sky. Why couldn’t things just be easy? There were before she met Liam, she never had to think this hard about anything. Life was simple and plain. She worked, she was with her family and that all that seemed to matter. Now she was stuck with a heart and a brain that couldn’t seem to agree on anything. A daughter who was adorable but looked far too much like her father, and a ex fiancé who seemed to be in her head at every moment. This wasn’t easy. She sighed and crawled out of bed. There was just no point now, any amount of sleep would just be clogged with images of Liam. Instead she could at least get their things together for tonight. She planned on staying at work for as long as possible before leaving from there and heading over to Zayn and Perrie’s. That was it was less time filled with someone eye’s on her for every moment. She grabbed a random pair of sleep pants from her drawer and a plain V-neck t-shirt before heading to the kitchen. Definitely the time for coffee.

----

“Gray, fancy seeing you here,” Marin cheerfully called her name, shaking her from her thoughts. She had been staring at her pictures for the last hour trying to decide on how to edit them.

“Oh Mr. Asher, hello. Sorry, I hope you don’t mind her being out here with me,” she blushed, as he stared at Spencer who was playing with toys in her stroller.

“Nonsense dear, it’s quite alright. How’s the pictures coming?” He stared over her shoulder, checking out the images on her screen.

“Oh yes, I like this one. The effect you use with the sun is divine,” he commented, pointing at the picture. Gray smiled, that one was her favorite. It was Big Ben, all in his glory and just before sunrise. One side of the building was completely dark and black while the other was lit up showing every magnificent feature of the structure. Just like her head and Liam right now.

“Thank you,” she said quickly, shaking the thoughts of Liam from her brain. She needed to get her crap together real fast. A building shouldn’t make her think of him, it wasn’t even real for gosh sakes.

“I’m glad you are here actually, I wanted to speak to you about something. The Royal Botanical Gardens is putting on a show for a couple nights only. It’s a theme about romantic events with flowers and they proclaim to be using all these special lighting effects to bring out the art of the place. It’s only on for two nights and already sold out. We got a press pass and I need someone to shoot. Are you in? It would be at night, probably quite late but a terrific chance.” He peeked his head around the room making sure no one else could hear him.

“These are the kinds of pictures that get you listed in magazines and awards Gray. I wouldn’t pass it up.” Holy crap, a chance to get her photographs in magazines. Of course she planned on doing so. How could she not? This was her chance, her foot in the door to make this career possible.

“Of course I will take it. What an amazing opportunity. Thank you Mr. Asher,” she smiled at him, feeling extremely happy.

“Excellent. It’s on Friday so be ready and dress nice. I’ll leave all the details with Tracy and reception. Have a nice day Gray.” He smiled at her once more before walking away. Gray wanted to stand up and dance around the room right now. Thank God she came into work and tried to get something done. Look at what it brought.

“You hear that Miss Spence, your mommy is going to rock the heck out of the shoot and make us famous,” she squealed. Spencer smiled up at her and giggled.

“That’s right baby. Now come on, let’s go get changed and see your rowdy uncles.” She pushed her into the company bathroom and quickly changed her clothes. Something about babies in pajamas was beyond cute. She quickly snapped a picture of smiling Spencer and sent it to Mila and her mom. Gosh, she missed the both. Gray shook off the thoughts of loneliness and stripped her clothes. She was going to be with her second family tonight that should make her happy. It didn’t though. Something lagged in the back of her mind knowing she had to be face to face with Liam in the same room. Thank god the rest would be there. Gray quickly through on the black fleece pants that seemed to have little stars all over them and her white shirt. It looked pretty good for being a sloppy outfit.

“Alright little lady, let’s go see the family.”

----

Her nerves didn’t kick in until the doors of the elevator opened up at Perrie’s apartment. The trip on the subway, the six block walk, all was fine but now she felt like she was going to pee her pants. It would be the first time she saw all of them since before Christmas. It never got easier with this. Every time her and Liam fought they always took her back with open arms, but there was always a thought lurking in her head that the boys would forget about her too and just not care. They were men after all. Attention spans for them didn’t last long.

Gray pushed Spencer’s stroller out and walked down the long eerie hallway. Everything was far too quiet for her liking. She thought about turning around and heading back home and faking sick but it would get her nowhere. Perrie would lead the group on a London road trip to her apartment. There was no hiding from them, she needed to be a big girl and knock on the damn door.

“Zayn, get the door,” she heard Perrie yell through the wood making her laugh. The door flung open to see the one and only Zayn smiling back at her.

“Gray! So glad you are here.” He quickly hugged her body, not giving her a chance to breathe. It was sigh of relief for her tortured brain, they weren’t hating her just yet. Zayn pulled her into the apartment with the stroller to where the rest of the boys were waiting. All of them stood there in their sleep pants smiling at her.

“Hey all,” she said, her voice quieter then she wanted it to be. Why was she so nervous around them?

“Gray Goose!” Niall shouted, giving her a hug. The rest of the boys joined, passing her around between the three of them. She laughed and hugged them back.

“Where is the child? She’s the only reason we invited you,” Louis playfully shot at her. Gray rolled her eyes before uncovering Spencer from the stroller and the huge amount of blankets and pulled her out. The small girl looked around the room taking in the scenery.

“Holy crap Gray, she got big. You must feed her what Niall eats,” Harry commented. Gray laughed and adjusted Spencer’s outfit.

“She likes food, just like her uncle’s. You want to hold her,” Gray asked the three of them. Louis reached his arms out first taking Spencer in. It opened the door for the rest of the boys, letting them coo and smile at her. Gray wished she would of brought her camera.

“Where is Perrie,” she asked the boys.

“Kitchen,” Niall responded, not taking his eyes off Spencer. Gray figured she was in good hands and headed down the hall into the kitchen.

“Smells good in..” Oh my god, there he was. She couldn’t even get out a full sentence before her mouth went dry. It killed her inside that he still had this effect on her. Liam stood, leaning next to the sink in a pair of blue flannel pants and a plain black shirt. Dirty and inappropriate thoughts of ripping off his shirt went through her mind. Sweet jesus she needed to get it together.

“Those are my pants,” he barked at her. Gray took a small step back, his words knocking her over. Well hello to you too. She looked down at her black pants trying to remember where they even came from.

“I.. I’m sorry.. I can give them back and change in-into my jeans,” the words stuttered out of her mouth. Gray’s whole face went pink. This was not the way the night was supposed to go.

“No, no it’s fine. I’m sorry that came out wrong. I just meant they looked nice on you,” Liam quickly told her. She could hear the effect of his voice changing. Rude Liam turned into Concerned Liam. Her face couldn’t become any more red then it was right now.

“Uhh thanks. Where’s Perrie,” Gray asked when she realized she was nowhere to be found. Things were getting incredibly awkward.

"She had to change and told me to watch the pizza. How are you? You look.. nice." His voice came out strained. It was taking all his might not to touch her.

"I'm good. Yourself?" She asked, trying to keep it normal.

"Good, good." He rocked on his feet and kept his arms crossed over his chest. He had to work on breathing. In and out.

"Okay. Well I'm going to go find Perrie. Spencer is out with the boys if you want to rescue her," she told him, leaving the words trail off. Liam stayed silent by the counter, still looking like he was in pain. Gray gave him a little wave and headed back out in the hallway.

"Jesus Gray, a wave. Come on!" She whispered to herself, feeling like an idiot. This night was not how she pictured it.

"Gray, are you talking to yourself," Perrie laughed snapping Gray out of her thoughts.

"Yup, you know, just being me," Gray giggled back. Perrie linked her arms together and pulled Gray back down the hall.

"Cute pants," she said. Gray groaned. How could she not realize these weren't hers? They were huge on her, she had to pull the strings as hard as possible to get them to stay at her hips. Duh, it should of been a sign.

"Let's not talk about them. Do you have any wine, I need a drink," Gray responded. Perrie led her into the living room where the rest of the guys were.

"Love, I thought you'd never ask." Perrie popped open the bottle and poured them each a cup. Even with Gray's back to Liam, she could still feel his eyes staring into her back. She knew what he was thinking. She was a horrible mom, drinking while the boys watched her kids and to top it off, she was a klypto. It was going to be a night of awkwardness.

"Cheers," she smiled and downed her wine. The more the merrier at this point.

----

Liam had been watching her since the first glass of wine. He didn't mean to, he told himself that tonight he would leave her alone and let her have her own space. That all ended though when she walked into the kitchen wearing his pants. It was pure torture. She looked like a sexy godness and a small little girl all at once. The thoughts he had weren't suitable for anyone. Gray always looked hot in his clothes, even with it just being pajamas. Now though, it was killing him. She was on her third glass of wine, but thankfully she ate three pieces of pizza too. It should soak up the alcohol before it could do any damage to her perfect body.

"Gray. how's the job," Louis asked after taking a sip of his beer. They were all sitting around the living room talking and of course she was as far away as she could be from him right now. God she could be a smart girl but Liam figured it out easily. The farther away they were the most she could ignore her feelings for her.

"Really good, I love it more then I ever did with teaching. Oh! I need your help if you guys are willing." Her voice perked up everyone's ears.

"Hit us Gray, we would love to hear," Perrie chimed in.

"Late notice I know but anyone free on Sunday to watch Spencer for a while," she asked, already blushing. Everyone knew asking for help wasn't her strong suit. Liam was about to speak but Niall cut him off.

"Me! I call it," he yelled raising his hand in the air. Liam wante to rip his arm off and use his own hand to slap him.

"Oh yes, that work's perfect. I know Liam has to work on some voice overs that day," Perrie stated. Liam gave her a look. What in the hell was she talking about? He had absolutely nothing to do then, other then sit and mope about his life.

"Yeah, Liam. Remember? We talked about this earlier," Zayn joined in on the conversation. Both of them stared at Liam like they wanted him to join in. He knew he was missing something but decided to go with it. Hopefully they would fill him in later.

"Oh yes, that is correct. I'm sorry Gray," he blushed. Gray waved him off, but he could see a short moment of disappointment wash over her face. Whatever Zayn and Perrie had planned better be worth it.

"It's fine, and thank you Niall, we will talk more later. I'm going to go make her a bottle, time for bed," Gray stated, standing up.

"Sounds good. Lou, find a movie," Perrie dictated and threw the remote at him. Everyone stayed in the same spot while he found a movie and Gray cuddled up with Spencer on the couch. Liam was thankfully someone shut most of the lights off, this way he couldn't get caught staring at her. How could he not though? Gray sat there switching her eyes from the TV to the baby in her arms. It was a beautiful sight that made his heart flutter. He needed to start making his way in.

----

It stung her heart that Liam wasn't babysitting for her Sunday instead of Niall. It was his daughter. Like always though, Liam was choosing his career over his family. Some things never changed. It made her glad that she chose to not get back together with him again. The nail that drilled sign to the post. He was always going to chose his life over them, no matter what. It hurt her heart now, but at least it was better then having it happen again down the road. She kept her eyes on Spencer and the tv, one look to him and her eyes would sprout more tears.

"Perrie, can I put her somewhere," she whispered over, motioning to the sleeping child.

"You can use the guest bedroom, second door on the left." Gray quietly stood up and clutched Spencer tighter. She stepped through the hallway and padded down the hallway. Perrie had a nice full bed there, all made up and looking perfect. She quietly set Spencer down in the middle of the bed and squished the pillows around her. Last thing she needed was Spencer falling out of bed and breaking a bone. It would just be another thing for Liam to yell at her for.

"Love you sweet girl," she whispered gave Spencer a kiss before heading back out into the hallway. She kept her head down until she reached the living room. Someone had turned out the lights and they all had rearranging on the furniture. Perrie and Zayn were curled up on one side of the U shape couch, the boys were in the middle, spreading out over the cushions. The only spot left was the end, and right next to Liam.

This had to be a sick joke. She wondered who set this up. It was either Liam or Perrie, just a move they would do. The spot was open, along with a blanket just waiting for her to get comfortable. It was a Catch 22. She could either sit and be comfortable on the couch but not be able to breathe due to Liam, or sit on the hard floor and be able to be normal. Gray continued to stand there trying to make a choice.

"Oy Gray, you okay," Louis asked, yelling over the tv sound. She jumped at his voice but quickly recovered. She took the bullet and sat into to Liam on the couch. There was a good six inch gap between them but it didn't matter. The body heat between him burned her thigh. It felt like her whole leg was on fire being so close to him. Gray flipped the blanket over her trying to block herself from him. It didn't work though, it just made her more hot. Gray kept looking at him from the side and examined his face. Nothing had changed, his still had his scruff that she loved so much and his wild hair. Gray loved it when he never styled it and just let it fly like it wanted to. Her heart fluttered just thinking about it. Gray snapped her eyes back to the TV and forced herself to not look again. Eyes on the TV Gray, eyes on the TV.

"Oh my god if you two don't stop staring at each other I'm sitting between you," Harry groaned from the middle of the couch. Gray's face turned red once again. Does that mean he had been looking at her too? She highly doubted that.

"Shut it Harry," Liam barked back. He readjusted his body and stretched out his legs. It made the space between him and Gray even closer. Gray's body shook with a mixture of fear and excitement. She wondered if he did it on purpose now though. If so, two could play that game. Gray moved around in her seat and tucked her legs up and off to the side. Her feet and toes ran into his thigh making him jump. Gray knew what she was doing and had to bite her tongue to not laugh.

"Sorry," she whispered giving him a smile. Liam waved her off, but didn't move away. Gray smiled again, what's up now Payne. They both followed along with the movie, trying to pretend like they knew what was going on. Gray could care less though, she was too busy trying to push Liam to the max. Immature, sure. But still a hell of a lot of fun.

"Give me some please," he whispered, pulling the blanket over to cover him too. Now her protection was over, there was nothing between them. She locked her fingers together tightly, not wanting to make a stupid mistake. He may be nice now but she knew the real Liam. One rude comment from him would sit her off into a flood of tears.

They went on like that, in the same positions while trying to follow along with the movie. After about twenty minutes Gray's knees were starting to cramp. She didn't want to move and draw more attention to herself but enough was enough. She carefully pulled her legs out and readjusted. Gray tried not to move closer to him but that failed. After all that work Gray was closer then before. Their shoulders were pressed firmly against each other was were their arms and hips. Gray's legs curled off the other direction. She looked up to see Liam staring back at her with a face she couldn't read.

"Sorry, I'll move," she whispered and started to lean back to the left. Liam's hand quickly grabbed her wrist, not letting her move. Gray's wide eyes looked back up at him.

"No, you can stay. It's fine," he whispered back, giving her a small smile. Gray's body relaxed again letting their shoulder touch again. It felt nice but so weird, like foreign territory. She let it go though, there was no point in fighting. Deep down inside she knew it felt nice. Liam's hand hadn't left her wrist either. It felt like a burning hot bracelet around her wrist. Gray was thankfully the blanket covered it up so the rest wouldn't see. Gray took a deep breath and let herself relax. This was okay, of course it was okay. They were friends and friends sat next to each other all the time. Her eyes began to drop more and more as she sat there and Gray felt her head roll off to his shoulder. She was so tired but just didn't feel like energy to move. Liam would have to get it over it and just deal, but this meant nothing. She could of sworn she heard him chuckle as she fell into a deep sleep.

----

Gray felt hot, too hot. Even without her eyes open she knew this feeling, she remembered it. Someone was on top of her. Oh god. Gray open one eye slowly to see the same brown hair she had always known on top of her. Liam's head was on top of her chest while his arms were wrapped around her waist. Their legs with enterwined beneath the blanket below.
Oh god.

Liam was sleeping on top of her, how in the world did this happen? Last thing she remembered was sitting very closely next to him on the couch, not full on cuddling. Gray turned her head trying to find an escape route only to see Niall sitting on the ottoman next to her smiling brightly.

"Holy hell," she groaned.

"Hiya Gray," Niall whispered, taking a bite of his cereal. He was literally just a foot or two away from her, staring back.

"What are you doing," Gray whispered. She was still pinned under Liam and knew she needed to move but her heart stopped her. Cherish the moment her brain told her.

"Watching you while eating breakfast, sleep well?" Gray wanted to hit the smirk right off his face. That naughty little Irish man. Gray sighed and started the work of trying to get out from underneath him. She pushed his body off with her arms and legs and quickly moved. The force knocked her on the floor with a thud. Niall snorted almost spitting out his cereal above her.

"Shut it Horan, don't make me kick your ass," she muttered as she stood up. He raised both arms in surrender as she walked back. Gray quickly headed down the hallway hoping the pink tone would disappear from her face. God, she was an idiot. Her ploy to stay away from him ended badly with her ending up underneath him. That definitely wasn't the plan. Gray walked into the room seeing Spencer stirring in her sleep. She had never been so happy for her to sleep through the night. Gray quickly changed her diaper and led her back out into the kitchen. The rest were already awake so Gray didn't have to deal with Niall's goofy grin.

"How did you sleep Gray," Louis asked her with a smile. She rolled her eyes and ignored him. Bring it on, she could know be the butt of all jokes.

"Good, even better since she slept through the night," Gray mentioned as she shook up Spencer's bottle.

"But she didn't -" Zayn started before Liam stopped him.

"Be quiet Zayn," he growled from him upright stop on the couch. Gray gave him both a puzzled look. It was too early in the morning for secrets.

"No, tell me Zayn. What am I missing," she pushed back. Zayn walked over closer to her where Liam couln't throw a punch.

"We all went to bed at the same time Spencer started crying. I was going to wake you up but Liam stopped me and said I had to let you sleep. He went in and got her," Zayn quietly told her. Gray said nothing and stared over at Liam. His eyes were glued to his fingernails like it was the most awesome thing on the planet. Damn him and his swift moves.

"Thank you Liam," she told him from across the room, meaning every word. Liam smiled back at her but turned his head once again. The heat in the room had to gone up at least twenty degrees.

"Well I am just going to quick feed her and get out of your hair," Gray told them all quickly.

"Please Gray, you don't need to run off just because Liam makes you blush every other second," Perry laughed. These people needed to find something better to do with their lives.

"No, it's fine. I have a lot of work to finish on." Lie.

"Oh really? Of what," Perrie questioned.

"Um.. just some pictures I took around town. Nothing special but hoping I can make something of them." Another lie. She had nothing to do today other then laundry and eating her feelings.

"Uh huh, sure you do," Perrie commented. She knew it was all a lie under Gray's belt. Gray quickly finished up with Spencer and got her ready. It was indeed time to go. The boys came around saying their goodbyes to them both, except Liam. He stayed by the couch just staring at her with that same blank stare.

"We should do this again," Gray told them again as she opened the front door," love you all." She walked out of the apartment and started on her way before Liam's voice stopped her.

"Gray wait." She literally felt like her breathing abilities had stopped. Liam walked over to her, keeping his eyes drilled into hers and ignoring the stares of the rest of them. He quickly gave Spencer a kiss on both cheeks before turning his attention to Gray.

"Be safe okay. Maybe we can meet up later for me to see her," he whispered to her. Gray couldn't think of any words, so she just shook her head yes. His hand can up and rested on her hip. She was very close to passing out at that moment.

"Bye Gray," his voice flowed out. It was music to her eyes. She needed to break away now, definitely now.

"Bye Liam." Gray forced her body to turn and started own the hall. Holy Grail, what did she get herself into?

Notes

Title Creds: "Cannonball" by Little Mix. Fitting, eh?

I know, I know. I'm a horrible person. I promised you all I would have this completed LAST week and I didn't. I'm sorry. I literally hit a brick wall. No matter how I thought about ending this story, I just didn't like any of them. They all made Gray out to be a character I hated, and there was no way I could do that. You can't put your all into something if you hate it. So, I spent all day racking my brain for ideas and finally got one. The next chapter will be the last. THEN I shall start the spinoff story. I'm excited for that one. There is where it get's tricky. The COMPLETE epilogue for this story won't come until AFTER the spin off story. Crazy right?

Any predictions for this last coming chapter? What do you think it will happen? It will be up either Tuesday or Wednesay. If not, you can ALL hunt me down. :D