Side by Side

It had been a month since Gray joined him. Gray would like to think it was an easy, carefree month but that wasn't the case. They were still working on finding the mesh between them. It became clear they were definitely were not the same people. It wasn't a bad thing, but when you knew someone so well it was hard to deal with them changing. Gray was beginning to want to interact with the fans more. She started posting more behind the scenes photos of their concert on Twitter, and interacting with them on social media. It was starting to give her a sense a purpose there. Not having some sort of job made it hard, but she was their honorary social media liaison. The rude comments were still there, but Gray accepted them. You couldn't please everyone.
"Morning baby," she whispered into Liam's ear. He stirred a little before opening his eyes at her.

"Hi beautiful," he murmured, bringing her head down to kiss her. Butterflies came alive in her stomach. Gray kissed him once before getting up and ready for the day. Gray knew he was watching her as she slowly took his shirt and boxers and running into her underwear to her suitcase.

"I swear you do this on purpose love," Liam groaned from the bed. His eyes couldn't leave her body. Gray was very beautiful in her own way. Her hair had gotten longer since being in Wolverhampton making it hit just barely below her shoulder bones. Gray swept it to the size while she threw on a pair of leggings and a sweatshirt before joining Liam on the bed again. He sat up more, letting his lips kiss her collarbone. Gray closed her eyes.

"You know Grace calls those our wishbones," she whispered, suddenly feeling sad. She really did miss those girls.

"You miss them?" She opened her eyes and look at him again, giving him a small smile.

"Of course, I'll see them soon, at some point. Can we do something today?" She needed to get her minds off them, and get out of this hotel. They didn't have a show until tomorrow and Mila and Perrie arrived then.

"What do you want to do love," he asked.

"Anything. Get out of here, just me and you. Please," she begged, cuddling up to him to get her way. Gray prayed he said yes, otherwise she was willing to down some cough medicine and sleep instead of being bored. Liam wrapped his arm around her shoulder, keeping her close.

"I think that is a good idea," he agreed. Gray quickly looked up at him and smiled.

"Let's party jailbait."

----

They left an hour later with Steve in a darkened SUV. Liam wouldn't tell her anything,but she knew he had some sort of plan up his sleeve. He was texting on his phone the whole time before they left, not letting Gray in with his secret. Steve drove through the town, only to bring them out into the country. Gray continued to stare out the window taking on the sights and trying to figure it out. Liam sat next to her on his phone, while his other hand held hers letting his thumb sweep against her fingers.

"You going to fill me in yet," she asked quietly. His surprises could be the death of her.

"No love. You wanted to be just you and me though, that will happen," he smiled sincerely at her. Gray huffed in her seat wishing he would just tell her. Steve turned off their main road onto gravel making Gray and Liam sway in their seats.

"You going to kill me again," she deadpanned. Liam chuckled next to her, giving her hand another squeeze. Gray held on while the SUV bounced around for a while longer until it came to a stop. She looked out to see a small lake to the right of her.

"A lake," she asked, feeling curious. Liam smiled at her before climbing out of the door. Gray followed next while Liam helped her. She slid down to the ground only to have his arms stay around her body. Liam's arms wrapped around waist pulling her into him.

"You wanted to be alone, so I figured we could take a dip in the lake and what ever else sounds good," he explained.

"Guessing you brought my suit," she laughed, looking up at him. Liam blushed, of course he brought it. He always was the great planner, making sure anything Gray needed was there. She quickly changed into the darken SUV while the boys looked away.

"Do you change out here?" Liam already had his shorts on when she got out. He blushed again. Gray secretly wished she would of been able to see that.

"Ladies first," he said, motioning to the dock. Gray walked down to the end with him behind her.

"Jump in jailbait," she told him. Even though it was March in Texas, she knew the water would be cold.

"How about together," she smiled playfully at him. Liam grabbed her hand and stood next to her.

"1....2...3!" Liam counted before jumping in. Gray let go ofhis hand right before he jumped sending Liam into the water and Gray all dry on the dock.

"Cheater," he yelled, spitting the water out as he resurfaced. Gray stood there laughing.

"I was letting you test the waters. Protecting my precious skin," she flirted. Gray continued to stare there even though Liam walked closer and closer to her on the dock.

"Don't you dare Liam," she warned.

"Get in the water love." Liam stood right below her patiently waiting for her to man up and jump in. Gray took a step back before launching herself into the frigid water. It was beyond cold as soon as it hit her body. Gray resurfaced to see Liam standing in front of her smiling.

"Welcome," he joked. Gray swam over to him, wrapping her body around his hoping the body heat would put the lie back into her body. Liam picked her up effortlessly and carried her body deeper in the water. Gray didn't say anything she just looked into his eyes at the beautiful man before her. Liam stopped once both of their bodies were waist deep. His hands held her butt under the water, letting his thumbs trail around the top of her swimsuit.

"Do believe this was a good idea," she whispered to him. The entire lake was empty, letting them have their own secluded area. Steve stayed on the shoreline watching over them and busy on his phone.

"I'm a smart man," Liam joked and shrugged. Gray rolled her eyes at him, wishing she could splash him with that comment. Liam swirled their bodies around in the water, practically dancing. Gray rested her head on his shoulder,letting him take her body where ever he wanted. It was just what the both of them needed at this moment. To be together without the stress of the tour,or having the boys and crew around bugging them. Out there it was just them. They didn't have to worry about anything else. Gray held on tight to him wanting him to know how much she loved him. They stayed like that for a while, just being together.

----

"Liam, don't tip the boat," Gray shrieked as he jumped into the paddleboat. They found it on the side of the dock and decided to take it for a spin. He sat down, making them both bob in the water before they could start paddling. Gray held his hand as they worked together to move throughout the lake.

"It's very pretty out here," she commented looking around.

"Extremely, new side of Texas for us both."

"Could you ever live by the water," she asked.

"Possibly,although there isn't much water in England." Gray stayed quiet for a moment. They haven't even discussed where they would live after the tour was over. She knew it was a strong possibility it would be in the UK, which she was prepared for but it would kill her to be so far apart from the girls.

"You think England is going to be our resting place?" Liam looked at her, sensing the tone in her voice change.

"I would like to. At least until the band finishes everything, maybe later in life moving somewhere else. How do you feel about that?" He wanted to tread the topic lately and not piss off Gray. Moving over an ocean away could be hard for her to deal with.

"I knew it would happen, will happen I should say. It's scary but I'm willing to do it. I want to be where ever you are," she told him sincerely. Gray couldn't imagine spending more time away from him again.

"You are such a good fiance," he murmured, kissing her hand. Gray reached over the paddle boat console to give him a kiss.

"You make me who I am."

----

BREAKING NEWS: One our Little Directioners, I have some news that may shock you all. Grab your blankies and a drink because this one is going to hurt. According to reports, our favorite couple Liam Payne of One Direction and good girl Gray Cameron were spotted in a tiny cafe in Texas looking pretty comfy. BUT, it also seems like our Miss Gray had HUGE sparkler on that certain ring finger! Grasp! Word on the street is that Liam proposed a while back, but the couple had been keeping it mum. Such secrets! Check out the photos below, does that look like an engagement ring to you? Here at Pioneer say YES! Props to our man for picking out such a dynamite ring. Hats off to Liam and the happy couples! As always, if we know anything, we fill you in. STAT!

Gray sighed reading the website. One careless mistake now had their entire secret out. She knew at some point they would have to tell the world, but now wasn't the time. She was smart and stayed off her Twitter not even wanting to know how much backlash there was. At least Perrie and Mila would be here soon. They would be her saving grace to all of this and make sure she didn't lose her mind. The guys were down in Niall's room, talking over the concert they had that night. Gray stayed in theirs, letting them have their own time. They had a terrific day yesterday. After the lake, they spend an early lunch at some cafe Steve found, which was were there photos were taken. She never saw anyone, but at the same time they were in their own little moment. It finally felt like they were feeling normal again. More connected to each other then when she first got here. Thank God. "Hello," she answered groggily. Gray woke up hours later to the phone ringing. She must of fallen asleep while watching tv.

"Love, come down to Niall's room." She smiled just hearing his voice. Gray rolled over and sat up in bed."What's going on?"

"Your girls are here." Gray jump immediately throwing on whatever clothes were sitting out. Mila and Perrie were finally here! A smile erupted over her face, she had waited far too long to see Perrie especially. Gray skated down the hallway and burst open Niall's door.

"Love," Perrie screamed, wrapping her body in a hug. Gray squeezed back with all she had. They hugged again before Gray reached over bringing Mila in.

"It's been way too long," Gray said to them both. They released, heading to their own prospective man in the room except for Mila. Curtis never hung out with the guys, even though they all were a big family. He always said he couldn't mix work and pleasure.

"Kids,be safe. I'll see you all later tonight," Mila announced before heading out to see her man.

"Gray your hair is getting so long," Perrie commented from where she was sitting next to Zayn.

"Ugh, it's driving me nuts, I'm ready to cut it off again,"she groaned, her fingers automatically running through her hair.

"Let's dye it! You would be a hot red head," Perrie exclaimed. Gray felt the big shift next to her. Liam leaned in, whispering in her ear.

"You are beautiful with brown hair." Shivers went down her spine and his voice tinkled her ear.

"You are a hot brunette too jailbait," she whispered back to him. Her eyes locked into hers. She couldn't look away even if she tried. He had so much soul in her eyes that she could see. Every piece of happiness, sadness and pressure he made himself face. Gray wished she could find a way to pass it all into her body instead of him.

"Hey, lovebirds I'm talking," Harry yelled making them both look away from each other.

"What, what did we miss," Gray hollered back to him. Liam blushed beside her.

"You two ready for dinner or do you need some alone time?" Harry wiggled his eyebrows at her. Gray yanked the pillow off the bed and threw it at him.

"You are gross. Come on, I'm craving pork chops like nobody's business."

----

"You seen their show yet?" Gray asked Perrie. All three girls were positioned in the backstage arena where they could still see the show, but not be outfront. It made Curtis and Liam feel much better where they couldn't get trampled by fans. They weren't taking the engagement very often, using some choice words on Twitter that made Liam mad. Gray knew to just say off of it right now, they hadn't full announced the engagement, making the One Direction PR time reply with a 'no comment' to everything. Gray knew they needed to fully be public about it, but that took time. They needed the right moment.

"Not yet. I've heard plenty though. Especially like the part about the solos, very cute." Gray sat between them, but had a serious craving for popcorn. With butter, lots of butter.

"I'll be back ladies, I need popcorn." Gray scooted off the speaker and headed down the hallway, ignoring the moans from the girls. She got down the hallway, heading to the backstage food court when it head her. Her whole body stopped blank. An overwhelming feeling of sickness hit her. Bile started to rise in her throat and she quickly walked to the closest bathroom, praying she made it there without puking all of the floor. Gray flew into the bathroom, barely able to lock the door before her lunch,breakfast and dinner went into the toilet Gray's body starting shaking while she kneeled on the floor. After a couple of minutes, when her stomach finally settled down, Gray was able lean against the wall and catch her breath.

"Ew." She quickly got up, flushing the toilet and washed her face off in the sink. Her hands still shook from it all, wondering where her quick illness came from. Gray wiped her mouth off once more before heading back to the girls.

"Gray Goose, you ok," Perrie asked concerned as Gray jumped back up. Her stomach was still twisting around, but at least she didn't feel the need to run again.

"Just made love to the toilet," she groaned, smelling her breath again to make sure it was't bad.

"Shit girl," Mila chimed in from the other side. Gray nodded in response.

"Must of been the damn food," Gray moaned again. Right now she wanted pajamas and sleep. Being sick was never good, especially with food poisoning.

"You need to go lay down love? We can come check up on you," Perrie offered. Gray waved her off, she could sit through a two hour show and live. It wasn't that long.

"You sure?" Mila asked again, using her mom voice.

"Yes, I'm fine just the wrong food. It will be fine." At the same time she was trying to tell herself that. They left for Houston that night on the bus. She just hoped the vomiting would stop. The last thing any of them wanted would be a vomit smelling bus.

----

Gray made it through the show, even though her stomach curled like crazy. She had to hold her breath twice trying to make sure she wouldn't have to puke again. Liam could immediately tell something was up when he walked off the stage. After throwing his microphone on the stage tray, he headed to her fast.

"What's wrong?" Liam held her head with both hands, searching over her face for any issues.

"I'm fine, just had some food poisoning or something going on," Gray explained. She just wanted to get to the bus and pass out.

"Love, my god. Are you sure you are okay?" The look of concern and fear ran over his face.

"I am, I promise. I just need some sleep." Liam pulled her into his body, careful not to squeeze her too tight and make her sick again.

"Curtis can run you out to the bus now. There shouldn't be too big of a crowd. Get to bed, I'll be there soon," he dictated. Gray didn't even have the energy to talk back or be sarcastic to him. Her body felt frail and weak, like she just ran a marathon. She needed sleep and knew it. Curtis walked her out the back of the arena as Gray followed. Liam was right, the crowd was very small. She pulled the arm of her sweater down, covering her ring before quickly walking to the bus. Lately they had been pushing the fan waiting area back more and more for safety, which Gray was happy about. She didn't even bother about changing her clothes, instead she climbed into Liam's bunk and fell asleep.

----

She woke up later to a dark,moving bus. Her stomach stopped rumbling thankfully and she was feeling a bit more normal then before. The only thing that was missing with her fiance. She quietly pulled back the curtain to see everyone's bunks were shut. Gray tip toed out to the back only to find Liam sleeping on the couch. She grabbed the blanket from the top and curled up into him. His body was just the right amount of soft and strong, it make her melt. In a way, she was glad they had their rough patch, it felt like it brought us closer together. They had a long way to go,but she was willing to make it work.

"Hi love," he whispered, moving his body to get her closer to him. She fully accepted, letting him move her body where ever he wanted.

"Hi baby." Liam's hands ran up and down her spine.

"Feeling better?"

"Somewhat, least I don't feel like running to the bathroom. Whatever I ate hates me. I see you made it to bed. Worried I would make you sick jailbait," she giggled at him. Liam rolled his eyes.

"I was talking to my mum and landed here." They stayed quiet, just being with each other while going through the motions of the moving bus.

"Gray?"

"Mhm." The motion of the bus was making her fall back asleep.

"I'm very glad you are here." Gray reached up to kiss his lips, too tired to talk. It was her way of letting him know she was glad too.

----

They arrived in Houston in the morning and all went to their hotel rooms without speaking. Gray's body was desperately craving more sleep after last nights escapades. She still didn't feel completely normal. Something was off inside her and at this point she just wanted it to past. She woke up in that hotel room feeling that same feeling she had the night before. Her stomach quaked, feeling like it was a herd of buffalo running though. Gray quickly but quietly ran to the bathroom and shut the door. She didn't want to wake him up at all costs. The effects of the tour were already starting to catch up with Liam. Gray noticed the bags under his eyes and the yawns he had all day. Her sickness wasn't a good enough reason to get him up.

After losing her stomach again, Gray sat on the floor, catching her breathe. It wasn't feeling like food poisoning anymore, something else was up. Her body didn't feel like hers anymore, it was like an alien took over.

"Oh god," she whispered. It hit her, right then and there on the bathroom floor. It felt like her soul just left her body. This couldn't be happening, not right now. She needed help, right now. Gray pulled her body off the floor and quietly left the room. Gray needed Mila right now, she would know what to do. Gray walked until she hit her hotel room, and knocked.

"It's 6:30 in the morning," she heard Mila yell. As soon as she saw Gray standing there looking sad and deathly, her attitude changed.

"Gray, honey? What's a matter? Did you and Liam get into a fight?" Gray shook her head no, unable to stop the tears from falling down. Mila ushered her into the room as she and Curtis looked on.

"I need your help," Gray barely whispered out. If she told her why, then it would be true instead of the fantasy Gray wanted to believe in.

"What is it sweetie," Curtis asked, looking as just as concerned as Mila.

"I need you all to get me a pregnancy test."

----

Gray sat on the bed, wrapping her arms around her body. She shook like a leaf, beyond fearful of what could happen in the next thirty minutes. She prayed for God to make this a joke, even if it was a sick one. A baby was not what anyone on this tour needed right now. Liam and her were always so safe, making sure they used protection and such, but there must of been a night where that didn't happen.

"Okay, I'm back, get in the bathroom." Mila announced bursting into the hotel room with a bag full from CVS.

"Jesus, what did you buy,"Gray asked her. She needed one test, not twelve.

"Enough. Come on, let's get this over with." Mila and Gray took their positions into the bathroom, ready to face the music.

"Pee on this, then we wait three minutes." Gray laughed without thinking, Mila made it sound so easy. Just pee and poof,but for Gray it was life or death. It could either just be missed period, or a child growing inside of her. Gray did her business and handed the stick back to Mila. She put the cap on it, sitting on the counter and ushered Gray back into the main room.

"No matter what happens Gray, we both are here for you." Curtis and Mila sat on each side of her, circling her from anything that would chose to harm her. Gray felt numb. Never in her life did she had to take a pregnancy test until now. It was a shock to her body. She didn't know whether to cry, yell or just pass out in fear. After all this, no matter the results, she had to tell Liam. Things were normal for them again, and here she comes to fuck it all up again.
DING

The alam on Mila's phone went off, letting now that their time was up. Gray looked at them both, before slowly standing and walking to the bathroom. This was her moment of truth. That tiny plastic contraption on the counter was the only thing decided her future at this point. She took one last breath before walking over and looking at the results. Two lines stared back at her, only telling her one thing. Tears exploded from her eyes and she didn't even try to stop them. All she could do was stare and swear.

Notes