Congratulations you are half way there! Your baby is the size of a banana now, and ready to turn into a watermelon. He or she can swallow and you will start to feel a lot more motions down there. Get ready to gain at least a pound a week too. Don't count this as a bad thing, your little one needs the weight for his arrival! These next twenty weeks will fly by!

Gray groaned, throwing her phone across the room. It was time to shut those stupid baby reminders off. They made it sound so easy and fun. 'Yay, you are a mommy! Don't worry about the negatives!!' Gray wasn't getting that memo, she was already feeling uncomfortable and impatient, it was time to meet the Little One already. Gray closed her eyes and snuggled into Liam's warm body next to her. He was sleeping soundly, his arm casually draped over her stomach. Gray smiled looking up at the stubble on his chin. He always had to look so rugged but yet baby faced at the same time. She was tempted to run her fingers over it, but Liam needed his sleep. Their trip through California was hard and grueling. It felt like they were on the road every minute of the day or stuck in some sort of interview,meet and greet or charity event. Gray felt like she had barely seen the guys in the last four weeks. Thankfully, during the short time they did have, they seemed to work on their relationship together. After his drunken slumber, they woke up the next morning ready to figure this all out. Gray sighed, thinking that morning.

Flashback

She was up before him, barely able to sleep that night. Liam passed out without saying anything else to her, making her brain go even more crazy. She tossed and turned, trying to find some way to sleep, but nothing worked. Instead she got out of bed, showered and left some ibuprofen at the table for him. Part of her wanted to shake him, yelling at him to talk to her about whatever was going on in his head but she wanted. Slow and steady, he needed time for this. It was time to wait. Gray repacked their suitcases hers first, then his. She was almost to the end when she found them. Her heart stopped imediately. Inside a small paper bag in Liam's bag were two little onsies. One was light green saying "My daddy's tattoos are cooler then your daddy's" and the other said "I'm Cute. Mommy's beautiful. Daddy's lucky." She sat down at the edge of the bed tearing up. He bought his baby something. She hadn't even accomplished that yet, feeling like it was too soon. But he did, Liam made the first move. He was going to be an amazing daddy even if he didn't see it. Gray held on to the onesies tightly and sat next to Liam's sleeping body.

"Liam.. Love wake up," she whispered lightly into his ear. Liam stirred, moving on the bed before opening his eyes and staring at her. He didn't move, unsure of what to do.

"When did you get these?" Gray quietly asked looking down at the outfits. Liam's face went red knowing he was caught.

"When you went to your moms," Liam told her, clearing his throat. Gray sucked in a gasp. That was a long time ago, and he had been secretly carrying them around for that long. She blinked her eyes repeatedly trying to not cry.

"We had some time to spare and Louis wanted to go shopping. I was walking around the shop and got stuck in the baby section and saw those sitting there. Actually asked a very elderly lady to purchase them for me, she probably thought I was mad. I like that one the best." He pointed to the "Mommy beautiful" one. Gray smiled, of course he would.

"What happened?" Gray barely got the words out, she was fearful of this conversation.

"I made a very stupid mistake Gray, you have to know this. I'm not sure what I was thinking, if I was at all. I heard him answer me the question and saw Louis give me an eagle eye and the words just fell out. 'Hey Matt Lauer, I knocked my fiance up with a baby and thought I should tell you'. I'm a fucking idiot and I know this. I'm surprise you didn't beat me to a pulp right then and there." Gray saw the look on his face, she knew he meant what he was saying.

"Liam, you cannot tell the world every secret we have," Gray pleaded to him. She prayed to God he was really understanding what she was saying. He sat up quickly in bed, staring at her.

"Love, I know this, I do. I fucked up royally but I'm begging you to give me a chance okay? I promise you," Liam pleaded with tears in his eyes. Gray was taken back by this, she wasn't expecting him to be so emotional. Liam never was the first to crack, usually she started the chain. Now, she was the one being strong and he was breaking beneath her. Gray moved closer to him, close enough to wrap her arms around his neck. Liam moved into her fast, sobbing into her shoulder. Gray squeezed him harder not willing to let go.

"Liam what else is going on," she quickly asked him. This was just more then telling the world they were going to be parents. Liam sat back, bringing her body onto his lap. He didn't leave her arms though, nor show his face.

"I'm scared." Gray's body sank. God, why didn't he just tell her these things?

"I know baby, I am too." She whispered, rubbing his back.

"What do we do?" Liam's body was still shaking when he asked her.

"Take it day by day. Maybe we should call Karen, tell her to come visit." Gray knew if anyone could change his mind, it would be his mom. Liam pulled back and looked at her.

"Are you okay with that?" His tear streaked eyes looked at her.

"Of course, bring her down I'm sure she would be happy to see you too." Finally she was starting to see the color come back into his face.

"I still am sorry Gray, I know what I did. I have been expecting you to yell at me more right now," he told her honestly. He meant it too. When he walked into that dressing room back in New York and saw the look on her face, he thought for sure he was going to break up with her. She had every right to be. It have been killing Liam ever since then, wondering went it would happen. Gray was so much more vocal and strong then she used to be. It was such a turn on to Liam.

"I thought about it. I still may, but right now you look as fragile as China so less yelling the better. I just want us to be us again Liam. We were so tight before all this happened, even with all of our random drama. I want you to trust me, and talk to me and stop holding back every damn secret. Stop worrying I'm going to get attacked or stepped on or anything else that goes on in your pretty little head of yours. I'm begging you, you have to tell me everything and I mean it. I swear to God if you keep anything else from me I'm done Liam. I'm walking away from you and everything else for good. I cannot do this anymore." Liam stayed quiet searching into her eyes. She knew she meant it, and that scared him more then anything else. If he lost Gray, life would never be the same.

"I promise Gray. I swear to God." He wrapped her body up, pulling her in as he turned in the bed. They were in their usual position both on their sides belly to belly.

"You are right, we can't do this much longer." He carefully smiled. Liam's hand rested on her small belly bump. Gray reached up, kissing him.

"I love you, my young pain in the ass." Gray snuggled into his chest trying to ignore the feeling of deja vu. This was their typical thing, fight, stop talking, make up, be normal. Gray hoped once Little One came they could stop off of this and be Team Gram again. Hopefully.

"Gray, get your bum up we have to go," Liam yelled from the bathroom, breaking her out of a deep sleep. She groaned, waiting another couple of hours of uninterrupted bliss. Gray snuggled back into the pillow hoping he would leave and not notice.

"Love!" Liam slapped her butt causing her to yelp and jump. She rolled over to see him staring at her with a goofy smile.

"You are an ass," she yelled. Gray got up, quickly changing her clothes fully aware that he was staring at her.

"Privacy would be nice," she muttered yet still taking her clothes off in a very slow, seductive motion.

"You are quite sexy with a big belly like that." Gray walked over, standing between his legs while he sat on the bed.

"Give me another ten weeks and you will be changing your mind." Liam grabbed her hips, holding on tight. His hands were hitting on the right spots exactly.

"Highly doubt that love," he whispered. The sound of his voice made her body shiver, feeling like she was coming alive.

"Still going to love me with stretch marks, and my bitchiness and the cankles I am going to produce," Gray flirtatiously asked. Liam looked up into her eyes.

"I love every single part of you, no matter what." Gray bent down kissing him. His arms pulled her tighter into his body. Gray pushed her mouth on him farther, wanting to take it up a notch but Liam stopped her.

"Love, we have to go. My mum is going to be here in an hour," Liam whispered against her lips making her groan. Just went it was getting good he make her stop. Gray pushed her body against him, making Liam go off balance and fall onto the bed.

"All I need is fifteen minutes," she smiled crawling up next to him. Gray lightly dug her nails into his thigh making him involuntarily move. He knew what she wanted, heck he wanted it too but they places to be. Liam hopped out of bed, leaving the sex driven Gray still there.

"No can do my love, let's go." Gray groaned again.

"Jailbait, you are the worst fiance ever!"

----

They arrived at the arena in Seattle before Karen, thankfully. Gray wanted to quickly pig out on some food and freshen up before her future mother in law showed. She still made Gray nervous, all this time. It would probably happen for the rest of her life, but hopefully Gray could get used to it over time. She walked away from the boys who were wrapped up in useless banter and headed to the food truck. Grilled cheese, pickles and animal crackers sounded amazing right now. Gray was almost there when a hand on her arm stopped her.

"Picnic," Liam gleamed at her. He held up the bag of food and a blanket in his free arm. Gray blushed and smiled at him.

"Oh what is this jailbait?" Gray wrapped her arms around his waist, breathing him in.

"Date day via Payne. Come on." They locked hands as Liam led her through the halls and into the back of the floor. Gray could see the rest of the boys

goofing around on stage. Liam shook on the blanket, sitting on the floor and motioned Gray to join him. She slowly sat down, adjusting her body until it felt comfy.

"Alright, what do you have for me?" She rubbed her hands, excited to see any sort of food. Starving didn't even explain how she felt right now. Liam opened the bag, pulling out three Styrofoam food containers.

"Option one, bacon cheeseburger with fries. Option two, BLT, extra bacon. And option three, which I think will be the winner, grilled cheese." Gray's eyes lit up. How did he know?

"You talk much more in your sleep lately." He asked her question like she said it out loud. Gray grabbed the container of grilled cheese and fries without having to think twice. One bite and her mouth watered. So cheesy and gooey, every bit delicious.

"I take it I win," he laughed at her. Gray looked up from her food to see him smiling. She leaned over the array of meals and kissed him. Liam tasted like bacon and ketchup.

"Definitely win. You know me far too well." Gray went back to mauling her sandwich when she heard Karen walk in. The boys shouted from the stage causing her and Liam to look. Karen was there giving them all hugs, but Gray could see she was looking for them. Her arms were flying around and Gray knew she could bet money that Karen was already crying.

"Time to go love," Liam smiled, standing up and grabbing her hands. He lifted her weight without ease and tucked her into his side. Gray started to fidget with her hands again.

"Nervous?" Gray looked up at him.

"Always when it comes to your mom," Gray murmured. In laws are scary. Liam threw his head back and laughed. Sometimes Gray still threw him for a loop.

"She is harmless." Gray said nothing more and let him lead her up to the stage. Karen came flying towards them, already crying.

"You two, oh my," she screamed, pulling both their bodies in for a hug. Gray was smothered into her hair, barely able to breathe.

"Gray, you look so good!" Karen's hands ran over her belly making Gray blush even more. All the guys plus Liam were watching her. It was terribly awkward. Karen pulled Gray's body in again for another hug not able to stop crying.

"Mum, pull it together," Liam groaned from the side. Karen waved her off.

"I know, I know. I just cannot believe I'm going to be a grandma." Gray laughed again, starting to feel uncomfortable. Liam picked up on it, pulling her body in close to protect her.

"How about we let the boys do their thing and have some girl time?" Gray didn't even have a chance to respond before she pulled her away. She looked back at Liam helplessly, but all he did was give her a sad small smile. Figures. He was throwing her to the wolves. Karen stayed quiet until they were out of the main part and in the hallway.

"So Gray dear, how badly did you chew out my son for his antics on national TV?" Gray looked away, Karen wasn't messing around, headed straight for the tough stuff.

"Badly. I was a little bit angry," she quietly responded. Karen stopped walking and looked at her.

"A little bit? You don't have to like Gray, I know you wanted to bash his head in. I even wanted to," Karen threw back at her. Gray nodded, she definitely had a point.

"We didn't speak for a couple of days. Louis got knocked in face because of it. Probably still wouldn't be speaking if it wasn't for drunken Liam coming into my room at three in the morning," Gray explained. Karen's eyes went wide.

"Wait wait, Louis got hurt? He got drunk and came into your room?" Karen led in her into an empty room so they could have some privacy. She took a seat at the end of the couch, motioning Gray to join her.

"Yeah, things got a bit headed. I was running my mouth and Louis stepped in to calm us down, Liam moved and his elbow collided with his face. Louis told they got over it fast. We had a chat, and I told him to let Liam out for some fun. Your son keeps so much from me, I guess the stress has been weighing down on him." Gray's face fell, she knew she was the cause of it all.

"That doesn't surprise me Liam always seem to be older then his years. I've tried to get him to change but it doesn't do much. How are you two," Karen asked sincerely.

"Better." She kept it short, still testing the waters with Karen.

"But what Gray?"

"I just feel like sometimes we fight too much. It's not just exhausting for us, but everyone else. I think I'm starting to get in the way," Gray said.

"Highly doubt that. You both are very passionate people and you fight for what you believe in. Especially you know that you have my grandbaby to worry about. There is nothing wrong with that Gray, passion is a good thing. Has anyone told you that, that you are in the way?" Gray readjusted her legs on the couch trying to get comfortable again. Between her bulging stomach and the tension filled conversation nothing could make her comfortable.

"No, but you know them, they would never say anything," Gray responded.

"I don't believe that either. Maybe you should try to find your place here. Heck, there is a staff of two hundred people, someone must need help," Karen laughed. Gray chuckled too, starting to ease up.

"Gray, I love you, my son loves you and so do the boys. You are a good person, don't ever forget it." Karen reached around, pulling Gray in close. She really did see her like another daughter in her family. Liam picked a good one, that was for sure.

"Do you want to come to my appointment tomorrow," Gray asked her while they still embraced.

"Oh nothing would make me happier." The tears started down Karen's face like usual. Gray smiled,crying Karen was always a good sign.

----

The morning was perfect; Gray, Liam and Karen spent morning having breakfast and catching up. It was nice for Karen to really see how Liam and Gray were without having to watch it on TV. They flirted playfully throughout the whole meal but she could see how much Liam protected her. He always had his hand or arm on her, not letting Gray leave his side. Now they were at the arena wasting time until Karen and Gray left for their appointment. Thunderstorms went on outside, causing sound to make Gray jump.

"God Gray, you can stand up to any boy here but little thunder makes you jump," Niall laughed. Gray rolled her eyes and threw the pillow she was cuddling at his head.

"Shut it Niall," she laughed.

"Even our fans have more balls then you, they are outside and you in here," Louis joined in on the fun. Gray sat up and looked at them.

"You have fans waiting out there? In the rain!" She couldn't believe that and their dedication.

"If it gets too much security will move them, don't worry Gray," Liam told her, placing a reassuring hand on her leg. Gray brushed him off and stood up. She couldn't let those people stand out there without getting something good. Gray charged out of the room looking for Steve while others tried to figure out what she was doing.

"Steve! How many people are out there," she demanded to know.

"About ten. Why?" Gray ignored him, brushing past and headed for the merchandise table. She grabbed bunch and walked away, ignoring Steve's commands behind her.

"Charge them to my fiance!" Gray rushed back to the boys throwing the t-shirts and sweatshirts on the floor.

"Get down here and sign your name so they can read it," Gray dictated. They all continued to stare at her like she was nuts.

"Love, what you doing," Liam asked from the couch.

"Doing your job.You all get down here and sign these now. They deserve something for standing out there. Sign. NOW." The guys followed orders quietly signing the mix of clothing while Gray bagged them up. She gathered them all and headed for the door. Liam quickly got up and stopped her.

"Gray, you cannot go out there," he warned. She didn't budge.

"Honestly, you think I'm going to die by ten freaking girls. Liam please." Gray shook off his arm and left leaving him standing there. His body immediately got angry. She just never listened.

"Honey, she is fine. Steve's there. Besides, she has a point, you should of been doing it not her," Karen chimed in from the corner of the room. She sat there watching it all happen, Gray really was passionate when she needed to. Her future daughter in law had some serious spunk in a way.

"Can she never listen," Liam yelled running his hands over her face. Gray was already doing shit like this when she didn't need to. Karen got out of her seat and walked over.

"You need to change your attitude young man," Karen barked before.

"Screw this." Liam walked out of the room, going to opposite way she did. He needed time alone to calm down. Another fight with her right now wouldn't end well. Gray on the other hand headed out the doors to the crowd. Steve was right, there wasn't many there. They were sheltered somewhat on the side of the building but still were getting wet. Gray took out in the rain, immediately get covered in wetness. The closer she got to the group the more they starting watching.

"Oh my god, that's Gray! Liam's Gray!" The group started screaming as she approached. She gave them a wave, secretly hoping they would keep their cool.

"Hey all, I brought some presents since you guys must be cold," Gray yelled over the rain. She started handing out a bag to them all. The girls keep yelling and screaming, amazed on what was going on.

"Don't get them wet. I had all the guys sign them. We just wanted to let you know how much we love you," Gray smiled to them all. It made her heart feel good to help out and make their day. Not many people could say that either.

"Gray you are amazing! Can we take a picture?" Gray accepted, going down the line letting them all get a picture with her. She was sure she looked like a drowned rat by this point but no one seemed to mind.

"Have fun tonight, ok!" Gray yelled to them all before heading back to the door. She couldn't stop smiling. Here Liam thought she was going to get the crap beat out of her, but really those girls were just happy that someone noticed him. Gray ran back in, letting Steve place the towel around her shoulders.

"You really have lost your mind," he complained. Gray laughed, walking away from him and back down the hall to the boys' room.

"Nice look Gray," Harry laughed. Gray's makeup had drained and her hair was stringy and wet. She didn't find it funny.

"Should of been you guys, I'm always stuck doing your dirty work," Gray complained. She looked around the room noticing Liam was gone. She sighed, more then likely he was pouting somewhere.

"Which way did he go," she asked the room. Karen rolled her eyes from the side.

"The child went to the left like a fool. Good luck dear." Gray laughed and followed that direction. It didn't take her long to find him. He was kicking around a soccer ball farther down the hall. Gray slowly ran up, kicking the ball away from him. Liam looked at her, glaring with a very strong force.

"Oh Jesus Liam, not this shit again," she groaned. Gray had an hour to fight and make up plus get ready for her appointment so he needed to make this crap quick.

"Don't Gray, don't turn this on me. Why can't you listen for once? You yell at me for blabbing yet you can just go on your merry way to talk to strangers," he barked back. Oh boy, he is missing with the wrong person.

"No. No way is this the same. Ten people to ten million is a big freaking difference," she yelled back. No way was he winning this one. Both of them stared the other down. Neither of them were going to apologize on this one. Gray wasn't angry, but she wasn't going to crave either. She just wanted him to know that he wasn't always the boss of her. Minutes passed yet neither of them moved. She threw her hands up in the air, ready to throw the towel but in her own little way.

"Ugh, Liam, can we just agree to disagree at this point? You are right, I am right let's call it even," Gray huffed at him. She really didn't have the patience for this.

"Can you just listen to me for once," Liam asked, lowering his voice. Gray sighed, moving closer to him.

"I always listen to you Liam. Every time. I don't always agree, but I listen to you."
"What if something would of happened to you, again? Don't you get it Gray? My life is all in your hands. You slip, I slip," he whispered. Gray wrapped his arms around him, not caring if they both got wet.

"Liam, I'm not stupid anymore I can protect myself. I checked with Steve first, ten girls cannot ruin me. Besides, he was watching me the whole time. If it was more I wouldn't have done it. Besides, it made their day. It didn't hurt anything," she told him, trying to reason with the beast. Liam sighed next to her, putting his arm over hers. Gray smiled, Liam was cracking, she could feel it.

"I'm going to lost this argument, aren't I?" He looked down at her damp face.

"Pretty much, but good try," Gray laughed. Liam leaned down quickly kissing her.

"I'll pick and choose my battles love. Besides, you need to change you are going to get sick." He started down the hallway, taking her body with him.

"I will agree with you on that, wet clothes suck." Gray laughed, digging her hand in the pocket of his pants. She was relieved. It was the first time that one of them didn't completely freak out, and they were still speaking to each other. Maybe Karen was right, passion never hurt anyone.

----

"Still cannot believe that he didn't completely go nuts," Karen commented. They were sitting in the doctor's office, passing the time until he came in.

"I took your advice. Passionate people. Figured instead of yelling and screaming until the cows come home I could just take the higher road and call it even," Gray shrugged. They all seemed to be impressed when Liam and Gray walked back into the room earlier. They were used to the bitch fests of those two too. It made her happy they there were making progress in their relationship. She definitely didn't want to bring Little One into the world while they fought constantly.

"Where is that doc, I'm ready to see my baby," Karen groaned from the side. Like clockwork Dr. Knight walked into their room making introductions.

"Gray, I've spoken with your doctor. Looks you are right on the money so I am not too worried. Let's take a peek." It was already programmed into her head. Lay down, pull up your shirt, get extremely cold goo rubbed on her stomach and then see her little miracle. Karen waited intently next to her as they found the sweet spot and the baby appeared.

"Oh my," Karen whispered, the tears already started falling. Gray smiled, grabbing her hand while looking on also. Little One looked so much bigger then last time, it made her heart race.

"Looks like you are measuring right around twenty weeks and four days. I'll print you some pictures." He worked quickly while the nurse wiped off her belly of the nasty ultrasound gel.

"Now Gray, Dr. Whalen wanted me to mention about setting up a birth plan and figuring out where you are going to be when that happens," he explained to her. Gray looked at him funny.
Wasn't this a little early?

"We haven't figured that out yet, isn't it kind of early," she asked. The doctor shook his head no.

"Nope, sooner the better. I know you have been traveling, but you only have about seven weeks to go until we recommend that you don't fly anymore. You can, but we urge you not too. By then you should have your birth plan down, any emergency numbers, the kind of shots you are willing to do with you child, circumcision if you are having a son. Thoughts on natural birth, a doula if you are using pain meds and especially breast feeding or not. All of this needs to be worked out," he stated firmly. Gray's brain went to overload. How could she be so stupid! Of course they needed to work things out. Inside, she had been blowing off her knowledge on this pregnancy other then taking Niall on with food eating competitions. Forget Liam, she was the worst mother ever.

"Gray will talk to her normal doctor on this and get back to him. Otherwise, is there anything else you need," Karen asked, stepping closer to Gray. She picked up on Gray's freak out and knew the it was time to go.

"No, but she needs to think these things though, it's important." Karen waved the doctor off, almost flipping him the bird and help Gray off the table. They left the room without looking back and got in the elevator. Gray shook as she stepped inside. What was she going to do? There was no way she could pop out a kid on the road, especially not on the bus full of boys. How could she not have thought about these things? She was supposed to be a mom! Right now, all she wanted to do was find Liam, and be held while she cried her eyes out. Worst mom ever.

Notes

Title Creds: "Collide" by Howie Day

My fingers are still moving yet tonight.. :D

LOVE your comments! Seriously, you rock. Remember that every time you are having a bad day or anything else. You all ROCK.