Gray's mind was moving a mile a minute. She was completely lost in thought, not even realizing it when Karen politely pushed her into the car. The press recognized Karen causing them to hound as they left, Gray didn't even care. Her belly was out full force in her shirt, showing just how far along she was. Right now the words from the doctor's mouth kept running through Gray's brain. Half of them she never thought about until now. Why oh why didn't she start reading up like she was supposed to? That's what moms do, they learn. Instead Gray just went through the motions day by day waiting for someone else to tell her what to do. That was what her life consisted of. People told her where to be and what to do, why wouldn't they with her baby too? Karen picked up on her emotions too. Gray went from being chatty and normal to looking like death. She knew she was eating herself alive. Karen quickly texted Liam, giving him a chance to be ready. This was his problem too, he needed to support her.

The car pulled up to the venue and Gray made a bee line out. The same fans that were waiting before cheered her name. She quickly gave them a smile and wave before heading into the building. She didn't even look where she was going. Luckily Liam was there while her body collided into his. Liam's arms gripped her body, holding her tight.
He tried to calm her down while she cried and whimpered into his chest fully knowing the tears were creating a wet spot on his shirt. Liam was freaking out inside. Karen texted him, saying he needed to be waiting for Gray, but nothing else other than that. Soon after, Gray came running in there like a bomb had gone off. Now all he could do was hold on to her until she was calm enough to talk.

"Liam honey. Why don't you move somewhere more private," Karen suggested from the side. Liam didn't realize the rest of the boys were watching them, wondering what the hell was going on. Liam moved their bodies to the random room next to them and shut the door. Gray collapsed on the couch while Liam shut the door. He sat down next to her, hoping to get some answers.

"Love," he quietly whispered. Gray looked at him, trying to wipe the tears on her face off.

"Jesus, what the hell is wrong with me," she hiccuped, calming herself down. She should start paying him for every time she cried. The poor man was going to have gray hair by the time he was thirty.

'What's going on," Liam asked, unable to wipe the scared look off his face.

"I freaked out. The doctor decided to be a douche and just threw a bunch of questions at me Liam. There is so much I am missing. Why did I think we would fine? We are so screwed. Did you know I can't fly past week twenty seven per him. What am I supposed to do? That's when you all head to Canada, I cannot have our baby in Canada. There is no way!" Gray's voice kept raising octaves the more and more she spoke. It was starting to freak her out all over again. Liam moved, kneeling in front of her tear streaked face.

"Love, we are going to figure this out," he told her calmly. Liam knew this would happen, it was only a matter of time until her strong willed side crumpled down beneath her. Gray was still crying as she stared at his face.

"We have to figure it out now Liam. What do you want to do? Tell me what you want," she sobbed to him. Liam moved closer more, so he was kneeling right between her legs.

"Love, I want you to calm down. Right now. Take some deep breaths," he ordered. Gray listened to him, breathing in and out just like he was. She felt her body start to settle down are she continued to stare into his deep dark eyes.

"Better?" Gray shook her head yes. Liam hopped up from the floor and sat extremely close to her on the couch. He wrapped his arm around her shoulders, pulling her head into his chest. Gray let him move her body where ever he wanted, she was too tired to fight right now, or even pretend to be strong. Fear was still coursing through her vines. There was no way in the world she knew what she was doing. Sure, Gray was there when both the girls were born but it wasn't her body. Her mom was so cool, calm and collected with it all. Right Gray wished Gloria was here. She always knew what to do. Gray closed her eyes burying her face farther into his body. His fingers kept running up and down her arm, practically lulling her to sleep. Liam realized it too. He shifted their bodies so Gray was more comfortable and held on to her body tight.

"I love you baby." Gray heard him say the words right before she slipped into sleep.

----

Liam quietly shut the door, walking back into busy hallway. The boys and his mom seemed to be busy again since they were no longer in the hallway. Gray had fallen asleep, her body still hiccuping while Liam held her tight. Right now he didn't know what to do. Stress was eating away at him. Liam wanted Gray happy and content but now, the more he thought of it, they did need a plan. He needed a plan. Liam knew what he had to do. Gray needed him, as much as he needed her. He marched down the hall to find his mom. She was the smartest lady he knew, just the person. He walked into the dressing room to see the boys and his mom matching up in a game of Scrabble.

"She okay," Karen asked sincerely. The rest of the guys looked up at him.

"Minor freak out. She is sleeping," Liam sighed. He still felt like he had ages ten years in the last week. Karen took the hint, she stood up and joined her son by the doorway.

"I forfeit boys. Come on Liam, let's have a chat." Karen linked her arm in his and headed into the hallway. She guided them down hallway farther before speaking.

"Be honest with me son, how scared are you right now," Karen asked quietly. Liam didn't say anything fully knowing that Karen already knew.

"Liam, it's okay to be scared. Becoming a parent is hard work." Karen pulled down his taller frame, giving him a hug.

"I just don't know what to do mum. I'm on tour, trying to keep her calm and yet enjoy myself but Gray is right. What do we do? No way I can have a baby here. It's not safe, it's loud besides I have to work. This is my job." Everything thought and fear was coming out of his mouth right then. Karen always knew how to get everything out of him. He was her son after all.

"That makes perfect sense. A newborn needs stability and someplace calm. Where could so go for that," Karen asked. She already knew the answer, but giving him a shove to figure it out on his own.

"Probably back to Gloria's." Karen could see the gears clicking in his brain.

"We are back in Chicago right around when she will be twenty eight weeks, if she stayed there I could still visit. I this could work mum." Liam bent down giving her a kiss on the cheek before walking away. Karen saw him grab his phone and start to call.

"Hello Gloria? It's Liam. Do you have a moment?" His voice trailed off as he walked farther down the hall. Karen smiled, moms were always the masterminds of their children, even if they wouldn't admit it.

----

Gray laid on the couch, not willing to move. She woke up at least a half an hour ago but just didn't feel like moving. Her whole body was exhausted. Trying to be strong Gray was starting to become a pain in the ass. Her stomach had been taken over by an alien, her brain was still on overdrive from Dr. Loser and the rest of her body, well it just didn't feel the need to keep up. She grabbed her phone from the floor. 6:18. The boys were hitting the stage in forty five minutes, plenty of time for her to get her big butt up. Luckily her phone went off, it was Perrie. Gray laid back down, snuggling into the couch waiting to talk to her bestie.

"Hello love," Gray answered cheerfully.

"You okay? Zayn said you were upset." Gray rolled her eyes, sometimes she really did think she was in high school here.

"Yes yes I am fine. Just overwhelmed with everything going on," Gray told her.

"What's going on love? You can tell me," Perrie urged her. Gray sighed. It's comig to the point where she just didn't want to talk about her life anymore.

"It's coming to the point where I have to think about where I am going to end up. Pretty sure I realized today that I cannot give birth on a bus." Perrie giggled over the phone.

"I just envisioned Niall pulling out your baby and Louis screaming at you to push. Ow, I think I broke a rib," Perrie continued to laugh over the phone. It made Gray start to laugh. She slowly got up and moved, really needing to pee.

"All I would see is his face yelling every curse word in his Ireland accent. 'Shit Gray, push the damn baby out'," Gray commented in her very bad Ireland accent. Perrie snorted not able to control herself. Gray opened the door and walked down the hallway.

"Gray you are killing me. I wish it was true, oh god I wish. You are hilarious." She looked up to see Liam staring at her intently from down the hallway. Gray took it as a sign to go..

"I have to go Pea. Master is staring at me like I owe him something," Gray murmured into the phone.

"Alright lady. Love you, speak too you soon." Gray continued down the hall until she was right in front of him.

"Hi jailbait," she whispered. Even after all this time, he still gave her butterflies.

"I see you are laughing," he murmured back.

"Perrie. She always gets me going when I need it," Gray smiled up to him. The look on his face didn't change. Gray grabbed his hands, locking their fingers together.

"I have to get on soon. You watching," he asked. Gray nodded. She got on the tips of her toes getting close into his face. She wanted him to feel how much she loved him every day of her life. Her lips fell into his, while his hands gripped her waist. With Gray's bigger belly they couldn't get as close as before.

"Sing your heart out mister," Gray whispered, giving him one more kiss. Liam winked at her before walking away. Damn, she was lucky.

----

The concert finished without a hitch but left everyone exhausted. Their next stop was Portland, then time in Las Vegas, down to Phoenix, Albuquerque, Denver then to Chicago. After that, Gray had no clue. She could only think up to that thirty week point. The day of impending doom. Right now though, it was on time to hit the road on the big bus. All of the guys looked beat, she even felt the same way. They piled on ready to hit the sack. Gray quickly changed in the small bathroom and headed to the bunk. Space was getting tight for both of them, but Gray didn't want to admit it. That was they complete alone time where it was just them, no one else in their space. Liam was aleady there, looking fast asleep. Gray quietly crawled in, trying hard not to wake him. She snuggled into his side and closed her eyes.

"Love, do not take this the wrong way, but you are the loudest pregnant person I know." Gray looked up at him. His eyes were still closed, but he was definitely awake.

"Sorry, tried to go quietly," Gray whispered and blushed. Liam picked up her hand, interlocking their fingers and resting them on his stomach.

"Future Mrs. Payne, will you go on a date with me tomorrow," he quietly asked him. Gray looked up at his face. He had an amused but cautious expression on his face. She could tell he was worried about her answer, which is stupid. How would she not say yes to that face?

"Only if you buy jailbait," Gray smiled back at him. She unwrapped his fingers and tickled the fuzz on his jawline. Liam flinched under her hand making her giggle.

"Knew you just wanted me for my money," he groaned. Gray laughed harder before he shushed her.

"Yup, your money. Going to rob you blind, just you wait." Liam pinched her nose and quietly sighed. Their time was limited and he knew it.

"Go to sleep love," he ordered. Gray rolled her eyes and tucked back into this body. Her swollen belly rested on his hip bone. Liam felt it too. He looked down to see her shirt had gone up, putting their skin against each other. It was an amazing moment thinking his son or daughter was in there. Liam rested his free hand on her belly and curled into her, letting the sleep come over.

----

Gray sat in the dressing room of their newest arena putting the finishing touches on her hair. She actually felt giddy to spend time with him tonight. It somewhat felt like their first date again. Gray smiled just thinking about the time at the Denny's table. Who knew she would be with him still, after all this time and their up's and down's. It was had been a hard road, but so unbelievably worth it. She luckily still had a roomy dress left to wear tonight as all of her other clothes were starting to become too tight. It was a bit too grandma style for her, but she didn't think he would care. Gray could have on a bed sheet and Crocs and Liam would still love her.

"Gray, you decent," Harry yelled from the other side of the door. She quickly hurried over and opened it up. Harry gave out a low whistle checking out her look.

"Momma you look divine," he beamed. Gray rolled her eyes and let him inside. Harry casually strolled in with a bit more pep in her step.

"Harry, what do you want?" Gray could tell something was up. Sure, Harry could be a weirdo but all seemed too weird. If that was even possible.

"I am here to escort you to your date," He told her, bowing and sticking out his hand. Gray raised an elbow and looked at him.

"Come again there buddy." Harry sighed and grabbed her hand. Gray always had to be a pain in the butt.

"Liam sent me here for you. Now are you going to walk or do I have to carry you," he asked. She grabbed his hand and waved hims arm letting him know he was in charge.

"Thank you." Harry led her out of the room and down the hallway before stopping by another door. He grabbed a black handkerchief out of his pocket and gave her a apologetic look.

"Styles, what do you think you are doing," she warned. He had tricks up his sleeve that was for sure. Harry took a step closer to her.

"Trust me, okay? Your man made me promise." Gray sighed and shrugged her shoulders, there was no point in fighting.

"Do it up." Harry stepped behind her gently placing the piece of cloth of her eyes and tying it behind her head. Thankfully it was hurting, but her complete vision was gone. Her stomach was giddy inside wondering what Liam had planned. Harry grabbed her hand again, pulling her through the door they stood next too. The shutting of it made her jump, it was so hard to get your barrings when you couldn't see.

"Careful now." Harry was in front of her, holding both her hands as he guided her up a set of stairs. It took her twice as long since her feet took forever to hit the right step but she kept moving.

"Couple more there," Harry coaxed. Gray took the last few steps and made it to the landing. She took a deep breath, thankful that it didn't end in her body going roly poly back down.

"Arms out," he ordered. She did as Harry slipped some sort of coat of her body. She smelled it, definitely wasn't Liam's.

"Harry, is this yours?" She asked, trying to figure out where he was around her.

"Nope, Zayn's. Don't tell him I borrowed it," he laughed. He gripped her hand again and pulled her out into an open space. The wind hit her face immediately making her shake. It was beyond freezing. Thank God they thought ahead. Harry stopped her body and went behind to take her blindfold off. The fabric fell from her eyes revealing Liam standing off to the side of her with a hammock and blankets piled up. He had two lawn chairs in the middle with what looked to be food bags in the middle.

"Where are we," she asked looking around.

"The roof, no one to bug us for the next three hours," Liam told her. He wrapped his arms around her body and nodding to Harry who took the bait and ran back inside. The door slammed, leaving just to two of them there standing together.

"So is this how you get out of not paying," she flirted staring up at him. Liam chuckled, holding on to her tighter.

"Hey, I purchased everything up here. Well Curtis did but it was my money. Only the best for my pretty lady," he murmured. Liam led her over to the chairs and motioned for her to sit down. She gratefully accepted.

"Tonight's dinner includes a lovely selection of baked chicken and vegetables." He pulled out the containers and handed her one. She was happy, but it was way different then their typical meals for junk food.

"I know that face, don't even start. We have to eat more healthy now especially since you are over the halfway point. Iron is good for your body, helps keep up your strength for labor," he told her. Gray stared at him wondering where the old Liam went.

"How do you know all this?" He reached it pulling out his phone.

"What to expect: Dad's version. Best app ever," he beamed. Gray groaned, how could he be reading up and she still didn't! Stupid stupid Gray!

"I'm the worst mother ever" Gray cried, burying her face in her hands. Why couldn't see get with the program for once? Liam picked up on her attitude and quickly went next to her.

"Gray, what is a matter?" Gray looked up at him, smiling from the concerned look on his face.

"I know nothing about being pregnant or a mom. Literally, everyone reads books and studies and I just keep forgetting about it. How can I forget about this," she yelled motioning huge to her belly. Liam rolled his eyes and kissing her right then and there. One, it was to shut her up, and two it was to hopefully let her know she isn't insane.

"Calm down pyscho. You are not a horrible mother. A bit crazy but not bad. How about we eat this food and check out this app together okay?" Liam offered. Gray shook her head agreeing with him. He did have a point. Lately though she could go from zero to crazy so easily. Liam sat back down in his chair and they ate quietly. Gray still didn't feel normal right now anyway, her heartburn was coming back with a vengeance right now.

"Come on love," Liam pulled her body up effortlessly from the chair and walked her to hammock. He stayed standing behind her, kissing the back of her neck. Gray's skin tingled with sensation. She grabbed his waist from behind her, leaning into his body. He smelled heavenly to her.

"You are looking more and more beautiful everyday Gray," he whispered in her ear. His fingers danced along her stomach making it buzz with desire.

"You are turning me on jailbait," Gray moaned back. Liam chuckled in her ear. Her turned her body around so he could her face. Gray's smoldering eyes burned into hers.

"Well, we could have a bit of fun or we could catch up some reading." Liam's eyes danced as he told her.

"Option one," Gray moaned back, "definitely option one."

----

"Well I can check that off my bucket list," Gray sighed. Both were cuddled in the hammock buried in blankets after the brief moment of alone time. Liam laid next to her not saying anything. He just sat there running his fingers through her hair with his eyes closed.

"Alright, get your phone, time to learn," Gray ordered, lightly slapping him on the chest. Liam laughed, pulling it out of his pocket.

"Our baby is the size of a small doll who know how eyelashes and eyebrows. We have a hairy baby," he murmured playfully to her.

"Shut it, keep reading." Gray rolled her eyes and kept listening.

"He or she can hear our voices too. That's kind of creepy in my eyes, not going to lie. Let's move on to my first love, the mommy." Liam scrolled through his phone some more before talking again.

"Stretch marks? Dizziness? Navel sticking out? Leg Cramps?"

"Yes. Yes. Yes. and no, thank god," Gray answered. Liam put his phone down and looked at her.

"You are dizzy?" Gray could tell he was alarmed right away.

"Yes, but what else is new. Pregnant buddy, it's okay," Gray said, trying to reassure him. Liam looked at her again before poking her belly button that was faintly showing through her dress.

"Yup, that is definitely new." She woke up to find her navel like that today, and not very pleased about it. Her theory of 'alien baby' was even more now with that thing sticking out.

"Gray, I need to talk to you," Liam whispered. Oh god, she knew that tone. Every time he started like that something bad was going to happen. It usually meant her being far, far away from him.

"What is it? Just tell me what it is," she begged him, her voice trembling. Gray didn't have to strength to look at him right now, not until he let it all out.

"It's not that bad love, I promise. I have been thinking about what you said, how you couldn't fly. I have plan I hope you will agree with. I spoke to Gloria. When we leave Chicago, I think you should stay there. You will already been around twenty seven weeks and I don't want to push it. Your mum is plenty okay with it too, and I'll visit as much as I can." Gray stayed silent taking all the information in. He had a very valid point and it was a good plan. She wished she didn't have to leave him more then she had to.

"Okay," Gray whispered. Liam looked down to make sure he heard her right. That was way too easy, and very creepy.

"No screaming or yelling? You aren't going to freak out like usual? You feeling alright love?" Gray waved him off.

"No. I know I have to, whether I like it or not." Gray flipped so she could see him.

"You are going to be there for the birth though, right? I need to you there." Just thinking about her doing that alone brought tears to her eyes, there was no way she could do that.

"Love of course. There is no way I wouldn't miss it for the world." Liam ducked down kissing her before pulling her body tight into his. There was no way he would ever miss the birth of his child, and definitely didn't want those thoughts in her head. Come hell or high water, he planned on being there. Gray sniffed on his chest refusing to cry. Now that their time was cut short, she wanted to remember every waking moment with him.

"You will never be alone love. I will never let that happen," Liam sighed into her. He was with her forever, no matter what.

----

Gray brushed her teeth in the small bus bathroom smiling. Another perfect day for her to remember, and one where Gray actually felt like they were making progress on planning for little one. A part of her thought about staying, just so she could be with Liam, but Little One was more important right now, she needed to protect them. Besides, it would be nice spending time with her family again. Part of her wanted to talk with Mila too, she had been thinking about her a lot more this week. Curtis kept quiet about the whole situation but she knew Mila was sad about their fight, just like Gray. She shook the feelings off, finishing up with the bathroom and heading out. There was plenty of time to fix their friendship when she got home, right now her focus was on Liam. He was still awake as scooted in next to him.

"Hello pretty lady," he whispered to her. Gray ignored him, lying down next to him on the small bed. She yawned and snuggled into the mattress. Liam turned off the overhead light and curled close.

"How much time do I have left with you in this bed," Liam whispered. He knew she already did the calculations to when they were in Chicago. That was her style.

" Five weeks." He sighed against her hair. Such a short time really. Hopefully it would slow down completely.

"Love you," Gray yawned and whispered before closing her eyes. Liam smiled, moving closer to her once last time before doing the same.

She woke up a short time later needing to pee very badly. Little One was starting to hit right on her bladder, the pressure was so bad she had to hurry there. The rest of the bus was quiet, all the boys sleeping away. Gray heard a soft snore coming from Harry's bunk. She smiled at the sound before shutting the small bathroom door. She did her business before walking out. Sadly there was no way to sleep now, her brain was already running like crazy. She breezed past the bunks heading to the couch in the back. TV always helped clear the brain. She closed the sliding door the same time the bus screamed and pulled to the right. Gray's body went along with it, falling onto the ground. She groaned knowing it would hurt tomorrow. Gray steadied her feet again only to feel the bus shifted harder this time. It launched her body into the door, making her head take the hit full force. A scream came out of her mouth and she laid down on the floor.

"Gray where are you!" Liam's voice shouted from the other side of the bus but Gray couldn't respond. Her lips wouldn't move to let the words come out. Pain was shooting out of her shoulders and head, like someone had hit her with a brick. She couldn't stop thinking about Little One, they had to be okay. Her hands protectively went around her belly, ignoring the pain coming from her body. Gray tried to yell out one last time before everything went black.

Notes

Title Creds: "Never Alone" by Lady A


Show of hands, who wants to kill me right now?? Anyone? Bueller?