A/N: Ooooo! Indoor Picnic! And in a fairytale like setting! How perfect! Ok. Enough exclamation marks. I personally think this chapter is cute. Especially the end. No skipping to the end though! That would not be cool ^-^. Enjoy!

Chapter Eighteen:

Finding Safety

Garren returned with a basket in the crook of his arm. He reached for both of the girls' hands and led the way. He noted a slight tremble in Meg's but after he saw the expression on her face, figured it was from excitement and anticipation. Darcey looked happy and she kept glancing towards Meg on his other side. When they were close to the sanctuary he had created, he slowed and dramatically looked around until he heard them laugh. He dropped their hands and held the curtain back for them to enter before him. He grinned at Meg, and Darcey giggled at her expression. Meg's jaw had dropped open and she stared in awe at their beautiful surroundings. Darcey plopped down on the blanket after helping Garren lay it down straight. She spread the food out while Meg took it all in.

"This place is amazing! How did you find it? It feels like I've stepped into a fairytale." Meg finally settled down and Garren uncovered the food he had gotten them.

"Garren made this sanctuary. I felt the same way when he rescued me to bring me here. I was sure I had been saved by a knight in shining armor and brought to a magical fairy land." Garren blushed. Darcey grinned at the two. They both were uncomfortable, she could tell. She just ate while they recovered and began to eat as well. As she watched them, she had caught each of them sneaking glances of the other person. Meg looked determined to focus on her food and avoid any eye contact with either of them, especially the man she was beginning to care about. Darcey sighed to herself. Usually Meg was very talkative but suddenly she was quieter than a mouse. A grin began to spread across Darcey's face as a plan formed in her mind. It was simple but she believed it would work. After eating her fill and participating in some small talk, mostly with Garren, she stood up. Both of the others had looks of confusion on their faces.

"What is it? Is something wrong?" Meg asked, moving to stand but was stopped by Darcey's answer.

"I'm fine. I need to practice my violin if I want to be in the orchestra." When Meg started to say she would go with her, Darcey interrupted. "No, you two enjoy yourselves. No need to leave on my account. I'll talk to you later." She waved goodbye and exited, leaving the curtain swaying slightly.

Meg sighed nervously as she was left alone in Garren's company. He sat back, holding his weight with his hands behind him. He was looking at her and she had to look away. When she glanced back at him, she found that he was still looking at her, a grin on his face. She looked away to look at her surroundings yet again. There was such a feeling of safety and peace here and she could tell why Darcey had called it a sanctuary. If only she didn't feel so nervous in his company.

As if he had heard her thoughts, he asked, "Do you like it here? My sanctuary?" She nodded. "You know it could be yours, too. I don't mind sharing it with you, Sweetheart." He winked at her before plucking a grape off of its vine and tossing it into his mouth. Meg found herself watching that mouth as he ate and she blushed. Garren leaned over the food to grasp her chin and turn her face to look at his. "I make you uncomfortable. Don't I?" He frowned.

"A little," she admitted quietly. He sighed, releasing her face.

"I don't mean too." He ran a hand through his hair in frustration and swore under his breath. He mumbled an apology for doing so in her presence, being as she was a lady. She laid a trembling hand on his arm and he immediately looked up at her. She smiled comfortingly and he pulled back his arm so her hand slid down it to rest in his hand. He squeezed it gently and was relieved when she squeezed his back. He stood and helped her up to led her over to the pillows in the corner where she could be more comfortable while they talked and he planed on talking to her. He kept possession of her hand and stroked his thumb over the back of it. They sat silent for awhile before they began to talk quietly, as if they were afraid they would scare the other if they spoke too loud. They talked long in the day and it was beginning to get late. She was closer to him now and he was glad. He still was in possession of her hand and he didn't want to let it go. She yawned and he looked over to see her eyes were drooping. He pulled her closer to wrap her in his arms. She stiffened and he whispered in her ear. "Don't worry. You're safe." She relaxed and closed her eyes and was soon asleep, her body pulled close to his.

Garren breathed in the scent of her hair. It smelled so clean and fresh. He was glad she felt safe in his arms. He wasn't sure of his feelings towards her yet but he could feel his heart speed up whenever she was near. He stroked her straight, blond hair as she snuggled closer to his warmth. He enjoyed her company and hoped she would grow more comfortable around him and allow them to explore their relationship. He didn't know where it would go from here but he was curious to find out. She sighed in her sleep and he smiled, placing a kiss on the top of her head. She certainly was beautiful. She was friends with Darcey too and he knew Darcey to be a good judge of character even though he didn't know her well. He yawned and allowed his eyes to close, telling himself he would get up in a minute but he fell asleep with Meg snug in his arms, both feeling safe in the sanctuary he had created.