**Authors note:
Thanks to my 'fans' who have loved M&M so much, I decided to humor you with another go-around! This story is meant to be a stand-alone from my Max and Megan series. This story happened in no particular time or order from the real series. **
Max watched Megan as she stared quietly at the flickering flames of the campfire before them. She seemed lost in her own thoughts, of what he did not know. She was so beautiful in the firelight, her strawberry blonde hair and pale skin taking on the orange glow.
They sat together in one camp chair under what seemed like a million shining stars. The canyon walls, brilliant red by day, were now a dull orange color. The fire crackled and popped in the background. It cast off a warm radiance around them, in contrast to the cool breeze of the arid desert night.
"This is perfect." Megan sighed as she leaned back into Max's warm chest.
"Yes it is." He agreed, hugging her tightly to him. He gazed down at her, his eyes seemed to sparkle.
They both sat quietly for a while, basking in the comfort of being near each other. They were away from the real world, from all the problems they had to face day to day. Here in the middle of nowhere, they were free to just enjoy the precious time they had together.
Megan's eyes drifted shut. She felt so safe in Max's arms. He'd never let anything or anyone hurt her if he could help it. Yes, he had hurt her terribly before. But that was in the past; he'd more than made up for it.
As Max sat there with her in his arms, he realized she had fallen asleep. Her breathing had deepened, and she looked utterly relaxed. He planted a small kiss atop her head. He closed his eyes and let out a happy sigh before he too, fell asleep.
***
Max was vaguely aware his rear end was numb from sitting in the chair for who knew how long. He yawned and tried not to disturb Sleeping Beauty on top of him as he shifted into a more comfortable position. She shivered.
"Are you cold?" He asked.
"A little." She answered, groggily.
He tucked her in his arms and stood up. He crossed the short distance to the tent that he had set up earlier that evening.
"I'll drop you if I try to go into the tent carrying you." He explained as he set her down on her feet.
Megan crawled in, sliding into her sleeping bag that lay on the tent floor. Max followed her, stopping only to throw water on the fire, and to zip the door closed behind him. He looked down at her.
"Where am I supposed to sleep?" Somehow, they had forgotten to grab two sleeping bags.