Hideaway Strath Blackbird singing in the dead of night

Her mouth twisted in thought as she listened to him describe his sleeping preferences. She wasn't sure she would want to sleep outside but wondered if it might be better with a partner, her mind unknowingly drifting to the same place Rye's had gone. She considered this digging down he mentioned he would do when it grew colder and immediately decided that it sounded messy. She wasn't sure she'd like that either.

She hadn't expected his favorite spot to be his bed, but she didn't blame him; having your own, safe sleeping spot sounded nice. She also didn't expect his bold invitation. Her eyes widened in surprise as her heart picked up speed. And man was she glad he wouldn't be able to see how hot her cheeks were just then. She swallowed hard and looked away as her steps slowed, unsure whether or not he was joking. She supposed someone more confident and experienced than she was might have gone with it, quickly offering some cute, witty response, but Effie's mind raced instead; she was neither of those things and so she was fresh out of witty replies at the moment. Truthfully, she wanted to play along; he was awfully cute, and the smirk he was currently aiming at her made her heart beat even faster. But her dumb nerves got in the way, and all she was able to offer in response was a quiet huff of soft laughter and a shy smile as she continued to look away, still unable to meet his gaze.