"I wish you wouldn't stare at me like that."
This wasn't the first time he'd said this. Neria narrowed her gaze, favoring the game of silence over pointless words. She'd learned a while ago it wouldn't make a difference. No matter what she said, how she'd said it. The same thing would happen again, so this time the stubborn mage was trying a different tactic.
"Please, Neria. Talk to me," he pleaded hopelessly. "Say anything!"
A small noise of annoyance slipped past her stoic lips. Frustration lingered in her mind. She knew she couldn't stay mad at him. But this time, she told herself, this time would be different. Her stubbornness would win out. She could milk at least a day off of this. To make her point, she folded her arms across her chest. Neria turned away sharply, emphasizing her point. She stuck her nose up in the air, eyes closed as she pretended to be indignant. The truth of the matter, however, was that she just couldn't bear to look at him. To see those sorry puppy eyes. The pleading gaze that begged her forgiveness for the grievous crime he had committed.
"Parshaara!" Sten exclaimed from the other side of the fire. "Must we endure this every night?"
Neria's ears twitched, eyes snapping open. Her olive eyes were wide as saucers as she stared across the fire at the qunari. His face was still one of stoic calm, in spite of the outburst. Her mouth dropped open. Both in disbelief and a tiny bit of jealousy at his composure.
"This does not happen every night," Alistair protested. He looked between Sten and Neria, a slight look of distress in his eyes.
Neria bit her lip, fingers gripping the log she sat upon just a bit tighter.
"Fine!" she exclaimed.
Her hands went up, flailing slightly as a few sparks crackled at her fingertips. Quelling her magic, Neria stood and stalked the couple steps over to Alistair. Poking one of her long, slender fingers into his chest.
"But you listen here," she started, repeatedly pressing her finger against his chest as she spoke. A sorry attempt to emphasize her point, serving more to fluster her than anything else. "If I catch you sneaking cheese out of my pack again I swear to the Maker I-"
Neria squealed like a small girl as she suddenly found herself being dragged down into Alistair's lap. Her face and ears turned bright pink as she heard various sounds of disgust from their companions. Alistair grinned at her impishly, only a smattering of color rising in his cheeks.
"I hope you can forgive me," he offered, pressing a gentle kiss against her nose.
Her cheeks puffed out as she gave an indignant huff in response. He looked like he was about to speak again, so quickly she pressed her lips against his. After a moment, she wrapped her arms around his neck and smiled into the kiss to show she had - for now - forgiven him.