The glare he got from the Captain was met with a smirk. "What?"
"You were staring at her majesty."
"Is it now a crime to admire a beautiful woman?" Balthier raised an eyebrow, making sure his voice was just loud enough for Ashe to hear.
Basch huffed, crossing his arms and picking up his pace so he was no longer near the sky pirate. As he did this, the princess slowed her pace.
Balthier noticed and grinned. "Ah, Princess, lovely of you to keep me company."
"I only did so so you would not ogle me," She crossed her arms, faint blush on her face.
"And as I said, is it a crime to admire a beautiful woman?" He crossed his arms playfully.
She shook her head. "Would you stop with the constant teasing? Just once?"
"Teasing? You think I'm kidding?" Balthier stopped walking and put and hand out to make her do the same. "You are very beautiful, Ashe."
"As you've told every bar wench the same? Every shopkeeper and woman you set your eyes on?"
He raised his eyebrows. "Is that jealousy I detect, Princess?"
"And there you go again with your joking! Gods, can't you ever give a straight answer without deflecting to some off topic comment?" She began to walk away when he once again reached out, placing a hand on her arm.
"I can tell you one thing." The pirate's breath was suddenly felt on her neck, his voice right in her ear. "None of those women had eyes and clear and sparkling as yours."
He stepped away and met her gaze, taking one of her hands. "None of them had as delicate hands." Ashe pulled her hand from his and crossed her arms, flushed, but still not buying it.
He took his other hand and began playing with her hair. "None as lovely hair as yours." Ashe froze under this, closing her eyes. She had no idea what game Balthier was playing, but at the moment she could not fight back.
He leaned in. "None as lovely lips as yours." He gently kissed her.
Her hand connected with his cheek.
"What was that for?" The sky pirate asked, holding his hand to where it stung.
"I shall not be played and made a fool of! I shall not be led on by someone who's affection is not real. By one who feels he can win over any lady he so pleases!" She was unsure why she was being so harsh with him, but she did admit she did not like him playing with her emotions when she already cared for him secretly.
"But I am not playing, Ashe." His voice was quiet, serious. "I only care for you."
They stood, both arms crossed, staring the other down to see who would be first to speak.
Ashe watched Balthier for a sign of a smirk, or a playful gesture. She knew he was kidding. He had to be.
Balthier watched her struggle to realize he was actually serious. When she had, she flushed red and only then did he grin, chuckling softly.
He walked over to her and kissed her forehead. "Come on, we had best catch up to the others.
She remained frozen in place, then her eyes grew wide. "I'm sorry for slapping you!" She called after Balthier as she hurried to catch up to him.
He just laughed, and quickened his pace.