The title for this chapter came form a Scorpions song's title.
'XYZ' – thoughts
'XYZ' – telepathy"XYZ" – speech
XYZ – lyrics
Chapter 12 – Still Loving You
"You're awake." A familiar voice said.
"Setara?" Hiei focused on the girl, and saw that her eyes were still red from crying. But she had a cold look in those beautiful purple orbs. "Why…" He started, confusedly.
"I'm still your mate." Setara answered indifferently. "Don't try to sit up. You have five broken ribs." She just looked into his eyes, but not with her usual passion. Just cold, cold stare.
"I see you're awake, you…" Yusuke started from the doorway, but Setara interrupted.
"Forgiveness." She said barely audible. Yusuke just sighed, and left them alone. Tears started streaming down her face, as she started to cry yet again.
"Don't shed a tear for me, Setara. I don't deserve it." Hiei said silently.
"I still love you." Setara said weakly. Hiei's jaw dropped open.
"Even after… raising my hand on you… you still…"
"I love you, baka, can't you hear!" Setara cried.
"I love you too." Hiei whispered. His mate cried even more.
"Hiei… I don't want to lose you! Lie that you love me, please… Lie to me…" Setara sobbed.
"I'm not lying." Setara suddenly stopped crying, but she didn't bother wiping away her tears.
"You do not trust me. Why should I trust you?" She asked then stood up. "I'll be back. Don't try to sit or get up."
She walked out of the room, leaving Hiei alone with his thoughts.
'Damn it all, why was I so stupid! WHY THE HELL WAS I SO STUPID! What have I done to you? Setara…'
Setara returned, and she brought a bottle with her. She handed it to Hiei.
"Drink it up." She ordered, and her mate did as she said. Hiei felt better after drinking it, and found that all his wounds and bruises have disappeared.
"Come downstairs. Breakfast is ready." Hiei got up, and made his way downstairs, following Setara.
Anna put down her tea, and got up. She started to walk towards Hiei then she sped up, and struck her fist forward, towards his face. She then stared ahead with a surprised expression. Setara stood there, holding her fist firmly.
"He's my mate." Setara said silently looking at everyone, letting go of her. "Go eat something." She said, looking directly at Hiei with a cold gaze. This time however, he thought he saw a glint of protectiveness in her purple eyes. He did as she told him, not daring to say a word… especially with Kurama in the room too.
"You're lucky, that she protected you, you little…" Kuwabara started.
"Forgiveness." Setara said quietly. Only this time, there was another voice speaking too. Hiei looked at Kurama with disbelief.
"Why…?" Hiei asked, blinking.
"I got slapped across the face by Setara for hurting you." The fox-demon said standing up. "She had all the right to do so. She's right we should forgive you. Since your own mate has forgiven you for raising your hand at her, we shouldn't hate you for it either. But I'm keeping my words I gave you yesterday." Kurama looked in his eyes, and added silently. "I'm still your friend, Hiei." He walked away, and Setara smiled weakly. She settled down to eat with her mate. The others walked out, and that left only the two of them.
"Setara… I'm sorry." Hiei said, after they finished breakfast.
"I've already forgiven you for that slap." Setara said.
"No, I'm sorry for treating you badly, I'm sorry for avoiding you. I know you regretted letting me mark you. But… perhaps Anna's sword could absolve you." He said.
"She offered me that choice too, Hiei. But no. I've never regretted being your mate. Did you honestly think that I'd regret letting my true love mark me?" Setara whispered. "I told you, Hiei. I love you. Believe it or not, I do."
"Setara…" Hiei started barely audible.
A/N: YEAH, CLIFFY! R&R!