REDEMPTION

So many voices, chatters and murmurs. It was like the noise of a busy street, bells ringing, and birds singing all at once. People and momentums pass by fast, with a speed that cannot be fathomed by intellect, no matter how logical. There isn't a formula for the why behind every what, and there's never an answer to the biggest question in the world;

Why are Sasuke and Hinata both cursed?

The past few months had been overly significant for the Byakugan Princess. If it weren't for Sasuke, her life would have been dull… and everyone would have expected her to be so enamored by Naruto that she lives and breathes for the sake of the Uzumaki. But when Sasuke walked into her life, she suddenly had purpose, and that she was worth something. She was the only one in the whole world that had the chakra perfectly made to compliment the Uchiha. It wasn't Sakura, or Karin. It was her; Hyūga Hinata.

People have been trying to convince her that her love for the rogue ninja was purely because of the pull of the chakra unison. While that may be true, Hinata couldn't go against it anyway. She had no problem forgetting what was behind her, and she had everything it took to be conformed into something new with Sasuke. For the first time ever, her whole being came alive, even though she wasn't physically excelling.

But she felt stronger. Is it spiritual? Maybe.

So why do they say they're cursed? Just because one of them might die? Or because they might have their memories wiped out? Couldn't they see beyond what could be to appreciate what is happening?

Hinata was fully aware that she didn't have answers for even the questions she asked herself. What if they'd forget each other? What would she do then? One does not know the implications of being cursed. And one will never know the magnitude of blessings, either. So really… which one is it? A blessing or a curse?

In the Hokage's office, the further conversation of Sasuke's return needed to be done. Hinata sat with Sasuke along with the Hokage herself and her team. Hinata had thought that the situation would be more tense, however, it looked like the Hokage was pleased to see Sasuke back. The clock struck 7am, and they all knew that the battle was starting very soon.

Hinata glanced at Sasuke, her soulmate. He looked older and wiser. He was undoubtedly stronger. After this meeting, they would surely be separated, and Hinata wouldn't know the next time they could properly have time together. They might not even have the chance to say goodbye, lest they'd forget, or if one will die. So just sitting next to the Uchiha in this meeting was more than she could ever ask for.

"For what it's worth, you've reminded me what's left in me that's human."

Those were Sasuke's words to her after they completed their unison. Hinata couldn't even pay attention to what the Hokage was saying to Sasuke as she repeated those words in her mind. She tried her best to look like she was following the conversation, but internally, so many things were about to crumble. Because Sasuke was also her reason for being human again.

Without any warning, Hinata felt a hand grabbing hers. A calloused hand, rough, like it's seen hell and back. The Uchiha had gently reassured her under the table, without anyone noticing, and somewhere within Hinata knew that Sasuke sensed her worry.

"What would you like us to do when one of you is dying?" Tsunade had asked. Apparently, Sasuke had led the conversation to end with this topic when Hinata wasn't really listening.

"Please prioritize Hinata's life." Sasuke answered. And before Hinata could protest, which she wanted to, Sasuke glanced at his lover, his expression stern. He had also squeezed her hand, as if to say to her that she should remain quiet.

"And why are you willing to go that far?" Tsunade would ask again. The Uchiha shifted his gaze back to the Hokage, saying, "As a means for me to atone."

The whole room went silent for a while. "Very well," was what Tsunade could say as a response. "And what if you both end up living and forgetting each other?"

"Please burn any notes written about the accounts of our unison. Pretend we never happened, and move on." Sasuke replied.

Hinata tried to protest again, only to find herself interrupted by the Uchiha once more. "Because we should give free will a chance. This is another means for me to atone on top of the many things I will embark on."

Hinata felt like she was going to break, but there was no real solution to any of this anyway. What's the point in trying to make them remember when they've completely forgotten?

After the meeting was dismissed, Hinata walked down the stairs of the Hokage's building, not seeing Sasuke anywhere. She was angry, confused, and almost shattered. She didn't have a say at all regarding the decisions made and that made her furious. Why did Sasuke decide everything? Why didn't he speak to her first before he made up his mind?

The Hyūga left the building along with her anger, determined to meet Sasuke. Just like his ability to read her mind and intentions, she saw him in the middle of the busy street, waiting for her to approach him. With a frown on her face, she walked up to him.
"Why did you go off deciding things?" Her voice was stern.
"Can we speak somewhere else?" He simply asked her.

"No, I demand an answer–" again, she was cut off with Sasuke lifting her up, and putting her over his shoulder. "You need to calm down before you make a scene," the Uchiha said to her. He began walking toward the nearest park. It took almost 10 minutes for them to reach the destination, and once Hinata was released, she looked for the nearest bench to sit on.

The town's speakers were blasting warnings for civilians to find shelter and stay indoors as the war approached. The streets were busy with townsfolk rushing to get home, to buy things last minute and there was panic heard throughout Konoha. Hinata let out a sigh, unable to settle the emotions in her heart.

Sasuke sat next to her, and he seemed calm. She didn't like that at all.

"Why are you okay with all of the things you decided? Why didn't you talk me through them?"

"What is there to talk about?"

"Are you insane? You just made big decisions with the Hokage! I think I have a say in it, too!"

"I decided everything for your benefit, Hinata."
"What do you mean for my benefit? What benefits?"

"You will live either way, and you will go on with your life as if none of this happened."

Hinata scoffed. She had never been so angry before. "Bold of you to decide on how I should live my life."
"You lived a good life before I came along."

"Unbelievable. Do you know why I'm so angry, Sasuke?" She asked him, finally having her eyes glued to his. She waited for a moment, wanting to see how he would respond.

But he didn't. He gave her silence.

"I'm so angry because I wanted us to find a way to stay together. But you… you just act so heroic, tossing me aside, when all I've wanted was to be a part of your story. How could you?" Tears began to stream down her face as she expressed the pain gripping on her heart.

Sasuke remained stoic as ever, and he reached his hand close to her face to wipe her tears off with his thumb. He didn't show a reaction. His face was neutral, he was calm. Like someone who knew the end of a story and had come to terms with it.

"Hinata."

She didn't say anything. Her throat felt too clogged. Too much pain.

"You are exceptional," he began, his eyes never leaving hers. "I hated your guts at first, but your kindness led me to redemption. Your love for me turned my heart around and once again it beats for this village and the people in it."

Hinata had trouble dissecting his real intentions. Because whatever he said… sounded like a parting speech. One she didn't want to hear at all. But his soothing voice, and his precious vulnerability made her silent.

"I see why the Fates chose you to change me." Sasuke moved closer to the Hyūga, only to wrap his arms around her, and he gently pulled her close to himself. "Allow me to give back what you've so graciously blessed me with. A future."

Hinata's heart felt like it shattered to pieces. It felt like the more she held onto her ways and her plans, the more she'll be destroyed. She couldn't stop her tears, just like how she could not stop her heart from shattering. Her arms were now wrapped around the Uchiha, and she pressed her head on his chest. She could hear and feel his heartbeat, as if it gave her life.

"Why are you so surrendered?" She managed to say between tears.

Sasuke seemed to let out a soft sigh. It wasn't easy for him, either. He cupped both of her cheeks before placing a kiss on her forehead, saying, "Because I know you will be okay, whatever the outcome. So help me bring this purpose to greater measures. The more we hold on to us, the more this war will not benefit anyone."

It sucks to be the one to sacrifice all the time. But Sasuke spoke the truth. Who's to blame in all this? When things come full circle… who should be the one responsible for both their pain? Sasuke and Hinata could hear the people's anxieties through the streets. Their screams and shrieking once explosions were detonated. It only meant one thing;

Madara has arrived with his army. The war has started.

Hinata's hands were gripping on Sasuke's cloak, her eyes never leaving his. "I love you, Sasuke." She felt the need to say it, just in case she doesn't see him after this small encounter.

Sasuke didn't smile, but his kind eyes showed the deepest parts of his heart. He had never openly expressed how he truly felt for Hinata, and yet, she knew. She doesn't need to hear it for her to be convinced of his love towards her.

"I have to go now," he said to her, silencing her further protests by kissing her deeply. Hinata reciprocated, kissing him as deep, taking the chance to pour out all the love she has for him through that bittersweet exchange.

Once parted, Sasuke nodded at Hinata, "Be safe." And with that, he disappeared in a blink of an eye.