Wager

"This is amazing," Sakura said looking into the aquarium, "If only it were this easy to actually see under water."

Sasuke stood next to her, blank expression ever present.

"There's a hammerhead shark," Sakura said, "I wonder if it's hard to see with their head shaped like that."

"It isn't," Sasuke said, "They're not just called hammerheads because of their shape. The swing their heads back and forth, looking for prey, like hammers."

"You're a shark expert?" Sakura asked.

"My brother is," Sasuke answered.

"You have a brother?" Sakura asked.

"Two," Sasuke answered, "One of them works with marine life."

"I bet he would the aquarium," Sakura thought.

"Hn."

"Let's go to the jelly fish exhibit next," Sakura took his hand and gently led him, "They even have ones that glow in the dark."

Sasuke watched her excitement as she led them to a different part of the aquarium. He couldn't help but slightly tighten the hold on her hand. His expression didn't show it, but he was happy. Happier than he's been in so long.

Seeing her smile had been bliss. How he loved this pink haired woman. He wanted to hold her close, kiss her, claim her, love her with all his being.

But he couldn't yet.

As far as she was aware, she was a mortal woman. Taking home, would terrify and confuse her, even more than the first time he did it.

He knew he needed to tell her the truth eventually. That she was a goddess. That she was Persephone. That she was his wife.

At the moment that would only serve to make him look like a madman. He was trying to win her over. Win back her love and trust, and when the time came to reveal the truth, hopefully it would be easier.

"This needs to stop," Hades grumbled, as he entered his throne room. A kicking and screaming Persephone, was slung over his shoulder.

"Put me down!" She screamed as she banged her fists against her back, "Put me doooow-…" Hades dropped her on the floor, feeling his patience run out. He had just caught her trying to run away again.

Persephone picked herself up, brushing the dust of her robes. Some King, treating her like this. She tried to storm out of the room, but the doors shut themselves before she could leave. Clearly he wasn't done with her.

When she turned she glared daggers at him.

"When are you going to stop this nonsense?"

"Nonsense? You kidnapped me," Persephone snapped, "I'm not one of your subjects! I don't have to stay here!"

"I have not harmed you while you stay here," Hades reminded.

"That doesn't matter! I'm not a pet to be kept and pampered."

"So, you're just your mother's pet?" Hades asked.

Persephone's hand shot out to slap him, but the king caught her wrist. Persephone looked up at him. She didn't realize she was about to hit him until his hand caught her wrist. She looked at him fearfully. He was going to be mad, this time he might actually hurt her.

Hades looked at the goddess, fear evident in her eyes. He sighed. He didn't want this. He didn't want a marriage like his brother and his wife. He needed some way to get her to trust him.

"How about a wager?"

Persephone looked at him confused.

"A wager?"

"Yes," Hades said, "If you complete the terms of the wager successfully, I'll let you go."

Persephone looked at him suspiciously, "What are the terms?"

"You stay, for six months," Hades addressed, "You don't try to run away. When I call on your company, you'll spend time with me. For six months. Complete this and you can return home."

Persephone narrowed her eyes, "I won't sleep with you."

"You won't have to," Hades stated, "Just eat dinner with me. Talk to me. It's not that hard."

Persephone gulped, "And if I break these terms and you win?"

"You'll marry me and stay with me forever!"

Persephone almost refused right then and there. However, she thought. Say she did escape back to the surface. What was stopping Hades from doing it again? Hades was famous for his persistence and patience. He could wait a decade, a century for her to lower her guard again and kidnap her. Then this cycle would just begin again.

Wagers between deities were never taken lightly. If she won, she could live in peace, free of him forever, but if she lost…

Persephone took in a breath before she spoke again, "You can't hurt me while I'm here. If you do, I win and I go home, no matter how many months are left."

"The same for me," Hades stated, "Raise a hand against me, then you're mine forever."

That would make this much harder. He was infuriating, but…

"I-I agree to those terms," Persephone said, this was the only way out. As a goddess she had to keep her word, and so did he. Even more so as a king.

He released her wrist and held out his hand. Persephone gathered her courage and took his hand and shook. Cementing the wager between gods.

"Wow, they're so pretty," Sakura admired the jellyfish. Sakura's voice snapped him out of his memory.

Sakura seemed entrance, but Sasuke wasn't fond of those creatures. Why his brother thought to make those stinging things were beyond him.

"They look like spun glass," Sakura commented.

"Some of those are poisonous," Sasuke stated.

Sakura couldn't help but giggle. If only he could get her to make that sound anytime he wanted.

This was hard. Her being so close, yet he had to hold back so much. He had to hide who he truly was, who she truly was. Yet at the same time, she smiled and laughed so innocently that made him so happy. It was torture and pleasure.

It was hard, but he could do.

He was a king and a god after all.

I remembered the wager. This was an idea for another fanfic, I attempted before, but never got to completing. Hades and Persephone partake in wager, if Persephone wins, she goes free, if Hades wins, she marries him. Despite what many think, Hades isn't the devil. He doesn't make mean deals.