No? You summoned a demon without even considering what you could offer them in exchange?

[That's bold. And stupid. He should be offended, but he's not. Instead, he just leans in, intrigued, eyes wide and curious.]

Most humans tend to offer material valuables that we demons don't have much use for anyway. And blood sacrifices only get you so far as well.

[So where does that leave them? Well, Kazuya is technically bound to his summoner until a deal is reached or the summoner dies. Not that that necessarily means he has any obligation to protect him, however...]

But if you want me to choose something I want from you, I can certainly do that too.

( Instantly, Basil feels himself back away, his grip tightening further, if it were possible. )

I-I didn't know what else to do. ( He whispers. It was a last ditch attempt to save his own skin. ) All I have-- are photos and flowers.

( And those were so very valuable to him. His captured memories were everything. But, those are useless to a demon. )

And the important people to me-- ( They aren't friends. Not anymore. ) I-I don't... I don't want them to get hurt.

What exactly would you want? ( He's indeed desperate. Leaving it in the hands of a demon could mean risking everything. )

Don't run. You can't escape now, even if you wanted to. And if it's not me consuming you, it will be another demon either way.

[It's said in response to him backing up, and Kazuya just sighs, and shakes his head before shrugging and leaning back on his hands.]

I'm intrigued enough that I won't kill you on the spot, and amused enough by your poor wards and lack of even an offer that I'm willing to offer you a deal. Not that you're in any place to deny me it, but I'm feeling charitable enough.

You'll have the protection you seek from the King of Demons, and my word that no demon will harm even a single hair on your head for the remainder of your life, and in exchange, we flip the script a little. I don't belong to you, but you belong to me, and I am exempt from that first bit, and can do whatever I please with you, whenever I please it.

( Moving felt like instinct, more than anything else. He knows that there's no where to run. If no here, than he'll die the moment he steps outside. He's more than aware that what he had just done must have attracted the company of other demons.

The King of Demons... It doesn't make any sense at all. Basil wasn't nearly as experienced as those who had advised him on what to do or the authors of the books he had read about summoning a demon. He expected someone far less well-known. The knot in his throat makes it difficult to speak for a moment.

He feels his heart drop. This... This is what he wanted, isn't it? He wanted safety. He knew that he would have to give up something, but he hadn't expected his freedom to be what he would have to give up in response. )

... I don't understand. ( It's a meek response. ) There's... nothing that I can do that would make myself useful to you. If you're the king, you can probably get anything you want anywhere else.

But, I know that i-if I want protection ( this is not what he wanted, not at all. ) I don't have a choice.

I could get anything I wanted at any time, especially through a show of force.

[Anyone would be hard-pressed to delay him from doing so, let alone stopping him.

He stands, gives a stretch of his limbs that makes it seem like he's not as intimidating as he knows he is. Even other demons cower when the King comes around.]

But sometimes things willingly given are more valuable. Especially when it comes to freedom, don't you think?

( The more they talk, the more Basil's forcing himself to try to ease himself into the conversation. It's... not easy. But, it helps that the person who appeared in front of him seems to human right now. He stops himself from backing away any further, gaze finally lifting a little. By now, Kazuya must see the way that Basil's body is still tense and shaking, and the even breathing he's attempting to try to calm himself down. )

... But, I don't have a choice. ( It can't be willingly given if he's going to die either way. ) And, I thought that... ( He stops. ) if I was going to die, I want it to be in a way that I choose.

( Once again, he falls silent. He's already made up his mind, but he's dreading giving him an answer. Basil must seem so small and fragile in comparison to someone like this. It's how he feels, but at the least - he isn't trying to run away. His mind is racing with possibilities of what exactly all of this could mean for him. What would he have to do? What exactly does a King of Demons do?

It feels like it's ages before he responds. He can do this. He made the resolve to do this the moment he drew that summoning circle. )

I'll-- do it.

Under duress is good enough.

[Really, very few people don't make a demonic bargain under duress, so it was probably as far as his luck was going to go anyway. Still, even for all of the hopelessness he possesses in his frame, there's the resilience in him that's the will to live. The will to do anything to achieve that, even if it's through less than ideal circumstances.

He can respect it.

Kazuya holds out his hand, typical for a devils deal.]

Then I'll bind you to me, for the rest of your natural life.

[It could be worse. Truly. To only be bound for his life and not his entire existence. To yet have his soul free at the end of his service. It's a kindness not many demons would give. Would rather gobble up the decrepit remains of a soul left at the end.

Kazuya's grip tightens around the shaking hand, and he pulls him close as infernal magic claws up his summoners hand in dark streams, only to sink in and disappear not too long later. He's bound, and now there's no escape for him while he draws breath.

No demon will chase him any longer, and though he may still get jeered at by them, none will think of laying a single claw on him. To do so would be directly against the will of their king, and a forfeit of their life.

Kazuya gives his hand a small shake, and smiles a little wider.]

Now that that's out of the way, my name is Kazuya Minegishi. And you are...?

[At least they need to get introductions out of the way, right?]

( It isn't until he sees that claw appear that he attempts to pull his hand away, but to no avail. A startled cry escapes him and he quickly pulls his hand away, his other hand holding onto his tightly. He takes a step back.

Ah... There's no way out of this now, is there.... )

B... Basil... ( He returns the introductions. He might as well try to be polite. It's not in his nature not to be. ) It's... nice to meet you, Mr Kazuya.

( The name didn't really match one of a demons. It wasn't what he expected. )

Do other important demons look human?

Demons come in all shapes and sizes. Sometimes we take the appearance as humans, if we want to.

[Easier to feign innocence and friendship until the time to strike.]

Just "Kazuya" will do. I'm not really one for pleasantries like that.

[Here, he stretches again, almost lazily like a cat getting comfortable. And he is. The human realm will be his now too, now that he's no longer stuck in Makai.]

As for you, Basil, my plans for you involve you being my courtesan. Not that you have any say in this, but I'll at least give you a bit to come to terms with your new place in our agreement.

( What.

He has to do a double take then, looking to Kazuya in disbelief. Those were not the words he expected to hear.

Him?? He expected something that Basil could be confident in, but he almost feels like he misheard him. With how heated his face felt now, he's sure that he has to be blushing. A hand covers his face then, looking away before speaking. )

U-Uhm! I don't mean any disrespect, but wouldn't -- wouldn't someone else be better suited for someone like that? I don't exactly have any experience with being with someone...

[ He holds up a hand, giving a small wave. ]

Surely you know about how demons like corrupting purity and virgins, right?

[ Not so much his thing, but not something he wouldn't enjoy either. ]

I don't expect you to know everything immediately, nor do I necessarily expect you to be particularly good at it, but you'll learn.

[ Of course, he's strange amongst demons anyway. A preference to stay in a human guise, an interest in humans beyond consuming them or mutilating them.

Basil is luckier than he thinks. ]

You'll find I have a far gentler hand than other demons, especially when it comes to these things.

( It could definitely be worse, all things considering. Basil has heard horror stories about just how cruel demons are. Asking to be intimate with someone he doesn't know... is something he isn't exactly comfortable with, but he expected the King of Demons to be far more cruel. )

Why.... are you offering any sort of kindness to me...? All of the demons I've met just want to hurt humans.

( And despite the fact that Basil is to be at his side for the rest of his life? He's well aware that he could've asked for him to give up something far less ideal. )

Don't you think it'd be more beneficial for someone you're stuck with in the long run to at least tolerate you? I could break you, sure, but I don't necessarily find that particularly fun. If that were the case, anyone would do, and I wouldn't have made a contract with you in the first place.

[ And he is fond of humans. Maybe not in an entirely wholesome way, but he likes them for what they are.

And this one had gone to extraordinary lengths to survive. Even if he'd stumbled and made bad choices along the way. If he had wanted to choose his own way to die, there had been plenty of other options, but he'd chosen one that had given him some hope.

He can respect that. ]

( At the least, Basil's heartbeat has slowed down. He feels more calm. Hesitantly, he begins to close the distance between them, yet his hands are folded in front of him once more. He's still so nervous. He feels like he needs to keep his guard up, but that's only natural. )

That--

I've heard that demons like to play around with humans in really mean ways. But, i-it's pretty unfair to think that they're all the same, too.

I'm just surprised, but... It's not all a bad surprise. You're not as scary as I thought you'd be.

[ The step forward catches his attention more than anything else. It's bravery from someone who was cowering only moments prior. Kazuya lifts an eyebrow. ]

Most demons are like that. The ones who aren't are very few and very far between. I'll let you in on a little secret: there's no difference between what humans regard as malevolent demons, and those they regard as benevolent deities. They're all demons all the same.

[A well kept secret, but he figures that his human is so unassuming and meek that it wouldn't matter too much if word escaped from his lips. Who would believe him? Who would believe him if he said he was told that by the king of demons all? ]

I'm not scary because I have no need to flaunt or showboat my power. All others know who I am, and what I'm capable of.

[ His hand reaches out, rests heavy on Basil's head. ]

Demons can be cowed by shows of power. Humans not so much.

( Regardless, it's a secret he plans to keep all the same. He doesn't know why he's telling him all this, but it's strangely reassuring.

But then, he reaches out to him, and Basil feels his eyes closed -- only to be met by a hand on his head. Slowly, his eyes open again, blue eyes looking upwards to Kazuya. Slowly, he feels himself relax a little more, hands moving to rest to his side. )

When you say that... they don't seem so scary.

I'm....

( Would he regret saying this? )

... Grateful that you were the one who answered.

[Oh?]

You didn't summon me on purpose? It's my sigil you used. One I thought entirely lost to humans to begin with. I haven't been summoned in a very long time.

[If that's the case, then perhaps he owes a bit of gratitude to this human. He's free in the human realm now because of him, and can do as he pleases. There will be no returning to the demon realm for him so long as he plays it smart.

So no, he'd truly had no clue that this human hadn't any clue who it was he was trying to summon to begin with. That it'd been some sort of hastily drawn circle out of desperation that'd led to their meeting.

How lucky. For the both of them.]

( Lucky indeed, but Basil isn't aware of the fact that Kazuya feels any gratitude for it.

Stepping forward, he reaches then, fingers gently gripping on the other's clothing. He's well aware that his life is in his hands. From now on... he knows that he'll be depending on him, whether he likes it or not. )

... I didn't know what kind of demon I would summon. ( Basil admits. ) I saw the pattern in a book, but... I never tried anything like that before.

[Well. Either way, he's here now. And that's the thing that he mostly cares about. The second is the initiative being taken here. Or what he presumes to be initiative. Fingers lightly gripping into his clothes. Relenting. Accepting. Important steps that truthfully, he doesn't care about whether his charge is forcing himself to do or not.

If he's making contact, then at least part of him has come to terms with his future and his fate.]

Then you're exceptionally lucky.

[Is all he'll say to that, then. His hands move, down. Past his shoulders and to his hips, where they rest loosely.]

Bedroom?

[Yes. He is asking at least if Basil wants to be taken here or somewhere more comfortable.]

( With how introverted Basil was, that was for the best. It was better if Kazuya didn't think too hard about the way he responds. He isn't one to want to step out of his comfort zone often, but in this case, he knew that he had to.

How strange, whenever a stressful situation came up, it was pushing himself for his friends sake that made him do what he had to do.

He looks to Kazuya with widened eyes then, not realizing that his grip has tightened, nor the way he fidgets a bit when he feels hands on his hips. He knew that this was going to happen, but everything is happening rather quickly. )

A-Ah -- now?

[The grip on him tightens, and Kazuya hums thoughtfully. It's not excitement he ca smell, but trepidation. Anxiousness. Insecurity.

How peculiar.]

You are bound to obey me whenever I want and wherever I want.

[He reminds his charge. He could force the situation easily, it wouldn't be particularly hard, but he's still feeling charitable, and so they stay where they are for the moment.]

I did however say I'd give you time to adjust and come to terms with our arrangement. If you're not willing now, then later. Either way you choose, I'll be gentle with you. Promise.

( The grip tightens, and a quiet noise of surprise escapes him.

Despite what he says first, he's giving him a choice. If he says no, then... it can wait. On another hand, waiting could be even more nerve-wracking for him. It's only natural to be anxious. Wouldn't most people be?

Basil leans forward then, resting his head against the other's chest. It's partially to hide his face. He face is warm from how flushed it is, but Kazuya is warmer. )

No -- it's... it's okay. Let's go.

( The bedroom is fine. )

[More acquiescence.

Basil really will do just fine, he thinks. He moves, leaning forward just slightly enough so that he can lift him in a bridal carry. It's probably sudden, but that's fine too, isn't it? He only said he'd be gentle and slow in bed, not before.

And that bedroom is found quickly enough. This place isn't very big, certainly nothing suiting a demon king. That will change later. He'll find somewhere far suitable to reign from in the future, but for now, he can take his prize.

Basil will be gently placed on the bed, and he'll immediately set about placing tender kisses to his neck.]