Raising The Stakes

~Seven~

   Komaeda smiles, stepping closer and extending a hand to the human still laying in the bed.

   ". . .Do you really think this demon knows something about Nanami?" Hinata mutters. The demon chuckles.

   "There's a possibility," He hums, "But you won't know until you go! What do you say, Hinata-kun?"

   Hinata is silent for a moment, considering. ". . .Wait a minute. How do I know this isn't just an elaborate scheme to spirit me away and imprison me in your domain in hell to keep me as your. . .sex slave or whatever for all of eternity?"

   Komaeda raises an eyebrow before starting to giggle, making the human frown.

   "What?!" Hinata protests.

   "Hinata-kun, I hate liars. And I would never do that. Especially to you. I told you I'm not a bad person. I'm only looking out for your best interests here. You're my human now and besides, if I wanted you. . ," He smiles slightly, "I would've taken you a long time ago. You've given me plenty of opportunities, remember?"

   "Just to make me feel safe and let my guard down."

   "Don't be a dumbass, Hinata. Come on, it'll be fun."

   "I-"

   "Yeah, come on, let's go."

   The brunet reluctantly takes the extended pale hand and allows himself to be pulled to his feet. Komaeda smiles widely and pulls him into a brief hug. 

   "Yay, you trust me," He cheers in his ear, "That makes me so happy. . .and makes it so much easier to trap you." Komaeda tightens his arms around the hunter and chuckles. Hinata panics immediately, trying to squirm out of the demon's grip.

   "I was kidding, you silly boy," The buttermilk-haired demon says, releasing him, "I love and hate how gullible you are. Now come, they're expecting us before the day is up."

   Hinata raises an eyebrow. "Okay. . .then. . .let's go, I guess? I feel like there's not enough room in here to open a portal to hell in here, right? So, forest?"

   Komaeda nods. "Forest." He agrees.

   He takes Hinata's hand in his, surprising the human who doesn't end up pulling away for whatever reason. Komaeda smiles and squeezes his hand before guiding him towards the door.

   "Still, don't get all buddy-buddy with me. Take my soul all you want I guess, but I'll still find a way to come back and kill you." He mutters.

   Komaeda opens the door. "How are you going to get anywhere without your soul? Your existence will just go 'poof!'" He giggles.

   Hinata stiffens as they begin walking down the path towards the forest. ". . ."

   "Oh, you're scared now, huh?" Komaeda hums, swinging their arms. 

   "A-As if."

   The demon smiles knowingly. ". . .Or so the rumour is. Or I've also heard that humans can go on living without their souls. If I were to consume your soul, for instance, I would get to enjoy tasting your life, your emotions, your memories, your own story up until the time that you give it up. I look forward to it. You'll be fine. . .probably."

   "Sick bastard."

   "We can discuss this at length a further time. I'm assuming you've never been to hell or met this particular demon before, so I am going to prep you on a few things," Komaeda continues, "Hell is a dangerous place-"

   "Yeah, no shit."

   "Ahem. As I was saying, hell is a dangerous place filled with ravenous, devious demons. And they'll all swarm at the scent of a human soul in their domain. Now, if for some reason you get attacked, just show them the mark behind your ear and they should back off. Otherwise, I'll protect you as my property." He continues, growling at the end.