Merihem looked different, but his aura was the same -- if slightly altered, tinged with something there. It was identifiable but Bastille noted the changes, deciding that it was likely demonic in nature (a familiar sight, from Pele and Sylva). At least the Fireball didn't seem to be as timid, now; maybe having a little run in with something nasty had shaken the fear out of him. He seemed more mellow. Not that it really mattered to Bast, but whatever.

"What, sell your soul for something pink to wear?" he drawled as he joined them, stopping beside Rin to consider the boy more closely. He was smirking slightly, indicating a joke, though upon further review of his aura up close he realized that his soul was gone. There was the change, not just the demonic signature: the beat of his soul was absent, and while it took him a moment to notice, once he did it seemed obvious. His aura wasn't as vibrant. Bast cocked his head to the side and added, idly, "Oh, we never have anything interesting going on. Just half a Clan of joiners. Not nearly as interesting as whatever you did. Seriously, what'd you do?"

[b]BASTILLEPRISONER AURELIUS — ASTRAL SERAPH — THE ASCENDANTS — TAGS

Arriving shortly after Nero was Margaery, a contemplative albeit cheery smile curving her chocolate hued lips as she studied Merihem carefully. He certainly was pink, that was for sure, but the color and overall cute style was remarkably fitting for him. [b]"Welcome back, love," She extended easily, her gaze not once leaving his face. The vampire was unaware of his lack of soul, having lost her clairvoyance months ago when all had went to hell. She merely believed that this was an aesthetic choice - which it was, to some degree. Besides, even if she did discover the reason behind his change in appearance, she wouldn't exactly judge. Her own grandmother had sold parts of her soul and her mortality so that Margaery could live forever- it was probably a lot of the same thing.

"Do you need any help getting settled in?"

Surprisingly, Hazel actually recognized Merihem. She recalled his joining a while ago, and had wondered where he’d gone off to when she hadn’t seen him around the observatory. The feline trotted over, a pleasant purr in the back of her throat for once. Bastille’s withdrawal wasn’t making her legs shake and her head wasn’t muddled with Titanium’s obnoxious voice.

“Meri!” The girl greeted, a smile dancing on her lips. “We’re glad to have you back. How’ve you been?” She asked, eyes trailing over the pale feline. He certainly was pink, but Hazel found herself fascinated with it. They always had so many curious and interesting joiners.

Bastille arched a brow at that, and snorted slightly in amusement. ”Well, as long as you get what you want, by all means,” he drawled dryly, with only the faintest note of sarcasm. He wasn’t sure he’d be interested in selling his souls to someone just for an upgrade in demonism, but hey, to each their own. There didn’t seem to be anything too malicious in his aura to worry about. At his next justification, Bast let his gaze trail over him once more, as if considering.

”Huh. Who said the grey wasn’t cute?” he questioned idly, smirking tipping the corner of his mouth up in amusement as he added, ”Pink’s nice, though. Looks good on you.” There wasn’t much intention in his voice, just the tinge of entertainment; in a good mood (and it’d been months since he’d actually been in a normal mood) he flirted as naturally as he spoke, letting it mix in with sarcasm and jests. Default setting when Zaniel was a factor in his development, he supposed.

He glanced over his shoulder as he felt the bond heating under his skin, and he offered Hazel a rueful smile in greeting. Everything was light and happy on her end of the bond, too, and for once there was peace. Thank fuck. He watched her for a second before his attention was back on Meri, flickered to Nero as the boy looked to him (and as Nero stopped close enough to feel his warmth — the tactile nature in him demanded he pay attention to a source of contact), and flickered back. Bast grinned, amused, and added, ”You didn’t even introduce yourself, Nero.”

[b]BASTILLEPRISONER — ASTRAL SERAPH — ASCENDANTS — TAGS