this is their usual spot for meet-ups, loud enough that their conversation wouldn't be overheard, discreet enough that they do not get bothered in the corner table. drinks do leave some to be desired, yet they are definitely not the worst in the city by far, compared to the much seedier taverns that litter the outskirts of aurea. so, with hope in his heart that the hunter will be there again, lian leaves his workshop late and heads to the tavern. the idea that he has in their head has been ruminating for quite some time, edges starting to take shape, the thrill of a possible new method leaving him sleepless. this could work- or it could start to become the breakthrough he needs — yet one crucial obstacle stands in his way: convincing spike. it's hard to hide the wide smile on his face once he spots the other, and the zhou does not waste time before he makes his way to where the other's sitting, easy to read from his body language how eager he is, and likely no secret at all that there is something he has been wanting to speak about. "spike! i was hoping you would be here —" cheerful, he slides into the seat opposite him, palms lying down on the surface of the table. slightly sticky in a way that does not bother him that much. not now, anyway. "please tell me you were not waiting for someone..." the thought that he needs to wait even more is jarring, and he can only hope it's not the case. "i really need to talk to you —" leaning forward, dark eyes meet blue, barely short of pleading. "i'll buy the drinks tonight?"