Wouldn't be too sure about that, if I were you. You must know something about a good time, because it always starts with a drink. [ Right? Right. Because even cops have to unwind (lose the tension, relax the nerves); a person can't be vigilant at all hours, day or night. And as they take up station at the bar (Asura, leaning in over the tender's counter like he owns the place), the King wonders at what that looks like for Lightning. How she enjoys herself on her own terms, her own time. But then, that's a discussion to be had when they're not on a job, and when the promise of good liquor isn't so much of a distraction. ] ...or with a bottle.

[ Like the one Asura orders (because Lightning's buying, isn't she?) with a honeyed drawl that earns a (flirtatious) positive response from the bartender. Y e a h, they're definitely not one of the people Asura and Lightning have been tasked with finding—they're too damn charming. ]

And the thing is, though you've gone and called it trouble, I think we're in for a bit of fun. [ Starting with those two empty glasses set before them, the bottle on standby. And with the bartender dismissed (and back to working that cocktail shaker), it looks like Asura's opted for self-serve for the night. Now, what did he order, anyway...? Ah yes, t h a t looks like it's a rather high proof of whiskey, which means it'll be just enough to take the edge off of Asura's (latent) wrath, and Lightning's.... extremely apparent distaste for rave-styled lightning and bass which shot right through to the marrow of the bones. ] I know parties aren't exactly your thing, but the atmosphere here isn't at all like the masquerade—

[ Which she'd lived through, despite everything. ]

—it's electric, yeah? [ Like her name, full of possibilities. ] If you move with the currents instead of going against them, you'll blend in just fine.

[ Glancing up at Lightning from his lower, slouched vantage-point, Asura grins, his kajal-smudged eyes glinting and bright as he pushes one of the glass tumblers he's filled her way. ]

Hope you like your whiskey neat. [ Because there's no mixers here. Who's got time for those, anyway? They don't, that's for sure. ]

[ When Lightning tosses back that whiskey neat like a pro, Asura can't help the low hum of approval which sounds at the back of his throat, its intonations reverberating right on through his furnace of a chest. Sure, he'd wagered that Lightning would be partial to a drink that was all no muss, no fuss, and while he'd been right in the end, appreciation is still owed where it's due: were they not on the job, Asura does not doubt that, with their powers combined, both Lightning and himself would be able to polish off one bottle (and then perhaps another) in no time. And as he pours out another shot on Lightning's behalf with a flourish of his wrist and flash of his talons, his green eyes spark as he entertains the notion of asking her to join him for a celebratory drink if they manage to root out and escort any trash from the premises.

But then, his attention is drawn to the VIP only lounge instead. Mulling the question over, he answers with: ] There's a chance. A room like that would go for a price only Aefenglom's elite can afford. Inside, they could be meeting. Or...

[ He gestures, then, to the very same ménage à trios which Lightning had wrinkled her nose at before. Guess he'd been paying attention to Lightning's line of sight, even as he slowly nursed his own glass of whiskey. ]

...it could be a continuation of that, but behind behind closed doors. [ And that seems like it'd offend Lightning's sensibilities even more. ] That being said, I've got no problem with smoking whoever's in there out, but we should also consider something else.

[ But what is that something else, exactly? Asura reveals that in short suit when he lifts his head, signaling for both the bartender's ear and attention: ] Who is it that makes the reservations for the VIP rooms? Could you call them up here? I'm keen on having a chat with them. You've heard about the masquerade which the Mirrorbound held on the Coven's premises, haven't you? My friend and I, we're interested in holding a similar gala using this fine venue.

[ The bartender hesitates, uncertain for a moment, perhaps two, but Asura presses and dials up the charm, promising the employee that he'd request their presence at the gala (sure to be the next talk of the town, no different than the masquerade had been) if this one favor could be done on his behalf. Eventually, the bartender gives, pausing in their service to see about grabbing the on-duty manager for the night. ]

Management's got to keep track of their room bookings somewhere in their offices. That might prove to be worthwhile information, yeah? [ Especially if the reservations were consistently made under the same name at recurring times. ] I can stall whoever our bartender brings up with plenty of party talk if you'd rather head there instead, and spare your eyes from all this rampant public indecency.

[ And here, Asura huffs a laugh, making it clear that he doesn't mind the sight of the dance floor or the potential of what further indecency might lie behind that VIP door.

So then Lightning, what'll be? Tail the bartender to the management office, or have Asura cause a scene and forcibly evict some VIPs? ]