Blink || The Lost Boys

Livin' on a Prayer

"Take my hand, we'll make it I swear"

                     Livin' on a Prayer by Bon Jovi

THE FOLLOWING NIGHT, Sevyn, Marko, and Paul piled onto the giant rollercoaster, the pink-haired girl crowing with delight. Adrenaline was her drug of choice, and with the ability to teleport out of danger, heights didn't scare her.

They stumbled off the ride, exhilaration coloring their laughter. Since Sevyn turned eighteen, she'd spent both summers in Seaside, New Jersey, practically living on the boardwalk. Maybe the movie had inspired her beach bum phase.

The sights, sounds, and the smells (well, maybe not all the smells) all contributed to the infectious energy of the place. Out of all the fictional worlds she could've landed in, this wasn't so bad. As the others headed off for food – she knew what that meant – Paul lingered with a mischievous grin.

He was excited to spend some alone time with Sevyn. She seemed to blush under his gaze every time he flirted with her, a reaction he found endlessly amusing. After sharing a joint, a pleasant buzz settled over them. Paul slung his arm around her, inhaling her sweet, fruity scent.

"What now, babe? Up for some more fun?" he purred, his voice a touch husky.

An uncomfortably pleasant feeling settled in her stomach, his voice did things to her. "Absolutely," she replied, the infectious grin returning – she hoped it didn't look manic.

There was something undeniably appealing about her. Paul hoped they could keep her around; her energetic vibe would be a welcome in their pack. He playfully tugged her towards the bumper cars, a night of boardwalk fun stretching before them.

Throughout the evening, Paul's touch lingered, a constant reminder of his presence. Sevyn didn't mind one bit. While a bit awkward at flirting back, her reactions only seemed to fuel his amusement.

Exhausted but happy, they settled into a booth at a pizza place, sharing a large meat lover's. Paul, unsurprisingly, took the seat beside her instead of across. He'd strategically chosen to sit close.

"So, about that villain shirt," he began with a sly smirk, referencing her outfit from the other night.

The unexpected closeness sent a pleasurable shiver down her spine. "What about it?" she managed, her cheeks warming.

"Just wondering if you really have a thing for bad boys," he teased, his voice a low rumble. "Because, well, I'm a bit of a villain myself." Paul waggled his eyebrows playfully, a wide grin splitting his features.

Sevyn couldn't help but laugh at him but knew how true it was. "A good villain can be compelling, more interesting than heroes sometimes. They're usually much sexier, too. I appreciate someone who gets what they want, doesn't hold back, someone who gets something done by any means necessary – real Machiavellian stuff. Violence doesn't bother me," she admitted, babbling a little.

Paul's eyes gleamed. "Damn, that's hot, babe. Maybe you can patch us up after our fights," he suggested playfully.

A delighted giggle escaped Sevyn's lips. "Now that would be fun! I wouldn't miss it for the world. I love watching a good fight."

"Looks like we have a little bloodthirsty streak in you, huh?" Paul chuckled, playfully tugging a lock of her hair.

She swatted at him lightheartedly, secretly enjoying his teasing. "I am who I am."

Paul winked. "Just messing with you, babe."

Their pizza arrived, momentarily stealing their attention. Paul, however, couldn't resist regaling her with stories of him and his brothers, careful to avoid revealing anything.