Even though Paul and Salem's story was only meant to be a one-shot, I have been inspired to write a couple of additional one-shots about them (which is code for "I have been trying to distract myself from finishing "Lost Boys and Golden Girls"). They will all be independent one-shots for now, so I will be posting them all under "Strangers in the Night".

Enjoy!

-Twi


"Sunshine!"

I smirked around the cigarette, cutting my eyes over to meet his baby blues. They were alight with mischief and amusement tonight. He leaned his right hip against my railing to my left, taking one of his hands and running it through his untamed mane of blonde hair.

"Paul...You look like you have been up to no good. What did you do now?"

"Me?" He cried indignantly, clutching his chest, "I'll have you know that I am what they consider an 'upstanding citizen'!"

I snorted and shot him a look that was a silent "Really?" and his innocent facade crumbled, leaving behind a wicked smile and laughing eyes. I rolled my eyes in response, taking a quick puff from my cigarette.

"Sunshine, would you mind sharing a cigarette tonight? The store is out of my favorite brand and I can't find anyone who is selling them right now."

"Sorry, can't help you there. This one is my last one."

Paul groaned and dramatically flung himself back against the railing. I chuckled, but continued to slowly smoke my cigarette.

I took to my usual hobby of people watching, letting his silence wash over me and create a bubble against the normal din. It was almost time for school to start again, so everybody was out for one more outing to the boardwalk before summer ended.

While I was preoccupied, though, I missed his head snapping forwards and turning to face me with a shit-eating grin.

"Sunshine." I startled out of my trance and turned to face him. Before I could blink my cigarette was plucked from my fingers and Paul had it in his mouth and was taking a deep pull.

I frowned, glaring at his smug face. "That was rude, Bon Jovi. Give it back."

He let the smoke drift out of his mouth and I watched as he relaxed as the nicotine hit his system "If you want it, come and get it, Sunshine."

I gritted my teeth. "Seriously, Paul? Give it back."

He shook his head and grinned, silently daring me.

I felt my irritation start to boil in my blood, but then an idea hit me and the irritation faded away. Shooting him a sultry smile, I slinked up to him, pausing when I was about two inches away from him. I let my hands reach out towards the railing beside him and slowly started to lean in even closer to him. He was caged between my arms and I felt his body tense, but instead of fighting me he stayed where he was. His head tilted and he seemed to size me up, his mind racing to try and figure out what my next move was going to be.

"I think...that's mine," I whispered, reaching up and snagging my cigarette from between his loose lips. I remained close to him for about two more seconds before I let go of the railing and rocked back, smirking when his mouth dropped down into a perfect "O".

I inhaled and felt my body relax as the nicotine hit my lungs. Even though I wasn't looking at him, I could feel his unwavering gaze locked onto me, watching my every move. When my curiosity won out, I turned and caught his eyes darkening until they were almost a navy color. His hands on the railing were clenched until they were a pale white and his body remained tense, as if he was restraining himself from moving forwards.

Sending him a wink, I quickly turned away and melted into the flood of the tourists, throwing a wink and a "Go get your own!" over my shoulder. The peals of his answering laugh seemed to follow me all of the way home.