//------------------------------// // The Breakfast Of Champions // Story: Blue Eyes and a Beat // by TheOriginalDash //------------------------------// I cracked open my eyes later, and searched for the source of my discomfort. My legs were freezing, even though Vinyl had somehow twined hers with mine while we slept. I hated to move, but I needed to find a blanket if we were going to stay up here any longer. I very carefully separated my legs from hers, and moved her head from my arm very slowly. Satisfied that she was still asleep, I set off for the storage shed, using the moonlight to see. This wasn't the first night we had stargazed up here, so we had stashed blankets inside the metal hut. I pulled the door open slowly, though it moved on well-oiled hinges. Leaning inside, I fumbled around until I felt soft cloth. I grabbed a couple of the blankets, and carried them back to Vinyl, closing the door quietly behind me. I moved softly, and sat the blankets down so I could rearrange her without disturbing her sleep. After I had replaced my arm under her head, I pulled the blankets over us, and settled back down for a few more hours. I felt a warmth come over me as I looked at her sleeping form. She looked so peaceful, almost like we were kids again. So much had happened to the two of us, and I was always there with her, every step of the way. It made me happy that I would be there for this, too. I couldn't think of anyone I'd rather spend my life with. She was just so perfect, in every single way. I know she has faults, but I can't see them. Sure, she's a bit of a party animal to everyone else, but they've never seen this side of her before. She's never really let her guard down for anyone, even her past boyfriends. It was kind of sad, but I also felt a little special, that she only ever felt truly comfortable with me. I never really trusted many people, either, but I knew I could always count on her, from the first time I saw her. It was just something about her. She just seemed so vulnerable, to me. I always felt like I had to protect her, even though I knew she could protect herself better than I could. She had taken boxing lessons, after all. I wasn't a wimp, I just preferred not to fight, if I could avoid it. Seeing her resting in my arms like this, I saw her vulnerable side, and that made me love her even more. I mean, we had slept in the same bed before; best friends have sleepovers all the time. But, it was something different, to be holding her like this, and to know that she trusted me enough to leave me to protect her while she slept. In case you haven't noticed, city rooftops aren't exactly the safest places in the world. I smiled a little to myself, enjoying the moment. Then, I let myself relax, and fall into a deeper breathing pattern. I began to close my eyes, The last thing I saw before I slept was her face, smiling as well. - - - - - - - - - - - - - When the first rays of morning sun peeped over the roof's edge, I woke up. I opened my eyes, and yawned, stretching myself out. I noticed a difference at my side. Vinyl was gone. So, naturally, I stood up, and looked for her. When I didn't see her telltale blue, I decided to go downstairs to find her. Also, don't ever sleep on a roof in thirty degree weather. It's murder on the back. And if you have back problems, don't ever sleep on a roof. Pins and needles are not fun. Not to mention the intense burning pain. As I stumbled down the now lighted stairs, I rubbed the sleep out of my eyes, and kept trying to wake up. When I reached the bottom, I stood there for a minute, and regained my balance. I'd never hear the end of it if I fell in front of Vinyl. I flapped my arms a little, to wake them up, and pushed open the door. I poked my head out, looking for any surprises, and then emerged fully from the doorway. Still slightly groggy, I headed for the kitchen, figuring that was where Vinyl would be. I shuffled through the main room, and headed for the doorway, hidden behind a huge poster of Vinyl. It was hidden, because we didn't want people wandering in there by mistake. The poster was the only fairly inconspicuous thing we could find. Which is funny because the poster is like, seven feet tall. I smelled cooking, and that proved my suspicions were well founded. Vinyl was making breakfast when I staggered into the room. Score! She smiled at me as I sat in one of the two chairs next to the small table. I laid my head on my arms, and tried to wake up all the way. It usually takes me about a half an hour to be coherent, but I supposed I would have to force myself today. I sat up and sighed, adjusting to the light streaming into the small room through the window. "Good morning, love. How did you sleep?" She grinned at me, an evil smile. I stuck my tongue out in response, and slumped over in my seat. She laughed, used to my morning difficulties by now. We had spent a lot of time together over thirteen years, and mornings were no exception. I just wished that we could have spent more together. Well, it all starts now, and I'll have many more mornings with her, because I don't intend to let her go any time soon. I rose slowly, wincing as my knees cracked. I walked slowly to where she was stationed in front of the small stove, and wrapped my arms around her slender waist. I could feel the warmth emanating from her, and I rested my head on her shoulder. She twisted her head to give me a peck on the cheek, and I nuzzled her neck. I began humming the chorus of one of her favorite songs, and she broke into a grin. I smiled, too, just because I had made her happy. I tend to live for the moment, and my favorite moments are when I make her smile. She flipped the last pancake onto a paper plate, and turned the stovetop off. I had to let go, so that she could carry the skillet to the small sink, and wash it. I carried the plates to the table, and set one on each side. Vinyl crossed the room, and placed two glasses of orange juice on the table as she took her chair. I grabbed a fork, and began devouring my breakfast. Vinyl watched with a bemused expression, quietly chewing hers. We sat in silence until we were finished, as we were both too busy enjoying the fluffy buttermilk delight in front of us. I reached for my glass, and downed it in one go. Vinyl just stared at me. I cocked one eyebrow, and stared back. She held my gaze for a good five minutes, until I leaned further across the table. Her expressionless countenance faltered, and she began to fight to keep her face calm. Eventually, she gave up, and a smile covered her face. She flicked me on the nose, and I sat back, trying not to sneeze. She laughed at the expression on my face, and I laughed, too, because I knew what I probably looked like. I picked up our plates and plastic forks, and threw them in the trash. I took a moment to appreciate the view out of the tiny window, and then swiveled around to face Vinyl. Leaning back against the counter, I let out a relaxed sigh, and crossed my arms over my chest. I opened my mouth, and began to speak. "So, Vi, what's on the agenda today? Any more fun stuff, or do we get a lazy day?" "Well, I hadn't planned anything, but we should probably do something. I think we've had too many lazy days lately. Got any ideas?" She pulled her knees to her chin, and sat in her chair, waiting for my response. I appreciated the adorable display for a second, and then I started bouncing around plans. "We could go to my place, and waste a couple of hours playing video games. Or we could watch random cat videos on the internet." She rolled her eyes, and crossed her arms. She then stared at the ground for a minute, lost in thought. Finally, she looked up, and seemed to have decided something. "We could go shopping. I still haven't gotten all of my Christmas gifts, yet." I stared at her, frozen in horror. Making choking noises, I slowly sank to the ground, clutching my chest. I writhed in the floor until I saw her foot tapping on the ground in front of my face. I sat up, convinced I had made my point. "Shopping is poison to me. And at this time of year, people will be going crazy, trying to get to the best deals on Christmas gifts. Do you have any idea what that does to my brain? I go crazy, and I curl up in a corner and try to die." She sighed, and pulled me up off the floor. She spun on her heel, and walked to push her chair back under the table. I watched her, and knew that we were going shopping, whether I wanted to or not. What Vinyl wants, Vinyl gets. That's how it's always been. A few seconds later, she confirmed my gloomy thoughts. "Shopping it is, then, since you have no more brilliant ideas. Come on, lets go drop you off, so we can get ready." I followed her grudgingly, regretting every step I took. I absolutely hate shopping. But, at least I get to spend more time with her. With that small ray of sunshine breaking through my own personal thunderstorm, I exited the building, locking the door behind me. Vinyl beckoned from the car, and I trudged around to the passenger side, accepting my dismal fate.