baby it's cold outside | gemini

Ever since it had sunk in that they would be spending their first Christmas as a thing apart, Dani had been searching for the right thing to do. Luckily for her, a quick google search had found them something to do that wasn't horribly far away and that Gem would probably love. Plus, she had been buying his Christmas present all year long, so she didn't have to worry about that at all. Now she just had to get Gem to come with her.

After class was over, Dani quickly ran back to Gem's dorm to find that it was completely empty. Perfect. If Virgil had been there she would have to explain why she was stealing her not boyfriend's clothes and chargers along with anything else he'd need where they were going. Everything fit perfectly in to the bag she brought with her. The only thing she left was a note saying that if he came back before she called, that Gem should go to her room. Hopefully she'd be done in enough time.

Her hair was already done and so was her makeup since she knew that Gem wouldn't be in class that day. She had gotten some weird looks, but that didn't matter. What did was hurrying to get in the dress she had picked up and gathering the rest of her things. All in all, she was done getting ready about an hour after she left class.

The long coat that she wore over her dress almost wasn't enough to keep her warm, but it was worth it. Somehow she had managed to keep this whole trip a secret from Gem and now she was finally going to call him. All of her bags and Gem's gift were piled by the passenger side door, out of sight until she could talk to him. No point in ruining the surprise too soon. With an excited smile, she pulled out her phone and shot him a text.

Hey babe, can you meet me at the Mazda? I need to see you...

And with that she put her phone back in the jacket pocket and sat down on the hood of his car, waiting for her best person to show up so that she wouldn't freeze to death.

outfit

Gemini was sitting on top of one of the desks in his father's classroom, spinning a drum stick between his fingers absent mindly. Classes had ended for the day, which was in his opinion the perfect time to go. Jasper was bent over his desk grading a stack of papers while the record player played Sinatra's versions of all the Christmas songs in the background. The closer the holidays came the more excited Gemini was getting, it'd be so long since he'd been home, he could sleep in his own bed, go ice skating. His mom would probably hit him and Ryan up to go find a tree which he'd gladly do in exchange for some cookies and apple pie. No one baked like his mom and He was going to seriously hit the gym when he got back to Calloway. It was bitter sweet though, as much as he was looking forward to going home it'd be the first Christmas he and Dani spent away from each other and it was kind of bumming him out. He even considered just breaking down and begging her to come along with him but he did really think it was important that she spent sometime with her real family. That was the problem with adopting family members, they usually had actual blood relatives. At least he'd have Ryan though.

Jasper was chatting about some recent events with his grandma on his mom side as he graded. Gemini listened quietly as he enjoyed the music and the warmth of the classroom. His Jarvis text tone alerted him to a text message which got an eye brow raise from his father. It's Dani.. I've got to go. He said placing the drumstick down and slid off the desk. He replaced his sunglasses on his face, and gave his father a peace sign as he headed out the door into the cool winter air.

He found Dani sitting on the hood of the Mazda. Strolling up, hands shoved in the pocket of his snug jeans he flashed her a smile. Hey Babe, What's up? You couldn't have wanted to see me someplace warmer... ? He asked pulling his arms in closer to his body as a cool breeze blew by.

outfit

Dani jumped off the hood of the car, more out of excitement than because she actually needed to. It was a mazda and even she wasn't THAT short. Taking a few steps in his direction, Dani closed the distance between them and hugged him tight before stepping back just slightly so that she could look up at him. If he didn't go along with this it would probably break her heart. Nope. That would've taken too long. She teased, looking between Gem and the car for a second as the nerves started to sit in. This totally could be the best or worst idea she ever had.

So...I was thinking about this whole 'we have to spend christmas apart' thing and I had an idea. She started, reaching out to grab his hand, though why she wasn't sure. Why don't we get out of here for the weekend? Our bags are packed and I booked a room. Two days, two nights at somewhere ten times more interesting than Calloway. Biting her lip, she stopped to see how he was going to react. She knew that she had a tendency to ramble when she got excited and she was trying to keep that from happening.

He was a little surprised by her excitement to see him and he hugged her back, his arm resting around her shoulders when she pulled away. His eyes widened as she explained her plan and he couldn't help the smile that spread across his face. Getting out of town with you? Always. He took notice of her long jacket and high heeled boots. Hot. He said nodding toward her shoes How do you plan on driving in those things?

Dani laughed and untangled herself from Gem long enough to go put the brightly wrapped Christmas present in the back seat. Don't gripe at me about you getting the bags. I know you, and you don't get to open this until we get where we're going. She announced before he could say anything. The package was big and decently heavy from carrying all of the presents she had acquired for him in it. He'd never be able to guess what it was now. Oooohh no. I'm not driving your baby in places where there might be snow or ice. I would die from the sheer terror. Sliding in to the passenger seat, she buckled her seatbelt and started hooking her phone up to some all day christmas station before he could even get in. It hadn't dawned on her that he may need to run back to the dorm or something, but she was freezing so at least she was getting in. If you like the jacket, just wait until you see what's underneath. For the record, I'm going to turn in to an icicle. She half yelled, closing the door so that she was at least out of the wind.

Spotting the package Gemini's got big Buuuutttt babe.... He whined. His curiosity was now getting the best of him, he had no idea what could be in the box but now he really wanted to find out. He rolled his eyes at her playfully as he opened the driver door dropping down onto the cold leather seat. This is your trip you should be driving don't be lame.I don't even know where I'm going. He teased as he put the key into the ignition, immediately adjusting the heater settings. Letting the car warm up he shifted to get comfortable in his seat, though he didn't bother to put his seat belt on as usual. You're lucky I had Rye put snow tires on this. having a mechanic best friend might have been the best thing ever. Turning to look at her he smirked Why Danielle Rockefellar, are you trying to tease me?

Or I could just give you directions so that if anything happens its your fault. You know, the one with the superhuman reflexes. She winked, leaning over to grab a bottle of water out for her duffel bag for herself and an energy drink for him. Dont worry. It's not nearly as far away as Candyland. We could be there before dinner easily. Yhe average drive time according to mapquest was like two and a half hours, so vaguely that meant she was looking at an hour and a half to two if you factored in the light traffic and Gem's driving. Plenty of time for them to grab dinner and then maybe even get in one of the winter activities the place offered. This was going to be awesome. Hitting the gps option on her phone, she set it to where it would call out the directions over the music without telling Gem where they were going. Im ready if you are babe.

Gemini smiled his eyes twinkling with excitement. Between wondering what was in the package, where they were going and what Dani was wearing under that jacket that went along with those boots Gemini was feeling giddy with curiosity but that was all part of the fun. After readjusting his sunglasses and the rear view mirror he gave her a smile Of course, I'm always ready He headed in the direction the GPS told him though at this point he didn't help. He could make it out of Calloway without directions just fine. Looking at the sky it seemed like they might get some snow which prompted Gemini to actually do the speed limit for the time being. The warm air and Christmas music had him in a chipper mood and he reached over the center console for her hand. So! are you excited about your first Christmas with your family?

The Christmas music made dani feel all warm and fuzzy, especially as she looked out the window. Snow was her archnemesis when she had to be outside because she couldn't stand the cold for long, but right now...it felt great. Gem had the heater cranked up and her hand was resting in his across the center console. What could be better? She didn't want to assume anything just yet, but things were working out perfectly. I'm kinda excited but really nervous at the same time. Like it's the first time that we've all been in the same room since I was six months old. She conceded, squeezing his hand as they turned on to the main road. Hopefully they would get there before the snow set in. What about you? It sounds like you've been missing seattle.

Are you afraid you guys won't get along or something, because I don't know if your aware but it's kind of a thing for families to bicker around the holidays so you'd be normal. He gave her hand a reassuring squeeze I'm sure it'll be great though, just roll with it. Don't think too much He tapped his fingers against the steering wheel nodding his head along to the cheery Christmas tune Oh Yeah. I have. I'm super excited to go back, It's going to be hard cramming everything in. Starbucks like everyday. It's a bit of a drive but maybe go up the mountain, eat my mom's amaaazzzing cooking. Sleep in my own bed, Be around some people that say the word bag right and not just Ryan. The more he thought about it the more excited he got, If it wasn't for Dani he might not even come back.

Dani shook her head, but she was too preoccupied with the landscape around them to respond right off. Snow had fallen a few days before, and even though the roads were clear the ground and trees weren't. It actually was pretty neat, even for Wyoming. I think we'll be fine, and even if we are t I know a guy with teleportation. Worst comes to worst and I may just go hide in your closet. She teased. Dani had never met his mother, but she was pretty sure that even a cool lady like autumn would make her sleep on the couch. that does sound awesome though. Other than the baaayg thing. I tell you what, I'll meet you half way with Bag whenever you start saying wash correctly. Just to make things worse, she had made sure to lay on her mostly dormant southern drawl a little thick. Most people forgot she was from Texas Oh, and I looked before we left. There's a Starbucks on the way and one like fifteen minutes from where we're staying. You can get your fix early. She laughed and held on to his hand a little tighter, looking out the window with a content smile.

Eh You can hide in my closet if you want to just don't snoop around too much...I won't be responsible for what you find. A goofy smile playing on his lips I'll sneak left overs up to you and everything. He narrowed his eyes and looked at her out of the corner of them. It IS a Bayg, okay? I have no idea what a bag is but it sounds dumb. For the record it's also an 'AY-G' and not an Ehg and 'Melk' not milk. He shook his head and groaned dramatically when said 'wash' Ugh woman, there's no R in it. I don't even go to class and even I know that. Even though he was teasing her about it he had to admit he found her accent kind of hot. His eyes lit up Seriously?! He smacked the steering wheel with the palm of his hand I'm so excited! He moved his hand up to her chin so he could gently turn her face toward him, leaning over slightly he gave her a quick kiss on the lips before dropping his hand back to hold on to hers and turning his eyes back to the road. You're kind of the best.

Whatever loser. At least an entire half of the country says warsh. Only you people say bayg and melk.She quipped with a bright smile. The kiss that followed her revelation about his future coffee fix was unexpected but welcome as her GPS alerted her that they had driven farther than she expected. Wow. Only like an hour and a half left. The map says Starbucks is coming up in this next town. I programmed the stop in. Dani explained, shutting off the notification as decent sized town came in to view. And of course I'm the best...well, with you. I know you allllmmmost better than anyone else. It's a best friend perk. More like the perks of dating the best friend, but still they were borderline perfect in that aspect. They knew what each other liked and disliked. No grey area, no problems.

He scrunched up his nose making a face at her 'you people' Yeah and depending on who you're talking to like most of the northern states and you know the northern Country. he said pointing upward as if Canada was above his head. It doesn't help my mom is originally from Minnesota.. As the larger town came into view he could easily spot the familiar green and white sign, he couldn't be more excited it had been forever since he had gotten his hands on coffee that didn't come from the gas station or one of the local restaurants. He pulled the car into the drive thru, though of course there was a line. thats very true. You do know a freakishly large amount about me. he turned so he could look at her Wait, does that mean that you think I'm from Warshington? He teased. do you want anything? he asked when it was finally their turn. Rolling down the window the cool air moved into the car and along with it the pleasant smell of coffee. Gemini took a deep breath before exhaling happily Add Vanilla to that and I'd think I died and went to Heaven.

Dani laughed at his argument and leaned across the console to kiss him on the cheek. He was so cute when he tried to defend his weird northern tendencies. You know, I'm pretty sure things like this are why we had a civil war. We'll just have to agree to disagree babe. The smell of coffee invaded the car and Gem's excitement made Dani smile. Sure, she liked coffee but this was borderline an obsession. Maybe she should take a picture or something for blackmail. Seriously...I'm buying you a keurig for your birthday. If this is all it takes to get you excited, you would be in heaven getting to have it whenever you wanted. The menu was longer that she expected and Dani shook her head at it. umm...just get me the salted caramel hot chocolate. I think if I have any more caffeine today I might actually die. She'd spent so much time last night making last minute plans and getting things ready that she had only slept for a couple hours before getting up early to do her hair. It was beyond crazy, but the energy drinks that morning had pulled her through somehow.