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"I'm just not really into Christmas," Trevor said for what felt like the millionth time that week, getting up from the living room couch.
Dating Pete was fun for the most part, especially considering the guy was surprisingly good at all things sex, but it was moments like this where Trevor couldn't help but get a little annoyed. Pete was just so oblivious sometimes.
"I know. I'm trying to understand why," Pete replied patiently. Case in point.
Trevor didn't love having to say the unsaid. It made him feel weird, like his chest had caved in and everyone could stare right down into the depths of it.
So it really wasn't ideal when Pete didn't pick up on these things.
He took a deep breath, trying to tamp down his automatic irritation. "I was the only Jewish kid in my area growing up. Made things kind of awkward."
Pete's eyes widened a little. Then he nodded quickly. "That makes sense. I'm sorry I didn't think of that."
Trevor shrugged. "It's fine."
A slightly awkward silence lingered in the air. Then Pete cleared his throat and somehow managed to put on an even more cheerful expression.
"So what did your family do around…this time of year?" he asked. "Besides the Chinese food."
"I don't know. Not much. I guess we would watch a movie sometimes." Like hell was Trevor admitting that it was more about spending time together as a family than anything else.
"That sounds really nice."
"It was."
They fell into silence again, although this was more comfortable, the kind of quiet that came with knowing someone for so long. Pete stood up and came to stand with Trevor, looking through the window. Pale lights were strung up along the trees outside. Sam and Jay had sprung for the really nice decorations this year.
"Thanks for telling me," Pete said quietly.
Trevor made a face. It was easier than getting all sappy back. Pete just smiled and nudged him with his elbow like he knew anyways.
A few days later, that conversation was the last thing on Trevor's mind. After all, possession was starting to become a holiday tradition at Woodstone. He just hoped it was his turn next year.
So he really wasn't sure what to expect when Pete came up to him one afternoon and said he had a surprise for him.
"You sure?" Trevor asked. "There's a cardinal in the bird bath right now." He had to take a moment to recognize how sad that sentence sounded.
"Really?" Pete said with interest. Then he shook his head. "Wait, sorry. Come on. It's a fun surprise."
Trevor begrudgingly let himself be led away from the bird bath and into the house. The air smelled like gingerbread. Sam probably had one of her winter candles going. He had to admit they were pretty nice.
Pete pulled him into the TV room and smiled broadly. "Surprise!"
Sam, Jay, and the rest of the ghosts were crowded around the couch around open cartons of what smelled like Chinese food. There was some kind of Christmas romcom cued up on the TV. Sam lifted her head and smiled at Trevor.
"What is this?" he said slowly.
"I know this isn't your favorite time of year," Pete said, "but I thought this might make it a little better."
Trevor's heart swelled with warmth. All he could do in front of the others was look over at Pete helplessly. Pete just looked back, his eyes soft with fondness.
And as they both walked over to the couch, Trevor had to admit that maybe Pete did get the unsaid more than he was given credit for.