This is Us [ Elijah Mikaelson ] 2

fifty-eight

Elijah loved Penelope. He loved her more than anything. However, he wasn't sure how much longer he could handle the Christmas Music. It wasn't like this last year, however, last year there was so much going on it was hard to really be merry and excited for Christmas. This year, he now realizes what he's in for, for the rest of eternity. He liked the house. Was it a little too festive? Yes. Was it an eyesore? Not entirely. Some of the décor she had picked out was a little on the tacky side, but it made her happy and the rest of the house was beautifully decorated, as was the outside.

With the decorating, came Christmas movies. He wasn't against them even though they were disgustingly predictable, but some of them were quite enjoyable. Then there was also the Christmas music. The classic carols he didn't mind so much, they were beautiful pieces in their day, but the modern ones... Elijah tired of them rather quickly. At first he thought it was absolutely adorable watching how Penelope's face lit up with joy when she listened to them as she baked, or when they were in the car. She always had a big smile on her face, and was always signing along, not caring who was around or who could hear her.

Elijah didn't think she had a bad singing voice. It was soft, light and a little airy like her speaking voice, and she sang in tune. He loved hearing her hum or sing quietly to music as she baked. Thinking about her singing Leo little lullabies to get him to sleep made him happy.

But if he had to sit through another day of Christmas music, he might rip his ear drums out.

"Okay," He said, turning the volume down in the car and Penelope protested. "I love you," He started. "And I think you are so adorable," Penelope narrowed her eyes at him, not happy he turned down the Christmas music. "And I love how excited you are for Christmas," He continued. "But I need a break."

"A break?"

"Yes."

"A break from what?"

"...Christmas music," He answered hesitantly, bracing for a harsh glare and a flare of pregnancy mood swing. But none came. He quickly casted a glance sideways at her, and she stared at him.

"Okay," She nodded as she unlocked her phone and changed the music.

"Okay?" He asked.

"Okay," She repeated.

"Just like that?"

"Yes, just like that," She laughed. "I mean, Christmas is only five days away and we should be listening to Christmas music... but if you don't want to listen to it anymore..." She shrugged, looking out the passenger window as he drove.

"I didn't say I didn't want to listen to it anymore, my ears just need a break from them."

"You're being a Grinch," She pouted and he back a scoff.

"How am I being a Grinch?"

"You don't want to listen to Christmas music," Elijah rolled his eyes as he gripped the steering wheel a little tighter repeating in his head: He loves her. He loves her. He loves her.

"I don't see how you don't need a break from the constant Christmas music."

"Because it's Christmas time and I like Christmas music because I love Christmas," She pouted. "You're just being a Grinch."

"Just because I don't make Christmas my entire personality when December 1st comes, doesn't make me a Grinch," He retorted and she scoffed, feeling mildly offended.