Southern Comfort

Chapter 10: Jump in my Car

July 3 2016 11:59am (128 Days until the General Election)

"So are you feeling all refreshed after your beauty sleep?" Nik teased unable to help himself.

"I didn't leave that early," he growled from the passenger seat.

"Well I don't know about you but 9pm isn't late, even for us small town country folk," he joked.

"Well excuse me if I didn't want to dance on the bar and slam down tequila shots Niklaus," he groaned. "I think I grew out of that about ten years ago."

"It was just a little fun; you know what that is right?"

"You have an interesting idea of fun brother," he replied shaking his head.

"This wouldn't have anything to do with a certain wild brunette…"

"Trust me it has nothing to do with Daisy Duke," he chortled.

"She seemed to get to you though," he suggested taking a brief moment to take his eyes off the road to check his brother's expression.

They had headed to Dallas for some farm supplies and were on their way back into Jefferson. Nik had woken up with a mild headache from the night before but had shrugged it off knowing he had work to do.

Elijah had offered to accompany him and Nik had to admit that he was enjoying his company, more so because he liked nothing more than to get under his skin.

"Yes because she is shallow, annoying and far too opinionated for my liking," he shot back his gaze still on the road.

"That's a little harsh considering you barely know the girl."

"I know enough Niklaus," he growled and Nik knew it was best to give up. "Although her friend seems nice," it was Nik's turn to go quiet thinking maybe having his brother around wasn't the best. He always had this way of trying to psycho-analyse him.

"She's okay," he murmured knowing she was much more than that.

"Oh just okay?" He asked. "Is that why you couldn't stop staring at her last night?"

"I was not staring."

"Ah yes you were, plus Stefan told me all about your little kiss last week."

"Stefan doesn't know when to keep his mouth shut," he grumbled.

"I must say I was a little hurt you didn't tell me."

"Well that was because I knew this would be the resulting conversation," he shot back. "Plus Elijah I kiss many girls, it's not unusual."

"Oh yes I'm aware of that but from what I hear this one's special."

"Oh let me guess Stefan was giving you his insights into the situation?"

"He was but it really wasn't necessary given all I needed to do was look at you to know what is going on."

"Seeing as you're such an expert what is going on Elijah."

"You know it's okay to like someone Niklaus," he implored.

"Maybe you should take your own advice."

"Nice deflection brother," Elijah rolled his eyes.

"I'm serious, I've never seen anyone get to you like Katherine," he said shaking his head.

"Katherine?" He asked the confusion etched on his face.

"You know Daisy Duke?"

"Oh her," he groaned. "Trust me if I never see her again it will be too soon."

"Well, well speak of the devil." Nik murmured. "Looks like it will be sooner rather than later." He gestured ahead noting the lady in question standing by a car on the side of the road and sticking out her thumb.

"Just go past, maybe she won't see us," he whispered almost like he was afraid she would overhear their conversation.

"That's not very neighbourly of you Elijah and yeah I think she might notice," he laughed preparing to pull over his breath hitching in his throat when he saw a flash of blonde hair and Caroline walking to the edge of the road next to her friend.

"Are you sure you want to stop now?" Elijah smirked knowingly. Nik shook his head knowing he had no choice but to stop.

He inhaled deeply preparing himself for the onslaught. Nik knew he was an idiot; he had been berating himself ever since their kiss and last night had done nothing to help the situation.

He should have called her after the kiss and he'd picked up the phone a few times but realised he had no idea what to say or what to do next. He didn't do relationships, or whatever this was, and one day had excruciatingly turned into seven.

When he saw her at the pub he felt sick wondering whether he should bring up the kiss or not. He'd eventually gathered the courage to approach her and while the conversation started out okay it soon descended into an all too familiar argument.

Nik's smug alter ego had a habit of rearing its ugly self when he was uncomfortable and last night was no different. As soon as she mentioned his ego he couldn't help but bring up the kiss. Although replaying it later he definitely saw that part of the conversation going better in his head.

When she said it was a sympathy kiss that pushed him over the edge and he stormed out. Nik couldn't believe that one line was enough to reduce him to an insecure mess. He had no intention of ever letting Caroline see that side of him.

"So uh ladies what seems to be the problem?" Nik asked getting out of the truck slowly noting Caroline's unimpressed expression at her saviour.

"Flat tire," Katherine answered looking between the two awkwardly. "We have a spare one in the back but there isn't one of those thingies to fix it."

"You mean a jack?" Nik asked smiling in Caroline's direction.

"Hey don't look at me, I know nothing about cars," Caroline replied feebly. Nik was trying to keep his cool but it was a little difficult when Caroline was standing dangerously close in denim shorts and a white shirt, her hair gathered into a pony tail only accentuating her long, slender neck.

"Yes a jack," Katherine reiterated. "So can you help a girl out?" Nik realised she was talking to him and walked around to the back of the truck and produced the jack she needed.

"Do you need some help?"

"I saw it on television once, I'm sure it's not that difficult," Elijah snorted at her comment, although Nik had to give her points for determination.

"So if that's all you need." Elijah trailed off obviously desperate to leave. Even though it was extremely awkward Nik wasn't ready to go just yet. He just wanted to be closer to her for a little longer.

"We should really stay and help you know just in case…"

"Thanks for the offer but what part of it's not that difficult did you not hear?" Katherine said hands on hips defiantly.

"Well it's the least we could do, I'll just take a look around before I go," he replied as Elijah looked on slightly amused. He did a lap around the car checking each tire individually then popped the hood and inspected the engine.

"You are dangerously low on oil, did you know that?"

"What part of I don't know anything about cars did you not understand?" Caroline squeaked repeating Katherine's line.

"Well given how far town is I think you're going to need some now," he suggested. "There's a gas station not far back the other way."

"Great can you please go and get that while we change the tire," Caroline said quickly and Katherine nodded in agreement obviously trying to get rid of them too. All sense flew out the widow and Nik replied ignoring Elijah's stern looks.

"Well it might be best if you come with me and Elijah can help Katherine with that tire, you know just in case," Katherine huffed obviously not liking his assertion.

"So you're telling me Mr Suit can change a tire?"

"I know it's hard to believe but yes," Nik answered noting the stormy look on his brother's face. "I taught him myself."

"Fine, let's get this over and done with then," Katherine muttered obviously meaning more than just changing the tire.

Caroline looked at her friend helplessly before rolling her eyes and getting into the passenger seat. They both watched as the two drove away into the distance.

"Well what are you waiting for?" Katherine asked sending Elijah an "I'd rather be anywhere but here" glance.

"I thought you had this under control princess," he muttered.

"Well I do," she spluttered pulling out the spare, the jack firmly in her hand. Elijah watched in amusement as the brunette huffed and puffed attempting to remove the flat tire. He had to admit her behind looked cute in her fitted jeans and khaki tank top.

He felt himself transfixed and Elijah had to admit he was slightly enjoying himself. When he'd been trapped next to her on the plane he was initially angry but he couldn't deny just how beautiful she was.

Elijah figured his adverse reaction had something to do with the fact that after a while her perfume filled his nostrils and every time she accidentally brushed against his skin he felt electric shocks pulse through his body.

What was she doing to him? Elijah had no idea but he had to keep his distance and being rude was his solution. Plus he knew they were completely different and even if he did entertain her on the plane nothing would change that.

When he saw her in the pub Elijah was floored, he figured and hoped at the same time that he'd never see her again, not because he didn't want to but because he was scared of what he might feel.

"It might help if you do this," he offered moving closer and smelling that sweet, familiar scent. She looked at him doubtfully before nodding giving him permission to continue. He leaned across grazing her arm slightly and feeling the familiar shocks emanating from her.

He shook his head determined to focus on the job at hand although she was making it difficult. He looked at the tire willing himself to concentrate.

"Are you okay?" She asked looking at him curiously.

"Of course I'm okay," he spluttered. "Are you okay?"

"Well apart from a busted tire I'm just fine," she murmured and Elijah was struggling to concentrate when her lips looked so pink and kissable. "You know it would be good if you could get it fixed sometime today."

"Well that bossy attitude is not going to get you anywhere," he baulked.

"Sorry you just seem to bring it out in me," she drawled licking her lips slowly making him stir.

"Don't blame your PMS issues on me."

"You did not just go there," she cried and Elijah could tell he was in trouble. "You would have to be the most egotistical, self-righteous, arrogant idiot I've ever met."

"I'm not an idiot," he shot back fine with the other insults hurled at him. "I think maybe you were describing yourself."

"Charming," she sneered. "I'm sure you're really popular with the ladies."

"Why would you care?"

"I don't, I just feel sorry for any poor female that has to deal with your bad attitude," she groaned turning her back around to focus on the tire.

"I'll do that."

"No please don't," she drawled. "I don't want to owe you anything."

"You know what fine, I have no idea why I even bothered," he growled turning on his heel and walking towards the grass not noticing the chestnut flash that was slithering through it. He felt a sharp feeling on his ankle looking down at the cross banded snake moving away.

"This day just keeps getting better," he cried leaning down to inspect the damage.

"What happened?"

"Nothing you'd care about," he shouted holding onto his leg feeling the pain. She looked at him curiously before looking down.

"What's wrong with your ankle?"

"Well a snake just decided to bite me."

"Where?" She asked her eyes darting around the area.

"I think you'll be okay it slithered that way," he said distractedly. He was surprised as she went in the direction he pointed looking around the grass. "You know most people would run the other way."

"Well I need to know what kind of snake it was," she murmured and he noticed her snapping photos on her camera phone.

"I never took you for a snake lover," he joked feeling the dizziness begin to take over.

"I'm not," she said walking towards him purposefully. "Lay in the back of the truck."

"I'm not that easy," he reeled not expecting that comment.

"Good to hear," she said her expression unchanged. "Right now that venom has entered your system and the more you move the worse it's going to be."

"Why are you such an expert?"

"Well I think being a doctor helps," she growled unimpressed.

"You're a doctor."

"I think that's what I just said," she muttered. "Why are you so surprised?"

"I didn't expect that."

"Well as much as you annoy me I can't refuse to treat you."

"I'm fine really," he muttered sitting on the grass suddenly and inspecting his injury.

"I'm pretty sure that was a copperhead Elijah, one of the most deadliest snakes so I suggest you stop joking around and listen to me," she pleaded and Elijah could see the sincerity in her eyes. "Lie still."

"Am I going to be okay?" He asked laying down and looking into her eyes seriously.

"I haven't lost a patient yet and I don't plan on starting today," she implored. "Elijah just trust me."

"Okay," he murmured not sure if the sensations pulsing through his body were from the snake or Katherine induced.

xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

Nik watched as the scenery flashed past his window. She'd been silent ever since they drove away twenty minutes ago and he didn't like his chances of changing her mood. The reason he'd suggested this detour was so that he could make it up to her somehow but he had no idea what to do or say, it was all so foreign to him.

"So…" Nik said looking at her briefly as they made their way up the road. "Uh nice day.."

"Well let's see, I blew out the tire on the car, had to deal with Katherine's snarky comments about pumping up the air in my tires even though it's not my car, and to top it all off apparently I need oil and I'm stuck in a car with you. So all in all not sure about the nice part."

"Well that was a mouthful," he grinned not in the slightest bit offended by her comment. "Surely it can only get better now?"

"You know you're probably right," she murmured turning to face him a sly smile on her pretty face. "Once I get this oil and the tire fixed and leave you then everything will be amazing." Nik shook his head.

"Oh come on love don't be like that."

"I have a name you know."

"Yes but I much prefer calling you love," he smiled trying desperately to wear her down.

"Well I don't prefer to be called love," she grumbled.

"Okay Caroline," he said playing along. "You seem a little upset."

"I'm not upset," she shot back continuing to stare outside.

"Well your body language and that tone are telling me something different." He replied trying to get her to talk. Nik knew he'd been an arse but at least he was trying to redeem himself.

"I never took you for a body language expert," she pouted finally turning her head to look at him curiously.

"Honey I know all about the human body," he spit out unable to stop it. Suddenly her eyes narrowed and Nik knew his alter ego had returned with a vengeance.

"Here we go again," she muttered. "Maybe some girls like your little egotistical personality but it really irritates me."

"Gee I hadn't noticed," he shot back again without thinking.

"I don't know why I put myself through this torture."

"Maybe because you like me deep down," he said pleading with his eyes. He knew it was cocky but Nik was desperate to get back to what they had no matter what he needed to do.

"Even if I did I'd never admit it."

"You kissed me right?"

"That's it, stop the car." She cried attempting to open it mid drive.

"Calm down Caroline, there's no need to be hasty," he answered continuing to drive but attempting to stop her escaping at the same time.

"Yes there is," she snarled. "Stop this car." Nik didn't want to but could tell by the look on her determined face that she was crazy enough to jump out at full speed. He pulled over, coming to a complete stop as she jumped out slamming the door on her way out.

"Oh come on love," he shouted as she stalked away from him through the grass. He had to do everything he could not to check out her toned thighs and pert bottom.

"I thought we discussed your use of that word?"

"I know I'm sorry Caroline," he called out attempting to distinguish the tension. "Where are you going?"

"Back to Jefferson."

"Well I hate to break it to you but it's a long way," he said finally catching up to her. "Come on this is crazy."

"Oh you can talk about crazy."

"What do you mean?"

"I mean you'd have to be a crazy person to continue using those arrogant lines on me even after I made it clear that I didn't appreciate it, and then you have the nerve to make up some pathetic excuse about oil."

"Your oil is low that wasn't a ruse," Nik promised knowing that much was true. Her stony glance was telling him he wasn't earning many friends and he needed to try something new. "Okay fine, I did want a reason to talk to you."

"Please don't tell me it was to share your cocky insights with me," she drawled looking at him expectantly. Nik felt his mouth go dry and was struggling to concentrate she looked that beautiful. "Well?"

"I was trying to apologise."

"Well you have a funny way of showing it," she growled attempting to walk away again.

"Please just hear me out," he pleaded before continuing. "I'm not the fidelity type."

"You don't say," she snorted.

"Not on purpose I just never had any reason to be," he admitted looking straight at the ground too afraid to see her reaction. "I had a good time at the fair."

"So did I," she mumbled and he finally looked into her eyes.

"This is new to me Caroline," he shared.

"What is new, going to fairs?"

"Now who's being facetious?"

"Sorry."

"I'm not very good at this," he bit out awkwardly.

"At what?"

"You're not making this very easy on me," he groaned. "I like you Caroline, there you go I said it." He smiled almost like he was proud of it.

"While I appreciate your honesty, why did it take you so long?"

"I sit here and pour my heart out and that's all I get?" He baulked. "I would at least like some sort of confirmation."

"Confirmation of what?"

"Confirmation that our kiss last week wasn't just for sympathy." He implored and before she could reply he added. "I'm going to say something now and I don't want you getting upset about my supposed cockiness. It didn't feel like a sympathy kiss."

"It wasn't." She said simply sending him a slight smile. Nik leaned in unable to wait any longer and desperate to feel her smooth, pink lips on his again. Her perfume was intoxicating and Nik thought he might faint she smelt good enough to eat.

His trance was interrupted by the sound of an unfamiliar ring tone. He cursed inwardly hoping she'd ignore it and let herself get caught up in the moment like him. She sent him an apologetic glance before rifling in her pocket for the source of the noise.

"Kat?" She asked after connecting. "Is everything okay?" Nik watched as her blue eyes grew wider, obviously something was happening. "We'll be right there."

"What happened?" He asked curiously.

"We need to get back to them right now." She said beginning to sprint towards the car.

"Don't tell me she killed him?" He asked only half joking racing after her. "I don't blame her; I generally want to kill him at least once on a daily basis."

"Well if we don't go now it could be ugly," she said jumping back inside as he did the same. "There's been an accident."

"What happened?"

"There was a snake," she started. "Elijah's been bitten."

"When I said I wanted to kill him I was only joking," he murmured starting the engine. He felt her hand graze his arm. He closed his eyes wondering how such a small gesture felt so incredibly comforting.

"They didn't get chance to change the tire so we need to give them a lift. Although it could have been worse?"

"Oh really?"

"Yeah Kat's a doctor so of all the people to be stuck with he couldn't find someone better." Nik smiled releasing a breath he didn't realise he was holding.

"Well that's something." He sighed before driving away hoping his brother was going to be okay.