Confounding Feelings, Part 6.

Lana Winters awoke to the smell of garlic and the sound of clanging in what she assumed was the kitchen. She stretched, waking up slowly from her brief nap. Oliver wasn't next to her, she noticed. Her whole body was sore as she checked the alarm clock on her partner's bedside. It was six o'clock in the evening. Lana considered getting up to go help the doctor prepare whatever he was making for dinner, but ultimately decided against it. She was far too comfortable and far too worn out.

The writer spent some time alone with her thoughts. Today had been something she'd never experienced before. Between their love confessions and their intense love making, Lana was left utterly confused. She had never felt something so strongly for a man. Let alone a man who had done the awful things that Oliver Thredson had done.

She allowed herself to think back to when she had first met the handsome man. Oliver had been nothing but kind to her, a guiding hand in the darkness that was Briarcliff. The doctor had taken Lana under his wing and had even gone so far as to give her a picture of Wendy Peyser. Clearly he was a multifaceted individual. The past week and the week before had been proof enough of that. It was a complete 180. She prayed to a God that she didn't believe in that he didn't change once again.

Lana's thoughts left her nervous enough to want to stretch her legs. She rose from the comfortable bed, despite her body's protest, and made her way into the kitchen. Dr. Thredson stood in front of the stove top, stirring a pot full of pasta. "Oh, there you are, Lana. Good evening." Oliver greeted, a small grin crossing his lips as he looked over at her. Even disheveled from sleep, Lana Winters was heartbreakingly beautiful. Her brown hair was tangled, light hickeys decorated her neck. She was still naked and Oliver's heart raced at the sight. He repressed a groan as his body responded instantly to her nakedness.

"Good evening. That smells delicious!" Lana greeted, a small grin gracing her lips. Oliver's eyes glanced down at her body before meeting her gaze once again. He smirked at her, stirring the sauce in the pot next to the pasta as he spoke. "I figured you'd be hungry. I'm making some pasta and garlic bread." The writer breathed deep through her nose, sighing at the pleasing scent.

"I'm starving." Lana said as she moved to place her hand over Oliver's that was stirring the sauce pot. He relinquished the cooking tool, allowing her to assist him. The two stirred in silence for a few moments, until Dr. Thredson let out an annoyed groan, throwing his head back as he did so. "What's wrong?" Lana asked meekly, wondering if she had done something wrong.

"I forgot to pick up Parmesan cheese." Oliver bit out between his clenched teeth, his dark brown eyes rolling at his own forgetfulness. "I've been such a space case, lately." The doctor sighed, staring down at their food for a moment until an idea stuck him. His eyes lit up as he turned to look at Lana. "Would you mind going to the store to pick some up? You could take my car, I'll give you money and everything."

Lana Winters could have gasped aloud at the statement. Oliver Thredson was asking her to leave the house while she was still technically his captive. There had to be a catch. Not only that, if anyone were to recognize her, they'd surely throw her right back in Briarcliff. "Oliver... I'm not so sure that's a good idea..." The journalist's voice was on edge with anxiety as she spoke. She released the spoon she was stirring with to nervously wring her fingers.

Oliver smiled reassuringly in her direction, his free hand rubbing her shoulder gently. "I trust you. Besides, there's a grocery store five minutes from my house. It shouldn't take you more than ten minutes." He said, shrugging his shoulders nonchalantly. "I can't go with you. Someone has to stay and finish cooking." The psychiatrist added.

"What if someone sees me?" Lana's voice was tiny, a feeling of dread settling in her stomach. The bespectacled man's eyes softened in sympathy. Lana wasn't going to run off on him, he realized. She was worried about being seen by someone and being taken back to that god forsaken mental asylum. He was momentarily reassured by her worry.

"As I said, you'll be in and out of there. I would be genuinely surprised if you saw someone you knew." Oliver stopped stirring his pasta to embrace her. His mouth was by her ear as he whispered reassuring words. "You can do it, Lana. I believe in you." The doctor reached into his pocket and gave her a twenty dollar bill. "Now go get dressed. While you're there, pick up something you like." With that said, Oliver patted her bare bottom and smiled encouragingly at her.

Nervous, but determined, Lana moved into the living room and pulled on the red dress Oliver had bought her. It was somewhat wrinkled from being scrunched up at the foot of the couch. She glanced herself over at a mirror on the wall and smiled at her reflection. She could do this. The journalist made her way back out into the kitchen and looked at Oliver expectantly. He handed her his keys, glancing up from his cooking to meet her gaze. "There you go. You look lovely." He reached his free hand out to smooth out her messy hair, trying to tame her wild mane. "I'll see you soon." Oliver leaned in for one last kiss, still smiling brightly in her direction. All Lana could do was smile and nod in return, before turning and walking out the front door.

Lana Winters made her way out to Oliver's car and as she started the vehicle, she found herself having second thoughts. As bad as things had been with Dr. Thredson in the past, they were nothing compared to the hell of Briarcliff. She was still technically an escapee of the institution and should anyone of authority see her, she'd be thrown back in the nuthouse. Besides, things with Oliver were going well. Why should she take such a huge risk?

Lana's tiny hands were gripping the steering wheel tightly as she attempted to gather her wits. Shaking her head, she peeled out of the driveway and made her way in the direction of the grocery store. Oliver was correct, she was there in minutes. Luckily she had nothing but green lights to hasten her little excursion. The writer parked close to the building in case she had to make an escape. Her worried mind was busy imagining all the things that could go wrong. She turned off the car and made her way inside briskly. Even though no one was looking at her, she felt as though all eyes were on her. The brunette navigated her way to the Parmesan cheese, holding it in her folded arms.

Feeling a little more relaxed now, she wondered to herself what she wanted for a treat. After the stress that this adventure had made her experience, Lana made her way to the wine aisle and picked out a nice Pinot Noir. She made her way to the checkout, and also picked up a pack of cigarettes. As the girl at the checkout scanned Lana's items, she attempted to make conversation after greeting her. "I love your dress. Where did you get it?"

Lana smiled nervously at the cashier, folding her hands against the cloth of the dress. How should she word this? Well, the guy who'd taken her in had bought it for her, after changing from a psychopath into the ideal man. Surely she couldn't say that. "My boyfriend bought it for me." Lana said, a bright smile gracing her features. The cashier smiled back, handing Lana her items and her change after she had paid for them. "Well, he has impeccable taste. Have a good night!"

"Thank you, you too." The writer mumbled before ducking quickly out of the building. She made her way to Oliver's car with quickened feet and looked nervously around her to see if anyone was watching her. Thankfully, there weren't too many people out and about, so she slipped into the car unnoticed. She got into the vehicle, placing her groceries on the passenger seat. She started the car and cranked out of the parking lot. On her way home, she hit her first red light. Just her luck. She sat there impatiently, her heart racing as she noticed a car pulling up next to her in the other lane.

A voice in Lana's head told her not to look over at the driver, but curiosity made her take a peek anyway. Her heart nearly stopped in her chest at the sight of Sister Mary Eunice in the driver's seat. Thankfully, she wasn't looking over in the journalist's direction. But nonetheless, Lana couldn't fight the urge to punch the gas, to run through the red light to escape being seen. What were the chances of running into the sweet nun on the one night she actually left the house? Lana clenched the steering wheel until her knuckles were white as she waited for the light to change. She forced herself to keep her face forward, using her hair as a curtain to block her face.

The writer couldn't help herself and took one more look at Mary Eunice as the light turned green. Her heart stopped as she met the nun's eyes. She was smiling, almost in a sadistic way, and Lana stomped on the gas, speeding past the blonde woman. She looked in her rearview mirrors to see if Mary was following her. Thankfully, she had turned right at the light and was no longer anywhere near her.

The brunette couldn't help the tears that fell from her eyes as she drove, her breath coming out in harsh pants as she sobbed. Lana pulled into Oliver's driveway a minute later. She quickly turned off the car, grabbed her groceries and ran into the house. She was frantic as she unlocked the door and burst into the kitchen. Oliver had already finished cooking as he smiled over at her. His smile quickly dissipated as she ran to him, sobbing heavily as she threw her arms around him. "What's wrong, Lana?" Dr. Thredson asked quietly, embracing her tightly as his hands ran up and down her back. All the young woman did was sob into his chest, her small hands shaking as they clenched at his back. The doctor could feel her heart beating frantically against his torso as they embraced. He couldn't help but feel rage as thoughts flew through his worried mind. If anyone had laid a hand on her, they would die a horrible death.

Now scared that something awful had happened, Oliver grasped Lana by her shoulders and pulled away from the tight embrace. He looked her over carefully. She had no marks of any kind, she looked exactly the same as she had since she left the house. Relief that no physical harm had come to his lover ran through the psychiatrist's body. "Lana," his voice was firm, his hands still gripping her shoulders as he shook her slightly. "Please tell me what happened."

Through her sobs, the young woman spoke shakily. "Sis-sister Mary Eu-Eunice." Lana said nothing more, her hands still shaking in front of her as she released her partner's back, her eyes meeting his desperately as she cried.

Oliver's heart skipped a beat, his mouth hanging open in surprise. She had been gone for all of fifteen minutes and she'd run into someone she knew? For a moment, the bespectacled man hoped she was lying. He should have known better, for he hadn't seen her cry like this in a long time. "What about her?" Thredson managed to speak, shock still written all over his face.

Lana gasped through her tears like a small child, the sobs making it harder for her to speak. "Sh-She saw m-me. At a re-red light. Bu-But she didn't f-follow me..." Oliver Thredson's heart broke at the pure fear he saw in Ms. Winters' eyes. He pulled her back into his strong arms, his large hands running soothingly up and down her back as he shushed her.

"Shh, baby, it's okay now. You're safe with me. I won't let them take you away." The doctor's voice betrayed the anxiety he felt coursing through him at the moment. He sounded calm and comforting. Though, deep down, he was terrified. If Mary Eunice recognized both Lana and his car, he was in deep shit. He prayed that the nun was ignorant and said nothing about what she saw. He didn't want to have to kill again, but he would if it meant keeping Lana by his side. "This is all my fault." Oliver spoke regretfully, his voice a quiet whisper against his lover's ear. If he hadn't have made Lana leave the house, they wouldn't be in this mess.

His girl was shaking her head adamantly, her eyebrows narrowing slightly at his declaration. "No, O-Oliver. You couldn't control this. You had no idea that she would be out there." Lana said, her tears were beginning to slow and her voice was becoming easier to understand. Oliver's brows furrowed, and he opened his mouth to speak when the phone began ringing. The two of them jumped, both jarred from their conversation. Now angered, Oliver moved to answer the phone. Lana was right behind him, her hand resting between his shoulder blades.

"Hello?" Oliver answered, his voice tense with barely concealed anger. Lana was right next to him, her ear pressed to the opposite side of the receiver. The doctor placed a hand on her lower back protectively.

"Dr. Thredson! I hope I'm not interrupting anything!" The couple froze at the voice on the phone. It was not Sister Eunice, but Sister Jude. "I was just calling because I have some interesting information about a patient of your's..." Sister Jude continued, her voice having it's usual knowing edge. Lana watched as Oliver's hand tightened around the phone, his handsome face down turned in anger.

"Please go on." Oliver said, pulling Lana even closer to his body, attempting to quell her nervous energy. They both listened as Jude continued speaking condescendingly. "Well, it would appear as though Ms. Lana Winters was spotted outside of the asylum tonight. We haven't seen any sign of her in weeks. I'm sure you've been worried." A heavy silence hung in the air and Oliver tried to piece together an appropriate response. He couldn't seem too attached, or else he wouldn't be able to play this off.

"That is interesting. And I'm glad you called, Sister Jude, however I am in the middle of eating my dinner. Perhaps we could meet about this situation tomorrow morning?" His voice remained professional and surprisingly calm as he spoke. Lana smiled up at Oliver, her hand rubbing between his shoulders in reward for his good behavior. Oliver smiled back down at her, his fist loosening it's tight grip on the phone.

"Of course. I will meet with you at 7 a.m, Thredson. Do not be late." Sister Jude's voice left no room for bullshit. Oliver laughed slightly, his eyes rolling at the nun's over inflated ego. The woman acted as if she owned him. It was adorable.

"Yeah, sure." Thredson responded nonchalantly, not even sure that he would attend that very meeting. "Good night, Sister." The nun responded with a tense good night as the conversation ended. Oliver hung up the phone, turning to face the shorter woman as he laughed. "That woman is an ego maniac! She is utterly insane if she thinks I'm going in on my day off just to speak to her about this garbage!"

Lana's mouth pulled into a thin line disapprovingly as she shook her head. "You have to, Oliver! She will know something is up if you don't!"

Oliver shrugged his shoulders, his hand pressing on Lana's lower back as he guided them both back into the kitchen. "If it truly worries you, Lana, I will go. But I will be back within an hour. I would much prefer spending more time with you." He bent down slightly to kiss her cheek as he pulled out a chair for her, helping her to take a seat. "Now, let us eat." Oliver dished out the pasta, taking the Parmesan cheese out of the paper bag and sprinkled it over their meal. He noticed the wine and cigarettes with a smile as he also gave them each a few pieces of garlic bread. "That wine looks delicious. Would you mind sharing with me?" Oliver asked, his beautiful smile winning Lana over.

"Of course. Help yourself." The psychiatrist grabbed a corkscrew out of a drawer and began pulling the cork out of the bottle. He grabbed a couple of wine glasses, and poured them each a handsome amount of the stuff. As he took his seat, he grinned at Lana, raising his glass to toast with her. The delicate glasses clinked together as they said their cheers and took a sip. Lana moaned as the dark liquid coated her throat. How she had missed the taste of red wine. Ironically, she found herself thinking back to the last time she had a glass of the bittersweet alcohol. It was presented to her the first night she had come to Oliver's house. It had been a pleasant experience at first, until she had discovered all of the doctor's darkest secrets.

Trying her best not to dwell on the past, Lana took another big gulp of the wine. Oliver smiled at her from across the table as he began eating his pasta. "So, I see that the treats you've chosen for yourself are cigarettes and wine." His deep voice was slightly higher with a teasing undertone as he spoke. "You remind me of myself even more with each passing day..." Lana laughed, shaking her head. They were very similar in many ways, and yet completely different at the same time.

"Perhaps that's part of our attraction to one another." Lana said, taking another sip of her wine between tiny bites of pasta. Oliver couldn't help the giant smile that crossed his face. He loved when Lana admitted her affections for him. The writer really had come a long way. "This pasta is really good, by the way."

"Thank you. It's a white sauce with some garlic added." Dr. Thredson said as he twisted the pasta with his fork. "It needs the Parmesan cheese to balance out the garlic, though. Otherwise the taste is overpowering." Ms. Winters could already feel her head swimming, her vision blurring slightly from intoxication. She was drinking too fast. Her tolerance had gone down now that she didn't drink as often. The journalist tended to babble when she was drunk.

"I can taste that. You are such an amazing cook, you know that? And you're an awesome doctor. Not to mention you're perfection in bed." Lana rambled, the tone of the conversation becoming sultry. Her hand reached across the table to lightly trace her nails down the back of his hand. Oliver's eyes darkened automatically, his lips were smirking seductively in her direction. "I love your hands, your mouth, your tongue..." Lana's voice trailed off, her meal half eaten and forgotten as she continued caressing the smooth skin of his hand.

Oliver laughed, his head thrown back slightly. "Lana Winters, you are drunk." A blush heated Lana's cheeks at his teasing, her head lowering slightly in shame. She started to pull her hand away, until Oliver caught her hand with lightning fast reflexes. "That doesn't mean I don't appreciate your flirting." The psychiatrist stood, still holding her hand, but moved to sit next to her. "Please, continue." Thredson's voice was smooth as velvet and low in tone as he spoke. He reached his free hand out to caress Lana's cheek.

The journalist peeked at him shyly through her long eyelashes as she worked up the courage to continue speaking. "You are the only man I have ever felt so strongly for... You're the only person I want... The only person I need..." Dr. Thredson could see the tears gathering in Lana's brown eyes as she spoke. "Please don't let them take me away..." Lana whispered, her hand clenching tightly onto Oliver's. Oliver removed his glasses, putting them on the table as he leaned in to put an arm around the smaller woman's shoulders.

"I will not let those monsters take you from me, Lana. I promise." His voice was quiet, but consoling. Lana leaned dizzily onto his shoulder, closing her eyes tightly to keep the tears from spilling. She was so sick of crying all the goddamn time. The brunette sighed weakly as Oliver hushed her, whispering warm and comforting words into her ear. His hand was stroking soothingly up and down her back and it was putting her to sleep. Mentally exhausted and drunk, she forced herself to lift her head from Oliver's shoulder and meet his worried gaze.

"Can we please go to sleep now?" Lana's voice was meek, her expression tired. Oliver nodded, paying no mind to their unfinished meal. He hooked an arm around her waist, pulling her up from the chair and into his bedroom. Oliver shut the door and locked it. Wordlessly, he pulled off her dress and his own clothes and laid them both down in the bed. Lana's body automatically sought his in the dark, cuddling close to his warm body. "Oliver..." The writer could still feel how drunk she was as she caressed her partner's slightly scruffy cheek. The doctor regarded her with adoration as the young woman leaned in to kiss his lips. Her shy tongue swept teasingly against his lower lip, their tongues meeting tentatively. She pulled away after a couple of minutes and Oliver moaned at the loss of her lips. "I love you..." The young woman whispered, leaning her head weakly against Thredson's shoulder.

Oliver's lips pressed sweetly against her forehead as he pushed her bangs back. With his arm wrapped tightly around her, he leaned his head against hers, his body relaxing. "I love you too, baby. Sweet dreams." Lana listened to Oliver's heavenly voice as she drifted off into darkness. The doctor didn't fall asleep right away, however. He cradled his Lana as he was left alone with his thoughts.

He fully intended to speak to Sister Jude tomorrow. But he wasn't going in blind. Oliver smirked at the ceiling as he stroked his lover's soft, bare skin. There was no way he was losing Lana Winters. If Jude wanted a fight, she would certainly get one. Little did the nun know, her opponent wasn't one to underestimate. Ultimately, that would be the reformed Christian's downfall, Oliver knew. Reassured that he could handle himself, the handsome man let his eyes close as he pulled Lana in even closer to his body and drifted off to sleep.

[TBC]