"Here's the money you gave me yesterday".
Natalya placed the crumbled paper money on Mr. Laurinaitis' desk. He looked at her confused, as he slowly retreated it from the table and placed it in his pocket.
"I'm sorry if you find it disrespectful, but I don't like being a burden to anyone".
She said in a serious tone, glaring at Toris who was still confused and didn't quite understand what was going on. A few minutes before he was just in his office grading papers, until miss Arlovskaya bursted in and threw the money on him.
"No, I'm the one who should be sorry. I shouldn't have given you the money, but I was only trying to help".
The Lithuanian tried to explain himself before standing up and walking to Natalya's side to pull a chair so she could have a seat. She was slowly getting used to the professor's gentlemanly manners, so she sat down.
"Did you come with your motorcycle today?"
He asked, wanting to know if she got the gas money from her sister or if she was just too stubborn to take it from him, Toris was genuinely intrigued by her.
She shook her head and then looked down on the floor, as if she was embarrassed to look at his teacher in the eyes.
"I'll give you a ride then".
The Lithuanian had already made up his mind, he was going to take the Belarusian home everyday until her motorcycle had gas.
"But we don't have class today".
Miss Arlovskaya tried to avoid Toris' offer by placing an excuse, but deep down she knew that it wasn't going to stop him.
"Doesn't matter, you're my student and I'm going to make sure you get home safe every single day".
The professor smiled brightly, hoping to make Natalya cheer up a bit. He understood that she didn't want to seem dependent but giving her a ride means no harm, right?
"If you insist, I guess I don't have a choice".
A playful smirk appeared on her face as she crossed her arms. Toris' face lightened up when he saw the Belarusian's smile. It was enough to brighten his whole day. For some strange reason he still couldn't understand, whenever she smiled at him, it made him very happy. Everyday he looked forward to seeing her with that expression.
"I have to go to class now, I'll see you later Toris".
Natalya stood up and left the office, carrying her backpack as always. The professor leaned back on his chair as he watched her leave. This girl was definitely a hand full. She was hot and cold, sometimes she'll be giving him some very suggestive looks and the next minute she's running away from him without even saying goodbye properly. The Belarusian was really getting into Mr. Laurinaitis' head. He looked at the pile of ungraded papers on his desk and sighed, gotta go back to his work. Just when he was starting to focus, the office doors were opened once again, but this time it was that annoying American.
"You can't fail me Mr. Laurinaitis!"
He shouted, slamming both hands on the desk, causing the paper pile to fall down. The Lithuanian just glared at the papers on the floor, making a mental note to pick them up when the troublesome student leaves.
"Well mr. Jones, perhaps you should've turned in your project on time, done your class work, showed up for the tests and participated in class instead of distracting mr. Kirkland".
Toris didn't have time for Alfred and his shenanigans, he still had so much work to do. If being honest, he didn't want to fail the American at all, but he could have at least come to office hours at least once to ask for help. Mr. Laurinaitis had told his students multiple times that he was available at all times and he was willing to help them with whatever they needed.
"But he's the one who distracts me with those massive eyebrows!"
Alfred tried to explain himself, which caused a giggle from his teacher. He shouldn't be making fun of his students but Arthur did have peculiar eyebrows. It was as if he had two caterpillars stuck on his forehead.
"Okay mr. Jones, I'll give you one last chance and you can retake the test to have a passing grade".
Mr. Jones had a bright smile in his face as he began cheering and jumping around in his teacher's office.
"You're the best Mr. Laurinaitis! You totally kickass".
The Lithuanian rolled his eyes at the compliments given by Alfred.
"Just before you go, I have a few questions".
The American adjusted his glasses as he sat down in front of his teacher, giving him all his attention.
"Your classmate, Natalya, I mean miss Arlovskaya, does she have any friends at all?"
Alfred was wheezing when Toris finished his question. The professor wasn't very pleased with mr. Jones' reaction but he waited for a response.
"You have a great sense of humour professor, I have been in multiple classes with her and I can assure you that she's got no friends, kinda sad if you think about it".
The American was starting to piss him off, but he still had more questions to ask.
"Have you ever seen her talk to anyone outside of class recently?" .
Alfred paused for a few moments, scratching his head and then snapping his fingers when he remembered something.
"Yes I have! I saw her talking with the senior Wang Yao just outside of your office".
Wang Yao? Why would Natalya be talking to him? He was a senior and they definitely weren't taking classes together. Perhaps that's the one who has been helping her with the project. After all, Yao has been in his class before and he was also a brilliant student. Toris was starting to put the pieces together but it still didn't make much sense.
"I see, and just before you go, do you know what's her favorite food or drink?" .
Alfred raised an eyebrow before leaning closer to his teacher. The Lithuanian didn't like what Jones was insinuating, but he had to know that information.
"I mean, she has brought ice coffee to class before".
Mr. Laurinaitis nodded, jotting it down on a post it that was by his side. He looked up to see his student smirking at him, what a horrible sight.
"It's all cool teach, I won't say anything since you're helping me out!"
After saying that he left the office, still giggling. Toris slapped his forehead, knowing that Alfred was most likely going to tell the whole campus about it. He hoped that no one would believe him, after all, the American didn't have a great reputation at the place.
The teacher looked at the papers all over the floor and quickly picked them up before walking out of his office in search of Yao. He found him in the library, where he would normally spend all his free time.
"Good morning Yao, I was wondering if I could have a word with you?"
The Chinese turned around in surprise upon seeing his former teacher approaching him so suddenly.
"Yes of course, how can I help you Mr. Laurinaitis?"
The professor looked at his both sides, making sure that no one was overhearing their conversation and got a bit closer to Yao.
"Do you know miss Arlovskaya?" .
The student stared at Toris in a strange manner before nodding.
"You mean Natalya, yes I know her".
The Lithuanian felt a great sense of relief, the pieces were finally coming together, although this was just the first step.
"May I know how do you know her? As far as I know, you two don't take any classes together that I know of".
The Chinese was somewhat confused by the sudden interrogation, but he was willing to cooperate with mr. Laurinaitis.
"Um well, I'm dating her big brother, Ivan".
That took an unexpected turn that Toris didn't see coming. It was an interesting connection that they had and he had to know more about it.
"When was the last time you talked to her and about what?"
Yao was beginning to feel uncomfortable with all the questions, he felt like he was in the police station, but he still answered the question.
"5 minutes ago we just talked. I asked her about Ivan because he hasn't been replying to my texts or returning my calls. But she told me that she hadn't heard from his brother either. Apparently he disappears all the time and it doesn't surprise her anymore".
The Lithuanian came to the conclusion that the Chinese definitely didn't help her with the project. The only conversation they held was about her big brother. Perhaps he was thinking about it too much. Maybe Natalya was just a very talented writer and she didn't cheat. Toris thanked Yao for his collaboration as he went back to his office to get his work done.
The hours passed quickly and it was almost time for the Belarusian to appear at his office. The professor went out to get the ice coffee to give her a nice surprise. He had a long time to think about his investigation and he came to the conclusion that he was overthinking it. There was no doubt that miss Arlovskaya was a great writer, she didn't need to cheat to get a perfect grade, she had the ability to do so. The door was opened suddenly and without knocking, as it was expected Natalya walked into the room.
"You're on time and I got you a little something".
Toris placed the ice coffee on the table with a straw beside it. She grabbed it rapidly and began chugging down the drink. The professor had never seen her lose her composure like that, he was a little bit surprised but he also found it cute.
"Excuse my language but I fucking love this drink".
She said with a smile appearing on her usual serious face. Mr. Laurinaitis was glad that she enjoyed the drink. Together they walked out of campus and soon they were in his car.
"Thanks for the drink, you really didn't have to".
Natalya was deeply moved by that simple gesture from his teacher, she wasn't used to being pampered but she sure did enjoyed it.
"It's no big deal, now let's get you home Natalya".
He said calmly as he began driving. The Belarusian remained silent as she remembered her conversation with Ivan's boyfriend. If it was the old her, she probably would've killed him on the spot. But today she didn't feel jealousy or anger, nothing at all. Maybe she had really gotten over her big brother, after so many years she finally had let him go.
"And we're here!"
Toris parked the car in front of the building where she lived. He took off his seat belt to get out of the car and open the door for Natalya but she suddenly pulled him by the tie. His lips were pressing against her soft and luscious ones. Her eyes were shut and she held onto his tie tightly. The Lithuanian didn't had much time to react, everything happened so quick. He corresponded the kiss and wrapped his arms around her waist, pulling her closer to him. She suddenly separated from him and a trail of saliva hung from their mouths.
"Follow me".
The Belarussian said in a seductive voice, getting out of the car and going upstairs with Toris, all the way kissing him and touching him all over. Those were messy and passionated kisses that made Toris lose control. That night, he forgot about being his teacher and ignored his moral codes. That very night was all about making Natalya a woman, his woman. He didn't realize how much time had passed since he had been locked in his lover's bedroom. But when he was conscious again and not blinded by lust, he stared at Natalya laying beside him on her bed.
"What have I done?"