And We'll Go From There(Anastasia College AU)

Professor

"Why don't you ever go out and eat with your friends? Don't be mistaken, I enjoy your company, I just worry," Professor Popov leaned against his desk and took a bite out of his sandwich. Anya sat in front of him in a student's desk. The professor was Anya's favorite, naturally seeing as he was a history professor and she had a major in history. The truth was she spent every day with him because she hadn't been able to find a group of friends with her busy schedule, but she wasn't going to tell him that.

"I prefer your company professor, you're much more mature." The Professor bristled with pride and Anya knew she had diverted his attention from the subject.

"How are you finding Florence's?" Anya perked up at the mention of the bookstore where she worked.

"It's very quaint. You were right, I haven't seen a single student walk through the doors. I can't believe it! It's such a lovely book store, it takes most of my self-restraint to not spend every pay check there. Though I just let myself get this new book that came in, it was a complete history of the cold war, it's quite a read,"

The professor chuckled and smiled at Anya, "You'll have to loan your copy to me once you've finished!"

Anya nodded and looked back down at her salad.

The two continued to talk through lunch until Anya checked the time and quickly began to pack her things, explaining that he had to get to a class. The Professor wished her well and sent her on her way before turning back to a pile of papers that needed to be graded on his desk. Unfortunately, he was kept from starting, as a woman walked in and caught his attention.

"Lily!" Professor Popov exclaimed. He held open his arms and Lily rushed up to him. He pulled her into a tight hug then picked her up and spun her around, "What are you doing here?"

"You know why I'm here you old fool," Lily playfully pushed Professor Popov and smiled up at him, "I'm here to check on the girl, so go on! Tell me, Vlad, neither of us has all day?"

Vlad frowned slightly, "So you didn't just come to see me?"

Lily laughed at Vlad, "That's a bonus." She winked at him, "Still, get on with it."

Vlad took a seat and looked at Lily rather seriously.

"I'm concerned about the girl Lily. She doesn't' seem to have any friends. She spends all of her time working, studying, or in class. I don't even know when she sleeps!"

"Did you say working," Lily had pulled one of the students chairs up to Vlad's desk, "Why would she have to work?"

"That's the very thing! She doesn't, with the money coming in from our mutual friend she shouldn't have to work a day in her life, yet still she slaves away. She mentioned the donations, she said something about saving them up, I don't believe she spends a penny of it on herself,"

Lily looked shocked, her mouth hung open and her eyebrows arched. She reached up to adjust her hat then pressed her finger against her lips, deep in thought.

"I don't understand this girl but I suppose we can't do anything if she wants to work. Is she at least working somewhere respectable?" Vlad bit his lip and averted his eyes from Lily, "Where is she working Vlad?" Lily's voice was bordering on dangerous.

"She works at a bookstore, Florence's"

"Well, that's a nice establishment-"

"And she's working at Baker's," Vlad cut Lily off and Lily stared at Vlad incredulously.

"Baker's? The college bar where the waitresses wear next to nothing and masks? Please tell me she is working as a bartender." Vlad closed his eyes and slowly shook his head. Lily gasped, "A girl of her standing should not be working in such a place!"

"I know but I-"

"This is unacceptable! You have to talk her out of it! What if someone was to see her there?" Lily went on with possibilities and accusations at Vlad until Vlad finally spoke.

"It is here choice Lily, we can't do anything. She says she's paid well there and she chose it because of the masks." Lily mouthed silently for a few moments longer before begrudgingly agreeing with Vlad.

"I still disapprove but you're right, it is her choice," Vlad nodded sternly.

"Now, I would love to spend more time with you but I really must get to these papers and I have a class in fifteen minutes," Lily sighed then leaned across the table and gave Vlad a quick kiss, Vlad turned very red but his expression didn't change. He got started on his papers.