She pointed at the notebook in his hand. "And why are you holding my classroom notes?"
Dante lifted the book slightly, showing the cover. "I am studying."
Alina blinked again. "You are studying... kindergarten lesson plans?"
"Yes."
"You are reading my handwriting?"
"It is surprisingly legible."
She sighed dramatically, pressing a hand to her forehead. "You are really doing this."
"Yes."
"Teaching babies."
"Yes."
"With magical perception glasses."
"Yes."
"And my notebook."
"Yes."
"And rolled up sleeves."
He glanced down at his forearms.
"That is for comfort."
"It is for intimidation."
"Perhaps both."
Alina stared at him for several seconds, taking in the whole picture. The glasses. The sleeves. The hair. The calm confidence radiating from every inch of him.
"You know," she said slowly, "most substitute teachers just show up with a lesson plan. They do not do... this."
"This is more effective."
"You have not even started yet."
"I am preparing."
