[Random Thing from @flimflamandfire.]
“Well, the Cacio e Pepe is ruined now,” Barry said, “but I can always pivot. I hate to brag, but I make a damn good Alfredo.”
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Cacio e Pepe? Well, that might help to explain why the smoke alarm had gone off. Or it might simply be Dort himself, if the information about his abilities was accurate. The smell of burnt pasta began making itself known, filling in a bit more detail, a pan on the stove covered but looking slightly distressed.
Given that there was not actually any emergency, Thera's thoughts slowed down enough to realise two things; one, she'd rushed into the living quarters attached to the Principal's office in response to the alarm, and two, he was perfectly calm and talking about ... Alfredo?
There was a moment as she considered this, the connection of dots and the potential for a rather awkward conclusion. "Forgive me, Headmaster," She ventured politely, "but I thought we were meeting on a matter of business, not ... cheese sauce."