It was probably a sign of something deeper that he would have been flattered to even think one of his students thought that way about him. Nothing was going to come of it considering just his professionalism, but most people seemed to just discount him as a prude that was more interested in his books than the opposite sex. That or more likely to start quoting bible verses at them if he wasn't throwing holy water. He minded that less than the people who would call him an abomination.
He laughed at her little sign that even he got right off the bat. At least there were a few things that were universally known even if most of them were derogetory. 'I might also be bias because he used to be one of those guys I was expected to chase away from my sisters. Then with my dad that was basically every boy who looked at them.' Dakota was sure her uncle might have plenty of stories about the perils of being a protective younger brother. Then anyone who looked at Dakota probably thought he was just a pushover... Which he usually was, but not when it came to Zona and Brooke.
'Because you'd still be drawing or because it's not high on most people's priorities?' He looked at her thoughtfully. He might be bad at signing, but at least he was usually good about having a cramp in his hand by the end of the class from jotting down important points the whole period. 'Any plans this weekend?' Dakota knew he should probably call his mother on Sunday. He wouldn't but at least the thought was there.