gclgcthasterrcrā:Ā
Holding this emotionless expression is agony. Jake wants to crack under the pressure, giggles being held in his throat at the mere sight of Dirk examining him like that. Something that would normally not cause this much of a reaction, as it is not funny, and yet he is internally busting a gutĀ over it. But he manages. He has to.
That gets shot to pieces when heās given a simple thumbs-up. A grin broadens over his face as his eyebrows raise, eyes widening. He almost looks rather goofy, as if he doesnāt look that way usually.Ā āHot socks ā Yes!ā he lets out, extending a fist in the air in celebration.Ā
And, just like that, itās gone. An attempt is made to lose all this excitement, the muscles in his face tense.Ā āI meanā¦ā Turning away, he crosses his arms.Ā āHm. Cool.āĀ
He can see the complete and utter torture this is for Jake. Someone naturally expressive trying to hold themselves expressionless is not only an exercise in futility, it's an exercise in hilarious futility. It isn't apparent to look upon him, but Dirk is approximately as amused by this as his student is.
And there it is. The break that he knew would happen. No matter the answer: success or failure, the attempt was destined to fall apart at that moment. As goofy as the celebration looked, it was also pretty adorable. Even more so is the way the guy tries to cover up his egregious slip in countenance.
Dirk offers him a pat on the shoulder for the attempt, an expression of mild amusement gracing his features. "Mhm. Very cool," he agrees. "You keep practicing like that, and you'll have it down to a science in no time. Or maybe it's more of an art form. Either way. You plus practice equals fame and profit."
