Most people can't read me, on the grounds that most people aren't accustomed to trying to read the facial expressions of an infant who grew up with little real in-person social interaction. The reason everyone thinks you're more readable than I am is that you emote more obviously. It's a misreading of you, since they seem to miss that you're a better liar than I am, but it's still the general impression..
Even setting that aside, I think the last time I laughed near Rin was maybe August. Pretty sure I haven't actually smiled near... almost everyone we've ever had on base. The truth is that I'm not expressive, and very few people actually get enough of an emotional reaction out of me to trigger a physical response. You're uniquely skilled at getting me to smile or laugh. The way I act around you in general is unique to us, which I think should be obvious if you reflect on how you've seen me behave towards others.
[How often has he seen Dirk smile at others? How often has he seen Dirk unfold, fully relaxed, near someone else? Move closer to have proximity, initiate physical contact, spend hours talking to just because?
It's an infrequent event for anyone off a short list. Even Roxy and Jake, whom Dirk loves and adores, don't make him laugh at the rate Dave does, and the body language around them has always been different—cautious and loving always, and yes he is relaxed by them, wants to be near to them, talk and have contact with them. But he is frightened of different mistakes and eager for different kinds of affection and it expresses itself in the physicality he has around them. Though he loves them no less, it is different because the relationships are different. The way he acts around Dave really is absolutely unique.]
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Even setting that aside, I think the last time I laughed near Rin was maybe August. Pretty sure I haven't actually smiled near... almost everyone we've ever had on base. The truth is that I'm not expressive, and very few people actually get enough of an emotional reaction out of me to trigger a physical response. You're uniquely skilled at getting me to smile or laugh. The way I act around you in general is unique to us, which I think should be obvious if you reflect on how you've seen me behave towards others.
[How often has he seen Dirk smile at others? How often has he seen Dirk unfold, fully relaxed, near someone else? Move closer to have proximity, initiate physical contact, spend hours talking to just because?
It's an infrequent event for anyone off a short list. Even Roxy and Jake, whom Dirk loves and adores, don't make him laugh at the rate Dave does, and the body language around them has always been different—cautious and loving always, and yes he is relaxed by them, wants to be near to them, talk and have contact with them. But he is frightened of different mistakes and eager for different kinds of affection and it expresses itself in the physicality he has around them. Though he loves them no less, it is different because the relationships are different. The way he acts around Dave really is absolutely unique.]