>Would being near any other Numono help, or does it have to be one from the same, er, family group?
The way he described it, I don’t think I really need to ask to know the answer ... plus, I can’t say I really even want to when he’s obviously struggling with the topic.

>You could also mention that for whatever reason, there is... an injunction against keeping numono together.
This is one of the only things the document was especially clear on. I’m guessing I have no ability whatsoever to change that policy. Telling Orro that there are other numono but he’s banned from seeing any of them feels like kicking him when he’s down ...

>Put your hand up against the glass, so he can put his hand up against the glass too and you can have a moment. Try not to think about how his oven mitt hands are so much bigger.
I get that some part of me is thinking this might be touching, but ... his “oven mitt hand” is bigger than my, uh ... all of me. I feel like that’s crossing a line from “heartwarming” to ”existential terror”.

>Establish trust by performing exercises where you fall backwards and let him catch you.
>Offer to let him hold you
No, that’s — the same problem. When I let myself think about how big he is, I start feeling that creeping dread again that makes me want to bolt out of the room or just collapse on the floor. I need to ... at least get through this conversation before I let myself fall apart again.

>Physical interaction is a category of interaction and so is an eventuality. Plus hugs could help you and the subjects out in feeling comfortable. Work your way up towards feeling okay about being in physical contact with the subjects.
>it is possible the other subjects may be okay to let into the main room so they can offer each other company
... If ... I’m going to be stuck in here for six months with Orro and whoever the other subjects are, I ... I guess I’m probably going to have to get over it. Somehow.

But ... right now, it’s ... “Hi, giant, emotionally unstable alien who I have known for less than an hour! I’m going to willingly remove the physical barrier between us and give up the only real piece of leverage I have in this situation! Please don’t accidentally crush me or take me as a hostage or literally just snap me in half because you’re absolutely big enough” —

No, okay, no, no. This isn’t a good line of thinking at all. He’s big but he’s also a person. I just ... have to keep reminding myself of that.

>If even poor company help you could bring a desk and try to do the paperwork next to him.
That — might work, actually. I should probably get through checking on my other assigned subjects before that, though. I hope the others are handling things a little better ... Orro was the only one with a note saying he specifically needed to be checked on, at least.

>Or move your bedroom to in here just to keep the guy company
That’s definitely going too far.

>You MAY tell him that you're stuck here for at least half a year, too. This may be more or less impactful depending on how much you expect to miss people outside.
No, see, that’s another thing I’m trying not to think about right now.

>You're not alone, starting today.
>You may not be familiar with hives, but you are still company.
>We'll figure it out together.
This is ... the best thing I can come up with. I break the silence.

——

Quest thread can be found here. If you want to participate you should post suggestions over there. Art is by  ourhero.