“You’ll see,” Serix gave her a knowing grin as he took her hand and lifted her to her feet. “We can test the differences we know about first, and then try to figure out more later. Come on.” He realized he was still holding on to Cassie’s hand and quickly let go, hoping she didn’t notice his lingering grasp. Why was it that she seemed to make physical contact – something completely normal in his society – so energizing?

Serix led her out into the hallway and sat down with his back against one wall, gesturing for Cassie to sit across from him. “We already know you’re physically more adept than other humans,” he said. “So we don’t really need to test that. Instead, I thought we could start with your mental capabilities. This hallway is a good spot because it’s so bare. There’s nothing around to distract you.” He paused. “This… is something we do with young children when they first develop the ability to communicate mentally. You’re going to have to get over your need for ‘personal space’ if you want to do this.” He smiled mischievously at her. “Physical contact and being in close quarters with one another is something we Lunairans are immersed in from a young age. You’re just going to have a late start in learning to get used to it.”

He moved forward until he was sitting close enough to bump knees with Cassie. Despite his words about contact being normal, he found that his heart rate was beginning to pick up. It was strange. He had done exercises like this since he was a child, and yet this was the first time he felt excitement upon sitting so close to someone else. [i]It must be because she’s half human,[/i] he told himself. [i]Contact with her is just different.[/i] In spite of the unusual feeling, he kept his composure, refusing to let any sense of discomfort show on his face.

“Here’s the part where you get over your fear of losing ‘personal space,’” Serix said, meeting Cassie’s gaze. “Close your eyes and lean forward.”