[when the joke and the wink both fall flat, Norman tries not to take it to heart. it was, after all, connected to May, and -]

I'm sorry, that was in poor taste. To the Parkers.

[he clicks the neck of his bottle against Otto's and drinks, considering the matter as he listens]

I'm not surprised we have the same concern. I don't feel like we have any right to set boundaries, even with some things taken into consideration.

[his gaze shifts to the little plush dragon Peter made him, sitting on his pillow with the smiling face showing. Father's Day had been a very bittersweet thing for both of them, and he imagines it was for Otto, too]

But we can encourage him to do regular things, enable them a bit. He's close with Chiaki, after all. She might have some good ideas... though I'm not sure if she knows about Spider-Man. He likes to keep that secret, even here, and I can't say I blame him. But ... in terms of helping him keep the balance of things ... at least I'll be able to help more with that.

[he pauses, looking up at Otto with an uncertain smile]

I've spoken to Reira. She's letting me come back to Hill House, and giving me my own room.