how to make layers flow around eachother rather than overlap

Hi there,

I'm trying to find the best way to set up this comp. I have a bunch of different sized circles which are to flow around organically and cluster up at times creating different patterns. Sort of cellular in movement, but the only catch is that they cannot touch or overlap eachother. So I've been looking for an expression that would stop the circles from overlapping and rather allow them to slide around eachother rather than bounce off or stop suddenly. At the same time I need to have control over the patterns they make.

If you have any ideas, suggestions, or even completely different ways of approaching this I'd really appreciate it! I don't know if this could somehow be done in a particle plugin? The only issue is that all the circles are different.

I look forward to any advice! THANKS SO MUCH!!