Walter doesn't verbally respond this time; instead he nods, and lets Rune lead them out of the alley.

Indeed, he won't speak up again at all until there's cocoa in front of both of them at the table.

"It doesn't always feel like that," he suddenly explains, once he's sure no one in the diner is looking their way.

"Like there's a signal over my head, saying, 'Look at me, I'm trans! React as you will!'"

He sighs afterward, slumping back against the cushion.

"But, anything that could draw attention to myself like that... it's a worry that's been following me for years. Haunting me."