Hunter pauses at the gesture. And after a moment, returns to his seat.

"You have to understand.... right now, I have an appearance that is not my choosing." Hunter takes a breath to steady himself. "It took my five years to be comfortable in my own skin, and it was taken away from me."

"And maybe I should clarify... your appearance is your own. It does not remind me of my life as... Kyle... the man who was so judgmental and misunderstood others."

He chuckled lightly. "It took me all that time to admit to the faults of my own vanity. So I understand how difficult it can be."

"I just don't want to lose you as a friend."