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"That was reckless." Lakia commented as he drug an injured Shouma to the couch.
"The Granute would've gotten away if I hadn't." Shouma defended.
"We could've tracked them down again. Now you're hurt." Lakia replied, not having the excuse.
Shouma sighed. "Sorry. I didn't think that through."
Lakia shook his head. "Shirt off. Let me see how bad it is."
Shouma nodded and complied to the request. He lifted off his shirt and binder before taking in the damage for himself. There were a few nasty cuts on his chest from where he had fallen onto some sharp debris. His clothing was shredded from the fall as well.
"I think it hurts worse than it looks." Shouma offered as Lakia grabbed the first aid kit.
"It better. It does not look very good." Lakia replied. "But, you know human biology more than me."
"It isn't that deep. I'll be fine. Just gotta clean it up and keep it that way." Shouma replied.
Lakia nodded and began to start cleaning the wound up. Thankfully it hadn't bled too much.
Then he paused. "Your body is not... typical of a human male."
Shouma stared at him for a moment. Then he let out an awkward laugh. "Oh... I forgot about that. Um, yeah. I don't have the right body for my gender. So I have to do things to make it look the way I want."
Lakia shrugged at the reply. "Humans are complicated."
"It's not that different from Granutes. You still have to decide how you want to look in the human disguise. This is just the same but it requires more physical action to change it." Shouma protested.
Lakia grabbed the bandages and began to wrap the wound up. "I suppose when you put it that way it makes a bit of sense."
"I'm sure there's Granutes out there who aren't happy with how they look and want to change their appearances too." Shouma said, wincing suddenly. "Ow. Too tight!"
"Sorry." Lakia loosened the bandages and tried again. "You think there are Granutes who go and modify their bodies because they are unhappy?"
Shouma nodded. "I think so. I don't see why not. Might be a taboo thing and all so that's why you don't hear about anyone doing it."
Lakia pondered his words for a moment as he finished up the bandages. "Maybe so. Did I do alright?"
"Yeah. It feels secure." Shouma said. "Thanks. Though, guess I can't really wear a binder till this heals. It'll be way too tight."
"Binder. That thing?" Lakia picked up said item of clothing.
"Yeah. You put it on and it compresses your chest so you can't see it."
"Interesting."
Shouma nodded and slid his shirt back on. It may be in rough shape, but it would do for now. He'd have to change later.
"Is there a word for this disconnect?" Lakia questioned. "Is it normal for humans?"
"Well, depends on how you define normal. But humans call it being transgender." Shouma explained. "Bad enough I'm half-Granute but then I had to go and be trans too."
"Is it not welcome in human society?"
"Not always. There's a lot of humans that don't like it. They think it's wrong and that there's something else wrong with you. They can't fathom not being born in the right body." Shouma mumbled. "I've heard stories. Families kicking out their own kids for it. Losing friends. It's horrible."
Lakia stared at him. "Humans are cruel in their own way as well."
"Guess so, but there's still a lot of other humans who support people like me. It's not everyone." Shouma stated. "Maybe one day everyone will be accepted for who they are."
Lakia nodded along to his words. "It would be nice for those humans, I guess. Everyone has accepted you?"
"Yeah. I'm really lucky I've found such cool people. No one that's found out has been unsupportive."
"If there is one, tell me. I'll put them in line."
Shouma stared at Lakia with wide eyes for a while before he finally spoke again. "You..."
Lakia averted his gaze. "I do not want to see you upset. Do not get it twisted."
Shouma smiled. "Thank you for the offer. I'll let you know if I ever need help then."
Lakia nodded.
The conversation drew to a close as Sachika returned to the building. Both of them acted as if nothing had happened. Of course, she found out about the injury, but that was as far as it went. Not that she didn't already know about him, but Shouma wasn't sure about telling her Lakia found out quite like this. It would probably be better as a private conversation.