Enlightening Conversation PV Closed

Spoken: #1ec5c8

Interacting with: Reducio @Landon Matthews

Thoughts: Italics

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It was finally Juniper’s favorite time of year. The weather outside had cooled, and the air had become nice and crisp. Juniper was now able to go outside and enjoy everything about it without worrying about the intense heat or pesky insects. She decided that now would be the best time to go out and enjoy the weather while delighting herself in a new book. While Juniper threw on a light sweater and picked out a book from her collection, she debated on where exactly she should go. After thinking about it for a while, she settled on going to the Courtyard. She figured she’d sit by the fountain to do her reading. She had always found it rather calming to be close to water. It just felt right to her. Leaving her dorm, she made her way to the Courtyard. As she walked through the halls, she noticed several small groups of students walking and talking amongst themselves, each group carrying out different conversations. She did her best to tune them out so as not to be considered rude for eavesdropping. She continued her walk and eventually reached her destination. Once outside, Juniper made her way straight to the fountain, trying her best not to bother the other students out there. ‘There’s quite a bit more people outside today than I thought there would be. Oh well.’ She saw that a boy was sitting on the edge of the fountain and didn’t wish to disturb him. She made herself comfortable a little bit down from where the boy was seated. She sat her book next to her and reached out to touch the water. The water trickled through her fingers, bringing her a sense of tranquility. She took a long deep breath in and closed her eyes for a second before removing her hand from the water. She wiped her hand off on the side of her leg, semi-drying it just enough to be able to start reading her book without causing any damage to it.

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Outfit: Here | CC: #1f5cc6 | Words: 267 | Graphic by Helena Rose
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─────Landon took another deep breath of the crisp fresh air around him. He smiled, glad to be outside after spending so much time in the library, even though he did really love spending time there. He didn't mind reading for hours about history in the library. But now Landon was taking a break from his reading and studying to just enjoy the weather. Landon was happy that the weather was starting to be the type that allowed sweaters to be worn. He was a bit of a soft boy and he liked wearing sweaters.

Landon glanced up as someone sat near him, smiling a soft smile at them. He didn't mean to be weird and stare or anything, but the person had colorful hair and he thought it looked really nice. He watched as they touched the water and then looking at their book. He wondered what they were reading. Landon looked away, not sure how to start a conversation. He wasn't very good at meeting new people, but he was curious about them. Not in any sort of weird way he hoped. Landon wasn't one to try and be rude or anything like that.

Landon looked toward the person again, smiling once more. "Um... H-Hi," he said softly. "I'm Landon," he added. He wanted to be polite but also make a friend hopefully. "S-Sorry to interrupt but... what are you reading?" he asked curiously. He didn't want to make them uncomfortable. "I... I hope it's not rude but... your hair is really pretty," he said genuinely. He wasn't flirting or anything, just trying to be friendly.

Spoken: #1ec5c8

Interacting with: Reducio @Landon Matthews

Thoughts: Italics

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Juniper had noticed that the boy at the fountain had smiled at her as she sat down. She smiled back at the boy, not wanting to be rude to him, especially after his friendly gesture. She had just begun to read her book when she heard a voice softly greet her. She looked up from her book to see that it was the boy speaking to her. He ever so politely introduced himself as Landon. 'I didn't quite plan on people speaking to me either,' she thought to herself. Realizing that she had just been sitting there staring at the boy, she took a breath and introduced herself to not seem impolite. "Hi," she said quietly "I'm Juniper. Nice to meet you, Landon." She hoped that he would ignore the awkward pause she took before responding to him. The boy asked her about what she was reading, causing her attention to snap back to the book in her hand. She skimmed over the page where she left off before answering. "Oh, um... I'm reading this book about a girl who finds out that she’s actually somewhat magical and of ancient royal descent despite seeming like an ordinary girl." She stops for a second before adding, "It's sort of like a take on King Arthur and Merlin." She shyly looks back down at the book and closes it slightly. 'Dang it, I probably came off too strong while explaining. I hope he doesn't mind.' Landon proceeded to compliment Juniper's hair. Self-consciously, Juniper reached one hand up and grabbed a bit of her hair, twirling it between her fingers. At first, she assumed that he might have been trying to poke fun at her about it since it wasn't a natural color. She figured that the boy was being genuine and that he didn't sound sarcastic in the slightest. Realizing that he truly meant the compliment she smiled softly at him. "Well, thank you. I just recently dyed it this color." Juniper looks at the boy and slightly tilts her head. She decided to ask a question of her own. "What brings you out here today? Not that I don't appreciate your presence, but you do seem to be out here alone. Is there a particular reason?" She asked genuinely wondering if he too was just enjoying the weather. She hoped that she hadn't offended him with her question.

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Outfit: Here | CC: #1f5cc6 | Words: 346 | Graphic by Helena Rose
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─────Landon didn't mean to come across as nosy or rude with the fact that he was asking questions to the new person in the area. He hoped that she didn't think of him that way. He was just trying to be friendly and get himself out of his shell, letting himself make new friends. He frowned slightly as he realized she had been looking at him without speaking for a little too long, but then she spoke and he relaxed. "Nice to meet you, Juniper. That's a pretty name," he said with a smile. He had never heard someone named that before, but he did think it was a nice name.

Landon listened to Juniper talk about her book. It sounded really interesting and he was intrigued. "I might have to look into that book someday," he said. "It sounds really cool. I'm a big fan of the King Arthur story," he admitted. "I need to read more fictional stories. I tend to read a lot of historical non-fiction," he added. He found history to be quite appealing, but he knew that most people preferred novels. History could be really boring to other people, though Landon really loved it. "I'm sorry to interrupt your reading," he said. He did feel bad if she didn't want to talk right now and he was forcing her to do so.

Landon watched as Juniper twirled her hair between her fingers. He listened as she explained that she had recently dyed her hair. "That's really cool," he said. "Do you change your hair color often?" he asked curiously. He never changed his own hair color, but he did admire the fact that she was bold enough to change her hair color. He would be nervous about people looking at him. Landon smiled when she asked him what brought him outside today. "No particular reason, I just really needed some fresh air after spending hours in the library, and this weather is perfect," he explained. He took a deep breath of the crisp fall air. "It really is a great day."

Spoken: #1ec5c8

Interacting with: Reducio @Landon Matthews

Thoughts: Italics

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Juniper smiled at the boy's compliment about her name. No one had ever told her that they found her name pretty. "Thank you, I quite like your name too," she said smiling. She quickly found herself warming up to Landon and started to see him as a potential friend. She listened as the boy spoke about looking into the book she was reading. She was glad to hear that he too liked the King Arthur story. She hadn't met many people who did. Landon then apologized for interrupting her reading. "It's fine, I don't mind. Besides I'm quite enjoying this conversation," she said cheerfully. She usually didn't like many interactions with other people, especially if she was in the middle of reading. However, she really didn't mind this particular conversation with Landon. He seemed very friendly and genuine which made it very easy for Juniper to be comfortable and conversational. Juniper listened to Landon ask about if she changed her hair color often. "Yes, I actually do change my hair color a lot. I also change the style and length a lot too," she replied. "It helps me with my gender dysphoria and makes me feel more like my true self," Juniper explained. She thought for a second about how many hair colors and styles she had had and how they all made her feel. She ran her hand through her hair and started twirling a strand of blue hair between her fingers. "I know that it's just hair, but it's quite important to me," she added thoughtfully. The boy mentioned that he was just outside for fresh air after being in the library for some time. Juniper nodded her head in agreement about the weather being perfect. She was glad to hear that not only did he read and spend time in the library, but he also enjoyed the beautiful weather that she loved so much. "I agree, it really is such a lovely day. I myself came out here to simply enjoy the weather and read my book."

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Outfit: Here | CC: #1f5cc6 | Words: 356 | Graphic by Helena Rose
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─────Landon smiled a little as Juniper told him that she liked his name too. "It's nothing special," he admitted. He didn't mind having a relatively boring name. "It's not the most unique, but I'm okay with that," he admitted. Landon didn't need to stand out really. He was perfectly okay with blending in with others.

Landon smiled a little wider as Juniper said she didn't mind that they were talking instead of letting her focus on her reading. "Okay good," he said softly. "I wouldn't want to annoy anyone," he added. Landon didn't like to bother other people if he could help it. Landon was a peaceful sort of guy and he never wanted to cause any trouble. "I haven't read about King Arthur in a while, I might have to dig out some books about it again soon," he said with a smile. He was happy to find more things to read about.

Landon raised an eyebrow when Juniper explained her hair. "I... I hope you don't mind me asking, but what is gender dysphoria?" he asked curiously. He didn't mean to be rude or anything. He was just curious and wanting to learn more. "Hey, if your hair is important to you, then that's okay. I don't really care too much about my hair, but I know that a lot of people use their hairstyles to express themselves," he said with a smile.

Landon leaned back a little, not enough to fall into the fountain behind him, but he was just stretching a little. He felt the slight breeze ruffle his hair and he smiled. He loved the weather today. "But instead of letting you read, you have me talking to you. I hope that's okay," he said softly. It seemed like she was okay with him talking to her though. Landon moved his hand back to let his fingers touch the fountain's water gently. "We have to enjoy this weather before it gets cold and miserable outside," he observed. He didn't hate winter, but he knew that it could be really brutal at times. He definitely missed the warmer weather during the winter.

Spoken: #1ec5c8

Interacting with: Reducio @Landon Matthews

Thoughts: Italics

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Juniper took a moment after hearing Landon's question. She didn't mind being asked questions like that, but she did worry about how people would react after she explained. She had had multiple negative experiences with this sort of thing. Some people laughed and bullied her, others just got upset about it and never spoke to her again. She really hoped that her response wouldn't make Landon run away considering she was really starting to like him as a friend. Juniper took a breath and began to explain. "Gender dysphoria is pretty much when you feel one way about your gender on the inside, but your outside appearance doesn't match how you feel inside and creates an intense discomfort. Most people who experience gender dysphoria tend to change their outward appearance to help with the discomfort and to validate how they feel inside." She paused for a moment before continuing. "I experience gender dysphoria often because I am genderfluid. That's why I change my hair so often. It helps my outside feel more like my inside. I feel happier knowing I'm able to express myself better through something as simple as hair." Juniper hoped that her explanation was simple enough and made sense to the boy. Juniper watched as Landon reached out and touched the water just as she had done before. She joined him in touching the water, swirling her hand in a small circle, allowing the water to cover all surfaces of her hand. She smiled watching him stretch and talk about the weather. Even though Juniper preferred the cooler seasons, she agreed with him on enjoying the weather before it gets too cold. Once it reaches wintertime, it gets a bit harder to enjoy being outside for long amounts of time. Nevertheless, Juniper still found a way to be outside for as long as possible even in the wintertime. Juniper was becoming more and more comfortable around Landon and was really enjoying his presence. She wanted to get to know more about him. "What are some things you like doing this time of year? I personally like to just sit and take in all the beauty of nature and simply relax." She felt the nice breeze blow through her hair and could hear the wind rustling the leaves on nearby trees. She smiled to herself, enjoying her favorite season.

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Outfit: Here | CC: #1f5cc6 | Words: 436 | Graphic by Helena Rose
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─────Landon frowned slightly when Juniper took a moment to answer him. Had he crossed the line asking? He didn't want to make someone uncomfortable. Landon never wanted to upset another person if he could help it. He really wanted to kick himself for asking such a question, but then eventually Juniper started to answer and Landon relaxed a little, letting himself feel a little bit better about having asked the question. He let out a small sigh of relief and turned his attention fully to Juniper's answer.

Landon listened intently, glad to learn more things about other people. He knew that people were diverse and impossible to fully understand, but he wanted to learn as much as he could about things. He didn't know much about different genders or sexualities really. He knew that things weren't straightforward or black and white as he might have once thought, but it was nice to learn more about that sort of thing. "Oh, so like... that's something that trans people often feel right? I know there's more gender identities than that, but I don't know very much," he admitted.

Landon looked surprised when Juniper mentioned she was genderfluid. "Does that mean... correct me if I'm wrong because I don't know and I want to learn, but does it mean that you sometimes feel different genders at different times?" he asked curiously. Landon didn't want to misunderstand or be rude. All of his questions were coming from a genuine place of curiosity and wish to understand.

Landon smiled as Juniper touched the water like he had. It was cold against his fingers and he pulled his hand out after a little while, drying his hand on his jeans. Landon hummed and let the cool breeze relax him. He loved this season so much, though he was definitely not looking forward to the winter months when it was freezing outside. He did like playing in the snow sometimes, but generally once it got to a certain temperature, he tended to stay inside by the fire more.

Landon turned to look at Juniper when she asked him what sort of things he liked to do during the autumn. "Well, I agree with what you like to do," he said. "Sometimes just sitting outside and relaxing in nature is perfect," he added. "However, I also like Quidditch, and it starts in the autumn so I'm pretty happy with that too," he smiled and looked around. "But also, reading outside is always nice in the fall," he said with a hum. He could tell that Juniper also appreciated reading in such weather as this.

Spoken: #1ec5c8

Interacting with: Reducio @Landon Matthews

Thoughts: Italics

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Juniper listened as Landon asked more questions. She was happy that Landon genuinely wanted to learn and wasn't just being mean. It really meant a lot to her that he wanted to know more and understand. Her fondness for the boy grew. She began to further elaborate on her previous statements. "Yes, trans people do often experience gender dysphoria. However, not everyone is the same and some people experience it differently. Some people experience it more than others and some deal with it differently. My hair and clothes are one way that I deal with my dysphoria, however, someone else might not want to change those parts about themself since they might feel dysphoric about those specific things," Juniper explained. Juniper continued to explain about her own identity. "That's pretty much what being genderfluid is. Not everyone who is genderfluid feels the same way about their genders and pronouns. The times people feel a certain gender differs from person to person." Juniper paused for a second to let Landon process everything before adding more. "I personally switch between feeling like a boy, girl, and non-binary, although not everyone feels like those. I use she/they/he pronouns, but not all genderfluid people do. I usually change my pronouns and appearance day to day based on how I feel that morning. I don't usually care too much if someone uses a different set of pronouns for me, but it is always best to just ask if you are uncertain that day." Juniper smiled at the boy for listening to her explain everything and for actually being curious about it and willing to learn. Landon spoke about what he liked to do during the season. He mentioned that he liked Quidditch and reading outside too. Landon had officially won Juniper over in a friendly way. Juniper hoped that she and Landon would become friends so she could hang out with him more.

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