Love and 1984

"So, tell me why you love 1984."

MJ wasn't entirely certain where the psychiatrist's chair had come from, or why the Devil had chosen to appear as Tony Stark this time around, but she wasn't one to shy away from discussing her favorite novel.

"It's one of the most tragic love stories of all time," MJ said. "Winston and Julia, torn apart because they literally can't be together in the world where they live."

"Interesting," Tony Stark said. MJ didn't like his tone. It was the tone the Devil used whenever he was getting ready to manipulate her. She hated that. Primarily, because the Devil was so damn good at it.

"I agree with MJ," her personal angel, who had taken the form of Steve Rogers, said. "It's a terribly raw, but realistic interpretation of love."

"As if an angel would know anything about love," Tony said.

"Better than you," Steve replied.

MJ had a feeling that the two of them were having some sort of a row that involved romance. She didn't approve. First of all, this was supposed to be about her, and before she knew it, tumblr would be just gifting the two of them.

"What makes you think it isn't love?" MJ interjected.

Tony coughed, and put on a pair of bright red reading glasses. He read from MJ's worn copy of the book.

"You notice, when O'Brien is talking to Winston and Julia about what they will go through in order to become part of the Brotherhood, Julia forcibly interjects, much like yourself in this situation?" Tony said. "Why didn't Winston feel as passionately? Why did she have to make certain that he loved her best?"

MJ's eyebrows knitted together. "Winston doesn't love her like she loves him," she said. "There's nothing wrong with that. It's a fundamental flaw in love."

"She's right, you know," Steve said. If MJ didn't know better, she'd think he was trying to be sassy. It was annoying.

"I'm certain she is," Tony replied. "But how can you love this book as some sort of quintessential love story, if the love story isn't perfect?"

"What about life is perfect?" MJ replied. "That's what makes the book phenomenal. The imperfections make it real."