un: xx_heartoffire_xx

[stavros]

[this is posted during prom, specifically during this conversation. this will probably explain a few things.]

A public survey for the masses. The more answers, the better, as this is intended to prove a point and be an accurate reflection of the population.

-Please explain your interpretation of the meaning of the lyrics of Nicki Minaj's "Anaconda" as played at the grad dinner approx. 6 minutes ago. Do not consult other people's answers or other sources beforehand.
-Do you believe everyone has the same interpretation you do?
-Did you know "stoned" does not consistently refer to the execution method before last week? This question is only slightly related, but I would be remiss not to include it.

Regards,
Kokoro Belmont

Comments

[stavros]

No! Well, not mostly. I spent most of my life here, but I was on assignment for two years. Family obligations.

[marmoron]

You keep saying "not mostly" and I'm starting to think we don't agree on what that means either. When was the first time you've ever talked to a regular kid that wasn't homeschooled or brainwashed by the church?

[stavros]

What, would you say you're a regular kid?

[marmoron]

I... [Shit she's got him there, but--] Wait, why are you bringing me into this! Everyone else is agreeing with me.

[stavros]

Because you were calling me brainwashed and naive, so that must mean you're not.

[marmoron]

[He will take a deep breath.]

Okay, look. I phrased that poorly. Not the naive part. You're not brainwashed, you're just... [Oh how does he phrase this delicately.] ... the most sheltered person I've met?

[stavros]

[She makes a face, looking at the replies coming in on her phone.]

I simply wanted to focus on improving myself. You talked about being unhappy with fate. Are we not all fated for combat, entrusted with saving the world? The faculty does give everyone the choice not to fight, but enough people do have to say yes to give the others a chance at the happy lives they wish for.

...and perhaps that has left me ignorant of song lyrics.

[marmoron]

[He goes quiet for a moment.]

But it's still a choice. Maybe it's not a fair choice, considering the options are fight or the world as we know it ends, but it still says something that you made that choice. Fate's not about choices. Fate means not being able to choose anything different at all, no matter how hard you try.

...and understanding Nicki Minaj is a pretty useless skill anyway.

[Which may or may not be an apology in disguise.]

[stavros]

You don't take to fate or religion, do you?

[marmoron]

[There's a huff of amusement.]

Don't like being told what to do so, no. [A beat.] And I'm pretty sure most priests would just want to throw holy water or whatever on me.

[stavros]

I have holy water, but I wouldn't use it on a classmate. Allies against the fell armies can come from any source. I believe the school, at least, understands that.

[marmoron]

The school might. Religious folks in regular, non-magical society tend to be pretty close minded.

[stavros]

I would say it depends. But I suppose I speak from the wrong perspective for you.

[marmoron]

No? I'd just say that we had very different experiences.

[stavros]

Doesn't it come to the same thing?

[marmoron]

Not really? I don't think you're wrong for thinking the way you do. I just don't have the same view.

[stavros]

It seems like the kind of thing people disagree enough on to think that everyone should think the same.

[marmoron]

[...]

Do you want me to get mad at you over this?

[stavros]

No! No? I'm just confused.

[marmoron]

More or less confused than with anacondas?

[Now that he has to know....]

[stavros]

Can we just forget about the anacondas? I would prefer not to be the laughingstock of the school any longer than need be!

[marmoron]

[There's a pause.]

If it helps, the Herald is coming. Don't think anyone's gonna be laughing at you or anyone else in a few days.

[stavros]

[She frowns with a small nod.]

Right. We shouldn't be so distracted.