FIC: Of Spectrums and Spoons [The Avengers]

[atraphoenix]

Title: Of Spectrums and Spoons
Author: atraphoenix
Fandom: The Avengers
Characters: Natasha Romanoff, Clint Barton, Bruce Banner, Tony Stark, Steve Rogers, Thor, Nick Fury and Maria Hill
Rating: G
Summary: Natasha had been taught to pretend - to make eye contact and to act and respond just like she was supposed to act and respond - from an early age.

Author'

Comments

[anonymous]

Oh. My. God. Let me love you. Well writen fic about a female neurodivergent character, it's like the holy grail.

I can't praise this enough. So much of it rang true, especially (unfortunately) all the little moments of ableism. The unnamed SHEILD Agent who was surprised Natasha could feel anything, I've had similar reactions so often, sadly I've never been able to snap back at the idiots like she did. I also really like Thor here, and that he does ask Natasha when Clint makes the suggestion, and then offers to help her on her own terms rather than try and offer her a "better way" of doing it. (Something I've come across too)

Basically I could sit and quote the whole thing and tell you how great it, and you, are but I'm hopelessly inarticulate so I'm just going to tell you this made my whole day <3

[atraphoenix]

And I'm just going to flail happily, because how else can I respond to such a lovely comment? I wanted to make it as realistic as possible, so I'm both glad it rang true and sorry you've had to deal with that sort of ignorance youself.

[snack_size]

This was so well written - both in terms of style and content, and all of the characters were really...true, I guess. I loved the interaction between Bruce/Natasha and how it sort of paralleled the more unsuccessful ones they had in the movie.

And I really appreciated the ending - I've been so low on spoons lately (spectrum/physical health problems) and it gave me a smile to see it show up. Thor, at the end, was so squeezable, and I like how you wrote him, thoughtful but still toaster-destroying... :)

Thanks so much for this, and the honest portrayal of neurodiversity!

[atraphoenix]

This was a wonderful comment to find in my inbox, thank you! I'm so glad you liked it. (Especially the spoon scene. That was definitely my favourite to write. I wanted an ending that was sweet and fluffy without being too ridiculous and I'm very glad it made you smile.)

[anonymous]

I know this will sound ridiculous but your use of the spoon theory rocked my world to it's core. I've used spoon to deal with my various other issues (fibromyalgia and depression) but somehow never translated that same idea to my HFA.

Basically A+++ plus for this, I agree with that first anon, this sort of fic is the holy grail of fandom.

[atraphoenix]

It doesn't sound ridiculous at all! This comment has, without a doubt, made my day. Thank you very much.

(My friend suggested linking you to this post, which is the spoon theory tailored specifically to autism. It's a great read and you might find it interesting and / or useful.)

[anonymous]

*gives you a standing ovation*

I have no words for how AWESOME this fic is. Only a million hearts.

<3 x 1,000,000

[atraphoenix]

*blushes hugely*

I had to fill it. Partly becaue it needed to be written - and written respectfully, which isn't necessarily the same thing - and partly because the discussions that accompanied the prompt were absolutely perfect. It reaffirmed my faith in the internet.

That was probably my favourite part to write. I really wanted the Avengers to be accepting as well a supportive. And warm fuzzies are always good.

Thank you for reading and commenting!

[truthmaker]

Ooh, thanks for the link. Off to read now.

And thank you for sharing this. It was so incredibly awesome to read.

[atraphoenix]

You're welcome! I hope you find it interesting and I'm really glad you enjoyed it.