I love how at the end Quill and Groot talk and Groot helps Quill to understand how his thought process work and what his actions mean. And also CUTE!

you are an amazing writer.

As always, it's heartwarming to see Groot's friends' love and support - although I also cringe in empathy whenever Quill or someone accidentally says something that sounds insensitive, since I put my foot in my mouth like that too periodically. I was a bit worried the pancakes would backfire and give Groot indigestion, but I guess it was egg-free batter - or perhaps egg protein doesn't have the same effect on him as meat; either way, glad it worked out. I also liked how the clear spiral wrist band from the blog made a cameo here, heehee.

The thinking-in-pictures vs. thinking-in-words part was interesting: it reminds me of a newspaper article I read recently about people who essentially have blind inner eyes and need to other parts of their brain to reconstruct memories. It's so fascinating how different minds work different ways, and so infuriating when people refuse to accept or understand ways that are different than their own. I know Halfworld as a whole is based on actual ABA practices, but hopefully the sanctioned horror stories don't get as bad as Rav and Peth's barely-reprimanded sexual abuse, although I guess abuse is possible for any imbalance of power situations (like elder abuse in group homes and such)... Anyway, they were so bad, they're almost like caricatures - makes me glad my brother and I never had to deal with /malevolent/ patronizing and coerced eye-contact. Groot's parting shot at them with the wall console was very satisfying.

I have newfound understanding of Groot's need to wiggle, since I hurt my knee really badly a couple days ago and the only thing that keeps the pain under control is wiggling my toes, shifting around and even rocking: anything to divert sensory focus. I know it's not the same thing as Groot's stimming, but still, if someone told me to stop fidgeting, I'd be a very bad time. Ironically, I slipped and hurt my knee when pacing around daydreaming, which /is/ stimming afaik... Anyway, long story short, the timing of this story was pretty serendipitous for me in light of the knee business, but either way, it's always nice to get a bit more empathy and understanding of others through these stories. Groot's such a loveable guy in any headcanon, and while the flashbacks were almost excessively nasty this time, they were balanced out by the sweet moments between the Milano crew.

Keep up the good work!

Beautiful story. I fell in love with this story. :)

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I absolutely adore these fics. I know a few people with mild autism, and although this may not be exactly what they feel it opens a whole new door of understanding for me. It's enlightening. :)