#I hope this satisfied and I must thank you so very dearly and kindly for the ask!

[croziers-compass]

🤗, 🤯, 🥰, 💌, and 🧠 for the fic writer asks

🤗 What advice would you give to new fanfic writers that are just getting started? - Just write. Don't worry about how you think it sounds. Do not worry about how "good or bad" it is. Do not. Just write. Get all of that out of the way. Insecurity will be your greatest adversary. Improve and think about how you could re-do or write better in the future after you've written! You will never be able to improve or be better at writing if you do not first start writing! It is also okay to take ideas and styles that you see other writers use and implement them! That is how you grow and learn! If you enjoy a particular aesthetic of writing then try it out for yourself! See how it feels! But most importantly simply write regardless of that voice in your head. You can do it. Even if it's "bad" or you do not like what you've made later, do it anyway! Worry about improvements after you have something to improve upon! 🤯 What's a genre you struggle with as a writer (ex. romance, action, etc.)? - Hetero Romance because I feel like the straights are not okay 99% of the time. I do not struggle in writing conflict in romance at all! But with hetero people it simply feels unfit and poorly constructed like a sad facade I cannot replicate. 🥰 How do you feel about reader interaction? Are you open to receiving questions about your fics? - I adore reader interactions! This not only is beneficial for me as a writer but it also builds a bond between me and the communities that I adore being a part of! It's critical to me as a writer, myself, to experience this. I do not need to share every little bit of fanfic that I write. And I do not. There are vast amounts of fics I do not share or have withheld. But the substance that I do share I share because I wish for it to become part of the community I love, adore, and support. It is, in its own way, my method of building bridges. I create. Some people draw and create fanart. Others write. That is my contribution to community. My creations and my writing is how I build those connections and so engagements with and through others wishing to connect with me about my writing is incredibly valuable and deeply, deeply cherished.

💌 How do you feel about comments and feedback? - I am always open for comments and feedback. I have a personal policy that follows something that Neil Gaiman posted once where it is considered in poor taste to offer feedback unless someone asks for it. I, however, do not mind it myself for myself if someone wishes to offer it. I feel I have a good healthy grasp in sifting through what I am able to use and apply for feedback and what feedback is not particularly useful for me. I am comfortable and confident in my writing and always looking to gain improvements. But those improvements can only be applicable if it helps push me in the direction I would like to see my writing go. I also always love comments! To see and hear how my work impacts other people is incredibly important to me! Even if it's not something writing related. To see how any of my words might help someone else grow, think, or evaluate themself is so incredibly important to me. There's a quote by Chuck Palahniuk that goes: "Nothing of me is original. I am the combined effort of everyone I've ever known" I like to think of how my work and my words impact others as having this same effect. And visa versa. I am made up of all of those I engage with and interact with. And you all, are made up of parts of me in a way. 🧠 Pick a character, and I'll tell you my favorite headcanon for them. - There was no character selected for me to run off with! so I will give you my own personal headcanon for two of my favourite characters of all time. One, Francis Crozier (both not just as a character but a figure so I suppose Historical Headcanon) - It's a small one, but he has a little charm/emblem of St. Brendan that probably is hung or stays next to his berth aboard his ship. And Raskolnikov is Narcoleptic. Hands down that man is narcoleptic.

#These were incredibly long answers for I have many deep thoughts! #However I hope you enjoyed! #By all means I am here for all budding writers of any sorts! I fully support everyone in their writing efforts! #I hope this satisfied and I must thank you so very dearly and kindly for the ask! #It was a great pleasure to write this for you!

[totallynormalfanficauthor]

“Doctor?” 

Sally called for her creator as she headed down the ramp to the bottom floor of the tower. She strolled daintily across the tile to his lab, and went inside without hesitation. Finkelstein was right where she expected him to be- off to the side of the room working on some sort of project. Jewel was standing to his left, presumably helping him. 

They both looked up as she entered. 

“Ah, Sally. Come in, my girl.” The doctor turned his attention back to the work in front of him. “Do you need something?” 

“I just wanted to let you know I’ll be heading out now,” She told him.

“I see. And where will you be headed?” 

“Well…” Sally hesitated, “...Jack made some plans for us today, I believe. Although I don’t know exactly where he’s taking me..”

The Doctor made a noise through his nose, “-fooling around with that boyfriend of yours again, I should have guessed.” 

“Ohh, leave her alone, Finky. I think it’s sweet.” Jewel smiled at her and nodded kindly. “Have a horrible time, Sally. We’ll see you later then.” 

“Just don’t be out too late.”

She nodded, thanked them, and was on her way. 

Needless to say, Sally had been pretty ecstatic when she received a phone call from her lover earlier that morning. He informed her that he cleared his schedule so the two of them could spend the day together, and she agreed to meet him in town by the fountain, right before lunch time. At first, Sally was worried this was some important date she was forgetting. But it wasn’t. He explained that he just wanted to see her again, and that this was something he wanted to plan for a bit now. She figured he must have been missing her- Jack was like that sometimes.

When Sally arrived in town, it was about as busy as it normally is. Creatures and monsters of all kinds were hurrying around, continuing out their day. She gazed up at the pumpkin sun, smiling as the warm light washed over her face. A murder of crows could be heard in the distance, squawking about. Sally could already tell she was going to have a horrific time this afternoon, and she couldn’t wait to see her beloved skeleton again. 

The fountain was within her view now. And so was Jack.

The Pumpkin King was standing just where he said he’d be. His back was facing Sally, and he had one hand on his hip. He waved to people as they passed him, mumbling a few greetings here and there too. Her heartbeat quickened at the sight. Smiling wider, she sped up her pace and approached him. He jolted slightly and whipped around to face her as she grabbed his hand with zero hesitation. 

“Jack-”

“Sally! There you are!” He placed an arm around her to pull her into a hug, “I’ve been waiting, I’m so glad you’re here.” 

She blushed a tiny bit and hugged him back, “...Glad to be here as well, very horrible to see you again, Jack.” 

“Yes, I missed you dearly..” 

She laughed, “It’s only been a few days..” 

“Still..” He chuckled lightly and let go of her. “Alright, Sal… thank you for agreeing to come with me today. I have.. Quite a bit planned, I’m sure it will be the most dreadful experience.”

“I can’t wait..” Sally brushed a piece of hair away from her cheek. “Where are we headed to first, darling?” 

“I was thinking… lunch.” He took her by the hand, “if you want to… I thought, a picnic by the lake would be nice?”

“Ohh, that sounds marvelous..” she squeezed his hand in return, “I’m quite hungry, actually. I’d love that.”

“Fantastic. I was hoping you’d say so… I kind of..  set it up already.” 

Sally laughed, “thinking ahead.. I like that.”

“Shall we be off then?” 

“We Shall.” 

—

By now, Sally was used to the stares she would get whenever her and Jack were seen around town together. It had, after all, only been a few weeks since the two of them started dating. After the pumpkin king had gone so long being a single man, it was odd to see him… well, not single. 

But Sally didn’t mind the curious looks. If anything, it only fueled her. She was proud to be the one to have won his heart. Hard for her to believe sometimes, yes, but it was true. She squeezed his hand tighter, sighing contently. 

The two of them spoke briefly on their stroll towards the lake. Sally asked how Zero was doing, and Jack was curious to know if she was working on any new projects. But for the most part, they just wanted to enjoy each other's company. And it only seemed moments before the lake came into view in the distance. 

Jack was speaking truthfully when he said he’d already set everything up. Sally could see there was a rather large, dark blanket lying on the ground in typical picnic-like fashion. Sitting on top of it was a basket, with a couple small plates and napkins stacked next to it. Dark, rich red roses were scattered around the edges. It was a very pretty set up- very romantic. 

“Ohh… this is lovely..” Sally spoke as they approached.

“...You think so?”

“Of course,” the two of them strolled forward and came to sit on opposite sides of the blanket. Jack looked pleased as he reached for the basket. “...What did you bring?”

“Well, I made us some sandwiches,” he answered, “-one has worms, and the other, beetles. I was going to let you pick.” 

He placed down two plates and reached into the basket. Pulling out the sandwiches he spoke of, he placed those down on the plates. Then continued looking through the basket. “I brought some other things too, of course… a bag of spider legs,- oh! And here.” He pulled two tea cups out of the basket as well. Sally watched as he filled them with what she could only assume to be tea, out of an unlabeled bottle. She smiled.

“Oh, this is all so wonderful, Jack. I’ve never been on a picnic like this before. Thank you..”

“It’s my pleasure, my goal is for you to have the most horrific time today.”

“Mm..” Sally leaned back to rest on her hand, folding her legs. She couldn’t help but think.. something seemed off about her boyfriend. What with the way kept mentioning he wanted her to have a ‘horrific day’, and all. She knew he had good intentions, but she couldn't shake the feeling there was more to this he wasn’t telling her. Almost like there was something on his mind. 

“Which sandwich would you prefer, Sal?” She looked up suddenly. 

“What? Oh, um..” she thought for a second, adjusting her dress as she was snapped from her thoughts, “..I don’t mind. I guess, worms would be good.” 

She nodded her thanks as Jack leaned over and handed the sandwich to her. It did look really good- she’d nearly forgotten how hungry she was. Taking her first bite was just as satisfying. 

“So,” Jack spoke, deciding to strike up a conversation, “How was your morning?” 

“Just fine, thank you. I was very glad to receive your phone call. How was yours?” 

“Pretty uneventful” he paused to sip his tea, “..most of my time was spent trying to convince the mayor that taking one day off isn’t going to ruin our plans for the rest of the year.” They both chuckled. 

“He’s quite dramatic, isn’t he?” 

“That he is. He means well, though.” 

They both fell silent. Sally studied Jack’s face as she crunched onto a spider leg, trying to read his expression. His eye sockets shifted over to hers suddenly and she blinked, slightly embarrassed to have been caught staring but didn’t look away. 

“Sally?” 

“Yes?”

“..this is a bit of a random question, but” he put his cup down, “..do you ever think about… your future?”

“My future..?”

“Yes. You know, like..” he leaned back a bit and thought for a moment, “...like, where you’d see yourself. Or how you’d want things to be.” 

“Hmm…” Sally pondered this question, “..well, yes, I suppose I do..” 

“Really?” he looked intrigued, “..and what sort of things do you think about? If you don’t mind me asking..” 

“Well… oh, I don’t know..”, she put her sandwich down to reach for her own tea, “Just..the normal things, I suppose. I think I’d like to...get married someday…” she broke eye contact and stared down at the orange liquid in her cup. “...and maybe.. have a family… you know?” 

“A family…” Jack paused, “you mean, like… children?” 

The ragdoll felt her face warm. “...yeah.” 

Once again they both went quiet. Sally wondered if maybe she said the wrong thing. But that’s a perfectly normal thing to want, right? Surely.. 

“-That sounds lovely, Sal.” She looked up suddenly as Jack spoke. His posture was relaxed and his expression looked understanding. “..I guess it’s just a matter of seeing where things go, then.”

“I suppose so..” She tilted her head at him, becoming sort of curious, “-why do you ask about this, Jack?” 

“What? Oh, well… I don’t know..” He glanced away for a moment and rubbed the back of his neck nervously. “I guess I’ve just… been thinking about it quite a bit myself, lately.”

“Really?” Sally put her cup down, “And what sorts of things do you think about?”

He hesitated, his gaze shifted downward. “...about the same as you, I guess..” 

“I see…”

After a moment Jack looked back up. It was then that he decided to change the subject entirely.

“-How are you enjoying the food?”

“Oh, this is delicious, thank you.”

“I’m glad you think so, let me know if you need anything else, alright?”

“Of course.” 

Jack and Sally spent the next hour or so chatting away as they finished up their picnic. It was very nice to be spending quality alone time together like this again. They both found themselves enjoying it immensely. 

Sally didn’t try to think about or pry anymore into what Jack might have on his mind. If there was something he wanted to talk about, Sally figured he’d say something. Otherwise, she wanted to be respectful and leave it be. So she tucked away her suspicions in the back of her mind instead, and decided to carry on with whatever Jack had planned. 

Once they finished eating and everything, Sally thanked him yet again for bringing her out there. With such a fine view of the lake, it made for the most lovely date. They packed everything up and headed back to Jack’s house where he ran inside to put his stuff away. Sally was able to say Hi to Zero, and the two met back outside by Jack’s gate. Sally squeezed his hand. 

“What did you have planned next, dearest?” 

“Something simple,” He squeezed her hand back, “I was thinking we could take a walk? It is such a terrible day afterall. Through the Hinterlands maybe? What do you think?” 

“Oh, I’d love that,” Sally smiled happily as they started forward, “-and after all that sitting too, my legs really need stretching.” 

Jack chuckled, “Sounds like a plan then.” And started them on the path towards the Hinterlands. 

By the time they got there, the pumpkin sun was high in the sky. Its orange light swept over everything, gracefully as the bat flies. It truly was a terrible day, the perfect weather to take a walk. Sally was practically beaming as they started down the trail. She gazed up at the swirling trees all around them, wondering just how tall they were. Leaves and sticks snapped and cracked under their shoes as they strolled along. 

“This is so peaceful, Jack… it’s just what I wanted..” 

“I’m glad to hear you say that. Have you ever visited the Hinterlands?” 

“Not like this..” She shook her head, “I’ve come to the edge of it to collect herbs before… but I've never walked around or through it.” 

“Ah, I see. You’re in for a treat then, It's a gorgeous place.”

“I can see that... '' Sally gazed around, wide eyed. “..this is where you discovered the holiday doors, isn’t it?” 

“Yes, indeed. It’s a pretty far walk though, so we don’t have to go there today. Maybe another time though, I’d love for you to visit Christmas Town.” 

She chuckled, “You really think Sandy Claws would let you over there? After everything?” 

“Hey, now, he and I are on good terms now.” He laughed a bit as well, “Besides, if it’s just for a visit I’m sure he wouldn’t mind. It’s not like I'd be going there to steal anything… again.” 

“Fair point.” 

They continued on, making small conversation but mostly enjoying each other’s company and the view of the trees around them. 

As they walked Sally briefly let go of Jack’s hand to adjust hair that had blown into her face by the sleight breeze that drifted through them as they walked. She couldn’t help but notice the sticks scattered on the ground, some of them bigger than the others. She wondered if maybe a recent storm had knocked them down. 

As she turned to ask her boyfriend a question, she neglected to see a particularly large branch on the ground a few paces ahead of her. Unfortunately, in just the wrong spot. 

“Jack, why does- !” She gasped as she suddenly tripped, her foot caught on the jaggedy surface. Jack tried to reach out and catch her, but because he didn’t have her hand, he missed. Sally went tumbling down with an ‘oof’. 

“Sally!” Jack's voice was edged with panic as he shouted for her. He crouched down to her level trying to help her up right away, “Are you alright?!” 

The ragdoll lifted herself up onto her elbows, turning to face Jack and taking his hand. “Eugh...y-yeah… I’m okay..” Her face and chest were covered in dirt from the impact. Jack helped her sit up a little bit more, and only then noticed the rest of the damage. 

“Darling, your leg..!” 

Sally looked down, surely enough, her leg had become detached at the knee. The thread was completely broken, and leaves were spilling out everywhere. She could feel her left arm was a bit loose as well. 

She brushed the dirt from her cloth skin as she tried to reassure her now worried boyfriend. “Jack, I’m fine, really. I didn’t get hurt-”

“But your leg-”

“Is fine! I brought my spool and needle with me, we just need to reattach it, that's all.”

“It really doesn’t… hurt?” 

“Not at all.” 

Jack sighed, still on edge but very relieved that she was okay. Sally flipped around so that she was sitting up straight, and reached into her pocket.

“...That was some fall, what happened?” He asked. 

“I think I.. tripped on something..” She pulled out her spool of thread and reached behind her ear for the needle. Then motioned toward her detached leg. Jack took the hint and grabbed it, pushing it up towards her. Then he paused. 

“May I… help you? If it’s alright?” 

“Help me?” 

“Yes,” he pointed to her limb, “I’d like to try… sewing you.” 

He’ll admit, that sounded like an odd request outloud. But Sally didn’t seem to mind. She thought for a moment, then handed him the respected tools. 

“Yes, alright. Go ahead.” She decided to take this moment to tighten up the stitches on her arm instead. While she did that, Jack got busy with her leg. 

He threaded the needle first then stuffed all her leaves back inside. Then did his best to line it up with her knee. After some reassurance, he hesitated, then pushed the thread through until it broke the skin. With that, he began to sew her up. 

Jack couldn’t help but take note of the other details across her leg that he had never noticed. The way her stitches made such a cute, intricate pattern. He also noticed how smooth, and quite soft her skin was, something he’d never thought about considering he had never done this before. He found himself staring at her legs and, slightly ashamed of himself, opted to look up instead while his hands continued to work. 

He noticed Sally tugging at the seams across the middle of her arm, presumably tightening them. They must have come loose in the fall as well. 

Finally finished, he tied a small knot and snapped the end off. He briefly gazed over his work- it seemed to be pretty good, but Sally would have to be the judge of that. 

“What do you think?” he asked, “Tight enough?” 

He sat back while the ragdoll stretched out her leg, bent it, then brushed her fingers neatly over the seams. 

“-It’s perfect, Jack, thank you. You did wonderfully.” 

“Not a problem at all” The skeleton stood up, and offered his hand to her. She took it, stood, and walked a few paces just to be sure. Jack rejoined her and wrapped his arm around her shoulders, chuckling lightly. “This time, I’m going to make sure you’re safe. You won’t be falling again.” 

Sally giggled, “My hero..” And wrapped an arm around him in return before they both continued on their walk, happy, ready for their date to resume right where they left off. 

—

Sally was ecstatic to be spending the rest of the day with her beloved. Jack wasn’t kidding when he said he had a lot of stuff planned. After their walk through the Hinterlands, They decided to head back to Jack’s place to spend some time there. Jack had some books he wanted to show her, then they watched a movie together. Snuggling on the couch- that was most enjoyable. 

By this time, the afternoon was finally turning into the evening. They hit a couple different places before Jack took Sally to their favorite restaurant for dinner. He paid for all their food, and even bought Sally a very delicious dessert- a Melting Blood cake. Which they shared, and were barely able to finish. 

Once they were done eating, the sun was just about starting to go down. Jack informed her that he had one more thing on their to-do list for tonight, and he suggested they watch the sunset from the top of spiral hill. 

Sally was more than happy to oblige, that sounded like quite the wonderful idea to her. Like the perfect way to end what had been the most perfect day. 

 The ragdoll followed him to the top of the hill, reaching out to grab his hand when they got there. They turned, faced towards the sun setting across town. It edged slowly, washing its golden light over the buildings as it did. Sally sighed contently. Here she was, holding her lover's hand, watching the sunset from the place they’d shared their first kiss. Oh, how could things get any better? 

“…Sally?”

She glanced up as Jack spoke her name, very softly. 

“Yes?” 

“Are you happy?”

Sally blinked, slightly surprised at the question. “Oh, yes, Jack. I’m very happy, more than I’ve ever been before.”

“…and your day today. Just as horrific as I said it would be?” 

“Even more.. you’ve done so much for me. I’d..I’d almost say you’re treating me like a queen.” 

The sentence rolled off Sally’s tongue before she could really think about it. Not that she was wrong- he was in fact treating her extra special that day. One could wonder.. why?

She blushed a bit and looked up at him, waiting for a reply. For a moment, his expression was blank. Before his sockets went half lidded and he smiled. 

“Funny… that you would say that.” 

“Oh..?” her heartbeat quickened a tiny bit. Surely not..

“Yeah..” he turned towards her suddenly and cupped both of her hands inside his own. “Sally… I need to ask you something.”

“W…what is it..?” She trembled slightly, having a feeling what might come next but finding it hard to believe. He continued. 

“I know we… haven’t been together for very long. But.. these past couple weeks that I’ve had you by my side, have surely been some of the best. And I know, from the bottom of my heart, that I don’t want anyone else by my side. And I never will want anyone else by my side.” 

Her heart rate quickened yet again, eyes swelling up with tears this time. 

“J…J-Jack..”

“-I know that… every part of me loves you, so very dearly. And I want you by my side forever.” 

He got down on one knee. 

Sally clasped a hand over her mouth as her tears began to fall. She sobbed lightly, her heart overflowed as she could hardly believe this was real. She tried one more time to say his name, but it came out cracked and broken amidst her cries. Jack almost looked ready to cry himself, as he squeezed her hands one final time.

“Sally Finkelstein…. My dearest friend… and most beloved angel of my nightmares…” 

He leaned forward.

“…Will you marry me?” 

…

…

….

“….YES!” 

Sally burst into tears and sprang forward, barely leaving Jack anytime to get back to his feet and catch her. They wrapped their arms around each other tightly. Neither wanting to let go nor planning on it.  Jack could feel her crying into his suit, not that he minded at all. He went to give her a kiss on the cheek before she lifted her head very suddenly to catch his lips. Jack melted into the kiss and they held each other, staying there for several moments. Neither of them needed air anyway. 

Finally they separated and Jack cupped Sally’s face, moving close so their foreheads were touching. Tears were still spilling out from her eyes, and a large smile was plastered across her face. She attempted to get words out, only partially succeeding. 

“J-Jack….I-I…I can’t believe… you…and-and me…” 

“Shhh,” he hushed her calmly. “Take a deep breath, my love. It’s alright.” 

Sally did as he suggested and took a few deep breaths, trying to calm herself down. That seemed to do the trick. 

“Jack…” she choked out, wiping her eyes, “I love you..”

“I love you too…I really, really do.”

“D-Did you have this planned… all day..?” 

“Of course I did. I needed it… to be special, you know?” He held her close and chuckled lightly. “I’m sorry, I don’t.. have the ring yet. It’s currently being made- but once I heard, I ah, got so I excited… I just had to ask-“

“N-No, it’s okay, Jack. It’s okay. I’m glad you asked… oh.. you’ve made me so, so happy.”

“And you’ve made me happy, Sally..” 

She nuzzled into him more, holding him tighter. 

“So… this means, I-I can, move in with you?”

“If that’s what you’d like”

“Yes…yes” more tears fell, “oh, Jack, I love you so much.” 

“I-I love you too, Sal..” he wiped his own socket, realizing he’d become a bit choked up himself. “…we’re not.. moving too fast, are we?”

“Oh, oh no…” she reassured him, “believe me, Jack, there’s nobody I’d rather be with either. I love you, okay? With all of my heart.”

“So you said… I feel the exact same.”

The sun had gone completely down by now. The moon gradually rose above them, and the graveyard swallowed in the darkness. The atmosphere couldn’t be more perfect. Jack and Sally collapsed into kisses on top the hill, all they really wanted was to be by, and with each other right now. 

Right now.

And tomorrow.

And forever.

#the nightmare before christmas #tnbc #nightmare before christmas #jack skellington #sally #sally skellington #dr finkelstein #jewel #fanfiction #fanfic #oneshot #jack x sally #jack and sally #marriage proposal #:)))))

[elli-dawn-stories]

The Gods Dancing

#Star crossed myth #voltage inc