Date: August 09, 2007 11:35 am Title: Chapter 10: Doors You Opened I Just Can't Close
Le sigh. You integrated this perfectly with what we saw on screen. Amazing!!!! Perfect execution. Am I looking forward to the continuation in a different direction? Of course. But this definitely left me satisfied and smiling.
Author's Response:
Yay! I'm repeating myself in these responses, I know, but honestly -- I was so worried people would read this ending and be kind of..."meh." It's a little anticlimactic, I suppose, but I was so taken with the notion of exploring how the events in this story could work with canon.
It's also a thrill to hear people say they're looking forward to the AU version, because let me tell you -- I am loving writing it! :o)
Thanks, as always, for reviewing!
Date: August 08, 2007 02:56 pm Title: Chapter 10: Doors You Opened I Just Can't Close
This was a brilliant conclusion to your story. I just loved all the interweaving with the canon that we've seen. It is totally realistic to me, that with all the tension between the two of them, that there could have been a moment like that between them, that henceforth would have to be kept secret.
Makes the kitchen conversation in "The Secret" and the long silence during the booze cruise seem a lot more meaningful!
You're just brilliant and I'm looking foward to the ahem, AU stuff as well.
Author's Response:
So, so, SO glad to hear that the interweaving with canon worked! I keep saying that I had a few initial motivations for this story: 1) the notion that they could've shared a moment like this one but tried to kind of bury it in the past and 2) that I could somehow make the idea of that plausible according to what we've seen on the show. And it's funny -- "The Secret" was something I was going to work in here, too, but I was afraid of losing readers' interest if I lingered on too many moments from the show. But I'm glad to hear you were thinking of it (and BC), because I was too!
AU stuff (chapter one, anyway) is up -- hopefully I'll update again soon. Thanks so much for the review!
Date: August 08, 2007 12:34 am Title: Chapter 8: The Lights Go Out and It's Just the Three of Us: You Me and All That Stuff We're So Scared Of
oh, one more thing: the "i'm sorry" before he kisses her...PERFECT!
Date: August 08, 2007 12:31 am Title: Chapter 8: The Lights Go Out and It's Just the Three of Us: You Me and All That Stuff We're So Scared Of
bahhhhhhhhhhhhh! this just tore me up! i love how Pam kept kissing him to delay the inevitable onset of reality. and then her freak out was so. frustrating. but so spot on for Pam. such a smart move making Jim get angry at her first when she was going the denial route, because it made his eventual agreement to just forget about it that much more heartbreaking.
this is great angst, but that said, this story better end happily! i'm too emotionally invested! (so emotionally invested, in fact, that I just had to finally give in and register on this site so I could leave a review.)
keep up the good work!
Author's Response:
Gah -- I am *so* sorry! I'm realizing that if someone reviews an older chapter, it falls back in the rotation when I'm responding to reviews, so I don't see it -- and thus end up responding to 98% of the reviews and appearing to randomly just ignore the other 2%. (Seriously - I'm kind of horrified that someone would take the time to review, see that I respond to most reviews, but find that her review was ignored!)
All this to say: I am so sorry I didn't respond to your review(s) sooner! And oh my god - you registered just to leave a review!
Okay, I'm done freaking out now. :o)
I'm really glad you enjoyed this chapter; angst whore that I am, I think it's my favorite of this story (and was definitely the most fun to write). And yeah, I was trying to capture the fact that Jim's just willing to do *anything* for her - even if that means sacrificing himself/them.
As far as the happy ending outweighing the angst: I've had the ending written for several days now and was about to post it but couldn't bring myself to -- because I didn't feel like it delivered enough of a happy ending. (Or rather, it ended pretty abruptly after said happy ending, LOL.)
So it's back to the drawing board (or the laptop, as it were); I promise to make up for the angst (and for inadvertently ignoring your review!) --
Thanks so much for taking the time to register and review!
Date: August 07, 2007 08:15 pm Title: Chapter 10: Doors You Opened I Just Can't Close
Wow! This story is awesomeness incarnate. I'm so excited to see what you have planned for the AU chapters. Thanks for writing such a great story!
Author's Response:
You are too kind, my friend! And I have to admit that much as I was taken by the idea of this as the ending, I'm equally looking forward to exploring a very...er, different route. ;oD
Thanks for reviewing!
Date: August 07, 2007 07:47 pm Title: Chapter 1: Content to Compromise
that was really beautiful! Im just sad that it's over! Cant wait for the AU stories!!!
Date: August 07, 2007 11:38 am Title: Chapter 10: Doors You Opened I Just Can't Close
That was perfect. It was exactly what I was envisioning. I loved how seemlessly you carried their feelings and the emotional echo of that night through to keystone moments in the series. And it was a beautiful ending. (Though I do look forward to the AU stuff, I'm satisfied with this.)
Author's Response:
Wow, really? I'm so glad you saw this as an ending, too, because really...it's what drove me to start writing the thing in the first place (the idea of there being this "lost" night). I'm glad, too, that you're looking forward to the AU stuff -- can't wait to get it all written and posted!
Thanks so much for the review!
Date: August 07, 2007 11:35 am Title: Chapter 10: Doors You Opened I Just Can't Close
I actually loved this chapter as an ending...it left me satisfied and smiling (TWSS!) In all seriousness though I think you did an excellent job of weaving in all of the major Jam moments and tying everything together. I never would have guessed that this story would lead us right to the season 3 finale. So perfectly JAM - thanks for this great story. I look forward to your alternative ending as well.
Author's Response:
It's so surprising to hear people say they liked this ending - yay! The promise of writing the AU stuff is something I'm really looking forward to fulfilling, but this was my original vision - to take it and somehow try to make it plausible. Glad you're looking forward to the AU stuff as well!
Thanks for reviewing!
Date: August 07, 2007 11:24 am Title: Chapter 9: Running To Stand Still
Confession: I took a big huge long break in the middle of this chapter, just after they went to sleep. I'm not sure why I needed it. It certainly wasn't as painful as the previous one. But I am holding you to your promise of smut and a happy ending! That said, I really liked the flashback history of Pam and Roy and how you've managed to bring this up to a point where we can actually see a glimpse of how Pam and Jim are at the beginning of the show.
Date: August 07, 2007 06:43 am Title: Chapter 10: Doors You Opened I Just Can't Close
You really did seamlessly integrate this storyline like another thread weaving through what 'actually' happened on the show. Pam's 'what are you doing' takes on a whole new resonance. Honestly though - I'm not surprised you pulled it off - it's just what you seem uniquely able to do (are you good at jigsaw puzzles too?)
Do I need to tell you how much I liked Pam just laying one on him when he arrived at her door? Thought not. Do I need to tell you how much I'm looking forward to the AU ending, Tttthhhhhiiiiiiiissssss much.
Author's Response:
Sooo glad to hear you say that it worked for you -- and that it made Pam's CN response (indignance?) resonate more; that's exactly what I was going for (and why I was so loathe to just scrap this ending and go AU).
Speaking of AU, though -- yeah...the thought of writing an AU ending as well is just too, too much fun. :o) Hopefully it'll be worth the wait for you (and, uh, them too...heh heh heh).
Thanks for the review!
10 [Report This]Date: August 07, 2007 12:40 am Title: Chapter 10: Doors You Opened I Just Can't Close
*gasps* You're brilliant! You took your story and seamlessly blended it with the show, and now every time I watch The Dundies I will definitely think that a trip to the Poconos is what they're hedging about. Amazing.
I adore this story, and I can't wait for more from the AU chapters. :)
Author's Response:
Okay, that? That is exactly what I was going for, seriously (the idea of writing something that could be plausible enough to potentially be hovering in the background during some of the moments we all know so well). So, so glad you experienced it that way!
I'll get the AU stuff up as soon as I can -- and thanks, as always, for reviewing!
Date: August 06, 2007 08:52 pm Title: Chapter 10: Doors You Opened I Just Can't Close
Beautiful ending. I loved how you weaved all the real events in with your story. Heartbreaking and wonderful.
I'm looking forward the the AU endings!
Author's Response:
So glad to hear you say that! There were, believe it or not, a few more moments that I wanted to work in here, but I didn't want to get too bogged down in what we've seen on film (mainly because - for season two at least - I've already written about all of it).
Anyway - thanks for the review! Will get the AU stuff up as soon as I can --
Date: August 06, 2007 07:11 pm Title: Chapter 10: Doors You Opened I Just Can't Close
I was so excited to see you had updated and I absolutely loved this chapter! It tied everything together. I really felt their heartbreak! And I loved the ending! Superb! Thanks for the awesome read!
Author's Response:
Thanks so much - glad to hear that this tied things together; I really wanted to provide some kind of resolution for all that unresolved angst & tension. (Poor, poor JIm, LOL.)
Thanks so much for reviewing!
Date: August 06, 2007 06:52 pm Title: Chapter 1: Content to Compromise
Another great chapter, pulling it all together. If you look at S2 with the thought that Jim really knows that Pam feels more for him, it's really so much more painful to think about.
I think your parallel does ring true-I think Pam's "What are you doing?" during Casino Night really shows how they had an agreement not to talk about their relationship. In canon, this agreement is tacit of course, but you can really understand how she seems initially a little betrayed by Jim's confession in this version of events. I think it also makes S3 Jim's actions make more sense, because he already sublimated and let things get back to normal once, and couildn't make himself do it again.
Great job as always. I really look forward to updates way too much.
Author's Response:
First: I read your review late last night and was just thrilled by it (and amazed - yet again - at how succinctly you put it, how well you articulate exactly what I was going for). I didn't respond last night, thinking I'd come back and respond this morning -- but when I went to respond to my reviews, I noticed that yours was missing! So I did this search, wondering if I'd lost my mind and made it all up (the review was that awesome, seriously) -- then realize that it wasn't showing because I was looking only at the chapter 10 reviews. Sigh. :o)
That said....this story originated from two central ideas with which I was fascinated: the first was the idea that they could've shared a moment -- crossed some lines -- years before the cameras came, but have been struggling to forget it. The second was to somehow weave that backstory into some of the moments with which we're all so familiar. And the more I thought about it, the more I was convinced that both The Dundies and Casino Night could lend themselves to such a scenario. So it's really good to hear you say that it reads true for you and adds another layer. (Because Pam's "What are you doing?" ....YES. That and the whole sober vs. drunk issue as well.)
THanks so much for your thoughtful feedback -- so appreciate it!
Date: August 06, 2007 05:58 pm Title: Chapter 10: Doors You Opened I Just Can't Close
wow. that added SO MUCH to all those JAM moments... awesome! WRITE MORE!!! and quickly!
Author's Response: Yay - so glad to hear you say that! I'm writing more and will get the AU stuff posted as soon as I can manage it. :o) Thanks so much for reviewing!
10 [Report This]Date: August 06, 2007 05:12 pm Title: Chapter 10: Doors You Opened I Just Can't Close
So sweet! It's amazing to me that even after the numerous times that you've captured CN, you still manage to bring freshness to the episode. You've ended the story beautifully and with such hope for the future. Another amazing girl7 creation!
Author's Response: Yay - glad to hear you say that (because god knows, I have written Casnio Night seven ways from Sunday...ur, I'm not sure what that means, but....). Thanks so much for your input and help with this chapter; you rock!
10 [Report This]Date: August 06, 2007 04:26 pm Title: Chapter 10: Doors You Opened I Just Can't Close
Oh, girl7, you talented soul! I really like the way you've taken bits of canon here and made them play so differently because of all the backstory you've created. It's smart, and it works really well, especially Jim's elation when Pam admits she's sober. I'm looking forward to alternate endings, too, but I suspect this one's going to be my favorite!
Author's Response:
Well again - always such amazing compliments coming from you, given that I'm such a fan of your stuff. :o) I'm glad you liked this -- and yeah, I think the AU stuff will be lots of fun to write, but I was really attached to the idea of creating a situation that could have possibly happened, you know?
Anyway - thanks so much for the review!
9 [Report This]Date: August 06, 2007 01:55 pm Title: Chapter 10: Doors You Opened I Just Can't Close
i love everything about this story.
<3
Author's Response: Aww...thanks so much! :O)
Date: August 06, 2007 01:33 pm Title: Chapter 10: Doors You Opened I Just Can't Close
Ahhh! I love it! Though I am VERY excited for the AU chapters too!!!
Author's Response:
So glad you enjoyed it and are looking forward to the AU stuff -- hopefully I can get it posted soon!
Thanks for reviewing!
Date: August 06, 2007 12:43 pm Title: Chapter 10: Doors You Opened I Just Can't Close
::flails:: YES. You are a golden god!
I was petrified going in to this chapter that you'd make Jim tell her that he's through or something equally heart-wrenching, so thank you for sparing me and my fragile little heart that pain! I can't WAIT to read the AU chapters.
Author's Response:
I'm so glad to hear that you liked it! I was nervous (as I keep saying) about this one because I wasn't sure it was interesting enough -- also worried that the parallels I was trying to draw wouldn't really translate. So it's such a thrill to get a positive response. :o)
AU chapters are in the works!
Thanks for reviewing!
Date: August 06, 2007 12:19 pm Title: Chapter 10: Doors You Opened I Just Can't Close
the way you wrote jim's emotions in the season 2 finale breaks my heart. Your a genius from stringing this all together. And ooo bonus alternate chapter? yay.
Author's Response: Thanks so much! Yes, there will be several bonus chapters -- three or four, potentially. :O) Thanks so much for reviewing!
Date: August 06, 2007 12:17 pm Title: Chapter 10: Doors You Opened I Just Can't Close
That was a great all-encompassing chapter. Really gave a great resolution of sorts to this story. I just read it all and feel like I've been on a really, really good roller coaster. What a ride! Really excellent work!
Author's Response:
Ah, thank you so much -- this was the vision that I originally had in mind, and I just couldn't stand the idea of totally abandoning it in favor of something AU. Thank god my beta reminded me that - duh - I could do both. :o)
Thanks so much for the review - glad you enjoyed it!
10 [Report This]Date: August 06, 2007 12:01 pm Title: Chapter 10: Doors You Opened I Just Can't Close
That was totally worth every agonizing minute of waiting!
I really enjoyed your take on Pam's question to Jim while he was walking her to Angela's car. Heartbreaking.
I cannot wait for more...especially AU girl7 smuttiness. ;o
Author's Response:
Oh thank god -- seriously, I was so nervous about this chapter! It's good to hear you say that this was worth it, because I worried that it'd be too dull after all the drama of the previous chapters, LOL. I'm working on the AU stuff as we speak, so hopefully I'll be able to get it up soon.
Thanks again!
Date: August 06, 2007 11:42 am Title: Chapter 10: Doors You Opened I Just Can't Close
Oh my god! Sooooo good. Can't wait to read the AU version!
Author's Response: Yay! Hope you enjoy the AU version as much! :o) Thanks for reviewing --
Date: August 06, 2007 11:08 am Title: Chapter 10: Doors You Opened I Just Can't Close
Loved the ending! You wrapped it up so neatly and it all makes sense! I'm excited to read the AU endings, but this was just awesome. Well done!
Author's Response: It's great to hear you say that you think this makes sense -- I was so nervous about posting it! (I worried that it'd be a bit anticlimactic or disappointing.) I really appreciate the feedback -- thanks!