Date: March 11, 2008 06:30 pm Title: Chapter 9
Another great chapter! I can see things are coming to a head for Jim and Pam and I love that you are using moments from the show, but tweaking them with your own ideas.
Oh, and what a romantic gift from your hubby! It makes Josh's story even sweeter.
Author's Response:
I'm glad you're enjoying the "real" moments that are peppered throughout here. There are a few other episodes that I plan to re-visit a little in the course of this; I don't know...it's just interesting to me to think of writing an AU story that still has elements of the canon in it.
Thanks so much for reviewing!
Date: March 11, 2008 06:12 pm Title: Chapter 9
You are very lucky to have a boyfriend like that!
I hate this back and forth and angst but I love it at the exact same time. Anyway I know you won't disappoint with the fluff in the end. This is a really great story.
On a side note...at first I was confused about Josh...I was thinking Stamford Josh. But then I got it. ;)
Author's Response:
Yeah, he's pretty awesome. :o)
And you have my word that I won't disappoint and leave this in an angsty place. For some reason, I love stretching out the angst and the tension, because it makes writing the happy ending that much more fun. :o)
I can see why you'd have been confused about Josh -- Jim had just left Jan's office, where he'd been talking about the transfer. I should've clarified that better than I did -- sorry 'bout that. :o)
Thanks for reviewing!
Date: March 11, 2008 04:02 pm Title: Chapter 9
I'm sorry that I'm just getting around to reviewing this now, but I want you to know that I've been enjoying every chapter of this story. I love the way your original characters blend seamlessly into the Office world. And the aftermath of Jim's confession has been extremely interesting to watch, especially given that we didn't get to see any of it on the show. Thanks for writing this!
Author's Response:
Thank you so much, Azlin! (BTW: Next week is my spring break, and I fully intend to catch up on some of my fic reading & reviewing -- so you'll be hearing from me via reviews!)
It's really, really great to hear that you think the original characters blend into the Office world. I don't know why I've always been so fascinated with the notion of an older brother for Jim (and now a younger one), but I just love the idea of him having foils or sounding boards -- guys who're a lot like he is, but have their own little differences as well.
I've also really enjoyed exploring the aftermath of the confession, because I don't think I've ever really written a fic wherein Jim confessed earlier than CN and one wherein he actually stayed in Scranton. I've written a couple of versions of the day after CN, but never anything like this, where there's no tangible end in sight for them both. It's been really interesting to explore that realm.
Thanks so much for reviewing!
10 [Report This]Date: March 11, 2008 03:36 pm Title: Chapter 8
Since I read 8 & 9 back to back, I was pretty much going to let my Ch. 9 review stand for both but after re-reading the fabulous steamy-ness of this chapter, I had to post something so that I could highlight this one insanely perfect moment you captured here:
"It's like she's been swimming underwater, holding her breath for far too long, and now she's suddenly breaking the surface, gasping for the kind of life he's breathing into her right now."
OH.MY.GOD. Just...wow. WOW. What I wouldn't give to make out with Jim Halpert in a car....GUH.
Author's Response:
You know, that's one of the lines that I added during the editing process, because I felt like I hadn't really articulated that the moment was about more than just physical attraction for Pam -- that it was like a revelation, you know?
And listen, honey...I think we ALL want to make out with Jim Halpert in a car. :o) I just try to live vicariously through my writing, heh.
Thanks for reviewing!
Date: March 11, 2008 03:29 pm Title: Chapter 9
Geeeeeeeez. You're killin me here.
I really empathized with Pam here. When something like that--the grief, the guilt, the fear, the want--consume you, and you walk around like a shell of your former self, it's intense and overwhelming and awful. It must be horrible to realize that the one person you're supposed to be able to turn to at times like that doesn't recognize you at all. Guh, so heart wrenching.
I don't know how you do it, girl7, but you always manage to write Jim and Pam as so amazingly realistic. It makes for an intense experience.
Well done, and I can't wait to see what happens in chapter ten!
Oh, and I agree...your husband is too cute!
Author's Response:
Good lord, woman, that review was absolutely gorgeous -- "when you walk around like a shell of your former self" -- gah, way to put it so beautifully. That's exactly what I was trying to convey! And I couldn't get a better compliment than that I write them realistically (well, okay, maybe I'd be more flattered if John Krasinski told me he was desperately in love with me and no other woman would do....). :o)
Thanks so much for reviewing!!
Date: March 11, 2008 03:18 pm Title: Chapter 9
Before I get into the story I have to say -- you've got one wonderful hubby there! That is so sweet AND creative. :-)
As for the chapter? I'm dying here. You are a kind of evil genious with the way you captivate even as you torture with the deliciously delivered sadness and angst in this chapter. And yeah, I totally want to smack Pam upside the head. Mainly because I've been in the Roy-type relationship with that guy who just never gets it right, the one you are endlessly making excuses for hoping that one day you'll wake up and he'll be the guy you fell for. So now seeing anyone else stuck in that situation (even a fictional character!) makes me want to shake them and say "Get a clue! You only get one chance to get this right so don't screw it up!"
This part right here:
"...And somewhere deep, relegated to the part of her she didn't consciously acknowledge, was the faintest awareness that Jim was as much to blame for her tears -- if not more -- than Roy. Only it wasn't because of all the ways he failed to understand her, but rather, for all the ways that he so unfailingly did."
*SPLAT* It's official -- you've killed me dead. DEAD.
I think it is fair to say that I'm waiting on pins and needles for the next installment. Keep up the amazing work!
Author's Response:
Yeah, I have to say, I was totally blown away when he did that -- had absolutely no idea he'd made arrangements to adopt the dog and got them to hold him. And it was without question the best gift ever -- he's the sweetest, most affectionate little guy (the dog, not my husband, LOL), and he's just flourished in the past few years. (He was skittish when we first got him because of the history of abuse.) Anyway - I'm rambling. Sorry. :o)
It was great to hear you say that you've been in that Roy type relationship before and found this believable based on your experience -- I've been there myself, and while the guy wasn't quite as clueless as Roy, he absolutely did not "get" me at all. But I spent lots of time talking myself into believing that that didn't really matter. And I see a lot of that behavior in Pam, too -- almost as if she'd gotten sapped of spirit over the years with Roy, to the point at which she was so ready to let him shoot her down. (I'm thinking of "Boys & Girls" - Jim's challenging, "Roy said that?" and her defensive response.)
Anyway, thanks so much - I'm really enjoying your reviews!
Date: March 11, 2008 03:03 pm Title: Chapter 9
I was confused for a minute about Jim calling Josh (I had Stamford on the brain).
Oh, Miss Pam, time to read the writing on the wall!
Author's Response:
I'm glad you pointed that out -- I went back in and fixed it. (It makes sense that you'd have thought of Stamford Josh, since Jim was just talking about the transfer.)
And Pam's gonna read that writing on the wall. And on the forearms. I'm sorry - that was uncalled for. :o)
THanks for reviewing!
Date: March 11, 2008 06:37 am Title: Chapter 8
I was so glad to see a few chapters when I finally got to read a bit. Sorry you husband is away but if we get more chapters yay for us.
Author's Response:
Hee -- yeah, I discovered a year or so ago (when I was working on "Only") that the best way to pass the time when my husband goes away on business is to write and write. And while I love him to death, I have to admit that I really do have a great time just immersing myself in writing for several days at a time. But then, I'm a big nerd, so there we are. :o)
THanks for reviewing!
Date: March 11, 2008 05:50 am Title: Chapter 8
I'm taking a deep breath. I love this. And I find Pam's freakout to be warranted, even if it is frustrating. I've always thought that she'd have to take her sweet time. She's got to process, and while her body is obviously screaming at her, it's going to take a hot minute for the rest of her to catch up. Thank god Jim's who he is, or he could have peaced out. But, I have faith that while he might be pissed and hurt and annoyed beyond belief, when it comes down to it, and Pam's nestled safely in his heart (and his bed), he'll get it. Great stuff, girl7!
Author's Response:
I feel like I'm being so repetitive in these responses, but it really is good to hear that you found her reaction to be warranted because it was one of my primary concerns about this chapter. And yeah, I think she'd be realllllly slow to come to terms with something like this. I also think that Jim - for better or worse - loves her so unconditionally that even when he knows he needs to move on, he just can't. And I also think that even if she were to jerk him around like this (which we've seen a brief, brief glimpse of on the show with GWH), he'd still find himself clinging to the hope that she'd be brave enough eventually to just face it head on.
Thanks so much for reviewing!!
10 [Report This]Date: March 11, 2008 01:53 am Title: Chapter 8
OH MAN. Every chapter is like a cliffhanger! :D I really enjoyed this. Damn, I'm all for them being stuck together in a confined space. Craaazy good job with the chemistry. Clutching his tie? Whew. :D
For as crazy as this must feel to Jim, I think you handle Pam's reactions really well. I think you took the makeout to it's inevitable conclusion, I don't think Pam could rationalize actually cheating on Roy, once the thought occurs to her it has to be over. Also, loved Pam shutting down and lashing out. Totally in character from what we've seen on the show.
Also, Jim. Such a perfect mix of anger and fear and panic that he's trying desperately trying to keep in control. SO glad to see him really pushing Pam to see how much she wants this too. Oh, and it's a little thing, but I felt like the cursing was just right (i.e. "freaking" vs "fucking"). Maybe it's just canon's necessary limitations, but I just don't imagine Jim or Pam swearing too easily.
More please! ;)
Author's Response:
Heh - the clutching his tie bit was in response to Starry Dreamer's urging me to rachet up the steam a bit. Glad you liked it!
I'm also glad you found Pam's reaction believable; I keep saying in review responses that that was one of my big concerns -- whether or not this would work. I agree with you that she wouldn't be able to process what had happened once she really let it hit her (OMG, I'm cheating on Roy). Lashing out at Jim is something I could see her doing as well because, like you mentioned, we've seen her do it on the show. (I cannot stand watching "The Fight" for that very reason - the way she's all flirty and then suddenly just turns on him. Gah.)
I love writing Jim when he's hovering on the verge of losing his control, because I do think that's one of the amazing things about him -- he is so controlled. And I love the few moments on the show when we've seen him lose it, however briefly (like in "Boys & Girls" or "CN").
Thanks so much for reviewing!
Date: March 11, 2008 12:51 am Title: Chapter 8
I kind of really want to smack Pam after this chapter. Like, a lot.
Author's Response: Hey, don't say I didn't warn you! :o) Thanks for reviewing!
10 [Report This]Date: March 11, 2008 12:27 am Title: Chapter 8
o.m.g. This story is brilliance, and I've been super lazy about reviewing, but this is fantastic. I even hid on my IM so I could read without interruption. :)
Author's Response: Heh heh - you naughty girl! :o) I'm glad you're enjoying this -- and thanks for reviewing!
10 [Report This]Date: March 10, 2008 09:19 pm Title: Chapter 8
Oh this is SO good! Wow, I did not expect Pam to jump him (even with the promised of steam), but it was fabulous! I TOTALLY understand why she's acting the way she is, even though it's infuriating. And poor, poor Jim! Vacillating between wanted to throttle her and wanting to jump her has got to be killing him.
CANNOT wait for more!
Author's Response:
Gah, it is such an incredible relief to read that you found her reaction believable -- I swear, when I sent this chapter to my beta, one of the first concerns I expressed to her was whether or not Pam's reaction was believable, and even if it was, would it be too alienating for the readers (meaning would readers really just not like her after that). So it's such a relief to have validation on that.
Thanks so much for reviewing!
Date: March 10, 2008 07:00 pm Title: Chapter 8
Beautifully written. I've really enjoyed the last few chapters. I think you're doing a great job portraying how Jim and Pam would actually behave in the situation you've created. I especially like how you showed Jim trying to control a temper he isn't accustomed to losing. you also gave Pam a very realistic reaction as well when she says, "This isn't me." I've always pictured her thinking that on Casino Night following the kiss. I'm anxiously awaiting the next chapter. :-)
Author's Response:
Thank you! It's always great to hear that a reader finds something true to the characters, particularly when they're in a situation we've never really seen them in on the show. (Even though we saw a confession & a kiss, we didn't get to see the immediate aftermath, how they both dealt with it...damn it! I'm not bitter.) :o)
And I mentioned it in an earlier review response, but yes, I always enjoy writing Jim when he's pushed a little too far; I loved the glimpse of his temper we saw in "Boys and Girls." Sigh.
Thanks so much for reviewing!
Date: March 10, 2008 06:21 pm Title: Chapter 8
Mistress O' the Angst-
Your Pam is absolutely spot on. There's no way she would have been able to process everything and jump right into bed with Jim. Even if his forearms were exposed :).
It's absolutely true that couples who are together for so long can easily become oblivious to each other's (and their own) needs after a time. It can be very frightening when a new person comes along to shed some light on those needs. Knowing this makes it very easy to understand how Pam would freak, which makes this chapter seem way more canon than seems possible.
So Thanks, again, for making this as believable as you have, and also thanks to Starry Dreamer for twisting your story into steamy directions :)
More angst, please! :)
Author's Response:
Your salutation ("Mistress O'the Angst") made me laugh right out loud. :o) And your comments just made me smile so wide because I always second guess myself when I write Pam as freaking out or being over emotional. I do think she's a crier (we've seen that happen enough times on the show), but as for how she'd handle a sudden declaration & kiss from Jim...well, as you know, we weren't privvy to that post-CN.
I agree with what you said, though: When you're with someone for such a long time (much less planning a life together), it'd have to be jarring to suddenly have all that thrown into uncertainty. I don't think Pam would be capable of acting on her feelings for Jim in a real way (other than giving in to the attraction, then pushing him away); I think she'd need to sort of simmer for a while before she could make a move.
Thanks so much for your thoughtful review!
Cordially,
Mistress O'the Angst. :O)
Date: March 10, 2008 06:21 pm Title: Chapter 8
Niiice. Not just steam, but Corolla window steam.
And I think Pam is smacking herself right about now. And Roy will be out playing poker for how long? Yeah. She's toast.
Author's Response:
Heh -- I should've written in a nice little detail about there being fog on the windows. :o) You're right about her being toast -- it's just gonna take a while for her to get nice and brown. (That somehow didn't work quite like I'd hoped.) :o)
Thanks for reviewing!
Date: March 10, 2008 05:52 pm Title: Chapter 8
Great story so far! You do angst and happy resolution so well in your stories. I appreciate that you take the time to flesh out the characters (even the OC's) and let us get into their heads a bit. Thanks for sharing this story, looking forward to more.
Author's Response: First: Love your screen name! I'm glad you like my moving slowly; it's always nice to hear that, as I really have a hard time with offering up shorter stories. (People who can so consistently do incredible one shots just amaze me.) So glad you're enjoying this, and I appreicate your reviewing!
Date: March 10, 2008 05:25 pm Title: Chapter 8
...but did she give him back the car keys?!?!!?? Damn that was steamy indeed - my office windows are fogged up!
Author's Response:
Bwah! Little continuity error there, eh? I'm thinking maybe she just dropped them in all the middle of the making out. :o)
Thanks so much for reviewing!
Date: March 10, 2008 04:52 pm Title: Chapter 8
O. M. G. !!!! Hope you can get the next chapter up soon. This is GREAT! Love to see Jim get a little spunk and let her have it. Good for him for not letting Pam pin all the guilt on him. You're right. I want to slap her right now.>:( Hope better times are on their way. Can't wait!
Author's Response:
I love writing slightly angry, pushed too far Jim -- because we don't get to see enough of him on the show. I thought the break room scene in "Boys & Girls" was just amazing, and I wish we'd been able to get more scenes like that. And yes - better times are on their way; I promise! :o)
Thanks for reviewing!
Date: March 10, 2008 04:18 pm Title: Chapter 8
NOOOOOO!!!!
Wow! You had my heart racing with this chapter. I'm looking forward to Pam getting her act together in the next chapter. Fabulous work, girl7!
Author's Response:
Heh...you're giving Pam (at least, MY Pam) too much credit; it's gonna take her more than just another chapter to get it together. (C'mon, you know how I love to drag things out.) :o)
Thanks so much for reviewing!
Date: March 10, 2008 04:01 pm Title: Chapter 8
So GOOD!!! This chapter was awesome with such high emotions. I felt like I was in the car with them with the rain pounding and the tension...whew. When I finished I felt like I could breath again. Pam doesn't make me want to smack her, I just feel so sorry for both of the characters.
Thanks for such an awesome chapter, and an overall fantastic story. Now I'm going to go write an essay.
Author's Response:
Yay - so glad you felt like you could see the action happening, because that's exactly the effect I hope these chapters will have. It's nice, too, to hear you say that you don't really want to smack Pam, because last season when there was all the hating on various characters (whether it was Karen, Jim, or Pam), I just kept thinking that it was sad because they were ALL stuck in a rotten situation, you know? Sigh.
Thanks so much for reviewing!
10 [Report This]Date: March 10, 2008 03:56 pm Title: Chapter 8
Ok so Jim telling Pam it's like she doesn't really want him to turn off his feelings for her? AMAZING. That was so great that you had him realize that and say it out loud because that is SO true. SO true. Also, how awesome was it for me to come home today and 1) find a ton of awesome reviews from you and 2) find a fantastic new chapter to devour like a starved animal? Seriously. Great stuff ;-)
Author's Response:
I'm glad you liked that line -- I don't know about you, but when a story takes hold of me (like this one has), I tend to hear snatches of dialogue at the most random times -- most often when I'm driving to and from the office, which is strange, I know. I'll also sort of envision snippets of scenes, and that's what happened with this one; I could so clearly see him telling her he can't just turn it off, then calling her on the fact that he really doesn't think she wants him to.
BTW: Your latest? Just amazing. It's a testament to what a freaking brilliant writer you are that when I read your stuff, it's so inspiring that it makes me want to go write. So good.
Thanks for reviewing!
Date: March 10, 2008 03:50 pm Title: Chapter 8
Fantastic! I love the way you are drawing this out and letting them go thru all of the emotions rather than giving in right away. I liked the use of the seatbelt as a metaphor for Pam holding back (or for some temporary insanity holding her back!). Jim can probably take a bra off one-handed, too, right?
Roy is an idiot for letting this happen.
Thanks for posting that so quickly!
More, more...I want more!!
Author's Response:
I'm so glad to hear you say that you're enjoying the fact that this is drawn out instead of more sudden; I always worry about the pacing and whether or not it's dragging too much. Re: Jim taking off a bra one-handed -- you silly woman (or man)! Haven't you heard? Jim possesses the power to simply look at a woman and cause her bra to pop right off. :o)
Thanks so much for reviewing!
10 [Report This]Date: March 10, 2008 03:04 pm Title: Chapter 8
Wow. I sure hope Jim follows Pam into the house! Just great tension you're building here!
Author's Response: I'm so far behind on my reviews that you probably know by now that he didn't follow her -- but that doesn't mean it's over. :o) Thanks so much for reviewing -- glad you're enjoying the tension!
10 [Report This]Date: March 10, 2008 02:17 pm Title: Chapter 8
argggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggg pammmmmmmmmmmmm you animal!! jim deserves a lot of...um...groveling for sure after that little stunt.
on the edge of my seat as always!
Author's Response: Heh -- amen to that (the groveling). Trust me: I'll have Pam make it up to him...in the nicest of ways. :o) Thanks so much for reviewing!