Date: June 07, 2008 01:07 pm Title: Chapter 20
Oh my gosh. I love this. I love seeing them so happy together, and just being them. That's what I love about your stories. The angst is always, always worth it. Actually come to think of it, I like the angst too, but that might be because I know what's coming. ;) Keep up the good work!
Author's Response:
I really needed to hear that today, Azlin, so thank you! There's one more happy chapter left before the end. :o)
Thanks for reviewing!
Date: June 05, 2008 11:28 am Title: Chapter 20
"This is who we are now" is such a perfect phrase to capture it all. The changes and the sameness. Lovely.
My favorite part, however, was getting to see the telekenesis prank from Pam's point of view! That was so much fun. Man, there have been so many great pranks that I can't even remember them all - so it's great when one makes an unexpected appearance in a fic!
Author's Response:
I'm glad you liked that bit -- when I initially started this, the original arc wasn't going to include any canon moments, but I found it sort of fascinating to weave a few in, particularly in light of the AU direction this takes. As for the line you quoted -- I'm kicking myself for not ending the story with that line; I actually debated going back and marking the story complete, just letting that stand, but then I thought that'd be a crappy thing for me to do to the people who've been following this (and are expecting another chapter because I said there'd be one). Either way, the original plan had this ending on CN, so at least it'll be true to my initial vision.....
Thanks so much for reviewing!
Date: June 04, 2008 04:47 pm Title: Chapter 20
Was wondering how you'd follow up the sizzling last chapter...and, as usual, you delivered. So much here - I'll just be scattershot, but hopefully you can read past my incoherence, lol.
First: "There'll be no faking orgasms in this relationship." Not only funny and sweet, but coming (ahem) from Jim? Hot as a very...(say it with me, darling ;-) Loved that in that CN telekinesis moment, he realizes they've sacrificed none of their friendship...that's it, the defining quality that makes them so unique in tv romances. And I think this is my fave: ...punctuated by what seems like one long conversation that still hasn't ended. That description of their relationship makes my heart beat faster than even the steam in the last chapter. And that's saying a lot.
Okay, I could blather on, but I've already overstayed my welcome. This was a lovely treat at the end of a stressful day. (One more thing: don't think I didn't notice the steak in the oven trick, either. True love and cooking tips...you are a girl7 after my own true heart ;-)
Author's Response:
As you can see, I'm taking care of MTT Business this afternoon, catching up on reading/reviewing and responding to reviews (albeit in a much delayed fashion....). I'm glad you liked this chapter; it's a little difficult for me to follow up the steamy chapters, but this one came a little more easily than others have (thank god).
And pshaw -- you couldn't possibly overstay your welcome! Thanks for the review!
Date: June 04, 2008 08:57 am Title: Chapter 20
you are absolutely forgiven for your absence since this was amazing. it's just enough to give us an inside look. i love love love your description of the coat rack prank. priceless. and of course "This is who we are now...." you're wonderful and i can't wait to see how you finish this off :)
Author's Response: Well I hope you can forgive me yet another long absence, because it is taking forever to get the final chapter right. Hopefully it'll be up soon -- and thanks so much for your review!
Date: June 04, 2008 08:25 am Title: Chapter 1
I can't find the words to give this story the proper praise. Simply the best!
Author's Response: You are too kind, my friend! Seriously -- thank you so much. :o)
9 [Report This]Date: June 04, 2008 07:22 am Title: Chapter 20
How gorgeous. All your stuff is so well-written and emotional and this is no exception! I particularly love the ending where the realization of the change in their relationship comes from such an ordinary everyday task like cooking dinner. This whole passage sums it up beautifully:
He grins, lowering his mouth to hers and pulling her close, suddenly understanding the literal meaning of the phrase "deliriously happy." Because that's what the past week with her has been like: a seemingly endless train of delirium -- sex that's as hot and frenzied as he's ever imagined it, punctuated by what seems like one long conversation that still hasn't ended. They've let down all the walls now; in the confines of their most private spaces -- stretched out on his bed, sitting cramped in her bathtub, nestled together on the couch -- they've said so many of the things they've spent the past five years trying to hide.
As always, a pleasure to read.
Author's Response:
Wow, such a compliment coming from you! (Loving your latest....) I'm glad you're enjoying this; hopefully the next/final chapter will be posted very soon!
Thanks for reviewing!
Date: June 04, 2008 06:34 am Title: Chapter 20
Worth the wait and can't wait for more.
Author's Response:
So glad to hear you found it worth the wait, because god knows, I've dragged my heels with the next/final chapter as well. (Sorry about that....) Thanks so much, as always, for taking the time to review!
Date: June 04, 2008 05:46 am Title: Chapter 20
Seriously, no worries on the delayed update. Your output is worth the wait. I may not always appear patient, but when I know that the end result of my patience garners something like this, HOLLER! It's all good. There are not a great many writers in whom I have absolute confidence in their delivery, but you're one of them, sister, so rock on!
Now, on to the latest chapter. Loved it. That should not come as a surprise, but I wanted to say it anyway and as this is my review I'll praise you if I want to.
Such a sweet follow up (with a NICE insertion of steam...I'll never see that CN wink in quite the same way again. I'm *very* ok with this :D) to the HOLYFUCKTHISISAMAZING awesomeness of chapter 19. You've managed to write the after sex with as much authority and skill as you wrote the before and during sex, and that's not easily accomplished.
Ok, onto my favorite parts:
1. He grinned at her, slinging a dish cloth over his shoulder as he leaned against the counter. "Hmm...because it started breathing faster and moaned my name?"
I'm sure you're not surprised to know that I loved this line, but I think it's great in terms of capturing their teasing nature as a couple. It's great to see that they haven't lost the ability to play with each other despite the fact that they, you know, play with each other now. Awesome.
2. He'd tossed the dish cloth to the side, pushing away from the counter to step forward and catch her around the waist, pulling her toward him. For some reason this line struck me as very very image heavy. I could see this, see them there, and this line is what made me *see* them as a couple with the back story you've presented them and the new take on old episodes. I heart this line.
Ok, enough from me. In conclusion, awesome!
Author's Response:
Gah, you and your awesome, detailed reviews; I swear if there were a Dundie for Most Thoughtful Reviewer, you'd win it!
Honestly, your kind words about this being worth the wait meant a lot, particularly as I've so neglected this story these last two chapters. Between writer's block, chaotic real life, and my own pickiness, getting this thing finished has been a little difficult.
It's always a pleasure to hear that a reader finds something "visual," because that's exactly what I'm going for. (And I cannot write a word if I can't envision the scene myself -- though, of course, my seeing the scene and my translating it for the reader are two very different things....)
Thanks, as always, for your review -- the new chapter is done, just needs to sit for a day or two (still not pleased with the tone -- something seems off), but I'll be updating soon!
Date: June 04, 2008 02:27 am Title: Chapter 20
*sigh* This is, as ever, wonderful. I love the slight edge of disbelief and wonder in everything Jim and Pam say and do in this chapter because I definitely think that's something they'd have experienced in the early stages of this relationship that's been so long in the coming. Just wonderful, brilliantly in character as usual :)
Author's Response: I wish we got to see more of that wonder and disbelief on the show, because I definitely think it's there (or rather, would be there). Thanks so much for your review, shootingstars! :o)
Date: June 03, 2008 07:30 pm Title: Chapter 20
new chapter!
what a great surprise! I think time made this chapter so much better, because I have been missing this story. You made their relationship so real and loved this:
"Hmm...because it started breathing faster and moaned my name?"
literally laughed out loud.
and how it ended with this:
"Yeah...this is who we are now"
made me smile
So perfect :)
Author's Response:
You are beyond kind to turn my procrastination into a positive thing, my dear. :o) I keep mentioning in responses (because people keep quoting it) that I can't take credit for that line; that one came straight from my husband, whose dry sense of humor apparently makes for a nice model when writing Jim, lol.
So glad you enjoyed this, and I appreciate your taking the time to review!
10 [Report This]Date: June 03, 2008 07:26 pm Title: Chapter 20
He grinned at her, slinging a dish cloth over his shoulder as he leaned against the counter. "Hmm...because it started breathing faster and moaned my name?"
Best. line. ever. (I actually laughed out loud, just for the record.)
But I wasn't really expecting another chapter, so when I saw it I smiled. I enjoyed it immensely :-) steamy/FRIGGENADORABLE jam > my life.
I love how you referenced Casino Night. And I'm going to have to ask you to make the next chapter longer than intended or else I might cry. :-P
Author's Response:
Heh, as I mentioned in a previous review, I stole that line from my husband. (I swear, the Jim lines I use that get the most comments from reviewers are those that I cribbed from Mr. Girl7, lol.)
So glad you enjoyed the chapter -- as for the next one: Welllll....this story has sort of become my albatross (totally, totally my fault, though), and while the last chapter is written, I can't get it to ring true for me. Hopefully it'll be long enough for you (*pointing at your screen name with a Kevin grin*).
Thanks for reviewing!
Date: June 03, 2008 07:25 pm Title: Chapter 20
Whoa, you just made the coatrack trick even better. How did you get to be so awesome?
S4 JAM: This is who we are now. *thud*
Author's Response: You are too kind, my friend. :o) Thanks for reviewing!
Date: June 03, 2008 07:15 pm Title: Chapter 20
That was so happy! I'm rocking the biggest grin right now.
Author's Response: Well I'm rocking the biggest grin at your review, so win-win-win! :o) Thanks for reviewing!
10 [Report This]Date: June 03, 2008 06:40 pm Title: Chapter 20
Girl7! You're back! I couldn't ask for a better bedtime story : ) I can forgive your prolonged absence when you return with all this sparkly hotness (yes, it's a word) and happiness!
"So how do you know it's hot enough?"
He grinned at her, slinging a dish cloth over his shoulder as he leaned against the counter. "Hmm...because it started breathing faster and moaned my name?"
Excuse me but WHO has no shame? All eyes on you, missy.
LOVE IT!
Author's Response:
Listen, sister, I've never claimed to have any shame! :OD So glad you liked that line; it's another one that I cribbed from my husband, who it seems is responsible for most of the Jim lines I use that get comments, lol.
Thanks so much for reviewing!
Date: June 03, 2008 06:24 pm Title: Chapter 20
Your stuff is always well worth the wait, so don't beat yourself up too much. :) It was a good reason to reread Chapter 19 again anyway, like I'd need an excuse to enjoy that again.
Love your take on the coat rack prank. Who doesn't love Pam's little surreptitious wink at Jim in that scene? And the look on Jim's face after that just cements the fact that these two are so right for each other. So it fits in so nicely with your story.
And even though you're living here in S2 land, the bedroom conversation "after" with Pam basically apologizing for her long term denial, and Jim reassuring her that it was ok, that they were together now and that's what was important, could easily have been a post TJ conversation as well. Either way, they've forgiven each other for past misunderstandings and they're moving foward.
Can't wait to read the final chapter. You will have Jon and Josh make a final appearance, right?
Author's Response:
Well here I am a month later responding to your review. (I don't know what's going on; things are supposed to slow down for me in the summer, but I feel like I haven't had time to breathe!)
Anyway.... I'm really glad you enjoyed this chapter. And yeah, what an interesting observation about the "after" conversation; I think you're right. As for Josh & Jon, you know, I wrote a draft of the last chapter with them in it, but it was this throwaway scene that was totally unnecessary to the rest of the story. I wrote it because a few people had mentioned a desire to see the brothers again, but ultimately, I edited it out (though I've not posted the chapter yet because I can't seem to get it right). I've been reading the fanfic pet peeves thread (heh), and I've seen a lot of complaints about scenes in stories that don't serve any real purpose. Admittedly, as a writer that's definitely something I try to avoid, so...Josh & Jon's little scene got cut. (It wasn't that big a deal -- just them bantering about playing poker with Jim pre-Casino Night.)
Anyway, thank you so much for reviewing!
Date: May 19, 2008 09:08 am Title: Chapter 19
Oh. My. Goodness. This is amazing. This is amazing enough to make me use full stops in a grammatically uncorrect way just to try and explain how amazing it is. It's CAPSLOCK AMAZING.
The opening of this chapter really brilliant expresses the initial awkwardness of the moment. And the rest is wonderful, a very sensual description, detailed without seeming like a simple play-by-play and retaining the essence of the characters throughout.
As I said, CAPSLOCK AMAZING!
Author's Response: Capslock amazing??? Seriously? WOW! :o) (Honestly -- I'm totally flattered.) I'm really glad you found it believable, and I really appreciate your taking the time to review. :o)
Date: May 19, 2008 08:54 am Title: Chapter 18
*flails*
It occured to me today that I hadn't seen an update of this for a while and when I came to check.... to my delight and horror I realised I'd missed two new chapters! In my defence, I have just recently left America after travelling after a year of study abroad and come home to England but still, two whole chapters?! I'm sorry I missed them when they appeared because I am usually good at keeping up, this is in fact the only story I'm actively waiting for updates on and somehow I missed it? So that was a long and rambling way to say sorry I lost track but I'm back now.
This chapter was just fantastic. You are so comfortable writing both Jim and Pam that I can just slip into this story like it's playing out right in front of me. You really captured the teasing and fun of Jim and Pam with the added twist of the excitement of a new relationship. A really fun chapter this, just fantastic.
Author's Response: Oh my god - no need to apologize! Seriously! I'm so glad you enjoyed the chapter, and it's always incredibly flattering to hear that a reader finds the voices believable. THanks so much for taking the time to review!
Date: May 11, 2008 04:52 am Title: Chapter 19
Another great chapter.
Author's Response: Thanks so much for reviewing!
9 [Report This]Date: May 10, 2008 05:35 pm Title: Chapter 19
Wowee wow. Put down the wine, sister! Great job! Just the right amount of sweetness, tension and steam.
Author's Response: So glad you enjoyed this, Crystalized! And thanks for reviewing! :O)
Date: May 09, 2008 11:00 am Title: Chapter 19
Aww. That was actually really sweet and not dirty at all. Which is odd considering the rather vivid nature of the happenings!
Author's Response:
I'm glad you found it sweet! As I said in a previous review: there's a fine line between sexy and skeevy, and I can never discern exactly where it is when I'm in the midst of writing. :o)
Thanks so much for reviewing!
Date: May 08, 2008 02:22 pm Title: Chapter 18
"Wow." He pretends to be indignant as he informs her sternly, "Need I remind you that I am not a cow, nor is my milk free...?"
^ made my day! :)
loved it!
Author's Response:
I'm glad you liked that; I had a blast writing it! ;O)
Thanks for reviewing!
9 [Report This]Date: May 08, 2008 04:12 am Title: Chapter 19
I don't know what you were so worried about. I thought that was great. Just the right mix of awkwardness and sweetness. To quote Paula Abdul (and really why wouldn't you), "You. Are. Girl. 7." I'd read the phone book if I found out your wrote it. Maybe not literally, but you get the point. Can't wait for the next chapter though I'll be sorry when it's over. We're going to see the bros again, right?
Author's Response:
Okay, you are so sweet; I don't watch American Idol (tried it one season, so I get the references), but your Abdul allusion made me grin so big. :o) As for the bros...you won't see them again in this fic, but I'm sure they'll find their way into a future one. (So glad to hear you like them!)
Thanks for reviewing!
10 [Report This]Date: May 07, 2008 06:16 pm Title: Chapter 19
Ughhh!!! That ending still slays me. Seriously. So good and the perfect way to end such a *ahem* daring chapter. Drunken-ness looks good on ya girl ;-)
Author's Response: You've got an email coming your way (summation: Soooooooo his loss. Trust me.), but still -- thanks for the help w/ this chapter, and for the feedback! You rock, as always!
Date: May 07, 2008 08:08 am Title: Chapter 19
oh my gosh. i cannot breathe. SO GOOD. hold on a sec, while i collect my thoughts...
I love this: "She's enjoying this, suddenly seized with the urge to ask him if he wonders sometimes whether or not the last three years have been a prolonged form of verbal foreplay." it's probably the best way ever to describe the first two seasons of the show, plus the before part of their relationship we didn't see. i LOVE it.
ok and seriously? that might be the hottest thing i've ever read. between: "I'm....I can't...figure out what's... If you're just trying to...kill me -- or if you've...you're not so much on the...taking it slow thing any -- " and "It's happening tonight. Now." I almost lost it. then when Pam said, "Then give it to me." I literally think I died for a second.
this was SO FREAKING GOOD. I cannot say enough. but i will stop. because you need to keep writing, not reading year-long reviews :) you're amazing.
Author's Response: Whoosh. Both the lines you quoted were ones that gave me pause -- particularly the "Then give it to me" line. I mean, I know well that there's a fine line between steamy and skeevy, and I don't ever want to cross it, lol. I'm so, so glad you enjoyed it -- and I really appreciate your taking the time to tell me so!
10 [Report This]Date: May 07, 2008 07:18 am Title: Chapter 19
Wow! No need to be nervous at all. EXCELLENT job, girl7! Very hot ; )
Author's Response:
Ah, thank you very much! :o) I always get nervous when posting smut for some reason...I'm working on it. :o)
Thanks for reviewing!