Date: March 27, 2008 06:37 pm Title: Are we really flirting? Or are you just pretending to be you flirting with me actually being me?
Okay, I could go on and on and on about this chapter because it was just fucking brilliant (pardon my enthusiasm). I don't know how you managed to take a scene that we've all watched hundreds of times (admit it, y'all -- you've watched it hudreds) and add a whole new spin on it that is completely and totally believeable. It absolutely blew me away. And then you had lines like this:
that just broke my heart, because that's how you feel when you love someone and don't even know how to admit it. Stablergirl, I love you fic but you should be abandoning it to write a novel. No lie. We'd miss you terribly, but you should be making some money off your brilliance. Okay. I think I'm done for now. That is, until the kiss, which may just make my brain explode.
Date: March 27, 2008 06:36 pm Title: Are we really flirting? Or are you just pretending to be you flirting with me actually being me?
omg!!! this is so amazing! you are a fantastico writer. just let them kiss already! or have sex.
Date: March 27, 2008 05:51 pm Title: Are we really flirting? Or are you just pretending to be you flirting with me actually being me?
P.S. He wants to do things for her, to be things for her, to be in her life or to just be near her life or to just be a part of something that she’s proud of. That is just so beautiful.
Date: March 27, 2008 05:49 pm Title: Are we really flirting? Or are you just pretending to be you flirting with me actually being me?
Sneaky stablergirl! You slipped another chapter in. I'm so very happy! I can't believe I nearly missed it. Phe-nom-enal!
7 [Report This]Date: March 27, 2008 05:28 pm Title: It's not that I hate you, it's just that I hate everything about you.
I am a terrible person for not reviewing yet, but I am truly enjoying this story. There's something oddly compelling about imagining them as almost-but-not-quite the characters we know, and watching this story unfold from just a slightly different angle.
So it's a very fun read... even though my real name is Dawn, so, well. Some parts have been a little uncomfortable.
Author's Response: lol I'm so sorry!!! I hope you know it's less about the name and more about the imaginary woman who bears the name and happens to be a soap star, hence the running joke. Dawn is a great name, great and lovely and...um...agh I knew this would happen. I suck. ;-) Seriously, good name, not soap at all, and thank you for reviewing and reading despite the discomfort.
Date: March 27, 2008 05:28 pm Title: Are we really flirting? Or are you just pretending to be you flirting with me actually being me?
Oh. My. God. Freaking brilliant. I am, like, out of breath right now. Will comment more coherently later when I can reread this without feeling faint.
10 [Report This]Date: March 27, 2008 05:24 pm Title: It's not that I hate you, it's just that I hate everything about you.
This story went from way good to ridiculously awesome.
10 [Report This]Date: March 27, 2008 05:14 pm Title: Are we really flirting? Or are you just pretending to be you flirting with me actually being me?
This chapter was incredible! I don't know how you're doing this but it's amazing. This: "...telling himself this has nothing to do with the fact that he’s never said this to anybody but his mother and now he’s going to say it to Pam and he’s terrified that he’s going to mean it." just about killed me. I mean, WOW!
Please update soon!
Date: March 27, 2008 05:05 pm Title: Are we really flirting? Or are you just pretending to be you flirting with me actually being me?
Oh sweet fancy Moses, Stablergirl, I saw the PLoD coming and my feet were like stuck in the tracks and that train hit me. Whoa.
And I am so glad you are back in your natural habitat!
Date: March 27, 2008 04:59 pm Title: Are we really flirting? Or are you just pretending to be you flirting with me actually being me?
OH. MY. GOD. Every time I think I can't possibly adore this story any more than I already do, you hit me with chapters like this. I mean, I'm going on about my day like "lah-di-dah ... oooh! Stablergirl updated! Peachy!" and then, two paragraphs in it's like
WHAM! Line drive to the head. GAH!
I don't know if I somehow missed the Ch. 15 update or if God just really likes me today and you posted both 15 & 16 back to back -- either way, it's ALL good. Hooray for updates!
My favorite moment from both chapters were the kind of similar realizations he had about what he'd like to be for Pam -- these two sentences were the ones that KILLED:
"He sees for a second in his mind’s eye the person that he maybe could be if she would stick around, if she would say things like this and look at him the way that she does in her weaker moments, the way that she is right now." I kind of adore this because it is almost an inversion of canon in that in the real realm of The Office, it's Jim that gives Pam that kind of support and strength. I think it is pretty great the way you've turned the tables and given that strength to Pam and that weakness and insecurity to Jim. Brilliant!
"He wants to do things for her, to be things for her, to be in her life or to just be near her life or to just be a part of something that she’s proud of. " That one just stabbed me right through the heart I loved it so much!
And I swear, the way you handled the Casino Night events was like a sucker punch to the solar plexus. I mean DAMN girlfriend -- that was some amazingly heartwrenching stuff! And now I'm on freaking tenderhooks waiting for the next Chapter and Pam's response to Jim's declaration....and, well, Jim's response to Jim's declaration. DELICIOUS and DIVINE!!!!
Date: March 27, 2008 04:45 pm Title: Are we really flirting? Or are you just pretending to be you flirting with me actually being me?
More, more, more!
:) M
Date: March 27, 2008 04:44 pm Title: Are we really flirting? Or are you just pretending to be you flirting with me actually being me?
first of all...9 million gold stars for the sports night quote! what a great show! and secondly, ghhhhhhhaaaaaaaa. so amazing! i cannot wait til the kiss! cannot cannot wait! so great, SG!
Date: March 27, 2008 04:39 pm Title: Are we really flirting? Or are you just pretending to be you flirting with me actually being me?
It's not enough that the actual Casino Night is heartbreaking, now you've added a whole new level!
OMG I need more I can't take this this post now why aren't you posting now where's the next freaking chapter?!
Date: March 27, 2008 04:39 pm Title: Are we really flirting? Or are you just pretending to be you flirting with me actually being me?
I love this chapter. You are killing me. I can't wait for the Kiss. I bet Pam will feel the same way as Jim when he kisses her. No! The rejection is not real, is it? It can't be. :0(
Date: March 27, 2008 04:37 pm Title: Are we really flirting? Or are you just pretending to be you flirting with me actually being me?
Best. Chapter of fic. Ever. (with no penis)
Date: March 27, 2008 04:33 pm Title: Basically the only person who never changes in this equation is you. Coincidence? Probably not.
Best gooey line: He badly, badly wants her to think he’s a good man.
Best laugh out loud line: ...all of the things that make Jim think about shooting her in the face, which is totally manly and he much prefers this over thinking about stripping Pam’s clothes off of her or imagining himself dropping down to one knee…
Yeah he definitely doesn’t want to be thinking that.
So his fantasies of stapling Kelly’s mouth shut are a welcome and much needed distraction.
What a great chapter this was. I hope everyone continues to enjoy each chapter as it comes as much as I have and not look too far ahead and predict what might or might not happen. Personally, I can't believe I have restrained myself and not asked, "hey, where is this going?" I'm trying to be zen like Jim!! It is all about the journey. Just keep unrolling that thread and spinning this fabulous story.
Author's Response:
Hey, Sweetpea, enjoy the ride. Don't be that rotten little kid in the back seat whining "ARE WE THERE YET?"
Ok?
Just keep it together, god. All will be revealed. Otherwise I'll staple YOUR mouth shut.
;-)
Date: March 27, 2008 03:44 pm Title: Basically the only person who never changes in this equation is you. Coincidence? Probably not.
Whew. Thanks for that long chapter - I relished every word! I look foward to when CareBear Jim has to confess to Pam on the show for CN. Methinks it will be intense.
"He can’t keep up this one night stand, smoking and drinking asshole thing he’s been doing all this time and expect a woman, an actual woman who isn’t named after dish soap, to fall in love with him." I love this observation!
Date: March 27, 2008 03:32 pm Title: Basically the only person who never changes in this equation is you. Coincidence? Probably not.
Yay an update!! I like where you are going with this, can't wait for you to update again! Simply Fabulous!
Date: March 27, 2008 02:30 pm Title: Basically the only person who never changes in this equation is you. Coincidence? Probably not.
I love this chapter. I'm so glad the Jim and Pam made up. I feel bad for Jim. He is so down on himself. At least he is try to see the guy that Pam sees now. I can't wait till they film Casino Night and the Kiss. Please update soon. I can't wait for the next chapter. This story is like crack to me. ;0)
Date: March 27, 2008 02:08 pm Title: Basically the only person who never changes in this equation is you. Coincidence? Probably not.
Ah, stablergirl, you just answered my prayers. This is exactly what I needed right now. When I saw an update, I said--out loud--"thankyoujesus." I'm hoping none of my coworkers heard me.
This line in particular made me REALLY excited for things to come: "Maybe it’ll help him face her tomorrow and film the season finale..." It's the little things, ya know?
So many fine little details in this chapter--Cleveland Cleveland, Pam's artistic talent, crying donkeys, Kelly and the stapler--just to name a few. Deeply in love with this story. It's so vivid and clever. About to become a big puddle. *sigh*
Date: March 26, 2008 10:08 pm Title: Wait a second, I feel like I've seen this movie before.
So I've really been thinking about this story, like a lot, and here's my question: While Pam is having this existential crises about the duality of both liking and hating Jim (mirrored in the duality of playing a character that is, but yet is NOT herself- nice touch SG), what is going on in Jim's head? He's obviously realized he wants her, but only because his subconscious literally spit it out for him(!). Does he think about the long term ramifications of what this means, or is he more living in the moment? Maybe Pam's verbal beat-down ('cause that's what it was!) will kind of serve as his rock-bottom- and he can start to work on a new self identity?
See what happens when you don't update fast enough-- our little fiction reading brains run overtime. Updates are joy.
9 [Report This]Date: March 25, 2008 07:56 pm Title: Wait a second, I feel like I've seen this movie before.
Well, I read the whole sh'bang today after putting it off from when it started because I JUST DIDN'T LIKE THE SOUND OF IT!! But... fair fucks to you, excellant work! Particularily these past few chapters, very well done after I was really wondering how you were gonna pull it off(I hated this version of Jim... HATED him), but I can see the transition from dickhead celeb Jim to on-screen Jim. Pretty simple, but effective.
Oh, and I started reading it after I looked through the chapter-title's and saw Zen and The Art... never come across another reader of that fine Art.
I also thought you were Irish for a few chapters there because of how you wrote Jim's inner-monologue. There is a series of books by an Irish journalist(where I'm from) satirising the affluent young South-Dubliner(that's me unfortunately), and they're written in a similar vein - although a lot heavier on the South-Dub slang.
Anyways, good work and keep em' coming!!
Author's Response:
lol I actually am Irish. My grandparents came over on the boat and I spent a good portion of my youth with them, they have brogues and the whole deal. That's probably where it's from ;-)
Glad you like the story despite you not liking the sound of it or the asshole Jim. I have to admit that I love a bit of an asshole. I usually go for that kind of guy. Sad, but true. Thanks for reviewing and giving it a chance.
Date: March 25, 2008 01:39 pm Title: Wait a second, I feel like I've seen this movie before.
Wow. Wow. I just don't know what else to say. When she brought up him not having a family and not even being good at his job, I was like "ouch," but then his reaction after was what really got me. He's seriously hurt by all this. Man, you are killing me here!
Date: March 25, 2008 01:18 pm Title: Wait a second, I feel like I've seen this movie before.
Okay, I'm back and have savored this chapter much more thoroughly. I totally choked up -- like, I REALLY felt Jim's pain, and then Pam's remorse and it just broke. my. heart. All of it. Into smithereens. I loved it.
Here are a few of my fave bits:
Teally, what don't I like about it? Great job, as always. You humble me.
Date: March 25, 2008 01:03 pm Title: Wait a second, I feel like I've seen this movie before.
OK, so I only thought you'd killed me before. But now? So dead they'll have to bury me twice. Maybe three times.
I don't know how you do it. I spend every chapter lately balanced on this delicate point between hilarity and agony. It almost defies description!
This chapter was particularly hilarious in the beginning. Pam's entire inner monologue of becoming more like Whitney or Anne Heche had me laughing hysterically! This line: "It isn’t a huge deal, but god she feels that ticking time bomb inside of her like let out a .2 second warning whistle before it just explodes, and she throws her hands into the air like shrapnel in defeat." I just loved because that description painted such a vivid picture in my head -- almost akin to those old Warner Bros. cartoons where someone would get so angry their head's would become angry steam whistles? That's what I kept seeing in my head and god did it make me laugh!
But then all the sudden in the midst of all my laughing Pam throws down a verbal grenade and BOOM! Pam's emotional shrapnel is flying through the air, piercing Jim right through the old heart. *sigh* How is it that no matter who Jim starts out as I end up feeling sorry for the poor woobie? He's trying so hard (and yeah, only for a day -- I know) but he's TRYING to be someone other than the guy he's been, the guy he's not so proud of, and Pam's just blown all of that right out of the water. And I kind of have to feel bad for Pam too because he's thrown her game off so far, she doesn't know if she's coming or going.
I hope beyond hope that Pam will be going after him to apologize. But if not, I still can't wait to see the fireworks when they next come face to face! Keep up the amazing work my dear -- we'd be lost without your rapid updates!