Date: October 11, 2008 10:22 am Title: The Boys Who Loved You
Aw, Flonkerton stole my favorite line:
"Pam told herself the whole story for the first time."
But really, all of this is wonderful. I must admit, I didn't pick up on all of the lyrics, but I'm terribly impressed at what you accomplished here. I do hope you come out and list them at some point for those of us who are lyrically challenged.
I also like that this moves forward in time a bit and shows how the mix tape continues to be a part of Pam's life as she begins to change it. It was so moving and sad to see her dealing with the aftermath of calling off the wedding.
Talkative, your writing continues to amaze me and you are still one of my favorite authors on this site. I always know when I see an update from you that I'm in for a treat and you haven't let me down yet. I look forward to the final chapter of this (as well as that post-premiere barn dance that you hinted at earlier - or is that being greedy?).
Author's Response: Now, now, now... we can share favorite lines. :) Thank you for the kind words, Blanca. I'll be posting the track listing when I post the final chapter in this story. I've been listening to Jim's mixtape on my iPod for a couple of weeks now, and, I must say, it's a good one. Thanks for noting the time jump - we're going to move back for the last chapter. And, as for the post-premiere barn dance, I'm actually more excited about that than I am the last chapter of this. You'll see why. Until next time, dear.
Date: October 11, 2008 12:40 am Title: The Boys Who Loved You
Yep. You killed me.
Guh. I don't think I've ever read a more heartbreaking look at Pam, post-calling it off. It was tragic but beautiful.
This is one of my favorite things I've read:
Pam told herself the whole story for the first time.
Author's Response: *nudges flonk with her toe* Great. I wonder if Dwight has room in the family plot? Thank you for your review. The section with the power outage and the walk down the street was the first thing I wrote for this chapter. In a way, it's autobiographical, as are quite a few things I included here. I'm glad you enjoyed it, even if it means I have blood on my hands now.
10 [Report This]Date: October 10, 2008 09:56 pm Title: The Boys Who Loved You
Ugh! (in a good way ;-) This chapter just about killed me. I really almost cried. I think it brought out all of my anxiety and angst from S3. At least in real life, for the completely fictional characters, the worst is over. Right? Right? Back to happy now, please? Happy, engaged, wedding, love, Jambabies? Hmm?
Just kidding. Good one, Talk.
Author's Response: Hey, Mountaineer, I'm afraid I'm going to torture them for one more chapter. Sick, I know, but kinda fun at the same time. Thanks for your review. I'll make sure to stuff some Kleenex in the bottom of the next chapter.
Date: October 10, 2008 09:45 pm Title: The Boys Who Loved You
who loved you now and loved you then - I have to tell you, I probably can't listen to that verse of the song the same way for a while. And considering I love the song to bits and listen to it often...thanks. :P The other songs haven't come to me just yet, but I'll be rereading this often so I'm sure I'll get there! ...eventually.
This was gorgeous. I'm very uneven about reviewing your stories, because more often than not they blow me away - there's something gorgeous about the way you write, and I love that you can do that and keep them so perfectly in-character, too. This chapter had introspection and quieter Pam moments and all of it rang true - confusion, anger, disappointment, etc. And the last paragraph made me want to hit something, mostly because I can imagine it happening and I know Beesly is better now after trying to be on her own but maybe if she'd turned that key?
Either way - beautiful, as usual, and I'll be recommending this like crazy to anyone who'll listen, also as usual. (: You are brilliant, and I am immensely jealous of your writing skillz. I want to throw away anything I've ever tried!
Can't wait for your last chapter. :D
Author's Response: Hey, moot, let us know when you find more and thank you for your feedback. I wanted to at least touch on how angry Pam surely would have been when she found out that Jim left. I think it's odd that it seems she didn't make an attempt to contact him right after his transfer, and, surely, anger was driving part of that decision, don't you think? If you ever want to talk about your writing, drop me a line. Thanks again. (p.s. everyone else, the title comes straight from The Decemberists' song "Red Right Ankle." Moot got it.)
Date: October 10, 2008 07:51 pm Title: The Boys Who Loved You
This was another great chapter, I love this story, looking forward to the next chapter, you do such awesome work.
Author's Response: Thank you, philly. The next chapter will be the last. I've been working on it on and off since August. So far, I'm pretty happy with it. Hope you will be, too.
10 [Report This]Date: October 10, 2008 06:40 pm Title: The Boys Who Loved You
I'm going to have to trust you that this was over 3,000 words, Talkative, because it was over in the blink of any eye. Well worth the wait, my friend.
Where to begin. Well, of course you know I loved this (me being a Talkative fic whore and all that well-established stuff). I mean it, though. I only wish you had given a treasure map of the songs. It seems I'm not quite cool enough to find them on my own. *blushes* You may recall that the last time you called attention to a song (Weightless), I was out .99 (but I did gain a nickname) ; )
First phrase to jump out at me: ...intricately folded notes from girls she had apparently loved but no longer remembered... Funny, I was just going through a box of elementary and high school mementos in my bedroom closet last weekend. Lots of silly letters that I imagine were like Pam's.
She put on her father's sneakers and carried the bag out to the garbage before she could think better of it. Made me think of the countless times I put on someone else's shoes to slip outside at night or early in the morning.
Love that you named Pam's aunt "Morgan." I imagine her being a favorite sister (and then a favorite aunt), loved well enough to name a daughter after her.
I enjoyed the little details you threw in about Margaret. Your description brought her face to mind immediately.
This evening's *thud* moment for me was their e-mails. *heavy sigh* It just kills me all over again to think of Pam having to share her news to the office while Jim's getting ready to hightail it out of town.
Lovely interaction with Pam and Jessica. "It was. It is. Kind of." She stuffed her hands in her pockets, detached her toes from the wet insides of her sandals. "I'm in love with someone else." The breeze tugged on the hem of her nightgown. The tree over their heads dripped into her hair. She wanted to know how it sounded out loud. "I think," she added. Such simple, vivid details.
She could picture him in bed with her, the warmth of his skin and that thrilling anxiety in his eyes, but she couldn't press on the image, make it move. There was a very deep, well-defined line there that she wasn't sure how to cross. Pam feared that it was going to take a long time to learn how. Oh. my. god. Get me a glass of water ::fans self::
Oh, and the ending? Give me a kick to make sure I'm dead, why dontcha?
Finally, I'm thinking it's only fair that the length of my review should match the length of the chapter :)
Until next time...
Author's Response: Nan, you are one of the best f-ing things about posting on MTT, I swear. Thanks so much for your thorough, considerate review. You always flatter the life right out of me. And you're totally cool enough to find the references on your own - in fact, you found one, the one I had the hardest time making apparent: "This is going to take a long time" is a lyric from the Yazoo song "Only You." Bonus points if you can figure out why I used it (did you, by any chance, watch the UK Office? *cough*). Thank you, thank you for your review.
10 [Report This]Date: October 10, 2008 05:16 pm Title: The Boys Who Loved You
"She thought about his tongue, his transfer, their hands, and her answer." That's my favorite part. I just keep rereading it and reloving it every time.
I'd love to know which 14 songs are included here. Need to beef up my Jim/Pam play list. :)
Author's Response: Hey, look! The first reviewer found one! "your tongue, your transfer, your hands, your answer" is from "Kiss Me on the Bus" by The Replacements. "Transfer" referring, of course, to something completely different in that context. I'm glad you enjoyed it, Corking. Thank you for your review.
10 [Report This]Date: October 08, 2008 04:16 pm Title: Nothing Like It Was in My Room
This is so lovely and sad, especially the last line. I like Jim's possibilities, and the fact that he doesn't buy the first one at all, even in this context. Smut or a barn dance, you say?
Author's Response: Jim somehow manages to be a romantic and a realist at the same time. I'm pretty sure that has something to do with his crushingly low self-esteem. And, yeah, smut or a barn dance. You heard anything about that?
Date: September 30, 2008 07:05 am Title: Nothing Like It Was in My Room
Michael, who was, of course, their last guest
oh he SO would be.
Jim + Mark conversation: :) I'm curious as to what Jim ever said to Mark (if anything) about Pam. And thank you for not making it locker-room chat. 'You are so fucked' just describes S2 in three words.
He spit in his palm
Here's the thing. Sex (and related sexual activities) is inherently messy- not gross unless you choose to see it that way, but messy. And that MUST be why I love gory details. Also the fact that Jim is so cheap/amateur/impulsive he isn't using soap/lotion/lube/whatever. Um, I think I've said WAY too much.
mark the moment that she finally copped to it
I like the word 'copped'. And it seems very Jim-ish.
she was pulling, not being pushed
I'm so repetitive. I just really like the way this is written, even in his fantasies all Jim wants is for Pam to want him the way or as much as he wants her.
So much other stuff I liked, but I have this, like, job thing that I'm expected to do at a certain time on weekdays. They so do not understand the epic-ness (epicnicity?) of Jim and Pam since last Thursday. Soooo... I'll leave it with: You're great and thanks for posting :)
Author's Response: Variella, it drove me nuts that TPTB didn't give us an indication that Mark knew about Pam, because surely he did, even just a little. I've never understood the tone that some authors choose when having Jim and Mark talk about women/Pam - Mark didn't seem like a crass guy, and we know Jim isn't. This seemed fair and likely to me. And, yeah, impulsive is the word you were looking for - sitting up to search for the KY probably would have stopped him dead in his tracks. That's what I was going for, anyway. Thanks so much for your lovely review - don't let that silly work stuff get in the way of your important fic responsibilities! I do it all the time. It's totally not worth it.
Date: September 29, 2008 05:32 pm Title: Nothing Like It Was in My Room
Well, Talkative, this is long, long overdue and I'm apologizing for that. I remember reading the first story you posted here and I'm sorry I can't remember the title, but I remember reading it and being knocked out. You have such an authentic voice and a beautiful style and you've captured these characters perfectly. I'm enjoying this story very much - thank you.
Author's Response: Hey, Sweetpea, don't fret. It's never too late. Thanks so much for your review - it's extremely flattering. I'm glad you like my writing.
Date: September 29, 2008 11:43 am Title: Nothing Like It Was in My Room
Oh, Jimmy-Jim. You just know he was a little excited that Pam was on his bed. Ok, a lot excited.
And I love a barn dance. Just sayin'
Author's Response: Hey, Ms. Hoo - yeah, a whole lot excited. Glad to hear you like square dancing.
Date: September 29, 2008 06:42 am Title: Nothing Like It Was in My Room
Oh my this hurts. Sexy and wrenching and such a lyrical but unflinching look into Jim's heart/head at that point.
She was in charge, he made sure of that, because he needed to know that she wanted him; that when she rolled onto her back, she was pulling, not being pushed;
Love that.
Author's Response: Thanks, Colette. I was rather pleased with that line myself. Is it wrong that I'm kind of enjoying making the two of them miserable?
Date: September 28, 2008 09:28 pm Title: Nothing Like It Was in My Room
I was wondering when this would earn its rating. You've really outdone yourself here, Talkative. Really, just amazing. I love your phrasing in this part:
"Nope," which was a lie, because he was almost certain that she, but it was a far easier thing to stop that thought and all of its obnoxious, circular friends before they could start.
But then, the fantasies are superb as well. This was hot, hot, hot. And if I wasn't already in love with this story, I would most certainly be devoted to it now.
And as for that post-premiere fic you're working on (yay!), I hope that barn dance scenario is looking less and less likely.
Author's Response: This was the only chapter other than "Sales Call" that I had a definite idea for at the start. I wanted to address Jim's response to having Pam in his house and play with what Mark would have said about it (because, surely, Mark said something). Thank you for your review, Blanca. And I hate to disappoint, but that barn dance scenario is looking more and more likely.
Date: September 28, 2008 09:21 pm Title: Nothing Like It Was in My Room
I'm so glad you posted the next chapter!!! Well, that was very sexy and angsty at the same time. I love how Pam tests the waters/ teases him unknowingly or on purpose. I also love getting the inner-working of Jim and how he struggles with his desires (which are quite hot my dear!). In particular I enjoy that his fantasies here are ones that involve love and his physical attraction to her; the reality before him as well as his physical desire.
Once again, I have to say that I love your writing and scenarios. They all fit so well into the canon.
Please keep this up! You're my favorite fanfic writer! Speaking of... wanna write some more present smut? Please?!?! You write it so well!!
Author's Response: Fitting my stories into the canon is important to me, so thanks very much for the high praise. I'm also very touched that I'm your favorite. I don't have any more smut scheduled for the last two chapters of this, but - hey! Where's everyone going?
Date: September 28, 2008 08:06 pm Title: Nothing Like It Was in My Room
So, so sad. And an inside story that Pam doesn't ever really need to know. Thank goodness the angst is ovah! Woo! (Another great chapter!)
Author's Response: Thanks, lis. And, yeah, I don't think Pam needs to hear the whole story. Fwiw, though, I don't think the angst is over. But that's another story for another time.
10 [Report This]Date: September 28, 2008 07:49 pm Title: Nothing Like It Was in My Room
Wow, great job. I loved Mark's comments, I so wanna hug Jim :(
10 [Report This]Date: September 28, 2008 07:41 pm Title: 180
I am obsessssed with this =)
Author's Response: Thanks for your reviews, Hannah.
10 [Report This]Date: September 28, 2008 07:30 pm Title: How It Must Look
Booo Roy lol
10 [Report This]Date: September 28, 2008 07:23 pm Title: Sales Call
Wow, that was amazing, it really was so fun to read. I can't wait to read more.
Date: September 28, 2008 06:51 pm Title: Nothing Like It Was in My Room
Poor Jim. Count me in with those who just want to give him a hug and reassure him it'll all work out okay.
Lots of excellent phrases in here!
Mark's "You are so fucked."
making and unmaking yet another decision
The very real, extremely immediate sadness that had him by the throat
He told himself that all of this was normal and okay and she didn't have to know and what else was he supposed to do
laying in the dark, jeans unbuttoned, dispassionately noting how fucking weird he had become
So sad.
Great job, again!
Author's Response: Oh, c'mon, Callisto. That's not why you want to give Jim a hug... but I'm glad you liked it. Two more chapters, coming soon.
Date: September 28, 2008 06:43 pm Title: Nothing Like It Was in My Room
P.S. I had mucho formatting problemos with my last review. Sorry that it's all one rambling paragraph : / I hope you can make sense of it and aren't too annoyed.
Author's Response: Is okay. I would dig through far more horrifying formatting problems to get to your reviews. Not a challenge, mind you. Just sayin'. :)
10 [Report This]Date: September 28, 2008 06:32 pm Title: Sales Call
Oh poor Jim. It makes it so much sweeter to see him so happy now - these reminders of just how sad and lonely for Pam he was way back when.
Well done, of course.
Author's Response: Thanks, kells. I enjoy the misery; glad I'm not the only one.
10 [Report This]Date: September 28, 2008 06:32 pm Title: Nothing Like It Was in My Room
Miss Talkative, a little angsty spot in the midst of all the proposal happy. Had I gone forward with my original plan of turning in for the night, I would have missed this. I have learned over the past few days that it is far easier to read angst when you're on a happy high. Now, to the actual review portion of our review...What I love most about this chap is how you portray Jim as just a regular guy...with a secret (well, at least he thinks it is). Standout details:A butterknife clattered to the floor and spun, stopping so the blade menaced the refrigerator. Very cool visual.He had always thought that she seemed like the kind of girl who would wear plain cotton underwear, the not-too-skimpy kind from Victoria's Secret that he loved, and he was right. Light green. He kissed his way up the backs of her legs and pulled her everyday, totally boring, completely fascinating underwear off with his teeth. He did a terrible job of it, getting stuck somewhere a few inches north of her knees, and that's when she laughed, offered to help, rolled over. Just a few lines, but they're full of hot, sexy, funny awkwardness. She traced his 17-year-old cheek with her index fingertip. That really does something to me. Ah, young Jim...if only I could warn you.Her temple was resting against his knee and she was looking up at him with a smile... If she was any other woman, he would have asked her if she had any idea that she was torturing him. Yup. He most certainly is fucked.She was in charge, he made sure of that, because he needed to know that she wanted him; that when she rolled onto her back, she was pulling, not being pushed; that it was her hand between them, careful and urgent. She laughed because he couldn't manage the ends of his sentences while he was inside of her, her thighs against his hips, and his fingers in her hair. He's even self-deprecating and insecure in his (hot) fantasies. So, missy, needless to say, I dug this out loud. Can't forget to mention your next opus: but it's either going to end in smut or a barn dance. Hmmm...last time I heard those words I was most definitely NOT disappointed : ) Until next time, much love.
Author's Response: Hey, Nan, as always, you bring the best kind of review love. I feel like a surly little rain cloud in the middle of all of this post-proposal love, but I'm enjoying myself regardless. Glad you caught my reference - coming soon, to an mtt archive near you... !
10 [Report This]Date: September 28, 2008 06:18 pm Title: Sales Call
That was heart-wrenching and I'm pretty sure I'm going to cry soon. Wow.
Author's Response: I hope you didn't cry. I also feel that, if this got to you, I should warn you to bring tissues to the next chapter. Thanks for your review, flonk.
Date: September 28, 2008 06:07 pm Title: Nothing Like It Was in My Room
Aww, poor Jim. I just want to hug him and tell him everything's gonna be ok and he won't have to stay home and jerk off all by his lonesomes, at least until Pam goes off to Pratt, oops, spoiler alert!
Seriously though, this was so intense, especially how he goes through so many scenarios in his head of how they could finally just "be". He even admitted in "Money", how he frequently imagined their first night away together. And how he knows Mark would never understand, that it's not just a fling with a cute girl he wants, but so much more than that.
Another winner! And for the record, we all know barn dances are way overrated.
Author's Response: I hope to write the first underrated barn dance in history. Fingers crossed. And I'm sure that Jim came up with 1,001 different daydreams/fantasties about Pam before they were actually together - isn't that what one does?