9

I loved this. Very realistic. I like how you deal with Pam's reaction to her parents' divorce—the show (understandably) moved on rather quickly, but that doesn't mean it's not something that would upset/unnerve Pam for a long time.

Also, this was great:
"What if - " she brushed one of the magazines closed, her hair falling over her shoulder, beautiful in her flannel pants and his t-shirt, long as a nightgown on her.

"Nope," he said firmly.

Great job!

10

talkative, I really like this glimpse into the not-always-perfect side of Pam (and Jim, and them together). I've not been reading (or writing) fic lately because the fluff only goes so far for me ... and then I need some substance. And this, my friend, is substance. Nice work. ;-)

This is stunning. Stunning.  I loved it from the first lines, and by the time I got to "She nods, because nothing is ever, ever wrong with Pam Beesly," I was ready to confess my innermost feelings to it in the DM parking lot. This feels real, whatever comes next on the actual show.

Your pre-story comment about hoping the writers don't drop the ball with this couple really struck me.  I don't know if it's the lack of Greg and Mike, the new writers, or the frequent hiatuses (?) the show's been on this year with repeats messing up the continuous flow, but I've had a tough time with Jim and Pam's storylines this season.  They're engaged, but nary a mention of wedding plans.  Pam goes to Pratt, enjoys the experience, fails a class, and returns to Scranton, with no plans to pursue art beyond her garage studio?  Why haven't they even mentioned her parents' seperation beyond the one episode?  Besides the stress it must be causing them, it has to be affecting the wedding planning. 

Sorry, just had to vent a bit.  But your story really touched upon all of these issues, and pointed out what could be going on off camera, away from mundane stuff like dirty microwaves, and chair/copier debates.  These two have some big issues going on and Pam quitting is just going to add to the heap of stress.  Poor Pam, trying the graphic design game again with her clueless boss, and Jim, walking on eggshells at work without Pam to get him through the day.  

I guess I'm being a bit dramatic here, but your story brought all of these plot points together in my mind and now I'm wondering, with everyone else, what's going to happen in the brief season we have left.  At least we know their love for each other is solid.

I'm kind of thinking that a Sat. afternoon, going to a bookstore, coming home and having sex, then eating lasagna while watching a March Madness game and playing with your puppy sounds kind of ideal (with Jim involved, of course. ;-)

There are like a dozen great little details here that really make it come alive (the contents of her desk, her scuzzy mug, wanting to kiss her in the Cloister...) but what I find most interesting is how he knows her not drawing signals not being quite comfortable in her skin. I've kind of figured that after her intense experience at Pratt (and how it ended) she might be taking a break - just a little sketching on her own, maybe an informal drawing class here and there (as a veteran of art/design edu, I can relate to needing to go a bit low key with it, after a particularly demanding stint.) But, if she's not doing it at all - as you posit - absolutely Jim would know that meant something was off. And this: He said her name, kissed her navel, and parted her legs with a gentle but insistent hand...besides being hot as hell, in an understated way, it also says so much - he knows their intimacy is so tied up in reminding her how inextricably connected they are, despite whatever confusion she's going through. And finally, that last stanza - where he quite literally holds her together before she 'crumbles' -- just gorgeously put. I love his certainty here - I think you have that just right. Sad and hopeful and full of pure simple love. I'm rambling, so....done ;-)

This was wonderful. I loved that you worked in the whole divorce/Pratt unsettled issues as catalysts for Pam's work departure, and Jim's keen observations of how things were going.
This line was especially good:
He didn't get the weird silences and the manipulation, but, suddenly, Roy, all nine years of him, made more sense than Jim ever wanted. He carried boxes, let her talk, and kept his astonishment to himself.
The last two lines were nothing short of perfect.

10

Humming “All Things Considered” as I write this (and how I do love Robert Siegel’s voice)

As always, very well written and in character. I love how you take us through a lonely ride home, into the arms of a “What the Hell Did I Just Do” waning Pam. This tells us what the show has, in my opinion, swept under the rug… that the split of her parents in weighing her down, so thank you for addressing them. This story was such a pleasant surprise, as I thought I wouldn’t see you again until Geography.

Ah, I’ve kept this much shorter. You’ll hear from me again soon as I re-read your older stuff.

10

As always you are amazing and this was perfecto:)

You're awesome. I love post-ep fics. You do grown up Jim so well. lol, that's what she said. He's still Jim, but... you know what I mean, he's grown up a bit. Also, details such as All of the trees were healthy are what makes me go, damn, you're good. The realistic crap that only someone in his seat would consider to be a major factor- details that make me forget I'm reading fiction and not Jim's thoughts.

Great ending... although I AM DYING TO SEE HOW PAM GETS THROUGH THE NEXT FEW DAYS AT HOME, at first in this fic she's still denying, he's still trying to help, makes you remember that they're still the same people despite all the 'evolving' that has been done.

Here's to TPTB taking this to great places (although after what happened to House after the incredible epic setup in S2 finale No Reason I try not to expect too much). Man, what a good past couple weeks.

Really, really good start! I honestly can't wait to see where it goes.... I'm interested to see where the show goes, too.

You did it again. You left me speechless. You are simply the best at this. (TWSS)