Everyone's reviews have been so amazing that I can hardly add more. Ditto to everything agian said.

I like this version of Pam. She's got some grit. She's had some life experiences that don't involve Jim and I think she's actually in a better place to be in a good relationship. She's sassy - such an appealing quality in a woman!

When Danny was there I was afraid you were going to let Jim leave. (One of the spots where I was dying!)

But these two just cannot communicate! It's like the main love language they have in common is physical, and when that's not available they just can't say what they feel.

I'm looking forward to your next chapter. This story is so great. The dialogue is perfect.

Author's Response: Sprinkles thank you so much for this kind review! I agree about Pam's own experiences without Jim. I wish we'd seen more of that in season 3 because (even though it was SO painful) I do love Pam's growth in that season. I firmly believe canon Pam has some sass and grit (maybe not this much) but still lets herself be vulnerable. I'm glad you are enjoying this; thank you for always being so supportive of this story. 

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Okay first of all, I now have Issues stuck in my head, so thanks.

I love it whenever Pam wears Jim's t-shirts like they're hers. Especially since it's a Widespread Panic shirt, because Jim now has at least 3 of these in his drawer, in my mind.

Can I just say how proud I am of you for coming so far on little smutty scenes? Because they're so perfect. "...and then do a number of things that had absolutely, satisfyingly nothing to do with paper." See? You see that. Ugh. I love it. And then there was, "...made her look absolutely wrecked, and he hadn't even gotten there yet." You really do turn the subtle sexy on SO well.

I also love that, despite all of the issues they're having, Jim is still 100% in Camp Pam, always supportive, and not losing the banter that they've always had (in canon at least). Like him saying that he would run off and join the circus with her (I am now 100% in Camp Jim the Juggler) and the tickling/wrestling that just takes all of the worrying out and gets them back to their roots.

I honestly contemplated stopping reading (is that grammatically correct? I have no idea) after "You know nothing, Jim Halpert" because I didn't think that could be topped, but congrats, because you sure DID.

The fact that they just had the shittiest date in the history of Jim Halpert, and now they're sharing take-out while splitting it up like the old days without missing a beat just breaks my heart, because the love is still there (and obviously you prove that later, and shatter my heart even more, but we'll get to that).

Brian like Camera Brian? Same Brian? Do you just like the name? Either way, I'm definitely on board with the fact that Pam actually had a relationship after Jim, that she didn't stew and feel sorry for herself, and was actually able to be her own person (one who did drugs--I LOVE YOU FOR PUTTING THAT IN HERE, CAN I JUST SAY??? CRAZY, FLAWED PAM DOING STUPID SHIT IS SO FAR REMOVED FROM EVERYTHING I KNOW AND I LOVE IT).

Also, Jim getting a DUI because he was so broken over Pam is absolutely what would have happened, and I love that you basically took these two people and shattered them into shells that have nothing left but the residual feelings for one another, because that's truly all they know and will ever need. And then throw in Betsy wanting to know how his date is going, because honestly, moms always know best, and she probably misses Pam too, and I'm just sitting here in a puddle of my emotions, thanks.

“Jim Halpert, Danny Cordray. Danny and I fuck without feelings and Jim’s ass is hanging over my couch.”
I don't really need to say anything else on the subject, do I?

And now, Pam has a fuck buddy, and this Pam is slowly becoming my favorite Pam, because she is doing the exact OPPOSITE of sulking, and she's just trying to make sense of a life post-Jim. Because "It wasn't Brian..." and she's TELLING HIM that it wasn't Brian instead of cowering away, and I'm just

Ugh.

Jim only has one night stands because he can't emotionally connect with someone other than Pam and they just REALLY ARE BROKEN.

You're really the best, ya know?

I loved the line about, "Wanna go back to talking about my parent's divorce?" because it just shows how fucked up they've truly gotten, but it still made me laugh out loud that *divorce* was less painful than how their lives have been going as of late.

Listen. I am ALL for reusing the fortune cookie bit. Especially the way that you did it. Because flashbacks with future connections are what I THRIVE on (who, me? *cough cough*) and the way that you did this was so PERFECT. Because here's the thing. You could have made them kiss, or fallen back into what happened in the flashback. That would have worked. But not in this story. And in some cheesy version of this story, they would've been super awkward about the whole thing. But instead, Pam is inviting Jim to a 4th of July party, and they just really need to keep seeing each other, and it's SO obvious, and you did that so perfectly.

The "I don't remember our last date" *actually* broke me. Twice. Because I didn't think he was going to stop and tell her. And though it is so typical of *Jim* to remember all of those details, why did it hit me so much more that *this Jim* remembered everything? Oh right. Because he "moved on" and was married and came off as this huge asshole, and this is his moment to basically show the world that things about Jim have changed, but the one thing that hasn't is that he still loves Pam Beesly. It's okay. I'm fine.

(No I'm not).

"Does it count if I never really quit loving her?"
That's...that's the last straw. I need the next chapter NOW.

Author's Response:

There are so many things that I appreciate about this review and your love of this story. But I really appreciate that you GET what these two have to go through before they can get to the good stuff. As always, the things you point out are always some of my favorite parts to write. *yea!!* A few things:

Yes, that Brian. I don't want him with Pam in canon but Brian was hot (those arms!).   

I have too many Thoughts on mildly rebellious Pam and Jim, it just makes sense to me that at this stage they both dabbled in being reckless and kind of self-destructive.   

Ooooh, I hope you like the Betsy chapter when we get to it! 

I think of you a little bit every time I write those flashbacks. ;)

Everything in your paragraph about the part that broke you (sorry bout that) is SO TRUE! That whole part about how he's changed in many except that he still loves her... AND your part about at their most broken, their feelings for each other are all they've known or need???? I'll give you credit if, no when, I steal those lines, okay?? 

BAHHHHHH such a good update!!! Loved the entire thing. I hope we get a little more from Jim on the marriage (still yay for divorce). His reaction to Danny and Brian was so great. I can’t wait to see if they give in to clearly what they both want, despite the time and distance.

Author's Response: Thanks, Bayjb! That is such a nice review and thanks especially for the specifics. Yes, we will get a lot about Jim's marriage in the next couple of chapters and hopefully no one will hate me because of it. :) I so appreciate you taking the time to read and review.  

I love this story. I hope there are more frequent updates. So great!!!

Author's Response: Thanks so much Soupsnakes! I wish I were a faster writer, too. :( Thank you for keeping up with this story and loving it. :)

“You sure do have a way with words.” Listen. I don’t know how to handle this version of Bill Beesly. I don’t know how to react when someone doesn’t swoon over Jim’s love for Pam and honestly, I don’t like how unsettled it makes ME feel, so I can only imagine how Jim is feeling here. And sure, on one hand the whole needing a father’s approval isn’t exactly necessary anymore but like, Jim is THAT guy. Of course he asked. Ugh, whatever Bill. However, all the tension between Bill and Jim while Jim’s in Philly makes a hell of a lot more sense now.

You know what makes me feel better though? Jim’s catalog of things he knows about Pam. This is a fantastic list all the way around and while I love that she has an insane shoe collection, it should come as no surprise that I love, love, love that she has a playlist for every occasion and that hip-hop is her go to when she’s stressed. Because now I’ve got visions of Pam leaving work on random weeknight and blasting California Love because Michael has pissed her off.

So this whole paragraph where Pam is taking care of everyone at work except herself? I love it because it is absolutely the person Pam is, but it adds another unexpected but realistic layer to her leaving with Michael.

“Hey Lady Macbeth.” I’ve already told you that this line is golden, but it’s now in my top 5 favorite lines you’ve written. And every time he repeated that it was ‘just a couch’ before realizing it wasn’t just about the couch – this is such a perfect scene all the way through to the end and I just really love that she still has the couch all these years later.

But now we’re in present day and Jim is at her door and she’s wearing the robe he gave her for their FIRST Christmas and I’ve forgotten all about the couch. Seriously, I love that Pam doesn’t get rid of anything Jim-related in this story. Nevermind the fact that she has, you know, a painting of him naked in a waterfall just hanging casually in her living room.

I love this Pam. So much. About as much as I love this story. I’ve told you it’s a good one, right? Because it’s a good one. And they’re going to be fine.

Bill can go kick rocks though.

Author's Response:

AH! How am I just now responding to this?? So, yeah, I get it about Bill. He's not too likable in this one. I'm glad you get it about Jim too; it's not just about her father's "blessing" it's about a general need for acceptance that has probably always been pretty easy to him.

Ha! I knew you'd like her musical diversity; California Love after a hard day with Michael sounds just right! :D

Thank you for being so supportive of this story and loving this Pam. But, yeah, Bill can go kick rocks.  

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OBSESSED WITH THIS STORY. Please continue. Omg. Addicted!!! So good!!

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OBSESSED WITH THIS STORY. Please continue. Omg. Addicted!!! So good!!

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So beautiful, but honestly I feel the need to hit the head of Pam's dad... with a skillett... full with rocks.
I hope at some point your Pam does it or, you know, tells him to mind his own goddamn business.
Anyhoo, great chapter. I'm enjoying a lot more the present than the flashbacks, since the former make me eager and curious while the latter kind of make me sad, knowing how it all ended. Oh well, I'm a loser for happy endings.
Great story and thanks so much for updating!

Author's Response: Ha! K3, I get it, I really do. I tried to throw in enough justification that he's complex, not just an out and out jerk. But, yeah, I get it. :) Awww, we're not to ending yet and I'm a loser for happy endings too so... ;) Thanks for your kind words!

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"When you turned around." Ha! I laughed out loud at this! I love this version of Pam. Can't wait to see what happens next. This story gives these two a very layered history.

Author's Response: Thank you, Sprinkles! I appreciate your love for this story. I love this version of Pam, too. 

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Ahhhh, that was a welcome relief after all the angstyness of the previous chapters. I mean clearly, if they are going to get back together (and I'm hoping you're going to go that route), they still have a lot to figure out. However the flashback and Jim showing up were very great to see.

I loved how in the flash back Jim's so supportive of her. Yes, he could have and probably should have been more honest about her about the golf outing with her Dad, but I can see where he was coming from. She was already stressed out and telling her all that would have led to more stress. However with all the craziness that ensued with Michael and all, it was very nice to see him doing his best to take care of her like that.

Then when he shows up with the pancakes after the "date." Nice touch. He realized he'd been an ass and has the wherewithal to tell her that. Then when she let's him in, it's nice to see elements from their old relationship alongside her new paintings and the like. They still know each other so well and clearly still have feelings for each other. Hopefully time will have taught them to be more open with each other. Nice break to get some of Jim's POV here too. Great update.

Author's Response: Thanks, Warrior! This is a really thorough review; I appreciate that so much. I'm glad to hear you get how complicated that situation is for Jim. And glad to hear he's redeemed himself a bit. :) Thanks for pointing that out. Oh, and I agree; this was so much easier to write that that last angsty chapter. Thanks for your comments. 

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OMG! What a powerful, draining chapter. Your writing always gets me into the scene and I can see places, colors, textures, while I get to feel what the characters are feeling. And, of course, because of that I'm a little heartbroken right now.
So, kudos!
I am dying to read what comes next so, maaaybe you want to spare my life? And that of your other followers?
Anyway, amazing update!
(For a moment at the end of last chapter I thought they were going to figure it out quickly, you know? Date, drinks and getting back together sex. This is so much painfully beter!)

Author's Response: Oh, K3, thanks! Wow. Thanks for those specifics of how you get so immersed in a scene. I appreciate that. Hopefully a new chapter will be up somewhat soon! Don’t think that ending didn’t cross my mind. 😉 

Wow, so yeah, that was a chapter that made up for the long delay. You're right, this is on the angsty side. The flashback scenes, showing how Jim and Pam were drifting apart was a slow kind of burn. Then the end of the date. Considering everything that happened, yeah it makes sense that Pam would be so hesitant about him.

Jim, come on man, put down the damn phone! Use all those people skills of yours, get over yourself, and pay attention to her.

Hope to see a new update soon.

Author's Response: Thanks for your review, Warrior! Yes, that slow drift apart was kind of painful. I think (*hope*) Jim redeems himself in the next chapter. Crossing fingers it doesn't take me as long between posting chapters. :) Thanks again!

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I mean, I enjoy your writing so I'm here for this, but they're both so broken. It's like you took the two worst versions of each character (as people, not as characters: late-season neglectful Jim and early-season passive Pam) and put them in a room. Not that that last scene doesn't show some strength for Pam, but she's doing what she did with Roy in the flashbacks--and not with Jim, with her parents. Because if she actually stood up for her relationship with her Dad (or just didn't engage, more realistically), she might have the emotional resilience left to actually talk to Jim and not assume and project. She's right about your present-day Jim, though, as far as I can tell: he doesn't seem like he's actually changed at all except in income, and so this is a mistake.

Author's Response:

Oh, Comfect. I can't tell if you hate it or just dislike it a whole lot. ;)

Really, you hit on two Very Important Themes in this story. Can our Seemingly Best Choices break us? and What does it REALLY look when WE think someone has changed or stayed the same? (In other words, does that mean they really did change/stay the same or is that based on what we want to see.)

I did kind of have to bring out their worst, but I think (*hope) it's to get to their best. 

I'm interested to hear more about your thoughts on Pam and her Dad. (Family is another semi-relevant theme to this story.) I don't see Pam as the "put her parents in their place" type of character when they disapprove. I also don't see her unwilling to engage with them either though (as her character has developed in this AU). I think she probably stands squarely in the deeply difficult and uncomfortable quagmire of the middleground, likely serving as the unofficial mediator. Difficult spot, especially when it's about her. Keep in mind, it's canon until Casino Night. As painful as S3 was, this Pam (HMOH Pam) didn't experience that same type of growth we had the chance to enjoy. 

I hope they both redeem themselves a bit for you when we get to the next chapter.  I ALWAYS appreciate your thoughtful insight.