1 [Report This]Date: November 22, 2020 09:33 pm Title: Let's burn the pages, we'll start anew
I love your take on the adult Jim and Pam who are still running from their past; I'm not sure they are fully matured. In Texas we have a phrase for reaching adulthood -- all growed up and haired over. In Jim's case, that's literal.
Jim's professional success and the resulting disastrous personal messes are so real. Pam's earlier personal mistake in ending it with Jim is certainly understandable given her past inexperience; it is admirable she has gone on to build her life. It seems she has yet to find her own professional niche. Together they could make one whole, self actualized person.
This story really got to me. Please keep writing on it no matter where it leads.
1 [Report This]Date: November 22, 2020 03:33 pm Title: Raise your hopeful voice, you have a choice
I like that you made Karen so likeable in this story. I am JAM all the way but I felt a bit sorry (probably more for Rashida Jones, who is ace) that Karen was essentially a one season plot device. This appears to me in the more Ann Perkins end of the spectrum - loyal friend, maybe a little more sassy but all good. I really like this Karen.
Date: November 22, 2020 10:26 am Title: Let's burn the pages, we'll start anew
Good news, I did NOT take cold medication this time before writing my review. So it should be more coherent.
Although I was anti-sex for them RN, I think this really works. And was really realistic and satisfying. Pam is her own strong, independent and confident person and they come off as equals. It's emotional and an intimate space where they can really reconnect and find shelter in one another.
Loved the tattoo part, such a great touch and made perfect sense.
The only thing I was a bit confused about was the end and who was speaking some of the dialogue after Jim's phone call and what Pam overheard.
That said, really enjoyed this! Thank you for updating.
Date: November 21, 2020 07:21 pm Title: Let's burn the pages, we'll start anew
oh no, I really need to know what Jim is thinking!
1 [Report This]Date: November 21, 2020 05:30 pm Title: Let's burn the pages, we'll start anew
God please don't wait another six months.
Date: November 21, 2020 04:50 pm Title: Let's burn the pages, we'll start anew
This entire thing is absolute perfection. Perfection. The way they are still so scared is so heartbreaking and real and it kills me but I am obsessed with it so I’m going to go read this again now bye—
Date: November 21, 2020 04:50 pm Title: Let's burn the pages, we'll start anew
Well, that was worth the wait. Clearly there are still deep feelings on both of their parts. However it also feels like due to specter of their pasts they're still scared. Scared of the past and what it means for the future. So just focus on the now. Somehow I've got a feeling that the now will become pretty all consuming so that future won't seem as fear inducing.
Other than that, dear god girl, you know how to blow someone's mind. Pardon me while I go cool down for a few very long moments.
1 [Report This]Date: November 21, 2020 04:33 pm Title: Let's burn the pages, we'll start anew
Please update before 6months! Love this and need to see it through sooner!!!
1 [Report This]Date: November 21, 2020 01:58 pm Title: Let's burn the pages, we'll start anew
Wow! This was a great chapter. And of course, now I'm worried about the angsty ending... which speaks volumes about how brilliant you are. Thanks so much!
1 [Report This]Date: November 21, 2020 01:28 pm Title: Let's burn the pages, we'll start anew
I've been in tears since I started this, DC. Actually, since I saw it was updated. I can't tell you how perfect this was. I had to keep taking a minute to breathe because I couldn't handle it all. Ugh. They are so perfect for each other and yet they don't want to just admit it, which is super frustrating but also very realistic. I see both of their worries with her wanting to stay in Scranton and him wanting to move to Austin but both knowing one of those won't work if they want to be together. And then them in the bedroom? Having super deep convos in between some hot sex? Perfection. You wrote it beautifully. I really hope you update this soon, I love this story a little too much.
Date: November 21, 2020 11:57 am Title: Let's burn the pages, we'll start anew
Omg. There's so much to say and I don't know if I have the words. I love how you write them in this story. The relationship is so precarious and yet so intimate. The sex was amazing. All of it. But that ending. I kept thinking, 'Maybe DC isn't going to kill us this time. Maybe she'll let one of them say what they really feel.' But we're left with these two idiots still protecting themselves and leaving us to lie on the ground wondering what it's all for.
Thank you for this amazing chapter, I loved it. At least they got to the bedroom and that was absolutely worth the wait.
1 [Report This]Date: November 21, 2020 11:01 am Title: Let's burn the pages, we'll start anew
It's nice to know that wherever they are, wherever they go, in whatever universe they find themselves: these two are STILL incapable of being honest and taking emotional risks with each other.
That being said, as much as I'd like to shake them right now, this ending feels strong and in character. They are still very much terrified of each other and the damage they've done in the past and know they're capable of blowing up whatever progress they've made, and they're acting accordingly. Even knowing full well that everything they've done so far to stay apart and move on has been for naught. (The bit about Pam thinking she's gone too far in describing it as 'fun while you're in Scranton' - that one's going to hurt for a while.) I can't wait to see how they work through it.
You did really well in the flashback portraying a Pam who even in this moment of genuine progress is still plagued by uncertainty and insecurity - and that line about her realizing she might be the one wearing him out is pretty damn painful, too.
You did a wonderful job describing the atmosphere around the lead-up to their hooking up again, wading through the tension of that very unique experience of a date you both know full well is going to end up in sex. And I love the details of her knowing exactly where the pajama pants he'd left behind were and the realization that they've been trying to impress each other.
"Her shrieking laugh fills the room, so familiar in the center of her heart that Pam easily allows herself to slip back into 2011." That's just... too much.
Date: September 22, 2020 07:35 pm Title: Somebody that I used to know
Hey, Fillipelli.” Pam feels Karen bristle at Jim using his old nickname for her, and she almost feels sorry for him as he glances down awkwardly. “How’s Paul?”
“He’s good. Still collects guns.”
I decided to start re-reading this because, why not be exquisitely tortured all over again? This is so good. The dialogue you write is perfect for the characters.
1 [Report This]Date: July 23, 2020 11:45 am Title: Somebody that I used to know
Just found that this had been updated - and I'm still loving it! Keep going, please....
1 [Report This]Date: July 08, 2020 11:29 am Title: Bask in the glory of all our problems
So now I have Jim/Pam feelings AND Meredith/Derek feelings. Awesome.
1 [Report This]Date: July 08, 2020 10:58 am Title: You'll never beat but you'll never break
Ten more chapters sounds great to me...
Date: May 29, 2020 08:41 pm Title: Nothing is as it has been and I miss your face like hell
First, really nice surprise to see this updated! I'm so spoiled right now with all of the new and fic updates coming in. I am probably the only one who DOESN'T want them to hook up on date #3. Honestly, feels like it could be really damaging to them both. Like even with some things said, so much is still left quiet, and with his pending move, could really set her back. I mean, I'm not going to HATE it if they do, but I like this flirty, tentative thing they have going. Almost hotter than the physical stuff. The watch stuff and how he and Karen noticed her reaction was really interesting. I have this thought in the back of my head like they need each other to heal and become themselves again and where they are meant to be, but hope they don't rush to that point, or can strip away the layers (not physical ones) to get there. Honestly, I also hope Pam was just as wild if not more than Jim while they were apart. Seems like it would help them even more to come together and heal. Anyhow, I'm rambling. Great update! Love them at the diner too, becoming official years ago. So sweet.
Date: May 29, 2020 05:46 am Title: Somebody that I used to know
I feel like I could give reviews on the reviews here. All of you have such beautiful words.
1 [Report This]Date: May 29, 2020 12:02 am Title: Nothing is as it has been and I miss your face like hell
Im you happy you posted this! This reads like a story I want to go on forever and ever and ever
1 [Report This]Date: May 28, 2020 08:05 pm Title: Nothing is as it has been and I miss your face like hell
Okay so obviously I binged this and there are just so many things that honestly make this one of the best fics I’ve read and takes me back to that heart wrenching feeling of “oh my god they hurt each other so much” to “oh my godddd they love each other so much!” that is present in the best of fics and is usually accompanied by a slow burn and just. Ugh.
So because I am not anywhere near as eloquent as you I cannot begin to put my thoughts into orderly fashion so instead I present a list about why this is so amazing.
-the fleshing out of these characters that get a throwaway mention in a way that feels real and true and makes sense
-the way both Jim and Pam changed (for the better or worse) and made decisions that reflected their mental state, again, in a way that feels very real and true and not forced. Bad boy womanizer hotshot Jim (or whatever we want to call him) makes sense and isn’t just bad boy for no reason. His decisions make sense for the characterization you’ve presented, and the characterization feels true to the source material and really shows how someone’s situation and surroundings can drastically change their behavior. For Pam, too.
-Pam’s friendship with Karen! I love it so much. It really feels natural and Karen is made into a character that fits into what we know of her but not in a way that makes her out to be too much of a bitchy hard ass. Does that make sense?
-just your turn of phrase and the language you use is just so lovely.
-the flashbacks are an excellent storytelling device and I love how as the story progressed we saw more and more of what informed them and shaped them into the people they are present day
-also I just really love that you closed the Scranton branch and sent them all on their way as individuals
-the dynamic between Jim and Bill was so well written and believable and it made sense, as opposed to “no you can’t marry my daughter for reasons” it was “nah that ain’t it fam, for reasons that are misinformed but good to me as her father”
-the way you wrote their arguments
-Jo!!!
-the way his and Hannah’s marriage progressed and dissolved
-the way they got to know each other again
-DANNY’S APPEARANCE
-her putting on that CN dress oh my god my heart
-the steamy stuff but you already knew you were good at that
This is SO LONG and there’s STILL MORE but honestly I just don’t know if I can give enough accolades? This fic makes me feel old school feels and I love it and hate you for doing this to me but also love you for blessing me with it. Ugh. So good. Never stop.
1 [Report This]Date: May 28, 2020 10:17 am Title: You know by now that we will meet again
Okay so I missed this when it first was being published because I had dropped off the face of the earth, and oh my god. I am so so glad the shoutbox was going nonstop about HMOH because man. This is SO GOOD so far and like, everything I didn’t know I needed? But I had to stop in my read to leave a review for this specific moment because it is genius and witty and I love it so much.
“More like competent underachievers who need someone to take a chance on them so they don’t have to—” she shrugs for effect, as though she is trying to think up a terrible fate, “— sell paper for their first five years out of college.”
Amazing.
Date: May 28, 2020 03:08 am Title: Nothing is as it has been and I miss your face like hell
DC. DC. DC. I saw this had updated at like 7am this morning as I was leaving for work. You can bet I then spent each and every waking moment willing the day away so I could home to read this. The anticipation is SO very high.
Oh. Kicking it off with Rivers and Roads as the title. That’s fine. I’m fine. That song doesn’t turn me to an emotional mess instantly.
Side note: have you seen Chuck? Because that song in Chuck, holy god.
“Pam had smiled at him that way a million times before, but that shred of hope and possibility he’d spent three years stifling wouldn’t be denied anymore.” This a thing of pure beauty. This thing you do, with putting the words into the sentences? Amazing.
Oh, this is too precious for words. Jim’s shock at Pam actually wanting to be together. “Officially dating.” They are the cutest. This conversation is just the right about of awkward and complete perfection.
Jo is a delight. I love how she’s onto Jim and makes no secret of it. Even better is her giving Jim the info he’s too scared to outright ask for.
Larissa and Jim having their own conversation in the midst of the whole sibling video call is so good. Way to really capture that sibling dynamic. I love a good Larissa. Oh Jim is right. His parents know what’s up and it is a joy.
“Her eyes land on him and instantly they soften as her smile widens.” MY WHOLE DAMN HEART. Ugh. They’re beyond adorable.
Jo is honestly just a ray of sunshine. Taking Andy for coffee? Bless her heart. Nice repurposing of Big Tuna too - that was Andy level appropriate awkwardness.
“How two people can unravel their pained history before practically dry humping against a public brick wall but then resort to monosyllabic stuttering when it comes to hiring a couple of interns is beyond him.” This. THIS DC. This is why this fic is so good.
“You always leaned on my desk like this when we worked together.” Stop. This is too much for my heart to take. God, I love these idiots so damn much.
“Men will do many things — inexplicable, self-destructive things — to win the favor and attention of a woman. They start wars. They abandon power and compromise fortunes. In Jim’s case, they willingly offer themselves as the third wheel to a lunch date with a ballbusting best friend.” DC. How is everything you write SO good? This is amazing. I want to frame it and hang it on my wall it’s that good. Hilarious.
“So should we go over third date rules?”
“Oh, I think the standard rules —” I’m just quoting your whole story back at you at this point, but honestly there are so many brilliant passages I can’t keep up. I love this banter so damn much.
Look. As far as I’m concerned, it’s a sin to review one of your updates and not mention Karen. That moment with Jim in the car leaves me thinking a little hopeful, I feel like there’s a little more shared understanding between them. Karen has Pam’s back, but she’s kind of also a little Team Jim. That’s my hot take anyway, and I’m sticking with it.
That end note. There’s nothing I love more than innocent and pure third date...smut...
1 [Report This]Date: May 28, 2020 02:46 am Title: Nothing is as it has been and I miss your face like hell
So. As I was rereading this epic masterpiece at 3am it occurred to me that I had never left a review. Probably because I’m very late to the party around here but whatever. Anyway, I have only cried a handful of times in my life at a fanfic but I legit cried, embarrassingly so, several times durning this one. Allow me to recap the points of my mental breakdowns:
“It was a Thursday night in March.”
“Do you think we broke each other?” When Karen’s head tips to the side, Pam knows she’s buying time, not genuinely confused. But she continues anyway, “Jim. And me. Did we break each other?”
“That thing you’ve always done. Stand in a room full of people and look at her like you’ve never seen a woman before.”
Yep, I lost it. Alone. In the dark. In the middle of the night.
“Okay, you’re getting cut off.” Karen ceremoniously moved the wine bottle to the floor. “You say ‘fuck’ a lot when you get twisted.” —That is the moment I officially fell in love with Karen.
So in conclusion, you have ruined all stories for me going forward and I am tempted to never write anything again because clearly this is the best there is.
Seriously, DC this is perfect and beautiful and painful and I never want it to end. If it takes several months to get to read about the third date, it will be worth it. Thank you for sharing your talent with us.
1 [Report This]Date: May 27, 2020 09:58 pm Title: Nothing is as it has been and I miss your face like hell
First of all. I love that I could have been born at any time in history and Jesus Christ chose for me to be alive during the publication of this story. That being said. The Penn State sweatshirt and the cheeks? Made me want to visit a confessional (in a good way. Can there be a good way? Who cares I loved it).
I also love that you kind of skipped right past all of the bullshit and Pam just decides they're dating over a friggen tuna melt.
The donut. See? THAT'S Jim. I see him. He's in there somewhere.
I love that Andy is so surprised that Jo wants to take him for coffee and she was like "Don't make me change my mind, boy!"
"That wouldn’t be enough. " DC
D
C
.
"If you can't get Karen to budge I pick what we do tonight" when I SAY I CHOKED A LITTLE
Karen busting Jim's shit about his car is so undeserved of mankind. I truly thank you. And humbly request that you write an entire spin-off series where it's The Fast and the Furious starring Karen and Paul.
THEY DID THE THING. AT THE RESTAURANT. WITH THE PICKLES. WHY AM I EMOTIONAL ABOUT PICKLES. I HATE PICKLES.
I didn't know that little fact about watches. That's...I'm rolling my eyes at Jim.
SHE. NAMES. HER. PURSES.
Okay so, the "I don't want to do this" actually melted me into pure goo. GOO. And the fact that he is asking about her rules is so OldJim that I melted a little more. Hopefully his pocketbook doesn't deter her any further.
Next chapter better NOT BE INCREDIBLY INNOCENT, WOMAN.
(In all seriousness I am so thrilled that this is back and please know that I only harass you because this story has broken me in all of the best ways possible).
Date: May 27, 2020 09:38 pm Title: Nothing is as it has been and I miss your face like hell
“You always leaned on my desk like this when we worked together.” I--