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There’s so much to love about this chapter. The Lost references (I’m in the middle of my own rewatch), the green nail polish, everything. Also, Karen/Larisa/Pam/Jim sleepovers are a new favorite thing, and THAT’S a sentence I never thought I’d write.

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Oh my, I love this chapter so much! My inner teenager screams in delight, because this sleepover was just... perfect. Perhaps, my favorite moments are the scene with braids and mirror and spooning. Those are just too sweet to keep calm, so I don't. Thank you!
Oh, and I googled all of the nail polish colors. Jim definitely has a good taste :)

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Ooookay so, did I shamelessly just spend an hour binge reading this, sitting at my desk with my essay question staring back at me? Yes. Absolutely. And I’m so glad I did.
Now I made a note of my favourite moments, and there were A LOT of them, so, I hope I can squeeze them all in.

‘Someone was telling a goddamn joke. In the middle of an AA meeting’
‘AA Jim was sitting on top like a throne, and he wouldn’t go away’ truly one of my favourite lines, one because I love Pam calling him ‘AA Jim’ and two, just, what an excellent way to put it, because Pam just couldn’t get rid of him.
‘I did the this counts as a smile thing back’ No words for this, just pure genius. It shows the pain they’re going through and the want to push through it. *chefs kiss*
I have Jim and Larisa in capital letters with !!! next to it and underlined. I will say no more.
I loved the detail of them having a usual at the Diner, the weekly burgers were just enough for the two of them.
‘You? Tall gangly Gumby man? Played basketball? No. Not a chance in hell.’ when I tell you I laughed, I LAUGHED.
Pam handing Jim her phone, having written ‘Gumby Halpert’ as the contact, it made my little Jam heart race.
‘I needed an anchor, and she was it’ the way this ages throughout the story, being reminded that Pam shouldn’t be his ‘bottle’, but she was his anchor, and you showed that healthy development so well.
Pam and Jim opening up was so heartbreaking, the way they both cried at each other’s stories proved how well they got each other, how well they wanted to understand each other.
‘Boats, Boats, Boats!’ I see that HIMYM reference
Both of them being ready for new beginnings made me ready for tears.
And finally, the ‘swaying isn’t dancing’ line being delivered by Karen was just pure perfection, not that I enjoyed hearing it, but that it would definitely be something for rational Karen to say. Another *chefs kiss*

So yes, I’m extremely glad I read this, and extremely glad I spent the last 10 minutes typing this review out. Now, I have to go do some work, but I won’t stop thinking about all the magic moments I’ve read!

Wow. You really know how to end a chapter, huh...

It’s so nice to see an update on this. I love these broken messes so damn much. Having Pam slot in so well in Jim’s world, with Larisa and Karen, just as Jim has slotted so well into Dunder Mifflin is a balm to my heart.

The prank on Dwight was just lovely. “Periwinkle crayon,” I see you, AG, I see you.

I’m so glad you updated!!! I love this story. An no! Jim can’t move to Stamford in this universe.

Author's Response: Thank you! We'll see what Jim does with the Stamford information. Always gotta leave doors open... ;)

What happened to Pamcasso and Gumby for their names on their cells? I liked that detail, it was fun. As always it's your story to write but that was a little favorite part of mine.

So lots of things going on here. I get why Larisa is being so protective of him. It makes complete sense of course. However I'm with Jim here. I feel that Larisa can lighten up a touch. Granted he's still got a long way to go when it comes to his whole journey, but he's right. He's making progress.

Lots of fun to see the start of prankster Jim here. He's falling hard for Pam and its fun to see.

Thanks for the update on this one.

Author's Response:

Thanks for the review, Warrior!

It was fun, but at the same time, Jim made a note in a previous chapter about liking the roll of her last name. I can see him changing her name in his phone. And, since this was Jim's chapter, we don't know what his name is in Pam's phone, hence why it said "Jim," because you're seeing Jim's perspective. I only threw his name in there so that readers could keep up with who was texting. It was a fun detail, but now it's time for a new one.

While I agree that Jim is making progress, think about the time frame. Getting a new job is one small step. Completely living alone would drown him faster than he would be able to swim. Was Larisa harsh? Yes. I intended it that way. She's been through this journey with him every step of the way, and she doesn't want to see him get hurt, because he has fallen so many times in the past already. She wants him to make small mistakes first--walk before he runs. Which is why I had her tell him that moving out soon would not be the best idea. He has a few more steps before he gets there. I appreciate your input though! 

I ACKNOWLEDGE that I underestimated Agian's ability to make me Feel Feelings about basketball.

I APPRECIATE that this chapter beautifully turned into something deep and meaningful about Pam's growth.

Things I Can't Control:
The Overwhelming agreement I have with Pam appreciating Jim's forearms.

Things I Can Control:
How often I bug Agian for updates to this and how quickly I read and review said updates.

Okay, but here’s the thing: you take something boring like car shopping and write about it and somehow it’s brilliantly interesting. That is a skill!
Of course he went back for the teapot. It’s fine. I’m fine. The whole swaying isn’t dancing exchange with Karen? Amazing. I love how you take a conversation and change the people who are having it and still make it fit.

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What a fun chapter!! I hope we get to read Pam’s thoughts in the next chapter. Love how you incorporated the tea pot and the first non-date.

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I have never been so happy to have a story continued. I love your authorial voice the power with which your story comes to life in the characters. While so very painful to see Jim and Pam (My all-time favorite couple in Television) so damaged and broken, your portrayal of that is so real.

The slow build of the relationship is also so good. From a fling to friends to budding best friends the growth between the two is superb and all the more sad by everyone else warning them of each other.

As a character, Karen doesn't feel shoehorned in as some second obstacle to overcome, she feels genuinely important to the narrative. She has a nice dynamic with Jim and that friendship feels much closer to what would naturally come from the two of them. She isn't a jealous ex or a woman in love with Jim she is a good friend concerned for her friend at the lowest point of his life. I know i9 commented earlier on the advice everyone seems to have towards Jim and Pam yet it all feels real. They can't let each other become their crutch because if that crutch fails there won't be another. They need to heal and let each other be healed before they can truly love each other and be together.

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I am so enjoying the buildup of their relationship in all the significant ways: one night stand, acquaintances, friends. I love how you are reshaping canon moments and characters into this new setting; they all fit SO well. You’re just so good.

I wish I could give this story a million jellybeans

Cone Head Sundae's were a staple of my childhood. Why are there none around here!!!! Still thanks for that little trip down memory lane.

I really liked this chapter. How you have both of them leaning on each other like this. I'm sure it was hugely tempting for both of them to head out to the bar, but bravo on them for staying strong. Like they said, there are going to be slip ups. However their trust in each other is growing stronger and stronger. I really like to see that.

Because of all that Pam is gaining more confidence in herself too. More wisdom as well. Her struggle to just tell off Angela, with all its back and forth in her mind, was a great insight to that. Then for Pam to finally reply with confidence and assertiveness showed her growth wonderfully. The same goes for Angela's reply. Yes Angela can be sharp, but she's also capable of growth and her sending Pam that prayer portrayed that nicely.

Lovely update as always.