Date: December 11, 2020 03:37 am Title: the 1
Well I thought for sure I’d get around to reviewing this before TS dropped another album but I thought wrong! XD
Anyway, Great way to start things off! Already loving the little subtle weave ins of the lyrics. That passage where Jim goes back and forth wanting Pam to be happy but kind of hoping she’s miserable is so good (haven’t we all had that dilemma??). “Even her hair seemed happier” - I thought this line was so cute. Loved the NEVER CALL THIS NUMBER bit, Jim would totally be unable to delete Pam’s number and I could see him changing the name instead. The phone call was great and something I can imagine easily. And while they definitely needed to talk through some things, Jim coming over leading almost immediately to kissing and then to bed is also something I can imagine. The steam? Good stuff. Love it!
Date: November 11, 2020 04:05 pm Title: out of the woods
So Jim did end up driving to New York that night. Interesting take on it all. Espeically coming off the heels of the encounter with Roy.
Tipsy/Drunk Pam was really cute. She's just at that stage where she can keep a handle on the conversation, but she's also pleasantly buzzing.
Always nice to envision Jim and Pam spending the night together. Likewise them waking up in each other's arms. Even better without a hangover. You wrote them very sweet together. Loved it.
Thank you to all seven of you ladies for these stories. There has been a huge range of emotions with every one of them. Phenominal job with them all.
Fortes Fortuna Adiuvat
Date: November 10, 2020 12:16 pm Title: out of the woods
Jenna.
This is incredibly rude.
There is just so much to love about this chapter. While I appreciate the point they were making on the show, the distinction that he was not anything like Roy, that he trusted her, I REALLY like that you have him driving up there anyway. Not out of insecure jealousy, but because he needed to be near her. This is beautifully played out here and I love it so much.
Then. THEN. You have drunk being all adorable and he being all Jim and I died a little. And I'm going to quote my favorite two lines again because I can:
“I’ll make it worth it,” his tone has that husky richness that comes when he’s in the mood. It has anticipation unfurling in her abdomen like a sunflower greeting the dawn. --Stop. Just STOP. This is the Jim we all deserve.
"She wraps her hand around his base because he’s long and lean and there’s only so much of him that’s ever going to fit in her throat and that’s on physics." And THAT is one of my fave lines ever.
You know how I feel about your writing and this is just all sorts of perfect. I can't think of a better finishing chapter for our little project.
Date: November 10, 2020 11:22 am Title: out of the woods
I love this whole concept, frankly - it's obviously not great (and unfortunately natural) for Jim to feel a little insecure about Pam being in New York, but it always struck me that Jim just showing up to see her would've been pretty well received in the moment, and I really liked seeing a sort of more positive take on that whole encounter.
I love the little tidbits showing just how much she really missed him - the idea that she keeps wanting to share what's she's enjoying with him, that she hasn't gotten used to not having him by her side is just lovely.
This is also just great Drunk!Pam dialogue - and who doesn't love a good Drunk!Pam incident!
The line about Jim not having the brain capacity to imagine what it's really like to kiss Pam is lovely, and the sense they had in their first months together that it wasn't quite real sounds VERY real. (Plus, hat-tip for working in a Living in Color reference.)
The joke about sex as a hangover cure was hilarious and well-timed. And I'm glad they got a chance to have a serious talk after all that - and one that acknowledges that their history was always a bit more complicated than Pam accepted at the time.
Well done with this one!
Date: November 10, 2020 10:42 am Title: out of the woods
this killed me dead and that’s on physics
Date: November 10, 2020 06:24 am Title: out of the woods
Fun fact: I can get tipsy just smelling alcohol (that's why I don't drink even if I want to...). And reading this story, I feel almost all its symptoms — lightheadedness, giddiness, giggliness, warmth, and happiness (not the sleepiness, hurray!). I love your stories and the effect they have on me ;)
Thank you so much, and I can't wait to read more from you!
Date: November 09, 2020 11:01 pm Title: this is me trying
Ah, man. This is just poetry in a prose costume.
Author's Response: What a lovely compliment! Thank you!
Date: November 09, 2020 02:37 pm Title: the lakes
Well. Yep. Yep, that was the angry sex Jim and Pam deserved and maybe didn't know they needed. Well done.
1 [Report This]Date: November 09, 2020 02:09 pm Title: everything has changed
Wow, this story just took me away. To London with the vivid imagery you painted but to a state of such joy in reading the words you magically put together. What an incredible talent you have.
Your characters never seemed to stray from what we know of them yet the story felt new but with the familiarity that comforts. The sprinkles of dialogue so natural here as if they were part of this first and repurposed on the show instead of the other way around. Is it enough to say I loved it? It was pure music. Bravo.
Author's Response: Thank you so much, Max! I'm thrilled you loved my characterization. It's always a risk in this sort of AU so I'm so glad it translated well. Thank you for taking the time to review and letting me know you enjoyed it! :)
Date: November 09, 2020 02:08 pm Title: our song
Funny to find out you're not a Taylor Swift fan at the end of this chapter, because I definitely opened it thinking "hey! someone finally wrote one of these about a song I actually know!"
There are just a lot of really great little moments in this chapter - I loved the Roy and Pam subfolder, because Jim absolutely would have semi-against his will, semi-to be a good friend/confidante to Pam ended up with a lot of useless information about Roy in his head.
The fact that she wrote what he said down is amazing, and very Pam - and wonderful to see her actually putting it to use right when she knew Jim would've needed it. And of course he picked up on the little mentions of their future together - he focused on the marriage one, but honestly I was happiest about her mentioning that they'd get a house together, which makes me feel that much better about him buying the house without asking her.
Anyhow, this was just a great little moment in their relationship!
Date: November 09, 2020 01:45 pm Title: last great american dynasty, chapter 2
Holy crap. I'm so glad you wrote a sequel to this - and what a sequel! You've really put this story in a distinct context of the time in history it's playing out and used it to your advantage - with all the ugliness with Roy and the Beeslys that implies. And it's just wonderful to see Pam doing exactly what she needed to do at the moment she needed it most. I'm thrilled they got a happy ending!
Date: November 09, 2020 12:19 pm Title: everything has changed
This is just brilliant.
I mean, you've included some really solid elements from canon (Danny, playing the role of absolute douchebag; the non-date and the drunken kiss; the Beach Games speech). I love the way you've portrayed the instant, powerful connection between them, and connected their on-screen journeys with where they are in fic - both of them, in their own ways, trying to escape from something. (The way you've described the Pam-Roy relationship and Pam's slow disappearance into other people's expectations is really insightful, I think - particularly in light of how Jim hardly recognizes himself anymore, either)
And as always with you, it's just beautifully, lyrically written ("An unsettling mix of butterflies and quiet, as if for once he was exactly where he was supposed to be" is going to stick with me). I, for the record, would have read 10 chapters of this if I didn't think it would get in the way of more Aeternum.
Author's Response: Thank you so much DJC! I love that you appreciated all the little canon moments I tried to weave in. Don't worry, now that this is finished an Aeternum update is coming. :) Thank you for reviewing!
Date: November 09, 2020 10:27 am Title: everything has changed
A truly epic chapter to wrap up your portions of this story. Just phenominal.
Okay time to get into some things. I'm not going to quote directly, but there was that part where Jim wanted to punch Danny. I got that feeling too. Jim's not in the best place to start out here and it seems that he's letting himself get led around by Danny. So going from girl to girl may be what Danny wants out of life, but we can see that's not what Jim wants. However Danny also doesn't seem to listen. He very much seems like the kind of guy who will always think with his dick. So I'm very glad Pam showed up when she did. Get Jim away from that kind of jerk. Danny may seem like a good friend, but he's the kind of guy a more mature man ditches pretty quickly.
I really liked Jim's protectiveness coming through when he even thinks of Danny trying to hit on Pam. Jim knows the kind of many Danny is and so yeah he minds. Granted Jim is also interested in Pam and that reads into everything too. However I read it much more as Jim protecting Pam from Danny because she's important rather than just testosterone fueled "I saw and want her first" kind of BS.
Pam seems lovely here. She's like Jim in wanting to get away from the life she had back in the states. So in that regard I get why she'd invite Jim back to her place right away. However I'm also glad Jim was the gentleman there and just put her to bed. Doing anything else probably would have tinged their relationship with regret so good on them to avoid that.
Likewise after that first date they take some time to get to know each other. Loved that.
I'm going to disagree with this Jim here. Provided it's fit well, a tuxedo is not uncomfortable. It's when things are not fitted well that a man tends to feel like a stuffed penguin. But that's also me. Regardless of all that, the image of Jim in a tux and Pam dressed up was great to envison.
Good for you Pam to finally come forward with the truth. I get why Jim would be a bit upset. After everything she only springs this on him now? However she does right and chooses him and lets him know in no uncertian terms. Loved that.
The reward is everything between them once they get back to Jim's place. Sensual, hot, steamy, pick your adjective. Great scene there.
Phenominal writing as per usual. I really wish I still had a jelly bean to give this chapter.
Author's Response: Thank you Warrior, as usual! It is always interesting to get your take on everything and I always appreciate you taking time to review. I'm so glad you enjoyed it so much! Thanks! :)
Date: November 09, 2020 03:41 am Title: everything has changed
Is there a word count limit on reviews?! I think we’re about to find out! Watch me paste at least the entire thing in here as I read...
“He didn't dare magnify the details of his life too closely; the surface scored and etched with some cracks running painfully deep” Oh. Okay. So you’re going to emotionally destroy me. That’s fun.
Also, give me slightly destructive BFF Danny any day of the week!
“The blonde went home with you” So, so good. This is perfect Jim, quippy and fun.
“As her eyes lingered, he couldn't help but feel the flickering of something profound and his head ached a little less.” And just like that I am invested and I will go down with this ship.
“He leaned against the high wall next to her desk” OH. Well, that’s an image plucked right from the heavens/canon and I am so here for it.
“He shifted, putting his hands in his pockets for lack of a better thing to do with them” My god. Stop. London Jim is perfection. I can see him so clearly.
"She seems a little...dorky.” Bored. Girl. The way you take canon and twist it for your own purposes is so damn masterful.
“He fought valiantly but failed against the same stupid grin that seemed to appear in her presence” This is the cutest thing.
Ugh. Could Mia not?
“he looked at her pointedly with a lift of his brow, holding his breath, hoping to God she could see he meant it.” Quickly smitten Jim is a whole mood. I love him.
Protective Jim is something else. Holy god.
"Yeah, I mind." Oh. My. God. Right in the feels.
“It was his eyes, his lopsided grin, the way he smelled like male and fabric softener and home.” Dying. I’m dying. I know I say this every time, but the way you string words together is just something else.
“when she came up for air nine years later, she hardly recognized herself.” Yes. This is the perfect description of Pam and Roy.
"We didn't dance." Help. I have been attacked.
“the way he said her last name felt comfortable and strangely intimate, tendrils of warmth beginning to wind their way up from deep inside” god this is beautiful.
“He reached down for her fingers, pulling them silently into his, those cracks he never wanted to examine in his life filling in with her.” I’m running out of ways to say that this is my new favorite sentence of all time, but like, this is my new favorite sentence of all time.
“and the universal anomaly of time slowing to a standstill” Who do I commission to turn this into a rom-com? It’s playing out like a film and I adore it.
“His meager words paltry in description and he knew it.” Me, trying to review this fic. I feel SO seen.
I —
BORED.
Bored. B O R E D.
I didn’t think it was possible for “I can’t” to be more gut wrenching, but here we are.
“it is more than that” How?! How are you managing to take everything significant from canon and completely make it your own?! I am so in awe.
“She let the current of him sweep her out to sea” Well, that’s just about the most beautiful thing I’ve ever read.
Umm. Don’t leave us hanging on date number 4 in Paris. How about we make chapter 21 part 2 of London Jim? Deal? Deal.
Author's Response: I love, love, love hearing all your favorite parts SO MUCH. I love that you appreciated all my little injections of canon. I was afraid it was too heavy handed so I'm glad it doesn't seem to be. Your reviews are always so epic and adore them.
Date: November 08, 2020 08:31 pm Title: everything has changed
This chapter unfolded in my mind's eye like a movie. I love the settings, and the characters are so true to form. I kind of died a little when we found out that she was still engaged, but that didn't last long. Then Jim asked her about Paris, and I was like, "Ooh, we're going to Paris!" and then it ended. That was the saddest part! I would love to see another chapter with that dinner in Paris.
There were so many perfect lines in this story. I'd start listing them here but it would fill the entire review. You have such a way with words. It's magic.
Author's Response:
Oh Sprinkles, I love that you felt like it was a movie playing out in your mind because that is EXACTLY how I see things in my mind as I write. Yes, I wouldn't mind seeing that fourth date either. Paris is terribly romantic and only about two hours by train. I'm just saying...;)
Thank you so much!
Date: November 08, 2020 07:55 pm Title: everything has changed
This is an epic, sweeping, gorgeous masterpiece. I love London Jim and if you wanted to expound on this and write 50 more chapters, I would fly overseas just to give you a socially distant high five. Your way with words is SO beautiful and there were so many part of this that gave me butterflies and THEN at the END you just murder me with the sexy stuff LADY WHO GAVE YOU THE RIGHT???
A genius. A true genius. I am in awe of everything you post and it all automatically goes on the “reread forever” list. This absolutely included
Author's Response: BT, you are FAR too generous to me. Your reviews always bring me such joy, and I assure you the feeling is mutual. I would happily take your high five, by the way. :) Thank you!
1 [Report This]Date: November 08, 2020 10:47 am Title: everything has changed
oh my gosh, i totally did not expect a non-folklore based chapter but i’m in love! this song is an absolutely amazing choice, too! this entire story is fiercely addicting, and all of you wonderful authors have done a brilliant job!
Author's Response: Thank you so much! These are the bonus tracks, since there was an uneven number of songs, it gave everyone three chapters. Thank you so much for reading and taking the time to review! This song has always struck me as a very Jim and Pam song and the London idea has just taken on a life of its own. I think I can speak for everyone in saying we are thrilled you have enjoyed our little project. :)
Date: November 08, 2020 03:44 am Title: last great american dynasty, chapter 2
“But her mind seemed to only want to travel into memory, so she gave in for a moment” I love Pam just going about her day & being consumed by thoughts of Jim. I mean, who wouldn’t be after that encounter!
“Pam filed the company name away in her mind, although for what purpose, she didn’t know.” Oh boy, but fingers crossed there is a purpose!
This Roy. Wow. There are so many versions where he’s painted as an oaf or kind of an idiot, even ill tempered, but this version of him feels straight out dangerous. My heart was in my throat at their interaction after dinner. Ugh.
I’ve never hated Helene Beesly, but I guess now I do. Oh my god. What a piece of work.
This is playing out like a movie. “The realization that, in fact, everything had changed washed over Pam.” And she goes to find him. I’m dead.
“Believe it or not, beautiful women don’t just…take me on house tours all that often.” This is such a great line!
“So,” he said, “Now that you have a job, we need to celebrate. Are you free for dinner tonight?” Wow. You’re making it so difficult for me to pick a favorite line. Like I was sure the house tour one would be it, but now here we are...
“Thanks to him, she was wide awake.” And another contender...
The smut. Holy goodness the smut. Sprinkles! I think this story may actually be my favorite thing you’ve ever written (& you know I love it all). I’d like to add chapter 3 to my wishlist. Please and thank you.
Date: November 07, 2020 08:39 am Title: everything has changed
Bored, the things you can do with the English language is pretty phenomenal.
“Her known presence now made everything function better for him: his computer started up faster, the coffee tasted less bitter, the lamp on his desk brighter, despite the fact she sat in a cubicle on the other side of the office.” I love this so much.
“Her mouth opened beneath his and his tongue ventured inside her, memorizing her taste of pink champagne and phrases written in books he had yet to read.” But really, how are you so good at this?!
“She let the current of him sweep her out to sea, far from the rest of the world, to a place only he occupied” Ugh, so good.
I can’t stress this enough: you are really, really good at this and I loved every single part of it. :)
Author's Response: WW, thank you (again!) for your kind words. It is so encouraging to hear that others enjoy what you write and, as you know, keeps you going! I had maybe a little too much fun putting them into this universe based on the word count of this chapter (ha!) but I'm so glad you liked it! Thank you so much. :)
Date: November 07, 2020 08:32 am Title: everything has changed
I'm speechless.
I was going to write a long and profound review (because I feel that it's the only way I can do justice to your stories), but I'm teary a little, and it's hard to see letters on the monitor well.
I love this story, I love your Pam and Jim, I love this London aesthetic. I love rain and the line 'in a way that tasted like midnight and deep green, soft skin, and home' (among many, many, many others).
I'm happy so much that you're writing these fantastic things, and honestly, I wish to be as good as you.
Thank you so much!
Author's Response: I am so thrilled you had such powerful emotions reading this, Dernhelm! I think that is truly every author's goal, to illicit powerful feelings. I love that you love this Jim and Pam and I had a lot of fun putting them in this universe (as you can tell, with this chapter being over 11K.) Thank you again, sincerely, for your lovely reviews. :)
1 [Report This]Date: November 06, 2020 06:55 am Title: the lakes
Amazing. And very hot :) Thank you
Date: November 06, 2020 06:18 am Title: last great american dynasty, chapter 2
In would like to formally request 800 more chapters of this please and thank you.
I loved how you wrote Pam’s time at home and the life that she was going back to when she left NY. And I LOVED the scene with all the girls the next morning! And then my heart soared with the eagles nest when you had her showing up and Jim’s job, and then the date line, and then the...well, you know what you did. Lady!! I see you with those stockings getting rolled down!!
Like I said. 800 more, please, tysm.
Date: November 06, 2020 02:38 am Title: last great american dynasty, chapter 2
I am SO pleased you wrote a follow-up. The first one of these was brilliantly written but made me feel so sad. It was beautiful and I love that you found a "real" way to put them together.
Date: November 05, 2020 09:09 pm Title: last great american dynasty, chapter 2
Got me pretty nervous there to start. What with Pam's mother being like she was. Also with Roy being truly despicable. Not that her mother is any better what with the not listening to Pam saying she was taken advantage of like that. Glad she was able to get away from Roy.
Likewise that she found the strength to leave what was clearly a bad situation.
Jim is just wonderful. They picked up right from where they left off and it seems like nothing's going to slow them down. Very glad to get some closure on this one. Made for a great read.
Date: November 05, 2020 06:31 pm Title: last great american dynasty, chapter 2
I may have audibly squealed when I saw this update and that it was a continuation of the other one.
I’m so proud of this Pam for walking away from Roy, and her parents, and everything else!
“Hey,” he said softly, “We have plenty of time. I don’t plan to let you get away again.” What a wonderful contrast from her interaction with Roy.
“In that moment he knew his show of surrender was no joke. He truly was hers.” SO GOOD.
Basically I need 3752638 more chapters of this AU. I will never be satisfied.