Date: January 28, 2021 09:40 pm Title: Chapter 27
I love this moment of Pam realizing it's okay to admit to herself how much she's going to miss him - it's both very sweet and indicates how much of an adjustment this is for them.
The exit interview is on point Michael dialogue. And I'm thrilled Jim stuck it to Ryan one more time on his way out the door. My only regret is that Ryan didn't get more comeuppance.
I love this very sweet moment on the couch and Jim giving her a little shot of both strength and some reassurance - feels like them communicating that they'll miss each other openly is big.
I'm glad you wrote in this conversation with Karen, giving them a chance to talk things through a little more calmly and giving Jim a little more opportunity to press her. I will say, I'm not convinced Karen took the universal lesson she should from this - feels like a lot of it in her mind is going to get tied up with Jim having been in love with Pam - but at least she's given the possibility of underlying issues with Jim besides Pam a little thought.
Author's Response:
Thank you! And yeah, I did briefly wonder if the Ryan thing was a bit petty, until I remembered Jim on the show shut him in a cupboard for like a year. I think we can assume Ryan is enough of an idiot that he'll end up being the architect of his downfall though...
I'm really glad you liked the moment on the couch! I felt like they needed that - and some more open communication - before I split them up again, lol.
And yes, in my head Karen is probably still at a point where she's feeling quite angry and betrayed - but I'd like to think that with some more time she'll be a bit more reflective. (/she'll just come to the conclusion she should never date anyone like Jim again).
Thanks so much for reviewing :)
Date: January 28, 2021 06:01 pm Title: Chapter 27
I loved that exit interview because of one thing. Jim got to do one last middle finger to Ryan as he walked out the door. Now that’s what I call karma.
Because Paris is your equivalent of Pratt I wonder if she will come back like canon or if she will stay.
Karen is annoying as ever. When she finds out Pam is going to freaking Paris, she just ignores how she has treated Pam as this unambitious person. Like, wow Karen you are the manager of a midrange paper company. Congrats. You aren’t an artist in FRANCE.
Love the little reference to canon with Pam’s dad with him dating Christy like canon.
I loved the cuddle scene. I have a feeling there is going to be some reunion when Pam returns...
Author's Response:
Haha yes, I did enjoy writing that! And we will see on the Paris/Pratt comparisons :D Karen is...still Karen. To be fair to her, I think she's still reeling a bit so is not really in a place where she's going to be feeling generous towards Pam. And lol yes, she is just the manager of a midrange paper company. I'm really glad you liked the cuddle scene! A reunion may be in the works...
Thanks so much for reviewing! :)
Date: January 28, 2021 05:15 pm Title: Chapter 27
Yes yes yes! It's all coming together
Author's Response: Haha, it is! Thanks so much for leaving a review, it's so nice to hear you're reading/enjoying :)
Date: January 28, 2021 05:04 pm Title: Chapter 27
Okay, going to skip to the end the chapter and review that bit before moving onto other things. The last conversation there Jim and Karen have rings really true to form. Even now Jim is somewhat hesitant around her. Likewise it seems she still can't accept that she also has a significant part of the blame. She's hiding behind the shield of "you cheated on me." Now it's a valid point of course, but she is not blameless. Her comment, "I thought you'd change" proves that. Jim asking her why she was in the relationships seems to stump her so she deflects and doesn't really answer him. Yeah we're all feeling that relief Jim.
Okay time to rewind a bit. The kickboxing scene was fun. Nice to see Pam have some good quality sister time. The exit interview was great too. Very in keeping with how Michael would work on things. I feel like Jim's suggestion about Kelly is his last parting shot at Ryan. One that Ryan can't retort which leaves Jim with the last word and the victory.
Pam just wants pizza. Don't blame her. She's really a very pleasant and simple person who enjoys the small things in life. Great way to have that come across. Also great to see her realizing that it's okay for her to indulge in her feelings for Jim now. They don't have to be pushed down. Granted they're facing three months apart, so there's some bittersweetness true. Really liked that they spent the night before she leaves cuddled on the couch. They clearly aren't in a position to do anything more and I think that's smart. However they still crave each other's proximity so couch cuddles are very sweet.
Jim calling up Mark is a great (I keep using that word) way for him to finally spread his own wings for once. He's not hampered by a toxic relationship and can focus on something for himself.
Nice way to finally put the nail in the coffin with Karen and start a bit of lead in to the future. Great job.
Author's Response:
Thanks very much!
And yeah, I agree on the Jim/Karen conversation. I think she is still in a place where she's feeling angry and betrayed, and still trying to absorb the fact that Jim has spent their entire relationship in love with someone else, so she's not *quite* ready to be a bit more self-reflective yet. But I'd like to think she might eventually learn some lessons from this once she's calmed down and accepted it a bit more...
I did want Jim to come out on top in the end with Ryan, haha.
And yes, I did feel like they needed the couch moment before I pull them apart again...really glad you enjoyed it :)
I am excited about finally getting to write Jim having his moment of spreading his own wings! And catching up with Pam. I feel like I've put him through a lot with all his misery with Karen...
Thanks so much for reviewing, I'm so glad you liked this chapter :)
Date: January 28, 2021 04:57 pm Title: Chapter 27
Well, that was surprisingly simple. They both just handed in their leaves and left.
That scene with Penny and Pam was cute. I’d been wondering about William; it’s odd that he’d choose to date someone so young, but like Pam said, it might just be a phase. As long as he and his girlfriend are both happy.
Of course Michael had to dish out some last minute wisdom. So what if he’s delusional? We all are! And of course he’d get choked up over a guy he worked with for barely a few weeks. Also, I’m glad that Jim had one last chance to throw Ryan under the bus.
I’m glad that Jim and Pam got to cuddle one last time before she left, but I’m wondering now if she will decide that it’s all too much and move back.
I was a little shocked that Karen and Jim were able to leave each other so civilly. Of course, Karen just wants to appear civil, but I feel there’s so much more she wanted to say. Honestly, I think it’s good that she’s out of Jim’s life.
Finally, I’m looking forward to seeing what Jim does regarding Athlead. Will Mark accept him, or will he be pissed that Jim is only now gaining the courage to ask to join when he already offered him a position?
As always, well done.
BlindManCassidy
Author's Response:
Thank you so much!
Yes haha, I thought it was about time that something was relatively simple in the end...really glad you liked the scene with Penny! And yeah, I thought William being happy was an important moment for Pam after her mom (even if it is just a younger-woman phase, lol).
I did want some more Michael! And we are, haha - I think Jim needs a bit more of that, to be honest.
And we'll see on the Pam moving back :D
I think it's probably fair to assume Karen hurled a fair amount of abuse at Jim in some of the screaming matches I didn't get into, lol. I figured there was only so much unpleasantness we needed to see...
Thanks for reviewing!
Date: January 27, 2021 10:11 pm Title: Chapter 26
This Karen-Jim fight was clearly in-universe long overdue on any number of levels. I think you in general have done a great job in this story of wrestling with Karen as a complex character, making her dislikable but also making it clear why she doesn't think she's in the wrong, giving her some fair complaints and establishing that she's really gotten screwed over here. She works in a lot of very fair criticisms of Jim's character here (among things that are wildly untrue), and demonstrates pretty well why these two are both better off apart. I would've loved to have seen Jim make some of his points (especially about the fact that Karen really didn't *want* to hear his unhappiness about the plans she was making) more sharply, but that also doesn't feel realistic to the character, and I appreciate you not giving in to that temptation.
The "I let you live with her" line was on point. Karen's earned some contempt at this point, but she keeps making it obvious that she had total contempt for Pam way before she realized anything might be going on with them.
I love Pam's moment of realization about how to get unstuck in the conversation with Isabel - it shows why she's a good partner for Jim. She's not just reflexively defensive of him, she also understands him and maybe now can be what he needs to grow.
"'But he’s never out of the equation,' Pam says softly. He can’t be. 'Iz, he never is. Not for me.'" Damn.Â
This scene in the car was sweet. "He loves her. He loves every inch of her, like he’s never loved anything before, and he has done for so long. (Except he also knows that makes every single thing he’s done to Karen even worse)." Also damn.
I think Pam is wrong here. He *has* held her back (although he wasn't really aware he was doing it). But he's also what she needs to move forward.
It's interesting, I really can't tell how close we are to the end of this one. Feels like either real close or there's room for a whole new set of complications.
Author's Response:
Thanks very much! I’ve actually really enjoyed writing Karen’s - wildly off-canon - character, so that’s really amazing to hear, thank you :)
And yeah - I thought it was an important step for Jim to recognise some of Karen’s flaws, but I agree him smacking her in the face with them (especially in an argument after he’s just been caught cheating) wouldn’t have been hugely in-character.
That’s interesting on the holding Pam back - I think it’s sort of Pam’s feelings for Jim, and both of their inability to admit those feelings, that have held her back rather than Jim himself (although that probably amounts to the same thing). But I do think there are also things Jim has done, and support he’s given as her friend, that have helped her move forwards.
And finally: I will say, to manage expectations…I think I *might* have put them through enough of the very difficult complications already, after 26 chapters.
Thanks again for reviewing!
Date: January 27, 2021 01:50 pm Title: Chapter 26
Am I okay? Absolutely not. Jim and Karen's fights were brutal, but very realistic. I couldn't imagine trusting my boyfriend and his girl best friend for SO long and then suddenly walk up to them kissing. That would be heartbreaking. I feel so bad for Jim and Pam though, I know they feel horrible about what happened. I am so curious on what's going to happen next.
Author's Response: Thank you! (And sorry, haha). But yeah, I do really feel for Karen here. I think it's just a horrible situation for all of them. Thanks is much for reviewing :)
1 [Report This]Date: January 27, 2021 12:27 pm Title: Chapter 1
I'm loving the rearranging of canon events and characters! Looking forward to the rest of it.
Thanks!
Author's Response: Thanks so much for taking the time to leave a review - I'm really thrilled to hear that! I hope you enjoy the rest :)
Date: January 27, 2021 08:08 am Title: Chapter 26
Wow. What a great chapter. As much as I loved the volleyball hitting Ryan, I kind of want it to happen to Karen too. She is so freaking condescending. She wanted to throw up because she was with Jim who hung out with Pam????? What is that??? And yeah Karen it’s about time for you to realize that Pam isn’t just sweet and innocent. She has ambition, she can attract men, she is smart, time for you to realize that. You couldn’t even fathom a job in Paris.
And what is her definition of a partner? Someone who you debate with?
God, I hated Karen in this chapter. She made Pam seem like this mousy little girl.
I’m glad that they will have their distance. They need time to recover from the guilt and all the drama so this time away will help them forgive themselves and each other.
Great chapter as always.
Author's Response:
Thanks so much! That's so great to hear :) And haha, I know Karen is pretty bad in this chapter - although, to be fair, she's also very angry. So probably nastier than she usually would be. Lol at her definition of a partner! And yes, I didn't really feel like it would be great for Jim at this point to jump from one relationship straight into another one...
Thanks for reviewing!
Date: January 27, 2021 06:01 am Title: Chapter 26
Yikes. I can’t say I’m surprised at how Karen reacted, especially since she thinks that Pam is nowhere near as good as her, but that was rough. I kind of feel bad for her, but I think she knew that Jim felt something for Pam. I mean, there’s no way she could’ve been so completely blind to what was going on. And Jim has so many valid points; she never listened to him, and she knew that he didn’t want the job. She’s not completely innocent. She’s been pushing him away for a long time, and their relationship was toxic.
But at last, Jim and Pam are together. Except they’re leaving each other. I’m glad Pam got into the school in Paris, and I’m excited to see where that takes her, but I really wish that she and Jim could just have some time together. Same for Jim with Athlead - good for him, but he’s even further from Pam.
I’m left wondering if Karen will try to get Jim back, or Ryan will somehow get in the middle of this.
BlindManCassidy
Author's Response:
Thanks so much for reviewing! And yes, I definitely think Karen and Jim's relationship was toxic regardless of what was happening with Pam - and I think it's important for Jim to recognise that too. But I do also feel bad for Karen.
And haha, I promise Paris will not be forever...
On Karen trying to get Jim back - I can reassure you she does have some pride, lol. She is not going to take back someone who cheated on her. Ryan's day of getting in the middle of Jim & Pam are also coming to an end :D
Date: January 27, 2021 05:20 am Title: Chapter 26
Yeah, that's about how I figured Karen would take it. She's not entirely wrong. Jim was sneaking behind her back there at the end. However I still feel Jim's point is the more valid one. She's never listened to him and wanted to turn him into her. Really glad he finally had the balls to tell her that. Of course she blew him off again, but it's not like we were expecting anything different. They're still processing everything, but at long last Jim's finally free of that toxic relationship.
Also really glad they both have some things to look forward to. Pam in Paris and Jim calling up Mark. Three months to calm down, refocus on who they are before really jumping into something seems just about right.
The other thing I'm really liking is that Jim made sure to tell Pam his real feelings for her too. After everything they're finally honest with each other and it's great to see. Great job.
Author's Response:
Thank you! Yeah, I did think it was equally important for Jim to start realising that his relationship with Karen was toxic (not just because of Pam), and to say that to her, even if she doesn't really listen. And yes: I wasn't sold on the idea of Jim leaving a serious relationship that quickly - and messily - and leaping straight into another one..
Thanks so much for reviewing :)
Date: January 26, 2021 02:05 am Title: Chapter 25
Omggggg! Um thank God you have a regular updating spree (and God bless you for that) because this cliffhanger is slowly killing me.
But what amazing writing again. The build to Pam telling him about the art course (UM PARIS?!?!?!?!) was really well portrayed- and once again, love this assertive Pam. She's finally grabbing opportunities and acknowledging her feelings which is so heartwarming to read. Her telling him she loves him (with CN lines!!!) with the art course news once again shows her source of confidence and determination. It is now Jim's turn to step up and get his act together!
I had an inkling that you won't go for a simple telling-Karen-on-Sunday plot, and was expected drama but this blew me away. And speaking for drama, thanks for the volleyball Ryan bit. Loved it. Can imagine Pam doing that.
Super intrigued to see how you go ahead with this, keeping the drama and the delicatenes of this whole story balanced!
Author's Response:
Haha - thank you so much! That’s really kind :) I do love assertive Pam, I’m really pleased you liked that scene. And Jim will be getting there...
Next chapter is coming v soon - there will be drama lol. Thanks so so much for reviewing :)
Date: January 25, 2021 08:53 pm Title: Chapter 25
First, just... thank you for having Pam smack Ryan full in the face with a volleyball. That feels extremely important and was very cathartic.
"Karen suggests, massaging her temples, that maybe he doesn’t tell any more jokes. Michael gives her a look of uncomprehending horror." I feel bad for Karen, I really do. But I would laugh my butt off at this episode. (Also at Jim just lifting Angela out of the sumo circle.)
Then again... she is making her own problems here. This moment of her picking Dwight over Jim and then being upset when Michael picks Jim? VERY Karen.
Fun taste of sassy Pam here.
Whelp. It seemed really clear they were headed for getting caught or for an affair, and honestly, kind of better this way - the affair might be an inch too frustrating for me.
I feel like these were not good reviews, but suffice it to say I enjoyed these chapters and look forward to reading more.
Author's Response:
Haha, thank you - it was very cathartic to write. I also felt like Jim/John needed a break from sports related injuries to his nose...
And yes, yes Karen is. I think I would also have struggled writing an entire fic of them having an affair, lol. And having one on a team away day felt like recipe for disaster.
And no not at all - thanks so much for reviewing!! These are always so great to read :)
Date: January 25, 2021 08:41 pm Title: Chapter 24
Again, you've done a really good job with putting us in Pam's confused mind in the early going here as she processes all these big things and all these things she's kept tamped down for so long and continues to come to grips with lost time. And I love both Michael getting to give his signature line AND the idea that he's been slowly, painfully wearing Jan down for a decade.
I also really like that Jim is barely able to restrain himself right now - it must be damn near impossible knowing that she actually *wants* it after all that time.
This moment at the concierge desks is just... idk, I'm tired, I just really enjoyed Pam's moment of realization of how freaking HORRIBLE Karen's asks are if you think too hard about them and about her coming to grips with the character flaws they share.
Oh... Ryan. You are the worst, and I hope you get hit in the face with a volleyball. (I... may have read the next chapter already.)
Wow. A lot of big developments happening for Pam all at once. She's making up a lot of ground in her life... you have to be proud of her.
(The Michael-Dwight dynamic is really fun here.)
Author's Response:
Thank you so much! And haha, to be clear I’m not sure Michael’s ‘never give up’ advice is the best for his own situation...
And yeah, I do think people in unhappy relationships can do some pretty awful things (not always consciously) under the guise of it being a joke/a small thing, and I feel like Jim’s tendency would definitely be to turn it into one unless someone actually pointed that out.
And lol Ryan! I have had a lot of fun with the Michael-Dwight stuff. I quite like the idea that he would still think Michael was incredible/highly competent even if he started off hating him...
1 [Report This]Date: January 25, 2021 05:20 pm Title: Chapter 25
Ohhhhhhhhh Kelly Clarkson I’m excited and can’t wait for the update!!!! Will Jim finally stand up for himself (and for Pam)?! Will these two dorks finally be 100% honest and be together?! Will Karen get her own volleyball to the face?! (I can dream can’t I?) SQUEEEEEEEEE
Author's Response: Hahaha thank you! I’m thrilled to hear you’re enjoying this :) I can guarantee nothing on more volleyballs, lol. Thanks so much for reading, and for taking the time to leave a review!
Date: January 25, 2021 09:53 am Title: Chapter 25
Punch to the face, vollyball to the face, both work equally well for me. The jerk deserved all of it.
Great take on Beach Day. Really easy to see the events play out as they did. Especially with all the undercurrant of tension between Jim and Pam. Really feels like Michael is on Team JAM here. Good job Michael, World's Best Boss indeed.
The scene where Pam tells Jim her news and the reuse of the Casino Night dialoge? Perfect. Especially when he is the one to reach for her for that kiss.
However to have Karen find them like that? Hoo boy! We're well past angst now and 100% into daytime soap opera drama. Considering how worked up Karen's already been, this is going to be really interesting.
Author's Response:
Haha - thank you! That’s so great to hear :) I had a lot of fun with the Beach Day stuff. And oh yes, Karen’s reaction is coming up in the next chapter...
Thank so much for reviewing!
Date: January 25, 2021 08:52 am Title: Chapter 25
Basscop69, you coy bastard. How dare you leave us with a cliffhanger like this?
BlindManCassidy
Author's Response: Hahaha I can only apologise...next chapter coming soon! Thanks so much for reviewing :)
1 [Report This]Date: January 25, 2021 08:03 am Title: Chapter 25
FINALLY!!!! PAM, YOU DID IT!!!! I'm so happy that she finally gain the courage, and told her fellings to Jim. So happy that I don't care about Karen been there.
Please Jim, it's your turn to step up, don't disappoint us!
This is a great form to start a week, you know that I absolutely love this fic and your are a great writer. Thank you so much for updating so regularly! I can't wait for the next chapter!
Author's Response:
Ah thanks so much, that’s so great to hear! :) and haha Pam did! Jim is getting there too...
Thank you for reviewing, I really appreciate it!
Date: January 25, 2021 08:03 am Title: Chapter 25
IM LITERALLY SPEECHLESS. I’m just in awe of this chapter. Paris?!? Telling Jim she loves him?!?! They kiss?!?! AND KAREN SEES THEM????? OMG. I need the next chapter right this instant.
Thank you for listening about Ryan. I am so satisfied right now. Pam is probably the coolest person in the entire world right now. And all of Ryan’s jerk moments have been washed away with the satisfaction of that.
Author's Response: Haha, thank you! Next chapter coming soon :D and woohoo that’s great to hear on Ryan lol, it felt very satisfying to write. Thanks for reviewing!
Date: January 25, 2021 07:54 am Title: Chapter 25
HOLY CRAP. SO MUCH HAPPENED. I wasnt prepared for ANY OF THIS. My jaw has been on the floor since Pam said “Paris.” I did NOT expect that. I thought it was gonna be like Pratt or something. Omg. And then she tells him that she loves him, shes in love with him, with casino night lines, I think I died and then came back to life so I could read about their kiss. AND THEN KAREN CATCHES THEM?! Please tell me you are updating asap as possible because im about to explode.
Author's Response:
Haha thank you! I know, this was a bit of a mad one. Update is coming soon! Thanks so much for reviewing :)
Date: January 25, 2021 04:46 am Title: Chapter 24
Forgot to add; I loved this bit and thank you for writing this-
"She’s built up a whole muddle of things she wants to say and questions she wants to ask him, and she’s scared of all of them. But she’s starting to get more scared that the longer this goes on, the more likely she is to chicken out or mess something up, or discover that she’s somehow misremembering or inventing what happened on the rooftop and all of their conversation since."
Because they have SO MUCH to talk about and ask each other and tell each other and clarify and express. YEARS OF IT, and them having not been able to do that, and that leading to doubt and insecurity that they are now sort of used to when it comes to e/o- this imo is very important to acknowledge in the context of this amazingly turbulent story that you have written for them.
Author's Response: Thank you! And yes: I did think that was important. Their conversation on the rooftop really was only scratching the surface...and neither of them have actually had time to have a proper conversation about it.
Date: January 25, 2021 03:12 am Title: Chapter 24
Ugh I JUST WANTED JIM AND PAM TO RUN IN THE WOODS AND NEVER TURN BACK so yes you are acing the tension, as always. Some really great moments here with Jim and Pam, but I specifically want to applaud how you've written Pam. She's holding her ground, looking forward to new things, realizing that Jim is much into her and as much a sufferer all these years, and letting her mind acknowledge what she wants Jim to be in her life. I also love how you have subtly showed the contrast b/w Pam and Karen's reactions to Micheal. Also love the reverse booze cruise moment between her and Micheal- I've always liked their chemistry in the show so this was really heartwarming to read.
Also love how you are writing Michael- he has to be one of the most challenging characters to write.
Really looking forward to where you take this, with the looming breakup and Pam getting in uni!!
Author's Response: Haha, thank you! I did want them to too. And that's really kind of you to say on Pam - thanks :) I do like a Pam that goes after what she wants. And yes! on Michael/Pam chemistry on the show. Michael is definitely a tricky one to write - I feel like there's a fine line between him being too ridiculous to be believable, lol. Thanks so much for reviewing!
1 [Report This]Date: January 24, 2021 11:15 pm Title: Chapter 24
Hello again! Another great chapter as usual. How do you manage to shoot javelins through our hearts with each update? I usually skim through the chapter to satisfy my curiosity, then savour it through rereading (and feeling all the feels). I’m genuinely terrified of what Ryan will start (and I don’t mean another fire). He’s definitely enjoying the drama and his new observation could make Stamford explode. And how will Pam’s news play into this?? Argh! Can’t wait to see how this plays out. Please go easy on us, even though I’m loving the angst. :)
Author's Response: Hello, thanks so much for the review! Haha that's so amazing to hear, thank you :) Also lol at Ryan. I do love his love of drama, I have to say...but I will try not to make it too painful :D
Date: January 24, 2021 07:11 pm Title: Chapter 24
Is this story slowly killing me? Absolutely. Am I ever going to stop reading it? Not in a million years. Ugh. The TENSION between them is indescribable. That moment next to the river? Kill me. And then how stinkin excited she was to tell Jim tomorrow about being accepted? I can feel something looming ahead but I'm keeping my feet firmly planted in happyville right now. Such a great chapter!
Author's Response: Haha thank you so much! That is so lovely to hear :) We are getting there...
Date: January 24, 2021 07:04 pm Title: Chapter 24
If there's one thing bringing Michael in right now it's that Karen is so busy dealing with him it feels like she's forgetting to not care about what Jim feels. Which of course leaves Jim more free to settle his mind around what his heart has finally slapped him in the face with. He wants to and always has wanted to be with Pam. It feels like they're trying to get closer to each other, due to everything they can't quite yet, but they're still trying and I like that.
Michael giving his Booze Cruise advice to Pam this time around seems like an inspired idea. She needs a bit of a pick me up and that feels like a good way to bring it in. The holding each other in the rain scene was great. Hold on just a little more. At least that's what it feels like.
I second the reviewer who says Ryan needs a good face punching. To try and gaslight Pam like that? You've really painted him as a grade A jerk.
Now Pam has something really exciting going on. Glad she's starting to psyche herself up to be excited. She deserves it.
Author's Response:
Thank you! And you're right, Karen has definitely been distracted...although she doesn't tend to rank Jim's feelings all that highly in her priorities anyway. They are trying though :D And lol on the face punching Ryan! He will be getting *something* in the next chapter. And yeah, I love excited Pam!
Thanks so much for reviewing :)