"It seems odd, in the ironic, slap-in-the-face kind of way that since her incident, it’s been easier to let him go."
Something bad happens to Pam. Very Dark.
I've had a love affair with this story for a while, but never reviewed. You don't know how many times I've sent you silent encouragement to help this story along. My impulse has always been to very gently whisper to you not to be afraid of writing this, because it's a beautiful, delicate story and I don't want to startle you by demanding more chapters! Instead, just take your time... let it flow naturally and *whispers* don't be afraid.
MEMBER'S CHOICE TOP NOMINEE - Jim and Pam must interact in network sponsored live chats to promote their documentary. Angst (and maybe some smut) ensue.
Story now complete.
Okay, this story is kicking my ass. I had to get up and leave the room...and then come back in, come out of lurkerdom and register, becasue this is just so good.
The only thing that made season 3 events halfway bearable was the thought that J and P didn't know what kind of hurt they were inflicting.. but now you're taking that away with this last chapter. Now we'll read Phyllis' wedding like they KNEW and that just kills me! In a good way. This story has just moved out of the "fun take on the situation" category and moved into the "causes you to see things differently" category. Good Job!
I'm handling the hook up with Brian (at least it's not Roy) better than the internet leak... that's going to change the whole dynamic. Who leaked it? Could it be an act of sabotage by Jim on her new relationship w/ Brian? This development will upset the one line of communication that was (sort of) working for them.
Oh! The dorky dancer conversation from this point of view- heartbreaking!
Author's Response: Thanks so much for your review. You are right, the leak will be important later on. i wonder who did it?
And....there's the reveal on the leak. Great job, I didn't see that coming.
This story is becoming a great commentary on the nature of "reality" shows & how much they're manipulated to get good ratings. Jim and Pam are being treated like pawns, but then THEY are being duplicitous and manipulating the circumstances for their own benefit--very interesting! Congratulations on writing a story with themes that work on many levels.
This is a "morning after" review in that I read this chapter last night and I thought you might want to know that I spent more than a little time last night in bed thinking through my list of "suspects". This is now officially a mystery story in my mind... and how P just walked in: cause she is so mentally not there after the "confession" in the stairwell...Awesome writing. Jim will save her! Also really enjoying the MSR- that was the only thing that ever sucked me in about X-files. Good choice for a cross-over because it's such a good opporitunity for a compare&contrast between the two relationships. Very enjoyable read!
Author's Response: Yeah I'm loving making the comparison between the two couples. Also, thanks for the compliments and for officially "getting" where I was going with this last chapter and why Pam would just walk into the shelter etc. I really appreciate this review so much because of that. Keep reading and keep me posted on your thoughts!
Yeah for the update! I was beginning to think Pam and Scully would be trapped forever in the basement. Which, I'm totally buying the false wall or whatever it is and I think you're doing just fine with the "case" part of the story. Although, can't wait to get back to the tension of a sexual nature either!
Author's Response: I was beginning to think they'd be trapped forever in the basement too ;-) Thank god this story is rolling again. And thank you for the review!!! (Don't worry the sexual tension shall return)
What if Jim had finally been stretched to the breaking point before Casino Night?I've had this idea in my head for a while, like on some level Jim had to be kind of angry at Pam, because maybe on some level she kind of got off on the whole being worshipped thing? Anyway, you took that idea and nailed it to the wall and just YES! Plus, I've reread 8:15 more times than is healthy. Excellent writing that just sucks you in from the first line. It's okay with me if you drag this one out a while-- build that sweet tension even more!!
Author's Response: Thank you so much for AGREEING with me! Agh, it drove me NUTS that we never got to see him take her to task for that. But then she did suffer terribly last season. I just wanted to see it play out a little more...
You don't know that one of my earliest thoughts upon waking this morning was "what happened to Earlier? Did that ever get finished- I need to check" and then WHAM! There it is. Thanks for this story- I thoroughly enjoyed it.
I also really liked this Pam. I think the "Earlier" title applies for her as well... because it depicts a more S4 Pam: unafraid take charge Pam without the gut wrenching 'growth' of S3. So, it's not out of character at all, just ..."earlier"!
Thanks again.
Completed*Of course* that's why he calls her Beesley. Sigh.
Are you sure you're new at this?
maybe I'm just hormonal lately, but the HOPE that these two were experiencing-- and we all know those hopes were dashed so many times!! It's just killing me- and you've captured that so well. I do not cry over fanfic, but you've struck that hope chord with me so many times in this story... it's kind of making me nausous. In a good way!
Author's Response: Wow, thanks so much. For what it\'s worth, I apologize for tugging on your heart strings but at least I can promise (with 100% certainty) a happy ending :)\r\nThanks for reading!
With every choice we don't make, we create a universe...
WARNING: This is like, angst, to the tenth power, but I can promise a happy ending, if not exactly the one you might have in mind...
Disclaimer: All publicly recognizable characters, settings, etc. are the property of their respective owners. The original characters and plot are the property of the author. The author is in no way associated with the owners, creators, or producers of any media franchise. No copyright infringement is intended.
I can tell already that this story is going to break my heart. My only consolation being that Jim married a Molly (that's my name!) and they have a Zoe (girl name I love).
I can't wait to see where this goes.
Author's Response: Neither can I! Really, it goes where it wants. I'm just trying to keep up. Thanks so much for reading and commenting!
10 Hello darkness, my old friend... I've come to talk with you again
I've really missed this achy hurt of a story and I'm glad to see you haven't forgotten it. I didn't. Excellent job as always.
MEMBER'S CHOICE - "She didn't analyze it. Not talking to him had been weird and hard and lonely; talking to him made her happy."I can't tell you what a relief it was to see you'd posted all your stories here! Less than a week ago I was trying to link to your LJ from some recommendation page (for another story)and read that it had been deleted. I got so worried because I realized that I didn't know where to find a copy of VOX, and maybe one day I would just be needing to read Vox (because that totally happens) and then what was I supposed to do!?! I was honestly scared that I would be forever denied access to this wonderful story and I was a little disturbed by that! And now you're probably a little disturbed by my gushing-- but Vox is just that good. Thanks again.
Author's Response: I'm so sorry this is so late -- I let stuff slide around the holidays -- but thank you so much! I'm flattered, definitely not disturbed, and really thrilled to hear you like the story. :)
7 I've got to say I'm very impressed. And I was pretty much prepared to be un-impressed (being a first date fic and all).
Good job on the voices- and I just really responded to the overall tone/feel of the date... one of the more realistic J/P make out sessions too. Overall great job!
How are you so prolific? And this promises to be just as much of a suck-in as "How Long" and "Observer Effect". It's stories like these that have me constantly logging on to MTT. Looking forward to going on the ride w/ you!
Author's Response: I think I can be so prolific because I don't have a life :) I'm so glad you like this and I know what you mean about getting hooked on a certain type of story. I hope you like the ride you're about to embark on.
I very much liked this Toby and this Jim. I was fully prepared for this to go to a really dark place, but I think it was much more real and touching to have such a hopeful ending. Good read.
I've been following this story avidly.. just now posting a review. First off I LOVE Jim/Pam travel stories. Don't know why- tension? forced-together-ness? romantic situations? Anyway you've nailed all that and I'm loving it. Please continue!
How does Jim lead Pam to the bed? Firmly. Ahahahah!
Pam spends Christmas with the Halperts. (A first Christmas fic)Just had to let you know that this story was read and re-read by me over the last week and it was truly a high point in an otherwise slow MTT week. Once I saw what you had been working on, and that it would be continuously updated I completely forgave you for the fact that Pam and Scully were still in the basement!! I had to keep checking back for each Comfort and Joy update.
You are by far my favorite fanfic writer and I wish you much time and joy for writing in 2008!!
Depressing, but extremely well written. Something not many people have explored, which is the darker side of the attraction. It's not all sunshine and roses. Very true to life. I love it.
Jim and Pam are Jim and Pam, only...not really.9 Who wouldn't love this? Seriously- a J/P fic this totally original is like opening a window on a room that's gotten a bit stuffy and full of smoke. Although, as your biggest fan I have to tell you that this new story is distracting me from a literary critique of your stories that I've been planning. I'm thinking of calling it "Jim Halpert's Identity Crisis: How Jim uses Pam to Self-Identify in the Stablergirl Fan-Fiction Universe". Seriously- this are the things you make me think about!!
Can't wait to see where this is going. I'm going to comment on every chapter!
So I've really been thinking about this story, like a lot, and here's my question: While Pam is having this existential crises about the duality of both liking and hating Jim (mirrored in the duality of playing a character that is, but yet is NOT herself- nice touch SG), what is going on in Jim's head? He's obviously realized he wants her, but only because his subconscious literally spit it out for him(!). Does he think about the long term ramifications of what this means, or is he more living in the moment? Maybe Pam's verbal beat-down ('cause that's what it was!) will kind of serve as his rock-bottom- and he can start to work on a new self identity?
See what happens when you don't update fast enough-- our little fiction reading brains run overtime. Updates are joy.
The thing that sets you apart: perfect example: you don't say "marker" or "black marker" or "permanent marker" you write "Marks-A-Lot" and that makes me laugh right out loud- the imagery is so strong! Wow. Other great imagery: lip tapping, hose burn, dancing babies and cardigans, really the whole thing. And Pam LIKES the hostility! YES!! That's what I'm talking about! Because it's her defense against the fact that she wants him so bad her teeth hurt.
And I love that they're filming- because its the set we know (but not), and the story we're familiar with (but different) and the characters we love (but deeper somehow, in this world). Love. Could you please stretch this story out through Casino Night... think what all you could do... them doing the read throughs, filming the episode all out of order, maybe some of the dialogue we know so well was improv? Whatever you come up with will be great I know.
Sometimes I'm reading a great premise from a mediocre writer, and I just think "I wish someone else (Stablergirl)were writing this and could do it justice", but with you I have never once been let down with how things played out. YOu have never created an itch that you did not then scratch-- and that is talent. So, um, thanks!
Oh this is going in so many delicious directions. I want Pam to totally mistrust his motives-- because really, he's not yet thinking beyond the immediate gratification- he'snot yet realixing WHY it has to be Pam, and that dawn of realization for both of them is going to be SO entertaining. Because of the fighting. And the hot. hot. sex.
Your details just kill me. Beef and cheddars? And Jim's inner monologue? "The Ladies"? This is why I love me some Stablergirl.