10

Oh, ouch. Season 2 always had this same effect- so adorably sweet with a bitter bite. It hurts but this was great- it was a nice change from all the Christmas fluff that's been around. And also, I always get immensely excited when you have anything new =)

Author's Response: Thank you, flonk. I started out with the intention of writing a terribly fluffy Christmas story, but, somehow, I ended up with this. I hope to have yet another new one sometime soon-ish - not fluffy, but not quite this dark, either.

10

You should know by now that you're one of my two absolute favorite fan fic writers. I will religiously read anything you write, and I think this fic in particular is an amazing example of why.

You've written about this transition. Twice. Yet you haven't declared it the be-all, end-all to Jim and Pam's changing relationship. You've been able to take a completely different standpoint and make it just as believable.

I don't think I've ever seen a story about that arc from a failing friendship, back to friendship, and forward farther to a relationship that takes this view point. I think, especially for Pam, that this is really plausible. I can't speak from experience, but it's a huge leap from barely talking to someone to suddenly being in bed with them.

I'm really looking forward to the remaining parts and how else you evolve their relationship. You always have such unique and gorgeous language, and are eloquent even when the characters are feeling awkward.

Holy long review, Batman, I think I'm done. Except this line took my breath away:
His voice was different, like their kiss was hiding in his mouth.

Just perfect.

Author's Response: ::blushes:: Thanks, flonk. Having written this part of their story once before is actually making it much harder to write it all over again, but I\'m enjoying the challenge. Speaking from personal experience, even making the leap from being from being friends (esp. good friends) with someone to going to bed with them is difficult, so I can just barely imagine what Pam must be going through here. I really appreciate this fantastic review. Means so much to me.

10

You killed me. I'm dead, in case you were wondering.

With so many first time fics, people like to write that Jim and Pam are randomly so comfortable with each other, or one is so bold all of a sudden, and it never quite feels right. What you've written it just so human- his hands shaking, her hands balled into fists. Its beautiful in it's awkwardness, because no matter who the person is, its going to be weird.

I'm running out of wonderful things to say. But seriously, you just always have your own approach to things that is so strikingly honest. And I really appreciate. I'm always holding my breath.

I wish I had coherent, constructive things to say. But you're already doing everything right =)

Author's Response: I have to stop writing fic or you people need to take care better care of yourselves. I\'m much too cute to go to prison. :) I\'ve read a lot of first date/time fics, and, as I wrote it here, it seems likely to me that, if either of them is going to be bold, it\'s going to be Jim. At the same time, our dear boy is kind of a basketcase, so there\'s no way he\'s really going to be completely calm and collected in this situation, especially if Pam isn\'t holding it together. I think FNB wasn\'t really all that F or N; I think she was just talking past a lot of her own anxieties. That approach is probably going to work in most situations, but I just can\'t see her not getting a little worked up over being physical with Jim, esp. if she thinks that they\'re rushing things. As always, thanks so much for taking the time to leave such a kind review. I don\'t think it\'ll be too long before you people get another one out of me. Hope you like it.