10

I know this story is really really old, and this is far from my first time reading it but I realized I had never commented on it before, in the past I sorta thought it was pointless to comment on the older stuff. I now know that sometimes the authors actually do come back through and see the comments and I also know it can help a reader who is trying to decide if a story, especially one that is many chapters like this is, is worth reading. So, I now try to comment at least some on the older pieces that really hit me.

I just have to say that this is simply beautiful from beginning to end. I LOVE agressive Jim in the beginning. He KNOWS that Pam kissed him back and he knows that it has to mean something so rather than running away like he did, he stays and he challenges her and he pushes her. He refuses to allow her to just remain in her little comfort zone knowing she's going to make a huge mistake. The thing is, IMO, with Jim remaining in Scranton I think this may have been the only way that Pam would have actually gone through with calling it off. Many fics have pointed out that it was Jim leaving that brought Pam to the point where she called off the wedding because with him there she had everything she needed, she just simply didn't realize that it was Jim that was giving here the things she really needed, not Roy. So, in most cases unless Pam had given in and decided on Casino Night, I think she would have gone through with the wedding never really realizing that the good parts of her life were coming to her from Jim and the miserable and lonely parts were courtesy of Roy. You brought a new element with Jim and her in the stairwell, Jim challenging her and telling her that he simply wasn't going to stop until it was too late. Simply brilliant.

I admit, there were many times in this story where I kinda wanted to smack Pam and try to knock some sense into her. I mean, the whole thing of not really completely calling off the wedding, Roy had 10 years and yes, at this point he is going to be on his very best behavior but she had already seen a nice long preview of Roy who feels he is not threatened, did she really think that 'best behavior Roy' would be there to stay? OTOH there is Jim who has been loving her and taking care of her in his own quiet way, completely thanklessly, for YEARS at that point. I think that Pam is ao amazingly lucky that what Jim felt for her was that one of a kind true love that he just couldn't give up on because otherwise there were several points AFTER Casino Night, like when she revealed she hadn't completely given Roy up and when he drove 5 hours, taking a half day off work from a new job, which could have certainly made him look bad, simply because he had heard that she had a really rough day and he wanted to be there for her so he, because he loves her volunteerily goes for a 10 hr round trip drive, meaning he probably also will be tire and not impressing anyone in the new office the next day either, to spend just a couple measly hours with her only to have her jump to Roy's defense. Roy, the person who made her day so awful. The one who accused her of things he was probably guilty of himself and certainly should have known her well enough to know she wouldn't do those things. She really walked a line there and if Jim were a different man she probably would have lost him, at very least temporarily. I also thought that it was just, well, unfortunately typical the way things went when Roy went to Pam's parent's house to pick her up. I mean, the guy doesn't even really care what's wrong, here's a blanket appology, ok, all better let's go home. When that doesn't work that's when he starts getting irritated at her and unbelievably at the end of that she agrees to give him another chance.

Something that I LOVE and what goes a very long way towards redeeming Pam and her actions in my eyes is her taking that blind leap of faith, her obviously somewhere inside of herself believing deeply in her and Jim being together, so deeply that she makes the move to his town. A move that moves her not just away from Scranton but farther away from her parents. I think that's very cool that it kinda makes up for the things she had put him through.

I certainly do understand and think it was completely realistic that Pam would first need to not automatically jump from Roy to Jim, that's always been my thing about CN, was Pam really supposed to go ok, now I'm done with Roy and Jim and I are a couple. Let's face it, in the world of boys and dating, Pam is young and not mature so it makes sense for her to need a little 'Pam time.' Even more, when you consider that Roy has been the only guy Pam has ever been with, and it's been so so many years since she last navigated trying to decide when and logistics plus, the fact that she would know that Jim has obviously had experience with far more partners than she has, I would think thaose things would all add up to making that decision terrifying. Is it to soon? Will "I" be enough, know enough, to satisfy him, what will he think of me, will this change our relationship, make him lose interest? She's only navigated those questions and answers once, a LONG time ago, so I feel for her. In the end I think it worked out perfectly because even though it was incredibly frustrating for them both up until it happened, I think it made it extra special that it was on the first night of their first vacation together. I also thought you had the flow and progression of their relationship pretty perfect. The moving in together, the pregnancy scare where he was fully prepared to propose and it was sweet that it wasn't just a big sigh of relief that the test was negative, they loved each other enough that they were also a bit disappointed at the results. Then there was Pam's showing of her first art combined with their perect proposal that rolled right into her selling her first piece. Their implied wedding, as it was talked about at the wedding they attended and rnding with the wonderful knowledge that there's nothing more wonderful than a sweet Halpert baby on the way. (Well, nothing more wonderful as long as mommy's name is pam!!!)

I DO have one point of contention, something that came up, maybe halfway through... when Jim was returning from Australia (LOVE that Pam made the decision and put in the efort to pick him up from the airport! Also LOVE that you skimmed his time in Australia and just mentioned a few postcards rather than trying to detail his time there!!) Anyhow.. You mentioned something and I then watched for it through the rest of the story, I'm guessing that you had just forgotten about that detail. You mentioned about a rather large purchase Jim had made for Pam that he seemed to doubt he's ever even be able to give her but did still have some hope that he would. I assumed that he bought her an engagement ring that is the ring he eventually propose with but I'm just not sure if I have that right or not since it was never again mentioned. I'm going to go ahead with my own assuption unless I somewhere somehow learn differently, though I'm not sure how I could. Maybe if I skim the comments of other readers, maybe someone else caught that and commented as well. Not sure if you responded to the reviews but I may take a look.

Other than the one point, and that is so so minor, such a brilliant story. It really is IMO different than any of the others I have read and I just realy love it. I'm sad that you don't seem to be writing for TO any longer, I enjoy your fics because there doesn't tend to be heavy angst but there does tend to be lots of happiness and not like 12 chapters of angst or so so and 3 chapters of them finally headed towards happiness. Most of yours is pretty much brightness and sunshine and sometimes that's what a girl really nees. Oh and lastly, also, your fics will just never never get old. No matter where they are in life on the show now, your fics remain fantastic reads. Thank you so much for sharing such amazing talent with us!

10

This particular chapter is, I believe, about the most beautiful piece of fan fiction I have ever read. Personally I have always believed that after all the time and heartache/heartbreak, trials and tribulations this special couple, who are, to me, so obviously soulmates, after all they went through, I believe they probably took things really pretty fast. If I did think however that they did choose to go very slow, then I think I choose to believe that it would have gone exactly the way you have written it here.

This is really a truly incredible and powerfully beautiful chapter you have written. I have enjoyed all of this piece, each chapter BUT, since authors don't tend to see reviews that are written so long after the fact, I rarely write them for older pieces like I used to. I just HAD to make an exception here. If there is even a small chance you will read this I wanted you to know just how incredible I think it is. REALLY a great job setting the scene and painting a beautiful picture with your words! Thank you so much for sharing this!

10

I just want to say that while I have only discovered fan fiction stories in the pasy month or so, I have become obsessed and have read MANY of the Pam/Jim ones. I can honestly say that this is without any doubt my very favorite. You took us through every element and brought us to where I would have liked to have seen th charchters go. I LOVE Pam contacting Jim first, yet being tentative about thigs so she drops a very short email just to see if he will respond. The progewss from that point is awesome and the last chapter was so awesome, she finally decides that he did it all because of her so she will give up her comfort zonr in Scranton to be with te one she loves. I LOVE hoe]w you have her research e verything, that is VERY Pam. It was a wonderful ending but still the same, I could have kept reading many MANY mpre chapters. This story made me feel very VERY happy and I LOVED it SO much more than how they actually played things out on TV. Thanks for a fantasc story.

10

oh wow.. I just melted inside. The idea of Pam realizing that 'kinda seeing someone' is nowhere near 'engaged' so she actually takes that step she should have when he came back and takes a chance. The payoff has me all gooey inside. I LOVE your writing and love that I found and read it now right when I so desperately am in need of fluff! Great job!

10

I love love LOVE this story and honestly, I didn't think it would be my type of story. I'm begging... I know it's been some time but PLEASE!!!!! Come back and finisg it! You can't just leave us there with all they did, Jim running ot and us wondering what Pam needs to take care of in those couple of days off. (I'm praying hard that it has something to do with getting rid of Roy!!!) Just please come back! You've done extremely well with this and I want more and hopefuly a happily ever after for our couple!!! Did I mention I'm on my knees begging? I am!

10

This is absolutely beautiful. I love how even Jim and Pam's childhood dreams went together. I'm left with a smile on my face and I really needed that smile today.

10

I know it's been a LOOONNNGG time since you've added to this story but I sinceely hope you will consider coming back to it, I LOVE it. I have read the ENTIRE thing several times and feel a bit cheated out of knowing what goes on next. You have done SUCH a fabulous job with this, put so much heart and undoubtably a TON of time, it would be a REAL shame to have it go unfinished so PLEASE, if you get this reviw, at least consider reviving this and putting me out of my misery! Thanks! Really have enjoyed what you've written so far!

10

This is an absolutely amazing story! Love how you were able to take Jim Pam and even Roy's charachter's, put them in a different situation yet were able to stay so true to each of their personalities, right down to Roy taking Pam so for granted that he fels he can walk out on her and then come back and have her simply take him back as if it's a given. Also Roy leaving and then having the absolute NERVE to get mad at her because he thinks she's dating, VERY much the Roy I've always envisioned. I've read this a few times now and I STILL get sad each time when I get to the end of it! Just a really GREAT story!

10

This is just SUCH an awesome story! THe idea is so wonderfully unique and I sincerely LOVE the entire office even Creed... CREED, with the exception of Michael, plotting and planning, doing anything to make sure that Jim and Pam get together. I love even more that after it happens they truly aren't upset, they're really something like relieved. Oh and I just adore Jim reassuring Pam that it would have happened eventually anyhow. Really, I don't think the word has been created yet to convey the true awesomeness of what you have written. Let's just got with... 'This story is truly ' Brilliant... truly brilliant! Thanks so much for sharing!

10

This story is AMAZING! I admit, I'm a bit dense so I didn't get and was confused at first. I caught onto it being Jim pretty fast but it took until I think chapter 6 until it dawned on me that Pam was a reviewed then I had to go back and read each of their inrteractions, just AWESOME. I admit, I never caught on to Kelly, Phullis or Toby but I did wonder when in the review the reviewer who now I assume was Toby, put in the warning about the contract with the production company. BTW, I admit that it breaks my heart A LOT to think that Jim would have really went to Katy's just for sex after the Booze Cruise just because he was broken hearted. Actually, I don't even picture Katy riding home with him and I picture her truly despising him. Yours is a really unique take on that situation. I truly ended up loving this story, LOVED when Pam gave up pretenses and said Halpert I'm coming over to kiss you in three seconds. OH and I also really loved that Pam got to really explain to Jim what was on her mind when she left the wedding with Roy. I mean, I ALWAYS have thought that Jim's reaction to the was ridiculous. I've always kinda wanted to have him in front of me (yeah, I know he isn't real) and say, you have a girlfriend who you danced with and rubbed in Pam's face all night completely breaking her and you know it because you saw the look on her face, and I think you were secretly glad at her devastation. Who are YOU to even care WHO Pam gets together with whether you like him or not. Just because you're plaing your games with Karen you cannot expect Pam to wait! WHEW! Glad I got that out of my system. Sorry it had to happen in your review! Anyhow, LOVE LOVE LOVE this! You are a great writer!

Oh WOW!!! OK, first things first... how was Japan? were you there long? As someone that will probably never get to go overseas, I'm totally jealous! OK now... I cannot tell you just how excited and absolutely thrilled I was to click on the link for new or updated stories and see that you had, after so long, returned to see this one through. I don't think I can truly convey how much I admire you for returning after so long and how much I admire you for your absolutely uncanny ability to flip this story around yet keep these two absolutely in character. I mean seriously, had the writers wanted to go this way they could have 100% used what you've written here and no one would seem OOC. So before I really get into this, I just have to say, I'm sorry I never reviewed before but this is a story I have always absolutely loved but always got so frustrated that we got to Pam getting back from the trip and living with then the absolute frustration of the unanswered phone call. These two seem to just adore frustrating us! I am thrilled that in this new chapter they are at least forced to face each other but I have to be honest, when I read that Karen was there I felt absolute dread and got HUGE knot in my stomach! PLEASE don't force us to relive the dark days of Karen! I am seriously begging you. I like to think that when them seeing each other here, maybe they'll get together and tlk after work, start working on getting that friendship back and more than that as well. I can't help but wonder when remembering how things went on the show, and I realize that it wouldn't be quite the same since Lisa initiated the break up though I think that it seemed that Jim was trying to keep the status quo, feeling an obligation to Lisa much like I feel Pam did with Roy on the show. Jim may have even felt more pressure to follow through since he's the one that asked her to marry him unlike Pam who just had to say yes. I feel like Jim felt a total sense of relief when Lisa bailed because after Pam admitted her feelings it's so obvious with how he was after the first kiss, initiating the secon, unable to sleep and then playing with the idea of flying all the way to Italy to see Pam, I think he was obviously realizing that Pam's feelings weren't even close to being unrequitted. Anyhow, I totally lost my train of thought on where I was going so trying again, on the show Roy tried relentlessly to get Pam back so I can't help but wonder if maybe we'll see more of Lisa. I mean, she HAS to some to the realization that she made a HUGE mistake letting Jim go. Maybe she'll realize when she is dating again and has to face just what an amazing man she just let go. I don't know... I would think that since she knows that Jim was planning to go through with the wedding, I can see her walting back into his life, maybe proclaiming that she made a mistake and throwing out an offhand apology and honestly thinking that's all it would take and that she could move back in and their lives would go back to how they were. 9it would be really interesting if maybe she even had her car loaded with a bunch of her stuff, or if she still had a key Jim came home to her making dinner and a bunch of her stuff there. OOOOooppps, sorry. I really am. I tend to start seeing ways I could see a story go and/or interesting twists, especially when I'm reviewing and really thinking about the story and I tend to throw them out there. Not expecting you to use them though if I ever write something you like, feel free. I just want you to know I'm not trying to write your story of interfere with it God knows you're so good you don't need help, especially from me. My ideas probably suck. I guess I'd just like to see Lisa realizing her mistake ad working at though failing to get Jim back. Somewhere during the time that she is trying I'd love to see Lisa realize or find out that Jim and Pam are together, maybe even living together and Pam is now 'mom' to the dog that Lisa is maybe trying to lay a claim to bit can't really since she abandoned the dog. I have to say, I am really hoping that we can see less of the strife and the chase so to speak and more of them together. I honestly really hate and am so disappointed when I read a story, reading through chapter after chapter of angst and strife only to have them get together and THE END. I want to know at least some of what happened them. Were they happy? Was Jim the great boyfriend we always imagined? Did they get engaged and eventually married and it so how long was the engagement and did Jim help with the planning like I know so many hve always imagined he would. I love thinking of them getting engaged fairly quickly because really the dating process is really about getting to know the other person. See how your lives mesh and if you can see yourselves having a family, growing old together. I think by the time Jim and Pam started dating on the show and assuming they do start dating in this story (ACK, just realized I have totally TOTALLY assumed that's where this is going. PLEASE PLEASE let it be where this is going and I pray that it won't take to long to get there and maybe we can see them conquering obstacles together so still some problems, just not the nightmare of them being apart and/or another person being involved!) Anyhow, I think by the time they start dating they have spent so much time getting to know each other, being best friends that they KNOW they are great together. They know they fit, they belong and have figured out they are soul mates, each others true love and Jim realizes that Lisa was never who he was supposed to be with. Anyhow, please forgive me for all the fantasies of things that could happen, I've had a lot of time to think about it... I absolutely CANNOT wait for the next chapter to be posted. I am so excited and anxious to see where this is going to take them and US! You are such a wonderful writer that I know anywhere you take us and them, it'll be an amazingly fun ride!

Author's Response: First of thank you for your encouragement and enthusiasm! Japan was great, I was actually there for 3 years teaching English and managed to keep pretty busy (thus why I kinda fell off the MTT landscape). I'm happy to hear I'm managing to keep Jim and Pam in character with the role reversal. Jim in this fic is a bit of a challenge to write, I blame the show because show!Jim is just so utterly in love with Pam almost without exception for the entire series that trying to imagine him any other way is difficult. Yes, I've introduced Karen, but don't fear, without giving too much away, I will say that she will NOT be playing the same role she did on the show. As I post this fic to FFN and AO3 I am revising the chapters and adding a few new things, so do please re-read ;-). Someone else mentioned Lisa is kind of 1-dimensional right now and I agree (I'm just impatient and wanted to get to the parts with Jim realizing he has feelings for Pam as well and has for a while) As I revise and add new chapters I'm going to attempt to flesh out Lisa and her relationship with Jim and what went wrong. Thanks again for the comment and for following on FFN :)

10

I think I really REALLY like your mom and especially the way herv mind works! I knrw by the title that this would be a great fic. THANKS!