I've been writing fanfiction for awhile now. Just recently discovered The Office and figured I'd try my hand at that as well.
At first I thought of having all my stories in the same universe, but then I had some AU ideas. So any stories that occur within a common universe will be in a given series.
Anything can happen on Halloween.
1 Very steamy to be sure. Lots of very wonderful descriptions. Me personally, I'm just going to sit here and head canon that Pam dropped Drunky Mc. Drunkface off then headed to Jim's place for rounds 2 through forever.
Author's Response:
Thank you! I definitely upped the steam factor a little bit here for sure. ;)
And I thought about giving it that kind of happy ending but ultimately, I decided that if I did that, it would take too much away from the fantasy/Halloween theme of the entire thing so; as much as we’d like it to be different, Pam went home to Roy and stayed there for the rest of the season.
Thank you for reading!
1 *Stunned expression of disbelief* A-guh-huh...hold on, let me compose myself here for a second or two. Ok, so in a sentence...
Holy $&*@! You did it. You actually freaking did it! After all this time, and so many nights in chats of people begging for this, there it is. The bodysuit story. Honestly I really never thought you'd actually write this. Coley! DC! How much did that bribe cost you two?!
So yeah, I mean really what else is there to say about that, other than for the love of all things good and right with the world please let Tuesday get here soon. After all that and to have it end with Jim walking out the door? Oh Jim, me thinks you may have underestimated what you just done there did.
Yeah, so, not really sure what more to say. Pardon me while I go take a walk outside to cool off for a moment or ten. Outstanding as always AG.
1 Yeah I didn't think you'd just let Jim waltz out of there. I love that once she gets him back inside the apartment they just wantonly go for it. As hot and steamy as everything is, it's that bit at the end that is the most telling. They're finally fully together and that's all that matters. It's a great contrast.
You have such a great talent of having hot and steamy scenes, but the thing that really comes across is the deeper connection between these two characters.
So while you're off the hook for this fic, you're still on the harassment hook. *glances over at AG's other WIP's* Then again, I'm not really one to talk. *glances over at his own unfinished stories* Hmmmm, how 'bout we just call it even for now?
Jim finds inspiration for his ten year wedding anniversary gift in the last place he ever thought to look. 
1 This was actually quite lovely. There were a lot of very interesting times to be had in that parking lot. A lot of hard times to be sure, but like you mentioned, one of their biggest moments of healing as well. I love that they still have a relationship with Dwight and Angela. Lots of fun to see how things have panned out for them. Great little tale here. Thanks for sharing it.
Author's Response: Thanks Warrior. I’m glad you enjoyed it despite my doubts over whether or not it was worth posting. It’s nice to know it still hit the mark.
Jim and Pam go home after Phyllis' wedding, but not with each other.
Lyrics from Eyes Closed by Halsey.
Very real way of capturing their feelings at that point in their lives. Vivid descriptions as always.
Author's Response: Thanks Warrior!
After the events of Casino Night, Pam is adrift and Jim is anchored.
A spin on early Season 3 that relies far too heavily on nautical imagery and references to Titanic...
1 Ok, so wow. This looks to be really good. You've really got a knack for coming up with these unique ideas and also different metaphors to describe them and this is proving to be no exception.
I do like the dichotomy between Jim and Pam here. They're both lost, but in different ways. Jim clinging to the one thing that can ground him, even if it goes against most of what he used to be like. Pam and her almost aimless drifting. I do like that she has the wherewithal to realize what her old relationship with Roy was and what a relationship with Jim could be. Great introspection on both their parts.
Then of course there's Micheal. I love Sincere Micheal here. Usually when he has a moment like this it pays off well. I get the feeling that this is one of those moments. I loved that he's held Jim's position open. The "go get our boy," is telling. He really considers DM Scranton his family and that shows here nicely.
Can't wait to see where this one goes.
Author's Response: Thank you, Warrior. You’ve really made my day here, mostly because I know you give frank (cushioned in kind) and constructive feedback to literally everything. It means a lot to have you say that this idea/metaphor isn’t completely ridiculous. I’m glad you got what I was going for with how I’ve represented where both Pam and Jim are at. Sincere Michael is the best version of Michael... Hoping to have an update up the next day or two...
Good build-up to Pam's arrival. They both have such hugely conflicting emotions right now. "What if, what if, what if..." Clearly there's a lot of fear in both of them still. However what I really liked in this chapter is there's the first few glimmers of hope starting to peak through. Not all is lost. That's nice to see.
Looking forward to seeing them both in the same room again.
Author's Response: Thanks Warrior - not all is lost, but it’s going to take a little while for them to get there. Hopefully I’ll have the next chapter up sometime this weekend.
1 Ok, so basically "The Merger" but in Stamford. I do like how Jim's instinct is to have her in his arms. Trust that instinct Jim, it'll lead you to a safe harbor. Still, he's scared. Pam threw him for a loop by showing up here and it shows. Hopefully the crash of the waves will settle a bit for him to hear that voice inside.
Pam though is doing as well as can be expected. Yes, swim diagonal or parallel to shore to get out of the rip, but once, out of the rip and into calm water, one still needs to swim to shore to get to the safety of the beach. Hopefully she'll get of the rip soon and then take the more direct approach. It worked with getting away from the sinking boat that was Roy. It could work well to get to the safe harbor that is a relationship with Jim too.
Lovely writing. The nautical metaphors are still working well in my opinion.
Author's Response:
Yep, basically “The Merger” in Stamford (for now). It’ll deviate a little more in the next chapter - mostly because Pam arrives in time to disrupt the Karen thing from becoming a thing...
I’m glad the metaphor is still working. I’m really trying to balance overusing it & not mentioning it at all. I hope I’m mostly hitting that sweet spot in the middle.
Thanks for reviewing! (As always).
I like the this tactic that Pam's come up with. Be the Pam he fell in love with, but since he's being cool towards her, direct it at Karen. Pam makes a new friend, starts to chip away at Jim's feelings, and starts to feel good for herself. Win-win-win.
Bit of ebb and flow with Jim here. Lots of mixed feelings that come across well. He may be all serious workaholic Jim, or at least telling himself that. But under it all, he 's still Jim. The nice guy who tries to do the right thing. His guilt over how he treated Karen show this nicely.
Wonderful update as always.
Author's Response: Thanks Warrior! Yeah, Jim is all over the place - I’m hoping it mostly makes sense for him to be that way though, at least at this point...
1 Oooohh I like this chapter. Like, a lot. Jim may think himself still anchored, but there's a lot more slack in that line. I think he's finding the water's aren't nearly as rough as he thought they were, thus he doesn't need so tight of a lifeline. There's life in his sails again and perhaps the first yearnings to chart a new course that once again leads to her. He's starting to behave like himself again and it's all thanks to Pam.
Speaking of Pam, her plan to just be the warm loving person he fell in love with looks to be working great for both of them. I also really liked that she's learned from the mistakes of Casino Night here. That after a big thing like his kiss or her showing up, there needs or should have been some time to process everything. Jim didn't give her or him that time and now he's in Stamford. She IS giving them that time and they're moving closer together. Great way to bring that out.
I loved that she put out the jelly beans full of his favorites. Yes, she's here for him and there he goes getting sucked back in as if she's an inescapable whirlpool. Which let's face it, she is for Jim. So yes, she's cleared the rip tide. Wonderful to see, but it also looks like she's creating her own current as well. One that is pulling and straining at that anchor line holding onto Jim. Hopefully it won't be long before that line snaps and her current pulls him ever closer towards the safe harbor that is her loving arms.
Great way to incorporate things from canon here. The sicking Andy on Pam prank in this context was a great way to show they still have a deep connection to each other. Oh boy Andy, you really have no idea what you're up against when you start to mess with the Dunder-Mifflin Partners in Crime Pranking Society that is Jim and Pam.
Author's Response: Thanks for this lovely review, Warrior. I enjoyed writing this chapter, I feel as if they’re returning to their true selves a little more - which meant a little more humor/fun. I’m glad that came across.
1 Ok, so how to write in nautical themes for this review that you haven't made yet? Hmm, might as well just plunge right in.
So, yeah this was just all sorts of wonderful. Their conversation at lunch was very refreshing. I see the Office Ladies influence there with everything going through Pam's mind in the parking lot of Chili's. Nicely done. I love how you have them talking so openly about some of those events. Building up the courage to ply through the bigger waves of other events. And low and behold they're both still on an even keel. They've both found out that trusting each other with their actual thoughts is proving more than enough to deal with the swirling currents of their past and they can sail through, not exactly with ease, but at least with purpose.
Great build up throughout the rest of the chapter. Good on Pam to say she needs to figure out who she is for herself before getting into more than a friendship with Jim. Also good on her to know that it wont take long. Especially now that she's sand under her feet as you so eloquently put it.
So Pam's ashore and reaching out to him. Lovely image there. Can't wait to see Jim follow suit as they make safe harbor after all the storms they've had to endure. Great update.
Author's Response: I like that you’re keeping with the nautical theme in your review, Warrior. I appreciate the dedication to the theme!
Okay so a lot going on here really. I like how Pam is finding her footing more and more. It's giving her the courage to talk about things she would have avoided in the past as well as start to explore new horizons with Jim. That whole, "I need to find out who Pam is without anyone else" deal you got going on Pam? You're well on your way. From where I'm sitting it seems like she's not even aware she's well down that path, which is also somewhat fitting for her character. Lovely writing to bring that about.
Then there's Jim. Yes the storm has passed, but he's still bobbing on the waves. Maybe it's more the eye wall of the hurricane is past him. There are still big wind and waves that are tossing him about. However the wind and waves aren't a strong or intense as before, and they're getting calmer with each moment. See him pulling pranks and rolling his sleeves up again.
However there's also something new in Jim's spyglass as he looks across the horizon. A lighthouse in the form of Pam. She's there shining brightly, calling to him, not only alerting him of the dangers of rocks along the shore, but also guiding him to safe harbor. He's still a ways out to sea, but there's a light calling him home at last. With a strong beacon blazing across the waves, there's a sure course to set at long last.
Also loved that Jim brought Cugino's and they're playing pranks. Very cute moments that were a lot of fun to read.
Author's Response: You’re onto me, Warrior. That whole thing you wrote about Pam being further along in figuring out who she is then she realizes? That’s going to be something she starts to recognize in a not too distant chapter...
I liked how you had Jim still able to give his line about Micheal. Yes, Micheal is loyal to DM and here we see that deep down, Michael's employees are actually loyal to him too. In both the show and here, I don't think Jim would have said that had there not been a real sense of respect he had for Micheal, so nicely done in that regard.
Yay Pam. She's figured out who she is nice and quick like. Granted a few hugs from Jim helped her along way. Not that I'm complaining. She's settled, in a good way, about what will bring her happiness. She can be happy by herself, for herself which is important. And that the horizon is clear for a relationship with Jim just makes things all the more sweeter.
So for a while I'd been thinking along the lines that when Jim and Pam get together, they'll be in the safe harbor of a relationship together. I'm going to change that analogy around a bit. Mainly because I think I've got an idea of what's coming next. Anyway, they've made it to harbor here. The storms are past, the waves are calm, the breeze is light. The thing about a harbor, is that it's where ships come to repair, refuel, and resupply for their true purpose. Sailing the waves. The ships of Jim and Pam's lives are now resting firmly at the dockside and the refits are underway. Seems like soon though, both of those ships will be once more sailing out past the breakwater, but in tandem, rather than on a solo voyage. Can't wait to see them off.
Author's Response: Michael’s quirkiness turns people off pretty quickly, but with those who know him there’s definitely a sense of loyalty. His interaction with Jim at the convention is just so lovely & captures their relationship so well. So yeah, I feel like Jim would still say that line in this context. Pam’s still got a little figuring out to do, but she’s not far off. The horizon is definitely clear for what comes next! They’re definitely prepping to face the world/sea together. We’re almost there. Hopefully I’ll get the final chapter up this weekend. We shall see...
1 I loved all the little details of Pam's apartment. Especially good was that now after her time in Stamford and talking to Jim again she realizes just how much it all means. At the start of this story I'm sure she was in a different head space. Yes her space is hers, but now, with a new outlook, she's realized just how much she has changed for the better. I get the feeling she's wrapping herself in that feeling like a warm thick blanket. Lovely imagery to read.
Micheal was great. He's there in his over blustery way. Very much in character for him. I liked that Pam just calmly goes along with him. She's happy so she can be patient and kind with him in this regard. Likewise after her call with Jim, there's a peace about her that's just wonderful to imagine.
I do like that Jim is a little nervous about his return. However his humor, with the canon line, and Pam's reaction to him allay any fears at once. That's the Merger reaction we would have loved to have seen in cannon, so bravo for bringing that to light.
Yes, the storm is past and the seas are calm. There may be more in their future, for who knows what life has in store. However now that they've found each other, they have a partner at the helm. Regardless of if they're in harbor or set out to see, they're right there by each other's side at the helm.
This story has been wonderful throughout. It's been a joy to read and follow. Very well done. Thanks for sharing it.
Fortes Fortuna Adiuvat
Author's Response: Thanks, as always, Warrior! That was essentially what I had in mind starting this fic - The Merger, but a version where they had already had the chance to sort some things out. I have no idea where the nautical side of things came from... I really had fun with Michael here, so I’m glad that came out okay. Pam’s musings in her apartment are part of that realizing she’s come further than she thinks thing. It was nice to have you along for the ride.
A young Pam feels trapped in a vicious cycle of flashbacks and fighting for her life. She recounts where it all went wrong until someone breaks her out of her trance.
An AU that may be pretty far-fetched and my first fic for The Office!
Kind of a dark view on Pam here. Not the most favorable of ways to see her or her relationship with Roy. I can't say I'm looking forward to seeing updates for this, but I am also curious to see where it goes.
Very real writing, and good descriptions as well. Tons of emotional beats that fill things out. More dialogue would be good. There was a lot of narration, but hearing more of their actual words could fill in a lot of blanks as well.
Author's Response: Thank you so much for your review! I’m aware it’s kind of a stretch but thank you anyway for your interest! I’m not the best at dialogue and I wasn’t totally sure how to incorporate it into a flashback situation but future chapters will hopefully have more to round things out.
Author's Response: Thank you so much for your review! I’m aware it’s kind of a stretch but thank you anyway for your interest! I’m not the best at dialogue and I wasn’t totally sure how to incorporate it into a flashback situation but future chapters will hopefully have more to round things out.
Jim and Pam navigate their first dates. My take on scenes we didn't get to see between "The Job" and "Fun Run". Fluffy, romantic, sexy fun.
1 There can never be enough First Date stories as far as I'm concerned. Yes it's a well worn path at this point, but at the same time, everyone brings something different to the telling which makes it fun. This is no different. You struck a really good balance in this first chapter between, fun, flirty, silly, steamy, and serious. I really like that they start to get things out in the open right away. Lack of truly honest communication is what kept them apart for so long, so it's always great to see them fixing that right from the off. I really liked that Jim paid off Brian to get him out of there. Contract be damned, there are certain things that deserve to be private. I'm not sure I've seen that particular twist before so that was fun.
All in all a really fun date. Onwards to Chapter 2.
Author's Response: You are too kind! One of the things I like to do in my fics is cut through all the frustrating miscommunication, lack of honesty, and angst that we often see on TV shows. I know that brings drama and excitement, but fanfiction is like therapy to me, lol, where I try to make things right for the characters I love. I always write happy endings, go light on the angst, and resolve it quickly. Guess I'm just an optimistic person :). Glad you enjoyed this and that you saw something "new" in this old theme. Thanks so much for reviewing!
1 Again a nice balance between banter, steam, and serious. I also like that they're working on getting over old hangups. At the same time it's clear that they're it for each other from here on out. Very nice with Jim's POV. Great introspection throughout. Vivid detail too during the more steamy scenes. Doing a great job with this one. Can't wait to see what's going on in Pam's mind.
Author's Response: Thanks so much! Anytime I get kudos for my dialogue, I'm a happy camper. So glad you liked this chapter!
1 At first I got a little confused on the timeline. Many fics have Jim coming back from New York and thus the night of the first date on a Thursday since that's the date the show used to be on. Under that assumption their first night at Jim's place in this story would have been on a Friday and so they wouldn't have needed to wake up for work the next day. Going back through the other two chapters, I didn't see where it was explicitly stated that the first date was on a Thursday. It's not really that big of a deal, but it's something that came to mind when I was reading is all.
I do really like how they connect ;) with each other here. That they can move forward with things and start enjoying being in love. Great story here. Thanks for posting it.
Fortes Fortuna Adiuvat
Author's Response: Thanks for the lovely review! As for the timeline, I guess I always assumed that Karen came back from New York the next day, and she and Jim had that big argument in the office, so I set Jim and Pam's first date on a Thursday night. She could have come back that same day before their date, but that seemed weird to me if she had, and a long drive from New York later. I don't remember on the show whether it was ever explicitly stated the day of the week. Anyway, sorry if it was confusing and that you were able to get past that and enjoy it anyway. I appreciate your input--I'm definitely a newbie here.
What if Jim hadn't left Pam after Casino Night?1 You know I'm not sure I've actually read something like this before. Where Jim doesn't run off to Stamford after getting rejected. Most of the time Pam will choose Jim right away or like in canon Jim leaves, but then Pam finds her courage early. This does seems different and I like the concept.
Jim here is really interesting. It seems he gets over his pain fairly quickly. I think it's because he's listening to his head a bit more than his heart. While his heart is hurting, his head says the things you've captured. She kissed him back, he's her best friend, shouldn't your fiance be your best friend. Makes for a good change of pace. I do worry a little that he's laying it on Pam a bit much. He seems to know she's still reeling about things. So while I'm glad he's being honest with her, I worry that unless he backs off a shade, the courage that Pam develops through S3 might take a bit longer to develop.
However this is only the first chapter and if your other works are any indication, I think you have enough skill as a writer to bring things through rather well. I'm really looking forward to seeing how this all plays out. Especially looking forward to seeing what's going on in Pam's head.
Author's Response: Yes, this is definitely a more logical Jim, a more courageous Jim. I'm thinking that in this AU, once the dam broke on pouring out his feelings to Pam, he just didn't want to give up so easily, and therein lies the conflict--is it too much for a still engaged Pam? Will she have the courage to make the right decision? Thanks for your confidence in me, that you are willing to give this idea a chance. I really appreciate your great review!
So that took a turn. Kinda figured Pam would have a ton of conflicting emotions with everything. That part played out well. Nice job at getting into her head with everything.
"In Vino Veritas" there Pam. In case you're unaware, that's "In Wine Truth." Or in this case Drunk Pam seems to have let her guard down enough to let herself really feel what her heart's been telling her. While sober she's guilt ridden and feeling the pressure. However her real feelings are there under the surface.
Classic set up with Jim and Pam there in the limo. I get that Jim is having a hard time trying to figure out what to do. Yes she's drunk, but he wants her, and she seems to want him. All very confusing and head spinning to be sure.
Then there's Roy. Two very different looks at him here. First a sweet Roy that's rarely seen in fics with leaving her breakfast and all. Which of course only adds to Pam's feelings of guilt. Then there at the end the more angry Roy that's been seen quite a bit. His anger at Jim is understandable. However his words to Pam seem to hearken to something more serious. Great way to bring that all out with economy of words too.
Great way to add a lot of drama with this chapter. You've most assuredly got me hooked for the next update.
Author's Response: Thanks so much for the encouragement, and the nice things you've said. Hope you like the next chapter, which I just posted :)
1 Being the medical professional I am there's one big thing here that stands out to me. In general hospitals don't allow male and female patients to share rooms. That's the real world poking it's head in. That Pam and Jim are in the same hospital room like this we'll just chalk up to artistic licence because it does make everything very sweet.
Seems like the previous night was just the kick Pam needed to clarify her feelings for both Roy and Jim. Nice to see her come to that realization and reach out to Jim like this.
As for Jim, I hope he throws the book at Roy.
Author's Response: Interesting about the rooms. My parents were both in the same room in our small town hospital. It must just depend on where you are. Thanks for the input.
1 No book throwing at Roy? Ah well, probably for the best in the long run. Very cute chapter. There's still some things that need to be dealt with clearly. Roy is still pissed and Pam needs to really get closure for all of that.
However, the rest is all turning out nicely. Nice of Pam to clean up the bachelor pad. I get she's willing to help while Jim is healing, but hopefully with this stronger backbone of hers she won't let Jim off the hook to long about having her do all the cooking and cleaning. If she's finally realized everything that was wrong with her relationship with Roy, letting any guy take advantage of her like that would be one of the first things to go. Still it's sweet that she offers to help out.
Nice hint of steam there at the end. Clearly they're both leaning into their shared connection now, and it's a wonderful thing to see. Can't wait to see how this all wraps up.
Author's Response: Don't worry, Pam is just being nice. I don't think she would allow herself to fall back into old habits. I think it's in Jim's character that he wouldn't want to hold a grudge against Roy, especially for Pam's sake. Thanks for the review. Final chapter up soon!
1 Very sweet way to end it all. Personally I would have like some more closure with Roy. He's still out there and still probably pissed off. It would have been nice to have that resolved. So that's really the only critique I have for this chapter.
Other than that, it's all very sweet and steamy to see them start out their relationship this way. I really liked it that they got most of their previous miscommunications out in the open. Great way to start building a nice solid foundation for the rest of their relationship.
Great job with this story. I've really enjoyed coming along for the ride.
Fortes Fortuna Adiuvat
Author's Response: You are too kind. I guess, honestly, just like Roy disappeared from the show soon after he attacked Jim (except for his wedding later), I was done with him, as I think was Pam, so that's kind of my approach here. Roy was released and hopefully is moving on with his life. Glad you still enjoyed the rest of this story. Thanks so much for your helpful critique and praise. I always enjoy hearing from you.
It's intriguing to be sure. The changes as to who is who look promising as well. Truth be told I've never read any Jane Austen so I only know of the general plots of her more famous works. So good for me going forwards as I won't know what to expect.
Quick thing on the technical side of writing. Titles of nobility are always capitalized. So rather than writing sir or lord Michael, it should always be Sir or Lord Micheal. Same goes for things like Mr., Mrs., or Miss. Hope that helps for things going forward.
Author's Response:
Thank you very much for your review and your remarks. I'll try to update the story regularly.
1 Delightful. I really enjoyed this chapter. The Regency period style of speaking came through nicely without being so over the top as being hard to follow.
Very nice way for Jim and Pam to meet. Seems like since they're now both in Michael's employ that they'll be seeing a lot of each other. Can't wait to see how you develop their relationship.
Author's Response: Thank you! As much as I love Jane Austen, I often struggle with her long and complicated sentences. I'll try to simplify that style a little bit - I'm glad it worked.