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Now this is a very interesting concept. By any chance have you ever read or is this in any way inspired by "The Giver" by Lois Lowry? I get a very similar vibe. Quite a few differences there too. Nice world building in a short time space too. I'm really looking forward to seeing how this goes forward.

Author's Response: I think I have heard of that book, but I've never read it! I'll have to read it after I finish this, I wouldn't want to accidentally copy anything. I'm glad you like it so far!

One thing I'm curious about. If love isn't allowed in this universe, why would there be romcoms? Maybe a way for the government to hold some form of control. If you've ever read "The Hunger Games," there's a particularly nasty line in there. I'll paraphrase a bit. "A little hope is a good thing." Maybe it's something like that.

Don't get me wrong I still really like this whole concept. I just wonder where Pam's thoughts of wanting a real romantic and loving relationship come from considering such things are outlawed and marriages are assigned. Could be something to dive into a bit more.

Other than that, still nice to see the growing relationship. Looking forward to seeing what happens next.

Author's Response:

Good point, I honestly didn't even consider that. I'll definitely look into that more and dive deeper into why it's a thing, but off the top of my head, I think that romcoms in this universe would be seen as kind of like sci-fi movies in our universe. Like something that people can appreciate and even long for, but in the end it's not real. But, since this has to do with feelings and not aliens, some people, like Pam, do end up getting too wrapped up into the stories and believe that love can happen. If that makes sense lol. 

I'm glad you're enjoying it, though!  

Sweet to start, then a bit of angst to end things there. You did a good job of expressing the emotions of them here. Clearly they want to be together and the fact they can't is of course a hard thing to consider.

Interesting choice to have them start to be friends with Roy and Karen. I mean it does serve a purpose in that it helps them have some more time together so that's nice. Considering we're well outside the bounds of canon, it's a chance to play with some of those ideas too.

Can't wait to see what Jim's got up his sleeve.

Wow! Yeah, that was a shock. I get why Pam and Jim did what they did. But now things have all gotten really confused. And for Roy to just storm out like that? Going right into dangerous waters here. Very exciting with everything.

Bringing Volunteer Sheriff Dwight was kind of a fun turn. Yes, he's gullible, but he's also asking the right questions as to why Jim isn't with Karen and who Pam might be. For all his bluster, Dwight is actually quite intelligent in his own way. Makes me wonder what might happen further down the line with that.

Drunk Pam at Chili's could be fun, but also I get a small sense of foreboding. In Vino Veritas and all. Might Pam let something slip? Looks like we'll see.

I love Holly to the rescue. Though I've got a feeling there might be a few wrinkles in this plan. Seems to me that Roy might go along with it. Karen might not though. So I like that we have a real glimmer of hope here to be sure. I also like that Micheal lost all his bluster and under all that is a genuinly caring guy. Nice writing to bring that out.

In the words of David Wallace, "Well, that kinda worked out." No issues with me here with a Roy and Karen pairing. Just adds another flavor to this AU you've got going. Not everything has to be heartache and struggle. Sometimes things just work out well. That's ok too.

Good description of Pam's anxiety leading up to the conversation. That makes a lot of sense that she'd be really nervous about everything.

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There are still a few questions, such as how they dealth with the familes. You did allude to that, lying, sneaking around, and such. Likewise we never really found out what would happen if the forced marrigae law was broken. Those are a couple things I would have liked to have seen. Maybe later as one-shots.

Past all that, it was a very cute scene. That Pam gets to live out her childhood dream is very cute. Jim's reflection on how things lined up for him was also heartwarming.

Well done for getting this out there. It was an adventure to see go through to the end.

Fortes Fortuna Adiuvat.

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Interesting to say the least. Gives Pam quite a bit to think about that's for sure. Some questions remain though. Why Pam and Roy drove separately. Obviously hey had a fight about things. Is Pam thinking more about leaving Roy now?

You wrote Pam being flustered very well. Seems like everything was spinning out of control until she hugged Jim there. Then maybe something calmed down. Jim is now befuddled that's for sure.

Works good a one-shot but I wouldn't mind seeing another chapter to see how everything ties off.

Author's Response:

Thank you, warrior, for your great review - as usual!

Answering the question - Pam and Roy had a fight... over the broken toast oven (and I totally failed with an explanation of this moment in the story; I should probably add a line or two to point at this). 

And, as much as I want to set Pam and Jim together as soon as it's possible, I doubt that first-season Pam could leave Roy after one dream (even such a meaningful one). But, if I figure out how to organize her escape, I'll definitely add some chapter(s) or a connected story.

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I love all the imagery embedded everywhere here. How first the rain brought healing to them, then washed clean the past, and finally triggered new growth and life. Beautiful images in there.

Short, sweet, and lovely.

Author's Response: Thanks so much!

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Going AU right away here. Interesting to see all of their thoughts. Roy being the testosterone fueled jock we all take him for. Pam not quite knowing where she stands until she sees Roy flirting with Katy. And of course love-lorn Jim being his love-lorn self.

This is just all sorts of interesting and I can't wait to see where it goes.

Author's Response: Thanks for reading and reviewing!

So lots of big changes here. Katy being the one to break up with Jim seems par for the course. She's actually kind of right. He did spend time cozied up to Pam and ignored her, his date. We all know the reasons why, but she does have a legitimate point.

Roy is being an ass as usual.

Gotta feel for Pam though. She's really had her whole life rocked. First with the feelings for Jim and now with Roy saying all that. Wow. Big weekend.

Really looking forward to seeing how things are in the office come Monday.

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Great way to end things. Lovely to see Jim and Pam move past friends to in a relationship. After the break-ups and everything it's lovely to see.

I do kinda wish we could have had a glimpse into Roy's world. Last chapter after Katy rejected him I had this vision that that's what keeps happening to him. Rejection after rejection because the women he's after are put off by him drunk calling and the like. But your story.

Besides that, like I said it was wonderful to watch Jim and Pam get together. Great story. Lots of fun.

Fortes Fortuna Adiuvat