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I like this chapter a lot. I agree with you that this piece isn't that simple as it might seem. Your interpretation makes a lot of sense, though the timing of Jim's daydreaming is terrible (to be honest, I feel like I simply don't know the way guys' brains function, and if (random) fantasy could appear even in a wrong moment, my remark is irrelevant; I'm sorry if this my comment is confusing a little, hope you understand what I meant).
I remembered that I cringed a lot watching earlier seasons, and sometimes I feel like there is no particular connection between episodes (like, in one episode, characters could have a huge fight, and in another — act as if nothing happened at all). And I feel like the show that started as painfully realistic and awkward turned into something milder and more comfortable to look at (though a little less realistic). I explained to myself the change in Pam-Michael's dynamic that way.
The other explanation is that Pam is a saint, and she, luckily, not.
And I like that Jim isn't perfect either.
Thank you for your thought-provoking chapter, and looking forward to the next one!

Author's Response: No, I get what you're saying - speaking as a guy, I do feel like the idea that Michael talking about Pam performing a sexual act would put certain images in Jim's head is, unpleasantly, realistic. It's a reflex, not something to be proud of, but something that happens. I definitely agree that the show got deliberately more comfortable as time went on, and that showed up in some of the relationships that would have been tested by the more realistic and awkward version. It is always a fun challenge to try to explain those challenges and the lack of connection between episodes in fanfiction though! I'm glad you liked this one... the next one is, um, in progress. ::sweats::

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Yep, you're right — this is the purest fluff and that's adorable! I enjoyed this story a lot. Thank you!
And the line:
'He smiles the smile of a guy who wakes up every morning to find his wildest dream has come true,' — just 'awww,' I can't describe the feelings it brings to me in any other way.
(Also, I'm both curious about the Kinko's thing and furiously don't want to know details!)

Author's Response: So glad you liked it! Thank you for reading! I know. It's always nice to write the Jim who got everything he wanted. I *thought* the Kinko's thing was a joke when I started writing (it was actually the idea this entire fic sprung from). But every time I went back through it, Pam's smile in response got naughtier and naughtier, so now I'm wondering if he's maybe not kidding. Or if Pam has gotten an idea. Either way, I think you're right that the details are probably something we'd rather not know.

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Oh, that's lovely! I think that my message, probably, might have been one of these 1500, but I genuinely enjoy this story. Thank you!
I especially like Oscar here. We need more stories with Oscar in, he's such an underrated character!

Author's Response: Oh, mine too. Apex predators deserve love. I'm really glad you liked it! We really do need more Oscar. He's such a great character for fic - relatively normal, but far more quirky than he thinks, and pretty underutilized in canon, too. Appreciate you taking the time to review!

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Awww, I already love this! What could be better than watching Pam standing her ground and not tolerating Roy's terrible treatment? I'd like to think that he learned the lesson... nah, I wouldn't. I'd like to think that Pam starts to drift from him (and maybe toward the new guy).
Fonderful start and I can't wait to see what happens next!

Author's Response: Thank you. It's a lot of fun to play with them like this. Though remember the night of Dundies? Pam does stand up to Roy so that's kind of where I got that inspiration. This should be a lot of fun. Glad you're here for it.

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Oh, that was such a chapter! Usually, I dislike fights, but this one was a (guilty) pleasure to witness (though I fear that this breakup would have consequences, as this Roy is just the worst here).
It's nice to meet Johnathan too! When Pam noticed the handsome manager, I was like, 'That's Jim's relative, right? Please, let it be Jim's relative!' — and then he appeared and introduced his cousin, I exclaimed 'Yay!' aloud.
I am looking forward to seeing where this story goes!
Also, it's fun to see what happens in different minds and look at things from Roy's perspective (and confirm every judgment about him). I was wondering, would you show us something from Jim's point of view?

Author's Response: Thanks Dernhelm! This was kind of a guilty pleasure to write too. I know sometimes Roy can be a steryotype and I didn't really do anything to change that here. As far as what else goes on with Roy, well, we'll just have to see.

Cousin Johnathan is always fun to bring in. A way to pay homage to all the great Brother Johnathan fics and add in a new character. And yeah, even though Pam notices the handsome manager, you know me. JAM all the way.

I've been intentionally not writing from Jim's POV thus far. Don't worry, we'll hear from him soon. Thanks for the review.

That was sweet and a little sad. Maybe, it's always sad when something ends, especially if that something contained good things too. Of course, Roy deserved being dumped and everything else too (honestly, a hard talk from Darryl was slightly uncomfortable to read, though he really had to hear every single word), but, in the end, I'm glad he and Pam had a peaceful goodbye.
Curious to see what Jim will do about Pam's newly single status!

Author's Response: Thanks. Roy did need to hear all that. I figured coming from Darryl it would stick some more. In the show Pam and Roy did ultimatly have a peaceful closure to their relationship so I wanted to bring that out too. It'll be a lot of fun to see where Jim and Pam go from here to be sure.

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Okay, I'm already in love with this story and dying to know what happens next.
Also, I like your descriptions so much, and the roles you gave canon characters in your story seem to be perfect (and Erin is so cute here! Love her).
And somehow, but the little line "Jim smiled genially but not genuinely" excited me. As well as the last one...
Did I mention that I'm dying to know that happens next? ;)

Author's Response: I love that line too! I was pretty proud of it. And Erin has been so much fun to write, so I'm glad you like her as well! Thank you so much!

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I have a weird habit of putting my reading on pause and making a few circles around my room when I'm getting excited or agitated or something like that. And reading this chapter, I did that at least... five times? I didn't really count...
Your writing is so beautiful! The scenes on the balcony and near the lake are my favorite so far — I'm a sucker for everything gentle and subtle yet meaningful, and these episodes gave me goosebumps... And I like your inclusion of mystery too (my piece of speculation: Todd Packer would be killed, and the only reason I don't want to see Roy as a corpse is because Jim would become the suspect t70;1 (and I don't like it!)).
And I feel like Pam's prank on Dwight might play a significant role in following events (I hope it turns into his invaluable help with the investigation).
Also, Erin is such a cutie!
Thank you so much for writing! Sorry that this review is disordered a little...

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Fantastic! That's the word I can describe this chapter. So many moments I like — an overheard conversation in the library (I cackled at the line about 'John' — what a lovely touch!) and Jim/Pam bathroom exchange and his thoughts (oh, I had goosebumps when I read that part! love it!). And colliding with Toby... I like Toby here (even if he turns out to be a murderer — always watch the quietest ones), and even more, I like that Jim had another perspective on his own deeds.
Thank you so much for your wonderful story and excellent writing!
P.S. I'm sure Stanley was talking with Phyllis. I know you won't give out anything, but I still like to make assumptions.
P. P. S. I feel that the next time Jim saw Packer, he was a corpse :) I can’t say that I’m sad about that, though…

Not only you killed one of your secondary characters (side note: yay!), but you also killed me.
I'd like to die like that a million times again, though.
And, perhaps, that's the only review my damaged brain could form, sorry.
P.S. Nope, not the only one. My bets on Toby!

I don't know what I feel exactly about this chapter. It's beautiful. It made me cry. After reading this chapter, I feel an urge to write something good, and at the same time — never touch my keyboard again.
I'm just overwhelmed at the moment, and I'm thankful to you for that. Can't wait to read the continuation!

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Awww, I like it! A lot. It's nice to see that sometimes JAM pranks are not going the way they're intended to.
I feel so much sorry for Stanley here. It was a loss for him, indeed...
Also, at this moment:
"PAM is a volcano about to erupt, and anyone with even the slightest social sense would be seeking to appease her right about now.
MICHAEL (not someone with even the slightest social sense)"
I laughed aloud :D
Great job, and thank you!

Author's Response: I feel bad for Stanley, too. Man just wants to go about his day, do his job, and eat his pasta, and this is how he's treated? I'm so glad you liked this. Thank you for taking the time to review!