Three little facts about me:
1) I'm a work-from-home mom from Kyiv, Ukraine.
2) I'm super late to the party, but I do my best to turn my excitement with the show into the content (hopefully, qualitative).
3) I care about Pam Beesly more than about any other fictional character in all the existent fandoms.
This is a teeny tiny plot bunny that has barely any plot at all.
It just came into my mind after I saw a gif of this scene (S3E8, The Merger). Enjoy.
1 Oh, that was the perfect way to start my morning! I love every bit of this story, and it feels so real... so sad that in canon, they (but mostly Jim) learned to be bold much later and after so many heartbreaks...
Thank you so much for writing this story!
1 Awww, that was so sweet! And the awkwardness Phil felt was almost palpable (and it's so nice that such a supportive person as Lisa was around when he made this big discovery!)
Thank you for your story!
Author's Response:
Thanks Dernhelm! I was going for 'squirming offspring' - something I have first hand experience of with two teenage girls, the youngest of whom in particular cannot stand seeing people kissing, she looks horrified and will put a cushion over her face!
I wanted to really show Phil's discomfort and his being torn between being happy to see his parents love each other (back to Pam's 'soulmates' speech) but then really uncomfortable with the fact it's going on under his nose! The fact that he's clearly sexually active himself and the generational gap between the sets of characters was another aspect I wanted to juxtapose.
‘He’s not going to use her for a story. He’d known within seconds of seeing her sneak to that garden door like a lifeline, within seconds of slipping out after her, that he wasn’t going to do that.’
1 Oh wow. Wow, wow, wow!
The setting is intriguing (I have no idea what Blood & Oil is about), and though I already know that this story is going to break my heart, I'm here for the ride.
Also... I don't know how to react to Pam's fiance... on the one hand, no one could be worse than Roy, on the other, I hate Danny (hate? maybe this word is too strong. don't like, dislike, can't stand, abhor — can't choose), so there might be a new winner in this category!
And this little moment 'It's really good to see you.' Awww! I want to find the history behind this one!
Thank you!
Author's Response:
Thanks so much! (Blood & Oil is just a show about a rich family in the oil business, you probably don't need much more context than that haha). I did go into this with the idea that I was going to try to make it less angsty than my other AU, but we'll see how well that works out...I will try not to break your heart too much though, lol. And yeah, I didn't really see what all the fuss was about with Danny on the show. But I was interested in writing about Pam with someone very different to Roy.
Really glad to hear you're enjoying it so far, thanks so much for leaving feedback!
1 Oh, hey, hi, hello. The ability to write coherent reviews temporarily left me, so there might be a little mess of words, but I want you to know that this story is incredible. I read it and have so many questions (I keep them to myself for now, but I'm sure you'll give all the answers when the right time comes). For the record: the way Pam was thinking that she didn't know Jim anymore and how they were catching up with each other lives (and how it ended! ugh, Dwight...) have already made a few cracks on my heart, but I don't want you to stop!
Oh, and I LOVE how you included canon moment's into this new world: Angela's slap, 'engaged ain't married,' Costa Rica...
Can't wait to read more. And more. And a little more too.
Author's Response: Ah, thank you so much! :) And yes haha, sorry...I really am going to try not to heap the heartbreak on too hard. Really. Thank you!
1 Oh, I love how regularly you publish updates! I think I have a new addiction now :)
It's so sad to watch how wrong things between Pam and Jim have gone (I suspect that 'the accident' might have had something to do with that... yes? no? don't tell!). Perhaps Pam has all the reasons not to trust Jim (she can't read his POV, ca she?), but it still hurts. Also, Jim's ankle thoughts... what did he say? 'It's just too hot'? Riiiight. (love this line, btw!)
And I'm excited to see that Pam and Angela are up too! Thank you :)
Author's Response:
Thanks so much! So, I will say (which I don’t think is a spoiler) - Jim and Pam did just fall out of touch after he moved to Austin. In my head it was sort of just a result of them growing up / leading different lives, and not having a chance to progress beyond childhood friends before he left. So there’s no big mystery there. But: more will be revealed about the accident...
And yes haha, I wanted a Pam/Angela team up for a change. Thanks so much for reviewing! :)
1 I'm intrigued by the way the story unfolded! And about that dinner, Pam and Jim are about to have.
Oh, and also Karen's mention! I hope she's real and not just Jim using her initials :)
"Because she's had about enough of everyone assuming she's too clueless to notice when she's being used." I love this line! I also feel that it might be the first sign of Pam snapping (she deserves it so much!).
I said before that no one could be worse than Roy for Pam. I admit I was wrong. Danny's definitely worse... just in a different manner.
Thank you!
Author's Response: Thanks so much! Haha, I can confirm that Karen is real and it's not just Jim using her initials. Although that would be ingenious. And yes lol, I do actually think that Danny might have been worse for Pam than Roy was. At the very least, Roy loved her/was into her. Thank you for reviewing!
1 Oh my gosh, what a chapter! I'm all about subtlety and little moments, and you painted such a picture that... wow. I can't even describe how thrilled I was to read about Jim and Pam's interaction... what effect they had on each other... I don't know how do you do that, but oh, I want more and more of them!
(Also, Dwight and Angela! I'm not sure if they're comedic relief here, but I'm dying to witness their 'double date' dinner).
Danny's still the worst. I like that Pam noticed that he touched Cathy's the same way he touched her (is there such a thing as a shut-up touch?). And 'traitorous heart' — oh, I love this expression!
Thank you so much for providing us such a delicious story! Fingers crossed for the following chapters :)
Author's Response:
Ah, thank you so much! That's so lovely to hear :) Haha I find it hard not to write Dwight and Angela without making them comedic relief to some extent (but I'm sure in their own heads, there is nothing funny about this and they're the main dramatic love story).
And I think there is definitely a shut-up touch, lol. And I could see Danny being a pro at it. Thanks so much for reviewing!
I feel like a fangirl a bit now because this chapter is amazing. I love it, I love the tension, awkwardness, and the humor (and oh, I do love that Pam and Jim are both terrible at seducing - and at the same time so incredibly good!)
And their conversation in the end, oh... it fits so well that even in different circumstances Pam acted the same way, questioned herself, and Jim's words... this single scene deserves all the jellybeans, but I'm out of them :(((
(Also, I'm curious so much about that accident... I need more gruesome details!)
Thank you so much
Author's Response: Ah thank you so much - that's so amazing to hear! :) And hehe yes, I think the main people they're incredibly good at seducing are each other. Without realising it. I'm really glad you liked the scene at the end too. And more will be revealed about accident... Thanks so much!
Beautiful. It was so beautiful, and maybe I need to cry a little now for all the longing, and unsaid words, and falling out... but the thing that hit me the hardest was the daisy theme - chains, and ring, and "he loves me not."
Also, I love the subtle (and not-so-subtle) comparison between Jim and Danny, between the Jim she used to know and the Jim now, between now and then. Ugh, just perfect. You do such excellent work!
I suspect what the atmosphere in the future Mr. and Mrs. Corduroy's house will be so much different from Beesley's, and I can't wait to see if my guess is correct :)
Author's Response: Oh, thank you so much! That's so lovely to read :) I was a bit worried that I was flogging the daisy theme to death lol, so I'm really glad you liked it! And hehe you may be right about their house...
Oh my... there're so many moments I adore, and each of them is so powerful that they felt like gunshots. Jim doubting himself? Bam! Pam's dream about a house with a terrace, that almost came true and felt so wrong? Bam! The rain scene? Bam, bam, bam! I'm dead (but in the best possible way!)
Without a doubt, I'm going to re-read this story many times.
And I like how you added those tiny moments to the other layer of the story — the oil one. So many things intertwined here, I'm not even going to try to guess what's going on. Only one thing — is Pam going to meet (talk to) Karen? I'm already thrilled about this interaction :)
Thank you so much for your story (and for the regular updates!)
Author's Response:
Ahaha thanks so much! That's really lovely to read :) And yep - Pam is going to talk to Karen...
Thank you so much for reviewing! (And sorry lol, realise I've not been as regular with my latest update). I'm so glad you're enjoying it though!
Yay! I was happy to see your update and an amazing one!
I don't know where to start, but it was nice to witness Pam and Karen's interaction. I guess Karen already guessed who Pam really was... and Pam's choice of pseudo is lovely :)
Also, I like that girls took everything into their hands. Curious to see what they will find out!
(I can't get rid of the impression that Danny is trying to put Pam into Jim's bed to distract him from the article and California's; that makes him even more disgusting).
Thank you for sharing this story with us!
Author's Response: Ah, thanks so much! :) So I think Karen is astute enough to maybe recognise someone else that's caught up with Danny...and hehe, I am all about the girls taking things into their own hands. (I will also say that Danny's motivations will eventually be revealed). Thanks so much for reviewing, I'm really glad you liked this one!
I... I don't know if there's something sweeter than Jam taking care of each other. That's so tender and sincere, and I'm just melting into a puddle.
(Also, that was hot. I don't feel much comfortable around mature content, but... wow. Very much wow.)
And your writing is fantastic, and I want to tell you about that over and over again :)
P.S. Have no idea about these rig things, but I'm scared of height so very much... can relate to poor Jim here.
Author's Response: Ah, thank you so much! That's really kind :) I have a big soft spot for Jam taking care of each other. And haha, I'm definitely not great at the mature content, so am in two minds about how far to try to take it in this fic...but I'm really glad you liked this bit here. Thanks so much for your lovely feedback, I really appreciate it!
I just swallowed all your three latest chapters (I regret I can't do that earlier), and I'm not able to express my feelings adequately. Wonderful writing (are you a professional writer? I bet you are!), and fantastic storytelling. I love how you weaved moments from the series into a completely different setting, and I love that every character here feels so, so real (I was crying reading this and previous chapters, the sweetness and nostalgia there were a little too much to me). Also, I enjoyed revealing what Danny was actually up to, and I wish him to be miserable (at least, miserable).
And there are so many great lines that hit right to the heart — I don't quote my favorite ones only because I have to fit here all three chapters. I'm grateful to you for writing this story and sharing it with us. I'm looking forward to the next chapter immensely!
Author's Response: Ah thank you so much, that's really kind of you to say! (And sadly not a professional writer haha, I find fanfic much easier than writing my own stories...) I'm really glad you enjoyed these chapters though :) I think I *possibly* went a bit overboard with Texas cliches/what I think Southern USA is like in my head - but it was a lot of fun to write. Especially in a JAM context. Thanks so much for your lovely review, I really appreciate it.
Oh my, what a chapter! You painted the tension so very well, and I'm both anxious about the plan and can't wait to see how it's unfolded.
Also, I admire Pam here. She's so innocent (I love, love, love it about her!), and so, so brave. Please don't let anything bad happens to her!
Author's Response:
Thanks so much! I'm really glad you enjoyed it :) And don't worry - I feel Pam has already had her share of really bad things happening to her in this story...
Thank you so much for reviewing!
Once again, you left me speechless and craving for more. I love this aura of bittersweetness and long night phone calls and Pam's boldness at the party. The idea of Dwight writing the article for Jim is fantastic (could we bug you to write the said article as a postscript to this story? please?), and it's touching to witness Dwight's connection with Angela (too soon to speak about love? I don't think so).
And, of course, the ending. Honestly, I'm disgusted with Danny and his boss so much that I can't even think of what punishment would be enough to remedy everything they've done and mean to do. And I do want Pam and Jim to be a part of this... or, at least, to be a pebble that causes an avalanche.
Thank you so much for your frequent and excellent updates! And good luck with moving house and the rest :)
Author's Response: Ah, thank you so much! That’s really lovely of you to say :) hahaha I am not sure I’d be able to match Dwight’s dizzying heights/writing ability...but I will think about it. It would probably be quite fun to write. I do love some Dwangela 😍 Pam and Jim will have a role to play in the avalanche...And thanks very much!!
Am I dead? Yep, I'm dead. The suspense of this chapter was too much to bear, but oh my gosh, I'm so happy that Pam left this place unharmed and safe! Thank you so much for that!!
I'm sorry, I probably can't write a proper review right now (my hands are still shaking!), but I want you to know that I love this story (you're such a wordsmith!) and anticipate the next chapter greatly!
Author's Response: Ahaha - thank you so much! That's really kind of you to say :) And sorry for the delay in updates, next chapter is coming - really glad you're enjoying it! (And yeah, I couldn't have Pam not leaving unharmed and safe. I think she's been through enough in this fic). Thanks so much for reviewing!
I'm so glad you're back!!! And with such a great update! They always make me happy, and this one... oh my, the scene on the plane was so wonderfully written... and heart-aching. I nearly cried at the moment with Pam reading through the newspapers and looking for Jim's name... okay, I'm nearly crying just writing about it in this review. So touching...
Also, I love to see Toby happy and content! Thank you for giving him that!
I can't wait to read your next chapter (and can't wait to find out, how the tension between "Mr. and Mrs. Halpert" will go...)
Oh! Nearly forgot! The line 'this thing between them feels so perfect, and so fragile, and she doesn't want anything to ruin it,' is lovely and describes my vision of Jam perfectly. Thank you
Author's Response:
Thanks so much! Ah that's so lovely to hear, I'm really glad you enjoyed this one. And yeah, I felt like they couldn't have separated even as kids without just a bit of pining...
I did really want to give Toby some happiness! I briefly contemplated having him join them, but then I thought I'd actually just rather he finally got his Costa Rica dream. And I'm really pleased you liked that line! Thanks very much for reviewing :)
I'm in love with your writing. Seriously. I haven't read your other two works yet, and that feels like my biggest omission so far (try to fix it asap!)
But this chapter!!! You know, it's very summerly, light, and carefree even in the most serious moments. And I love that even in the most... heated moments they're so innocent and tender and... *crying ugly overwhelmed with emotions*
Also, I want to highlight this line: "You're trying to fit in with the wrong people." Firstly, it's brilliant. Secondly, I have an impression that it was written about me too, and it's just... incredible.
And the way you sprinkled your story with reasonably modified canon moments is very, very cute!
Thank you so much for your writing; I can't wait to see Panama!
Author's Response:
Aw, thank you so much! That's so kind of you to say :) (and thanks haha - tbf, my two other fics are pretty long 😱)
I'm really pleased you liked this chapter! It was nice writing something a bit lighter for a change, I did fee like they needed a bit of a break.
And really glad to hear you enjoyed that line - I can definitely relate. And I do feel like it's a bit of a Jim problem sometimes.
Thanks so much for taking the time to leave such a lovely review: Panama is coming up next!
One part of me is shrieking with delight, the second - writing down all the little references (Erin and season 9 boys' cameos were especially cute!) and unknown words, and the third is currently musing over the question of how much Mr. Martin could actually help.
Oh, there's also the fourth part. And this part is in need of a shower and cold drinks.
Please, please, please, say that the next chapter is halfway written, and you're going to publish it soon!
P.S. Also, this is my 500th review here! Happy that it went to your story :)
Author's Response:
Haha, thank you very much! Glad you enjoyed Erin and season 9 boys too, they were fun to include. More will be revealed on Mr Martin and his helpfulness or not...
I've had a bit more time to write this week, so can confirm the next chapter will be up very soon :D
(And that's amazing on the 500 reviews!)
Okay. OKAY.
As much as I like to read the detective line, I was far more excited to read the italic part this time.
And.
OH. MY. GOD!!!
You know, I have a dream. And I know that's it a silly and somewhat unrealistic dream to find a particular moment in Jam stories... because it wasn't in canon... and the only option to have it is AUs... or writing it myself, of course... oh, what am I talking about? Ah, yes, my dream.
So.
Could you imagine my pure ecstasy of finding the fulfillment of my dream in your story??? Of course, I'm swooning and grinning and making a lot of other pretty embarrassing things, but I don't really care.
THANK YOU!!!!!!!
Also, Danny's still the worst. I can't wait to see him getting what he deserves.
I CAN'T WAIT TO SEE YOUR NEXT UPDATE!!!!
(sorry for the caps, I'm a bit too happy)
Author's Response:
Ah thank you so much!! That is so great to hear haha, I'm very glad I inadvertently gave you that moment! (Out of interest: was it Jam sex on a plane, because I'm actually surprised that there's not more fic with that, but maybe I haven't read enough...)
Thanks so much for your review! Next update is on its way :)
Lovely chapter! I feel slightly anxious about the gang returning to Houston, but I still very much like to see how the plan unfolds!
And I hope that Pam's 'not interested' concerning the job was just 'at the moment.'
Also, I like Pam's observance here, both about great things and sad. And I hope that, after all, they meet the Halperts...
Thank you very much for writing! Your story's fantastic, and I'll never grow tired of repeating that :)
(About the previous chapter — my excitement wasn't about the plane sex (though it was unexpected and cool) but about virgin Jam :) I think them sharing their first time with each other is incredibly sweet. Thanks again for bringing it!)
Author's Response: Thank you so much! I'm hoping not too much anxiety about the Houston return haha...and on the job, let's just say Michael did definitely pick up on the 'at the moment' part 😏 And aw yes, virgin Jam - I'm really glad you enjoyed it! Thanks so much for reviewing :)
Wow. Wow, wow, WOW!
I read this chapter with a knot in my chest, but it was worth it!
I like it so much that we didn't know the whole plan immediately, and I like how it unfolded. Also... Pam and Danny's conversation is absolutely fantastic! For the tiniest bit of time, I even felt sorry for him... that was all his devilish charm and your mastery :)
Thank you! I'm looking forward to the following chapters so much!
Author's Response: Thank you so much! I'm so glad you enjoyed it :D And haha, I'm sort of trying not to make Danny entirely hateable, but...he's not the best. Thanks so much for the review!
Oh my gosh, what a ride here! For some time, I was sure that there would be more dangers for our heroes from Robert's side, and that was... tense. And I can't even describe my joy at the end! So, so, wonderful!
Also, if you were trying to make us feel (a little) sorry for Danny... congratulations, it worked in my case!
And Oscar! Oscar!!! We definitely need more Oscar)
I'm happy with such a final, but also sad because this story comes to an end... I'm selfishly don't want it to end :( But, I see that there's one more chapter, and I have a hard time deciding — do I want to swallow it immediately too or safe for later...
Anyway, thank you so much!!! I genuinely love this AU and your vision of heroes and everything else that filled this world. Love it!
Author's Response:
Thank you so much! And haha no, I decided I’d put them through enough danger by this point. That is also actually great to hear on Danny: I wanted to make him bad but not a total villain (but I struggled because a lot of this is from Pam’s POV, and I don’t think he deserves her pity after what he did to her…) So I’m glad you at least felt a little sorry for him!
I can also never get enough Oscar, so I’m pleased you enjoyed him here :D
And thanks so much, that’s so kind of you to say!
I feel an urge to cry right now because it's so pure and sweet, and perfect... and so, so them. I love everything about this, and I desperately need another 20+ chapters story about their life in Austin. Thank you so much for writing this amazing story and for sharing it with us! Thank you
Author's Response:
Aw, thank you so much! I’m so pleased you’ve enjoyed this, that’s amazing to hear :) Thank you very much for reading, and for taking the time to leave such lovely reviews - I really appreciate it! (I could also probably quite happily write another 20+ chapters about their life in Austin, but….I may need to come up with an actual storyline first, lol).
An exploration of what might have happened if our favorite couple lived in the age of the dating app.
Set in early Season 3, if Season 3 happened to take place in 2017.
1 I hate to see Jim miserable, but you're writing his misery so well that I don't mind reading more (I'm a terrible person, I know). And the whole situation with dating apps screamed to me that it might be the brand new source of misinterpreting things and that both scares and fascinates me (like, I'm sure as hell that it was Izzy who persuaded Pam to have a profile on the app (or was it Kelly?), but Jim doesn't know it, and I'm dreading Pam's reaction on finding that Jim also has this app... aaaaa!!!)
Ok, sorry, I'm babbling here. All I want is to say that it was a great start and I'd like to find out what happens next!
P.S. And many kudos for the weird search history. I also don't want my husband to find out what stuff I'm googling to make my stories more realistic :)))
Author's Response: Aww Dernhelm, thank you! I love a sad Jim as much I hate seeing a sad Jim. It's a complicated feeling, as I'm sure you know. Haha hopefully I can get the next chapter up soon and ease some fears! :)