this has to be continued asap. I went back and re-read the last few chapters...and wow, it's so deliciously angsty! from jim not being in love with pam anymore (as if!) to how heartbroken he is that karen doesn't even notice his 'devolution'.

GOD...IF ONLY!

Author's Response: No kidding. Wouldn't it be lovely if the writers decided to throw us all a curve and have Jim and Pam get together this week!?  (That is so not a spoiler, trust me.  Would that it were...)  Thanks for the review!

wow. these first two are brutal. I guess kids in my mind just puts the final nail in any relationship coffin. I guess that's what's so heartbreaking. and you're breaking them my friend, you're breaking them.

Author's Response: I know, I know, it's so mean, but I really wanted to write something not fluffy. Stay tuned, though...

you're killing me smalls.

if this turns into a ryan/pam lovefest I'm so out of here. That said way to build the romantic tension! Gotta love the slow clap, and Jim way to shoot yourself in the foot. I feel like it would kind of serve him right to miss out on pam loving but I hate...hate...hate it when Pam switches her affection away really quickly, I mean he loved her for 3 years he's allowed a little indecision, she on the other hand is about 3 years of unrequited loving behind in my book. wow, long review! 

wow. you really know how to aim for the grief bone don't you. I didn't think reliving that scene would be that heartbreaking, but wow. I wasn't so into this story at the beginning (i was like another post-cocktails) but you've added such depth and pathos to their story that I'm totally engrossed now. I also love how you show Jim being genuinely conflicted about Karen, I hate it when he's irritated by her but still sticks with her because he 'fears' Pam. I think it's much more realistic when he stays with her because he thinks she's genuinely right for him or because he doesn't want to hurt her (because come on he's jim) wow, this was a long review.

Author's Response:

Before I respond to your review, you should know that I'm taking the fingers-in-ears-la-la-la approach to your two latest, because I'm DYING to check them out (particularly the "Fool's Bargain" because that's just too tempting a premise). But I have GOT to get this story done and out of my system (*clears throat*) before it drives me insane.

I'm glad that you're finding this realistic.  I was a bit troubled (just because I love the show too much and have an unnatural affection for John Krasinski) by the majority reaction to the break room scene (i.e. Jim was being petty, an ass, etc.).  I still think it's a situation that's so freaking complicated.  I'll admit that I'm a sucker for a) angst and b) a tortured man (why I don't know), so I do like to tap into Jim's fear of Pam (because it just hearkens back to how in love with her he is, when it comes down to it).  But I don't believe that he feels nothing for Karen or even that he's consciously aware that she's a human shield - so that's what I try to articulate.

And wow, this was a long response!

Thanks for reviewing!   

and even though I hardly ever do this, I'm going to go back and reread this chapter because it's really just what the doctor ordered (and since I am one...I think I can say that with some sense of certainty) Please post soon. I just about swooned when she put her arms around his shoulders and whispered in his ear. PERFECT :)

I'm starting to love you. Your stuff really keeps it real, I mean come on Pam can't want sugar and adoration all the time, no woman does. I have a feeling that after a few years though Dirty!Jim will emerge (once he's sure enough of himself with her) Now THAT would be a sequel I would love to read. Just a though.

there were at least 6 opportunities during this exchange where one of them should have kissed the other, 'let me see your tongue?' ha, 'let me feel your tongue' should be more like it. Keep going, this is really a fun story although I'm sad boot camp is over :)

fabulous, I mean really really good. I hope this is where the show goes, because although I can see him staying mad at her and then a big FIGHT, I'd much rather just see him pulled back into her orbit again. Karen doesn't stand a chance.

wow this is really interesting! I would love to see Jim's reaction to tim/dawn and see what is up with that chemistry. ooh right more :)

eek I feel like whenever I see that fireworksfiasco has been beta-ing I'm not going to like the end of the story. I love the idea of it being too late, because sometimes when it's the right person it never ever is.

Author's Response: Thanks so much!

i'm so glad this story is over, and i mean that as the highest compliment because seriously you were giving me ulcers! Silly Jim, how COULD you ever think you'd love someone else as much as Pam, no way Duh! And I'm glad he came clean to Karen, he deserved the punches, even though I'm so against cheating in RL in fanfic it's hot :)

Author's Response: hehe!! Thanks so much!

ohmigoshyouhavetokeepgoingwiththis!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I absolutely love the idea of a role reversal fic! And yeah this would be awesome to see Jim deny his feelings for pam and the kiss, oh man! keep going!