Michael decides to take his sales dream team on a little trip and pulls Pam along for the ride. Spoilers through Cocktails.I was so excited to see an update to this story. I love how things are not so black and white here...its so much more realistic. That Pam and Ryan have sorta-feelings for each other, hook up yet again the morning after. I love how everyone immediately jumps in to bail each other out of potentially revealing moments with Michael. Talk about a team building exercise -- this trip sure was one!
I'm enjoying the continued awkwardness between Jim and Pam, but at least they're talking now, even if it's just about being friends. I was fearful that the drunken 'passion' between them the night before would make speaking even more difficult, but I'm glad to see that it isn't.
And Ryan having no messages from Kelly...wow, that was a surprise. She might be a lot smarter than any of us give her credit for, or maybe her date went that well.
I cannot wait to see what happens when everyone goes home.
I like this chapter a lot. Well first I should say that I got all giddy when I saw an update! *squee* Ok, back to the review. I liked that Pam was able to put into perspective the fling with Ryan, though I felt bad for him after being rejected by Kelly and Pam. Poor guy.
But...Jim at his old desk, hatching prank plans, catching Pam's eye throughout the day...it feels like old times, good times, but Karen is still in the mix. And even *I* feel bad about that. Well, not bad enough to want Jim to stay with her... let's not get crazy here.
Great update to a really original fic. More, please!
Wow. I have to say that I can really see this - the idea that Pam has evolved though the hardship she's had to face post-Casino Night while Jim really hasn't. He was striving to get BACK to where he was on Casino Night, while Pam has really moved beyond that.
The fact that he STILL hasn't broken up with Karen infuriates me.
I loved Ryan's "I'm not Jim" speech. I can't believe you have me rooting for Ryan/Pam in this story! It really is an amazing feat.
Though the fact that Pam was conentrating on Jim's sweaty hands or the counter digging into her back -- instead of the fact that she's kissing Jim! --made me really sad.
This is a really great story you've crafted here. Personally I could see it ending with Pam moving to NYC for school, leaving it open ended as to who she ultimately ends up with (if anyone). That both relationships were necessary for her to get to the point to leave D-M and venture out on her own. But however you envision it ending, I'll be sad to see it finished, that's for sure.
Great job, seriously.
“I get it now, she’s everything I’m not.” She says as a few tears slip out from beneath her lashes. His subconscious realizes at this moment that she’s unconsciously mimicking a line from the Royal Tenenbaums, one of their joint favorite films. When he replays this conversation in his mind later, this will break his heart.
Holy crap. This is so painful to read. That Jim could be that cruel is mindboggling. How is it that he has never imagined what it would be like to be in Pam's position since Casino Night? How does he not understand it? Jeez, guys can be REALLY dense, especially fictional TV characters.
Seriously, though, I want to hit him. Hard. Perhaps open those stitches back up. And I'm not a violent person.
Man, I can't WAIT to see what you have in mind for the next chapter. I would SO like to see Jim absoiutely crash/burn/fall apart/whatever when Pam really doesn't come back. (Well, a girl can hope.) Because he thinks he's all open about his relationship with Karen, committing to her, because it's what he wants, but it's really to prove to Pam that he's over her, that he doesn't care about her anymore. So what happens when he loses his audience?
Guh. The angst round these parts is killing me. Help!
Oh wow. This part just fucking killed me: This cannot be it. This isn’t his last chance and he hasn’t irrevocably fucked it up. He cannot accept that as a possibility.
Dude. I SO can't wait to see where Pam is and if Jim hyperventilates before he finds her.
Wow. That was intense! And I love the impulsively booked trip to Vegas for a quickie wedding...while he's still officially "with" someone else. Heh. Awesome.
Waiting to Exhale Style. Hee. That's so Jim for him to know that.
I'm a closure whore, so of course I'd love an epilogue.
Another story telling the aftermath of "Cocktails".
Oh man. I SO did not see the teapot image coming there. Of course I'm one of those sad people who can't ever see the sailboat in the "Magic Eye" paintings either. ("It's a schooner!")
Uh, anyway. Yes, I think this has wonderful potential. The emotions here feel really real to me, like we could imagine this happening in canon. It's the kind of angst that is believable between these two people who can be kind of understated with their emotions.
More, please! Definitely.
Ok, I really liked this chapter especially, seeing Roy's perspective post-beatdown (and hearing Kenny surprisingly being the voice of reason) was really refreshing.
The last chapter was well done also, because Jim and Pam are so good at denying their feelings that of course Jim would go get naked with Karen for some comfort before (if he ever does) facing what these new developments/sort-of-discussions mean for him and Pam.
I'm hoping that we'll get more to this story, because as a hardcore J/P shipper (I just can't make myself say JAM)-- I'd love to see a positive resolution (for Jim/Pam and their the-timing-is-always-wrong love) come out of this serious angst.
No matter what, though, I'm definitely along for the ride.
When I came up with the concept of this fic, I was kind of dreading taking on Roy, but ironically, I loved writing this chapter. Thank you for continuing to read!
Yay, a shoutout! Though I think Jim's analysis - that Pam doesen't feel the same about him because she didn't see the teapot - is totally wrong, because hello, subconscious? But it's not surprising, as these two are the masters of misreads and misinterpretations.
The uncomfortable couch is the perfect setting for THE uncomfortable conversation. And I must say I've never seen a fic where Karen asks Jim that particular question (about whether he would've returned if Pam had married Roy). But his answer (or lack of one) really does give away his feelings. As does this line: "I guess you could say I’ve finally learned that anything else I was ever waiting for was stupid."
Ouch. That sounds like he was STILL waiting, all the time he was dating Karen (which we all know he subconsciously is). Yikes. No wonder Karen asked for her key back.
Ooooh. Perfect ending to Emboldened!Pam's speech. Finally she really is becoming the Fancy New Beesly - new clothes, new forthrightness, the beginnings of a new attitude. You go, girl!
Especially loved this line..."Would you stop this whole poor-me-put-upon-Death-Cab-angry-boy-pout fest you‘ve got going?" I love how she pointed out that others besides him have been hurt -- I think canon!Jim is absolutely clueless to that fact.
More, please! Can't wait to see Jim's reaction to THAT.
Author's Response: Hee, that was my favorite line too. He is just acting like such a sullen teenager, especially in TN. I'm glad you're liking it!
Yay for Lisa's interference! And yes we've certainly dealt with this issue in my household. Heck, they've written whole books about it. Generally, women get upset and want/need a sympathetic ear and emotional support. Men see a problem that needs solving. These two different viewpoints just end up making both parties frustrated.
Can't wait to see what happens when Pam and Jim finally talk this through. (Hopefully with some hot makeup sex -- which we all know you can do well -- followed by a successful art debut for Pam!)
I really liked your analysis of Jan and Michael! I don't read much J/M fic so I don't know others' take on them, but I think you are spot on about why Jan could be with Michael, something all of us (and those in the Office universe) are mystified by.
And I thought your take on Pam's art show was really realistic. I'd say even gallery sholws by more established artists have mixed reactions like that -- it only makes sense that Pam's first show wouldn't "take the art world by storm."
Looking forward to more!
I really liked this epilogue, Loon. It was the perfect way to conclude the story -- bringing things full circle, to have Pam mentoring, inspiring someone the way that Lisa did to her. And then to have *that* be a flash-forward, bringing the story back to the present for the conclusion...just a really effective plot device. Plus Jim with champagne, up on the terrace that was such an important symbol of 'realizing her dreams' to Pam...just perfect.
Loved it. Can't wait to see what else you have in mind for Doggerel...that one's not finished is it? Or else what ever other story ideas you have floating around!
Jim and Pam argue...and then make up.
Disclaimer: All publicly recognizable characters, settings, etc. are the property of their respective owners. The original characters and plot are the property of the author. The author is in no way associated with the owners, creators, or producers of any media franchise. No copyright infringement is intended.
smut is not my strong point.
Bzuh...what?? Um, that was REALLY FREAKING HOT. Totally adding this to favorites for later...reflection. Yeah.
When her mom gets sick, it seems like it'll be alright. Set sometime in the future with Jim and Pam married. Man. This hit very close to home, as I went through the same thing as Pam a few years ago. You've got me in tears, so I'd say you got it all just right. Very well done.
I liked this so much, that after I finished reading it, I flipped back to the main story page to see if "Yes" or "No" was listed under "Completed:"
Yay...we'll get more! Can't wait!
Oh, poor Karen. But great developments! Finally, a parking lot that isn't necessarily filled with Doom for Pam and Jim...well, I guess that's dependent on how you envision the next chapter! More, please!
Author's Response: There might be a bit of doom in the parking lot coming their way, but trust me, it'll be worth it! Thanks for reading!
This was awesome! On my first date with my now-husband, we had chinese food at a fancy restaurant, and I'd borrowed a lovely white cotton sundress from my roommate for the occasion. Needless to say we spilled plum sauce on the dress, so the photos I have from that day are of me in a ratty old t-shirt and boxers of his, after I changed out of the dress to try to salvage it. So their disastrous first date story sounded really familiar!
Can't wait to read more!
Well sounds like your bad first date turned out pretty well ;) Thanks so much for reading!
Awww. Jim takes care of sick Pam! And Michael makes inappropriate sexual comments about Pam! Love it. More, please?
Author's Response: More is on the way! Thanks for reading!
Michael’s leaning forward on his elbows, staring at her across his desk. “That was definitely heroic and, if I may say so, romantical of you. Well done.” While he shoots her what is meant to be a congratulatory grin, Pam stares down at the teal glass shards in her laps, still clutching the ice pack, trying desperately to pretend that the tears have stopped.
Post-Cocktails.
Oh man. First the teapot gets broken (noooooo!) and then Jim has no response to her declaration? Ack!
Favorite part: Pam has to fight the urge to keep talking. Talk about how she knows it’s the wrong time, how she’s been in love with him for so long, how she’s sorry she was too stupid to realize. How she wants a second change. But she does fight it, preferring to just let the words echo around them while she wait for his reaction, overly aware of every resounding beat of her heart.
So good. More, please!
I tend to not read stories where the only genre listed in the description is "Angst" but I just got too curious about yours.
I'm really glad I read this. This particular chapter had me in tears at work, so I guess on the angst angle, you are hitting a home run. And the saddest part for me is that when Jim says "I don't know if I'm still in love with you," I can completely understand that AND see him saying/feeling just that in canon.
I think it's really interesting that he can't stop thinking that all of the forward progress he's made this year CAN'T have been a waste, when I'm sure that's the same thing Pam was thinking about the 10 years she spent with Roy -- that it couldn't have all been a waste.
I'm in for the long haul on this fic, JAM. Adding to favorites so I don't miss an update. Great job.
Oh, man. How despondent, hopeless, and just plain sad. Thing is, I could totally see it going this way -- well, not on the show because it *is* a comedy, but if this was real life and not a sitcom.
I especially liked the references to 'chick flick moments' because, while I like to read those in fanfic, they rarely happen in real life. So your perspective is a nice change.
I'm very interested in where things go from here, because it surely can't stay this way. Yikes.
Pam moves to New York for 3 months and finds herself
I love this. I can't wait to see Pam's evolution -- and maybe Jim realizing once she's gone, how wrong being with Karen really is.
Even if we don't see the Jim part of it (though I'll keep hoping) I'd love to see Pam finally coming into her own.
More please!
LMAO.
Ok, I really liked this fic, because I can see Pam's way of finally telling Jim how she feels would be in fits and starts, with a lot of "Um"s and inappropriate giggles.
But the last line is just cracktastic, and so I'm choosing to ignore it, because the rest of the story is really kind of sweet.
Actually, if you don't ignore the last line, this story could fit with the BADFIC challenge, LOL.
I'm always up for future fics, especially when my favorite couple FINALLY gets together. I'm enjoying this so far - I like that Pam's finally a graphic designer, but I'm sorry that she married a bum. And Jim married Karen? Boy those two (Jim & Pam) really were too stubborn to get together back then, weren't they? No matter...looking forward to Jim coming over in the next chapter! And Pam better give that husband of hers the boot soon!
Author's Response:
Yes, I agree!!! Well, I think Pam's going to be giving her lazy husband a peice of her mind comming up! And Jim's ....well he's gonna be around for a while = ) Thanks for the review!
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