Date: June 01, 2021 09:28 pm Title: Brownies and A Leaky Faucet
Oh boy! I stand by my theory, Pam is the devil in this story. Subconsciously or not, she got her flirt on with both Jim and Danny by texting them at the same time. It was awesome.
I absolutely love Isabel and Larissa. They are the voice of reason.
And I can’t wait to read more about Jim’s backstory. It sounds like he went through something traumatic. But the chemistry with Pam!!! I can’t wait to read what happens next with their “fake” relationship.
Many jellybeans!!!
Author's Response: Thank you so much!
Date: June 01, 2021 08:27 pm Title: Brownies and A Leaky Faucet
I really, really enjoyed this chapter. I thought you did well with balancing the two IM conversations, and exploring both Pam's interest in Danny (and why she would remain interested in him) and the contrast with the subtle, unstressed, natural rhythms of her conversation with Jim. (Also him dropping her a shirtless pic in between all the advice with Danny. Lol, Sketchy Jim.) And I love a good interfering Isabel moment.
Also some very intriguing hints at the darkness that made our Jim into this Jim, and what Larissa sees underlying his smug and slightly slimy exterior. We get to see his inner pain. AND PLATONIC BED SHARING. I am eating popcorn through all of this.
Author's Response: Thank you so much!
Date: May 20, 2021 11:40 am Title: Handsome and Stinky: Paper Brothers for Hire
I don't know. I just really enjoyed this one. The continued jealousy of Roy, the multiple acts of kindness from Jim (mixed in with just enough sleaziness to keep us honest), the Dwisabel (with the running gag of Isabel trying to get people to switch to a new hygienist as her Move), the arrival of Julie, all gold. And so many different pieces of canon being mixed together at one (the big ones are great, but I also enjoyed Pam joining Michael in not being able to tell which condo is his, and as a committed Ryan hater I like that even in this universe every girl Ryan wants goes for Jim). This was a lot of fun.
I love the detail of Pam ending up being the only who actually exposed someone she knew to Michael, and obviously Michael is the guy who breaks up with someone while they're out of town by voicemail and expects her not to show up angry at her house during a party. You've got a real ear for Michael voice - keeping him both likable and, well, Michael.
RIP Lauren. We hardly knew ye. But yay for Zombie Chair Model!
Author's Response: Thank you so much!
Date: May 19, 2021 01:40 pm Title: Handsome and Stinky: Paper Brothers for Hire
I’m so glad this sorry is back. Nice flashback, it helps us see that Jim is actually really nice, even if he’s a jerk to other girls.
I can’t wait to read what happens in the present day story. Hope to read more soon. This is a great story
Author's Response: Thank you so much!
Date: May 19, 2021 11:57 am Title: Handsome and Stinky: Paper Brothers for Hire
A very interesting flashback to be sure. Pam's firmly in denial about a lot of things. Like how her relationship with Roy is still any good or how she doesn't have a friendship with Jim. At least sober Pam is starting to figure out that being with Roy isn't really a good thing anymore. Drunk Pam is more open to seeing that under quite a few layers Jim is actually a pretty good guy. Being willing to go out and bring people to Micheal's party, heading off Jan, coming out to make sure Pam's ok. Nice work. Also good on Pam for rejecting Ryan.
Nice work.
Author's Response:
Thank you so much!
Yeah, with Roy, we know it doesn't end well for them but I think Pam knows the red flags are there but is still holding on to some hope that they'll be able to save their relationship since she doesn't know what life is like without him by her side.
With Jim, yeah I think Pam does see that he's a really nice guy underneath all that douchebaggery, although it always seems to be with the help of some liquid courage, lol.
Ryan was definitely the funniest bit. I just remembered the 'she's not like other girls' trope and I really wanted him to think he's some kind of bad boy that can get any girl that he wants, which led to him getting rejected by two girls in one night.
Date: May 10, 2021 12:45 pm Title: Breadsticks and Sport
Hehe, I'm enjoying the re-using of Nick here. I did feel sorry for him on the show. Jim getting totally thrown by Pam taking a bite of a breadstick, and then when she's telling them about how she 'fell' for him, are some really fun and sweet moments. And then I love that he encouraged her to do the application as soon as they got back! Especially after the last chapter with Roy. I also really enjoyed him pushing her to be the one who pressed the button: and telling her to stop calling them doodles. It feels both very Jim from the show, but also this version of Jim in your fic - encouraging her, but challenging her at the same time. And then the falling asleep on each other and not wanting to disturb each other at the end is adorable.
Author's Response: Thank you so much!
Date: May 04, 2021 12:08 pm Title: Breadsticks and Sport
When I first started reading this story, I always thought P was the one making the deal with the devil (a.k.a. Jim). Now I’m wondering if it’s not the other way around. Pam is great at pretending to be Jim’s girlfriend, too good. And poor Jim seems to be smitten but doesn’t know what to do about it. I’m loving this story so far! Can’t wait to read more.
Oh! And I agree that Cathy is better in small doses. I love reading Jim and Pam getting along
Author's Response:
Thank you so much!
That's actually a really good insight. Jim may be the "devil" but he seems to be unaware of what he got himself into.
Pam really is a natural so I wonder how much of it is really just "acting"? Are there actual feelings involved? We'll see!
Date: May 03, 2021 05:55 pm Title: Breadsticks and Sport
Re: Roy. I think you're on very solid ground. Honestly, he's so comically awful in canon there's a lot of room to run with him - and here Pam wises up without Jim planting one on her.
I love the dynamic with them here with Pam freaking out and Jim strangely unperturbed... and the breadsticks-are-like-crack reference. And then they shared a breadstick! It's the JAM version of the Lady And The Tramp!
I love this scene of them in the apartment, and them finally starting to fully establish a genuinely good dynamic. And them falling asleep on the couch (in front of Anne Hathaway!) is wonderful.
I was always a fan of Nick, so I'm happy to see him show up here... and that Jim *still* doesn't know his name. Although his last name being Scott feels ominous. Also, the Larissa as a nicer, more successful version of Kelly works for me.
Yikes, Jim. Way to have this go wrong in the most predictable way possible. (I really want to know which minor character threw a drink at the Halperts now.)
Author's Response: Thank you so much!
1 [Report This]Date: May 02, 2021 06:46 pm Title: Breadsticks and Sport
So Pam's been on two dates now. One real date and one fake date. However it feels like the real Pam was there on the fake date. Not that a fake Pam was on the real date, but a more authentic version of Pam was sitting at that table with Jim, Rissa, and Nick.
Feels like a better version of Jim too. More along the lines of the canon character we know and love and less of the Mr Cool Guy persona he's got going on here. Especially when he and Pam are back at his apartment.
His TED talk, was very sweet. Just the kind of encouragement she needed. The image of them asleep like that though was very nice too.
Also really like how now she has an opening to get out of Scranton and endear herself more to the Halpert clan. I have to wonder when she'll realize why it's so easy to fake a relationship with Jim considering she's about halfway in a real romantic relationship with him already.
Author's Response:
Thank you so much!
The thing with Pam is she doesn't really have to think when she's with Jim so everything comes naturally to her. Unlike with Danny, because of Jim's help, she tries to approach him more methodically.
Jim, I think, has much more to give than he lets on. Even I'm curious to see how his character will progress.
The two of them are definitely straddling on a very thin line. We'll see how long it'll take before they actually do something about it.
Date: April 27, 2021 03:05 pm Title: The Golf Pro and The Girl Who Cried in the Stairwell
This was such a great (/sad) flashback! I loved the remixing of canon - including jealous Jan, lol, but the way it actually ends up helping Pam - and the introduction of other Pam. Jim listening to her crying in the stairwell is so heart-breaking. But then him giving her a win, and the chips, is incredibly sweet. And I really liked her various attempts to start a text to him, before she gives up (especially the way she swings between a full-on apology and trying to put some distance between them again). Great chapter!
Author's Response: Thank you so much!
Date: April 26, 2021 09:23 am Title: The Golf Pro and The Girl Who Cried in the Stairwell
Nice take on this episode but set in this world. Jan's jealousy was interesting to see. Pam feels very much like her canon self in this episode. Almost defending herself when put on the spot. Knowing in her head what she should say, but fear holding her back from actually saying the words. I do apprciate the fact we got the actual fight between Roy and Pam. Seriousl that guy has issues. Not only in not supporting Pam, but always bringing Jim into things. Jan's not the only one with jealousy issues.
The friendship between Jim and Pam still seems to be growing though. Depsite the fact he is still going after just about any woman, it's Pam that he really cares about. Nice way to bring that out. Not to upset about a flashback only chapter. Should be kind of interesting to see how it'll tie into the present day story.
Author's Response:
Thank you so much!
I really remember the Ben Franklin when Pam was a mess while trying to explain herself to Karen. That was kind of my inspiration for when Jan confronted her. Roy and Pam, God even I hated Roy while writing him. He's just a terrible fiancee and he's really insanely jealous of Jim (which I really intend to make obvious. There's no hiding that)
Jim really does care about Pam and sometimes, I wonder if Pam can even truly see it. She can't be that dense right?
Date: April 25, 2021 02:49 pm Title: The Golf Pro and The Girl Who Cried in the Stairwell
The other Pam! Now there's a character who could use more fic love.
As always, a lot of fun canon remixing here. Poor Pam - doing a lot of projecting about who has her best interests at heart and wants her to make something out of her life. (Lot of projecting in that relationship in general right now.) And I love the mix of pre- and post-breakdown Jan and how her jealousy ends up both making her suspicious of Pam *and* leading her to be helpful to Pam.
Ugh. Awful to notice the dates on this and realize she still has YEARS to go with Roy after this fight. It's a really interesting twist on The Fight, though.
4,000 words of flashback very much enjoyed. Looking forward to the next chapter!
Author's Response: Thank you so much!
Date: April 25, 2021 11:12 am Title: The Golf Pro and The Girl Who Cried in the Stairwell
poor Pam!
Author's Response: Thank you so much!
Date: April 21, 2021 07:31 pm Title: Famous Grilled Cheese Sandwich
ELIZABETH SIGHTING!!!!! Nice touch there. (Did you see the deleted scene where she tells Pam she's not going to be a stripper forever because she's going to art school and tells her she would hate being a receptionist?)
There really is a lot going against them here. The fact that Pam ends up serving as confidante for Jim's soon-to-be-exes can't help but cast him in the worst possible light.
You worked in a lot of good canon bits here! Pam's glasses, remixing The Client, him making her dinner, it all worked well.
I love her having Jim's voice in her head in spite of the date going well. (Also, is this a reference to Danny claiming she talked about Jim the entire time on their date?) And I adore Jim's love for Anne Hathaway and that he's still the most supportive person of her art.
I think having the Pam-Danny kiss be good was the right call. Making him a genuine romantic alternative adds tension to the story.
Author's Response: Thank you so much!
Date: April 18, 2021 09:36 am Title: Famous Grilled Cheese Sandwich
This keeps getting more interesting and complicated. The date with Danny was a success, but what’s up with the looks Jim and Pam are giving each other? Can’t wait to read more and find out. I’m really looking forward to Pam pretending you be Jim’s date at the wedding. Will the sparks fly?
Many jellybeans
Author's Response:
Thank you so much!
The long looks really make you wonder what the hell these two are doing, right?
At this rate (and my unfortunate obsession with flashbacks), the wedding seems like a long way to go. As far as sparks go.... we'll also have to see. lol
1 [Report This]Date: April 18, 2021 09:16 am Title: Famous Grilled Cheese Sandwich
I like how Jim is being more sweet now but I'm still can't like Danny even if he seems less douchy than show Danny!
Author's Response: Thank you so much!
Date: April 18, 2021 02:56 am Title: Famous Grilled Cheese Sandwich
You're back! I was so excited to see an update to this :) And such a great chapter. I'm fascinated anything to do with Michael's movie and Goldenface and was so curious about the casting/audition process, so I love that you've included it here. Pam being put in charge of the auditions and everyone trying to make her break is genius. I also really love that you've included her kiss with Goldenface (and Jim teasing her for reading the stage directions outloud, lol). And then him leaving her grilled cheese sandwich 😍 It's a really nice twist on their first date on the show.
I've sort of said it before, but I appreciate you having the guts to make things genuinely be going well with Danny - I think it makes for a much more interesting and realistic story (I think I'm also just happy for Pam that she gets to go on a date with a guy she likes and it's not a disaster). But I really like the way you've included small hints that, even if Danny is the perfect guy, he's not Jim (Danny not noticing she's hungry when Jim does straight away, Jim basically third-wheeling their date - I loved her listing his rules throughout, btw - and then Jim's line: 'I'm not saying it's going to be a perfect journey, but wouldn't you rather get to experience it and do something that you truly wanted'). It's just really well done.
I'm also really enjoying the running gag of Jim's love for Anne Hathaway movies. The Intern making him cry and Pam's affection for him because of it is sweet and hilarious. And he framed her comic book cover!
Author's Response:
Thank you so much! It's been (and actually is) a crazy few weeks. I really with I could just spend my days crafting stories but it's not meant to be.
The part where everyone was trying to make Pam break, I gathered from real life stories of Steve getting a kick out of making people laugh during scenes.
Yeah, with Pam and Danny, as much as I hated it, their date had to go "perfect". Well, not 100% perfect. What kind of a guy doesn't even notice that their date barely touched their food. So maybe Jim has a chance? I don't know *shrugs*
I like adding these little details with Jim since he's supposed to be the douche in this story but he still has to be likeable
Date: April 18, 2021 12:00 am Title: Famous Grilled Cheese Sandwich
Just to let you know, it seems like you double posted this chapter. I got to the end of Jim and Pam's rooftop discussion and then it went right back into the flashback.
Moving on. Interesting use of Threat Level Midnight. Rather than just a table read they're actually doing auditions. Michael's right, Jim and Pam to have chemistry. And he's even sweet enough to make her grilled cheese. Very cute. Though the fact Roy doesn't text her back seems very in keeping with him and gives some clues as to why they're not together in the non-flashback scenes.
Not gonna lie I was kind of hoping things with Pam and Danny wouldn't go as well as they did. Not that it would be bad, mind, you. Just no spark. But that also wouldn't really follow how this story has been progressing. Anyone would be lucky to go on a date with Pam and this Danny does seem like a decent guy. Guess time will tell.
Then the discussion with Jim on the roof had tons of callbacks to canon. The fact they're really good friends and can talk about pretty much anything. They're still eating his famous grilled cheese. I do find it interesting the long silence there at the end. Pam enjoyed her date with Danny and it seems her head is telling her to keep something going with him. However there on the roof it felt more like her heart is starting to tell her something else about Jim. Seems like there's still more tension to be brewing.
Nice work.
Author's Response:
Thank you so much for pointing it out! I should have noticed when my word count suddenly went to 50k. My bad.
I was initially going to use the table read for TLM but I already mentioned in Pam's first day that Michael made her review the script so I figured to just have an audition. I've been watching so many Office bloopers that I got so inspired to make it into a story where everyone was trying to make Pam laugh.
Roy, I mean it's inevitable that they'd break up. I hope I'm not going overkill with how unlikable I'm turning him into but... *shrugs*
With Pam and Danny, I was having an internal debate on how well this date would go. The JAM fan in me of course wanted it to be a dull one but you're correct in that not feeling a spark will probably mean Pam won't be as open to having a second (and more) dates. So it pained me to write a 'perfect' date for them but it had to happen. Now as to how someone like Jim can compete with that, time will tell.
I just knew I wanted to end this chapter with the rooftop. And the Booze Cruise long stare. And with Pam, the denial is strong with her even if the tension is so obvious, it's practically screaming at her face. Then again, this Jim who's always been so cocky also doesn't seem to know what to do. We'll really see where it goes from here.
Date: April 10, 2021 07:45 pm Title: Pickles and Swiss Cheese
Okay, there are some AMAZING and creative remixes of canon here - you've got The Fire, you've got Office Olympics, you've got Michael's Birthday, you've got The Alliance, you've got the iconic head-on-the-shoulder-kiss-to-the-top-of-the-head - really fun stuff, and well done. I like the idea of them as this still very functional but passive-aggressive and sniping little team, and that they're still finding ways to play the same games.
I like the reference to Jim being a stuck high school jock - someone's working out some frustrations with other people on Jim. And there were some good notes of Jim's humanity here, comforting Kevin and knowing him well enough to know his favorite number and his favorite lunch. (I also really appreciate Pam seeing through his Bad Boy side... Jim really is Bug Bunny-ish.)
HE KNOWS HER FAVORITE TEA. And his Anne Hathaway movies. Please tell me that's going to be a running gag.
The Jim-Larissa dynamic was cute. And I am eager to watch the inevitable falling in love play itself out. You've laid the groundwork well!
Author's Response:
Thank you so much!
The remixes - Yeah, I piled a lot of S2 stuff there which makes sense since it's their will-they-or-won't-they phase. I really loved twisting them because Jim clearly annoys Pam more than anything but still manages to play along with his antics.
Oh the high school jock - definitely a projection towards someone else.
I loved the Jim and Kevin moment because Pam needed to see that there's more to him than meets the eye. And I think she's beginning to see that despite the way he is.
The Anne Hathaway movies, I just remembered how obsessed JK was with The Devil Wears Prada but I didn't want to make it into an Emily Blunt obsession. And I've watched more of Anne's movies so it'll be easier to work with.
I wonder how they'll fall in love though?
Date: April 10, 2021 03:38 am Title: Pickles and Swiss Cheese
I'm loving this so much. Kelly continues to be hilarious in the flashback, and I really like how you've flipped some of the stuff from canon like the hot sauce and the 69 noodles to make them slightly more antagonistic for this fic (but still cute). And the iceskating scene was so sweet. (Also, Roy stealing the 'get you in the tub' line, which I always found a bit gross, is genius). And then so much happening in the present day! Larissa is fantastic here, I really enjoyed this glimpse into her and Jim's relationship. And then the deal!! And Jim buying Pam lingerie, and Pam buying him the birthday cake he actually wanted - plus the comic book and his genuine joy about both of them. Just so great. I really can't wait to see how the next 6 weeks pan out...
Author's Response: Thank you so much!
1 [Report This]Date: April 09, 2021 10:15 am Title: Pickles and Swiss Cheese
You're really setting this up with some rom-com tropes you know that right? Firs the flashback. Nice way to bring in a bunch of situations from canon but adding twists. That was fun. It really felt like despite everything, Pam is someone Jim really cares about.
Larissa was a hoot and a half. Loved how she just steamrolled over everything like that. Great use of the character.
Again the feeling that despite some rough edges they do sincerly care about each other. Also feels like there are deeper feelings lying under the surface but they're both not quite willing to explore them...yet.
Kind of fun to see the conditions they set for the "fake dating." That should be fun going forward. "Dont fall in love with me." Right.
Nice job with this one.
Author's Response:
Thank you so much!
Yeah, all I need now is for Jim to turn out to be this secret billionaire no one knew about (???)
I honestly have been watching a lot of The Office to relieve me of my stress so the possible canon stuff to use was just endless. You'll probably see a lot of these moving forward.
Larissa, I definitely got the inspiration from The Devil Wears Prada, particularly Nigel's character which I found so hilarious since I turned Jim into an Anne Hathaway fan. She's probably someone people hate working with since she's so Type A and forward but Jim loves her for that.
Jim and Pam definitely care for each other. As to how they'll explore that, who knows?
"Don't fall in love with me" - definite trope. I just had to include it.
Date: April 06, 2021 06:29 pm Title: A 10-Second Birthday Hug
This is an interesting take on what Pam's life in the office might look like without Jim... she's a little closer and a little more favorably inclined towards everyone else. Hmmmm.
I love their relationship establishing its post-reveal bounds. You can tell Jim is a little trying to be friendly but also a little hurt and it's coming out as aggressive, and Pam is guarded but interested in bantering despite herself. I also love the way you grounded Roy's concerns about Jim in envy here.
The birthday party was great. She still notices the little details about him!
""Jim, I would really appreciate it if you get the fuck off my desk."" I like this line bcause it's something I can actually also picture canon Pam saying with a gigantic smile on her face.
Awww. Danny finds her awkwardness charming.
This ending is delightfully trope-y and I love it.
Author's Response: Thank you so much!
Date: April 05, 2021 03:01 am Title: A 10-Second Birthday Hug
Hehe, Pam and Jim’s digs at each other throughout the flashback were great: I also loved her throwing the ‘are you jealous’ back in his face in the present day. And her catching him and Katy in the supply closet! And the fact that she is both disgusted and just a little bit flustered.
Cathy taking over and getting Jim a boring present and cake, in contrast with how well Pam knows him, is a really nice touch. (As is the fact that Pam did actually get him a present!) I’m also really enjoying how you’re writing Danny in this - he seems like a nice guy who is genuinely interested in Pam, and it’s refreshing to have someone who is a) normal and b) into Pam as a contender for Jim. It definitely makes things more interesting.
And then Larissa at the end AND Jim pretending Pam is his girlfriend...I really can’t wait for the next chapter!
I’m also all out of jellybeans :(
Author's Response:
Thank you so much!
Yeah, it's really a somewhat charming back and forth between the two of them. Jim mostly wins but I like it when Pam has her moments. The 'Are you jealous' in the present day was really awesome for me because Jim obviously wanted that painting.
With Cathy, I have already written 3 chapters where she is just insane. The funny thing is they're not even together and she still took charge of his birthday.
With Danny, yeah, I was initially thinking of making him to be a "What the hell does Pam see in this guy?" type of character but I decided to make him into someone who genuinely likes Pam. Of course, even I'm rooting for Jim (and he's a douche here) so we'll see how it plays out.
Rissa and Duncan. That's going to be interesting to say the least.
Date: April 05, 2021 02:56 am Title: Not a Bad Week
Ok, I take it back - Jim’s disappointment in the flashback here may actually be even more crushing than Pam’s in the previous chapter! Although: Jim pulling the whole ‘pranks are unprofessional’ on Pam in the show annoyed me so much that it’s pretty satisfying seeing her use it on him here 😏 I like that Pam felt bad for it even in the flashback though. And then that she continues to feel bad in the present day, and realises she doesn’t actually want him to leave her alone at all. Cathy’s super passive aggressive apology made me laugh/dislike her even more. And a Holly sighting, and Jim helping Michael get there! I really like Jim using his powers for good here, both with Michael and with Pam/Danny (even though obviously I don’t actually want the Pam/Danny to work out, lol). The ending of this chapter, with Jim coming to Pam just as she’s about to come to him, and them settling down to watch a movie, was just perfection.
Author's Response:
Thank you so much!
Yeah, I kinda felt for Jim in this flashback. No one really likes being judged automatically but it does happen on a regular basis. And he did want to form a genuine relationship with Pam. Alas, it was not meant to be.
With Pam, I think it was pretty much summed up at the end of the chapter. Jim had bugged her so much that it really left a void. It's almost like how Jim and Dwight can't stand each other but don't really know what to do if the other wasn't there.
Cathy is officially one of my favorites to write because she is just all types of crazy.
I don't think I'll be using Holly a lot but I just wanted to include Michael's soup snake.
I almost didn't include the ending because of length but it had to be there because I wanted a feel good ending for them.
1 [Report This]Date: April 05, 2021 02:50 am Title: Slow Train from Philly
Ok, I was v excited when I discovered that I’ve got 3 chapters to catch up on this 😀 the flashback in this one is so sad - Pam goes from being so excited and happy to so disappointed, I also love the use of the engaged ain’t married line in a totally different context. (And Kelly’s names for the previous receptionists cracked me up, especially the Twilight reference). I loved that Pam and Jim have a whole routine with his one night stands, including her disapproving head shake. I’m also now intrigued about when she moved in next to him - was she there while she was living with Roy?
Cathy is the actual worst - although I really enjoyed the Ryan dialogue (including the ‘don’t interrupt’), this was him at his douchiest and it fits so well here for Cathy. Ugh and the video - poor Pam. I really like that Jim’s immediate reaction is to comfort/defend her (and maybe this is good if it’s the catalyst for him finally being done with Cathy?) I think Pam’s comment that he gets away with that behaviour and she doesn’t is pretty fair, even if it does lead to Jim leaving her alone :( I am very on board with things better from here haha, if only because I feel for both of them a lot in this chapter.
Author's Response:
Thank you so much! And I'm really trying to find time to catch up with your latest story because I read the first chapter (and half of the second) and I was hooked!
I really hated doing the flashback because it does tarnish the relationship between Jim and Pam but without it, I don't really have a story to write sooooooo
Anything with Kelly, I really go to Twilight because I always think about the poster Jim gave to her.
With them being neighbors, I can reveal that Pam and Roy were living elsewhere so Pam becomes Jim neighbor after they ended things.
With Cathy, I just really go all out. The bitchier, the better but what I can say is she definitely is a crazy ex-girlfriend.
I really wanted Pam's behavior to be justified somewhat here because at the end of it, it's her character that was getting tarnished. Jim really did get away with it scot free.