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Reviewer: Jim-jams Signed 1 [Report This]
Date: August 17, 2021 08:09 am Title: We've got that spark that only lights a fuse

Ahhh, I was so happy Katy was out of the picture and then BAM! Sad Jim and Pam. I’m hoping she’s just in shock right now and that she and Jim can work it out when they’re both in a better headspace. Love this story! Your writing and sense of humor are fantastic, as always. I can’t wait to see what happens next! :D

Author's Response:

Thank you so much! I'm really thrilled you're enjoying it :) And haha, sorry for the sad Jim and Pam. Hopefully not for too long... 

Thanks so much for reading and taking the time to leave a review!  

Reviewer: darjeelingandcoke Signed [Report This]
Date: August 16, 2021 03:04 pm Title: We've got that spark that only lights a fuse

WHOA. BIG CHAPTER.

First, Danny sucks. Not even for not texting - as in canon, he is kind of entitled to only date someone he clicks with. But he was clearly going to sleep with her anyways knowing that he wasn't going to call again! #TotalRyanMove. And Jim's response is deeply squee-worthy! And very good dating advice, too - for her and Michael both.

Sigh. So close to a happy ending. The kiss is great. All obstacles out of the way, except that... one little thing.

My sympathy tends to be with Jim here, but it's an interesting conflict because of course they both have a point. I mean, MAINLY this is, in fact, about him. It would be one thing if she were still with Roy, but it feels like since this led to HIS break-up he gets to process it in his own time. Of course, it is in fact partially about her - some big things to know about her own life. I do wonder how she would have received this if she hadn't felt like she *caught* him - like, it's not really the wait itself that's the problem, as much as she kind of frames it like it is.

I love the idea that they were all accidentally propping up each other's relationships - and in doing so preserved their relationships with the wrong people. Shakespearean, almost.

Author's Response:

Thank you so much! And hehe, #TotalRyanMove. I'd like to think that even a Michael who no longer works with Jim could benefit from his dating advice with ladies living in Nashua... 

And ha, that's interesting that your sympathy's more with Jim: I initially wasn't sure if this wasn't a bit too underhand for him, even with the very valid point that it's his break-up to process. I think you're right that the unfortunate timing (/Pam doesn't cope well with unexpected bombshells) doesn't help. But: I also think she'd be hurt that he kept something that big about his life from her even without the Roy angle (especially in a context where he's been there for her through all of her break-up). 

I always sort of liked the implication on the show that Jim was propping up Pam's relationship with Roy to some extent, by making her life more bearable, and her then calling it off with Roy after Jim was gone (ok, I know it was also because of the kiss).

Thanks so much for your review!   

Reviewer: Maxine Abbott Signed 1 [Report This]
Date: August 15, 2021 04:53 am Title: We've got that spark that only lights a fuse

Oh just as things seemed to be going so well -Danny, the fuckboy was out...good riddance and Jim seemed to be in -boom -gut punch. Was not expecting that but it totally makes sense and adds the angst I'm here for.

Poor Pam and poor Jim.

Oh and the whole bit writing to Michael was fun too.

Author's Response: Thank you so much! And haha Danny the fuckboy out and Jim in...they were very close. I was vaguely trying to make this one a bit less angsty, but I'm not sure I've entirely succeeded. Glad you enjoyed the Michael too, I had a lot of fun writing that. (I am also really enjoying our overlapping updates, ha!) 

Reviewer: Christabro Signed 1 [Report This]
Date: August 14, 2021 08:00 pm Title: We've got that spark that only lights a fuse

Love this! Keep writing!

Author's Response: Thank you so much! I'm really pleased you're enjoying it - thanks so much for reading and taking the time to leave a review :) 

Reviewer: warrior4 Signed [Report This]
Date: August 14, 2021 10:26 am Title: We've got that spark that only lights a fuse

Whoa! Big chapter. First things first. Danny is 100% a fuckboy. He says to Jim that Pam just wasn't for him, yet he tried to invite himself up to Pam's bedroom. If he knew she wasn't for him why was he trying to sleep with her? It seems the only reason he says she's not for him is because Pam didn't put out on the first date. Yeah, Danny's a fuckboy and Pam is better off without him.

Lots of fun there with dinner at Jim's and messaging Micheal. Lots of fun JAMMY banter. Then things start getting heated on the couch.

And the truth drops and drops hard. So Katy has been out of the picture for awhile over something that happened even longer ago. Eesh. Gotta say Jim, not your finest moment to be sure. Pam's right. That's a big thing to have held onto. Really leaning into one of Jim's flaws hard. He gets scared and when he gets scared he freezes and things blow up in his face. Then when he is forced to make a move it causes more chaos.

He probably should have told her the long version of everything. Not sure Pam would have stayed around to hear it though. She's understandably hurt.

Should be really interesting to see how things go from here.

Author's Response:

Thank you so much! So my thinking on Danny (which I don't think really came across) is that he wasn't into Pam like that but would've been up for a one night stand if he thought she was - but he backed off when she hesitated and he realised she wasn't. Although I'm not sure that makes him any less of a fuckboy, lol. Pam is definitely better off without him! 

The messaging Michael was a lot of fun to write haha, really glad you liked that.

And do you know, I was hesitating a bit over whether Jim would really keep a secret like this for so long - but you're right, he does have a real habit of freezing/holding onto secrets and then letting them out with disastrous consequences!

Thanks so much for the review :)   

Reviewer: Invisiblecynic Signed 1 [Report This]
Date: August 14, 2021 09:55 am Title: We've got that spark that only lights a fuse

This was fantastic! So many highs and lows here I may need a Dramamine. I cannot wait to see what happens next.

Author's Response: Haha, thank you so much! That's so great to hear, thanks so much for reading :) 

Reviewer: tinydundie Signed 1 [Report This]
Date: August 14, 2021 08:41 am Title: We've got that spark that only lights a fuse

Oh my god this was such a good scene. The tension and buildup and the reveal. Yikes. Excited for more!

Author's Response: Thanks so much!! Really glad you enjoyed it :) 

Reviewer: Dernhelm Signed [Report This]
Date: August 14, 2021 07:46 am Title: We've got that spark that only lights a fuse

That awful moment when I perfectly understand both sides' feelings and why it hurts so much for each of them, and even more awful is that I don't see how this whole situation could be handled immediately or in the short time... it feels like A LOT has to be said.
Anyway, I really like this chapter (it made me extremely sad, but still — it was fantastic!), and I'm very anxious (and hopeful) sitting here, processing what happened and waiting for the following parts.
Thank you so very much for this bust of emotions in such an eloquent form
(I don't know if the code of review form allows it, but I put some hearts at the end of the review))

Author's Response: Thank you so much! And haha, I'm really glad to hear you can understand both sides - I spent a while trying to decide whether Jim lying about something like that for so long was justified. Next chapter is now up, so hopefully not too long a wait :D Thank you so much as ever for your lovely feedback, it's so great to read and I'm thrilled you're enjoying this!  

Reviewer: Maxine Abbott Signed [Report This]
Date: August 13, 2021 08:19 am Title: I don't ever want to hate you, so don't show me your bed

Pam is pretty cute wanting sports facts and even cuter confusing them. But it does lead in nicely to their connection despite not being completely invested in the same things. The dressing embarrassment also a good touch. Even on the phone, (especially now with iphones) being naked/half dressed always feels a little um weird.

Jim and Isabel have it right - Danny is a classic fuckboy and a dick! Boy am I glad ghosting wasn't a thing when I was dating (although I guess it kinda was it just didn't have a name and we didn't have texting)
Enjoying getting more insights into Jim and Katy relationship and the Jan bits were icky but accurate.

Looking forward to what happens next.

Author's Response:

Haha, I fully feel Pam on confusing the sports facts. I had to google just to find something vaguely sports-y for Jim to say. And agreed on the phone/iphone! (It’s why I’m always slightly confused by these stories about people accidentally being naked/getting changed etc on zoom calls, like how were they ok doing that in the first place?) But, for the sake of awkward tension in this fic…


And yeesh yes on the ghosting. I was actually trying to work out if the whole ‘Danny didn’t call’ rather than text on the show was a sign of the times, lol. Or if it’s an American thing, because I’m pretty sure I remember texting in 2005. 


And glad you enjoyed (/were grossed out by) the Jan, haha. Thanks so much for reviewing!

Reviewer: nicemorningtoo Signed [Report This]
Date: August 12, 2021 10:11 am Title: I don't ever want to hate you, so don't show me your bed

I finally was able to catch up with this and I have so many feelings. I love when Jim is the one in the committed relationship (though it sounds like maybe it’s not going so well after all?) and we get to see Pam be the one who is (definitely not at all because hes just her friend) pining. I was so upset that Danny was introduced, but I think that is mostly because I still havent forgiven him from your last story. Im glad he never texted, make Pam pine over Jim even more. Loveeee this story!

Author's Response:

Ah, thank you so much! Really pleased you’re enjoying it :) And haha, I slightly love pining Pam too (more to come on Katy and Jim 😏). Yes lol, I sort of wondered if I was being a bit harsh on Danny again…but then I re-watched that episode in season 7 and decided no, I just really don’t like him?  Thanks so much for your review!!

Reviewer: grc73 Signed [Report This]
Date: August 11, 2021 11:45 pm Title: I don't ever want to hate you, so don't show me your bed

Ooooh the UST is becoming strong in these two…

Author's Response:

Haha, thanks so much! Also, I mentioned in another review, but I keep reading this as LUST instead of UST (but again, that also kind of works of here). Thanks for reading! 

Reviewer: Christabro Signed 1 [Report This]
Date: August 11, 2021 08:01 pm Title: All the things that we've always done

This is a great story. The build up is incredible! Can’t wait for the next chapter!

Author's Response:

Ah, thank you so much - I'm really glad you’re enjoying it! Thanks so much for reading, and taking the time to leave a review :) 

Reviewer: darjeelingandcoke Signed 1 [Report This]
Date: August 11, 2021 04:27 pm Title: I don't ever want to hate you, so don't show me your bed

You really a knack for their dialogue here - you really captured the vibe of two people in their late 20s who on some level know they should know this stuff by now and are with someone who they don't have to be embarrassed about it with... but still delightfully awkward. This also paints an interesting and somewhat sympathetic and understandable picture of something akin to what canon Pam's struggle must have been, being a grown adult woman with plenty of relationship experience and virtually no dating experience, and how hard that would have made it for her to pick up on her own feelings about Jim.

Hmmm. Another hint that things are not so good with Jim and Katy right now. Wondering if a less-stressed Pam might have picked up on this by now. (I also REALLY like that you're framing the conflict with Katy in terms of approach to money and adult life - the sort of thing that you can realistically see emerging unexpectedly as a roadblock for a couple that got together young and has been together for a long time.)

An interesting picture of the Danny-Pam first date, and one that feels like it might have some relationship to canon... Pam impressed with/not quite able to see Danny's smoothness, and Danny (presumably) not being quite as impressed with dorky Pam. (Unless of course he's just pissed she wouldn't let him come upstairs. In which case f off Danny. Isabel has you down.)

"She appreciates his sweater, as a friend." Oh, Pam. I appreciate the extent to which the confusion has been fun, rather than angsty so far.

"Ryan keeps saying we should hang out with you and Erin more.” UGH. RYAN. YOU ARE GARBAGE.

“And he still hasn’t proposed?! Oh my god, he’s so clearly in love with you.” On the other hand, Kelly is maybe more perceptive than she comes off.

Glad to see more flashbacks to the house here... seems like they may have, in fact, worked a lot better as a foursome than a pair of couples. TWSS.

Author's Response:

Thank you so much! I think you’re totally right on canon Pam, I do really feel for her in that respect. (And it makes sense that canon Jim, who has more dating experience, might be a bit more aware of it). 


And yeah, I think money is one of those things where having very different values/approaches can really start to bite as you get older, so it felt sort of plausible as an issue where Jim and Katy’s lack of compatibility might become more of a problem. 


Hahaha, on Danny: I meant for it to be more the former (Danny not impressed with dorky Pam). But I slightly struggled to write that from Pam’s POV when she’s not quite picked up on it. Tbf I don’t think he necessarily would have texted her even if they had ended up sleeping together…but I’m not sure that helps his case on not being a fuckboy. 


Fun confusion is, um, funner to write than angsty confusion, it turns out. And hehe, glad you’re enjoying garbage Ryan. And the foursome. 


Thanks so much for your review! :) 

Reviewer: warrior4 Signed 1 [Report This]
Date: August 11, 2021 08:44 am Title: I don't ever want to hate you, so don't show me your bed

So Danny takes Pam out on a nice date. They seem to have a nice time. Then tries to invite himself up and then goes blackout when she says no? Yeah, I fully agree with Jim there. He's a dick. Just a complete jerk move.

Okay, I have that out of my system. " Oh my god, he’s so clearly in love with you." Kelly is right! Wow, that's kind of an interesting concpet, but still. Even if our beloved idiots haven't quite gotten there yet it's still clear as a bell. The amount of time Pam and Jim spend thinking about each other, and then trying to not think about each other is just further evidence of all this.

Really interesting look into Katy's mindset there with the flashback kind of stuff. She'll say she's ok with non-expensive things, but then get Jim expensive hockey tickets. Likewise the idea that Katy almost expects her "partner" to basically be the money behind all her endevors is also very telling. If that's not the kind of relationship Jim wants I don't really blame him for not really wanting to spend a lot of time with Katy.

What I do love is that Jim and Pam are so easy with each other and seemingly always have been. They connect in a way they don't with their actual partners. Maybe its because they're not officially together so they don't feel the pressure of having to be on for the relationship and thus can just be themselves. However I think its because of that, that they're drawing even closer together.

So probably a Jim POV chapter up next. There have been hints that all is not well with his current relationship with Katy. Looking forward to seeing how that all pans out.

Author's Response:

Thank you so much! Haha, I think Kelly is sort of accidentally right, in as much as she’s gone for the most dramatic interpretation that just so happens to have some truth to it…Glad you enjoyed the look into Katy too! I will say in her defence lol, I meant for her to be well-intentioned but a bit clueless here (i.e. she genuinely thought Jim deserved the hockey tickets and wouldn’t have been expecting an expensive gift in return, but has just…slightly missed the point).


And yeah, I’ve actually enjoyed writing a version of Jim and Pam that don’t have loads of angst hanging over them and can just enjoy their connection to each other (even if their feelings are now getting a bit confused 😏). Thanks so much for your review!

Reviewer: tinydundie Signed 1 [Report This]
Date: August 11, 2021 07:20 am Title: I don't ever want to hate you, so don't show me your bed

Pam is in so deep and she seems to be actively aware of it. I'm really loving the banter between her and Jim, you've nailed it.

*And her last guilty thought before she climbs into bed is that she wouldn’t have minded Jim seeing the dumb teddies on her comforter, and she doesn’t know what that means.*

Ooh, this hit.

Author's Response:

Thank you so much ! Haha, Pam in too deep and aware of it is quite fun to write. Ah and that’s so great to hear on the banter, thank you! :) 

Reviewer: tinydundie Signed 1 [Report This]
Date: August 11, 2021 07:02 am Title: That kind of talk only adds intrigue to the cauldron of thought

Okay, I must have missed something earlier but it's all cleared up now, ha. Really enjoyed hearing Jim's perspective on "the incident" and his developing (long-developing_ feelings. The UST here is simply delicious.

*No, Jim’s not blind. It had never escaped his notice that Pam was - well, cute doesn’t really cover it. It’s not like Katy. It’s different to Katy. She’s beautiful. Quietly beautiful, in a way that sneaks up on you and Jim’s not allowed to notice*

Beautiful.

Author's Response:

Thanks very much! Really glad you enjoyed that part :) (Also for some reason I originally read UST as lust in all caps…but that sort of worked too). Thanks so much for reviewing! 

Reviewer: tinydundie Signed [Report This]
Date: August 11, 2021 06:51 am Title: Temptation, the very thing that held her back

*They find him at the same time. She still thinks perusing some guy’s Facebook profile before she’s met him is weird. It would feel even weirder by herself. But there’s something conspiratorial, almost fun, about doing it with Jim. It somehow makes her feel less creepy.*

Love this. Loved getting inside Pam's head, learning a bit more about their backstory. But wait, did Jim cheat on Katy in college? I feel like we need to hear more about that...

Author's Response:

Ah, thank you so much! And yes haha sorry it was sort of briefly mentioned in the first chapter - but no, no cheating Jim from college. That *would* be an interesting story…

 

Thanks so much for reading and taking the time to leave feedback!  

Reviewer: Dernhelm Signed 1 [Report This]
Date: August 11, 2021 02:41 am Title: I don't ever want to hate you, so don't show me your bed

Who's happy? I'm happy! And I'm happy, happy, happy, and I won't shut up about that!
First of all, Danny's a dick, and thank you so much for bringing it so soon! It was great to see Pam having fun, but Danny... I'm not a fan of him either :)
Also, THE PORCH SCENE!!! It's so beautiful and tender, and I love it!
Also, it was really interesting to learn a little about Katy's background. It explains a lot about her personality and her actions.
And I can't even describe how curious I am about what Jim's going to tell Pam... and I have a suspicion that he's going to talk not only about Danny's antics...
Thank you so much for writing this story! I can't wait for the following chapters :)

Author's Response:

Ahaha thank you so much - glad you enjoyed this one! Yeah, I couldn’t keep Danny around for too long…


And I did feel like Katy got short shrift in the show, so it was fun having a chance to dig into her character a bit more. 


Next chapter is coming :D Thanks so much for your review! 

Reviewer: Maxine Abbott Signed 1 [Report This]
Date: August 09, 2021 04:02 pm Title: That kind of talk only adds intrigue to the cauldron of thought

So how much are we paralleling each other right? Danny, Jim and his not so heartfelt hookups, weird dreams, missed phone calls.

It goes to say I'm loving what you are doing here.

The good advice from Jim - no spark, don't waste your time, well said and a perfect segue into both the Louise story and getting Pam to the bar to meet Danny. Well played.

The whole bit from college was delightfully awkward but what better way to bond two friends right?

Oh and this line ... She’s beautiful. Quietly beautiful, in a way that sneaks up on you and Jim’s not allowed to notice.
MWahh.

Bring on Chapter 4

Author's Response:

Haha, yes! Do you know, I was thinking the same thing when I was writing about the dream - although I think his dream is, um, slightly less insightful and beautifully written here, lol.  And yes haha, delightful awkwardness = excellent bonding. Glad you enjoyed Jim’s advice too! Thanks so much for your review :) 

Reviewer: Dernhelm Signed 1 [Report This]
Date: August 09, 2021 03:26 am Title: That kind of talk only adds intrigue to the cauldron of thought

Danny's near Pam, and I already DON'T like it.
BUT, I like this story so much! Even if it makes weird things with my heart, and breathing, and eyes... nevermind.
It was nice to learn Jim's side of that college story, and it stung so much how lonely and desperate he was back then and how much Pam really meant to him. So heartachingly beautiful.
And his protectiveness of her. And that little note of her beauty "in a way that sneaks up on." And that he wasn't allowed to notice that. And...
I don't know why, but this chapter hit me hard. I love it, but also I want to cry. And reread the whole chapter again. And, maybe, cry more.
Please, please, please, update soon!!!

Author's Response: Thank you so much! Haha, I had a vague idea that I was going to make Danny less awful in this fic than he is in Calm Like You, but it really has been a struggle. I just don't like him? But I figured he's part of Pam's journey here. Ah, and I'm really pleased you enjoyed the college story, I really enjoyed writing that part. Thanks so much for your lovely review! 

Reviewer: warrior4 Signed [Report This]
Date: August 08, 2021 05:13 pm Title: That kind of talk only adds intrigue to the cauldron of thought

I'm liking how you're including bits of backstory with this one. Gives a good sense of just how strong Jim and Pam's friendship is. Many of the specific recollections are interesting though. How Jim and Pam are with other people and how the other one perceived that and their feelings about it. Gives a really good insight to their headspace.

Mr. Charming Danny here feels just like that. Mr. Charming who feels like things are just owed him. Part of me is kind of thinking he left his wallet there on purpose. One to meet this girl Jim was talking about and two to further annoy Jim. Remains to be seen how Pam's date with him will pan out.

Jim missed a call from Katy? Curious. Why oh why would Jim miss a call from his girlfriend? Maybe because even if his head isn't there quite yet, his heart knows who it's more drawn to and who it should pay attention to.

Author's Response:

Thank you so much! Yeah, I sort of wanted to show that a Jim who'd broken up with Katy might have started to almost think that way about Pam, before he stopped himself - so really glad you enjoyed that! And haha, I will say that Danny leaving his wallet there wasn't deliberate from him. He's not necessarily that nefarious here - just opportunistic (i.e. if he sees a pretty girl in a bar he'll stop to talk to her).  But yes, lol, definitely Mr Charming. 

More on Katy to come...

Thanks so much for reviewing!  

Reviewer: darjeelingandcoke Signed 1 [Report This]
Date: August 08, 2021 12:10 pm Title: That kind of talk only adds intrigue to the cauldron of thought

Oooooof. Although again! A relatively kindly treatment of Alan compared to canon. Jim and Pam bonding over (and recognizing each other's) unwillingness to have difficult conversations is a nice touch... and especially when quickly followed by Jim helping Pam get out of the date without having a difficult conversation.

The juxtaposition of Pam and Jim discussing her dating someone she's not attracted to and Danny immediately make his first appearance is really good fic writing.

"Jim used to worry sometimes that it was fake, and the realisation that she just found everything he said equally funny was both reassuring and disappointing" tells you SO MUCH about that relationship so economically.

Ah, Jim running into the other challenge of wingman-ing real quick here - it's a lot easier to help someone you're "friendly with" get out of bad dates than go on good ones. I love the way the

I love the way "not-terrible Louise" and Pam walking in on him end up coming together in a scintillating pinnacle of awkwardness and longing. (Although I feel just TERRIBLE for Louise here. Not cool, Jim.)

Author's Response:

Thanks very much! Yes, lol...I figured they could recognise their own weaknesses without actually, um, always managing to fix them. And I know it was a bit retcon-y on the show, but I am actually interested in what it is about Danny that Pam was attracted to. And yeah, definitely a challenge with wingman-ing, haha. 

Definitely not cool Jim. I wasn't sure how bad to make his handling of the Louise situation, but his track record for how he dumps girls is pretty terrible. And I feel like he *sort* of got a free pass on the show because both Katy and Karen just got angry with him, so you were meant to...feel sorry for him? (I also have some sympathy for getting in over your head/trying to preserve someone's feelings and actually making the situation ten times worse). I'd like to think he has at least learnt from it here, though. 

Reviewer: darjeelingandcoke Signed 1 [Report This]
Date: August 08, 2021 10:36 am Title: Temptation, the very thing that held her back

Oh, Pam. This feels very akin to the way canon Pam would have rationalized away her awareness of her attraction to Jim. And in this context, it actually makes a certain degree of sense! This is the kind of mistake someone coming out of a long-term relationship might find themselves making with a close friend.

Interesting glimpse at the tension with Katy here. I appreciate you finding some of the good in here... and maybe the little hints Pam isn't catching that the problem isn't inherently between Katy and *her.*

But of course the big thing here is the backstory of Jam platonically living together WITH KATY AND ROY. That is a FASCINATING dynamic I hope we get to see more of, especially in light of Pam's realization that her relationship with Roy is failing immediately after LEAVING that living situation. Interesting twist on the canon (and It Would've Been You) ways in which Pam and Jim have actually built something of a relationship/a home together without ever saying so.

Lol at Erin setting Pam up with her ex and not understanding why Pam isn't going for him.

I kinda love the idea of Pam becoming Fancy New Beesly while relying on Jim's care and support, the way it should have been, and the comfort and safety she takes from having him around. The image of her keeping his voice on in the background is lovely.

Author's Response:

Thanks so much! The close friend thing is interesting - it's something I thought actually worked quite well on the show (despite the heartbreak), in as much as Jim going away meant that there wasn't the question of whether Pam's feelings for him were just a crutch after the break-up with Roy. I do have a bit of a soft spot for Katy - but yeah, it's possible Pam isn't picking up *everything* here... 

And yes! on the Jim actually being Pam's friend during the FNB journey, I always thought that was so sad on the show. And that's another thing I really wanted more of on the show after Booze Cruise - the dynamic of the four of them pushed into close quarters together (and more Jim and Pam vs Roy and Katy). So there will probably be some more of that.

Thank you so much for the review!  

Reviewer: Maxine Abbott Signed [Report This]
Date: August 08, 2021 07:10 am Title: Temptation, the very thing that held her back

So I just got to finish with my read of this chapter when you posted the next. So I'll be brief so I can get back to my reading - one of the things I appreciate is your posting with regularity to keep us engaged and the story top of mind. I don't want to fall behind.

As usual with your stories you do a great job giving us the history while keeping us in the present. The flashbacks of memories serves well. So interesting that a a foursome they got on well in the house but once down to two - it all unraveled.

The backstory with Pam and Katy and they way you have their relationship now is an interesting set up.

Your Kelly and Erin are very spot on - interesting too that Kelly notices her bond with Jim and thinks he's the reason she won't agree to date her guy. (oh and love the bit that Erin set Pam up with her ex)

But what I loved most about this chapter was how she was realizing (sorry my spell check corrects this word with the s instead of the zed) how much freer she feels without Roy there. How much she was holding back when living with him. It is something I see as a very important part of her self-actualization - something I like to focus on too in developing post Roy Pam. Her being with him only worked if she stayed small was another line that resonated.

It was the subtle line about the capers that I felt the most meaningful.


So I guess I wasn't that brief after all. Anyway looking forward to the next chapter which I'm off to read shortly.

Author's Response: Thank you so much! I also love Pam and self-actualisation, so I'm really glad to hear that resonated with you - it's actually quite nice writing a fic that starts with her already in that position for a change. Glad you enjoyed the Erin and Kelly too lol, Erin drove me crazy on the show but it turns out she's quite fun to write. In small doses. Thanks so much for the review!! 

Reviewer: Dernhelm Signed 1 [Report This]
Date: August 07, 2021 11:17 pm Title: Temptation, the very thing that held her back

Pam's chapter! Pam's chapter! Pam's chapter!
I was really excited to dive into her mind and discovered more of the story of Pam and Jim's friendship.
Maybe, it would be better to write a list of things that I liked the most:
1) Pam's baby steps after calling off the wedding - so, so realistic and nice!
2) They were roommates!!! I love everything about this idea.
3) Pam walked in on Jim with some girl... okay, I nearly spilled coffee reading this because cheating Jim wasn't... Jim, buuuut I remembered on time that Katy had broked up with him that time, so... this moment was very awkward yet cute;
4) The confusion. I like that Pam didn't give names to what she felt, but she felt it :)
5) Stalking Alan together!
6) "There's a half pause where she realises she's basically just described Jim." LOL!!!
7) Pam's enjoying being on her own. She deserves it so much!
8) Jim's not into artsy-fartsy stuff, and yet, he supports her! And she's not into sport, but she's listening to his stories! WHAT COULD BE PURER IN THE WORLD???
...
100) The fact that they're friends in the first place. Will they? Won't they? It's not so important as far as they're the closest people to each other (but, of course, it would be better if they will ;))
Thank you so much for writing this story and sharing it with us

Author's Response:

Ah, thank you so much! I always love writing Pam (I think *slightly* more than Jim), so I'm really pleased you enjoyed this. Jim and Pam as roommates may have also crept into one of my other fics lol, I am a big fan of this idea. And yep no - definitely not Jim cheating here! You will get his POV on the awkward encounter too...

And yes, I am a sucker for their friendship first. I quite liked the idea of them having a slightly purer friendship here that hadn't been marred by one of them pining after the other for a long time, and them getting to that place together instead. 

Thanks so much for reading and reviewing!  

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