A phone call interrupts their Valentine's Day date.
How'd I miss this? This story is impeccable timing...I so want our show back, and one of the things I'd most love to see is plots that involve their moms, sisters, whomever. Also, I've felt so cheated by missing their first Christmas, New Year's, Valentine's, Columbus Day ;-)...so this really hit the spot. Thanks for that.
Author's Response: I'm happy to scratch that itch for you. So far I've written proposals set at Christmas and Valentine's. It's a sickness, I tell you! Thank you for reading and reviewing, and for always being so nice about my little stories. I appreciate it!
Two days after the Booze Cruise...what might've happened if Jim had confessed sooner.You, you...you torturer you! As lisa said, we ate our peas, we made nice with the cute bro's, Jim finally stepped up to the plate; in other words, I'm ready to go over that edge you mention. You totally make me understand Pam's confusion/reticence...but I still want to hit her upside the head and yell: snap out of it! Oh and, did you really need to use that final (most excellent) line? That's just plain mean ;-) Yet, I want more. Go figure.
Author's Response:
Now, now...you ate a salad, not your peas; the peas come next. Then you have to finish your chicken...and THEN you get dessert. (I considered clarifying those metaphors, but thought better of it.) :o)
With regard to the torture, I will say a few things: 1) I'll be taking this in a slightly different direction than the usual so that it doesn't end up being an epic that I'm still writing two years from now. In other words, I'll be sort of changing the course of events following the big reveal so that we can get Pam where she needs to be faster.
2) I just emailed my beta with a basic outline/plan of action, along with the next chapter -- the sole purpose of which is to make sense of what would've gone on in their heads following such a huge moment. (And complete with catalysts to help them snap out of it faster.)
I shall say no more on that. :o)
So here's a glass of wine, darling; drink and rest assured: happy ending (complete with a pinch of smut) will be coming shortly.
...Aaaand that's what she said. (God, this show has reduced me to a ten year-old boy....)
Thanks so much for reviewing!
Not going to lie...not a big Chuck fan. I mean, he's okay, he just doesn't render me delusional like a certain paper salesman. Or, you know - ancient Romans in eyeliner ;-) However, I'm still liking young Josh (you have a knack for brothers, my friend) and I am a major fan of that BC deleted scene toast - maybe the show's most poignant one ever. I still get ferklempt just thinking of it - and you brought it all back to me in this story. You have me on the edge of my seat, can't wait to see (read) Jim rescue Pam from the PB spill (hee!) - kind of a metaphor there, no?
Author's Response:
Hey there! Listen, no worries about not being a Chuck fan; like I said in the email, while most of the time I find him incredibly hot, every now and then he just seems far too young or something. Or maybe I'm just getting far too old. :o) (And noooooo...he's nowhere near James Purefoy in eyeliner. Sigh.)
That said: I'm really relieved to hear you say you like the new brother. I was nervous about this chapter, because I didn't know if it'd be believable that his younger brother would be that invested in his love life. And then I watched an episode of Chuck wherein Chuck was behaving much the same way as Josh does here -- all the way through the episode. So I felt a little better. :o)
And yes, the deleted scene from Booze Cruise is one of my second favorite scenes (confession and kiss being first, obviously). I'll never forget the first time I saw it -- just cried like a big baby, and I didn't even cry during the confession scene. So heartbreaking - and JK...guh.
You are beyond brilliant with the PB spill (I'll say it's a metaphor!). Thanks so much for your quick review! :o)
Okay, sweetie...now you've got me nearing the edge. Pam - really! Jim and his cutie-patootie bro's vs. freaking Roy?!? Sorry, don't meant to trivialize, cause fact is, your Pam is as sympathetic as she is maddening. And no one writes destroyed Jim like you (do I enjoy that a bit too much?) I liked Mama Beesly playing the Michael role too - giving Pam the engaged ain't married pov. Very clever. As are you ;-) More.
Author's Response:
Again, I say: Here, have a nice glass of pinot grigio and trust that I'll make it all better by the end. :o) I think we share a mutual love of destroyed Jim, actually. (And how could we not, given how absolutely delicious JK is when he's looking tortured? Guh.)
And gah, you always catch the stuff I'm hoping comes off -- I did want Mama Beesly to echo Michael. :o)
Thanks for reviewing (and enjoy that wine)!
I've been a bad reviewer lately, but trust me - I'm still reading. And checking for updates embarrassingly often. What can I add to the chorus of cheers? Like how you're interweaving canon with imagination - especially Michael's B'day - fabric softener is a powerful aphrodisiac, lol. And you also turned skating into a great metaphor - they really are on thin emotional ice at this point. Also, Jim watching Pam huddle with her mother, is a nice call back to that delicious little private smile he had overhearing them in SH. And so much more...but the point is: me likey. Now, Pam is in the car, he's giving her devourmenow-face and she's able to resist?!? Good lord! See, this is why you can write these long, sustained plots..and I can't ;-)
Author's Response:
Ah - no worries, my friend; I know how it is. :o) I mentioned in an earlier response that I originally hadn't intended to tie this back to any episodes, I got the idea to sort of explore some of the episodes from the vantage point of what's happened in this story -- like, how would Sexual Harassment have been different if he'd already confessed? And how would Drug Testing be post-confession/a few kisses/with single Pam? The more I thought about it, the more enamored I was with the notion of weaving in some of the episodes. (And, uh, Casino Night....? Well I have to revisit that, now don't I?) :o)
Thanks so much for reviewing!
Jim's last two words...need I even say it? And this: "Like you wouldn't believe, Beesly" may have provoked a little frisson;-) As usual, you're the master of the long, juicy build up - there's just something about your stories that totally take me out of whatever I'm (supposed to be) doing. And nice little bits of Kevin, Ryan and Kelly to lighten things up. Now, please don't tell me they're going to get home and end up playing cards with the bro's Halpert all night instead of putting me Jim out of his misery. A girl guy can only take so much.
Author's Response:
Would you believe those last two words were not originally intended to be racy? No? Well, fair enough, then; you know me too well. :o) And wow -- amazing to hear that my stuff pulls you out of what you're doing, because yours has much the same effect on me.
(And while we're on the subject of your writing: Starry Dreamer, my beta, has been dealing with writer's block for months, and she mentioned the other day that she'd read your "Ordinary Life" and it had been so inspiring for her. So there you go. :o) )
Re: Jim & Pam going to play cards with the brothers Halpert -- I will say the following: 1) No more Josh & Jon in this story. (It doesn't matter how many people say they love Jon or Josh; the chorus of voices hating them always stings enough to make me hesitant. Totally shouldn't, but it does, for whatever reason. I always get over it, though, obviously, lol.)
2) The next chapter is done (will be editing it as soon as I'm done with my "thank you notes," hee), and I can tell you that writing it involved very deliberately drinking copious amounts of wine (I kid you not -- I'm finding it harder and harder to write the sexytime for some reason), and I also sent it to Starry Dreamer to beta with an admonition for her not to judge me, lol. She gave it her stamp of approval for the most part, but there were sections that she agreed were just a hair too racy (as in, almost OOC racy, I think -- my words, not hers).
So there you have it. (Are you sorry you asked now?) :o) Hopefully, I'll get it up tonight. (Look at that! The mother of all TWSS!)
Thanks, my friend, for reviewing!
Was wondering how you'd follow up the sizzling last chapter...and, as usual, you delivered. So much here - I'll just be scattershot, but hopefully you can read past my incoherence, lol.
First: "There'll be no faking orgasms in this relationship." Not only funny and sweet, but coming (ahem) from Jim? Hot as a very...(say it with me, darling ;-) Loved that in that CN telekinesis moment, he realizes they've sacrificed none of their friendship...that's it, the defining quality that makes them so unique in tv romances. And I think this is my fave: ...punctuated by what seems like one long conversation that still hasn't ended. That description of their relationship makes my heart beat faster than even the steam in the last chapter. And that's saying a lot.
Okay, I could blather on, but I've already overstayed my welcome. This was a lovely treat at the end of a stressful day. (One more thing: don't think I didn't notice the steak in the oven trick, either. True love and cooking tips...you are a girl7 after my own true heart ;-)
As you can see, I'm taking care of MTT Business this afternoon, catching up on reading/reviewing and responding to reviews (albeit in a much delayed fashion....). I'm glad you liked this chapter; it's a little difficult for me to follow up the steamy chapters, but this one came a little more easily than others have (thank god).
And pshaw -- you couldn't possibly overstay your welcome! Thanks for the review!
Yay for nineteen years. And double hooray for being smoochy and wanting to climactically kill time after all those years. I also think it makes sense that the card would turn out to be a lot less confessional than we might have imagined - very Jim to have been so reticent even about that message, back in those days. Delightful.
On a future Groundhog Day, Jim and Pam watch the movie Groundhog Day and discuss what days they'd like to repeat.
This is part of my series 'Holiday: Just One Day Out of Life'.
I'm a sucker for these quiet, sleepy, everyday moments (I think that's where these two live) and this is a really lovely one. Love The Year of Estrangement - reminds me -ironically - of this terrific movie, The Year of Living Dangerously; Pam waking up next to a big lump (hee!); Dwight wanting to go into the delivery room (perfect);...this is such a fun, sweet idea.
Author's Response:
I remember seeing The Year of Living Dangerously in the theater -- I was so surprised that Linda Hunt was a woman playing a male character! Nothing like that here! Except Baby Laura is really played by a little boy named Bruno. He truly was the best actor for the part. ;)
I think Pam would have liked to relive the telephone call of The Initiation, also. She would probably have thought to get some more meaningful things in there, like "you know I'm single now, are you doing anything for Saturday brunch, how about I head up to Stamford?" But it didn't really fit in here to do every moment which would have helped to relive. I'm sure though, if she had that day to redo, that call would go differently. Plus, she wouldn't have had to monitor Michael's hours after a while, she could have written them from memory. ;)
Can't you just imagine Dwight thinking he has to 'follow through,' since he brought Pam to the hospital? I could see that. He could say he'd be helpful, since he's helped many cows to whelp. (Ew.)
Thanks so much for reading and reviewing, Colette! I love your writing, so any praise from you is lovely. :)
I could imagine this happening - unconsciously, triggered by a random synapse when her circuits were overloaded (as Pam says, her entire pre-Jim sexual context was Roy.) I like how she doesn't let Jim wallow in it. That last line is perfect - so clear where she is now.
Author's Response: i like that you like this :) i wanted this to be a cute bit: jim pouting, pam being reasonable (but in underwear). and getting right back to the sex. you know, what\'s important in life. \r\non another note, i like getting feedback from you. when i have the Colette Seal of Approval, it makes me feel like i had a good day :)
I'm usually dubious of crossovers, but I think this one works really well, because you really kept it within the spirit of both shows (i.e., they didn't meet in outer space or via a paranormal experience, lol.) That moment of worlds colliding has a subtle surreal feel, but you manage to keep it in a very incidental, ordinary context - and it makes sense for these particular characters to have an instantaneous recognition (the unrequited love club?) Enjoyed that.
This captures the flavor of one of my fave episodes. Always a big fan of Jim/Dwight (loved Jim's horror at knowing so much about him, ha!) and the Jim/Pam parts were warm and sweet without putting me into a beet-sugar induced coma (her kissing him was like a gift from the universe - bet that's just how he felt.) And this line made me laugh: Shoveling shit was harder than it looked. Nice balance of sweet and funny with a side of Mose ;-)
Michael Scott gets everyone involved in planning a party for President's Day.
This is part of my series "Holiday: Just One Day Out Of Life."
I applaud you're turning -arguably - one of the stodgiest holidays and making it so much fun. And on a personal note, this gave me a laugh: a good friend of mine in grad school was British - and she always called a vacuum, any brand, a Hoover (like my mom calls all tissues Kleenex.) Not sure if all Brits do that. Anyway, she always thought it was a riot that we had a president named after a household appliance (that Brit humor...) So, yeah, that bit brought back good memories. ;-)
Author's Response:
Thanks, Colette! I think it's very common for Brits to say 'Hoover,' as well as that well-known verb 'hoovering,' although I'm not sure. One thing I am sure of is that nobody wants the 'most like Hoover' award. ;) This year, my favorite part of President's Day is that I'll be in Scottsdale -- Whoohoo!
Thanks so much for reading and reviewing, Colette!
Ha! Great little bites of each character...hard to pick a fave but little spicy girl really made me laugh, as did Jim telling Pam to distract Michael with her Dolly Madisons, and the image of Andy in a stovepipe hat. Totally fun.
Author's Response:
It's fun to put a bit of each character in things, isn't it? Creed is so clueless when it comes to names ("You deal with this or you, me, Sammy, Phyllis, the chick you hit with the car, we're goners") that there's always that question when writing his words what he'll call the other people. I was glad when I hit upon (not 'hit on,' you understand) "the little spicy girl." And as a fellow writer, I'm sure you can imagine my delight when I thought up "Dolly Madisons." :)
Thanks so much for reading and reviewing, Colette!
When everything reminds you of the past, it is best to embrace it.
As someone challenge-challenged (only one I ever did was the Evening Coming, ages ago), first let me say how impressed I am that you kept this flowing for 13! parts.
Have to tell you, somehow this triggered a memory of a book my daughter (now starting to think about college!) used to love when she was very little: If You Were My Bunny, but Kate McMullan. (Must have read it to her 800X.) Basically a mother describing how she'd love/care for her baby if they were a long list of animals. Not saynig your story is childish - just something about Pam relaying all these examples to Jim, and the thematic, repetitive, rhythmic, playful, soothing tone that brought it to mind. Lovely ;-) (Since I know you'll be deep into children's books soon, thought I'd mention it, lol.)
This was difficult because I don't do plot particularly well. I'm happy that it didn't go too far off the rails for you! I'm very flattered that it brought to mind a book your daughter loved- that's a wonderful compliment regardless of the genre. Also, thank you for the rec- I'll be checking that out! (Two more weeks to go!). Thank you for reading and, as usual, for taking the time to be so generous with comments.
What if Pam confronted Jim a little sooner than on Beach Day? A S3 AU angst-fest, complete with uneaten pizza. Spoilers up to/around Business School....Like that it was the Dundie's kiss Jim told Karen about...makes me less fumed about the nonchalance of 'it was no big deal.' Now, let's have that pesky parking lot chat and pick up where we left off, shall we?
Yowza. Talk about closing that angry disconnect between them (which you made really vivid) - I think that conf. table may literally burst into flames. You know, of all the fics where they pounce on each other, I can't recall one where Karen actually walks in on them. And I like that it's Pam taking the lead (not that Jim seems to need much prompting. Sexy detail: when Pam starts to step away when Karen enters and he doesn't let her.) Okay - please no shenanigans where they go 18 chapters before getting back to bizness - a girl (and by that I mean me, not Pam) can only take so much, Mox, lol! Hurry!
Author's Response:
18 chapters before they get back to bizness? I'm sorry, Colette - but you must be confusing me with some other author. I'd never force those two to wait it out that long - would I?? ;-)
No, I promise - just a bit more tense, angst and build-up, and then the fun will being. Thanks for reviewing!!!!! :-)
Holy frijoles, Miss Moxie...look at you upping the ante. Between you and wendolf, Little Big Jim was really feeling the self-love yesterday ;-) This bit made me laugh for some reason: but what do about the situation? As usual, this was sweeter than either grape jelly or sexy raspberry jam. No way they make it through the night, what with the open door and undies on the floor and all...right? Or are you hell bent on torturing us them?
I just found this and read all the way through. And enjoyed it thoroughly. This last chapter was especially good - great, in-character dialogue, nice build up of tension...very believable as AU S2 (if only). Now, what's this I hear about smut? ;-)
Author's Response: Colette, this means a lot! I\'m a huge fan of your stories (and your deliciously written smut). I have to be careful not to read it when there are flammable materials nearby ;-) Thanks for taking the time to comment!
She saw the iPod as she was packing her stuff into boxes. It had been tucked away in a drawer for months. She never listened to it anymore; the memories were too painful.
I like how you opened with the iPod, tucked away - nice metaphor for how Jim (and what he represents that she's not getting from Roy) is always there, semi-hidden in the back of her mind - kind of the crux of S2 for Pam. As others have said, I also liked how her break-up with Roy was catalyzed by something almost incidental - very real and highlights how ready she was to let him go. And Jim's almost giddy response - fantasizing about helping her move, not wanting to call to soon and give out the wrong message was a nice parallel to her feeling of freedom, almost exhiliration instead of regret as she walked around that evening. So, what's in the two cards? Two?!?
Author's Response: Thanks so much, Colette. It's gratifying to write something that provokes this kind of analyisis from someone as talented as yourself. I'd like to claim that metaphor was intentional, but I have to admit it wasn't. Yes, I have set myself up having to write two cards, and then somehow write how Pam would react to them...oh well, I'll do the best I can. Thanks again.
A look at what might have happened between The Job and 'round about Money. Lots of steam in the beginning, then some angst for good measure.Writing sexage like this that's in character, emotionally charged and still hot ain't easy. Perfect blend of their humor and heat and great dialogue too - too many wonderful lines to list but I thought it was somehow especially touching when he responds with a simple 'good' to her ILY. And this could sum up S3: It was like she was having dinner with a stranger who sounded an awful lot like Jim. Hee!
Okay, the green-eyed panty monster doesn't scare me; bring it on ;-)
I'm glad Jim didn't run after her...and I like that you've made him sensitive to how the whole Karen thing effected Pam, but still self-aware enough to not simply fall back into that old, destructive pattern. The thought of him thinking IwishyouwouldIwishyouwould with Karen, the night of BG, is just such a punch in the gut too. Yikes. Okay, I think you've got 100's of readers holding their breath...be gentle with us ;-)
Flattered you liked the 'green-eyed panty monster' thing and of course you're welcome to it - though I thought your bonfire of the panties was far more clever. And what can I say? Tortured Jim, Angry-Sex Jim, Contrite Jim, Sweet-Loving Jim...hard to pick a fave, lol but they're all believable here. As was Pam's purge - and that he clearly needed to hear it as much as she needed to say it. Looking forward to this b'day epilogue...intriguing ;-)
Author's Response: Colette -- thanks so much. I wasn\'t sure if anyone would get the \"bonfire of the green panties\" thing . . . I clearly underestimated the readers here! ;-) I agree -- which Jim to choose (*taps chin thoughtfully*). They\'re all. so. GOOD. As always, I appreciate your thoughts!
Pam gets drunk at Kevin's wedding and decides she and Jim need to get a room. Oneshot fluff.
Shout out to the WildBerryJam. I love so much about the things she choses to be(ta).
No spoilers, really, but through S4 just to be safe.
What a fun, sexy little story. Actually carrying her from the elevator? Oh my. And your line about Bob Vance made me chuckle too. Thanks for that.
Author's Response: ohh, yay, thanks for reading! I love everything you write so this review means alot. ;)
Ryan/Karen seem to be the more popular fic pairing, but I always thought Karen/Toby might be more interesting (maybe cause I like Toby more, lol?) Just more subtle and emotionally nuanced - and I think you've written a small delicate moment here that captures that. Very nicely done. (And what a great description of Karen's hair like vinyl raincoats too.)
Author's Response: Yeah that may be it ;) Ryan/Karen has always struck me as the more obvious of the two, but there's something about the fact that Toby and Karen have the shared bond of loosing the people they want. Thank you so much!
19