I realize this story was posted a while ago, but I have to say I've read it several, several times and it's amazing. The symbolism, characterization, and especially the resolution--absolutely amazing. Aaaand I should have left a review the first time I read it, which was months ago! Anyway. Great work.

I have long loved this little snippet. Then again, you're one of my favorite authors. This is just...exactly what it needs to be.

::fans self::

I've read this story like a dozen times. Just wanted to let you know how much I like it. I can really feel Jim throughout.

Why didn't anybody review this? It's great. I love 'bisexual,' obviously, and Oscar wondering what it's like to be on the receiving end of a prank... very cute. :)

10

This is one of those scenes that just leaves you speechless. Take all the time you need between updates if this is the payoff! I'm sorry I didn't review this story earlier, because it's just so heartfelt and real. Excellent stuff! :D

Emotionally magnificent :) Thank you for finishing this! It's one of my favorite stories on the archive. I know the fic bug doesn't bite us much anymore, but this story is one of the reasons I loved this show so much - so much angst, and hope, and sweetness and funny, and you captured it all and kept them true to character. Wonderful.

Author's Response: Thanks so much Callisto! It's been so long since I've been in the characters' heads (so to speak), that thinking about finishing this story became pretty intimidating. I do kind of wish the ending was stronger, but I figured I should just stop waffling and post at this point :) I'm really glad you liked it, and I'm so glad you think it was in character! I think that was what I worried about the most in this story.

10

A long time in the making, maybe, but definitely worth it. This is such a beautiful story. Your insight into these two is outstanding, to say nothing of the way you've captured their banter. This epilogue was a terrific cap to an amazing journey. Congrats on the new baby, and I hope we'll see you around here again soon! :)

Author's Response: Thank you so much, callisto!  I hope so too!

In the spirit of the recent calls on the boards for leaving reviews, here's my two cents. :) That said, I'll ask your indulgence in advance because I'm gonna be perfectly honest.

While I appreciate your attention to detail, I don't think the story would suffer in the slightest if you just glossed over some of the minutiae of treatments and hospitalization details to get to the guts of the story, which is the relationships. (Right?) Jim and Pam have already gone two or three chapters without interacting and the prospect of more is not thrilling; it seems like they're hardly ever in the same room as it is. I feel like I've been waiting for something to happen for the last three chapters.

I hope that doesn't sound too harsh. You have a good idea here, and I love your dedication to it, but I think it's getting too bogged down in details and needs more movement.

That said, I am glad that Larissa likes Pam, and recognizes that her presence there comes from love. :)

Author's Response: Thanks for your honesty, callisto. I definitely appreciate your taking the time because, as you know, I think you're a pretty masterful storyteller. I'm going to PM you offline for more input...

Hey, length isn't everything...er... well you know what I mean. Nice imagery, though. Morning should be interesting :)

Author's Response: Well, that elicited a chuckle out of me!  Thanks.

Yay, update! First of all, ouch for all the times Pam realized she hurt Jim to protect her own peace of mind. The general consensus has often seemed to be that she was just oblivious to her effect on him but I think it was definitely more like this...she's a smart girl, she would've known exactly what she was saying in each of those instances. Looking forward to the next installment!

Author's Response: Yup, I absolutely agree with you.  NO WAY anyone with four neurons firing could have missed all those looks that Jim gave Pam in S2.  And Pam's got a lot more than four neurons firing!

Hey VB, i forgot to say, thanks for your little shout out to me on the last chapter. That was a great idea you had to post that link to those unfinished Michelangelo sculptures!

Author's Response: You're welcome!  Thanks for making me think of it!

10

How did I never review this? One of my favorite pieces on the site. Spot-on in character, fantastic tight writing, super hot ending. Bravo!

9

How gorgeous. All your stuff is so well-written and emotional and this is no exception! I particularly love the ending where the realization of the change in their relationship comes from such an ordinary everyday task like cooking dinner. This whole passage sums it up beautifully:

He grins, lowering his mouth to hers and pulling her close, suddenly understanding the literal meaning of the phrase "deliriously happy." Because that's what the past week with her has been like: a seemingly endless train of delirium -- sex that's as hot and frenzied as he's ever imagined it, punctuated by what seems like one long conversation that still hasn't ended. They've let down all the walls now; in the confines of their most private spaces -- stretched out on his bed, sitting cramped in her bathtub, nestled together on the couch -- they've said so many of the things they've spent the past five years trying to hide.

As always, a pleasure to read.

Author's Response:

Wow, such a compliment coming from you!  (Loving your latest....) I'm glad you're enjoying this; hopefully the next/final chapter will be posted very soon!

Thanks for reviewing!