AU. Jim's at corporate. Engaged to Karen. But what happens when he gets a new redheaded green-eyed secretary?
Disclaimer: I own nothing. All rights to NBC. But if I did, well let's just say this show would've been on HBO or showtime.
I reallu reallu love so much about this. I confess that I;m not thrilled about, I don't know, something about Jim and Karen's re;ationshio. While you made him very reluctant about marrying her, it just felt like he was far more into their relationship, cared about her far more than I ever felt like he did. Then again, he couldn't feel anything for her on the show because he was in love with Pam where here, Karen came first. I guess that would really change it. I guess in thinking back, he really asked her to marry him here, according to this because 1 it was simply logically the next step and 2 jis mom was putting some pressure on. There's no real feeling here at all that he's truly in love with her abd/or actually wants her to be his wife. I'm actually quite sad to see Jim so truly entrenched in a job that he clearly not only has no passion for, nut clearly disllikes.
I do want to interject here, it probably sounds like I'm being rea;;y critical and I don't mean to be because I rea;y really like and am really enjoying your work. I am just absolutely passionate about Jim and Pam and also my true hatred for Karen and belief that she and Jim were never good couple much because she never loved Jim for the person he was but for who she could make him into. I actually see that in these characters here it's just that she's further along in creting in him the person she wants him to be rther than loving him for who he is and allowing him to simply be that person. I'm hoping that we'll see Jim start thiking about a career change in this, something he can be passionate about. Something that really makes him truly happy. I think that's when we'll see Karen's true nature. Anytime Jim just wants to be Jim I'm betting she'll fight him on it/
I know you said heavy angst with a happy ending (I really REALLY hope we have the same definition of a happy ending. For me there is NO happy ending unless Jim and Pam are together>) I'm praying that the angst isn't too heavy but even more, that it doesn't last oo long and that we get to see more that JUST the happy ending. I like whe an author is willing to show us more than just, okay, now they're happy. We held out thrrough the misery, I always want to see more of what it looks like after... Thsat said, my stomach gets so twisty and unsettled when Jim ans Pam aren't together, you already have me in knots, so I just hope it doesnt last too long. I will love you if you give us reagular and hopefully frequent updates. I love these two and since I don't get neww stuff on TV I depend on you guys. That said, I've had multiple surgeries on my brain and have problems remembering especially when updates are far apart. (I swear its my health, not my age... okay, maybe my age too!) Anyhow, this ia a winderful start and I just love the length of your chapter. I'm begging you to please please hurry up and dirst give us more more more and second get us through this Jim and Karen thing as quickly and painlessly as you possibly can!
Cannot wait for more!
PS lunch couldn't possibly go too well unless it ends at a hotel and I'm almosyt open for that. Oh okay, too far out of their characters! Can't wait to see just how well lunch goes! :)
Author's Response:
Thank you so much for your kind words. I'm so happy you're enjoying the story it's a bit of a passion project for me and I'm sorry to say there is going to be more angst not a lot though because well we're going to see Jim and Pam fall deeply in love the thing is with Jim or seen him if he has never really bothered to question his circumstances he's in a successful career one he doesn't Love but doesn't feel compelled to change as for his relationship with Karen he thinks he's happy because he's comfortable I'm getting a lot more adwake than I really should but it'll all it'll all come out eventually I plan on updating often I don't I hope I don't go to without updating. Reviews tend to stoke the fire and after reading yours i am definitely updating sooner than later. Don't worry though I'm die hard Jam so then being together is the definition of a happy ending
10 :::stomping foot and glaring like a petulant child::: Where's my update? I am constantly checking the updates just for this specific story. You got off toa really amazing start and while there are several WIPs that look promising (and honestly at least one that I wish would go away) but yours is the one that keeps me obsessively checing for updates. I honestly haven't been so excited about a WIP in many years. SO PLEASE, put me out of my misery and put Jim out of his. Please, he doesn't want to just linger around, stuck in a relationship with Karen ANY longer than absolutely necessary. I'm begging, please PLEASE update SOOOOOOON! I'll send you cyber cookies, or pizza... back rubs! Whatever it takes to get you writing and keep you as obsessed with this story as I am!!! COME Back PLLLEEEAAASSEE!
Jim and Pam are CIA agents assigned to break a Scranton element of a smuggling ring. "Stamford" is a cover for Jim being recalled to Langley after confessing his feelings for Pam, but now he's coming back. And he has to recruit Dwight as an asset.
NOW COMPLETE. Set in AU S3. Spoilers through S3.
1 No angry slamming computers here... well except over the fact that I want MORE, much much more and I want it yesterday. I should appologize that this is my first review. You're an amazing writer and I've followed this from day 1 since I read everything that's posted here, I'm just not up to always reviewing. Thing is, I admire not just the quality of your writing but your dedication to the story and to us the readers in giving us updates that we can count on. That means so much to me because it's tough when updates are spaced so far that you need to reread the entire story to really get it all. I normally go to the chapter before the new one just to refresh where we were, then read on. Something I totally admire in your writing is just how involved you keep me in the story. Sometimes I want to reach in and grab Karen by the neck and tell her to stop trying to manipulate her work cover into a real relationship and scream at her, HE BELONGS TO AND WITH PAM! Other times there's the suspense of like Gardner's murder or Pam finding out she was compromised or this latest chapter where litterally my heart is eating thinking Jim you gotta find her. Be her hero and find her Jim... oh and yeah, wanting to smack Karen...AGAIN! I NEED to know that Pam is ok. I also want Karen (and Jim but mostly Karen because she's so freaking arrogant) to find out that they, them being recorded while finding all that stuff but neglecting to see they were being cptured on film, are the reason Pam is in the situation she is in and I would imagine the entire oporation, after all this time, is compromised and HAS to be in jeapardy! UGH! Like I said... more more more! Really, this is amazing and to keep us so engaged in the story is just fantastic! I have to say, you are one of the rare writeers that seems to really think outside the box. You come up with premises that seem far fetched and seem theres no way they can work, yet you make them work. Believably! Absolutely incredible. I don't want this one to end... maybe not ever and being honest, would LOVE to see it expand past your 31 chapter goal. But I'm also very anxious and excited to see where your mind will go next! Can't wait til tomorrow!
Author's Response: Thanks so much for taking the time to both read and review. I'm hoping the second half of this can live up to the first; I really appreciate hearing what you think. Let me know if you find your interest lagging, but I hope I can keep you engaged as everything here comes to a head.
Jim becomes Golden Face and Pam reminisces.
1 This is a really good fic, I've really enjoyed it. I love the thought of Pam eing the one to apply Jim's makeup for some reason.
I knew when I read this the first time that hovering in the back of my mind was another TLM fic but I couldn't remember for certain what it was or if I was even correct that it even existed. As seems to often be the case with me, coincidence stepped in. Days, maybe a week after your fic was posted and I read it, I was rereading a Why Albany in February is like April in Paris on here by the author MrBill. As I oftn do after reading something, especially the longer fics, I then go and look (again. For me it's always I look again since I'veread through this site so many times) and remind myself of the other things that author has written. Like I said, by sheer coincidence I found this fic, would have probably never found it in a search because what I would have searched wouldn't have worked. Anyhow, another TLM fic, specifically dealing with the deleted scene where Pam gave Jim (or Goldenface) an unscripted kiss on the cheek is named CUT and the author is MrBill.
Anyhow great writing. I enjoyed it. I look forward to your next one.
Author's Response: Since writing this, I have stumbled upon 2(?) more TLM fics, but I probably never would have found the one you mentioned on my own, and it really was is a very sweet little story. I’m glad you liked this; thank you for the review!
Just as quickly as life can give you everything you've ever wanted, it can take it away on a dime. When tragedy strikes, will Jim and Pam's love be able to stand the tests?
Set during the summer between S2/S3.
For those of you who watched Lost or Once Upon a Time, the theme of flashbacks will be heavily played with in this one :)
1 Wow! What an absolutely amazing, impactful way to begin a new story that right off shows such promise. I’ve seen one or two stories started with this premise of Pam gets into an accident at some point after she and Jim became a couple only to wake up and not remember that she was with Jim and Roy is the past. What I’m sincerely hoping you do that these other authors did not is keep writing. The one I can think of pretty much ended with her waking and insisting that she and Roy were a couple and Jim leaves devastated. I think that one made it maybe 3-5 chapters, got its hooks in me then left me high and dry. I will say, based on your recent history I have full confidence that not only will you not leave us high and dry, I believe you’ll write a detailed interesting story that you’ll see alll the way through. I have a tough time writing reviews very often but I can promise you, I’m always, ALWAYS here reading. Stories like this have a hold on me because I have brain issues myself, had surgeries on my brain and actually need more but I’m going to have to travel out of state and we’ll, it’s not something I look forward to. That’s why I’m on here reading so much. This site is just everything to me and these stories have gotten me through so many terribly long desperately painful days. That’s actually how I found the show and more specifically Jim and Pam, I had to have something that could get me through some really awful times nd this amazing couple honestly saved me. Anyhow... sorry to ramble about that.
I want to bring up an issue that I don’t know if you’re aware of or not. I’m just wondering if you would at least consider changing, modifying, whatever but doing something about the title. As soon as I saw your title on top the recents a confused question mark formed above my head. (Ok, it wasn’t really there but it sounds neat!). See we have two stories that are two of my VERY favorites, Learning to Love Again written by Dedeen and Learning to Live Again written by Italian food. Thing is, Learning to Love Again even has a similar accident/amnesia plot. I find it confusing to keep straight which is which already, I can just imagine how tough it would be with a third story thrown in. On top of that, I’d hate for you to miss out on readers because they see the title and know they’ve read a story by that title, not realizing this is a new one. I hope you won’t hold it against me that I’ve asked, just like there will be no hard feelings if you decide to keep it the same.
Ok... like I’ve said, this is a wonderful solid start and I cannot wait to see where it takes us. I do hope that you’ll keep our, nd Jim’s misery as minimal as possible as far as how long Pam’s time with Roy will last. Of course, that’s your call. I just know that for me, I tend to lose interest when an author drags it out too long. Just my two cents though I’m sure it’s not even worth that! 😉. I will be VERY impatiently looking forward to the update.
Author's Response: Wow! First of all, thank you so much for you kind response! I can't imagine suffering through trauma as you are, but I am so glad that you've found solace in our Jim and Pam. Hopefully I can put a smile on your face as you continue to use this site for comfort :) That being said, while I'm going to do my best to get all of the medical jargon as right as possible. feel free to call me out on anything I might have wrong ;)And thank you for pointing out the issue with the title! I actually ended up changing it; I don't want to step on anybody's toes! Thank you again for your continued support! Hopefully I'll do this little number justice. I'll try my best to see our Jam through to a happy ending :)
NOW COMPLETE! Jim gets in an accident on June 10, and Pam gets to help. Only AU in that it deviates from main timeline between S2 and S3 (no different worldbuilding premise).
Disclaimer: I do not own the Office or its IP.
1 OK wow!!! I'm REALLY excited about this one. I really enjoy these hospital stories like Cardiac Care and The Waiting plus Pacific and a few others. You write so well and have such a great imagination I seriously cannot wait to see where you'll take us with this. You have a really great start here. I always feel like in the first chapter it's so important to catch the reader's attention and get them pumped up and excited for the rest of the story right off and you did that. I was worried as the chapter was winding down that you were going to end it without anything about Jim in it and was relieved and excited about the phone call. I'm so glad that Larissa is calling Pam and can't wait for Larissa to hear that Anderson isn't going to happen. Of course im MUCH more excited for Jim to find that out.
I have to say, often when a story that excites me gets started my excitement gets pushed down a lot because so many stories happen so slowly or have an exciting chapter or two then stop. You have a wonderful, amazing history with seeing all your stories all the way through and manybe more exciting, updating quickly. I cannot thank you enough for these things. SO, now I'll sit back, try to be patient and settle in for another wonderful story experience from you! CAN'T WAIT!!
Author's Response: Thanks so much for your encouraging comments! I'll do my best to keep both the quality and the pace of updates on this up.
A Quiet Place crossover. Gory, action-packed, dark, irreverent, and relatively hilarious (all things considered). This fic is primarily JAM-focused, but also prominently features some traditionally-underutilized secondary characters.
Takes place around the start of season 4. Just before Fun Run would have happened, if the world hadn't ended.
1 Okay I first want to apologize because though I am a HUGE fan of your writing and I’ve read every single thing you’ve writtien NUMEROUS times, I don’t think I’ve ever reviewed any of it. I’ve thought about it and I’ve meant to but I he a lot of challenges with my health (as in it’s awful) and most of the time as I'm reading I’m just not up to reviewing. Add to that that while I do 99% of my reading on my laptop, I don’t to any writing of any kind on there unless I have no choice so it’s kind of a big ordeal to switch to the iPad or phone and especially stay in the same mind space to leave the review I wanted to. Okay, if that’s nough excuses, let’s get to the good stuff...
This is good. I mean, crazy, crazy good. I’ve gotten to where when I read my first apocalyptic fic years ago I kinda kept reading just for the Jim and Pam element of it but wasn’t at all crazy about the genre. Now I’m kinda Gaga for any of the apocalyptic stuff no matter if it’s set in a Quiet Place universe or The Walking Dead type universe of there one that is amazingly good on another site that is a crossover with a show called Dollhouse that I’ve honestly still never heard of except there. I skipped the fic the first several times I crossed its path. I then had read like all the Jim/Pam I could find on all the sites so decided to just try it and WOW, even fell in love with that. I think it’s safe to say I love this genere at this point and your fic, even unfinished is without a doubt amongst the very best out there. The funny thing is that I don’t even find it a stretch that they happened to be at Shrute Farms at the time everything went down because in The Office universe when Michael was boss these things just seemed to happen. (I mean him making things mandatory and them going along with it). I could see so clearly how the day played out, even Dwights’s tour of the farm that you only briefly mentioned. I love that Mose just happened to be in the bunker because one of my early thoughts as they were headed for the bunker and you mentioned those that were there was, oh no, where’s Mose? Oh and I find it extremely believable that the shelter is so well thought out. I mean we know it’s existence is cannon and it was also established that Dwight makes sure that the food in it isn’t out of date so I have to believe that he would have really given it a lot of thought. I will say that Dwight seems pretty ooc but in the very best way. I really think that had Dwight kept his same over the top authoritarian personality this wouldn’t have worked for long at all. I think there would have either been an uprising or revolt of some sort or people would have decided to chance leaving. All in all it’s clear that you’ve thought about what it would take for this to work and adjusted things to this. I like that people still respect that this is Dwight’s place in that he really leads the group. He calls meetings and is in charge of reading complaints etc. I love that he’s made it that the rule of the land is majority rules even thoug he’s often on the losing side of things. I also love that this happened both when Angela and Dwight were still together and also while Jim and Pam were still new. (Though he didn’t spill to the cameras about the ring until a while after they were public but who cares, doesn’t all have to line up perfect.). I’d love to find out that the ring is maybe in his bag in the car or something and at some point he leaves because they’ve grown so close and he desperately wants to put that ring on her finger. Maybe Dwight has the same idea and has his grandmutter’s ring, that he’s planned to give Angela, inside the house so he and Jim work together to retrieve their respective rings. So I’m wishing. I’m always hoping for marriage and babies for Jim and Pam and the sooner the better. I love the thought of the two of them eventually venturing out on their own together. Of course since I do want there to be babies I see them returning to the shelter for the birth and awhile after. Or maybe they figure something out on their own. I know that whatever you write will be absolutely amazing, adventurous, take us on a fun ride and be in character for Jim and Pam because no matter what crazy universe you put these two in you are somehow ALWAYS able to translate it so that they are still the Jim and Pam we love and everything you write is so believable. I mean, I don’t think there’s a thing you’ve written that I’m not craving a sequel to, honest to God. And that’s with me looking at at least one, like the one where they have powers, and thinking, nah, I don’t think this ones for me. I. The end I adored it and as with every single thing you write, I crave more more more in that universe. I do want to say, I so appreciate the fact that with the exception of this, every single thing you’ve written that is multi chapter you’ve posted all together. Because of my health issues that means more to me than you know. I have serious memory problems (which is part of why I love rereading stories over and over again) so when there’s a long gap between chapters I basically have to reread the entire piece for the chapter t make sense. To be able to read everything all at the same time is just divine. Even this, you gave us 8 nice sized chapters with lots of stuff happening. I really hope though that you weren’t serious about never finishing it because the several times a day I check here for updates, this is at the top of my list of stories I’m praying to see at the top of the updates list. I also pray for new stories from you because I know if you post it, even if it seems to not be my thing at first glance, I’m going to end up loving it. BTW, do you ever want or listen to story ideas? Years ago an author on here started a fic about Jim and Pam meeting on a dating site, I think back then it was eHarmony. Now it’d probably be tinder or something. Anyhow she wrote a few chapters and while many of us were loving it, someone told her it was horrible so she took it down and I don’t know if she posted after that. I urged her to repost and continue but she didn’t. I would LOVE to see something like that. Anyhow, mostly just PLEASE, keep doing what you’ve been doing because you are AMAZING at it. But PLEASE don’t keep us waiting much longer for an update on this nd something new Too.
BTW, can I tell you yr old daughter and myself with you Freedom and Safety First fics. Just talking a lot about how things that I’ve always said and thought could never happen in America, like the world in your fics, now don’t seem as out of the question as it did even a few short years ago. It’s strange for me to be able to discuss things like this with my husband especially because my fan fiction hobby isn’t really something I openly share with anyone so to discuss one of the fics is unusual to say the least. We also aren’t after able to openly discuss politics without some ensuing turmoil as he’s very liberal, as is our daughter while I’ve always been pretty conservative. I’ve more recently find myself in a place where I kinda term myself a political orphan as I can’t really identify with my party as it currently stands. Anyhow, I think it’s mad it easier to discuss things and your stories have given us kind of a jumping off point for discussions about fears and worries we have about the direction of the country. Don’t get me wrong, I’m not saying I think that world is even a remote possibility, just that it doesn’t seem as crazy as it once did. Okay, sorry I rambled so much. I have wanted to share with you about that just because, it’s honestly a huge compliment even if I didn’t do a good job getting that across. Ok, now please more, more MORE!!!
Keep up the AMAZING job!
1 PLEASE continue this very soon. I’ve just watched all of season 1 of Jack Ryan and your story blends The Office with that show so well. Having just watched it I can so clearly envision all,of this happening and I’m frankly desperate for more, SO MUCH MORE. I’m dying to hear hi. Explain this to her. I want so much to know why he’s teaching high school math when he’s clearly trained to do so much more. I want to know who’s coming for him and how he’s going to protect Pam. You’ve really done an amazing job getting me invested in this but I’m now so eager to know what comes next?! Please, update soon!
1 I gotta say, I’m pretty desperate for an update to this. When this began I feared that we would be in for a prolonged time of the love triangle with Roy. When I read that Pam had no family around and considered Roy’s family to be hers I was certain that it would take a long time for us to see Pam leave Roy. I was absolutely overjoyed when I was totally wrong and after finding out about Roy and Katy Pam didn’t hesitate and dumped him. I will say though that I’m more than a little curious about where Jim was, why he missed weeks of school. I’m wondering f that’s at all tied into the men who came after him. I’m filled with just tons of questions that I hope we’ll get answers to. Of course, I trust that we will since one thing I’ve learned about you is that you come back and finish what you start. 🙂. Even if it’s years later, you finish it. Of course I’m very much hoping that we don’t have to wait nearly that long to get this one updated. You’re an extremely talented author and I cannot wait to see how this story is going to unfold. I just hope that you continue it SOON!
"It was Saturday afternoon and Jim was sitting on his couch watching a basketball game and drinking a beer, when the doorbell rang. Jim was confused, he wasn’t expecting anyone, so he almost didn’t answer the door because it was probably some door to door salesman he had no time for. But he did. He launched himself from the couch and swung open the door. And saw nothing. Something moved below him in his peripheral vision, and his eyes snapped down."
Set around Season 2ish, before Casino Night.1 Please PLEASE continue this! Would love to see Roy out of the picture quickly. Honestly I wouldn't even mind if this happened while Jim was dating Karen and he sees that not only would Karen fail him in a situation like this because she wants to not be tied down etc, but also he doesn't want her to be the one that's by his side for this. This could be a really great story. I admit that the idea of Jim or Pam either one creating a child with someone other than each other really huts my heart a bit but if done right, it can be shown that the child seems like it was always meant to be theirs. (If that nakes sense.) You're a wonderful story teller and I truly believe that this is very different than anything being written even somewhat recently and I so very much want to see the journey you wil, take them, and us, on. So PLEASE come back and continue this. I really look forward to it!
Author's Response:
Oh my goodness! Thank you so much. This means so much to me, you have no idea. I am working on the next chapter, but my life is a bit crazy right now while I am adjusting to college :). I am also working on a timeline to clear things up. It will be a slight AU but I am trying very hard for it to follow canon as close as possible.
Thank you so much for reading and reviewing <3
1 OK, first off I really love this story and you've gotten off to an amazing start. It's intriquing that you've basically moved The Office to this setting and I'm excited to see how it all works. I love that you have Karen working there and as Jim's ex because I'm hoping that you plan on there being the romance and love between Jim and Pam that they have on the show and that there won't be a lot of obstacles to it. I really hope that we get to see Karen watch this happen and see that they are soul mates and that Jim is truly in love, unlike he was with her, and she gets to be jealous. Probably obvious but I kinda hate Karen. While it was, I don't know, for her I guess, how Jim ended things on the show (my sympathy doesn't run deep for her because let's face it, she really pushed Jim into the position he was in. She knew his deep feelings for Pam and could clearly see Pam's feeling for him yet rather than bowing out so she could minimize the hurt to herself she tried to force the relationship in a way that never felt comfortable or natural. she pushed Jim to do things he didn't want and to be a person other than who he naturally was. Pam wanted and loved Jim for who he was, accepted him as he was. Karen saw him as raw material and loved who she thought she could turn him into. Anyhow, I'd love to see Karen have to watch them and be jealous because we, and Pam, got cheated of that on the show with Karen leaving right away. When Karen realized Pam had feelings for Jim, and vice versa, she decided to mark her territory and did things to throw the relationship in Pam's face and make both Jim and Pam uncomfortable. Anyhow, wow... sorry about that side tangent. I guess I have more resentment for how Karen was than I even realized, ANYHOW...
I would suggest you think about maybe looking into a beta. While the story is fabulous, there are a fair anount of errors that takes the reader just momentarily out of the story. If not that, maybe read it over a few more times yourself with a more critical eye. I kinda hate even suggesting a beta because I know that adds time onto how long it takes to get it posted as you have to wait to get it back. Its just something to give a little thought to. Other than that I love how this has been set up. Really love the alternating points of view. I'm praying the updating will happen quickly. I hate so much when I fall in love with a story but have to wait and wait and wait for updates as I'm dying to know what happens next. I'm hoping this will be a nice long story as I believe you have it set up where there's a lot of story that could be told. I'll be waiting on pins and needles for more. Thanks for sharing this with us!
Author's Response: Wow this is amazing haha. I got really excited to see a review then I pulled it up and I was just like WOW. This is an amazing tangent ;) I have wanted to look into a beta just haven't known where to start exactly either. Update will definitely be on the way!
1 DYING for an update on this one. I have a few stories I'm pretty obsessed with right now and this is absolutely one of them. I'm hoping we'll see not just the proposal but also the wedding and I'm kinda hoping that Pam brought it up because there's a sweet little Halpert baby on the way. (Or even two! C'mon, whats's better than a sweet JAM baby? Twin JAM babies. Twins have certainly not been written often.) I'm also hoping that we hear what happens with Roy, maybe Pam shows up to testify at his sentencing and he sees how happy she and Jim are. (and maybe sees she's pregnant with Jim's child.) I'd also love to see Karen return to work and have to deal with her jealousy of Jim and Pam's continuing and super happy relationship. something I kinda hated on the show was the fact that Karen rubbed her and Jim's relationship in Pam's face and caused Pam a ton of pain but we didn't get to see the reverse. Karen left right away so she didn't have to witness Jim being so happy and clearly in love which I firmly believe he never was with Karen. I also believe he never pretended to be in love with Karen and though I believe she was in love with him and told him so, she was well aware that though he was trying, he was not in love with her. I'm pretty petty like that. Wanting Karen to have to suffer like she made Pam suffer.
Anyhow, this story is amazing. I found it drew me in from the very first chapter. I do find Jim and Pam to often be out of character, which normally makes me a bit nuts, but I'm so crazy about this story that I find I just don't mind this time. The two things which bother me just a little are changing Pam's sister's name. I just don't see any real reason for the change and sometimes when I'm catching up on several stories at a time it can be just a bit confusing. Also just the way Pam's mom is here bugs me a bit but honestly, both of those are minor issues. You're writing such an amazing story so, who cares? I love the non traditional elements to their relationship. Meeting and nearly sleeping together the night before she finds out he's her boss. Deciding to throw caution to the wind and date even though he is her boss. Moving in together so quickly. I love that Jim wants to use/share his money on/with Pam and especially love that though it's clear that Pam isn't in it for that and isn't completely comfortable with him spending so much on her, but rather than all kinds of feeble protests that I think many authors would be compelled to write, Pam lets him spend money on her. Please PLEASE continue soon! I'm sincerely hoping that you have lots more chapters in you to add to this! Great job so far.
Jim Halpert took the job in Maryland after "Halloween" in season 2. He's back in town, on Halloween.
1 Ok. First off I have to tell you, when I saw a new story posted by you, I was so excited I actually let out a yelp. I remember some time back you came back and finished up ‘The Receptionist’s new clothes’ and I was off the charts excited about that but figured after that you had just wanted to finish that up and that would probably be the last we’d see of you. I have read all of your work, much of it multiple times. I actually read some/much of it back when you were originally posting it. You are such a fabulous author and your works are absolutely amongst the finest here IMO. I wish so much that some of our other former authors with unfinished WIPs would follow your lead and return to finish the stories that so many of us got fully invested in but then nipped on the ending. Anyhow, I just wanted to really say thank you for continuing to support the archive by continuing to post and let you know what a great author you are.
Now, about this fic... absolutely written brilliantly as all your works are. What a frightful twist there at the end. I think it’s actually a good alternative take on how things could have gone while still keeping some elements of cannon like Jim buying the house. A perfectly wonderful story for Halloween even if it depresses me to think of either Jim or Pam ever dying, especially in such an awful way. I do want to thank you for using the character death warning. I think it’s really important for those to be used so people know what they’re getting into.
I’m crossing my fingers and hoping really hard that we’ll see you back here again not too far into the future! Thanks for sharing your talent with us!
Author's Response:
Oh, ftmill16, I am blown away by this comment. Thank you for reading my work and for taking the time to tell me that you’ve enjoyed it. It means the world to me.
This site was a huge part of my life. I am humbled that my contributions helped make it special for you, too.
This piece was a departure— but I don’t think I'll ever really stop dreaming of Jum and Pam. Sometimes I write those dreams down, so I’ll always be around!
1 I gotta tell you, it’s not rare for one of these stories to bring up real emotion in me. I truly get very invested and as stupid as it might sound, I truly feel the stories. I feel happiness, fear, anger and I’ve even been known to cry when reading a few. I have to say though, it’s pretty rare that I get the emotions that I’m getting from the story you’re telling. I get that twisting sick feeling that is riddled with anxiety in my stomach. It’s almost a feeling of dread. Like, I’m anxious and eager to read what you’ve written but I also truly dread it. You’ve made me feel a real burning anger at Jim that, well, I don’t know if I’ve ever felt quite like this. For him to just let Pam go, not even try to get her back after all he went through to have that relationship in the first place, it just makes me kinda livid. The fact that he jumped not just into sex, not even just a relationship but an engagement and marriage so soon after Pam, while she was still hurting over him.... I don’t even have words to describe exactly what that makes me feel. Makes me feel like he never deserved her. I remember in season 9 in the episode Paper Airplane when Jim and Pam finally had that breakthrough. When he was leaving for Philadelphia and she went after him with his umbrella and he finally took her in his arms, I remember during that thinking, Jim you need to DO something. You need to make her understand that she’s the MOST important thing to you or you’re gonna lose her and you probably won’t get another chance you certainly won’t deserve one. Here in your story we basically see the other result play out where he didn’t make the move to save things and actually did what Jim does, jumped into a rebound relationship where I have no doubt he never loved her and he put them all through so much pain. I’m dying to know so much more about how and why the engagement happened. Pam thought that in pictures Jim’s parents didn’t look so thrilled, or awkward or something, I’d love to know her w family and friends felt. I’m also wondering if Hannah’s dad had anything to do with the engagement and marriage. I don’t know, probably stupid but I keep thinking something like, ‘if I’m going to invest in the company I’d feel a whole lot better if you were married to my daughter’,or something like that. My thoughts are so all over, I swear this doc is shattering me. Like I keep thinking of Pam being at the engagement party, all dressed up and ready to get Jim back only to stand there and have to see them together. Also her looking at Hannah’s social media, it cut to MY heart when I’m reading where Hannah is posting saying he's her soul mate or whatever and saying about just needing to wait... those things had to literally crush Pam. I mean, I would think it would make it feel like everything she felt about her own time with Jim became nothing, was wasted. Certainly Pam had felt that she was Jim’s soul mate and I know she had to wonder if Jim now felt that Hannah was his. Oh oh and what really gets me is none of this would have happened if Pam’s dad hadn’t felt the need to make Jim fl so insecure and like he wasn’t enough. The one thing I will say is if Hannah’s dad was in favor of th relationship/marriage it had to be a real boost to his ego after what he went through with Pam’s dad. I do hope that Pam knows or at least finds out that her dad is the sole reason he didn’t propose. It doesn’t take Jim completely off the hook because after the way he fought for that relationship I felt he owed it to Pam to talk to her about her dads comments and how he felt about it and how Pam would feel about getting married without her dads blessing. At the end of the day, they were very much adults and Jim needed to man up and not lose her because of her dad. Anyhow, I could probably go on forever with my scattered thoughts about this one. I have to say though, I think your an extremely talented writer to bring out such raw emotions in me from just reading this. I mean, when I think about the story I feel that rawness, the twisting in my stomach. I cannot wait to read more.
Author's Response:
Oh, man. Where to begin. I mean I've read this a few times just to process, and first of all thank you for taking the time to read and review this so thoroughly. I mean, when writing I always appreciate when some sort of emotion is evoked but I don't think I ever meant this! When I read it the first time I wanted to write the next chapter, make it sappy, and call it the end just to get rid of the twist in your stomach when you read it. :)
But you really hit on so much. I do think this has turned into my Appreciation Manifesto for Season Three (the benefit we got from them growing independently) and Cautionary Tale for how bad Season Nine could have been. And an unintentional theme that has developed here is "what happens when you just let life happen?" for both of them really and then how do we try and fix that in the right and wrong ways. While I certainly don't want to have you riddled with anxiety over this I am So Incredibly Thankful for the insight. It really does help to know how much to flesh out why these idiots keep doing what they're doing with reviews like this. BUT, I do hope that it turns around and eventually your stomach isn't twisting in knots to read this. :) Thanks again for the feedback!
1 I gotta say, I totally did not expect to get sucked in by this one, yet I find I'm more than a little obsessed. Wartime stories just aren't really what I think of as my kind of story but my oh my this is just... crazy good. The fact that it hooked me and just refused to let go from chapter 1 is a real credit to you as an author. It's not the fact that it's an AU that I didn't expect to like, I find I actually love AUs. Honestly these days I really favor them because I think we've had all the bigger moments in Jim and Pam's relationship that are canon, told and retold over and over in so many styles and ways and interpretations that even when someone finds a way to spin it slightly differently, it's still just telling the same things again and again. What I love is what you are showing such and amazing talent for. I love that you're taking moments from canon, things that we really love and reinterpreting it into a way that fits smoothly into the story you're telling here. I find there are times that authors try and do that and they try to force it in ways and places that it just doesn't fit and I find myself shaking my head and saying what a waste. What. A. Waste!!! ;) Not with you. I find that the moments you choose to use and the places you fill them in are pretty brilliant. You truly are a compelling story teller.
Something I really find intriguing is the dynamic between Pam and each of her parents and honestly, just the personalities of Mr and Mrs Beesly. Most writers seem to write Pam and her mom as super close and if there's any issues or strain it tends to be between Pam and her dad. Mr. Beesly I find is often written as cold or distant or at least just not really close to Pam. It's also very often written as Mr. Beesly and Roy being especially close and Mrs. Beesly's relationship and feelings about Roy tends to run the spectrum from her already considering him a son to her often feeling that he's just not right for Pam or even negligent or thoughtless. So I find it really interesting to read a point of view where Mrs Beesly is the one that is especially vested in the relationship between Pam and Roy to the point where she just doesn't seem to care how negligent he was to her daughter. In contrast we have Mr Beesly who is so wonderfully warm and clearly especially close to both of his daughters. What I also appreciate and find very interesting is the fact that you make Mr Beesly warm and very supportive of his daughters but while he may clearly disagree and be unsupportive of his wife's views and ways, he's also very clearly a loving husband and really the only one that Mrs Beesly seems to be willing to listen to even if only marginally.
I'm pretty concerned here at the end of this last chapter for what Pam's mom is starting to formulate in her own head. It's frustrating that Helene seems unable or unwilling to see both how unhappy and frustrated Pam had become with Roy and that relationship and how happy she is and how much the relationship with Jim is thriving based on I believe love even if they aren't calling it that yet, and mutual respect. How frustrating and sad that Pam's mom is so hung up on what the ladies at church and others may think that rather than supporting her daughter and her new relationship and explaining how much happier Pam is now, she's stuck, determined to try and guide Pam back to a relationship that if she's successful, will make Pam unhappy and unfulfilled. How sad for a mom to care more about the views of others than the feelings of your child.
I cannot wait to see what more you have in store for us. You are a delightfully talented author with an intriguing and extremely interesting story to tell and I cannot wait to read lots more of it!
Author's Response: Wow! Thank you! I think that this may be the longest review I've ever received in over ten years of writing fanfiction. It's been a lot of fun to weave in those elements from the show and I'm so glad that they've come across so well. There are just so many great lines and moments that it's all but impossible for me to not include them in some way.
Thanks for the critique on the dynamic with Pam and her parents. I agree that a lot of things have been done over and over again. Because of that I'm doing my best to try and put a new spin on things. Having this dynamic with Helene and Pam was just one way to explore that. You're not the only one to worry about what Helene is up to considering how I worded things at the end of the chapter.
I very much appreciate the support. Hope to hear more from you going forward.
1 OMGoodness! I don’t mind letting you know that I have been waiting so (im)patiently for an update of this one that I may have let out a bit of a little squeal hen I saw it. Then I convinced myself that I probably was looking at a different page so I hit the most recents again and it was still there... YAY! Gotta say, this did not disappoint. First of all, you are just a fantastic story teller. I think you do such a wonderful job of bringing in parts of cannon but yet twisting it to fit this type of a scenario. You also somehow keep Jim and Pam and honestly even Kelly, in character but with little changes to account for being in this different world here. Like Jim and Pam, as much as I’d like it to already be so clear that they have a thing for each other, in this world it wouldn’t really be believable. Like, while they don’t know each other, they’ve known of each other I’d imagine pretty much their entire lives. Because of the way they’ve grown up, not to mention the horrible current circumstances, they don’t automatically trust anyone, not even each other. I love though that Jim is still Jim and early on sent Pam’s taser back in jello, letting her know a bit about him. I’m always pretty blown away when someone can create a world that is so completely different that the actual show, and really make it believable that these characters can exist in that world and they show us how with their writing... that’s exactly what you are doing.
I have to say, first off, Pam sure isn’t making it easy on Jim but wow, with Pam’s attitude ring shopping and when Jim showed up at her work, it gave the chance for you to show that Jim is still our (Pam’s) Jim. He takes care of her by not just picking out the ring hims of, but the perfect ring. But, he only gives it to her after he shows he knows what she opulent want with a prank ring. I’m ordering why Helene is so convinced that Pam is ruining things. This Helene reminds me very much of the Helene that dated Michael not caring if it upset her pregnant daughter. I felt season 2 Helene that showed up at the office and asked ‘which on is Jim?’ was a more ca in, loving mom. I liked her way better than season 6 Helene. Of course I didn’t care for the way they cast most family members of Jim and Pam’s. Hated Tom and Pete and just thought all the Parents just... didn’t fit in my mind. Anyhow....
Fantastic job here. I really hope we don’t have to wait to long for the next chapter. After all, how long is Jim supposed to wait while Helene has Pam cornered?! 🙂. Seriously, can’t wait for more!
"It's not about ideologies anymore or what we wish the world was. It just isn’t. You have to decide what matters and then do whatever you can to keep it. Sometimes that means making impossible decisions; choices that take a piece of you.”
1 I have to say, you are an AMAZING storyteller! I’m telling you, every word of every chapter just totally keeps me hanging on. When I’m done with a chapter I want to hungrily and greedily demand more right now! I’m pretty sure I started reading this somewhere else before you brought it here, we’ll either that or I’ve become psychic because I swear when I started reading the first chapter here I knew what the next several were going to bring. Anyhow...
This is just so good. First off, if you aren’t writing professionally, you should think about it IMO. You just have a way of setting it all up where I feel like there’s a movie playing in my head of the scenes you have set. The way you keep everyone so completely in character in this drastically different setting is just masterful. Even your original characters, Brian, Dr. Brooks even Larissa who is somewhat canon but never defined in any way on the show, I feel like I somewhat know them. As if they were part of my favorite show when I watched it. You just make us know and care about these characters. Even ones like Erin, who I wasn’t a big fan of and Pete who I didn’t really care either way about, though they (especially Erin. Oh and I’m so glad it’s Erin and Pete rather than Andy but I won’t get started on that) aren’t in this much, you’ve still brought me around to care for them and to care and have concern for the impending birth of their first child. On another note, wow the surprise entrance of Toby and Sasha. Sasha being with her dad made me feel... something for him. It didn’t take long before I started feeling like I did about the Toby on the show. That man is underhanded and I’m concerned about what he might try. The question he asked Pam in this last chapter about what if Jim left her and the kids leaves me especially concerned for what Toby is thinking. I was also concerned about him insisting on going along to Tent City but I’m guessing that since he has decided that Jim doesn’t protect Pam adequately because of the bruised face (and he doesn’t want to bother with the real story. Him saying he would have stopped them or whatever, not a chance. Heck, Jim was being held by multiple people, people that had guns, yet as soon as someone was hurting Pam he used practically superhuman strength to get away from them, get to Pam and beat the heck out of the guy that hurt her. Then he had to face down more guys, who also had guns, and get them out of there and back home, sure Toby, you spineless, conniving drivel of a person... you could have done better. Not in a million years. Had it been Toby a lot worse would have happened to Pam. But, I think I got away from myself there, sorry. 😏) If Toby knew anything from working with Jim and Pam it should be that Pam is Jim’s world, well Pam and the kids now. Jim will do whatever it takes to protect them. Anyhow, this Toby, I’m interested to see how far he’s going to take his delusions. You have me nervous about him. I mean, that whole thing with he and Pam in the last chapter where he’s insisting that Jim doesn’t deserve her....Ugh. I’m thinking Jim should have brought Sasha to the house and maybe shot Toby on sight. Not really. It’s just sad how Toby is because Jim and Pam were so happy to see him.
Anyhow... the special thing about this story is that there are so many little stories that I want to know more about. Like Pete and Erin and their baby. Larissa and Dr Brooks. Where the heck did Mac and his men go and what are they going to do when they get back? I’d love to see something more developed for Angela and hear more about Dwight’s death and maybe some of him while he was still Alive . Like how did some of these people like Pete and Erin, Meredith etc... end up at the farm? What was Dwight (and Angela’s reaction when Jim and Pam and family showed up. I swear, I think you could write 100 chapters of this and I’ll probably be craving 100 more. So thank you for sharing your talent with us. I cannot wait to read more. I hope it won’t be too long in coming...🙂😉 Really, really great job.
Author's Response:
Wow. Just, wow. Your review absolutely made my day! It brings me so much joy that you are as invested in this story and these characters as I am. You aren't mistaken, I did have a few chapters up on AO3 for a short time, but I wanted to make a few changes and decided to take it down while I did. :) (It's back there now)
I adore that you are so invested in the original characters because they are near and dear to me, especially Brian. For me, Brian is the guy friend we never got to see Jim have and I have enjoyed developing him and what I have in store for him as well. And don't worry, you will see more about Dr. Brooks and Larissa, I have quite a bit more already written about them. I'm glad that you feel the same way about Toby as I do! I always found him a bit creepy and when I was forming this story in my mind I felt he would be a good fit for this role. I'm glad you noticed the slight empathy I wanted the reader to feel for him. It makes the decisions he makes down the road understandable albeit still reprehensible, in my mind. I have always felt the scariest characters are the ones that are multidimensional. They might do terrible things and you hate them but their humanity peeks through for just a brief moment. Usually right before they do something even more horrendous, but I feel that makes them more interesting.
I'm a huge sucker for protective Jim, as you can see. There were always little hints of it in the show, but he kept in reined in, so to speak. In this universe he doesn't have to, nor do we want him to, to be honest. It's one of the reasons he is so good at keeping his family alive. I think you will enjoy the next chapter. ;)
I think many of your questions about the secondary stories will get answered in the upcoming chapters. I've tried to drop little breadcrumbs along the way that will make sense once certain scenes unfold and tie things together. At least that is my hope! Thank you so much for taking the time to share your thoughts with me! I can't wait to hear more!
1 I have to tell you, I am pretty obsessed with this story. Actually, I'm totally in love with this one and the Civil War one as well but this one, it just gets inside me and, I dont know... i just can't get enough. When you talk about it ending I seriously kinda want to cry. I'm trying to enjoy and savor eaxh chapter knowing you're about to end it. Im so serious when I tell you that as I read each chapter I see it playing in my head as though it were a movie or an episode of the show. This probably makes me weird or at least odd but sometimes I think about a chapter and it was so vivid in my head because of just how wonderful you are with painting g a picture with your words and I'll think I seriously have watched it.
I have to admit, at the end of chapter 16 you left me a mess. Seriously, I was seriously worried when I was reading about them having Jim and Brian all beaten and restrained. I actually was thinking that I didn't think that Jim would have the same type of superhuman strength and determination he had that night in Roger's barn when it was just Jim and Pam against a group of them and Mac's brother made the huge mistake of punching Pam which led to Jim being able to get away from several armed bad guys that were restraining him, and beat the brother to death. I was thinking, without Pam there Jim wouldn't have that same motivation and lo and behold, then Pam.is there and you did something to me that doesn't happen a lot when I'm reading fan fiction you tied my stomach in knots and I felt a bit like I might puke. Seriously. Theres one other story on here (of the more recent stories, the one where after Pam broke up with Jim he got married in a matter of months after he never even proposed to her. That story seriously makes me so angry at Jim. This one, the things I want to do to these fictional characters makes me wonder if im losing my mind.)
Okay.... so. If you're going to insist on ending this kinda soon, I have something maybe you could think about. I mean, I think there are so many different stories you coukd still tell, even in the time period you're writing right now. Oh, something I've been hoping maybe you'd address is Sasha. The last we heard was just that she was devastated. Im wondering with Toby dead and no other parent, what's happened to Sasha? I wonder if she had realized the change in her dad. Did she notice his Pam obsession and/or his hatred of Jim which I would think would bother Sasha since she had that babysitting bond with Jim from when she was younger. She also knows how happy Jim was to see them and how he treated them as friends bringing them into the house and finding room for them there rather than them needing to figure out something outside like the others had to. I think I kinda picture her kinda merging into Jim and Pam's family and being like an older sister that their kids would look upto and adore. I can also see, with the babies being born her being a bit of a mother's helper to the moms and maybe helping Angela with the kids schooling. I wonder at her age have they looked for textbooks, is there anyone who is continuing her education?
What I had started to suggest was if maybe you'd give some thought to a sequel. Actually, while I would love a sequel, something that happens maybe years after this that shows us what's going on not only with the Halperts (they'd have to have even more kids. I mean, c'mon... there's no birth control and these two love enjoying each other. Ive always pictured them with a big family anyhow. I'd also like to see what the future has in store for Brian and Isabel. I see kids there too and also for Mike and Larissa. I'd love to see Sasha grown and maybe having met a nice guy herself and maybe Jim tearing his hair out as Cece starts dating. I wonder what life would look like years down the road. Do they try to reestablish things like Christmas and gifts? I honestly, well, when they went to Tent City the first time and on the way back remember, I think it was Jim and Brian went into that former toy store? I had been hoping they were going to get a bunch of stuff and take it back and put it away for the children for Christmas and birthdays. Seems there would still be some stores with some things they could get for things like that. Okay... so yes, I'd love if you'd think about that but even more I'd love a sequal that's actually a prequel. Id love for you to start with just a normal day before this happened and tell in more detail about the explosion. How long did it take before they realized that life as they knew it was truly over? I"d love to.learn where were Jim and Pam? Were the kids with them or did they have to get to them? When they left their house, did they know they wouldn't be going back? If so what things did they take with them in he beginning and how did they lose things like their vehicle, along the way? Did they get in contact with the rest of their families at all or know what their famimies were planning to.do? How did Larissa come to be with them? I know you mentioned they went to Brian's because of his military training and hope that he had weapons but how did that go and how did he end up deciding to stick with them? BTW... he is an amazing OC, one of my very favorites ever. I also really love your Larissa. She's strong and knows her mind like I imagine Jim's sister. I also really love the clear bond you show that two two Halpert's have and also the bond Larissa has with Pam. I can imagine Pam and Larissa having a strong bond even in the old world. Like Larissa I had 3 brothers and no sisters. I could see Pam becoming the sister Larissa never had. Did Larissa and Brian ever flirt with the idea of being a couple? I just ask because its the end of the world. I think I'd want to be with someone and if im with a couple and another person seems natural to explore that. Then again. Brian may think Jim would kill him. I'd love to know.more about the time on the road. You mentioned the times they didn't think theyd make it. I'd love to know more. Oh, what made them decide on Shrute Farm? I'd also love to read how Jim and Dwight really bonded and worked together in this world and even more, know more about what was going on, how/why Dwight was killed. (Love to know if Angela ever opened herself.to love again.) Okay, I'm sorry that I insist on writing so much about the stupid ramblings of my mind. Like I said, I just have such an enormous amount of love for this story and want so much to know so much more. Really, the things you give us make me wonder about so many other thing and make me want more details of the little wonderful tidbits you drop here and there. BTW, I also thought for a long time that it would be intersting to see them run across Roy. During this story I've kinda pictured him as joining Mac's men but in either a prequal or sequal it might be nice for them to come across him with his wife Laura and maybe a kid or two. Just be interesting to see that dynamic. Just wanted you to know that if you do have any inclination of making my dreams come true and writing more, there are so many stories to tell. For now, I'm going to absorb and enjoy every word of your amazing writing. Thank you for giving me wonderful ways to take my mind off the fact that life is trying to beat the crap out of me right now. Its so great to have something to obsess about that is thankfully fictional!
Author's Response: Oh ftmill, I always thoroughly enjoy your analysis and thoughts, both on here and on twitter. This is such an epic comment, I don't even know what to say! It is so rewarding to pour yourself into a story and have others just as emotional invested in it as you are. I appreciate you being patient with me while I finished folklore and I hope the payoff was worth it. I hope to maybe write a sequel or prequel down the road. I feel there is still a lot more story to tell with these characters, and I hope to continue it someday. Thank you, from the bottom of my heart, for all your unwavering support of this story. It absolutely makes me smile.
1 I must confess, the 55 word stories really aren't my thing. That said, ive been reading this and its really very good. You write very well.
That said, I wanted to commiserate and tell you to hang in there on the positive Covid diagnosis. On Jan. 5 I had my firat symptoms though I had no idea.they were symptoms of Covid. The right side of my face became totally paralyzed. (Bells Palsey.) Now I have lots of health challenges so it really didn't make me think, hey, maybe I have Covid. That same day my husband and younger daughter took the 2 hour trip.to visit our older daughter and take Christmas gifts to her and her 3 girls. He came home much sooner than I expected complaining g.about congestion.and not feeling well. He is a general manager at a restaurant and knew he needed to be tested before returning to work. He wasn't able to schedule a test until.the 8th. While he was gone being tested I totally lost me senses of taste.and smell and that was weird and freaked me out a bit. That's when I.knew i needed tested. I.called my Dr. The next morning and was sent to the Emergency room because they were concerned about my face drooping since I've had a stroke in the past. At the ER they said.right away that it was Covid because of the tastw.and smell thing and also because according to the Dr, 10% of Covid cases are presenting.with Bells Palsey (facial.paralysis on one side. They did a Covid test which of.course.came back positive. When our county health department called they said 10 days from.the first symptom or 24 hours fever free with no new symptoms. Unfortunately, I'm still.struggling and this really sucks. Celebrated my birthday a week ago with no fanfare or gifts or anything thank you Covid. Thankfully our 20 yr old.daughter who lives at home and goes to college went and got tested about a week after I did and she tested negative. She quarantined and finally returned to work and school today. It actually worked well because today was her first in person.class at the University in 11 months and its the only in person class she'll have this semester. Wow.... I rambled.and got way off track here. Anyhow, I just wanted to send you well wished and virtual hugs (since that kind are no contact) and let you know I'm praying.this isnt too rough on you and that you'll soon be feeling better. Take gentle care of yourself.and feel better soon!
Author's Response: Thank you very much for your comment, and I'm so sorry that you have to deal with Covid too :( It's horrible how much this pandemic affects lives... I send you my best vibes, and I wish you a full recovery from all the nasty symptoms!