Super late to this party...
I’ve loved The Office for a few years now & have dabbled in fic for other fandoms. Deep in another rewatch, I thought there’s got to be some amazing fic out there for arguably one of the greatest shows of all time & here I am - potentially attempting to devour the MTT archive in its entirety?
If I manage to stop reading for long enough, I may attempt to add a few ideas of my own. Time will tell.
Edit May 19: Understandably, I've fallen head over heels with this archive and all that it offers. I've started a Fic Rec Friday thread on Twitter, where I enthuse about the many stories that have brought me joy. So, I'm just putting it out there if you'd like to stop by and have a look. I'm also super open if you have any suggestions that you think should be added/are must reads...
My The Office dedicated Twitter: @chilibabies
You can also find me: @standardcatlady
During mandatory lockdown there is still work to do, and Pam is nothing but a professional.
Contemporary AU lockdown JAM.
1 “Their masks, the weary eyes, the hurried way people would move, as distant of one another as possible, it all gave her chills” This hits right in the too real feels...
What‘s this? A meet cute in the middle of a pandemic?! I am living. (I mean they’ve kind of already met, but this still has all the rom-com tropey hallmarks of a good meet cute).
“she was feeling a strange urge to hug him.” Hard same, girl. Hard same.
“You noticed?” Of course he did. He’s a sweetheart. But also, this nod to canon is delightful.
“I'm sending Dwight over.” This is perfect Pam, just the right amount of sass.
I feel for her. I really do. Obviously I don’t want her to stick with Roy just for the sake of sticking with Roy, but it’s certainly being done harsh truths closer to the surface... I don’t envy her what’s to come...
Author's Response:
LOL! Thanks very very much!
Supermarkets are great places for a meet cute. Add some masks and friendly banter and well...
The first time I saw somebody other than family members when in a lockdown I really felt like hugging him... and he was just a regular colleague. So, you can imagine if the person in question had special meaning.
I love sassy Pam. And one of the best thing of the series is how much sassier she gets as seasons progress.
I promise the Roy thing will progress very soon.
Again, thanks a lot!
1 Oh Pam...
“Those texts and calls didn’t really mean anything, unless she wanted them to” Except they do mean something, that’s why she’s feeling guilty - or at the very least conscious - of them.
"High five, obviously.” This is such a lovely moment of levity in an otherwise pretty heavy chapter. Well, that and every mention to Dwight which is just delightful.
“Pam had decided that she liked him better when she could pretend he wasn't there.” Oof. That’s telling. In a way I feel for Roy, his life is unraveling around him and he doesn’t even know it. But, I suppose he only really has himself to blame...
“The savings for the wedding.” He just doesn’t get it. At least he hasn’t spent the savings on Wave-runners yet in this world. Silver lining?
“He was a stranger after all.” But is he, Pam? Is he really?
Another lovely chapter. I think you’re capturing what quarantine life would be like for Pam and Roy to a tee.
Author's Response:
Thanks very much!
Pam is starting to realise how important the presence of Jim is, even if just virtually. He's there, through screens, more than Roy in real life. And that has a lot of meaning for her.
I love Dwight. I always try to write him in, even as a joke, because one of the best things in the whole show is his weird friendship with Pam. Also, he's hilarious.
I actually learned about the wave-runners after writing this chapter, because I've just started listening to The Office Ladies. I know, shame on me. Anyway, yeah, I always imagined him not really thinking about the wedding but more in the lines of "hey, we've got some money"
He's not a stranger, but Miss Beesly is having some trouble really understanding how.
Again, thanks very much!
1 “And the cart suddenly was looking like hers and not Roy’s.” There are hints of Fancy New Beesly here - putting herself first for once.
“So it was her fault now. It always was, somehow.” That’s really where this all starts to fall apart - with Roy never owning his actions. I doubt there’s been a genuine “I’m sorry” from him in a very long time, if at all...
“Too bad. I’m not going anywhere. And you can’t either.” This. This is the utterly terrifying part of a locked-down world. Not that it’s ever easy to leave someone you live with - especially when all your finances are intertwined.
“Scared of how trapped she was” I’m just glad she has a bedroom door that locks. This is such a pivotal moment for Pam, and chapter for this story.
“but she felt like taking her mask off after a long shopping trip” A perfect metaphor for the current world, and this story.
Bless Phyllis and her not needing a security deposit. It’s all very sweet.
“She was afraid Roy would follow, but he did not, and that was the thing that made her the saddest.” I totally get this. As much as she wants out, she also wants him to fight for her, at least a little. Otherwise it sort of feels like the past ten years have been for nothing...
Jim is perfectly sweet and supportive here. I love that he sends her simple, practical needed things. He’s just being that good friend that she needs.
Forward, but not pushy, works for me as in character Jim.
Author's Response:
Thanks very much for reviewing. I think that Pam and Roy were simply to different. To Roy, there was nothing wrong because he's actually thinking in completely different terms.
The whole idea of writing this on a lockdown started with two main situations: Pam meets Jim online and most of their interactions are through a screen, and Pam is physically trapped with Roy. When we were at the hardest of our own lockdown there were many stories bout couples splitting up and literally being unable to leave. Add to that Roy being obnoxious and it's a bit scary.
Roy still doesn't get it. For him, Pam's a little claustrophobic and she'll come around eventually.
I'm going to try to navigate Jim being forward but also being quarantined so... wish me luck!
I have less coherent words than usual because work was a lot today, but yes, as usual, this is wonderful.
The it’s a date, and hi/hey, just perfect.
“make bread from scratch” so very Jenna Fischer...
Oh, it’s so very sweet! I feel like Jim is coming on just the right amount of strong.
Author's Response:
Work is terrible, and online work manages to melt one's brain. (Which, BTW, is the reason it took me longer to post the next chapter)
I'm glad you liked it!
Oh, this is so very real. Pam is having a real rough go of it.
I like that Michael was quick to cry Covid - that seems so very in character to me.
The interactions with Jim were all kinds of sweet. “Feelings” What a coincidence - I have feelings for this story and JAM. I hope Pam is okay...
Author's Response:
Lol, this Michael is the same Michael who declared bankruptcy. In my mind's eye, he REALLY disinfects his phone after talking to Pam.
Pam is going to be ok... eventually. (I'm reading so much about COVID-19's symptoms for this I'm starting to feel queasy)
Thanks very VERY much for your review!
“Silly stuff, really, but it bothered her.” This makes a huge difference to how at home you feel in a place. It’s always harder when you’re sick too. Even as an adult I find you always want familiarity when you’re not well.
Aww, look at Roy actually kind of coming through. I like that. I feel like it fits nicely with Season 3 Roy, softening around the edges and making a genuine attempt to suck a little less.
And then there’s Jim. I love their communication here. One of the ways they struggle in canon is leaving things unsaid. I adore that he comes clean with feeling jealous. It’s really very sweet.
Author's Response:
Because of Office Ladies, I am rewatching season 3, and it is cute hoy Roy is really trying to make an effort... and seeing him fail.
Thanks very much for reviewing!
It kind of threw me off a little that this chapter switched to first person. I love that we get Jim’s POV though. It’s really nice to see it all playing out from his perspective.
Thank god for Jim living with a roommate. I love that it forces them to quarantine together, like it‘s the most logical thing in the world (which it is, because roommate).
“I swear that from that moment and for the rest of my life Chinese food lost half of its appeal.” This is completely and utterly adorable.
Somehow you’ve made two sick people kissing still be all kinds of cute and that takes a whole lot of skill!
Author's Response:
Thanks so much! (And sorry I'm responding this late).
The change of PoV is something I debated for a while. But Jim is fun to write, so, that's the reason.
That kissing scene was rewritten so many times I started finding masks sexy. It's over now, though, lol.
Thanks again!
Pam’s nervous energy at the end there was a whole lot of fun. I will gladly picture jacked JK/Jim for the purposes of this story!
Jim returns to Scranton from Stamford in a world where Karen doesn't exist. Pam wants to pick up where they left off on Casino Night but Jim tells her he's done all the pursuing so far, and he'd like be pursued (read: seduced). "Give me a reason to come back."
Inspired by the Taylor Swift song "I Think He Knows".
1 Oh I adore this Isabel! “They’re like trains.” She’s the ultimate sassy bff and I am here for it.
“Some things don’t change.” My heart. A non-evolved Jim.
“It’s a date,” No Karen (?) and we go straight from The Merger to The Job and cut out all the angst. Yes please!
Author's Response: Isabel is almost as good as Kelly for sass. 😁
1 “This is me trying” oh this is so wonderful! The whole chapter, the press of their knees together, actually communicating. I feel like if she just kissed him now all would be well, but yes, I love the idea of her having to win him back and romance him a little.
Author's Response: Ooh I might steal that phrase 'romance him a bit'. I'm glad you liked it. Your writing is so good - I'm flattered that you enjoyed mine.
1 Do I remember when Jim asked Pam to seduce him? Like I’ve thought about anything else for weeks?!
“shrine-boy” The love I have for this Isabel.
“This is just foreplay now” I rest my case. Isabel = the greatest.
Oh this is just perfect! Jim is gong to be so damned seduced he may just implode...
1 “should really have some kind of warning label” also true of this fic...
Please. How did you make straightening a sleeve so heated?! Oh. My. God.
Oh. I am not okay. The elevator. The text. The anticipation. I’ll be holding you to that soon for the update!
1 This chapter had me smiling the whole way through. Their weaknesses? So good. Their banter at end & the brush of humor “fake mustache.” I love it.
“You’ve seduced me, Pam. I’m yours.” DEAD. This line is just perfection.
Oh, you’ve totally nailed that sweet spot between steam and romance. That ending is top tier. This story is just joy.
1 This is so emotive and lyrical and beautiful and I feel like I don’t have good enough words to do it justice. This is everything that Beach Games is about, especially how Pam uses the coal walk to find her courage and her voice. Wonderful writing as always!
Author's Response: Thank you so much, Jenna! You're too kind :)
Jim reaches an important and final decision that started from a simple lunch break with Pam in the break room.
Takes places during Conflict Resolution, and is canon compliant.
1 This breaks my heart a little, but fits into the episode well! It’s nice to get into Jim’s head for these moments. I like what you added into the ending - using it as a catalyst to push Jim into considering Stamford really rounded it all out. Welcome to MTT!
Author's Response: And that was your suggestion! Thank you very much for being my beta reader, this oneshot wouldn’t have been as great as it is without you.
1 I love this concept so very much! Having Pam find the teapot card in Season 3 is such a great catalyst for her revealing her feelings to Jim. I’m really intrigued to see what you do with your Karen chapter too.
Author's Response: Thanks for the generous feedback, I am excited to do the Karen chapter also. Mostly, because I have never written in her POV.
The CIA needs receptionists, too. A short, silly story where Pam ends up a clandestine operative. Post Negotiations.
1 I love a good spy drama. I’m so here for this CIA twist.
Giving back the teapot? Just rip my heart out and stomp on it?! Ugh.
“They don’t keep in touch.” The angst. Oh the angst.
“You’ve gotta take a chance on something sometime, as your friend once said.” Okay, I love this. This is honestly the best Pam goes to art school story - it’s such a far fetched premise, but that’s what makes it so great.
Yeah, okay. I’m going to need you to take that endnote and write the whole story. I’m not kidding. I love this. I love the idea of this. I love the endnote.
(I literally just finished rewatching Covert Affairs and I’m so in the mood for cute spy drama JAM!)
Author's Response: Thank you so much!!! Not sure I have a full-fledged story, but I do have a few extra scenes I might put in. Spy drama JAM is always adorable.
In different places and different times, Pam meets Jim, and these meetings change both their lives.
1 Poor Pam not enjoying camp. That’s no fun. I like that she left most her stuff so that they would assume the worst (instead of her just running away).
This is very interesting! Jim seeming to know Pam - or at least an older version of Pam.
“Such a dork” How is this so cute?! Their banter flows so well, despite everything.
I have no idea what’s happening! I haven’t seen Howl’s Moving Castle for a very long time, & I’ve never watched Outlander so I feel like I have no frame of reference. But, I’m very curious to see what happens next! (The mention of Karen also has me very intrigued/apprehensive).
Author's Response: Thank you, Jenna! I feel quite anxious about mixing different timelines, but I promise that eventually, everything comes clear and Karen will appear in all her glory; I'm anticipating it:)
1 “Jim.” Ahhhhh! It’s happening! I love that she recognizes his voice so instantaneously.
“Second time?” Which begs the question: how many times has Jim seen Pam? This answer makes me feel like it’s more than two...
Oooh. It’s been a long time since I watched any Doctor Who - is it basically a tardis that Jim shows Pam? Whatever it is, it’s all sorts of mysterious. I like that Jim showed up at the end of her terrible Roy date.
Pam’s mother asking how her date went and her basically forgetting about Roy made me laugh.
Jim lingering outside definitely seems like a good sign...
Author's Response:
Thank you, Jenna! Jim has a time-travelling device, but it's not Tardis (though it inspired me hugely).
I'm glad that this chapter made you laugh and I hope you'll enjoy the next one :)
1 ‘Oh, you remember me!’Â And he just dives right in for a hug. I love it. He sure knows how to make an entrance!
‘Let’s kill Hitler!’Â She doesn’t even question the whole let’s go anywhere to any time thing. She just jumps straight in. I feel like this is Pam all over - with this choice, not so much the jumping into things (but I do like this boldness, I feel like a lot of it comes just from it being Jim).
Her calling Jim a slob is such a cute nod to canon. His teasing right back was also adorable.
Oooh. Pam’s poster changing to an image of herself is such a cool twist. She definitely made an impression.
“you can either come to terms with the future or try to change it” This scares me a little bit. I feel like there’s something ominous in Pam’s future given the look that flashes across Jim’s face...
That’s such a cute ending to this chapter! I didn’t want Jim to leave her either...
Author's Response:
Thank you very much, Jenna! I agree that Pam here might be a little off her character, but I believe that Roy affected her life significantly, hushing her and her ambitions. So, without him, she might be a tad bolder :)
1 “She had all the time in the world and didn't want to waste any second” This is the loveliest notion ever.
I like that her roommate can sense changes in her. Time has seemingly passed for Pam, but not the people surrounding her. It really brings it back to the magic of this adventure she’s on with Jim.
The time capsule that Pam’s in sounds fascinating. Such a strange collection of seemingly significant artefacts to the time - but so very eclectic to someone who’s actually lived it.
“the knowledge that they shared at least some cultural context. It made him less alien.” This makes so much sense. He’s a bit of a mystery, but his moments of connection with Pam definitely help to humanize him.
This is a sweet ending to the chapter and totally feels like a natural place to take a break. Once again, I kind of feel like I have more questions than answers and I’m super intrigued by this world you’re creating. I hope the next update isn’t too far away!
Author's Response: Thank you, Jenna! I like hearing from you so much! I was struggling with writer’s block a lot, and then with other stuff, and I told myself 'I'm going to update the next week' for about a month, but finally, it's here! Hope that this block (and other stuff) won't drag me back anytime soon...
‘Like a full set of teeth, for a start.’Â Their banter is adorable! Poor Sir Raymond definitely doesn’t stand a chance...
I feel like Lynn has good intentions. I love that Pam is having these completely unfathomable adventures, but it’s tough that she’s failing things at school as a result.
“sometimes they accidentally had changed history” No big deal. This is such a great line.
Dernhelm, the humor sprinkled through this chapter is SO good! “She’d stay away from Gabe”
“He noticed her all the time” MY HEART. Oh.
“The touch itself lasted less than a moment, but the ripples of warmth it had caused kept going on and on, and soon even the tips of her ears were burning.” This is such beautiful writing. I love this description.
I kind of hope that Pam’s wish doesn’t come true...
Author's Response: Thank you, Jenna! Your reviews bring me so much joy!
And, of course, things between them couldn't stay the same ;) But that's a spoiler...
There were so many moments in this where I wanted to shove them together & say “just kiss already” or “talk” even.
You write a slow burn of anticipation so well. Pam’s swirling thoughts throughout are perfect.
I love that I can never predict the setting of this story, and yet the characters fit together so well no matter the time.
Bringing in Karen adds an extra layer of intrigue... I truly can’t wait to see where you take this next!
Author's Response: Thank you so much, Jenna! I was worried so much about this chapter, I wanted both to (finally) bring the romance and not rush anything; I'm so glad that it worked for you! I hope the next chapter takes me less than two months...
1 This is sweet! I have to say, I picture Jim far more as a bit of a perpetual college student (especially after his rooming with Darryl) and don’t see him being this well groomed. That said, I love this as a contrast to Roy. Jim is everything that is quality and lasting and Roy is well... Roy... cheap and disposable.
“I noticed you.” My heart.
“Past special occasions” This whole passage is so, so very lovely.
This is everything that is fluffy and domestic and JAM. A really nice one shot.
Author's Response: I agree that for the most part up through S3 Jim is more of a grown up college student kind of guy. Save for this one area. He does get better style wise in later seasons though. Other than that, yup you got just about everything I was going for here. Glad you liked it.