A/N: This is set sometime during Season 3. Pam didn't really seem to know what was going on half the time and I think that would start to tick her off, so this is based off that premise. Hope you enjoy :)

Disclaimer: I own nothing.

I Want Out

"You know I could have handled that myself don't you?" Pam demanded as she followed Eric into his office.

"Yes, I am well aware that you can take care of yourself," he replied, suppressing a sigh as he sat down at his desk and tried to look busy.

Pam refused to be fobbed off, "Then why did you step in?"

"He was trying my patience," he replied smoothly, not looking up.

"We can't have that now can we?" she said sarcastically.

Eric looked up at her sharply, "Is there something you would like to say?" he asked, his voice dangerously low.

Pam faltered slightly at his tone, but refused to back down, "I want out," she said finally.

Eric stood up and circled his desk to come and stand in front of her, "What?" he asked, half disbelieving and half infuriated by her request.

"Ever since you went to Mississippi you have been making decisions without consulting me. I don't know where my allegiances lie."

"Your allegiance is to me, as for the rest…it is not your concern."

"Then what is my concern, Eric? If you don't need my help than why can't I go?"

"I'm only trying to do what is best," he threw his hands in the air; "I'm trying to protect you."

Pam felt her anger flare again, "By not telling me what is going on? By keeping me in the dark? Damn it Eric! How am I supposed to defend myself if I don't even know what I'm defending myself from?"

Eric turned away, "I don't want you involved in this Pam, I can not do what I must if I am worried about your safety," he told her, sitting back down behind his desk.

"You're scaring me," she said after a moment.

"Good, perhaps that will keep you out of trouble."

There was a long moment of silence as they stared at each other.

"Selfish," she said finally, conceding defeat.

He smirked, "Insubordinate."

She gave him a mock glare and he chuckled.

"You know that if you want to leave, I will not keep you here," Eric told her, becoming serious once again.

Pam nodded, "I know," she said, serious as well, "but someone needs to make sure you don't do something stupid, I'm needed here," she added with a smirk as she left his office.

Eric watched as she sashayed down the hall, "Oh, I will always need you," he said softly, more to himself than her retreating figure.

Her small pause mid-step was the only indication that she had heard him.