Disclaimer: I don't own The Office, only NBC does. )

Notes: My second story, but this one is on The Office. It's based after the Season 3 finale. This is a Jim/Pam fiction.

All reviews and constructive criticism are welcome, except for flaming. Please don't flame, it's not necessary.

"Speech"

Italics are messages

Summary: Based right after Jim asks Pam out on a date. Jim and Pam finally get to go out together, but is it what they've always wanted? JAM.

Smelling the Roses

There she sat, telling the cameraman how fine she was and how proud of Jim she was. She wished him the best, after all, not many got the chance to interview for the position he was looking at. He'd probably ace the interview anyway, he was smart and incredibly friendly.

Suddenly, she heard the door open and turned to find Jim thee, half way in the room. She opened her mouth to greet him but he was quicker, apologizing to the cameraman. "Sorry." Then he smiled at her, a little turn at the corner of his mouth and asked, "Are you free for dinner tonight?" Pam was pleasantly surprised and barely managed a word out.

"Yes." She made sure it was the right one.

"All right…Then it's a date." He tapped the wall once and left the room, closing the door behind him. She was speechless, needless to say. She shifted her gaze back to the camera and it was clear how happy she was. Her green eyes sparkled with unshed tears, her face was slightly flushed with a shade of soft pink and her pressed lips drew apart to reveal a beaming smile.

"I'm sorry, what was the question?"

Pam departed the room shortly after, stealing a glance over at Jim who was typing away at quite a fast pace. It was obvious that he wanted to get all his work done quickly. She followed the same agenda, making sure to get all invoices, faxes, email…everything finished.

She was busy typing up one of her last emails when she saw a message pop up on her screen, from Jim. It was amazing how one name could make you so happy. She rapidly completed the one she was doing and opened up his message, interested in what was inside. She thought that it was probably details of what they were going to do after work.

Pam,

Hey Beesly. I'm leaving in a few, meet me in the parking lot a few minutes after me at my car. I don't think we need the whole office talking about us on a date immediately. Can you imagine what Michael could do? I can see him sending Dwight as a spy. Anyway…I'll see you soon.

-Jim

Pam grinned and mailed him back.

Jim,

Hey Halpert. Don't worry, I totally agree. That would be so crazy. Kelly would be all over me, practically interrogating me about it. Ha, Michael wouldn't do that…would he? Wait, who am I kidding? I'm always surprised at what Michael does. Dwight would dress as a ninja, nun-chucks and all.

-Pam

Pam briefly heard him chuckle and she figured that he would find that funny. She saw him close up his computer, nod to Michael and walk toward the door. Luckily, Michael was on the phone with Jan. Jim gave her a wink and closed the door. She followed his instructions; waved to Michael and then met him outside. He was leaning against his car, loosening his tie a little.

"Hey." She said, causing his head to raise. He smiled and said the same back.

"So I thought I saw a weirdo wearing a black ninja suit behind me. Could be just my imagination but I swear I saw some nun-chucks flying around. Maybe he wants me to be a fellow ninja."

A deep chuckle came from him and he held his hand out to her. She couldn't resist laughing, he was much better at fooling people than her. She tried to keep a straight face but failed miserably. She could never fool him. Her hand reached out to clasp his, it felt so…right. It was like, finally finding the perfect fit of glove or something else. They stayed there, both drawn to the connection of their hands. Pam felt his hand grip her more firmly as they walked across the street and down another until they stopped at Chili's.

"You mind?" He asked, he hadn't said anything for a while.

They had been walking hand in hand silently, but it was nice. It was so relaxing for her to just hold hands and walk. Then he had stopped and asked her if she minded Chili's. She shook her head and then they walked inside, finding a corner table. Their hands separated when it was time to sit down in the booth and look at the menus. Pam was facing away from the entrance, while Jim had a clear view of it.

She could care less what he had, for the sole reason that she was finally on a date with Jim. She was sure that he must be just as happy, or even more. He had told her that he loved her that casino night and she couldn't help but wonder if he was still or if she was rebound from Karen. He had split things off with Karen, somewhat abruptly it seemed. She figured that she should ask him another time and that he wouldn't go out with her as rebound. Jim wasn't that kind of guy, she had known him for a while now. The thing that bugged her was if he still loved her.

"Pam, are you ok? I can bring you home if you don't feel good." He asked, the concern evident in his voice and on his face. She guessed that she had been staring at the menu too long. She saw that his hands were resting on her, one on her shoulder and the other on her hand. Warmth spread to her cool hand. She closed her eyes at the feeling, he always knew how to calm her.

"I'm ok, sorry for completely spacing out. I think I'm just a little hungry, my lunch didn't cook properly. Thank you though." She offered him her best smile and he smiled back at her with a nod. The hand over hers left but the other stayed for a moment longer to rub her shoulder once.

The waiter came over and asked them what they wanted to have. They found themselves ordering the same meal and laughed. They did that often when the office went out to eat. They laughed multiple times that evening, they both knew each other well so they found themselves quite amused at the other's jokes. People looked over a few times but a small smile would cross their face and they would go back to what they were doing. They had just finished their desserts when Jim tapped Pam's hand.

"Mm?" She mumbled, ice cream melting on her lips.

"Guess who just came in?" Jim said, while she wiped her mouth with a napkin then asked who it was.

"Pam, It's Dwight."

"No, please tell me you are joking. You'd better be Jim Halpert." She replied with an attempted serious expression.

"I'm not, and oh my god. He brought someone with him. He's actually holding hands with them too." Her mouth dropped open and then fixed it.

"Michael?" He laughed, he had such a nice laugh. It was pure and vivacious.

"Nope, it's a female." Pam turned around quickly, curious as to who would go out with Dwight. She saw no one. She shook her head with a smile on her face and looked back at Jim who was grinning at her.

"Couldn't resist Beesly."

"I hate you. You're cruel. Tricking your date is not a turn on, just to let you know…incase you missed the memo." She smirked back, and he chuckled.

"You love me."

She smiled at him, but then the waiter came back - interrupting their vocal dance. He handed Jim the bill, Jim paid it and left it on the table. They walked out and she beamed slightly, feeling his hand bump against hers. She placed her hand in his as they walked back to their cars.

"I had a nice time Jim, thank you." She gripped his hand when saying thanks.

"You're welcome. I'm happy that you had a good time." He gripped her hand back, a big smile on his face.

They eased into silence for most of the walk back until Pam spoke up within sight of the parking lot where they left their cars.

"You totally punk'd me Halpert. I have to admit though, it was clever."

"Oh, I know. I wasn't sure if you'd fall for it though."

They approached the office parking lot, and strolled to Pam's vehicle.

"This is my stop." Pam said with a little smile.

"Yeah, it is…," He paused for dramatic effect, and continued. "…If you live in your car." He stepped back for the soon-to-be smack. She landed up hitting his shoulder lightly.

"You know what I mean," She paused and took a quick breath before she said more. "So, are you going to kiss me or leave me standing here, hmm Halpert?" Another laugh fell from his lips, and he replied, "Well, with that attitude and no please, maybe I won't." He could pull of serious and believing look, unlike her. She wouldn't wait any longer though.

Pam surprised him then, pulling him down for a kiss straight on the mouth. He closed his eyes immediately, sinking into the feeling of her lips on his. His hands moved from his side and strayed down her sides. They stopped at her hips, pulling her closer to him. Her arms wrapped around his neck, and she stood on her tip-toes in order to reach him better. Air, however, became a necessity and they reluctantly broke apart, panting slightly.

"Wow…I uh…ok." He coughed, trying to speak.

Her lips tingled and her hips hummed. The kiss brought back memories of that casino night when Jim came into the office, waited for her to get off the phone with her mother and kissed her. She smiled, this was a new memory.

"Yeah, wow." His hands stayed on her sides and she still had her arms around his neck, her fingers playing with the small hairs on the back of his neck.

"I miss your shaggy hair." Jim chuckled, and said, "Thanks. The new look isn't good?" She shook her head in protest.

"No, that's not what I meant. You couldn't look bad if you tried…though trying to look like Dwight is a weird look for you." He grinned, clearly remembering when he did that, then his face settled. He brought a hand up and stroked her cheek with his thumb, marveling at the softness of her skin. She couldn't help but lean into his hand. He seemed mystified until he bent down and kissed her on the forehead, slowly removing his lips from the location.

"You have no idea how long I've wanted to do…all of this…Go on a date, hold hands like a couple, kiss freely…I've just had a wonderful time with you Jim." She went forward and rested her head on his chest, feeling the cotton of his shirt scratch slightly against her cheek. She felt his arms tighten around her then, and she couldn't remember the last time she felt so safe…and at ease. He whispered, "Me too."

They stayed there, in that position for minutes. They were content to be in each other's embrace. Jim planted a kiss on the top of her head and they stepped back from each other slowly.

"You should head home." He said.

"Yeah, I should."

She tucked a strand of brown hair behind her ear and opened the car door. She turned back to face him, he was looking at her with an adorable smile adorning his features.

"Jim…I'm glad that we finally smelled the roses and did this. I think we were both a bit stupid, especially me. I knew, or thought I knew what I was missing when I chose Roy but…--" He cut her off with a small peck on the mouth.

"Hey, it happened. It's in the past. We both made mistakes. We're here now, and that's all that matters, ok?" She smiled, then kissed him back.

"I'll see you tomorrow?" She asked cutely, her head tilted to the side.

"Yeah." He said, nodding.

Once she was settled in her seat, he closed the door for her and laughed when she blew him a kiss. He sent one back and watched her drive off. He grinned and felt the need to jump in the parking lot; he did. Jogging to his car, he got in and drove off. He simply felt like the happiest guy in the world, he was finally with the woman he loved, after all this time.