A/N: Thanks for your reviews. )

"I'm Actual"

For the next two weeks, Jim was seen in rare form about the office. Between making living arrangements in Stamford and trying to keep up with his sales quota, there wasn't a lot of time for even being in the office, much less having social discussions and maintaining friendships. And sadly, the morale of the office was at an all-time low.

The Monday following Casino Night, Pam had learned of Jim's impending transfer to Stamford. To say that she was devastated was a slight understatement. Even the normally cheerful Michael was saddened to be losing his friend. The only person who still maintained their normal demeanor was Dwight. And Stanley. Even Ryan was affected by Jim's transfer, seeing as now he was stuck with Kelly's complaints of one less "younger, therefore beautiful person in the office."

Jim, on the other hand, was kind of excited at the prospect of a new life outside of the confines of Scranton. Never in a million years would he admit it, but he was secretly looking forward to pushing the negative Scranton memories out of his mind. Or at least to the back, where they weren't replayed in his head over and over like sadistic movies stuck on repeat.

Can we take the next hour and talk about me?

Talk about me, and we'll talk about me.

Talk about me, and we'll only talk about me.

Finally, the day had come for Jim to get the remainder of his things from the office. He walked in like any normal day, minus the air of impending change that surrounded him. Pam looked up and immediately back to her computer, her eyes not making full contact with his. She was surprised; since she hadn't seen him since casino night, she didn't think she was going to see him at all before he left.

"Morning," she called nonchalantly.

"Morning," Jim countered, his chest panging painfully as he took a final seat at his desk. He glanced around the office, knowing that this was his final morning in Scranton. Every time he thought about that, excitement, nervousness and dread flooded through him straight to his feet.

I found sunlight six hours away.

You watered me down till I drifted abound.

Somewhere far from your shade.

As soon as he saw Pam's back turned towards him, he stared. This was definitely something that he had mixed emotions about leaving. On one hand, he finally had an opportunity to finally get over Pam. On the other hand, deep down, he really didn't want to get over her. But at that point, that was something that he really didn't want to think about. All he had to concentrate on was cleaning out his desk.

He started with everything on the top of his desk. Picture frames, a couple of books, a pencil cup with various pens, pencils and markers. With no rhyme or reason, he scooped them off his desk into the awaiting box, courtesy of the warehouse. He already had all the official papers out of his desk, and now he was just supposed to clear out personal things. He opened the first drawer to find it completely empty. As well as the second, and the third.

"Well, that was simple enough," he said to himself as he stood up.

"Jim, you're leaving," Kevin droned as he walked by Jim's desk to the copier.

"Yes, Kev, I am," Jim half smiled. Kevin was actually the only person from this office that he had a strong enough friendship with that wouldn't bring searing memories with every talk.

"That's laaaaaaaaame." Kevin reached out to shake Jim's.

Pam couldn't help but overhear their conversation. Every few seconds, we should shoot a look to Jim's back. She had no idea what to say to him. Yes, the fact that he was leaving was probably something monumental enough to be addressed, but that didn't mean that she had the right to talk to him. She felt as if she had forfeited that right when she let go of his finger tips in the darkened office. She continued to stare as he sat back down at his desk to pick up his box, wondering if she could handle watching her best friend leave forever.

Now I shadow my former self.

Once holy, now lonely.

A chest full of holes.

"Michael," Jim knocked on Michael's office door that was uncharacteristically shut. After a few seconds, Michael ambled out of his office.

"Yes, Jim. Yes," Michael locked his hands behind his back. "How are things?"

"I am actually leaving. I just wanted to say goodbye, and that I hope things go well here." Jim awkwardly stuck out his hand. "It's been a pleasure working for you."

Michael looked around, the awkward misty look that his eyes sometimes took. Instead of shaking his hand, Michael threw his arms around Jim to catch him in an unsuspected hug.

"Good luck, Jimbo. Take everything I've taught you and don't let those Stamford jerks push you around."

Jim nodded, patting Michael half-heartedly on the back before stepping away. "I'm sure I'll be fine."

As he lugged his box to his feet once more, he thought about how there was less awkward tension abound since the camera crew was on vacation for the summer. Every once in a while, a single camera man would stop by to talk to Michael, but actual filming didn't begin again until August. He was actually going to miss showing off for the camera.

"Bye," Jim gave a final wave as he turned towards the receptionist desk to find it completely empty.

Red wax, it paints me unclear.

When the big hand strikes twelve,

I disappear.

A/N: Thanks for reading. I kind of only had the first three chapters worked out in my mind, so now it's going to be an adventure to see where it goes!