-1Disclaimer: 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"

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 : Chapter 3

Pam parked her car and went into her apartment. She put the flowers on the desk in her bedroom along with her purse. It had been a good day, besides Michael and a little bit of Kelly. Angela didn't really bother her anymore, or as much as she used to. She didn't mind though.

Looking back at the pink and white lilies, she still couldn't believe Jim gave them to her and he set up their soon-to-be second date. It was so fast, what he thought of…He must have had it pre-prepared. He was great…He was just one of those guys that you hope to find but think that you will never find. He was sweet, a total gentleman, had an amazing sense of humor, they were best friends, and not to mention, attractive.

Pam sneaked a look at the clock, noticing that she really needed to start getting ready. She was so confused as to what she should wear. He said to wear something nice but not to go overboard. Did that mean semi-formal or something? She thought to herself. Running a hand through her caramel locks, she started looking in her closet. She took out a chocolate-colored Spanish style skirt that went slightly past her knees and a red tank top with lace attached along the bottom and neckline. She scurried to one of her drawers, trying to paint her toe nails and fingernails quickly. She decided on a very light mauve pink, and then slid her feet into brown sandals.

Pam dashed into the bathroom, taking out her work hair-do and was about to put it up into another style when she paused. She dropped her arms to her side, studying herself with her hair loose. She rarely wore it down, and when it was, she never really looked at herself. She smiled, choosing to let her hair stay free for the night. She applied minimal amounts of makeup, took a glance at the clock once again and began making her way back to her car.

Sure, she felt excited. She thought she looked good, and she was anxious to spend time with him again. Then it came, the feeling of nervousness. She wondered what she could be worried about. It was Jim and his place. She also thought about if Jim's roommate was there. She took a breath and kept driving, determined not to back out. This was what they had been both waiting for, she was not going to mess things up.

There it was, in view…Pam parked her car and sat there, her hands still gripping the steering wheel. Another breath escaped her as she got out, rang the bell and waited. Her lips pressed together before she heard footsteps toward the door. She heard the knob turn and the door opened.

"Oh, hi there! Pam, right?"

"Hey! Yes, it's Pam. Nice to see you Mark. Is Jim there?" She replied.

"Yeah, definitely. He's here. I was wondering why he was in the kitchen… Anyway, I was just heading out to see my girlfriend," He paused and looked her over. "Wow, you look great…I'll see you, ok? Have a nice night." He tipped his hat to her as he walked by, to his car.

"Thanks…you have a good night too." She called over to him.

Mark left within moments, leaving her to walk inside and lock the door behind her. She searched for him nearby, finding him nowhere in the entry room.

"Jim, I'm here." As soon as the words left her mouth, He strolled into the room. He looked good, then again…It was hard for him not to look nice. He had some tan khakis on with an olive green button up shirt. The shirt brought out his all ready, noticeable green eyes.

"Hi." She said simply. He seemed frozen there, looking at her. She could feel his eyes roaming over her for only a few moments before they settled on her face. "Hey." He whispered.

Jim walked over within seconds and Pam was still as he knelt his head down and put her chin up for a kiss on the lips. His other hand stroked her cheek lightly, as the broke apart shortly after.

"You look…" He paused and smiled as he said, "beautiful." The word rolled off his tongue in a delicate manner, as if it had been waiting forever to be spoken. A big grin came across his face, and she too, smiled. She realized that they didn't have to hold back some of the things, that they previously had to.

"Thank you. You look handsome, as always." She added, which resulted in a little laugh. He was still staring at her.

"You're welcome…Umm.. Dinner's ready." He managed out.

"What's on the menu? I'm starving."

"Well, the food is a surprise. " He hand found hers and gripped it. She held back just as much, as he walked her to the table. On it were two plates of steaming macaroni and cheese, that smelled amazing.

"Wow, macaroni and cheese. Ten out of ten for creativity." She said with a temporary serious expression that was soon broken by giggles.

"Hey! You leave it alone. It is unlike any other one you have ever had, guaranteed. Taste it, then you are allowed to insult it. Deal?" He replied dramatically. She smirked and kissed him on the cheek instead of shaking his hand. "Deal."

He pulled her chair out for her and scooted her in before seating himself down. She then saw the glasses they had by their plates and asked about them.

"Glasses Pam. I don't know if it's ok to forget that kind of thing." He laughed when he saw the mock scowl come across her face. "I'm joking, it's sparkling cider. Hope you don't mind."

"You're so mean to me. I don't have to put up with this…" She laughed again, unable to be serious with him. "I'm fine, I like sparkling cider. I love the bubbles." She picked up her glass and held it up, "Cheers to…what?" He did the same with his glass, pausing at the same dilemma.

"Cheer's to…how about…Cheer's to us." She smiled big, which gave him one too. "I like the sound of that." She replied.

Clanging their glasses together lightly, they each took a sip. Pam tried the meal, falling in love with it at first bite but decided to have some fun. She chewed a little more, and made a face. "Ugh…Jim? This is…bland." He looked up from his plate, staring at her…studying her expression. She bit her teeth together to suppress drooling at the cheesy pasta and laughing at him.

"I'm sorry. I can get you something else, what would you like? I could make you something… I thought you would enjoy it…everybody seems to…" He moved his chair back, ready to stand but Pam's hand reached out to stop him. Her hand tugged his, putting her head to the side and said, "Sorry…but I love it. It's got a ton of flavor." He rolled his eyes at her with a smile on his face. "That was good, I believed you. You're pretty easy to read too. You know what this means…I'm going to get you back."

They faked glares at each other which resulted in laughing right after.

"This really happening?" Pam whispered. Jim heard mumbling so he turned his gaze up. "Hmm? Talking to yourself?" She focused on him and abruptly starting chuckling.

"What? I didn't say anything." He said, clearly confused.

"You have…cheese on your face." His mouth dramatically fell at her words, and he asked for assistance after failing to find it on his own. Shaking her head at his silliness, she got out of her chair and went to him. Bending down, she wiped it off. She was about to get about again when she felt something slightly warm on her cheek, followed by Jim's laughter.

"I can't believe you! I hate you." She responded with a smile. She could never be made at him for long.

"Told you that I'd get you back." He put a finger to her cheek and gently removed it from her milky skin.

"Thank you…" She said slowly, his touch always seemed to reduce her thinking process to goop.

They finished their plates, Jim taking both and putting them in the dishwasher.

"So…what would you like for dessert?" She put a finger to her chin, really in the mood for something fruity.

"Do you, by any chance, have something berry flavored?" He quirked a brow and reached into the fridge quickly. "How's some mixed berry yogurt?" He said with a grin.

"Are you serious? Wow, yes, I'll have some. You got this for me?" He handed her it as he nodded. He then got one for himself. "I can't believe you, thanks! You always know what I want before I even know it." He smiled then put his head down briefly.

"Well, I'm capable of many, many things Pam." He stressed her name slowly before he suddenly stood, throwing away his yogurt and walking into another room. She arched a brow, pausing at his behavior and rapidly finishing the last spoonful of her dessert.

"Jim, what are you doing?" Her question was answered when music began to fill the room and Jim came out holding out a hand.

"May I have this dance, Miss Beesly?" She smiled, thinking that they needed this dance, it was overdue. She could dance in his arms this time, instead of Karen…she didn't have to watch him dance with someone else anymore, she could dance with him. It felt wonderful.

"Yes, you may…Sir Halpert." He chuckled, gently tugging her hand where they walked into the living room. Her hand clutched his, while the other found a place by his neck. His other settled on her hip. They swayed together, easily matching the slow sound coming from the music set.

"This is happening, right?" She repeated the words that Jim had not heard earlier. "Yes, unless we both have very realistic imaginations. That could be it." He smirked and kissed her, proving the truth to her. "You tell me." He mumbled against her lips. She felt each breath warm her lips and caress her cheeks. "I'm happy…that this is real." She replied as best as she could considering he was right in front of her; there was no space between.

Pam then wrapped both arms around his middle, bringing their bodies even closer as she rested her head against his chest. She closed her eyes, thinking that she could easily fall asleep right now.

"I'm really glad you're here." He whispered so softly that she almost didn't hear him. His arms were around the back of her shoulders. "Me too." She said as she leaned up and kissed his neck. She felt him shiver slightly. One of his hands wove itself into her hair, rubbing her head.

"I think…I can actually agree with Kelly about something…" He paused, but continued to stroke her hair. "You are an angel." He spoke so sweetly, and she couldn't help but let a small tear fall from her eye. He was just incredible… What was she on not to have noticed how wonderful he was and is. She took a breath, not wanting to start crying. She tilted her head up and got up on her tip-toes until they were staring eye to eye, green to green.

"I'm not the only one, you know." She smiled, seeing what looked like surprise appear on his face. "Me?" She nodded multiple times to answer his doubt.

"Why not? I can't tell you how many times I've told myself, especially the last few days, that you are a rare person to find. You're just amazing…That's the only way I can describe you. You're kind, a gentlemen which is surprisingly difficult to find and many other things. Just…You're going to have to accept that you are a great person, do I make myself clear?" She said strongly, continuing to gaze into his green eyes. His head went down, his cheeks dusted over with a light shade of pink.

She placed two fingers under his chin, lifting his head. A big smile erupted on his face, teeth showing too. "I got it." Then he kissed her, on the forehead, on her cheeks, on her nose and finally, her lips. She returned his kiss, her hands comfortable coiled around his neck. There, her fingers played with the hairs on the back of his head. She couldn't help herself, she nibbled on his bottom lip and she could swear that she heard a low sound from his throat. His tongue reached out to massage hers, a silent question. Her lips parted, allowing him entrance. She tasted the cheese in his mouth, slightly peppery with all the seasoning he added, while all he could taste was fruit. Air, once again, had to separate them.

The air felt tight around them, forcing her to remain still. She looked up and chuckled, especially from the confused look on his face.

"Am I that bad or something? Because I clearly remember you kissing me back." He said in a slight huff.

"No, no…you're very good," A smirk of victory on his face as she complimented him. "You taste like cheese." She finished, covering her mouth to stifle her laughter. He shook his head in amusement before suddenly pulling her to him, and ticking her all over, joining her in laughter.

Hope you all liked the third chapter of Smelling the Roses. I will write another chapter depending on reviews ;)

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