Title: Future.
Continuity: 'The Job.' (Season Three's 23rd episode.)
Song: 'Walking after you', by Foo Fighters. (Fragment.)
Feedback: Of course, reviews are highly appreciated.
Warning/Comments: Slightly A/U. Drabble. Hey. This is a little too short, I know, and maybe vague and confusing. I'm sorry. I did my best, however, so I hope you enjoy this. The scene I describe is just one of the best of the entire show, so I'm worried about my work with this chapter. Okay, I'm done rambling.
I cannot be without you,
matter of fact.
I'm on your back.
"I don't know how I feel about hiring a Sixers fan."
"I should leave." Jim pretended to get up from his chair and David laughed.
"Uh, let me ask you a question, Jim. You're clearly a very bright guy."
"Thanks."
"Always hit your numbers, personable, you make a great impression on everyone you meet-"
"I'm sorry, wait, so is the question 'How'd I get to be so awesome?' Because, I don't have an answer for you."
"Uh, oh, hey, do you have your quarterly numbers?"
"Yes." Jim hurried to take the folders out of his messenger bag.
"And that, uh, questionnaire. Sorry to make you fill that thing out..."
"Oh, no, absolutely. "
"...that's a HR formality. We have this very irritating HR guy here; he's probably the only person you're not gonna like, Kendall. Ugh. So, first up... "
David was apologizing, but Jim wasn't listening, because something had distracted him. His gaze was fixed on the blue note that had fallen from the folders and onto his lap. The note had a gold medal yogurt lid attached, and when he read the words written on the paper it felt as if his world had stopped.
Jim, don't forget us when you're famous! Pam.
He was momentarily brought back to reality by David's question. "How do you think you function here in New York?"
"What's that? Oh, uh, great. You know? I just um, I really appreciate the buildings, and uh, the people, and um, there's just this energy... New York has, uh... Not to mention, they have places that are open past eight. So that's a... bonus." He answered, making the CFO chuckle once again. His gaze, however, went briefly back to the note.
"You've been in the Scranton branch a long time. What have you liked most about that place?"
"The friendships." Jim replied without a hint of hesitation.
David nodded, visibly content. "Okay. Well, we want the person who takes this position to be here for the long haul. So... long haul. Where do you see yourself in ten years?"
He couldn't help staring off into space as he blocked everything out and David's question echoed through his mind. For a second he got lost because of the many images and words that came suddenly rushing back.
"I was just, um, I'm in love with you."
"I can't."
"I just think I should tell you that... I've sort of started seeing someone. And uh..."
"Oh. That's totally cool. You can do whatever you want."
"Jim... I am really... sorry."
"Oh yeah, don't worry about it."
"Jim, I called off my wedding because of you. And things are just like weird between us, and that sucks. And I miss you… "
"And even though... I came back, I just, I feel like I've never really... come back."
"Well, I wish you would."
He looked down at the note that rested on his lap.
Where do you see yourself in ten years?
He didn't see himself in New York City.
He didn't see himself taking Jan's job.
He didn't see himself dating Karen anymore.
The only thing that came to his mind when he tried to picture himself in ten years was Pam Beesly.
It was all crystal-clear now.
The only way to actually come back was coming back for her.