thanks to everyone who's been reading so far! you guys are the best :)
title taken from: "The Calculation" by Regina Spektor
"We're here." Jim announced as the car slowed to a stop in the parking lot near the Dunder-Mifflin building. He guessed Pam didn't really need to be told, because despite the fact that it was almost 2 in the morning and she also was incredibly drunk, she had managed to stay awake the whole drive back.
She didn't reply to him, not that he really had expected her to.
He got out of his side of the car and rushed round to the passenger side to get the door for her, once again. She shot him a grateful smile and hopped out, but immediately staggered.
"I know this is - a lot…" She began, carefully. "But would you mind walking me back to the room? I just don't really trust my legs at the moment."
"No problem." He offered his arm and she took it, using it mostly as a prop to keep herself upright during the short walk over the gravel to the building's main entrance.
"I'm sorry for getting so drunk." She said quietly, breaking the silence. The had just came through the entrance doors, and Jim had pressed the button to call the elevator down.
"It's fine," he replied, his voice just as soft.
Pam gazed at him for a moment, in silence, until the elevator doors dinged open. They trudged into the small, stuffy space.
"You're definitely okay though, right?"
"Health wise?"
Jim nodded.
She sighed out a confirmation, but wanted to say more. "I guess the fight with Roy just made me all… Crazy." She laughed humourlessly, nervously. "I mean…"
"Seriously, it's fine." Jim assured her when it became clear that she had no intention to finish what she had been trying to say. "I don't mind. Just as long as you're okay."
"Why can't all guys be like you?"
The question surprised him, but he guessed it was rhetorical, so he said nothing in return.
Pam took it as her opportunity to continue. She fiddled with her necklace as she spoke. "Roy, he never… He just doesn't listen, sometimes. He used to be great, and now…" She trailed off.
"I'm sure Roy cares about you, a lot."
"Ugh, you don't know Roy. He's just so… I mean, it's whatever." She shook her head, indicating that the one-sided conversation about her boyfriend was over.
The elevator chose that time to finally reach Pam's floor, and so they both stepped out into the dimly-lit hallway. She took Jim's proffered arm once more and they walked the short distance to Pam's room.
"Thanks for everything."
"No problem."
"I guess we should say goodnight, then?"
"Goodnight."
"'Night, Jim." She leaned up on her tiptoes and planted a kiss on his cheek. Jim wasn't sure whether to be glad or disappointed that she hadn't properly kissed him again.
this one was pretty short i know, but it just made more sense to leave it here. next chapter is longer though, don't worry. :)