Jim Halpert x gn!reader, 2.5K words
Warnings: Vulgarism, pushing. (Not Jim pushing ofc)
My comment: First fanfic ever, it's summer and I am bored haha. Enjoy! ALSO I couldn't think of a fitting title.
Summary: Jim helps reader out with taking her dog to the vet, inviting her to his roommate's party afterwards.
(Jim talking to the camera crew)
“The way she sits in her chair with one leg up… sometimes both legs up. The way she balances her pen on everything while making phone calls,” he lets out a soft chuckle, “Her origamis that I find on my table every time we come back from lunch.” He starts fumbling in his pants pocket, revealing a small origami frog to the crew. “Like this one today,” he looks at it, then looks back at the crew and does his typical downturned smile.
You finish a call with a client, balancing your pen on its holder, just as Jim described. The cameraman focuses on you, then pans to Jim, who watches you with an admiring smile and eyes full of warmth.
“Yes, February 28th. That’s right,” you confirm to a client on the phone. "Have a nice day," you hang up.
Jim glances at the camera as he gets up and walks over to you.
“Hey, Y/N,” he says nervously, rubbing his hands together. “I was wondering, are you free tonight? My roommate is throwing a party, and I thought we could go together?” He asks, his voice genuine and hopeful.
“Jim, I’m sorry, I can’t tonight… I have to take my dog to the vet. It’s on the other side of Scranton, so…” you say, disappointed. “It’s going to take some time to get there by train—”
“I can take you… and your dog,” he offers immediately, showing the palms of his hands.
“You mean it?” you ask, caught off guard.
“Of course. I want to meet your dog,” he teases slightly, but you know he's serious.
You look at him, touched. “That would be so kind. Thank you, Jim.”
“When is the appointment?” “At 6.” “Great, we’ll leave at 5.” He smiles warmly at you.
He returns to his desk, exchanging a satisfied glance with the camera. Two hours fly by in a blur of Friday phone calls. You both pack up and head to his car. Jim opens the door of the car for you, and you settle into the front passenger seat. You drive to your place to pick up your dog first.
“Are you okay with having a dog in your car?” you ask uncertainly.
“Yeah, why wouldn’t I be?” he asks, genuinely confused.
You chuckle softly. “My boyfriend could never handle it, you know. Hates the hair,” you say sadly.
“Oh,” Jim responds, caught off guard by your answer, finding out another terrible thing about your boyfriend.
You arrive at your apartment, Jim and the cameraman waiting in the car. You quickly get your dog and head back out. Jim watches as you and your dog approach. The dog is a mixed breed puppy. Probably a mix of retriever and some other breed he couldn't quite put a finger on. He gets out of the car, squatting down to the dog’s level.
“Oh, hello,” he says in a high-pitched tone. “Can I pet him?” he asks.
“Sure,” you laugh as Finn jumps on Jim, licking his cheek. The cameraman captures the moment from the car window. You decide to sit in the back with Finn, next to the cameraman, to keep him from jumping on Jim while driving. Finn sniffs the camera, leaving the cameraman with an adorable footage.
You drive to the vet, chatting about how you got Finn and today’s rabies shot. The drive is short, filled with easy conversation. Finally, you arrive, leading Finn inside with Jim following behind.
The veterinarian takes Finn’s lead from your hand, and Jim squats down to give Finn a reassuring pat.
“You’ll be alright, big boy, we’ll be back tomorrow, okay?” Jim murmurs, rubbing Finn behind his ears. Your heart melts at the tenderness in Jim’s voice. Your boyfriend never talks to you or your dog with such genuine care.
(Y/N talking to the camera crew)
“Jim has been incredibly kind, helping me out like this. My boyfriend wouldn’t do anything like this for me,” you confess, a mix of gratitude and sadness evident in your expression.
You and Jim leave the vet, checking your watch.
“Wow, 6:30 already, that was quick today,” you exhale, a small puff of steam escaping in the chilly February air. Jim chuckles, his breath forming another cloud.
“So, are you free now?” he asks, a playful smirk on his face.
“Still up for the party?” Jim kicks at a rock on the pavement.
“Alright, sounds fun,” you agree, smiling warmly at him.
You drive off, recognizing the route from earlier. Suddenly, you take a different turn, pulling up in front of what seems to be Jim’s house, glimpsing people inside having a good time.
“Here we are,” Jim announces. You get out of the car.
He holds the door open for you with a gentlemanly gesture, “After you.” You step inside to the sound of someone singing karaoke to “Mr. Brightside” by The Killers.
“Not my favorite song,” you joke, earning a laugh from Jim.
(Y/N talking to the cameraman)
“I don’t know. Sometimes I feel like my boyfriend isn’t really there for me… but with Jim, it’s different,” you share with the camera crew, your voice tinged with both relief and uncertainty.
Jim introduces you to his roommate and his girlfriend, and you both mingle with the party guests, sipping wine and making small talk.
After some time, all of the guests has already arrived. No one else is expected.
Doorbell suddenly rings, signaling a new arrival. The roommate opens the door confused, and the camera zooms in on the newcomer’s face.
“Is Y/N here?” a familiar British voice asks. Your heart sinks, and Jim freezes at your sudden reaction.
“What?” he asks, concerned.
You rush to the door, Jim following closely behind. “David, what are you doing here?” you say, a mixture of anger and fear in your voice.
He chuckles sarcastically. “More like, what are you doing here?” You pull David aside.
“I had to take Finn to the vet, and Jim offered me a ride,” you try to explain.
“Wow! This is a hell of a vet!” He gestures wildly at Jim’s house, “Should’ve taken a fuckin’ train, bitch!” He starts shouting.
“David, did you track my phone aga— I— I can explai—” “Shut up, you whore!” David interrupts, pushing you roughly. “Fucking whore, I knew you were screwing him the whole time,” he spits out, moving toward you aggressively. You're taken aback by his blunt accusation, feeling a mix of shock and disgust that he would make such a false statement.
“It’s over, David. It’s over!” you declare.
The camera catches Jim’s tense expression as David moves closer to you again, prompting Jim to step in.
“Alright, that’s enough,” Jim intervenes, pushing David away and guiding you protectively behind him. “Leave,” Jim demands calmly.
“Okay, but give me my fucking girlfriend,” David hisses.
“What is she, a fucking thing?” Jim shoots back sharply, stepping forward. It’s the first time you’ve heard Jim curse.
“Well, to me, she is—” David starts to say.
"She said it's over! Did you hear her?" Jim repeats what you said.
"Not until I say so." David spits.
“Leave,” Jim repeats firmly.
“None of your business—” David stops short, spitting in Jim’s face. Jim remains composed, wiping his face with his sleeve.
“Fucking prick with a fucking whore. Perfect match!” your now ex shouts as he storms off to his car. “Bitch, burn in hell!” he yells out of the open window as he drives away.
Jim quickly returns to you, finding you standing there, visibly shaken, tears streaming down your cheeks.
“Are you okay, Y/N?” he asks gently. You lean into him, wrapping your arms around his torso, seeking comfort. Jim strokes your hair soothingly with one hand, the other arm around your shoulders. “It’s okay now. Everything’s fine,” he reassures you. “Thank you,” you whisper softly into his shirt.
You both stand there in a comforting embrace, surrounded by the silence of the chilly February night, illuminated by a warm streetlight. After what feels like an eternity, Jim speaks softly. “Are you sure you don’t want to come inside? It’s kind of cold out here.” You finally look up and nod, smiling faintly at him. He takes your hand in his, not intertwining fingers, but offering a protective hold, leading you back into the house. “I’ll make you some toasts, okay?”
Inside the house, apart from the roommate, no one seems to notice what just happened outside. You’re grateful no one did; it would have been embarrassing. You follow Jim to the kitchen through the living room. You lean on the counter to watch him make toasts. He tries to distract you from the recent events by explaining his toast-making technique, which surprisingly works. You can’t help stealing glances at him. He’s perfect. He’s been there for you through so much, always supportive. And that smile of his, it warms your heart.
You move to the living room together, holding your plate of toasts. You both settle on the couch, finding two free seats across from the karaoke machine. A girl joins you, curious about the gossip Jim tells you about, bringing you a coke mixed with rum you didn’t ask for but accept anyway. She leaves when the talk turns to Dwight, which she has never heard of.
Suddenly, Jim’s roommate takes the karaoke microphone, addressing Jim in front of everyone instead of taking a few steps for a private chat.
“Jim’s back, everybody!” Everyone cheers, and Darryl, Jim’s roommate, continues. “A prince on a white horse, with his rescued princess!” You look at Jim in surprise, bursting into laughter, fueled by the wine and coke you’ve been drinking. Jim looks slightly embarrassed. “Ignore him, that’s just the alcohol talking,” he dismisses with a wave of his hand.
“Come on, you haven’t sung yet tonight!” Darryl says into the mic. “Come on!” You draw out the word as you nudge Jim playfully in the shoulder. Jim sighs.
“Alright, alright,” Jim gives in, buoyed by his roommate’s friends’ enthusiasm. He gets up from beside you, heading over to the karaoke machine, where he and Darryl select a song. Your song. By Elton John.
“It’s a little bit funny…” Jim starts singing the lyrics. Some people join in, others start dancing. You sit back and watch, impressed by Jim’s singing ability, even if it’s just a little. “...You see, I’ve forgotten if they’re green or they’re blue.” Jim squints playfully, locking eyes with you as he sings, mocking the lyrics. You chuckle softly. He gestures with his free hand for you to come over to him. “...Anyway, the thing is…” You get up and join him, Jim’s arm around your shoulder. “...Yours are the sweetest eyes I’ve ever seen.” His gaze shifts between your eyes. You realize it's just lyrics, but there's a subtle undertone in his delivery that suggests the lyrics might mirror his thoughts. Jim catches your hand, and you start to slow dance together, his singing still filling the room. Others begin to join in the dancing.
As Jim finishes the song, everyone cheers and claps.
“Thank you all for coming! You’ve been an amazing crowd tonight!” Jim jokes, accepting the applause graciously.
“That was really good!” You poke Jim, and he thanks you with a smile. As you both head back toward your seats, you find them occupied by other friends. You hesitate for a moment.
“Looks like we’re standing,” Jim remarks, realizing the lack of available seats. He notices how much you’ve had to drink, noticing you sway slightly, whether from the alcohol or the emotional rollercoaster of the evening.
Jim smirks to himself, leaning in to whisper in your ear. “Want a tour?” he raises an eyebrow suggestively.
You look at him, a mix of surprise and anticipation. “Lead the way.” You interlace your fingers with his, feeling a slight jolt of electricity between you both, which Jim acknowledges with a subtle smirk.
As you come up the stairs, Jim begins the tour. “Here’s the bathroom,” he gestures playfully with his free hand. He leads you further, showing you Darryl’s room, then his own.
“And this is mine. I cleaned up a bit this morning; it usually doesn’t look this good,” he admits with a sheepish grin.
You release his hand, stepping into his room. You notice a guitar in the corner. “You play guitar? Why didn’t you ever tell me?” you ask, genuinely curious.
Jim shrugs, leaning against the doorframe. “I’d rather talk about you,” he admits softly. You feel a pang of realization, contrasting sharply with memories of your ex-boyfriend’s indifference. With Jim, you feel appreciated.
You look around Jim’s room, taking in the framed photos, medals, and posters, gaining insights into his life. You sit on the edge of his bed, noticing how comfortable it feels. “Nice bed, too,” you remark with a genuine smile.
Jim enters the room, searching in one of his drawers.
“I wanted to give you this on your birthday, but I just can’t wait to give it to you,” he says. “Okay, close your eyes, okay, I haven’t wrapped it up yet,” he lets out a soft chuckle. You do as he says. He sits next to you on the bed and hands you what feels like a jewel case, his fingers lingering on your hands longer than necessary.
You open your eyes, revealing a jewel case containing 'Hot Fuss' by The Killers CD. “No way!” you exclaim excitedly. “I— I don’t know what to say. Thank you. Thank you so much,” you stammer gratefully.
Jim smiles warmly at you, and you hug him again.
“I have a player. Want to listen to it?” he offers, taking the CD from your hand and placing it in the player. The first song begins to play, and Jim adjusts the volume. He returns to sit beside you.
“What a great taste,” he remarks casually.
“Stop,” you playfully protest.
“No, really. I mean it,” he insists, locking eyes with you. You meet his gaze, and he shifts closer. He cups your cheeks slowly with both hands, silently seeking your consent. You nod in response, and he leans in slowly, tenderly kissing you. You kiss him back, uncertain but drawn to him.
It’s okay. Everything’s fine, you reassure yourself internally, repeating what Jim said earlier. You deepen the kiss, the emotional intensity building between you both. Jim’s hands leave your face as he crawls over at you, making you lay down under him.
The cameraman discreetly decides to leave them to their private moment, closing the door for them.
Kinda out of pocket story haha, but I hope you enjoyed it!