Jim's Best Friend: The Office AU

To Come Home

March, 2007.

"So, Y/N is meant to be having a meeting with Michael and Jan today... And no-one but Pam and I know she's back in the States." Jim explained to the camera, glancing at his watch. "And as of two minutes ago, she has been in my car for two hours. Or in the warehouse, or wherever isn't the office." He glanced out into the main office. "I really hope she stays here in Scranton." He muttered softly, and a wave from Pam cause him to jump up. "Excuse me."

--

"Jan just called from the road, she should be here in ten minutes..." Pam informed, and as she did, the office door opened to reveal you, looking rather intensely at the floor that divided the office from the building behind you.

You needed time to think, to consider what could happen in the upcoming meeting, what people might think of you returning. In your thought, you had tidied out Jim's car, spent twenty minutes catching up with the building's security guy, Hugh, and gone to the bathroom twice. And after procrastinating for what felt like five years, two hours had passed, and you had a meeting to attend.

You took a breath, and set your shoulders, stepping into the office with a pretty smile and a wink to Pam. You kept your head high, stopping beside Jim in front of Pam's desk.

"Excuse me, Miss. I have a meeting with your manager that was moved up from noon to 11?" You said, loud enough for the office to eavesdrop. Jim shook his head, heading back to his desk with a big grin on his face, taking a seat to watch the scene unfold. He could see a few faces trying to place the dark-haired beauty, something about her too familiar.

"Ah, I have you right here, Miss Y/L/N. I'll let Michael know you are here." Pam responded in a loud voice, and your old colleagues jumped up to greet you. Phyllis was first, hugging you tight.

"What ten months can do! Do they not have food in Europe, Y/N?" She asked, and you noticed the ring on her finger.

"You're engaged!" You squeaked, and Phyllis nodded, letting you examine the ring.

One by one, you said hello to your old coworkers, even stopping by Dwight's desk to say a quick hello. Jim had stolen your old desk, Ryan stealing Jim's before that, and it was only one of the changes you noticed. There were two new staffers in the building, no doubt from the Stamford branch, and you noticed the woman from Jim's photo at a newly placed desk beside Phyllis. You headed over, smiling to her as she finished a phone call.

"We haven't met yet... But I'm Y/N. Jim has told me all about you, thought I'd say hello." You held out a hand, and Karen looked you over before smiling and returning the handshake.

"You went to Europe right?" She double checked, and you nodded, registering the sound of the front door opening again. You turned to see Jan, who smiled and nodded for you to follow her.

"Nice meeting you." You said quickly, straightening your top as you followed Jan into Michael's office. The moment the door was closed, Karen walked over to Jim's desk, tapping on his hand and gesturing for him to follow her into the hallway. Jim glanced at Michael's office door and then shrugged, following her out.

"What's up?" He asked, hands stuffed into his pockets. Karen turned to face him after pacing a few times.

"Y/N... You didn't tell me she was... Well..." Karen fumbled over her words. She wasn't the sort to get jealous. "She's hot, Jim. You described her as like a six at best and that girl is at least an eight point two." Jim laughed at that, quickly stopping himself when he saw she was serious. He, pulled her close, whispering something softly into her ear. A smile grew on Karen's face at the words, and she kissed Jim softly.