"strings" by honey_wheeler (PG-13)

[stars-inthe-sky.livejournal.com]

Fandom Category: The Office (US)
Pairing: Kelly Kapoor/Ryan Howard
Fic Title: strings
Author: honey_wheeler 
Link: http://honey-wheeler.livejournal.com/13559.html
Rating/Warning(s): PG-13
Genre: Character study, a bit of angst
WIP?: No.  One-shot, 760 words

Why This Must Be Read: This is a short fic that packs a big punch.  Unlike the obvious OTP-ness of Jim and Pam, Kelly and Ryan have never really been an obvious couple.  She's bubbly and superficial; he's a more laconic jerk.  It's never been entirely clear why they keep putting up with each other. "strings" was written back at the beginning of their relationship in Season 2, and it lends just the right insight, from Kelly's perspective, as to the dynamics at work here. The author does so much in very little space, and it makes me wish the "documentary crew" was a little more nosy about office romances besides the headliners.

(There does not appear to be a Kelly/Ryan tag, FYI.)