Title: Beauty in the Breakdown

Summary: Ryan isn't dealing well with failing out of business school and Jim finds himself having to deal with the results. Will be slash in the future, so if you're not a fan of the man love, then go read something else.

Disclaimer: I own nothing. The following story is for fan entertainment only.

Chapter One: When I Find Myself In Times of Trouble

Ryan Howard was staring intently at a lukewarm can of diet Pepsi nestled between his hands. He sat slumped in his chair, the silence of the break room a welcomed break from the droning office chatter. Jim Halpert entered the room and dropped a few coins into the soda machine, the loud clatter of the can rousing Ryan out of his reverie.

"Hey, man. What's up?" Jim asked, opening the can.

Ryan blink, as if confused and looked up at Jim. "Um, sorry. What?"

"You alright?" Jim asked.

"Yeah, yeah. Just tired I guess" Ryan said, sitting back and rubbing at his eyes.

"Good thing its Friday, right?" Jim said as he headed towards the door.

"Yeah"

"See ya later"

"Um…Jim?" Ryan said as Jim was just about to open the door.

"Yeah" Jim turned.

"Ah, nothing. Never mind. Sorry." Ryan stammered. Jim shot him a questioning look.

"You sure?"

"Yeah, just never mind" Ryan smiled, but Jim didn't think the younger man looked very happy.

Jim watched Ryan at his desk make call after call and it was evident that he has still to make a sale. Michael called him into his office a few hours later, and when Ryan emerged ten minutes later, he headed straight to the stairs. Jim looked over to Pam, who urged him to follow.

Jim opened the door to the stairs slowly and saw Ryan huddled against the corner with his back to Jim on the level below.

"Hey, everything okay?" Jim asked, placing his hand on Ryan's shoulder.

Ryan jumped in surprise and wiped at his face. Jim looked down, trying to preserve some of Ryan's dignity as he wiped tears out of his eyes.

Ryan cleared his throat. "I'm fine, it's just allergies…the air is better, down here. You know"

"Maybe you could get Michael to let you leave early. You said you were tired"

"Fuck Michael!" Ryan suddenly yelled, taking Jim by surprise. Ryan was breathing hard as Jim stared at him.

"Just please, leave me alone" Ryan said as he sank to the stairs and cradled his head in his hands. Jim sat down next to the smaller man.

"You know whatever is bothering you, it could help to talk about it" Jim said gently.

Ryan looked up at him, this time not trying to hide the tears.

"It's just this job." He said sadly, " I just can't take it anymore"

"Well, hey, that's why you're going to business school, right? So you can be running a place like this in a few years"

Ryan let out a sob and turned away from Jim.

"I failed out. I'm gonna be stuck here forever!" Ryan yelled desperately.

Jim didn't know what to say, so he rubbed Ryan's back trying to comfort him.

"I'm sorry Ryan" Ryan turned to Jim, and Jim a frown settled on Jim's features when he saw the pain and fear on Ryan's wet face. He threw himself into Jim's chest, Jim awkwardly wrapping his arms around the dark haired man, but held him tighter when the other man began to shake.

"Ryan. Calm down.." Jim tried to soothe the younger man, but he only calmed down after Jim promised that he'd get Michael to let them leave.

"Just wait here okay?" Jim said gently. "I'll go talk to Michael and get your stuff. I'll be right back" Jim realized that Ryan was in the middle of a breakdown.

Jim went back into the office and told Michael that Ryan wasn't feeling well and that he needed to take him home. Michael having a man crush on Ryan, didn't have any opposition to letting the pair leave.

"Jim, what's up?" Pam asked.

"I'm not sure. Ryan's really shook up about something. He was in the stairwell crying. I told Michael he was sick. Cover for us?"

"Of course" Pam agreed. Jim gave her one last smile before heading out the door.