Here's Part Two of the Ben's Feelings picspam, Forbidden Romance. This is the chapter of their story were angst is growing and the lines between co-worker, friend and soulmate are becoming blurred. This only covers four and a half episodes, but it's actually more pictures then part one. :) Hope you enjoy and next The Relationship!
Part 1: The Crush
Ben: I was actually coming to see you. I wanted your advice on something.
Leslie: Oh yeah?
Ben: My boss in Indianapolis, he wants me back on the road in a week. But then this morning, Chris offered me a job to stay here in Pawnee, working for him.
Leslie: Do you want to do that?
Ben: Well, I don’t know. I’ve been moving around here so much the past few years, it might be nice to stay in one place for awhile. What do you think?
Leslie: Well, this is a great city, you know, it’s definitely the best city in Indiana, probably America, possibly the world. Ben: Sure.
Leslie: But, on the other hand, you’ve put in 12 years with the state government.
Ben: So you think I should say no to Chris and head back to Indianapolis, or…?
Leslie: It’s a tough call. You know what I would do? You should make a pros and cons list. That always works for me.
Ben: Yeah, yeah yeah. Okay. Maybe I’ll do that.
A person doesn't think about leaving a job they've had for over 12 years, their goal of running for office again and move to a small town they've only lived in for 6 months...unless there's a really good reason. I fells he's totally in love with Leslie at this point, even if he doesn't realize it. It's so incharacter for him to take this slow though. He quickly puts the ball in her court to see how she feels about him first. :)
Tom: Ben, heard you might be leaving Pawnee.
Ben: I don’t know...thinking about it.
Leslie: Hey. Can I talk to you for a second? April and Andy are about to get married.
Ben: Wow, my britta filter is older than their relationship. Wait a second should I change my britta filter?
Leslie: I don't know...it depends on how much you use it.
When Tom asked about Ben leaving...Ben look staight at Leslie for some kind of indication. But part of me thinks that by this point he already took the position with Chris. (Note: in the comments below annoy. made me realize that maybe this isn't true.) :)
Animal Control Guy: All the good ones are taken?
Ben: Yeah…
In Ben's mind Leslie is sort of taken or just not obtainable at this point. She is so attached to her job and everything that is Pawnee and he doesn't know how he fits into the equation. It's not until she actually asks him to stay, that he know she does want him there to fit into her life.
Leslie: You should stay. Don’t go back to Indianapolis. You should stay here.
Ben: You think?
Leslie: Yeah. Yes. It’s a great city here, you know? And there are great people. And you’ve made a lot of friends. And what are you gonna do…go back to your old job and hack up people’s budgets? Stay here. Help us build something.
Ben: I already accepted the job. I’m, uh…I’m staying here.
Leslie: That’s good.
Ben: Yeah, I think so.
Yay...she told him to stay and he told her he already decided to!! It's just the perfect scenario, because they both give something to the start of their relationship. And they both just look so happy about it! :)
Ben: Orin’s behind me, isn’t he?
Leslie: Mm-hmm. Yeah. Ben: Okay.
Leslie: Okay. So just keep your eyes on me. Ben: Okay.
Leslie: Don’t panic, cause he can smell fear. Just keep talking to me. Ben: Hi. Leslie: Hi.
Ben: How are you? Leslie: Good. How are you? Ben: How was the wedding…? Leslie: Run!!
Both: *giggling*
I love the paralles they make between Ben/Leslie and Andy/April in this episode and others in the future.
Hahahaha...Ben doesn't need words in this scene. It's clear what he's thinking. :)
Ben: You know, I can’t believe I’m saying this, but I actually checked out that snow globe museum that you recommended, and it was pretty awesome, I have to say. I mean, I did get in trouble for shaking one.
Leslie: Yeah, I’m not allowed there anymore.
Ben actually went to the snowglobe museum and I bet he spent the entire time thinking about being there with Leslie. :)
Leslie: So I have some ideas for the health initiative.
Ben: Ah, okay. How about I swing by later and we’ll just, you know, we’ll go over everything?
Leslie: Or we could go out after work. You know, go to J.J.’s or something, grab a bite?
Ben: Um, I don’t, I don’t think I can. But, why don’t we just talk about it later? In this building. Okay? All right. But, uh, you’re great, and you have great ideas, and… uhhhhh… ummmmm… uhhhhh… bye.
Poor Ben...I know inside he was probable screaming, "Yes!! Lets go right now!" :(
Ben: What was all that stuff with you and Leslie?
Tom: Girl likes Indian food, what can I say? Fine. We got matched up on an online dating site, and I was messing with her, she got pissed, so she took me out in the hallway and kissed me out of revenge.
Ben: Really?
Tom: And as much as it pains me to admit this, it was… not disgusting.
Ben: Ok, well, I don’t need the details, or anything....
Tom: I’m just saying, she knows what to do. Ben: All right.
Tom: Like, I was impressed. Ben: mmmm...yeah
Tom: It was…stirring. Ben: Goodbye!
Hahahaha...I love this Ben scene. Poor guy really doesn't want to hear about how great a kisser Leslie is and definitely not from someone else. :)
Ann: Favorite place?
Leslie: Upstairs there’s this mural of wildflowers, and I like to sit on a bench in front of it.
Ann: Really? It could be anywhere in the world…Paris, Hawaii, the Grand Canyon.
Leslie: No, just the bench in front of the mural.
Leslie: Hey, I never got to tell you the rest of my ideas. You want to go somewhere and talk about ‘em?
Ben: Yeah. Yeah, I’d love to. Um, let me get some actual food and then… do you know that wildflower mural up on the second floor?
Leslie: Mm-hmm.
Ben: Yeah? You want to meet there?
Leslie: Yeah. *dreamy smile*
Ben: Okay. Sounds good.
There is just no doubt that the title of this episode isn't talking about Leslie and Tom's match on the website, but the fact that these two are actual soulmates. This moments makes me heart melt. :)
Leslie: I just wanted to remind you of the art show that’s happening tonight in the community center. It’s going to be a lot of fun.
Ben: Great! Leslie: Yeah!
Ben: Great, well that sounds cool, that sounds like something that’ll, uh, be a big success, you know? I mean, like everything that you, uh, you put your paws on...your fingers.
Good job Ben...again you know exactly what makes a girl feel special. ;)
Chris: Leslie Knope! Ben Wyatt! Ben, great news: do you remember the woman I told you about from the County Commissioner’s office?
Ben: Uh…vaguely?
Chris: Sure you do. Cindy Miller. Anyway, she’s agreed to go out on a date with you.
Ben: Oh! You asked her out for me?
Chris: And you’re gonna love her. She’s interesting, smart, and beautiful, inside and out. Inner beauty is very important. And outer beauty is also very important.
Leslie: I thought you had a rule about inter-government relationships.
Chris: Oh, don’t worry, her department is completely separate from ours. This isn’t anything like your affair with Tom Haverford.
This is when I really started to hate Chris...how can he not see Ben's in pain? THIS IS ALL YOUR FAULT. :P
Oh Ben...why even try going on a date...nothing is going to get better than this. :) (I just really wanted to add that awesome picture of Leslie.)
Leslie: Oh, hi. Ben: Hey.
Leslie: I was at a meeting around the corner, and some people wanted to destroy this painting, so I brought it here. Where’s Andy and April?
Ben: They’re out shopping.
Leslie: What are you doing here?
Ben: I…moved into the spare room.
Leslie: Really? Ben: Yeah.
Leslie: Huh. Can I come in?
Ben: Yeah, yeah, sure. Of course.
Ben: Why do they want to destroy it?
Leslie: Well, uh, it’s a painting of me. As a centaur. Ben: Okay.
Leslie: And it’s a nude. Ben: Oh.
Leslie: Just, basically, like, the chestal region. Ben: Uh-huh.
Leslie: Mostly. You don’t have to look at it if you don’t want to. Ben: No no no, I...
Leslie: It’s very classy... Ben: Yeah, no, I’m sure it is.
There were just too many awesome shots from these scenes. When she says "it's in the nude," he looks so shocked and adorable. Also when they are standing in the living room it looks like he is trying so hard to stand at least a couple feet away from her and with his hands in his pockets...good self-control. :)
Leslie: You’re a level-headed person. What do I do here?
Ben: Well, I don’t know, I mean it is one of the basic rules of government that you shouldn’t offend people.
Leslie: Yeah, I guess you’re right, I just…I was so annoyed by all these rules lately.
Ben: Me too.
If only Andy and April had spent another 30 seconds at Bed Bath & Beyond...they could've walked in on more then just a "vibe" between these two. :) His face in that bottom picture just screams that he's about to kiss her. Also this is another small similarity we are given between Ben/Leslie and Andy/April, in the scene before this Andy and April are in BB&B and Andy is able to talk April out of buying all the junk they don't need. This shows how both couples have one person that is able to calm the other and talk some sense into each other when it's needed. Does that make sense? :)
Andy: Leslie! I mean, not to be inappropriate or anything because you’re my boss and my friend, but I would totally hit that.
April: So would I.
Hahaha...Leslie don't worry, he already saw it...a couple times. :)
Andy: What’s going on between you and Leslie? I noticed a weird vibe when we came in.
Ben: Nothing. I mean, we’re friends, just…regular friendship…develop...development.
Andy: Oh, come on, roomie, you can tell me. I know there was something. I bet you I can guess what it is. …She stole money from you!
Ben: What? No! No, Andy, she did not. I think we like each other. But Chris has this very strict rule that coworkers can’t date, so, you know, it’s not even an option.
Andy: Wow! Ben: Yeah.
Andy: Well, first of all, Leslie’s, she’s like the coolest ever. You’ve chosen well. And, secondly, hey man, if it’s gonna happen, it’s gonna happen. Look at me and April. If you’re anything like us, three weeks from now, you’ll be married, my friend.
Ben: *adorable smile*
Andy is so sweet and the perfect confidant for Ben...he really just needs somesome he can talk to. Also that smile Ben gives at the end at the thought of marring Leslie...perfect. :)
Chris: How did your date with Cindy go?
Ben: You know she wasn’t my type?
Chris: She was a tall brunette. You always like tall brunettes
Ben: No…not exclusively.
Chris: Historically yes, exclusively.
Leslie: He said he didn’t like her, so it’s over.
Chris: Okay, well, I’m going to keep trying. Because you are incredible. Ben: Thank you.
Chris: And you deserve someone amazing and smart and beautiful. Ben: Thank you.
Leslie: A real goddess. Chris: Exactly. Leslie: Mmmm....
Part of me thinks Chris is doing this on purpose. I don't think he really knows that Leslie's the person Ben asked to date, but why must he always talk about setting up Ben with Leslie around. Poor girl...that's ok though because she got her message across! :)
Ben: Uh-oh! Looks like someone’s going to be late for her meeting!
Leslie: Oh, race you!
Ben: Really? Isn’t that a little childish?
Leslie: Bye, Ann, sorry! Gotta go! Hey, move! Oh, Councilman Hauser, sorry, nice to see you, as always!
Ann: …Bye.
*shakes head* This is just like a little tease of what they're like when we don't get to see them. Flirty and adorable...just like with the hand shake they made together months before this. :)
Ben: Hey, are you okay? I heard yelling.
Leslie: Yeah, I’m very angry and I’m really drunk, do you wanna dance with me, go get me another snork juice.
Ben: Oh that’s, that’s maybe not the best idea for you.
Leslie: FORGET IT! Jean-Ralphio!
Jean-Ralphio: Yes, I’m here. Leslie: Dance up on me! Jean-Ralphio: Yes, yes, yes!
Andy: How’s it going with her?
Ben: Um, well, nothing’s going at all, really, because… I don’t know, I feel like I just did something wrong. She didn’t seem to want to talk to me.
Andy: You should try role play; that’s what me and April do.
Ben: That explains the outfit.
Andy: Yeah, you gotta dream up some weird scenario, like you’re her boss and sex is forbidden because she works for you.
Ben: That is our actual situation.
Andy: And she’s addicted to spanking!
Ben: Okay, thanks, we got it. We’re good.
Oh Ben...do you not remember what Drunk Leslie was like? It's best to do what she says or get out of her way and don't take it personal.
Leslie: I owe her like a million apologies. I think I owe you one too. I’m sorry.
Ben: For what?
Leslie: I don’t know.
Ben: Are you okay?
Leslie: No. I’m sad.
Awww...poor Leslie. This was such an adorable, yet sad scene. Also Ben and Leslie totally have sex hair in that first picture. :)
Ben: Uh, Leslie doesn’t know I’m here.
Ann: Oh, God. It’s so high school. I can’t believe Leslie and I got drunk in a bar and fought about boys. We’re so much better than that. I just keep having flashes of things that we said to each other, and she’s so important to me, and I acted like such a dick.
Ben: I don’t know you that well, but you’re clearly very important to Leslie, and that must mean you’re a pretty great person. I know she feels awful, I mean… technically, we all do.
Ann: Yeah. What the hell is in snake juice, Demerol?
Ben: All I know is Leslie’s always talking about how lucky she is to have you as a friend, and I just… wanted you to know that.
Ann: You’re nice. I can see why she likes you.
Ben: When did she say- likes me?
Ann: Oh, god, this is so high school. Just, rent a limo, ask her to the prom, I’m sure she’ll say yes.
Ben: All right. Thanks.
Just when I think Ben can't get any cuter...he sees Ann just to make Leslie happy again AND he gives us the most adorable smile to date. :)
(Side note: Amy Poehler did an awesome job with this episode, it was funny, sweet, sad and happy.) :)
Ben: Hey, Leslie! Leslie: Hey!
Ben: Thank you for that year over year cost analysis, that was- that was really helpful.
Leslie: You’re so welcome. I was thinking about you when I wrote it. ‘Cause I was, um…
Ben: ‘Cause I told you I wanted to read it? Leslie: Yeah.
Ben: It’s a good reason! Anyway, Chris wants to see us in his office.
Leslie: I guess we should head over there.
Ben: All right. Leslie: All right. Ben: All right, cool. Leslie: Great.
Ben: See you there.
Leslie: See you there Benjamin...Ben.
Ben: All right Lesliemin. Leslie.
Ann: Hi, Ben.
Ben: Oh...hey Ann.
Yes Ben...there are other people in the world beside you and Leslie. These two are the biggest geeks. It's like they were made for each other. :)
Chris: I am sending you two on a trip.
Leslie and Ben: Really.
Ben...you do know that Chris is standing 3 feet in front of you and right know you are basically professing your love to Leslie with your eyes. :) I do love how after 'Soulmates' (where Leslie found out that Ben wanted to date her) Leslie felt comfortable enough to openly flirted with Ben during the entire 'Jerry's Painting' episode... and here we get kind of a mirror of that with Ben now being more open with his feeling after Ann told him that Leslie likes him.
Leslie: Did you see this? According to their rules, we may not have enough hotel rooms within city limits.
Ben: I know, it’s a silly rule, but maybe they’ll be reasonable and not care.
Leslie: Yeah, maybe we can just point out to them there are tons of hotel rooms just outside city limits. Have you been to the Grandview Hotel and Spa? They have the softest towels.
Ben: Oh, I gotta tell you, I love a nice towel in my life.
Leslie: Me too. I know.
Ben: I mean, it’s the simplest luxury, but it makes all the difference.
Leslie: Their bath mats are amazing. It’s like stepping on a lamb.
Ben: Oh, hold on. Wait, come here. You have an eyelash on your face. I got it. Make a wish!
Leslie: Get away from me. Ben: Sorry.
Leslie: I’m sorry. I’m allergic to fingers.
Go Ben! He knows exactly what he's saying...he doesn't mean the hotel rooms...he means another stupid rule he's hoping to bend that day. :)
Committee Person: Muncee is larger; Bloomington is more central. What’s the advantage of doing it in Pawnee?
Ben: The advantage is that it’s a wonderful city. I mean, look, I’ve been to 40 some-odd towns in Indiana, and Pawnee is special. I mean, the people are passionate and kind. They love their city. They take pride in their work. It’s a very, very special place.
Oh Ben...there's just no better way to dig your way into Leslie's heart and you know it. Good plan! :)
Ben: Well, Chris says congratulations, and that together, we are unstoppable.
Leslie: Well, cheers, sir! You did it!
Ben: No, you did it.
Leslie: No. Normally I do it. This time you did it. You should take the praise. ...
Ben: Hey, when this thing is over do you want to get some dinner? Chris recommended a place.
The moments he asks her to dinner, he knows he's going to pour his heart out and so does she. :)
Note: I don't know if there's just something wrong with LJ, but every time I preview this post at least one picture is suddenly missing and then I go back and it's up again. If there are missing pictures, please let me know and I'll fix it. Thanks! :)