Author's Note: Sorry, this chapter is somewhat similar to the last one, but for some reason I'm in the mood to write comforting!Ben. Hopefully you guys still enjoy it. This is set sometime before 3x15 "The Bubble", so it's early in their relationship. Constructive criticism is appreciated but please no flames.

Disclaimer: I do not own Parks and Recreation in any way; I'm just a simple fan.

Chapter Thirty Seven: Pretty

"You're so pretty," Ben remarked. It was so casual, so honest, and so sincere that it made Leslie's heart tighten.

"Thanks," she answered, hoping the hide her unease, and she tenderly brushed her lips against his. Ben must have caught something in her tone because he pulled away from her.

"What?" He asked and his gaze anxiously searched her face. "What's wrong?"

"It's nothing," Leslie replied. There was no reason to bring it up.

"C'mon, you can tell me," he urged and she bit her lip.

"I'm just…I'm not used to hearing that," Leslie confessed. She shifted uncomfortably and she could feel her cheeks flush in embarrassment. God, she was a grown woman. Why was she acting so ridiculous?

"What? That you're pretty?" Ben asked incredulously, somewhat baffled by her admission. Leslie nodded.

"I've never thought I was pretty and I never heard it," she said. Leslie could remember her mother's critiques and lack of approval; offhand comments that there was always room for improvement and other observations about her faults. Never cruel exactly, but still biting. Once, when she was seven, she had stood in front of a mirror and simply stared at her reflection. Leslie had looked at her blond hair, blue eyes, and pale skin, and wondered which part made her plain.

"Plus, I've never been popular with the guys. High school and college weren't easy on that front," Leslie remarked. She could still remember overhearing guys laughing about her and girls making fun of her.

She looked at Ben, who seemed to be studying her, and she stiffened.

"I don't mind, it's not a big deal. I've always valued my mind more than my looks," Leslie said defensively. Sure, she had moments of insecurity about her looks, but she didn't want to give him the wrong idea. She knew who she was and she was damn proud of herself. Leslie might not have been gorgeous, but she was honest, smart, determined, and loving. THOSE were the important parts of her.

"Anyway, it's really sweet to hear the compliments, but sometimes I'm not sure how to respond," she explained awkwardly.

"I don't want to make you uncomfortable. But you should know that you are….You are pretty," Ben said firmly. Leslie smiled and shrugged her shoulders.

"Thanks," she responded lightly but he frowned.

"I'm not lying or trying to make you feel better. I'm just telling the truth. You're pretty," Ben continued. "It's not the most important thing about you, but it's a part of you."

Leslie's breath hitched at the way his gaze was focused on her, eyes dark with desire, and she stared at him in awe. Her heart pounded in her chest and she realized that she wasn't falling for Ben Wyatt. She was already in love with him.

A little sad but also sweet :) This chapter was inspired by a scene in "Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind", the one where Kate Winslet discusses a doll she owned when she was a kid. I wasn't sure if I should post this, considering my last chapter, but I liked it so I posted it anyway. Thanks for reading! Please review!

Shout outs:

-Dixiechicksfan: Thanks! Yeah, I love the idea of Ben and Leslie's family. I think I really like it because their family would really be the entire Parks and Recreation department, and the kid would just be loved by everyone. Plus, family chapters are fun to write. Thanks for reviewing!