One week later.
Ben: (drowsily) Leslie? Why are you calling? It's so late.
Leslie: I just needed to talk with you really fast about the Indiana Little League Baseball tournament.
Ben: Huh? Okay, I guess my sleep can wait a little longer.
Leslie: We're finally in the running to be the next host of the Little League championship! So Chris is sending two people, and since you probably won't be able to come, I just wanted to check that you had all of the statistics of Pawnee's growing tourism.
Ben: Yes, yeah, I've definitely got it. I think I brought it home, actually for a separate project -
Leslie: Right! The post-Harvest fest numbers of day-by-day participation in Parks events.
Ben: Yeah. I'm 99 percent done, all I have left is to triple-check sources and make sure all my paragraphs are single-spaced.
Leslie: (surprised) Wait, that's the Knope method, step 24!
Ben: (proudly) I followed it to the letter. I've got to say, Leslie, I can see why your work is always immaculate. It's so thorough, and stop me if you've heard me say this before, but your steps are both well thought-out and easy to follow! It's really, really great.
Leslie: (giggles) Well, I don't know. I love to organize, what can I say? You know what I like to do once I've finished a report? I add a sticker sheet in the back to take out and highlight the most juicy tidbits of information!
Ben: That's a great idea! I'll see if the poster shop is open in the morning.
Leslie: Oh no, they're open 24 hours! I can go pick them up for you.
Ben: Leslie, I couldn't force you -
Leslie: Would you like green stickers or white stickers? Maybe go a little off-script and get some lavender ones? I've been eyeing those purple circles for weeks.
Ben: Any color would be great. Thank you.
Leslie: Great! Oh wait, I remember. You were totally right about Game of Thrones. It's so good, and I really am liking Daenerys. She seems like she's going places.
Ben: They're all such complex characters! What I love about it is that it's a crossover hit. It's not just for fantasy enthusiasts. They're telling human stories in a fantasy world.
Leslie: I agree. It's got so many insightful themes, about prevailing in the name of justice even when everything seems to be lost. The everlasting idea of there being a goodness in the world, in this depressing back-stabbing world. It inspired me to read a whole book about the War of the Roses, which is what it's based on!
Ben: Have you read the George R. R. Martin books? His strength is the complex plotlines, but my favorite thing is how he describes the characters without telling us their characteristics at all. You can just tell.
Leslie: Well now I have to read them.
Ben: You know, we should get together some time to watch. I'll make the popcorn, you bring the hot chocolate?
Leslie: Like a non-work thing?
Ben: I guess so, yeah.
Leslie: You know what I just remembered? I don't really like Game of Thrones, and I think it's a very boring show, so maybe it's a bad idea.
Ben: Oh, okay. You're right… better to keep it in-work. Forget I said anything. Anyway, I should probably go to sleep.
Leslie: No no no, wait, Ben. I have one last thing to tell you. You know how my best friend, Ann Perkins, and I got into a fight, and we were supposed to meet her for the Health department interview?
Ben: Yes. I was actually going to talk to her the morning after, but she didn't answer her phone.
Leslie: Well we made up, and it turns out that she wanted the PR director position after all, and since we still haven't hired anyone, I'm wondering if it would be okay to give her the job?
Ben: Yes, absolutely. Ann is very well qualified, and she's a great choice. I'm actually surprised that you didn't go over my head and give her the job immediately.
Leslie: Well, I'm trying to be more considerate of other people's feelings.
Ben: (it's obvious he's smiling widely) I'm really happy to hear that, Les. (medieval English) I wish you good luck on your quest, my good lady.
Leslie: (medieval English) And to you, kind knight, I wish safe recoveries from this malady that is plaguing us all. Lack of sleep. (normal) Thanks, Ben. I don't know why, but I always feel better after talking to you. Thanks for being my Oprah, or Tylenol, or the Bill to my Hillary. (laughs lightly)
Ben: I'm always happy to be the Bill to your Hillary. Good lord, it is late. I'll see you tomorrow, I guess?
Leslie: I'll be leaving for Indianapolis. But I'll definitely email you all about it!
Ben: That sounds perfect. Well… good night, Leslie.
Leslie: Good night, Ben.
