Pep Talk of the Year
Leslie's been walking on air lately. Sure, all the campaign work is exhausting, but she has her boyfriend back while also having a team that she loves and trusts.
But every now and then Tom or April or even Donna make sarcastic jokes about how it's a long shot, which usually earns glares from everyone else, especially Ben. (She loves how defensive he is of her.)
Leslie doesn't let it get to her; she knows how they are. They believe in her.
But one day in particular, after she had a rough conference call with some other department heads, it bothers her just a little more than it should.
It all started at Andy and April's house when Ben asked Tom to run an errand for the campaign, passing him a stack of paperwork to drop off somewhere. He begrudgingly agreed and rolled his eyes when Ben glared at him and crossed his arms (his no-nonsense face is so sexy). Leslie didn't pay much attention, as Tom's non-compliance to do anything not swag or beneficial to him was a usual occurrence, but then she heard him mumbling as he walked off that it was a lost cause anyway.
Ben's eyes widened and he glanced over at Leslie, but she waved her hand nonchalantly to appease his concern and the moment was over.
Leslie knew logically that Tom didn't mean it; everyone was tired and wanting all this to be over. But, she's had a rough day.
She waited a few minutes before running outside to take a breather so as to not raise any suspicion.
**
After 10 minutes or so, Ben frowns out the window, watching her figure seated on the bench outside.
Ron follows his gaze outside. "What's going on, son?"
"Don't know." He narrows her eyes at her. "I think she's doing work outside."
Ron pats him on the back roughly, making him cough loudly to cover up his yelp.
Ron only raises his eyebrows at the behavior. "I'll go talk to her."
**
Ron opens the front door and exits quietly, walking over to Leslie and standing behind her.
Leslie suddenly feels like she's being watched, and tentatively turns her head to take a glance around.
"Ahh!" She screams when she sees Ron standing over her. "Why didn't you say anything?"
"I find this is more effective," He replies coolly, hiding a smile. "What's going on?"
"Nothing. I'm fine. I just like to work outside sometimes, does that make me so bad? Oh god, does someone need me?" She feels herself starting to hyperventilate, so she takes a deep breath, smiling. "I'm okay."
"No, you're not," Ron almost growls, taking a seat next to her on the bench. "Did Andy burn something again?"
"No, but I still don't get how you can 'accidentally' almost burn your house down. Ben for sure didn't," she says, the expression of anger and fear on Ben's face flooding back.
"Trust me, no one does."
They sit in silence for a few moments. "Tom made another stupid comment this morning."
Ron nods, remembering Tom's grumbling. "You said you never let it get to you."
"I did. I don't. Just today, I guess," Leslie replies while fiddling with her sleeves.
The awkward silence is back. Leslie takes another deep breath. "I'm just worried about disappointing everyone."
"You won't."
"But what if I do? Especially Ben, we went through so much for this, and if I lose, all that suffering was for nothing. I don't want to lose everyone's respect."
"I doubt that'll happen."
"Pep talk of the year," Leslie says sarcastically.
"Pep talks are useless. You should have enough self-respect to motivate yourself."
Leslie just huffs at him.
"However, I can tell you facts. You're back together, correct?"
She nods, smiling a little.
"There you go. The suffering wasn't for nothing. Have you seen the way that man looks at you? He's not going anywhere," Ron says, a little annoyed.
"And if you do lose, you'll probably find something else to put all your effort into that will absolutely abhor me and make everyone want to run for the hills. You're never down for long."
Leslie's smile gets a little bigger the longer he talks.
"And as for losing everyone's respect, look around. They're helping you. Tom's all talk; the next time he says something stupid, I'll kick his ass for you. He's small and weak; a squirrel could beat him up."
"Thanks, Ron. I needed that."
Ron only nods. He wasn't one for emotions. Over the years, Leslie has learned to read him a little bit. Even having this conversation was likely putting him in pain, but what was worse for him was seeing Leslie look so dejected, she guesses.
Ron glances at the front door. "We should go back in now."
Leslie shivers a little in her seat, picking up the paperwork she didn't realize had slid off her lap. "Agreed. Or we could take everyone out for JJ's and do some work there."
"Jackpot," he says as they get up. He walks ahead of her and Leslie calls from behind him.
"Why would anyone ever eat anything other than breakfast food?"
"People are idiots, Leslie."