The hesitancy, Ben could understand. As far as he'd been told, Leslie wasn't that far into their relationship. He'd been a year gone and back and they were married as far as his life had carried out. It was difficult to remember that he had to be more aware of these things; couldn't just do what came natural, had to ease back into things.
Leslie wasn't resolutely denying it all and running for the hills, so he guessed that was already sort of progress. He could do the slow and steady again if that's what it took; he had faith in him and Leslie.
"And you definitely need permission? We can't just go and... build a park like you put on children's parties." It must be something, because usually if Leslie wanted it bad enough she just did it however she wanted to do it. Even if she shouldn't really do it, she was just too driven not to.
"I'm well aware of how much you like my butt, yes." Those awkward skype chats where she'd make him stand there for five minutes just to let her talk to his butt were still vivid in his mind. It at least made him smile slightly at the nostalgia. Placing a comforting hand on Leslie's shoulder, Ben gave a reassuring squeeze. "Have you been into the City Hall to try and speak to him face to face?"