Chapter Text
Marlene Griggs-Knope is about what he expected from Leslie’s mother.
She’s quick, very quick, Ben took off his shoes and held them when they arrived and before having even been introduced she’d quipped would you like me to wrap those up for you, or will you wear them out of the store?
Leslie had been mildly horrified and Ben had yes, sort of dropped his shoes with a clatter, but then Marlene had cackled and stuck out her hand and introduced herself.
Dinner had involved a fair amount of wine, a little reminiscing about Leslie’s father and Christmas traditions he’d had that they kept alive on his behalf. Marlene says something about Leslie doing the same with her family, and Leslie’s cheeks color in the warm glow of the fire.
“What’s your family like, Ben?”
“Uhhh, my mother’s often passive aggressive, my father’s terrifying, they hate each other and my siblings like to take sides,” it came out in a rush as Marlene’s eyes darted over his face. “But, we have some good Christmas traditions. I’m all about the Christmas traditions.”
“We better get you a stocking then,” Marlen glances at Leslie, who grins.
“I already made him one.”
Of course she did.
Leslie’s checking on the latest batch of gingerbread cookies a little while later when Marlene turns to him, a cup of eggnog cradled in her hands.
“So, you met Dave.”
Ben gulps. Hard.
“I did.”
“And cops terrify you?”
He sighs.
“I…that is one way of putting it. Although, I’m not sure I’d go with terrifies…”
“And Leslie’s ex-husband being the new Chief of Police won’t be a problem for you?”
Ben shudders just a little, but squares his shoulders.
“No,” he states firmly. “Of course not. I love Leslie and I want to be with her and I don’t care. Why would I care about that?”
Marlene surveys him for a few seconds before getting up and joining Leslie in the kitchen. When Leslie enters the living room she’s alone and pressing kisses to his face.
“She said I like this one.”
Ben’s a little shocked, but just a little. He feels like Marlene understands him and he understands her, and they both just want Leslie to be happy.
Leslie’s in his lap, forehead pushed against Ben’s and lips teasing his open when Marlene clears her throat.
“Why don’t you two stay the night? Keep me company and we can open presents in the morning?”
Leslie checks Ben’s face and there’s just a sliver of desperation behind her eyes. Her mother would be fine if they went home, obviously. It’s hard to imagine Marlene ever not being fine, but it’s a tough holiday and Leslie wants to be with her.
“Sure,” Ben rubs Leslie’s side. “That sounds good.”
“I’ll make up the sofa bed for you, Ben. And obviously you’ll keep your hands to yourself under my roof.”
His eyes bulge and Leslie whirls around with her mouth agape. Marlene laughs loudly and walks out the room rolling her eyes.
*****
“Merry Christmas,” he repeats for the fifth time. It’s gross. It’s disgusting how happy he is. They’re curled in Leslie’s bed on their sides, rubbing noses and murmuring at each other as he plays with an errant curl.
“Merry Christmas,” she sighs as he nibbles down her neck. It’s early, but Ben’s finally fully awake and realizing he could be doing a lot of things his warm, cuddly girlfriend. Leslie giggles in his ear as he rolls her beneath him and discards her pajama pants. They’re red with snowflakes on them.
He kisses her bare shoulder and his hand goes between her thighs. She’s slick already and Ben growls into her throat.
“Is this my present?” she whispers in his hair. Ben snorts and kisses her breasts through her tanktop, nipples puckered against the thin fabric.
“Your present is under the tree,” he grins when she moans softly. “This is just a regular Thursday morning.”
“Mhmmmm,” she tugs on his hair. “Don’t let me interrupt then.”
He nips at her thigh and nuzzles her hip. Leslie whines and pushes up into his face. She’s so impatient, even when she knows he won’t be rushed.
“Ben…” she gasps as he rakes his tongue over her. He lifts his head when she says his name again and Leslie sits up.
“I didn’t think I’d be spending Christmas morning like this six months ago.”
She pushes his hair out of his eyes and Ben kisses the inside of her wrist.
“Me either. Lie down.”
She grins and steals a kiss before obliging.