‘Fuck you’ Bouquet
*Drops this and runs*
Nicky Lee was surprisingly happy with his decision to open a small flower shop in St. Louis, Missouri.
After an ‘unfortunate’ incident involving his former squad leader caused Nicky to take leave of his position in the army, it was decided that he needed a quiet job where he could have some level of control and not be around too many people that he would fight with, so a small suburb with a small but steady stream of foot traffic seemed good, even if it meant leaving the safety and familiarity of his home in Brooklyn.
Today was a quiet day, only a teenage girl getting a bouquet of marigolds to help her with asking her crush out and he wished her luck as Maria sounds like a wonderful girl.
He was quietly stimming with the petals of a lily when someone barged through the door and slammed a few notes on the counter causing Nicky to jump and accidentally rip off one of the petals of the poor flower.
“How do you passive-aggressively say ‘fuck you’ with flowers?” The man asked angrily looking off to the side and not directing his anger towards the quietly panicking shop owner.
“Ahh-aaah.” Nicky was trying to speak but the shock of the man’s entrance had him going non-verbal.
The man looked at Nicky and took a few deep breathes in an attempt to calm his anger.
“I’m sorry.” He said in a quiet tone, “My old bigot high school football coach is having a get together for the old team tonight and I hate him for all the shit he gave me.”
Nicky flapped his arms during the explanation, not caring how weird he looked, then grabbed a book from under the counter and flipped through the many bookmarked pages trying to find what was needed.
“Sorry, I don’t handle jump scares well.” Nicky finally said once he was verbal again, before grabbing a basket, handing it to his customer and leading him around the store to grab the flowers for the arrangement.
“No it was my fault, I’m Conrad by the way,” The man said, obediently following the other around the store, “but most people call me Duke.”
“I’m Nicky, these are geraniums meaning stupidity.” Nicky explained as he grabbed a few white and orange stalks of the flowers and placed them in the basket, “And these are meadowsweets for uselessness.” A few stalks of the white flower puffs, “Orange lilies for hatred.” Another few stalks with a brief brush of the petals, “Yellow carnations which mean ‘you have disappointed me’.” A few more puffs added to the basket before moving towards the back of the store.
“I’m impressed that fuck you bouquets are an actual thing.” Duke said as he studied the array of flowers, brushing the lily petals as Nicky did before.
“Maybe I should have it as a pre designed thing, would be popular.” Nicky mused as he looked at the assortment of foxgloves for the right colours before picking a few pale orange bunches. “And finally my personal favourite, foxgloves for insincerity and they are also poisonous.” A smile graced his lips as he placed the last flowers in the basket and headed towards the counter with Duke in tow.
He took the flowers and started on the bouquet, focusing on the placement of the flowers, filling it out with foliage, wrapping it with matching paper and cellophane, and finishing it up with a ribbon.
Nicky finally turned his attention back towards Duke handing him the bouquet.
“It’s beautiful and quietly bitchy.” Duke smiled as Nicky found the money that was forgotten on the counter and got Duke his change.
“Mind if I ask how long you’ve been in?” Nicky asked, motioning to the dog tags around Dukes neck. “Eight years, I’m a sergeant.” He answered as he collected the change, not really wanting to leave just yet.
Nicky nodded then realized that he should reply. “I’m a field medic, on extended leave for reasons.”
Duke nodded but didn’t push, preferring to study the rather attractive guy in front of him, he was about to say something else when a teenage girl came flying in, knocking him out of the way and grasping Nicky’s hands in hers.
“Thank you, thank you, thank you!” She yelled happily, bouncing as she did.
“She said yes! We’re going on a date on Friday and it’s all thanks to you!”
“I just sold you flowers, you did everything else.” Nicky said a little shocked at the gratitude.
“But you gave me the courage to do it! Thank you!” She hugged him before running out of the shop.
It took a few minutes for Nicky to collect himself after the flurry of happiness and ‘thank you’s.
“Well that was something.” Nicky muttered before realising that Duke was still there. “Do you need anything else?”
Duke spaced back in at the question, “No thanks, but I’ll come back tomorrow and let you know how the flowers go down” He smiled as he headed towards the door.
Nicky laughed “Can’t wait, take care.”When Duke left, Nicky thought about the exchange before grabbing his phone and sending a quick message to his best friend, a question nagging at the back of his mind.
Yo Snakes, what’s the name of your Sargent?
A few minutes later came a reply.
Conrad “Duke” Houser. Why?
That helps make sense.
He came in to buy a bouquet that said ‘Fuck you’. Should I sell those readymade? Also he’s hotter than you described.
He puttered around, straightening the shop while he waited for the messages to come in.
They would sell faster than thanksgiving turkey. He’s single, really good with accommodating for mental illness in a sincere and realistic way, and if you date him, I won’t have to worry about losing Shay to him.
Shay loves you and wouldn’t leave you for some boy scout. Like I have a chance with him.
You know what being a soldier is like, you take care of people without sugar coating, your ideal date night is staying home, watching TV, gaming, and cuddling, something that anyone would love, if someone talks shit to you, you dish it back tenfold, and you’re pretty hot when you have energy to put into your looks.
I don’t have the energy to forward all the counters my brain came up with, but thanks.
You seeing him again?
He’s coming in tomorrow to tell me how the flowers go.
We’ve been given a few weeks leave, is it ok if we come down tomorrow? I miss you and Shay wants to try and get you on the team.
I could use the support. I’m not going back just yet, it’s only been three weeks. You can hug me but don’t get in my way. Love ya.
Don’t work too hard. Love you mouse.
Nicky smiled at the obvious worry in the messages then spotted the time, he closed up shop before heading up stairs to bed and going through his nightly routine.
Based on this prompt, http://autistic-mouse.tumblr.com/post/145854078786/flower-shop-au
I couldn't resist, and I may continue this or not, see how I feel.
So, bye! *runs away*