(Y'all- I love this chapter so much. It's such a cute AU. Also I apologize to all of the Rebecca's and Kevin's in the world, you'll see what I mean.)

Anyway, on with the story.
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Peter loved working at his family's flower shop, it was a little store filled to the brim with a different array of flowers. He considered it his special oasis, his home away from home, the shop had been in his family for four generations. His great grandfather having built it from the ground up, and refusing to make chain stores, he was old fashioned that way, although as the times were changing they had to adapt, but overall the shop was doing well.

So far the college student was running the storefront while his aunt and uncle had the day off. They deserved it as those days are rare, and Peter didn't have any classes, it was perfect, besides, he liked helping people. While he finished wiping the counter the bell above the door rang, he glanced up to see a rugged golden locked man. Around his age, browsing around, he was really cute.

He clearly had no idea what he was looking for, Peter watched as confusion etched his expression, he couldn't help but softly chuckle at that. So he waited until the guy approached him, "A peony for your thoughts?" The young man asked, untucking the lily out from behind his circular eyewear frame.

He gave a curt smile, recognizing the little joke Peter apparently made. "My girl cheated, what's a flower that states: 'Screw you, I know you cheated. Stay away from me forever'?" He asked. Speaking in a slightly heavy accent, it definitely wasn't a New York accent. Which meant he wasn't from around these parts, it intrigued Peter.

Peter nodded his head, having had many interactions like this, men and women alike. Trying to find creative ways to break up with their former lovers. "I have the perfect bouquet, and you're in luck, we just got a new shipment." Peter led him to an arranged assortment of roses, all sorted in the colors of the rainbow.

He picked up a small bunch of flowers, along with a few others to make a bouquet. Going back behind the counter, and wrapping the flowers with a neat bow. Handing them over to the dirty blond haired man, giving him a small smile. "Hope it goes... okay. And if you need any other flowery help, poppy-n anytime."

The guy let out a breathy laugh, "Maybe I will darlin', you made my daisy." Peter laughed in response, the blond paid for his flowers and left but not before waving Peter goodbye. Peter hoped he'd be back, while the guy knew he'd be back, simply to see the brunet again, just thinking about his gorgeous pearly white smile made his head spin faster than the tornado that swept Dorothy and Frodo in The Wizard Of Oz. What could he say? The place had a certain charm to it.

Peter started watering the flowers, while he was doing so, his aunt came out from upstairs in the loft. She smiled at him but when he saw her he sighed, "May, you're supposed to be enjoying your day off!" He exclaimed.

"Your uncle and I are going to run a couple errands, we'll also pick something up for dinner alright?" Peter gave her a simple nod, May knew her nephew could hold the shop down while she and Ben were gone. After all, he was going to own it in a couple years when they retired. She was proud of how much Peter's grown, he was thriving in his adult life especially with everything he went through growing up.

"By the way, that boy you were helping, he was pretty cute." May smirked as she watched Peter's face flush a deep red. Peter had come out as bi when he was sixteen, of course she and Ben supported him, and made sure he knew they loved him no matter what.

Peter shrugged his shoulders, "Yeah, I guess so, but I'm pretty sure he's straight as he wanted to buy flowers to break up with his girlfriend."

May nodded her head, "You never know, maybe fate is in your favor."

Peter's eyes widened and he sputtered out, "M.. May!" She laughed at his reaction as Ben walked down the stairs and into the storefront. The two headed for the door, saying they'd be back by dinner time, and just like that, he had the store to himself. He turned on his playlist, and began cleaning up everything, humming along to Still Into You by Paramore, and sweeping the floors.

He checked his watch, noting that Ned and MJ would be there for a little coffee break. It was a good thing he'd be done working soon, he needed to finish wrapping up his essay for bioengineering. It was a hassle, he didn't even know why he had to take the course since it wasn't his major. MJ would tell him it's the product of colleges giving useless classes while further plummeting students into debt. While Ned was just in the gray area and didn't care much, that's only because he liked his classes.

Speaking of the two, the door opened and Peter saw his friends, coffee in tow, they greeted each other as usual with Peter and Ned doing their handshake and MJ just saying: "Sup loser." Ned handed Peter his coffee, and the other began taking a sip, the three of them began talking, MJ observed Peter being in a sort of dreamy state.

"Peter, are you crushing on someone again?" She asked.

Ned looked at his best friend, he was averting his gaze on purpose, sipping his warm drink. "He totally is! Who is she or he? Were they cute?"

Peter didn't dodge the question, "He was really cute, but he's straight, and having problems with his girlfriend. I highly doubt me swooping in somehow would be good, I don't want to cause problems."

MJ rolled her eyes, "Oh my god, for once in your life, could you please be selfish!"

"I've been asking that for years, it isn't going to work M." Ned said. Peter just softly smiled at that, not having much to add, since they were right, not once in his many years on this old planet has he ever been selfish. He felt the need to put others before himself, it seemed like the right thing to do.
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Harley walked down the busy bustling New York streets, mulling over his small but petty speech to break up with Becca. Somehow his mind wandered to what her side piece had to offer that he didn't? What did he do to make her feel like she needed to cheat? He wasn't going to lie to himself, he was attractive, and smart, and had an accent that'd make anyone faint in an instant. So what was the problem?

He continued walking, until he made it to his and Becca's apartment, well his apartment. Becca was staying there rent free without contributing a single thing. He'd never been so angry at someone before, he actually loved this girl. But hey, at least she showed her true colors and he didn't have to spend the rest of his life in a loveless relationship.

He strided through the lobby and to the elevator, gripping the bouquet of roses, pressing the button to the fifth floor. He repeated over and over that he wouldn't yell, but he was prepared for her to go senseless. Looking back on their relationship, Harley thought of some red flags, he guessed it was because she was manipulative and would make up lies incase he questioned her. It was all to cover up her tracks and real intentions.

He took his keys out his pocket, unlocking the door, and heading inside. He heard humming and turned to see Becca in the kitchen cooking some dinner. She was listening to music, it would've been a sweet sight, if Harley didn't feel completely cold towards the woman. She glanced up and smiled towards Harley, taking an earbud out of her ear, "Hey babe, you're back early." She said, coming over to him and hugging him.

He couldn't believe how normal she seemed, she was acting as if she hadn't been cheating for three months. It was sort of baffling. He then spoke up, "Yeah, I wanted to pick up a little something for you."

He replied, handing over the bouquet, he watched as her eyes widened and she gasped. "Aw thank you Harley! These are beautiful." She moved back to the kitchen to grab a vase and put the flowers in it.

Harley ran a hand through his hair, "They have a meaning to them, I find it pretty interesting."

Becca tilted her head, "Oh really? Like how red ones mean love?"

Harley nodded, "Wanna know what yellow means?"

She gave an mhm in response, so Harley continued, "The yellow rose although very bright and beautiful, they also mean infidelity."

She pauses and looks up, meeting Harley's eyes, "What are you talking about?"

"You know exactly what I'm talking about. Don't try to play games, I've known for a few weeks."

Becca looked at him in disbelief, "You sound insane Harley, are you seriously accusing me of cheating?"

"It's not an accusation, I have proof. Since you don't have the decency to tell the truth, you need to leave." He said coldly.

"You can't kick me out!" She yelled.

He felt numb to it all, nothing she could say or do would ever make him take her back.  "Actually I can, since I own this place. Pay the bills, mortgage, groceries, and all the above. So if you don't leave, the police will make you, goodbye Rebecca, don't ever come back."

"I'm sorry Harley, please don't do this." She pleaded.

Harley scoffed, "Just a second ago you were denying. Huh, funny how you switch up."

She seethed out, "You're a jerk."

"And you're a gaslighting, manipulative cheater, guess we both have flaws, some more than others. Have fun with your side piece." Rebecca stormed past him to their shared bedroom, stuffing clothes in a bag, and giving him the spare key before flipping him off and slamming the door to the home.

Harley couldn't help but laugh at the results of that, he breathed a sigh of relief, now he was a free single man who didn't have to lose anything. But he definitely did decide to keep receipts so Rebecca didn't slander his good name. He went to his fridge, grabbed a beer, and sipped on it while texting Abbie.

Cowboy: Hey bee, guess what?

                                            
Bee: What?

Cowboy: I broke up with Becca.

                      Bee: Hold on, let me play About Da*n Time by Lizzo.

Cowboy: Lol, I'm not that upset about it. And at least I'll have a shot with this cute guy I met.

                      Bee: Dang, you're moving on quickly.

Cowboy: Like I said, I'm not sad. I'm mad that she cheated on me with some dude named Kevin, but I'm happy that she's gone.

                    Bee: If I ever see her and something happens... it wasn't me.

Cowboy: 🤐

For the next couple of months Harley would visit Peter while he was working to hang out and help around the shop. Doing it for free, much to Peter's dismay, but overall he liked being around Peter and his folks. They were kind, obviously cared about each other, and he loved their family dynamic. He was grateful they treated him as their own, while they didn't expect anything in return.

But Ben did pull him to the side to tell him not to break Peter's heart. Harley sputtered, meanwhile Ben continued, "I see the way you look at him, as if he hung the moon and the stars. Go for it, he'll say yes, trust me." He couldn't wait any longer, today was the day. He was quite curious as to how long Peter had been working at the shop, as he knew the ins and outs like an owner would.

So he asked him, "Say darlin' how long have you been workin' here?" Peter looked from his clipboard filled with customer's names and orders.

"Oh, my family owns the shop. I've been working here since I was... fourteen. I don't know any place else, really."

Harley smiled, he had a feeling this was a mom and pop place. "So your aunt and uncle own the store? That's adorable, hope they pay you well."

Peter chuckled, "Don't worry, I get a paycheck every Friday. Even though I've said they don't have to pay me, I like working here."

Harley was intrigued, as he twirled a stem in his hand. "Why's that?"

"Everyone that comes here to get a bouquet has a story. I like to listen." Peter replied honestly.

Harley leaned on the counter resting his chin on his hand. "I've got lots of stories that I could share over dinner? Are you free tomorrow night?" He watched as Peter's freckles appeared clearer as his cheeks reddened.

He took out the white lily he had and handed it to him, who took it, smiling. Peter found his words and spoke up. "I'm free, and I'd love to go on a date, Harley."

Harley was grinning now, "Okay, I'll pick you up after your shift." Peter nodded his head, seeing a new customer enter the shop, Harley took that as he should leave. He got to the door waving goodbye to Peter, who gleefully smiled back. Returning his focus on the customer. For the rest of the day, he couldn't stop thinking about Harley, and the same went for the other man.
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The End of Chapter 204