Saying It With Flowers
folder
BtVS AU/AR › Slash - Male/Male › Spike(William)/Xander
Rating:
Adult +
Chapters:
16
Views:
2,156
Reviews:
68
Recommended:
0
Currently Reading:
0
Category:
BtVS AU/AR › Slash - Male/Male › Spike(William)/Xander
Rating:
Adult +
Chapters:
16
Views:
2,156
Reviews:
68
Recommended:
0
Currently Reading:
0
Disclaimer:
I do not own Buffy the Vampire Slayer (BtVS), nor any of the characters from it. I do not make any money from the writing of this story.
Chapter 3
Fandom: Buffy the Vampire Slayer
Pairing: Xander/William
Rating: G then R then NC17 ( but not till later…..he he he)
Author: Mightbeme
E-mail: Lee_Michelle_t@hotmail.com
Feedback: Yes please
Disclaimer: Not mine, don’t own em (pout…stamps foot….dammit) they belong to Joss etc.
Spoilers: Up to Grave and then we take a left and head off road.
Thanks: To my wonderful friend Meg for encouraging me to finish this and for being the best beta in the world.
Notes: Thoughts in * * flashbacks in # #
Part 3 William
I pushed my plate away, my appetite spent as abruptly as Alexander’s harsh words. I stood and set about clearing the table, rinsing the plates in the sink. I was looking for the detergent when I heard a knocking on the front door. Muffled voices drifted out to me, and the harsh slam of the door closing followed shortly after. A sound behind me caught my attention and when I turned around I saw the young lady from the previous evening watching me.
“Hello Spike”
I frowned and wiped my hands on a tea towel, before extending one to the young lady. She smiled as I took her hand, raising it to my lips to brush a courtesy kiss across the back of it.
“Good day Miss, I am most pleased to make your acquaintance. I fear you have mistaken me for someone else, my name is William and you are…?”
Her hand trembled slightly and she grasped my fingers tightly to mask it.
“William….. don’t you remember me, its Buffy…….Buffy Summers”
“Buffy… a most charming name. I do believe that if I had the chance to meet such a lovely young lady I would most certainly remember her.”
I let go of her hand and she regarded me with caution. I seated her at the table, holding a chair for her and waiting till she sat before seating myself. She stared at me in consternation, her hands twisted together on the table as she struggled to speak.
“Spike, sorry…. William…I….I’m a bit confused; you’re nothing like the person I remember.” I started to answer but she cut me off. “ Not that that’s a bad thing, I mean you’re so much nicer like this. Gotta say, not loving the clown get-up, but we can get rid of those.”
I blushed slightly and she stammered at the unintended gaffe,
“ No…not like that..umm I mean if you were wearing something else, something more….you”
Her voice trailed off, and a somewhat uncomfortable silence settled on us. I felt compelled to ask. Alexander’s dismissal of my past had rankled me sorely. I would dearly like to find someone who remembered me kindly.
“Excuse me for being so forward Miss Buffy, but were we friends?”
She smiled lightly almost flirtatiously, though her eyes were most serious.
“Just call me Buffy please William and no, I’m afraid we weren’t….friends. We were a lot of things but never friends…we fought….a lot, and……well did other things. Are you sure you don’t remember me, remember anything?”
“No the last thing I remember is being drawn into an alley by a lovely dark haired lady……and then nothing. It’s strange because I know that it happened a very long time ago and yet I’m not old. This place is so different from my memories of home and yet it doesn’t feel out of place, it feels right. I don’t think I’m explaining myself very well”
Buffy leaned over and took my hand, squeezing it gently as she smiled at me.
“Don’t worry too much about it Sp…sorry William, I’ve talked to Giles, he’s a friend of ours, like a father figure you know….well to Xander, Willow and I anyway…you didn’t really get along with him either. He’s asked us not to fill you in on the specifics about your history. He seems to think that it will return to you in time. In the meantime Willow’s coming home in a couple of days and she might be able to help you.”
She released my hand and though I felt grateful for her support, I could not in good conscience continue to be a burden to these kind people. As I considered myself to be a gentleman I could not pose an imposition. I would have to make arrangements to become self-sufficient.
“Buffy, I do believe I should find a means of supporting myself. To that end I mean to look for employment, I will need to purchase some new clothing for myself if nothing else”
Buffy smiled, wrinkling her nose charmingly at me. I found myself feeling fortunate that she was willing to assist me.
“I can believe that, those clothes are a bit…..”
“Unsightly”
She giggled at my dry statement, “Not exactly the word I would use, but it works.”
“As much as I’m grateful to Alexander for the use of his garments, I would prefer to purchase something a tad more…..decorous”
“Well the Xanman was never known for his keen fashion sense. Still he dresses better than he used to, I think this might be a bit of a joke to him.”
“I thought as much, but under the circumstances I had to accept his kind offer”
Buffy flicked her blonde hair over her shoulder and I was surprised to feel….well to feel nothing for her. She was a very attractive young lady and still I had nothing but a sort of vague, almost brotherly feeling for her. I shrugged inwardly and listened as she spoke.
“So what kind of work are you looking for William? Most places won’t hire you without at least a high school diploma, which I really don’t think you have.”
“I’m not certain, but I am hard working and honest, perhaps something in a bookstore or florist. I am very well read and I have always had an interest in things botanical”
“Well why don’t we go for a drive and check out the local shops, maybe someone will have an opening.”
I rose and waited patiently as she stood, before I went in search of footwear. By the door of my room I found a pair of sneakers Alexander had left me. I quickly pulled them on. Even though they were much too large I really had no choice but to make do. I opened the door for Buffy, offering her my arm as we left the apartment. Stepping out into the bright sunshine I stopped, standing stock still for just a moment. I turned my face to the sun, glorying in the feel of the warm rays on my face. Buffy tugging insistently on my arm broke t, and we traversed the small distance to her car. The drive to the business district passed delightfully, my companion taking care to point out different shops to me.
We pulled up outside a brightly colored storefront. The shop’s name, The Art Of Flowers, was emblazoned in large gilt script over the door, and the prospect of spending my days in such a place brought a smile to my lips. I got out and stood staring in awe at the large windows, not unlike a child at a sweet store. Cascades of flowers filled every inch, artfully displayed to their full advantage. A rainbow of beautiful colors harmonized to create a truly enchanting feast for the senses. Heavenly fragrances drifted out the open door and I inhaled deeply, taking my fill. Buffy gave me a small shove and with a deep breath, I moved to the door.
I left Buffy on the sidewalk as I entered, and was met at once by a breathless middle-aged woman. Her eyes twinkled as she smiled cheerfully at me, her manner warm and motherly.
“May I help you”?
“Good morning madam, my name is William Browning and I am seeking employment. I had hoped you might have an opening I could apply for.”
Her smile widened considerably and she looked at me with appraising eyes.
“William is it, I’m Maggie Kearney,” She thrust out her hand and I took it as I had Buffy’s, brushing my lips across the back of it. Her eyebrows lifted but her smile didn’t falter, she seemed pleased by the courtesy. “Well aren’t you a godsend? Lord knows I need all the help I can get around here. First a few questions.”
“Certainly Ms Kearny”
“Do you now how to work behind a counter?”
“Yes I do, I may be a little out of practise but I’m sure I can cope.”
I answered as honestly as I could. She seemed the sort to take no nonsense.
“Well your manner is very pleasing, I like my employee’s to be polite to the customers and the other staff.”
She smiled and pointed to a beautiful arrangement of flowers on the counter.
“Can you tell me what flowers I’ve used to make that arrangement?”
I looked at the display; it was low and quite large, like a centrepiece for a bridal table. Tightly wound snowy white rosebuds, delicate pale buds of orange blossom, and long sprays of white tuberoses, some just opening their petals. Long strands of wide-leafed ivy were woven in amongst the white bloom, their dark green color contrasted beautifully with the otherwise monochrome display. I leaned forward to take in the delightful fragrance and touched each flower as I named them, taking great care not to bruise the delicate petals.
“These are very fine white rosebuds, as well as orange blossoms and tuberoses, with some ivy for contrast. It conveys a meaning of being prepared for the commitment and risky pleasure of marriage and fidelity. Are they perhaps for a wedding?”
The woman smiled broadly at me and held our har hand, I took it and she shook it vigorously.
“Yes they are, well done. I see you’re familiar with the meanings of plants and flowers. That’s excellent because that’s what sets my shop apart from others. I try to use flowers with appropriate meanings for every occasion. Now just call me Maggie you hear, anyway I’m rushed off my feet at the moment. Would you be able to start straight away, I’m in a hurry to get this order finished. The mother of the bride will be over to pick it up shortly; if you do well I‘ll be able to offer you more hours. So what do you say…?”
“Very well Maggie, I’d be pleased to start immediately if you don’t mind my current attire.”
“Oh no problem honey, I have a spare uniform or two out back. You should find one in your size that you can change into. Now we’d better hustle if I’m going to get this order finished on time”
I turned and looked out the window, smiling as Buffy gave me the thumbs up sign. She mouthed that she’d be back later and I turned back to my new employer, following her through to the back of the shop. She opened a locker and pulled out a pair of black long pants and a shirt in a beautiful shade of blue. The name of the shop was embroidered across the pocket. She handed them over pointing me in the direction of the bathroom. I changed quickly, grateful to be rid of the eye-clashing ensemble I had been wearing and hurried out to start my new job.
tbc
Pairing: Xander/William
Rating: G then R then NC17 ( but not till later…..he he he)
Author: Mightbeme
E-mail: Lee_Michelle_t@hotmail.com
Feedback: Yes please
Disclaimer: Not mine, don’t own em (pout…stamps foot….dammit) they belong to Joss etc.
Spoilers: Up to Grave and then we take a left and head off road.
Thanks: To my wonderful friend Meg for encouraging me to finish this and for being the best beta in the world.
Notes: Thoughts in * * flashbacks in # #
Part 3 William
I pushed my plate away, my appetite spent as abruptly as Alexander’s harsh words. I stood and set about clearing the table, rinsing the plates in the sink. I was looking for the detergent when I heard a knocking on the front door. Muffled voices drifted out to me, and the harsh slam of the door closing followed shortly after. A sound behind me caught my attention and when I turned around I saw the young lady from the previous evening watching me.
“Hello Spike”
I frowned and wiped my hands on a tea towel, before extending one to the young lady. She smiled as I took her hand, raising it to my lips to brush a courtesy kiss across the back of it.
“Good day Miss, I am most pleased to make your acquaintance. I fear you have mistaken me for someone else, my name is William and you are…?”
Her hand trembled slightly and she grasped my fingers tightly to mask it.
“William….. don’t you remember me, its Buffy…….Buffy Summers”
“Buffy… a most charming name. I do believe that if I had the chance to meet such a lovely young lady I would most certainly remember her.”
I let go of her hand and she regarded me with caution. I seated her at the table, holding a chair for her and waiting till she sat before seating myself. She stared at me in consternation, her hands twisted together on the table as she struggled to speak.
“Spike, sorry…. William…I….I’m a bit confused; you’re nothing like the person I remember.” I started to answer but she cut me off. “ Not that that’s a bad thing, I mean you’re so much nicer like this. Gotta say, not loving the clown get-up, but we can get rid of those.”
I blushed slightly and she stammered at the unintended gaffe,
“ No…not like that..umm I mean if you were wearing something else, something more….you”
Her voice trailed off, and a somewhat uncomfortable silence settled on us. I felt compelled to ask. Alexander’s dismissal of my past had rankled me sorely. I would dearly like to find someone who remembered me kindly.
“Excuse me for being so forward Miss Buffy, but were we friends?”
She smiled lightly almost flirtatiously, though her eyes were most serious.
“Just call me Buffy please William and no, I’m afraid we weren’t….friends. We were a lot of things but never friends…we fought….a lot, and……well did other things. Are you sure you don’t remember me, remember anything?”
“No the last thing I remember is being drawn into an alley by a lovely dark haired lady……and then nothing. It’s strange because I know that it happened a very long time ago and yet I’m not old. This place is so different from my memories of home and yet it doesn’t feel out of place, it feels right. I don’t think I’m explaining myself very well”
Buffy leaned over and took my hand, squeezing it gently as she smiled at me.
“Don’t worry too much about it Sp…sorry William, I’ve talked to Giles, he’s a friend of ours, like a father figure you know….well to Xander, Willow and I anyway…you didn’t really get along with him either. He’s asked us not to fill you in on the specifics about your history. He seems to think that it will return to you in time. In the meantime Willow’s coming home in a couple of days and she might be able to help you.”
She released my hand and though I felt grateful for her support, I could not in good conscience continue to be a burden to these kind people. As I considered myself to be a gentleman I could not pose an imposition. I would have to make arrangements to become self-sufficient.
“Buffy, I do believe I should find a means of supporting myself. To that end I mean to look for employment, I will need to purchase some new clothing for myself if nothing else”
Buffy smiled, wrinkling her nose charmingly at me. I found myself feeling fortunate that she was willing to assist me.
“I can believe that, those clothes are a bit…..”
“Unsightly”
She giggled at my dry statement, “Not exactly the word I would use, but it works.”
“As much as I’m grateful to Alexander for the use of his garments, I would prefer to purchase something a tad more…..decorous”
“Well the Xanman was never known for his keen fashion sense. Still he dresses better than he used to, I think this might be a bit of a joke to him.”
“I thought as much, but under the circumstances I had to accept his kind offer”
Buffy flicked her blonde hair over her shoulder and I was surprised to feel….well to feel nothing for her. She was a very attractive young lady and still I had nothing but a sort of vague, almost brotherly feeling for her. I shrugged inwardly and listened as she spoke.
“So what kind of work are you looking for William? Most places won’t hire you without at least a high school diploma, which I really don’t think you have.”
“I’m not certain, but I am hard working and honest, perhaps something in a bookstore or florist. I am very well read and I have always had an interest in things botanical”
“Well why don’t we go for a drive and check out the local shops, maybe someone will have an opening.”
I rose and waited patiently as she stood, before I went in search of footwear. By the door of my room I found a pair of sneakers Alexander had left me. I quickly pulled them on. Even though they were much too large I really had no choice but to make do. I opened the door for Buffy, offering her my arm as we left the apartment. Stepping out into the bright sunshine I stopped, standing stock still for just a moment. I turned my face to the sun, glorying in the feel of the warm rays on my face. Buffy tugging insistently on my arm broke t, and we traversed the small distance to her car. The drive to the business district passed delightfully, my companion taking care to point out different shops to me.
We pulled up outside a brightly colored storefront. The shop’s name, The Art Of Flowers, was emblazoned in large gilt script over the door, and the prospect of spending my days in such a place brought a smile to my lips. I got out and stood staring in awe at the large windows, not unlike a child at a sweet store. Cascades of flowers filled every inch, artfully displayed to their full advantage. A rainbow of beautiful colors harmonized to create a truly enchanting feast for the senses. Heavenly fragrances drifted out the open door and I inhaled deeply, taking my fill. Buffy gave me a small shove and with a deep breath, I moved to the door.
I left Buffy on the sidewalk as I entered, and was met at once by a breathless middle-aged woman. Her eyes twinkled as she smiled cheerfully at me, her manner warm and motherly.
“May I help you”?
“Good morning madam, my name is William Browning and I am seeking employment. I had hoped you might have an opening I could apply for.”
Her smile widened considerably and she looked at me with appraising eyes.
“William is it, I’m Maggie Kearney,” She thrust out her hand and I took it as I had Buffy’s, brushing my lips across the back of it. Her eyebrows lifted but her smile didn’t falter, she seemed pleased by the courtesy. “Well aren’t you a godsend? Lord knows I need all the help I can get around here. First a few questions.”
“Certainly Ms Kearny”
“Do you now how to work behind a counter?”
“Yes I do, I may be a little out of practise but I’m sure I can cope.”
I answered as honestly as I could. She seemed the sort to take no nonsense.
“Well your manner is very pleasing, I like my employee’s to be polite to the customers and the other staff.”
She smiled and pointed to a beautiful arrangement of flowers on the counter.
“Can you tell me what flowers I’ve used to make that arrangement?”
I looked at the display; it was low and quite large, like a centrepiece for a bridal table. Tightly wound snowy white rosebuds, delicate pale buds of orange blossom, and long sprays of white tuberoses, some just opening their petals. Long strands of wide-leafed ivy were woven in amongst the white bloom, their dark green color contrasted beautifully with the otherwise monochrome display. I leaned forward to take in the delightful fragrance and touched each flower as I named them, taking great care not to bruise the delicate petals.
“These are very fine white rosebuds, as well as orange blossoms and tuberoses, with some ivy for contrast. It conveys a meaning of being prepared for the commitment and risky pleasure of marriage and fidelity. Are they perhaps for a wedding?”
The woman smiled broadly at me and held our har hand, I took it and she shook it vigorously.
“Yes they are, well done. I see you’re familiar with the meanings of plants and flowers. That’s excellent because that’s what sets my shop apart from others. I try to use flowers with appropriate meanings for every occasion. Now just call me Maggie you hear, anyway I’m rushed off my feet at the moment. Would you be able to start straight away, I’m in a hurry to get this order finished. The mother of the bride will be over to pick it up shortly; if you do well I‘ll be able to offer you more hours. So what do you say…?”
“Very well Maggie, I’d be pleased to start immediately if you don’t mind my current attire.”
“Oh no problem honey, I have a spare uniform or two out back. You should find one in your size that you can change into. Now we’d better hustle if I’m going to get this order finished on time”
I turned and looked out the window, smiling as Buffy gave me the thumbs up sign. She mouthed that she’d be back later and I turned back to my new employer, following her through to the back of the shop. She opened a locker and pulled out a pair of black long pants and a shirt in a beautiful shade of blue. The name of the shop was embroidered across the pocket. She handed them over pointing me in the direction of the bathroom. I changed quickly, grateful to be rid of the eye-clashing ensemble I had been wearing and hurried out to start my new job.
tbc