With its deep, dark petals and intricate symbolism, the Black Dahlia flower is notorious for embodying themes of evil, dishonesty, and betrayal. This flower is deeply intertwined with doom and negative emotions, often evoking feelings of hatred, jealousy, and sadness. Black Dahlia’s association with dark meanings has made it a symbol of treachery and deceit across various cultures. Its mysterious aura and ominous reputation contribute to its intriguing yet unsettling nature.

In literature and folklore, the Black Dahlia is frequently linked to stories of betrayal and dishonesty, serving as a cautionary symbol of the consequences of deceitful actions. The deep color of the petals is often seen as a representation of the darkness that can lurk within human hearts, reflecting the capacity for malice and ill-intent. This flower’s connection to themes of evil and negativity adds to its enigmatic allure, drawing both fascination and fear from those who encounter it.

Three days later

August stood in front of her mirror, dressed in black biker shorts and a cropped yellow tank. She sighed. It was Monday, and she was home. Ames had stayed the night at one of his best friends' place, and Mom had left early for work since a new shipment was coming to the café. Claude and Theo were more than likely on their way to pick her up, but she had little motivation to leave the house. She flopped onto the floor, eyes prickling at the thoughts running through her mind. She squeezed her eyes shut, and a soft sob escaped her mouth. “Urgh, why the heck am I—.” She sniffled, brushing at her nose, then rubbing her eyes as more sobs came out.

Bucky got out of his car. Claude was nodding off in the front seat, so he locked the doors after himself and jogged up to the house. He knocked on the door and waited. After a few seconds passed by, he knocked again. “Strange.” He pulled out his cell and rang Auggie’s phone, but that went to voicemail. “The hell?” he checked his keychain and Auggie’s stylized key with buckwheat flowers still hung there. She had given this to him one night due to their late practice hours, and after her mom gave a strict talking to about only using that for emergencies since they were always around. He unlocked the door. It seemed like no one was home since there were no vehicles in the driveway. He rushed inside, shutting the door after himself as he moved through the house then knocked on Auggie’s door, he waited a beat, but as soon as he caught of hint of crying he pushed in the door and saw her lying on the floor, curled up and sobbing. “August…” Bucky rushed to her, kneeling beside her, then carefully bending to pick her up. "Auggie, hey, I'm here..." he could hardly swallow as he gathered her in his arms. She was trembling as she sobbed. "Shh," he ran a hesitant hand down her back as she balled her hands in his hoodie, still crying. He tried calming himself by rocking her gently. He didn't know what time it was, but he stayed in that position until she stopped crying, and he could finally ease his mind and collect his thoughts enough to ask her what happened. "August, what... how..." he cut himself off. What could he even say?

"I'm sorry." She squeaked out.

A burning gripped him in his chest as Bucky tried to keep his composure. "I don't know what to ask. Can you tell me what happened, please?"

August lofted her head, looking at the damp mark she left on Theo's hoodie. "I... I don't want to go to school today."

"That's okay. We won't go. Do you want us to stay with you?" She nodded, and Bucky hummed softly as he moved to dig his phone out of his pocket so she could call Claude from the car.

Claude was snoring, soundly, but jolted suddenly. He yawned and dug his cell from his hoodie to see Buck calling. He looked over, and he was alone in the car. He rubbed his eyes and noticed Auggie's area and yawned again, then answered the call. "What's up, babe?"

"Come inside. Auggie's not doing well."

The alarm in Buck's voice woke him up the rest of the way. Claude shoved the door open as he jumped out and locked back the door, then shut it quickly as he ran across the quiet street. "Is she okay?"

"I don’t know," Bucky said.

Claude barged into the house, storming the door as he ran towards August's room. The tears behind his boyfriend's voice made his heart squeeze. "Baby!" He caught the doorframe as he halted haphazardly and saw Theo slowly rising from the floor with their girlfriend in his arms. His eyes were red, and she wasn't moving. "Theo?"

Bucky exhaled shakily, "She's alive, don’t—"

"Do not tell me to stay calm. You're fucking crying, and August isn't okay. Set her on the bed." Claude said, stepping into the room. He followed after Bucky who set her on the bed. He sighed, running a hand through his hair. Buck sat next to her as tears rolled down her face, and he brushed them away. What the heck? Everything was fine when they spoke last night... wait, no. That's a lie. Auggie sounded reserved and went to bed earlier than usual. They normally spent a long time talking or playing games together or something before bed, but last night she was exhausted, and not speaking so much. Her voice was even off a little. He didn't think much of it as they said goodnight and hung up the video call, but dammit. He should have known. "Theo, I think... this may be related to her dad. I don’t know, but I feel it in my gut."

He turned back to his boyfriend, who clicked his tongue and stepped forward, then caught the back of his head, and kissed his temple.

"Please don't cry too. I can't deal if you're outta commission, as well." Claude whispered against his forehead.

"I'm sorry, babe," Bucky whispered.

"It's okay, Theo," Claude rubbed the back of his head and then moved to kneel beside Auggie's bed. "Hey, sunflower, you wanna tell me what's going on?"

August opened her eyes, the blurriness of tears making it hard to see her younger boyfriend, but she blinked them away and then opened her mouth. Words did not come through, and she bit her lip. "I feel bad."

Claude nodded. "I know. But is there a reason why? I'm sorry to ask, but is it about your dad?" She hummed, meeting his gaze with her glassy eyes, and nodded. Tears slowly escaped her eyes, and he sighed, then leaned forward to kiss her forehead. "It'll be okay. I'll be right back, okay." Claude stood and then offered Buck his hand. The older one looked up to meet his gaze and took his hand without another word. He led the older one outside the room and closed the door, then stepped away, so Auggie didn't overhear. He exhaled through his nose and then squeezed Buck's hands. "Why are you crying?" Buck opened his mouth to speak, but Claude arched a brow, telling him not to try it.

Bucky snickered softly, lifting a hand away from his boyfriend to brush his right eye. "Yeah, I can't lie to you, can I?"

"You better not. Tell me what's up."

Bucky shrugged. "I dunno. I got here and saw her on the floor, and when I picked her up, she was crying, and that just... it reminded me of when Lucy's condition was getting worse. We'd often f—find her on the floor, passed out, or seizing. Once I found her just like that crying, she was in pain and wanted it to all stop. Claude..."

"No. Look at me," he cupped Buck's cheek. "Auggie isn't Lucy. She may remind you of her, but grief isn't an easy road to walk on. Not for anybody. She has her bad days, too. We have to allow her to feel her emotions in that moment. We can only be there for her. So I need you to be strong, okay? You have to be strong for her because she is alive and she's crying out, but it's silent because she's so used to being the one bringing the light into a room. Her room is dark, and we need to take her place for a while and bring her some light. Okay? Do you understand?" The older one didn't answer, and he shook him slightly. "Theodore, do you understand?" His deep brown eyes lifted, and he nodded. "Okay?"

"Okay. Thank you." Bucky threw his arms around his boyfriend's neck and kissed his temple. "I'm so sorry you keep seeing me like this. I just don't always know how to help her when I see her in that state. Thank you, Claude. Thank you so much."

Claude tried to blink away the burn in his eyes, and he hummed and squeezed his boyfriend back. This was not about them. It was about their girlfriend who had been alone during these bouts of sadness, but she wouldn't need to be anymore. "I'll have Blaine tell the school that I won't be in. Hit up Cory and let him know to pass the word on to your homeroom teacher, and I'll call Ms. Asora to let her know as well." He let Theo go and pulled out his cell.

"How can you keep so calm?" Bucky didn't think this would be easy for him to handle due to his own family issues, but right now, they were here for August. He was right.

Claude glanced back at him from over his shoulder and shrugged. "I had a lot of shit to deal with in my family. It was either I handle it sensibly or cry until my eyes hurt," Claude smiled, "at some point, I got tired of having to hold ice packs to my face." He turned back when his brother picked up and began explaining to him that he wasn't coming to school.

Bucky dialed Cory, and it wasn't long before he answered.

'Buck, what's going on? Blaine just took a call from Claude.'

"Yeah, umm, August isn't feeling okay. We got to her place, and she was... we're gonna stay with her for the day to make sure that she feels better. Sorry—"

'Dude, don't be sorry. Just make sure she's alright. I'll cover for you. I'll tell the teacher you're not feeling well, plus you're lucky we don't have practice until Thursday. Give Augs my best. And hey, don't worry too much. She's not like Lucy, okay.'

Bucky exhaled softly and nodded. "Yeah," he rubbed his nose, then sighed. "Thank you, Cor. Take care. I'll keep you posted."

'Appreciate it. Bye, Buck.'

The call clicked off, and he looked to see Claude still on the phone. He walked over to the bedroom, then paused, dialed for his mom, and went into the bathroom. Bucky leaned against the wall as the call picked up.

'Baby? What's wrong?'

"Ha, does something have to be wrong?" He asked, trying to think of how he should tell her.

'Well, if you were okay, you wouldn't sound like you were crying, nor would you have called me at 7:30 am. What's going on, Theodore?'

She only ever called him that when she was serious. Bucky sighed. "My girlfriend, she's sick, or, better yet, she's going through an episode of depression... her father passed around the same time as Lucy, and she's not always good at handling it. I found her on the floor of her room—"

'Oh my God! Is she okay?'

"Yes, mom. She is. She was only lying there crying. She told me that she doesn't think she can go to school today. So, I was planning to stay with her, along with Claude."

'You're allowed to miss a few days. You've been good so far. I know I haven't met her yet, or him, but I do hope she feels better. Are you doing alright?'

"Why would you—"

'Please don't patronize me, Bucky. I'm your mother. I  said you sounded like you were crying. So please tell me.'

She was too clever. "Seeing her like that reminded me of Lucy, and I panicked... I thought the worst, but when I felt her heartbeat."

'Did hearing that calm you down?'

He let out a haggard breath, digging a hand into his hair. "Yes. I didn't expect to see her like that."

'And it's okay to worry but do not let that consume you. Be there for her. Take a minute and calm yourself, then go and make sure she's okay. Alright, baby.'

"Thank you, mom. I love you."

'I love you too, Theo. Don't forget to introduce me to your partners. I'll be waiting.'

He blushed. She was the sweetest. "Have a good day at work, mom."

'Thank you. Oh, and your grandma is doing better. Whenever you get the chance, you can call your dad.'

"That's great news. Okay, I will. Thank you." Bucky closed his eyes and thanked God that she was doing better. They hung up, and he went over to the sink to wash his face.

August coughed, the burn making her recoil as she finally found the energy to sit up. She looked around the room and saw that she was alone. She stood, being careful, and made her way to the door, then moved towards the bathroom and paused when she heard talking. Was that Theo? His voice was cracking, and he seemed so sad. August sighed, touching the door as she rested her forehead against the cool wooden surface. She was the cause of this. Why had she not called to let them know she wouldn't be at school today? Now, they were—.

"Auggie?" Claude called as he found her out of bed.

"C—." Just then, the door opened, and she gasped as her balance faltered, but Bucky caught her.

"Baby, what're you doing out of bed?" Claude asked, joining them.

"Auggie?" Bucky called as he helped her back on her feet.

"I wanted to know where you were... then I overheard Theo in the bathroom, I'm sorry," August said.

"Oh, it was just my mom. I needed to tell her that I'm skipping school today." Bucky said.

"Oh," August rubbed her eyes, "Sorry still, I eavesdropped. I didn’t mean to."

Bucky cupped her cheek, brushing at her eye. "It's okay. It was nothing personal. Don't worry so much."

"No, I shouldn't have listened. Do you feel better?" August asked, Bucky's eyes met hers, and she poked his chest. "I heard you crying, Buck. You were whispering, 'Please be okay, don't leave me.' I'll be fine, but will you?"

Claude's jaw tightened, and he was at a loss for words because the somber, panicked look Buck gave him was like a stab in the chest. "Hey, how about both of you go lie down and I'll go get you some water, okay." Claude turned away before they moved.

August bit her bottom lip. She didn't have words to put to the look her boyfriends just exchanged. "I didn't mean to cause you two trouble. I'll be fine on my own. Don't miss school over me."

"No," Bucky said. "This was not about school," he explained, not wanting to make up a lie, "it was about me."

"Your sister?" August whispered, her eyes filling with tears as she looked up at him. He nodded.

"Yeah." He brushed at her eyes, then bent and kissed her temple. "But you're not her. You'll be okay, Auggie. Let's go lie down." Once her face was dry, he took her hand and guided her to the room, then kicked off his shoes and removed his jacket, setting it onto his bag. Auggie sat at the end of the bed as he walked over. "Wanna cuddle?" She smiled.

"Please."

Bucky waited as she got back into bed and followed after her, then moved to cuddle her from the back.

Claude brought two bottles of water for his partners and smiled at seeing them snuggling in bed. "Hey, here." He offered the bottles, and Auggie took hers, but Bucky shook his head.

"I'm good, thanks."

"Alright, it's over here." Claude was about to sit in the desk chair when August reached out a hand to him.

"Can you join us?"

"Of course, baby." Claude walked over then crawled over their legs and laid before her, moving his left arm under her head and the other around her waist, where Bucky's lay. The older one squeezed his arm and winked at him. He prayed they were both okay.

"I'm fine, Claude. Don't—"

"Don't do that." He shook his head. "Do not tell me not to worry. Both of you had an episode today. I'm okay, but I'm very concerned. So, please just rest and know that I'm here for both of you."

August had her cheek pressed to Claude's chest and huffed out. "I should have just called in advance. I didn't mean to make you boys—"

"No!" They snapped in unison.

Bucky sat up. "Don't apologize."

"Yeah," Claude added, "we're your boyfriends, partners, right? When one of us is down, then isn't it only right that we take care of you until you're better."

August sniffled as she brushed her eyes. "But I'm not even sick."

Claude pulled her in closer and sighed. "You're hurting. That alone is enough to cause us to worry. You're our priority, flower girl... everyone has days when they can't function. It's alright if you can't make the grade one day. The school will be there. I even asked Wesson to ask his dad for a favor, so any work we miss will be given to us and made up, okay?"

August cried harder. "Thank you so much, both of you."

"Always." They said in unison, hugging her tightly.

》》》》》

The whisk clattered to the floor, and Theo chuckled as Claude groaned at wasting some of the cheese sauce. Theo picked it up rinsed it off, and then poured more milk in the pot as it simmered on a low fire. He handed him the whisk.

"Take your time. You're doing great." Bucky said.

August sat at the table chuckling at the cooking lessons. Buck decided Claude could use some know-how, so this was her current entertainment. She wouldn't honestly say that planning to miss a day of school just to be with her wasn't unexpected, but what followed was shocking. They were more than caring, and it made her heart melt. "Thank you for everything." They froze and turned to look at her after completing the task of finishing the lasagna by topping it off with the cheese sauce.

"For what, Auggie?" Claude asked.

"I know you two are going through your own struggles, but I appreciate you for stopping to take care of me in my moment of weakness."

Claude moved to sit next to her and covered her right hand with his. "I'd stop the world to make sure that you're okay, August."

"You've been through more than enough with Brook and with me. I want to ensure that you never feel alone in your time of need. You saw me in my darkest moment and still forgave me after everything. I should be thanking you for allowing me to be your boyfriend."

She chuckled and covered Claude's hand. "You two are so sweet. Also, I know you're trying to get me a girlfriend." The both of them shared a glance, and August smirked. "I love you two cuties, Desirée seems like a sweetheart, but I don’t want to date anyone that isn't with all of us. I think she likes us, but I'll see."

"Okay," Bucky put the lasagna in the oven and then joined his lovers and kissed their foreheads. "Take your time with her. She seems like a great person. I know you'll have fun."

"Thanks, boo," August said, sighing as a weight fell from her shoulders.

》》》》》

Asora came home after a tiresome day. The flower shop had been rather busy with the recent order of flower arrangements for the high school events. She yawned as she walked into the house, setting her keys on the glass bowl on the side table by the door as she kicked off her shoes underneath it. Asora turned into the kitchen and met a plate covered with a note. She walked to the table and picked it up.

'Enjoy the dinner.'

She hummed, lasagna, with garlic bread, and it looked so good. She picked it up and took it over to the microwave. Asora left the kitchen and knocked on Auggie's closed door, and when no sound came, she turned the knob and opened the door to find Bucky, August, and Claude in that order sleeping soundly. She chuckled at the three of them. The call she got earlier from Claude was worrying, but he promised her that they'd look after her for the day. Somehow, that had eased her mind, and seeing them now, she was happy that her daughter met people who cared about her enough to do so. They were dressed down and cuddled together, with August turned towards Claude and Bucky hugging them both. "Cute." She stepped inside to turn off the lamp on the nightstand but knocked the little windchime hung by Auggie. She looked up and saw Claude had roused. Asora held a finger to her lips, and he smiled her way. "Thank you." She mouthed before leaving and shutting the door carefully.

Asora rested a hand over her heart as she leaned against the wall between their rooms. "August is safe, Lachlin. She's loved, and she's so happy. We miss you, my love. I hope you're truly at peace." She walked away to the kitchen.

》》》》》

August was scribbling in her notebook as she dazed off. Yesterday had been so interesting. Her sweet boys had done their best to make her feel good, and it was the kindest thing anyone could have done for her. She completed the doodle of Theo, and Claude then smiled to herself.

"Feeling better today?"

August looked up to find Mr. Schrindo, waiting for a reply. "Oh, um, yeah. Thank you for asking. Did I miss much yesterday?"

"No. I decided to do a review since you weren't here." He patted her back. "I hope everything is okay, and if you ever need to talk, my door's always open."

"Thank you, Mr. S."

"Anytime. Did you complete the work?" Mr. Schrindo asked. August handed him her paper, and he smiled. "Thanks."

~~~

When class ended, August made her way to the cafeteria, still somewhat out of it, as she moved through the sea of students. She wasn't looking, and she grunted when she collided with someone who was rushing her way. "I'm sorry."

"Urgh, watch where you're going, freak!" Brook snapped.

When the voice of the person who ran into August registered, she scoffed." She had no time for this bull.  "Urgh, I take it back and get out of my way!" August shoved past her with her shoulder, but Brook grabbed her arm and stopped her. "Get the hell off me!" August turned and shoved her away, making the teen stumble and fall onto her butt. Gasps erupted from the students who stopped in the hallway to observe them.

Brook glared at her. A bit in awe that she just pushed her. Who the hell did she think she was? "Did you just assault me?"

August rolled her eyes. "Oh shut up, Brook. Did you forget that you assaulted me first?! You're such a damn bully! Why don't you just leave me alone, and quit being a bitch!?" The surprised gasps grew as she turned away from Brook only to come face to face with her friends Benny, Sara, Shyanne, and Blaine.

"You okay, Auggie?" Sara asked.

"I'll be better once I get away from her." August took Sara and Benny's hand as she matched off.

Blaine looked back at Brook, who was getting up, and he scoffed. "Someone finally told you off, and it was well deserved."

"Fuck off, fag!" Brook hissed, as she bent to grab her bag.

Blaine stopped and crowded her space, making her eyes widen. "Bite your tongue. You're lucky we're in school, cause I'm not against punching a girl in the throat. Watch your back, Brook. You’re not as invincible as you think you are." He turned and followed after his friends, walking away from the crowd of onlookers.

Brook gulped softly, watching as they walked away. When did those punks get the gall they say whatever they wanted to her?! She bit her tongue at the dark glare Blaine gave her. She could ruin him, she could destroy all of them if she wanted. Urgh. "What are you looking at?!" She snapped at the crowd of teens. They all scattered as she marched off.

~~~

Blaine sighed as August explained what happened yesterday and why she blacked on Brook so boldly today. "She deserves whatever she gets. She's not even trying to be a better person." He said, stabbing at his salad.

"Right," Claude said, "but she's not someone who seems to want personal growth."

Bucky rubbed Auggie's back. "Just ignore her, and don't let her get to you. She's miserable, and it shows."

Blaine's phone vibrated, and he checked to find Ames's name and number in his phone. "Hmm," he opened the message and smiled, then picked up his bag. "Hey, I'm leaving first, alright. I'll catch you guys later. And, Auggie," she met his eyes, "Don't let her get to you. You're a much better person than she is. Don't forget that." She nodded. Blaine patted his brother's shoulder and then left the table.

Cory hummed. "I wonder where he's off to?"

Claude shrugged. "To do Blaine things." He didn't have to think too hard to figure out what his brother was doing. He'd more than likely hear about it later.

Blaine walked out to the student parking lot to see the very person who texted him. Ames was leaning against a black car, and he sighed, remembering his words. 'Come find me in the parking lot, pretty boy. I know you missed me.' He chuckled at the jerk and how he got him to come to him. "Ya not gonna greet me?"

"Why don't you come over here and say that to my face?" Ames opened his arms for the younger one, and Blaine chuckled then and walked faster.

He stopped just before the older one and grinned. "Aren't you supposed to be in school?"

"Aren't you?" Ames retorted.

"I'm still on the compound."

Ames sucked his teeth, then reached out and caught Blaine's waist, pulling him against him. "Didn't you miss me?" He whispered, groping Blaine's ass. The younger one moaned softly, then bit his bottom lip.

Ames's hands were cool and large on his butt. He'd never admit to him that the way he teased it was exhilarating. Maybe he'd tell him many years from today, but not right now. "It seems like you're the one who missed me. Just admit it, Ames, you like me." Blaine smirked as Ames touched his forehead. "You like me, say it."

Ames nodded. "Alright, you like me." The younger one laughed softly as their lips brushed slightly.

Blaine gulped, "And you like me." Their lips met in a heated exchange, as Ames nibbled on his bottom lip and sucked it into his mouth. They licked at each other's tongues before joining their mouths once more in a hot kiss.

Ames parted from their kiss. "Pretty boy, skip school with me."

"No, you're bad for my health." He hissed when Ames moved down to his neck, kissing and biting at flesh. "Ahah, please..."

"I know you want more," Ames muttered, squeezing his ass more as they ground against each other.

"Ngh, your car," Blaine whispered.

"Oh, you're that naughty, huh?" Ames asked.

Blaine couldn't believe that he liked this jerk. "No, but you're making me hard, and I can't go back to class sporting a boner. Please, I want you to touch me." He moaned, feeling Ames's knee between his legs. "Ames," he gripped his jacket sleeve, hissing softly as he ground against it. "At this rate, I'm gonna cum."

Ames looked up, "not yet, come on." Ames took Blaine's hand and tugged him into the backseat of the car, pushing him inside as he followed after, pulling the door after himself.

Ames pressed his lips to Blaine's as he pushed his shirt up, hearing his bag thud onto the floor of the car as Blaine ran a hand over his short hair. They made out as their crotches ground together, the friction making them hiss with pleasure as they moved together.

Ames snaked a hand to the front of Blaine's pants, groping his erection through his jeans.

Blaine moaned. "Hah, babe..."

"Oh, I'm babe, now?" Ames snickered, grinning down at his new friend.

Blaine sucked his teeth. "Shut up!"

"Not on your life, babe." Ames, bit Blaine's collarbone, making him grunt as he rutted up into his palm. "I'm gonna make you feel so good, babe."

Blaine smirked at the older one. "I'll hold you to it, jerk." Blaine gasped when Ames' hand pushed into his pants, and he shuddered, throwing his head back as he moaned. Ames was going to make him lose his mind. Were they indeed going to have sex in the back of his car? "W—wait..."

Ames paused, his breathing rapid, but he met Blaine's soft blue eyes and smiled. "We're not going to go all the way. I'll wait to purposely do that for you... if you still want me."

"Hey, don't worry. I can tolerate you well. I'll wait for when you're ready." Blaine brushed Ames' cheek, "whenever you're ready." Ames nodded and kissed him.

"Okay."

[Flowers at Night will show the continuation of this last scene]