Dabi wakes up at 3 AM, his eyes heavy with sleep. He turns his head to check on Overhaul, expecting to find him awake like usual, but instead finds him fast asleep. Dabi yawns and smiles softly, amused by the rare sight of his normally restless boyfriend peacefully sleeping but it was short lived. Dabi watched his boyfriend toss and turn at night, his brows furrowed in worry. He knew Overhaul was hiding his pain, both physical and mental. Ever since his accident during a dangerous project, Overhaul had been plagued by nightmares. A faulty piece of equipment had exploded, severing both of his hands.
Dabi: "Hey... hey, it's okay."
He murmured softly, his hand gently resting on Overhaul's arm as he tried to soothe him from another nightmare. He knew these episodes were tough on Overhaul, both physically and emotionally.
Overhaul's eyes snapped open as he felt Dabi's touch, instantly recognizing his boyfriend's presence. He blinked rapidly, his heart racing as he realized he'd been having another nightmare. His hands automatically reaching up to check if they were still there before remembering they weren't.
His voice cracked as he asked the question, his eyes filling with tears that spilled over onto his cheeks.
Overhaul: "Dabi, do you think... do you think I'm useless now?"
He broke down into sobs, his heart shattered by the thought that his boyfriend might see him as broken and worthless.
Dabi shook his head vigorously, his expression softening with concern and love.
Dabi: "No."
He said firmly, his voice steady and reassuring.
Dabi: "Never think that. You are not useless."
He pulled Overhaul into a tight embrace, holding him close as he cried.
A sudden knock on the door made both Overhaul and Dabi jump. Dabi saw his boyfriend wince and quickly wrapped his arms around him again.
Dabi: "Don't answer."
He muttered softly, not wanting whoever it was to interrupt Overhaul's much-needed release of emotions. He stroked his boyfriend's hair, hushing him gently.
(The next day at the Library).
The next day, Dabi was studying in the library, occasionally glancing at Overhaul who sat beside him. Since Overhaul couldn't turn pages himself due to his missing hands, Dabi would gently turn the pages for him whenever needed. Overhaul sat quietly, focusing on his studies with Dabi's help.
Shigaraki slid into the seat next to Dabi with an excited smile, practically bouncing as he showed Dabi his phone screen.
Shigaraki: "Look at this place I found for spring break!"
He pointed at the cabin pictures, his eyes shining with enthusiasm.
Shigaraki: "Isn't it perfect for us?"
Dabi: "..."
He looked at Shigaraki skeptically as he glanced at the cabin photos, his brow furrowing slightly when he noticed the price tag. It was suspiciously cheap for such a nice-looking place.
Dabi: "Shig, this price seems too good to be true."
Shigaraki nodded eagerly, his grin widening as he continued to sell the idea to Dabi.
Shigaraki: "Exactly! It's big enough for all of us, and it even has some accessible features for Overhaul. Plus, think about it—you two could share a room!"
He wiggled his eyebrows suggestively.
Shigaraki: "Romantic getaway, huh?"
Dabi nodded slowly, considering Shigaraki's proposal. The idea of a romantic getaway with Overhaul did sound tempting, but the ridiculously low price still bothered him.
Dabi: "Shig, don't you think this is too cheap? It's almost like they're giving it away for free."
Shigaraki laughed it off, waving his hand dismissively.
Shigaraki: "Who cares about the price? It's just a place for us to hang out, have some fun, and get laid. Overhaul can even use the disabled-friendly amenities. It's a win-win, Dabi!"
He winked playfully.
Dabi nodded half-heartedly, still not completely convinced but not wanting to ruin Shigaraki's excitement. He turned another page in Overhaul's textbook, helping him study while his friend planned their suspicious-sounding vacation. Maybe Shigaraki was right and he was just being too cautious?
After Shigaraki left to inform the others about the spring break plans, Dabi turned his attention back to Overhaul. He leaned in slightly, lowering his voice as he asked.
Dabi: "Overhaul... do you think this cabin deal seems a bit too good to be true? Something about it feels off to me."
Overhaul looked up from his textbook, considering Dabi's question seriously before answering quietly.
Overhaul: "Yeah...it does seem kinda sketchy."
He watched as Shigaraki disappeared around a corner excitedly telling others about their planned trip before continuing softly.
Overhaul: "But if everyone else is going..."
Dabi: "Fine."
He muttered, resignedly agreeing to the trip.
Dabi: "But just so you know, if anything even slightly suspicious happens, I'll be right there protecting you."
He said firmly, his voice softening as he looked at Overhaul with a gentle expression.
Overhaul's expression softened at Dabi's protective words. He looked up at his boyfriend with gratitude in his eyes.
Overhaul: "Thanks, Dabi... I know you will."
He gave Dabi a small smile before returning his attention to his textbook.
Overhaul: "Let's just keep an eye out and be careful, okay?"
He replied with a small smile, unaware of Dabi's secret plans to research the cabin situation more thoroughly. Dabi nodded gruffly, still feeling uneasy but determined to keep Overhaul safe no matter what.
A few hours later, Dabi had helped Overhaul into bed after assisting him with his evening routine—washing up and eating dinner. With Overhaul finally settled in for the night, Dabi could now focus on his research without any distractions.
Dabi's heart sank as he scrolled through the search results. The cabin's name was linked to multiple old news articles about missing people who had disappeared after staying there. The most chilling part was the pattern - they all went missing after leaving the cabin premises. Dabi felt sickening dread wash over him.
Panic gripped Dabi's chest as he imagined worst-case scenarios involving Overhaul - being hurt, kidnapped, disappearing forever. He knew that dangerous place was no place for someone in Overhaul's condition, but the thought of disappointing Shigaraki made him feel trapped.
Dabi looked at the clock, realization dawning that the trip was scheduled for tomorrow night. He was torn. On one hand, he didn't want to dampen Shigaraki's spirits after he had worked so hard to plan this trip. On the other hand, his protective instincts screamed at him not to go near that dangerous cabin.
Overhaul stirred in bed, his amputated arm instinctively reaching out for Dabi's warmth. When he didn't find him, a small frown creased his forehead. He called out softly.
Overhaul: "Dabi?"
The room was silent except for the distant hum of the air conditioner.
Dabi: "Coming."
He murmured, quickly turning off his computer before sliding into bed beside Overhaul. He wrapped an arm gently around him, pulling him close despite the lingering unease from his research. Overhaul immediately nuzzled against Dabi's chest with a sleepy murmur of contentment.
(The next day at the Mall).
Dabi followed Overhaul through the crowded mall, his arms loaded with bags meant for their supposed vacation. He felt like a hypocrite, acting excited while his mind was consumed with those terrifying articles about people disappearing from the same cabin they were supposed to visit.
Overhaul: "I could carry some."
He says, his voice determined despite his lack of arms. He looks up at Dabi with a mix of frustration and determination, wanting to prove that even without his limbs he can still be useful in some way.
Dabi: "No need."
He replied curtly, tightening his grip on the bags. Overhaul frowned slightly, feeling useless as usual. Even though he was armless, he still wanted to be useful in some way. He insisted firmly but gently, adjusting the bags in his arms.
Dabi: "You're supposed to be enjoying shopping, not carrying heavy bags."
Despite his worry, Dabi felt a small warmth seeing Overhaul try to help even though he physically couldn't.
As they walked, Dabi's hand instinctively went to Overhaul's empty sleeves, a bittersweet reminder of the past. He remembered the coldness of the hospital, the doctors' refusal to help because Overhaul's family was Yakuza. No prosthetics, no rehabilitation. Just... nothing.
Overhaul: "Are you excited about the trip?"
He asked, his gaze fixed on Dabi's face, searching for any hint of enthusiasm or anticipation in his expression.
Dabi: "Yeah."
He lied automatically, forcing enthusiasm into his voice while his brain was still stuck on those horrible articles about people going missing at the same cabin they were supposed to visit. Overhaul deserved to be excited about something, even if he was terrified.
(In his mind).
"I should tell him later."
(Out of his mind).
This will continue in the next chapter.