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 morning in 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.
Dabi: "Oh yeah, guess who's going to pick date night?"
He says with a smirk.
Overhaul: "Let me guess, you?"
He frowns.
Dabi: "Yeah, it's me since it's my turn."
He whispered to Overhaul with a soft smile, gently helping him turn the page of the book.
Overhaul: "No offense, but I really don't like horror movies or haunted locations as dates."
He whispered to Dabi, his eyes still focused on the mental health textbook he is studying.
Dabi: "Well, if you want some romance on a horror date, I guess I'll give it a shot."
He said with a smirk, even though being romantic wasn't exactly his strong suit. He leaned back in his chair, trying to think of something sweet or tender to say.
Overhaul: "Is it really that hard?"
He asked softly, his gaze fixed on Dabi as he tried to think of a romantic gesture or sweet words. He tilted his head slightly, genuinely curious about Dabi's struggle with romance.
Dabi: "I heard you like pink roses."
He asked Overhaul, gently holding onto his stump as he waited for a response. It was a simple gesture, but it showed that Dabi had paid attention to Overhaul's preferences. Overhaul's heart skipped a beat at the mention of his favorite flowers.
Overhaul: "Yeah...I do."
He replied softly, blushing deeply as he looked up at Dabi. His cheeks turned a lovely shade of pink, contrasting beautifully with his pale skin and dark brown hair. He found himself suddenly grateful for Dabi's attempt at romance, no matter how awkward it might be.
Dabi: "Anyway, let's get out of the library."
He said with a smile, closing the mental health textbook gently.
Dabi: "We have a long day ahead of us before our date night begins."
He stood up from his chair, offering his arm to Overhaul in a gentlemanly gesture.
Overhaul: "You're actually trying to be romantic?"
He asked softly, his voice barely above a whisper as he held onto Dabi's arm with both of his stumps. His eyes sparkled with amusement and surprise, appreciating the unexpected sweetness from Dabi.
Dabi: "Well yeah, you want romance and I'm giving it to you."
He said with a smile, his arm gently wrapping around Overhaul's stumps to support him as they walked out of the library together.
Overhaul's face flushed a deep red as he smiled up at Dabi, his heart racing at the romantic gestures coming from his tough, stoic partner.
Overhaul: "D-Dabi... you're really putting in effort."
He stammered, leaning into the supportive hug around his stumps. He found himself growing increasingly fond of this unexpected side of Dabi.
Dabi: "Well, do you know what's even more romantic?"
He asked, suddenly bending down and scooping Overhaul up into his arms in a perfect bridal carry.
Overhaul gasped softly, his stumps wrapping around Dabi's neck as he blushed even deeper.
Overhaul: "D-Dabi!"
His face flushed a deep red.
Dabi: "Aww, someone's blushing,"
He teased softly, his smile widening as he held Overhaul securely in his arms. He adjusted Overhaul's position slightly to make him more comfortable, enjoying the way his partner's cheeks turned an adorable shade of red.
Overhaul: "Sh-shut up."
He mumbled, his face buried in Dabi's chest to hide his blushing cheeks. In reality, he loved being carried by Dabi - the strong arms around his waist, the gentle yet firm grip around his stumps felt incredibly safe and... romantic.
His face changed as he frowned slightly, pulling back slightly to look up at Dabi with uncertainty in his eyes.
Overhaul: "Dabi... are you actually wanting to be romantic with me, or are you just doing this because you feel like you have to?"
He bit his lip anxiously.
Overhaul: "I don't want to force you..."
Dabi: "Overhaul."
He said gently, stopping in the middle of the sidewalk and looking down at his partner's flushed, worried face.
Dabi: "Baby, I'm not doing this because you're forcing me or because I feel obligated."
He adjusted his grip slightly, holding Overhaul closer to his chest.
Dabi: "I'm doing this because... I want to."
Overhaul's bottom lip trembled slightly as he looked up at Dabi with hopeful, yet uncertain eyes.
Overhaul: "N-no, Dabi... I want you to do this on your own, not just because I asked you to."
He whispered softly.
Overhaul: "I want you to romance me because... because you genuinely want to."
Dabi smiled softly, gently placing Overhaul back on his feet. His hands lingered on Overhaul's waist for a moment before sliding away.
Dabi: "I'll show you."
He murmured, his voice low and sincere.
Dabi: "On our date tonight, I'll romance you without any prompting or requests from you."
Overhaul nodded, his cheeks still flushed pink.
Overhaul: "I-I should get to class..."
He murmured, taking a step back from Dabi. He looked up at his partner with soft, grateful eyes.
Overhaul: "I'll see you tonight, Dabi. And... thank you."
With that, he turned and walked away, a small smile on his lips.
Dabi: "..."
He watched Overhaul walk away, his frustration growing with each step his partner took. He had thought he was being romantic, holding Overhaul's stumps gently and carrying him to class. But the fact remained that he only did it because Overhaul asked him to. It didn't feel genuine.
(In his mind).
"But was I even being romantic. Or did I just do it because Overhaul asked me to? Dammit, I suck at this romance stuff."
(Out of his mind).
He ran a hand through his hair, his mind racing with doubts.
Shigaraki suddenly appeared beside Dabi, holding out a flyer with a grin.
Shigaraki: "Hey Dabi, check this out! There's a new horror tour opening up this weekend. Wanna go together?"
His eyes sparkled with excitement and a hint of his usual creepy enthusiasm.
Shigaraki: "It'll be fun!"
Dabi: "Yeah, I know it'll be fun."
He replied, taking the flyer from Shigaraki. He paused, considering something before speaking again.
Dabi: "Shigaraki, since you've got a girlfriend and all, do you think you could... teach me a thing or two about being romantic?"
Shigaraki: "Romantic?"
He burst out laughing, holding his stomach.
Shigaraki: "Dabi, you're gonna take Overhaul to a haunted house or horror movie? Let me tell you something, he HATES that stuff! He gets scared easily and will probably cry!"
He giggled.
Dabi: "I'm being serious."
He muttered, his cheeks flushing slightly pink. He ran a hand through his hair again, showing his nervousness.
Dabi: "I really like Overhaul, Shigaraki. Like, a lot. I wanna know how to romance him without screwing it up. Can you help me or not?"
Shigaraki: "Alright, alright."
He said, his laughter fading into a genuine smile. He clapped Dabi on the back reassuringly.
Shigaraki: "I'll help you out, buddy. Since you're my friend and all. I am pretty good at this romance stuff."
He said.
This will continue in the next chapter.