Overhaul: "You chat with the customers and take the orders." He instructed, trying to sound normal despite his lingering anxiety.
Overhaul: "And remember to get the right change."
He added, knowing Shigaraki could sometimes be a bit careless with numbers.
Shigaraki: "You got it, boss!"
He replied enthusiastically, already familiarizing himself with the cash register. Dabi stepped closer to Overhaul, murmuring softly.
Dabi: "He seems eager and friendly—customers will like that."
Overhaul: "I guess so..."
He replied softly, his voice barely audible as he started to set up the tables. His mind was elsewhere, consumed by the lingering fear of the man in the goat mask. Would today be the day he showed up? The thought sent shivers down his spine. Dabi noticed Overhaul's distant expression and followed him quietly, concerned about his mental state during opening hours. The shop was quiet now, but customers would start pouring in soon enough. Too soon for Overhaul's anxious mind.
Dabi: "How about you stay in the office for today?"
He suggested softly, noticing Overhaul's nervous fidgeting.
Dabi: "I'll handle the rest here."
But Overhaul shook his head immediately, his eyes flashing with determination.
Overhaul: "No."
He replied firmly.
Overhaul: "I need to be here. My father would have wanted me to work."
Dabi sighed internally, knowing there was no changing Overhaul's mind once it was set. So, he stayed silent, watching over him closely as the shop began to fill with customers.
The day dragged on painfully slow. Overhaul's anxiety intensified with each passing hour—his hands shook violently as he flipped patties, sending two perfectly good burgers flying across the kitchen floor. He stuttered through a customer's order, giving them the wrong food. Twice. Dabi watched helplessly from behind the counter, his jaw tightening with each mistake. Finally, during a lull in customers, he grabbed Overhaul's arm firmly.
Dabi: "Office. Now."
He commanded, pulling a trembling Overhaul away from prying eyes.
Overhaul: "You're not the boss... I am..."
He muttered weakly, his protest falling flat as Dabi dragged him into the office. Dabi rolled his eyes, slamming the door shut behind them.
Dabi: "Shut up and sit."
He growled, pointing at the chair. Overhaul sat, his body trembling uncontrollably. Dabi crouched down in front of him, his face inches away.
Dabi: "What the fuck is wrong with you today?"
He snapped.
Dabi: "You're a disaster out there."
Overhaul: "It's the goat mask man from my dream... what if he's coming here? I'm so scared..."
He whispered, his voice breaking with fear. His eyes were wild and unsteady, clearly imagining the worst. Dabi sighed heavily, running a hand through his hair.
Dabi: "Baby... it's all in your head."
He said gently but firmly.
Dabi: "That man isn't real. He's just a nightmare. He's not coming to the shop."
He cupped Overhaul's face, trying to ground him in reality.
Overhaul: "You'll... protect me if he is real, right?"
He asked quietly, his terrified gaze searching Dabi's eyes desperately. He needed that reassurance—if only to feel safe for a few minutes. Dabi paused, his usual skepticism fading for a moment. He nodded slowly and leaned in, pressing a soft, reassuring kiss to Overhaul's lips.
Dabi: "I'll protect you."
He murmured against his mouth.
Dabi: "Even if some fucking goat-mask guy shows up, I'll rip his face off."
The simple promise was enough to ease some of Overhaul's terror. He smiled softly, the first genuine one of the day, and leaned into Dabi's kiss. He felt safe—protected. Dabi's arms wrapped around his waist, pulling him closer. Their kiss deepened, slowly turning from comforting to passionate. For a moment, the world outside—or any potential goat-masked maniac— ceased to exist. It was just the two of them, finding solace in each other's touch.
Overhaul blushed a deep crimson, his cheeks nearly matching his hair as he looked up at Dabi with vulnerable, trusting eyes. The sight nearly made Dabi groan—he looked so damn innocent and fragile, yet so appealingly wanton. Dabi's own cheeks flushed slightly, his composure cracking.
Dabi: "Want to head back to work?"
He asked, his voice husky with desire. Overhaul bit his lip, looking down shyly.
Overhaul: "Can I have a few more minutes with you?"
He whispered.
Overhaul: "Please?"
Dabi nodded, giving in to Overhaul's request. He pulled Overhaul close, their bodies pressed together as he captured his lips once more. This kiss was softer, more intimate—filled with the kind of love and affection that could chase away even the worst nightmares. Overhaul melted into the embrace, his hands trembling as they clutched at Dabi's uniform shirt. He kissed back shyly, his blush deepening to a beautiful shade of crimson. They stayed like that for several minutes, basking in each other's warmth.
Overhaul: "I think it's time to head back to work."
He murmured reluctantly, breaking their quiet moment. He looked up at Dabi with slightly flushed cheeks and softened eyes, still holding onto his waist. Dabi nodded, sighing internally at how cute Overhaul looked like this.
Dabi: "It seems so."
He agreed, leaning down to give Overhaul one final peck before they had to return to reality. They straightened each other's uniforms, making sure everything looked presentable.
As they stepped out of the office, Shigaraki's curious eyes immediately landed on them.
Shigaraki: "So did you guys have the sex?"
He asked bluntly, his tone playful and teasing. Overhaul blushed a deep red, shaking his head vigorously in denial. Dabi chuckled softly, running a hand through his hair nonchalantly.
Dabi: "Not really."
He replied casually, glancing at Overhaul with an amused smirk. Shigaraki pouted dramatically.
Shigaraki: "Aww, come on! You two were making out like crazy!"
Overhaul: "You saw that!?"
He gasped, his entire face burning red with embarrassment. He covered his face with his hands, mortified that Shigaraki had witnessed their intimate moment. Dabi raised an eyebrow, arms crossing over his chest.
Dabi: "I thought you were working."
He said, a hint of accusation in his voice. Shigaraki shrugged innocently, a mischievous grin on his face.
Shigaraki: "Well, I was wondering why you wanted Overhaul in the office."
He explained.
Shigaraki: "And then I heard stuff."
Overhaul: "Just get back to work."
He muttered, his face still flushed as he tried to regain his composure. He pointed a finger at Shigaraki sternly.
Overhaul: "The burgers can't make themselves."
Shigaraki giggled and saluted playfully before darting back to the grill since he was alone for a couple of minutes, leaving Overhaul and Dabi alone in the hallway. Dabi chuckled and shook his head, wrapping an arm around Overhaul's shoulders.
Dabi: "Come on, let's get back out there before he burns the place down."
As the day wore on, Overhaul and Dabi worked side by side, their hands moving in sync as they prepared orders and served customers. There was still no sign of the mysterious goat-masked man, and Overhaul began to relax, feeling relief wash over him. He watched Shigaraki from across the room, surprised to see him handling the grill with unexpected skill—despite being assigned to the cashier station. Shigaraki's cheerful voice echoed through the shop as he sang the burger song, making customers laugh and clap along.
Overhaul: "I didn't know that Shigaraki likes working here."
He said to Dabi, watching Shigaraki flip a patty with surprising enthusiasm. Dabi chuckled, wiping his hands on a towel.
Dabi: "True that surprised me too."
He admitted.
Dabi: "I thought he'd get bored easily, but he seems to actually enjoy it."
Shigaraki was definitely proving his worth—the customers were happy, the orders were accurate, and the shop was running smoothly despite Overhaul's earlier anxiety.
Overhaul: "I think we should add something to the shop."
He suggested, leaning against the counter as he watched the flow of customers.
Overhaul: "Something glamorous—a TV, maybe?"
Dabi tapped his chin thoughtfully, considering the idea. But then, his eyes lit up with a better idea.
Dabi: "What about a jukebox instead?"
He suggested, turning to Overhaul with a grin.
Dabi: "It'd fit the classic burgers-and-milkshakes vibe, and it'd give Shigaraki something else to entertain the customers with."
Overhaul: "Great idea."
He agreed, pulling out a small notebook where he jotted down supply orders and shop improvement ideas. He added "jukebox" to the list with a smile, imagining Shigaraki dancing around the shop as classic rock songs played in the background. Dabi watched him with an appreciative expression, admiring his dedication to making the shop better. suddenly their peace was disrupted by a loud bang coming from outside. Both men looked up sharply, their smiles fading instantly.
Overhaul: "What now?"
He asked nervously.
Dabi: "I don't know."
He said, already moving toward the door to investigate the suspicious noise. But Overhaul grabbed his arm firmly, shaking his head.
Overhaul: "Don't."
He whispered, his earlier calm shattered in an instant. His grip tightened around Dabi's sleeve, his eyes darting nervously toward the entrance. The memory of the goat-masked man flashed through his mind.
Overhaul: "What if it was him? What if he had finally come?"
Dabi noticed the change immediately, his protective instincts kicking in.
Dabi: "Remember, it's all in your head."
He murmured softly, trying to calm Overhaul's racing thoughts.
Dabi: "The goat mask man was in your dreams. He's not real."
He placed a reassuring hand over Overhaul's clinging fingers, squeezing gently.
Dabi: "I'll go check, okay? It's probably just some kids messing around outside."
But Overhaul's nervous gaze and trembling lips told a different story—his mind was already painting worst-case scenarios.
Overhaul: "I know... but what if..."
He whispered helplessly.
Dabi relaxed immediately, seeing the source of the loud bang was just a drunk man stumbling along the sidewalk. He turned back to Overhaul with an amused expression, shaking his head.
Dabi: "See?"
He said calmly, gesturing back at the harmless drunkard.
Dabi: "Just some idiot who had one too many."
Overhaul peeked out from behind Dabi, his heart racing slowly returning to normal as he realized there was no danger. He let out a shaky breath, feeling slightly foolish for his immediate panic.
Overhaul: "R-right..."
Dabi: "You're such a big baby."
He teased gently, leaning down to press a soft kiss on Overhaul's flushed cheek. He knew Overhaul's fears were mostly irrational, but he also knew they were very real to him. And that was enough for Dabi to take them seriously. Overhaul's nervous smile softened as he looked up at Dabi, his eyes reflecting the warmth he felt from Dabi's simple gesture.
Overhaul: "But I'm yours."
He whispered, the simple truth in his words making Dabi's heart swell.
Dabi: "That's right."
He said possessively, his fingers gently brushing the hair back from Overhaul's face.
Dabi: "You're mine and mine only."
He knew those simple words had the power to calm Overhaul's anxious heart like nothing else could. Overhaul blushed deeply at Dabi's possessive tone, feeling a warmth spread through his chest. He knew Dabi would always be there to protect him, both physically and emotionally. Suddenly, he felt safe again.
Overhaul: "Let's go back inside."
He gently pulled Dabi back inside the burger shop, their shift continuing without further incident. As the hours ticked by, they served the last few customers, cleaned the grills, and began preparing for closing time. The goat-masked man never appeared. Not even a suspicious customer. As the clock struck 10 PM, Overhaul found himself standing behind the counter, wiping down the cash register with a thoughtful expression.
Overhaul: "Maybe Dabi was right... maybe it was all in his head."
The door suddenly swung open with a soft chime, but this time the sound was drowned out by Overhaul's racing heartbeat. He looked up from the counter, his eyes widening in pure terror. Standing in the doorway was the figure from his nightmares—a red cloak, the unmistakable goat mask, and those same haunting eyes. And he was pointing directly at Overhaul.
The Goat Mask Man: "I choose you."
The distorted voice echoed through the empty shop, matching the dreams perfectly. Overhaul's blood ran cold. He was alone.
Overhaul: "W-Why me?"
He whispered, his voice shaking as much as his hands. But in the blink of an eye, the goat-masked figure was gone, vanishing into thin air as if he had never been there at all. Overhaul stood frozen, his heart pounding in his chest, as he saw Dabi walking back towards him, oblivious to the horror Overhaul had just witnessed.
Dabi: "Hey babe."
He said casually.
Dabi: "Shigaraki just left."
Overhaul: "The goat mask man was here."
He choked out, tears already streaming down his face as he pointed shakily at the empty doorway.
Overhaul: "I saw him! He said those words again... 'I choose you'!"
But Dabi's expression only hardened, his skepticism evident. He sighed, shaking his head firmly.
Dabi: "Baby, no. He's not real."
He insisted gently but firmly.
Dabi: "It's just your nightmare coming back. You're exhausted and seeing things."
His mind immediately flashed back to their earlier conversation—his promise to take Overhaul to the doctor after work. He knew Overhaul's mental state was deteriorating, and this latest 'sighting' only confirmed his fears. Maybe the doctor could prescribe something stronger than the current pills... something to stop these hallucinations once and for all.
Dabi: "Listen."
He said softly but firmly.
Dabi: "I'm taking you to the doctor tonight."
He grabbed Overhaul's shoulders gently but firmly.
Dabi: "We're getting those pills sorted out."
Overhaul: "Fine."
He agreed quietly, wiping his tears away with the back of his hand as he grabbed the keys to lock up. His heart was still racing, his mind convinced that the goat-masked man had been real. But Dabi's persistence was unwavering—he knew Overhaul needed professional help, whether he admitted it or not. As they stepped out of the shop and locked the door behind them, Dabi wrapped a protective arm around Overhaul's waist, leading him towards the car.
Dabi: "Let's go."
Overhaul: "Did you rent a car?"
He asked, puzzled as he looked at the vehicle parked nearby. They had walked to work together this morning, so why would Dabi have a rental? Dabi shrugged, unlocking the passenger side.
Dabi: "Yeah, I rented a car." He confirmed, pressing the button on the key fob to unlock the vehicle. The headlights flashed, revealing a simple sedan parked along the curb.
Dabi: "I figured we shouldn't be walking when you're like this."
He added gently, opening the passenger door for Overhaul. Overhaul slid into the seat slowly, realizing Dabi had gone out of his way just for this doctor visit—a small but meaningful gesture that showed how seriously he was taking Overhaul's mental state.
Overhaul's cheeks flushed a deep red at Dabi's thoughtful gesture, touched by his partner's concern.
Overhaul: "You're so kind."
He murmured, sliding into the passenger seat. Dabi, upon hearing this, felt his own face heat up slightly as he rounded the car to the driver's side.
Dabi: "You know I just wanted to look after you."
He mumbled, starting the engine and pulling out onto the road. The soft glow of the streetlights illuminated his slightly pinked cheeks as he focused on driving them safely to the clinic.
As they drove, Overhaul gazed out the window, watching the passing cars and neon lights. Suddenly, something caught his eye—someone walking on the sidewalk wearing a goat mask. His heart skipped a beat, and he was about to point it out to Dabi when strong fingers wrapped around his hand, stopping him. Dabi's grip was firm but gentle, his thumb brushing soothing circles on Overhaul's knuckles.
Dabi: "Focus on me."
He said calmly, keeping his eyes on the road.
This will continue in the next chapter.