#AU: Higgs didn't join Fragile Express

[because-i-am-barely-even-human]

***

Sam and Peter, who is now known as Higgs, met many years ago when Sam just had a falling out with Bridges.

Back then Peter was an independent porter, bound to no one and answered only to himself. Sam liked that, anyone who wasn't affiliated with Bridges was good in his books. He wasn't in a good place after losing his wife and unborn child, so he shut himself out from everyone and everything.

Both Peter and Sam took orders in the same area, so they met quite often. The guy was overly friendly, sarcastic, and sometimes downright annoying. But... there was something about him that left Sam wanting to see him again, even if in passing.

Peter had DOOMs, like Sam. The fact he discovered when they were unlucky to end up in a BT territory. Together they managed to avoid BTs without a problem.

And just like that Sam wasn't alone anymore.

Ten years have passed.

Peter and him have been living together for over six years now. Sam managed to rebuild his life after the tragedy, something he couldn't image possible before.

It wasn't easy. The first two years nightmares and guilt over what happened with Lucy and their baby kept him awake at night. But Peter was there for him, even when Sam was lashing out.

Peter had his own demons to battle, too. When Sam found out about his childhood, about what Peter's uncle did... He almost lost his cool. It was the first time he wanted to hurt someone badly, nevermind that the bastard died a long time ago. It was an ugly feeling. Peter was speechless. No one has ever cared about him like this before.

The life was good, great even. That was until Bridges tracked him down again. Of course they wouldn't leave him alone, fucking leeches.

Peter's nightmares are back. He wakes up screaming, looks sick too. It's been like this for a few weeks now. Peter was getting distant. This... wasn't normal sickness. Something's not right.

***

Two feet standing on a principle.

«This was only ever gonna end one way... »

***

Two hands longing for each others warmth.

«Oh... Sam Bridges... Careful, contents are fragile. Like the world and everything in it. Me, I’m... I’m no exception.»

***

Hate is spitting out each others mouths.

«You think that you've got it tough!?»

«Getting a little touchy-feely there, Mr. Aphenphosmphobia.»

***

But we're still sleeping like we're lovers.

«Just don't keep me waiting too long, you hear?»

---

AU: Sam met Higgs right after he left Bridges the first time. Sometime later they fell in love and got together. Higgs never joined Fragile Express, so he and Sam are independent porters.

Amelie went after Higgs not long before Bridget died. Higgs was getting horrible DOOMs nightmares and was poisoned via golden mask in a dream, he didn't even know it happened. Amelie got control over his mind.

Sam went on a journey to cure Higgs and free him from Amelie's control.