Death Stranding: Higgs

Chapter Thirty-Five: Man In The Golden Mask

-Sam's POV- I look at the golden skull mask as I lay in bed. "Higgs, you mad man." I laugh. "He actually did it. He made a mask out of Chiral Crystal. He's crazy and I love that about him."

I get off of the bed and set the mask on my shelf. Exiting my tent, I observe the small camp we set up in a different area. None of my men own those stupid Cuff Links. They all threw them away, left them to rot in the Timefall.

I just wish Higgs would do the same. But there's no way I can really convince him, not fully. I can tell he enjoys being another cog in their machine. Just like I was. But I got out, and so did all my men.

Wanting to take my mind off of the stress, I walk over to the hot spring in the ground we luckily stumbled upon. Since my group and I are technically off the grid, we don't really have access to showers very often, let alone a proper way to get clean.

Deodorant and cologne can only block out the smell for so long. Did Higgs smell my cologne as he was in my bed? Did he like it?
I shove those thoughts aside, stripping and getting in the hot spring. I lean back against the rock wall, closing my eyes.
As I relax, I imagine Higgs in the pool with me, acting like his shy self. I sigh as I open my eyes, finding the space beside me empty.

"Why is he so cute when he is shy?" I question to myself. "He looks sweet when he is flustered." I laugh to myself. And his eyes! The way they shine when he is nervous or amused. That soft blue color that almost look like sapphires if the light hits them just right.

He always keeps his hair clean as well. Dark blonde mixed with stands of light blonde....almost similar to marble. But me? I'm the opposite. My hair is dark brown and greasy. My eyes are the same color as his, but mine are more...watered down.....
His eyes are the color of the ocean, rich and deep.
Mine are a puddle. A dull, light blue-grey puddle that hold no life at all.

Then again, I shouldn't be so hard on myself. Comparing myself to him would just bring my already low self-esteem down. After soaking, I exit the spring and dry off, the put my suit back on.
I place my gloves on firmly. None of my men know of my self harm. They have never seen me without my gloves and sleeves on.

I intend to keep it that way.
****
-Higgs' POV- I sigh as I see another blue line connect this city to the UCA map.
"Five down....God knows how many more cities until Edge Knot..." I sigh.

Soon enough, I collapse into bed, too tired to shower. I try to sleep, but can't. What will Sam do now that he has the mask? What power does that thing hold?
Where is Sam now? Is he tracking my route?

All I know is that he won't harm me. He's only teasing me, playing around until....what? He has me in his grip? He uses me?
What if I'm too afraid to admit the truth to him? It would break him. Might try to kill me and/or himself out of anger and sadness.

But he is a Repatriate. He can't die, no matter how hard he tries. My mind flashes back to the claw marks on his arm. How long has he harmed himself? Days? Months? Years, even? I saw how his eyes lit up when I held his hand. And that smile when I kissed him. He looked genuinely happy, happier than I had ever seen him.

I growl, hands going though my hair in frustration.
I get out of bed and walk over to the map of the UCA. A little less than half of America is lit up by the connected cities. I find myself smiling at this.

My e-mail suddenly pings as I get a new message.
I feel my heart skip a beat in...excitement? Happiness? when I see an e-mail from Lemuel.

My Dear Mr. Higgs,
Hello again. How is your journey to reconnect America going? I haven't heard from you in a while. I was beginning to become distraught at not hearing from you again. 😅 Forgive me if I am bugging you in any way. I hope to hear from you soon, my dearest Porter.
All my love,
Lemuel.

I smile, letting out a small laugh as I type back a response.

Dear Mr. Englert,
Thank you for being so sweet to me. I am so sorry for not getting in contact sooner. I ran into a few of the Homo Demens while traveling. Do not worry, I am in no way hurt. Do you need another pizza by any chance? This whole mission of connecting America is taking longer than I thought. Making a few simple deliveries should help me de-stress myself for a bit.
I hope you are doing well, my friend.
Oh, and you can refer to me as Troy, my real name. Or Higgs. Whatever works for you.
I wish you well.
-Troy.