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Sparks	By : Cracknecks Category: +M through R > Roughnecks: Starship Trooper Chronicles Views: 1011 -:- Recommendations : 0 -:- Currently Reading : 0
Disclaimer: I do not own Roughnecks, they belong to Paul Verhoeven. I am only writing this for fun, I am not making money off of this

Chapter List
- 1-Sparks
- 1
Disclaimer: Ah yes, here it is. I don’t own anything here. The characters belong to their respective owners, I make no profit from this. Does contain the dreaded slash pairs so if you don’t like that kind of thing you should best hit the back button.
Love wasn’t supposed make things easier but it was supposed to last. At least that’s what Robert Higgins had always believed. He had believed that after surviving the war and facing the bigotry of Max’s own family the two could have faced any storm as long as they were together. He had been stupid though and had taken Max for granted. Worse yet, he had trivialized Max’s hopes and dreams. In one explosive fight Max had walked out and not glanced back. Robert had tried to talk with him but Max was firm on the stance that their relationship was over. Then the media had turned what should have been a private matter in a public media circus.
Neither could do anything without being followed although Max seemed to take pleasure in it. He openly announced he had ‘rediscovered’ the enjoyment of the fairer sex and was looking for a Ms. Right. Higgins had just wanted to grieve in private but he wasn’t even allowed that comfort as both entertainment news and papers were strewn with images of the ‘Roughneck playboy’ as Max had been dubbed, roving around town.
That had been 8 months ago and both had moved on. Max was dating some B-list actress and Robert was dating Ken, a sound editor on the nightly news cast that he anchored. Robert liked Ken enough but he couldn’t feel that ‘spark’, that thing that said it was something special. Earlier in the week when Robert had been at work, an invitation to the opening of Tegami, a new club in Vegas had arrived.
He figured a little weekend get-a-way might be just the thing for him and Ken to connect and bond. He’d buried himself in work lately especially when rumors of Max looking at engagement rings had started to circulate. When Robert had responded to the invitation the club owner was gracious enough to put the two of them up at a great hotel on the strip and even scheduled a driver to come pick them up and drive them to the opening.
As they had walked in Robert did his best to smile and wave to the cameras and gave Ken’s cheek a kiss before they entered. Once inside though he went straight to the bar. He needed something to loosen up before he began to make the usual social rounds that were necessary in these types of environments. Ken had followed close behind and before Robert had had a chance to order; Ken asked for two dry martinis. Robert had never been a fan of them but he could see that Ken was trying so he kindly accepted the drink when it was handed to him. Ken with a kiss to the cheek, said he had spotted someone he wanted to catch up with and left the bar.
Robert sighed and set the martini down after only a small sip when the bartender came back over and set a glass down next to him.
“For you sir.” She smiled.
“I didn’t order this though.” Robert looked at it oddly, a butter cream, a favorite drink of his. But who could have known? He hadn’t even mentioned it to Ken.
“It’s a gift from the party at the booth.”
Robert turned in the direction she nodded and was shocked to see Max, his girlfriend and several other ladies. As their eyes met, Max just smiled and raised his glass. The girlfriend and her friends waved to Higgins cordially before the group started talking again.
Before the bartender left Robert ordered a bottle of Crown Royal and asked it to be delivered to the booth with his thanks. He watched as the waiter brought it over and began to pour. Max didn’t look his way but Robert could see the knowing smirk. Ken returned a little while later and the two started to mingle.
Whenever his drink would empty another would miraculously find its way into Robert’s hand and he’d send another bottle of Crown Royal. After a few hours he was feeling buzzed and claustrophobic, Robert excused himself and headed out the back to grab a smoke. A horrible habit he just couldn’t kick despite Ken’s best attempts to get him to quit.
He was just reaching for his lighter, cigarette already between pursed lips when he heard the door open and someone else walk out into the ally. He turned to see Max walking towards him.
“Hey…” It was all he could think to say as Max came to stand beside him. “Thanks for the drinks.” He finally managed to locate his lighter and fumbled around as he tried to strike the flame up.
With a frustrated sigh Max snatched the lighter away. There was a sharp click and soon a flame was beneath the cigarette.
Robert took a long draw and sighed as he leaned back. “Thanks…so what brought you out here?”
“Well someone’s gotta make sure you don’t fall and hurt yourself.”
Robert waved his hand dismissively and started to walk away, stumbling every few steps. “I can handle myself just fine without your help.” He said bitterly and grabbed hold of the ally wall, trying to steady himself.
Max only sighed and set a hand on Robert’s shoulder. “The fuck you can. Even with those frilly drinks you can’t hold your liquor.”
His eyes narrowed and Robert’s lips curled into a sneer. “Yes well thank you for your concern but I’m fine!” He went to knock Max’s hand away but the world suddenly started to spin and he found himself falling. His body tensed for the inevitable impact but it never came. Instead he felt Max holding onto his upper arm and being gradually pulled back onto his feet.
“You want to tell me another fairytale, Paperboy?” Max chuckled as he helped Robert get steady again. “Maybe the one about the seven dwarfs?”
Robert set his hands on Max’s chest and looked up at him. His face was only inches away and before he knew it, he had cupped Max’s cheeks in his hands and kissed him. He expected rejection but instead he felt himself roughly pushed up against the wall as Max’s tongue forced its way into his mouth. Robert wrapped his arms around Max’s neck as he did his best to hold back a moan of pleasure.
Smirking, Max tugged at Robert’s shirt, pulled the ends out of his waistband and then pushed it up, enjoying the feeling of Robert’s lithe body squirming as his hands slid around now bare skin. Pulling his hands out Max reached up, grabbed Robert’s hands from around his neck and forced them above his head, pinning him to the wall by his wrists.
Robert gave a pleading whimper and writhed in pleasure as Max started to kiss and suckle at his neck. He managed to get one hand free and started to undo his shirt. Eventually Max released his other hand so he could get the buttons undone quicker and with each bit of exposed skin, Max would plant a kiss right down to the waist of his slacks. Robert blushed with embarrassed when Max looked up at him was a knowing smirk, he was already hard.
Both of Max’s hands came to rest on the front of Robert’s slacks and with a simple flick of his thumb, he had undone the button and then unzipped the fly by grabbing the tab with his teeth. He heard Robert whimper again and quickly stood back up. Max gently turned him around so Robert was facing the wall and wrapped one arm around his waist while his free hand went to ease Robert out of his underwear giving the length a tender squeeze at the base. Max grinned and nipped at Robert’s neck enjoying the moan the other man let out.
“Just relax.” Max whispered into his ear as he started to move his hand up and down.
Robert just whimpered and bit down on his own fist to keep from crying out. This wasn’t right, they were with other people now but he couldn’t deny it, there was still something there. The spark, that thing that said this one was different from any relationship he had before. His eyes were screwed shut and his chest quivered. He could feel Max’s lips on the back of his neck again and God he was getting so close when it suddenly stopped.
He glanced back to see Max grinning and then felt both hands rest on his hips, thumbs hooking through the belt loops and pushing his pants, then his boxers down to his thighs. Max’s tongue traced the outline of his left ear earning a small shudder from Robert, then he felt Max slowly start to ease into him, eliciting a low groan. Panting, Robert put his forehead against the cold brick as his hands moved to seek out Max’s, fingers entwining.
Max was painfully slow at first, drawing each movement out just to tease him but eventually he started to increase his speed, knowing if they played much longer they could be caught.
Robert chewed on his lower lip to keep from calling out as he climaxed, back arching into Max’s chest. His body trembled as he felt Max let go of his hands and pull out. Turning around he saw Max smiling at him tenderly with those warm brown eyes. Robert reached up to brush some of the sweat matted hair out of Max’s eyes.
In response Max leaned in and kissed his lips, “I love you.” He whispered softly as he started to button Robert’s shirt once Robert had pulled his slacks back up. Max then started to straighten out Robert’s sports coat and as Robert tried to help, Max warmly took and kissed the back of Robert’s hands. “I don’t think I ever really stopped.”
“W-What are we going to do?” Robert finally managed to find his voice but it was shaky, his chest still heaving from the exertion of moments before.
“What can we do?” Max took a few moments to straighten out his own clothing before heading back inside.
Robert waited a few moments before following. He sought out Ken and found him talking with a few well-known Fed Net reporters. Ken took his hand and affectionately introduced Robert as the ‘better half’. Robert only smiled and did the best he could to hide the feeling of guilt that was welling up inside of him.
“Looks like the party’s starting to wind down.” Ken mused a few hours later. “Think we should head out?”
“Probably,” He sighed as he looked around. People were still enjoying themselves but it was much quieter than it had been in the early evening. Most were now standing off to the sides, chatting and drinking. “Yeah, let’s go. I‘ll go and pay the bill.” As he went to the bar Robert tried to look for Max but couldn’t find him. When he asked to pay the bar tender told him that his bill had already taken care of. Robert gave a little chuckle, no longer together and Max still insisted on paying for everything.
Returning to Ken the two started out and Ken attempted to wrap an arm around Robert’s waist and pulled him in close. Frowning, Robert shifted a bit before pulling away, only to stumble.
“Tonight’s shit-show will be starring Robert Higgins,” He muttered to himself before surrendering to Ken and leaning against him for support.
Ken only chuckled and rubbed Robert’s side as he hailed the driver to take them back to the hotel. “You have a good time tonight?”
He was quiet for a few moments as he tried to think of what to say. Robert finally gave a slight nod. “A little crowded and loud though, that’s why I went outside. Didn’t mean to ditch you like that…” How could he tell Ken about Max, about what happened in the ally? Getting in the car he buried his face in his hands.
Ken started to gently rub Robert’s back in small circles. “Feeling sick?”
“Yeah…” Only it wasn’t just the alcohol that was making his stomach churn.
Once back at the hotel, Robert locked himself in the bathroom and tried to pull himself together. His head was spinning and he was starting to believe that the entire encounter had been nothing but an alcohol fuelled hallucination but his sore muscles and the hickey on his neck were evidence enough. How the hell was he going to explain that? Would Ken believe it was a rash, no, he wasn’t that stupid. After a quick shower, Robert walked out and flopped down onto the bed.
“Just wake me when the world stops spinning.” He mumbled from the pillow. He could hear Ken chuckle and the bed shift as his lover draped an arm over his shoulders.
“Feel better.” Ken kissed his cheek and went to turn out the lights as Robert attempted to burry himself in the covers, pulling them over his head. He spent the night in a restless sleep, flash backs from that evening’s encounter replaying in his dreams.
The next morning, Robert couldn’t believe it but he felt worse than the night before. His head felt like it weighed 50 pounds and he swore he could hear his own heartbeat pounding in his ears. The flight back to Los Angeles was thankfully short and there was little turbulence. When Ken dropped him off at his apartment, Robert gave him a chaste kiss goodbye and a hasty, “See you on Monday.” Before heading inside.
He checked his messages and went to get some ice and more aspirin for his still aching head. Lying on the couch, Robert sighed and tried to think about what to do. The best thing was to break it off with Ken as soon as possible. Right now though he just wanted to sleep, the pain was finally starting to ebb and the pounding was nonexistent. As he closed his eyes, his hand went to his neck, fingers feeling over the mark Max had left. His lips curled into a smile as he remembered the previous night but then the guilt came again. Rolling onto his side, Robert let out a sigh and tried to catch up on the sleep he’d missed.
Robert carried on with life as usual for the next few weeks although in the days following the trip to Vegas he did finally break it off with Ken. If the other man had any idea of the reasons behind it he never showed it and Robert was grateful for that. What infuriated him to no end was that he hadn’t heard from Max. Not even a text message, it was like nothing had happened.
On his way to work on day Robert headed to his usual coffee shop. He was standing in line when he felt someone tap him on the shoulder, he glanced back to see Max now standing behind him. The snot-nosed brat had grown into a rather imposing man, standing 6’5” with broad shoulders and a solid, barrel chest. It belied his surprisingly soft albeit sarcastic personality.
Max smirked at the surprised look on Robert’s face, “Funny running into you here.”
“Not really, it’s on the way to work.” Robert turned back to look straight forward. “But you knew that. So, what brings you here”
“I was in the area.” He said before holding something over Robert’s shoulder. “You still take it sweeter than all get out and extra cream?”
Robert eyed the cup suspiciously before accepting it and stepping out of the line. “The only difference between how I take my coffee and yours is the cream. So you were in the area? It’s a 2 hour drive from San Diego to here…”
He sipped his coffee and shrugged. “Jen’s shooting a pilot for a new TV series in the area. I decided to tag along, I had furlough time coming to me.”
“And you just thought to come by here and grab coffee?”
Max motioned to a booth in a quiet corner and went to sit. “Maybe I just wanted a good cup of coffee. The Kraft service people can’t brew up a half-decent cup to save their lives.”
“And this?” Robert raised his cup. “You were planning on drinking two?”
Max only shrugged.
“So how are you and…”
“Jen,” He finished. “We’re ok. She’s just busy with work and I’m just killing time until all the paperwork is completed and I’m out of the Infantry. They seem to be taking their damn sweet time.”
Robert looked down at the cup in his hands and nodded. SICON was notorious for the lag in paperwork when a trooper wanted to leave. He could only assume they were working at a snail’s pace when one of the legendary Roughnecks wanted out. “So are you still planning on opening that football camp?”
“Yeah, but I’m thinking about going to school for teaching.” Max scratched the back of his head, “Gotta have a fall back plan.”
Robert smiled a little, “Good plan. They always like to hire citizens before civilians.”
“So, you still with that Ken guy?”
“No, we broke up.” He stated before taking another sip. “Just wasn’t feeling it but that’s life I guess.”
Max frowned and started to rotate the cup in his hands. “I see…You know, I did mean what I said before.”
“Really, I couldn’t tell.” Robert muttered his voice growing cold. “I haven’t heard from you.”
Max sat back, sighed and scratched at his nose. A nervous habit Robert had always thought of as adorable. “I’m sorry about that but I’m here now.”
Higgins glanced at the clock and quickly finished the rest of his coffee. “I should get going or I’ll be late. I hope Jen’s pilot is successful and thanks for the coffee.”
As he got up Max remained seated and didn’t move. Robert had hoped he would at least try and stop him or say something more but there was nothing. As much as he wanted too Robert knew he couldn’t stop, he had to at least appear composed. He forced a smile as he entered into the Fed Net building and headed straight to his office, slamming the door shut behind him.
“Damn it,” Robert hiccupped as he tried to suppress the sorrow that had formed and threatened to overflow. Once he regained his composure, he headed to his desk to sift through the articles that needed his approval.
Over the next few weeks Robert all but slept in his office. He was craving the distraction of work and nicotine, his smoking habit going to nearly a pack a day. He finally hit rock bottom when Dizzy had called to check in on him and she flat out said he looked like crap.
“Get out and get some sunshine.” She ordered, “Just do something other than work. You need to start taking care of yourself.”
Robert rolled his eyes. “Thanks mom.”
“Don’t give me that crap!” Barked Dizzy, causing him to jump a bit, “Higs…we’re all just really worried about you. You know you can talk to us right? We’re still gonna be there for one another.”
“I know but this is something I have to work out by myself. I was offered a position at the New York office and I’ve been thinking of taking it. Get away from everything here, start fresh.”
“You mean get away from someone, believe me it won’t make things easier.” She told him softly. “I should know.”
Robert started to rub his temples before reaching for another cigarette and lighting it up, ignoring the groan of dismay from Dizzy. “It just seems like the best option, too many memories in this town.” He figured it would be a good time to change the subject. “Have you heard from any of the others?”
“Yeah, I’ve heard from Doc, he’s doing good, working on opening his own practice. Carl is impossible to get in contact with but that’s INTEL for you. Zim, well no one’s heard from him or Redwing since their wedding and I’d rather not think any more about that. Oh! Goss called a couple of days ago. He and Carmen are finally going out.”
Robert just started laughing. “Oh God, those two!? The world is going to end!”
“I told him the same thing.” Dizzy smiled a little. “Seriously though Higs, just go out for a little bit. It’ll do you a lot of good to get some fresh air.”
He dropped his head. “Alright, I’ll go out for a bit.”
“Today Higs,” She ordered. “I don’t want any excuses.”
“Fine,” He sank lower in his chair. “I’ll go out right now, just to make you happy, Okay?”
Dizzy nodded in approval and wished him well before closing the connection. With a defeated sigh Robert snuffed the cigarette out and went to grab his coat. The weather was starting to turn from summer into fall and the scent of rain was heavy in the air. As he walked, Robert started to think about the job at the New York office. Taking over the Fed Net morning show would be a huge promotion but he didn’t know if it was what he really wanted. Sure the extra money would be fun but he loved journalism and the morning show was more special that respectable news reporting.
He’d wandered a few blocks from his place when the first drops of rain started to fall. With a grumble Robert started to turn around and head back home when the sky suddenly opened up in a torrential downpour that sent everyone running for the nearest shelter.
He waited under an awning of a news stand for it to stop or at least slow down but after 10 minutes it showed no signs of doing so. Already soaked, Robert figured the extra water wouldn’t kill him and started to head back to his place. As he turned the corner onto his street he saw someone sitting on the steps to his building. Getting closer, he recognized the mountain-like bulk of Max. As he stopped at the base of the steps, Max stood up.
“What?” Robert brushed past Max as he started up the steps. “You were just in the area again and thought you’d stop by for a cup a tea?”
“I broke it off with Jen,” Was his flat response.
Robert stopped at the door and turned around, “You what?”
“I said I broke it off with her.” He repeated, “It just wasn’t working out.” Max remained fixed to the steps. “But that’s not why I’m here; I’m here because I wanted to see you. I love you, Goddamn it!” Max yelled out. “I wanted to stop, I tried too, but I couldn’t and it pissed me the hell off because you, of all people, had hurt me. When you said those things, when you made it sound like I was some idiot who couldn’t do anything but soldier, it hurt and I wanted nothing more than to hurt you.”
“What are you trying to say?” He finally asked.
“What I’m trying to say is I’d like to give us another shot. If it doesn’t work than I can at least say I tried. So, what do you say Paperboy? I’m just two steps away.”
Robert paused for several moments. “You’re wrong,” He said softly, looking down. “That’s at least three steps for me.”
“You doofus,” Max climbed the stairs until the two were standing in front of one another. Reaching up, he ran his fingers through Robert’s hair and kissed his forehead. “God I love you so much.” He murmured, pulling him in close.
Robert gently pushed away and started to unlock the door. “W-we should probably go inside.” He whispered as he felt a blush starting to creep over his cheeks.
Max only gave a nod and held the door open for him. In the apartment, Robert helped Max out of his wet jacket and then grabbed a towel for him to dry off with before he went to change into something dry himself.
“How long were you out there?” He asked, having gotten another towel for Max to dry his hair with. “You are soaked to the bone.”
“I don’t know, a while. I thought you had just stepped out to get the mail.” He let the towel drape over his shoulders and reached out to pull Robert in close. “Thanks…”
Robert playfully pushed him away and grinned. “You smell like a wet dog! Go take a shower. I’ll throw your clothes in the dryer.”
Max smirked, “You want to join me?”
He only rolled his eyes and threw a wet towel at Max. “No. Now go.”
Max laughed as he headed into the bathroom. He peeled his clothes off and set them by the door, “My offer still stands!”
Robert only gave an exasperated sigh and pulled the bathroom door closed to give Max some privacy, as he went to put the wet clothes in the dryer.
The next day the entertainment papers were abuzz with the news Max had spent the night at Higgins place and most were saying that the two were back together as Max was photographed smiling proudly during the ‘walk of shame‘ to his car that morning.
As soon as he was out of the Infantry, Max moved back in with Robert. Robert decided to take the position in New York and Max agreed to come with him. There were quite a few schools that were known for the teaching programs out that way.
One morning when the apartment was mostly packed up Higgins awoke to Max making breakfast. He’d never admit it but Max knew his way around a kitchen and could cook well. He said it was because of all the extra KP duty Zim had dumped on him during basic.
The local paper and coffee were already laid out and without another thought, Robert sat down and opened the paper only for something to fall out and hit the table with a metallic click, a gold and circular something. Robert looked at the ring in silence, his mouth open.
“Is this…I mean, is it?”
“Funny,“ Max smirked. “For the guy who makes a living talking, you seem short on words.” Turning off the stove, he went to sit next to Robert. “Well?”
Robert continued to stammer before he finally nodded and went to slip the ring on. “Yes!” He managed to get out before hugging him.
Max hugged back and kissed him before affectionately brushing his nose against Robert’s. “I love you.”
Love wasn’t supposed to make things better. It didn’t make every problem magically fade away or the sun rise in the morning. Love just made things worth trying for.
- 1
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Sparks