No Turtle Doves
Title: No Turtle Doves
Author: tafidadarling
Fandom: The Social Network which belongs to Columbia Pictures.
Character(s)/Pairing(s): Mark/Eduardo, Sean, Dustin, Chris, Erica and Stephanie (Yeah, the girl Dustin asks Mark about.)
Rating: FRAO. Language, adult situations. Check warnings a mere millimeter down there.
Warnings: Mentions of non-consensual sex.
Summary: This is spoileralert1 's promt from the tsn_kinkmeme. It is an AU and set during their college years.
Notes: Title stolen from a song by a local artist Lauren Adams. I wish I could provide a link for it because she's amazing brilliant, but she doesn't have it anywhere. Oh, and this story kicked my butt. I'm still not sure how I feel about it. Parts I like. Others... not so much. I hope it's alright.
Cross posted to mark_eduardo, socialnetwrkfic and tsn_kinkmeme.
Eduardo hid his face behind the heavy textbook, the smell of fresh paper invading his senses. Peering over the top, he observed Mark as he sat across from him. Fingers flew over the keyboard, the clacking a constant soundtrack in the suite at Kirkland. Mark's steady gaze never left the screen. If he noticed Eduardo watching him, he didn't call him out on it. Dustin had.
Dustin had noticed weeks ago. He was not quite as dedicated as Mark when it came to his coding. He had been spinning in his chair when out of the corner of his eye he spotted Eduardo staring at Mark. Dustin would have thought nothing of it, but then Eduardo smiled. Truly smiled. Dustin couldn't help but wish someday someone might look at him that way. Then he internally gagged and went back to spinning around. Later that night when Eduado was leaving, Dustin ran after him.
"You do know he won't make the first move, right?"
Eduardo blinked, his hand still resting on the doorknob. Unmoving. Untelling. Finally he spoke. "What do you suggest I do?"
"Just tell him dude," Dustin said flashing a smile. "There's a party next Saturday. Take him out."
Eduardo walked away but not before he muttered, "I'll think about it."
It was now Saturday, and while Eduardo pretended to study economics, Mark was preoccupied writing a code for one of his classes. Dustin was trying to catch Eduardo's attention by making outlandish gestures. This caused Chris to crack up thinking he was just trying to distract their studious friend. Eventually Dustin gave up.
"So guys," he said. "Steph said her dorm floor is having a party tonight. We should all go."
"Who's Steph?" Mark asked, his typing never ceasing.
"Yeah, I bet she's made up," Chris joked. "I mean, Dustin? Talking to a girl?"
"Ow, that's harsh," Dustin whined. "Mark, you know Steph. Stephanie. She's in our programming class."
"Dustin, I'm not paying attention to girls during programming."
Dustin started waggling his eyebrows at Eduardo. "Come on guys. Let's go blow off some steam. I know Mark and Wardo are so busy. We don't have to stay long."
"I'm in," Chris said.
"Why not?" Mark mumbled. He clicked save and put his laptop away.
"So... Wardo?" Dustin, Chris and Mark all turned to look at Eduardo who was desperately wishing he could sink into the cushions. Mark had already agreed to go, and even if his idea of professing feelings at a loud college party was not the least bit romantic, he had to agree they could all use a night out.
"Okay. Let's go."
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The entire floor was covered in a cloud of smoke as people moved in and out of rooms. A stereo was set up near the staircase blasting some god awful pop song. Dustin grabbed them each a red plastic cup filled to the brim before disappearing into the crowd. Chris soon followed, leaving Mark and Eduardo alone.
"I never understood floor parties," Eduardo said. He had to shout over the music. "They're always so awkward."
"Maybe that's because you're awkward," Sean said slinking up beside him. Eduardo rolled his eyes.
"Hey Sean," Mark said. He immediately lit up. Sean had been in their math class the previous semester. He won Mark over with his charm, but Eduardo could see him for the sleazy asshole he was.
"It's good to see you again Mark," Sean replied. He had slung his arm around Mark's shoulders. "How is cyber space?"
"I'm working on a new line of code," Mark explained.
Eduardo sighed. "I'm going to find Dustin and Chris," he said, but Mark didn't hear. Mark didn't belong to him. Eduardo didn't even have a reason to be jealous, but it hurt to listen to Mark talk to Sean about his work. He never opened up to anyone concerning code. Not even his roommates who were also programmers. Eduardo knew he wouldn't understand, but he was willing to learn for Mark.
He found Dustin sitting Indian style on the floor at the end of the hall with two girls, one blonde and one brunette. Eduardo flopped down in front of them, drowning the rest of his drink and then stealing Dustin's. I'm going to get completely wasted tonight."
"I'm guessing things didn't go well with Mark," Dustin said. He continued, addressing the girls. "This was my love sick friend I was telling you about. Wardo, this is Steph and Erica."
"Pleasure." Eduardo tried to smile and shook the girls' hands before finishing Dustin's drink.
"So, what did Mark say?" Dustin said.
"I didn't say anything. Sean swooped in, and I couldn't deal with his bullshit tonight."
"Sean? Not Sean Parker?" Erica asked as she quickly raised to her feet. "I told him not to dare show his face here." She stormed off in the direction Eduardo had come from.
"Glad to know I'm not alone," he said. "Well, if you'll excuse me. It was nice to meet you Steph, but I need a refill."
"Wardo," Steph called out. He turned around and stared the two feeling odd as he towered over them. "Mark may seem emotionless, but you know he's not. Just talk to him."
"Thanks Steph."
Eduardo wandered around the floor until he found the keg. He refilled the cup, no longer sure if it was his or Dustin's. He downed it in one gulp before filling it yet again. Surveying the party, Eduardo Dustin and Stephanie talking where he left them, Erica marching around intent on finding Sean and Chris dancing in one of the rooms. No mark and no Sean. Eduardo needed another drink.
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Two hours and five drinks later, Eduardo ran into Erica again. She was standing next to the stereo looking fairly intimidating. Her eyes were shooting daggers. She stopped Eduardo on his way out. He stumbled and Erica steadied him.
"Are you going to be alright?" she asked. Eduardo nodded, but it made his hand spin and lose his balance again. Erica refused to let go as she started talking. "Did you see which way Sean went before? It's really important."
"No. I, uh, lost him and Mark. Can you at least loosen your grip? My arm's startin' to hurt."
"Sorry. I'm just angry. Not at you, obviously."
"Yeah, well, Sean has a way of pissin' people off."
"You think you can make it back to your dorm?"
"I'll be fine," Eduardo reassured her. "If you don't mind me asking, how do you know Sean?"
"We used to date. Fucker didn't know the meaning of 'no'."
"Oh, I'm sorry."
"It's not your fault. I got out that relationship while I could, before he could try again. You go be that knight in shining armor you can be and get Mark," Erica said with a slight smile.
"I will." Eduardo waved and gingerly walked down the stairs, holding onto the railing tightly. His own dorm was too far away, so he let himself into Kirkland. He flipped the switch on his way in bathing the suite in light. It hurt his eyes which he had open to barely slits. One quick trip to the bathroom to get tylenol and then he could crash on the couch. He wasn't expecting to see Mark lying on his bed trying hoodie strings and shoe laces together.
"Mark, what are you doing?" Eduardo's head was pounding too much to be dealing with this.
"Typing knots," Mark replied as if it made perfect sense.
"I mean, why?"
"Why not?" Mark said the second time that night.
Eduardo lay down next to Mark and watched his fingers struggle to tie the next knot. The ease with which they danced over the keyboard keys was missing. Eduardo didn't mean to bring Sean up. In fact, it was the last thing he wanted to do. Apparently, he was a glutton for punishment. "What happened to Sean?"
"Flew away," Mark mumbled.
"Flew? What are you talking about? Did you take something?"
"No. Sean tried to kiss me. I said it wasn't him that I wanted to kiss me. Then he flew away."
"I told you he was an asshole. Did you know Dustin's friend Erica dated him? He tried to... wait. Who do you want to kiss you?"
Mark looked at Eduardo incredulously. "I didn't say I wanted anyone in particular to kiss me."
"Is it me?" Eduardo asked before he could stop himself. He wasn't sure if he was thankful or not for the liquid courage as he leaned forward and sloppily kissed Mark.
Mark didnt' respond, but he didn't push Eduardo away. Feeling more confident, Eduardo maneuvered on top of Mark and roughly undid his belt. "Is this good?" he asked. Once again, Mark refused to answer. Eduardo groped Mark through his boxers. He moaned and let his head fall back, hitting the wall encouraging Eduardo to pull his pants and boxers off the rest of the way. He took Mark's hardening length into his mouth bobbing his head. It was far from perfect, but he had waited so long to see Mark like this that he would take it any way it was given to him.
He let Mark's cock slide out of his mouth an obscene pop so he could spit into his hand while with the other he worked his own pants open.
"This is going to hurt at first," Eduardo said. He slicked himself up as best he could before nudging Mark's legs apart. Mark was still silent except for his labored breathing. Eduardo kissed him again as he inched his way into Mark's tight channel. With no preparation, Mark yelled.
"Sssshhh... It'll get better," Eduardo muttered. He began a slow a pace, and they were soon too far gone. Eduardo had barely taken Mark's cock into his hand and he was coming. A couple more thrusts and Eduardo followed Mark into orgasm.
"Are you going to fly away too?" Mark asked. Eduardo was surprised to hear Mark speak at least, his voice cracking. He sounded younger and almost... scared.
"We are both going to be so hung over tomorrow. Look, I'm going to sleep on the couch and we'll talk about this... us when we wake up. Okay? I'm not going to fly away. I'll be right outside."
Mark nodded and pulled the blankets around him. He picked up the string he had been tying and continued where he left off. Eduardo slipped back into his clothes and stumbled to the couch. Although his eyelids were heavy, he found himself staring at the ceiling tiles until the sun began creeping in through the shades.
Eduardo had no idea how long he had been sleeping before the sound of an electronics avalanche woke him up. It could not have been long for instead of feeling hungover he still felt drunk, and by the sound of it, Mark was too. Eduardo attempted to stand and check on Mark. If a run away monitor knocked him out, he couldn't leave him there unconscious.
Eduardo's head hurt more once he lifted it from the cushion. He hadn't thought that could be possible. Seeing double, he blindly reached for the bedroom door and muttered a string of curses when he missed the doorknob the first try. Mark was standing amongst a pile of wires and CD ROMs looking thoroughly confused. He never looked confused.
"What happened last night?"
Eduardo ran his hand through his mussed hair and sighed. This was going to be hard. "Mark, if you don't..."
"I don't remember Wardo," Mark interrupted. "I know we went to that party. Everything else... it's just gone. Did you see a guy here last night?" Mark still managed to be calm, and Eduardo felt treacherous being the one to panic. Mark didn't remember anything. He had taken, or worse, been slipped something the night before.
"No, I didn't see anyone. I passed out on the couch pretty early. Why?"
"I think I was raped last night," Mark stated as if he were just announcing he was off to do some coding.
"What?!" Eduardo yelled. He grabbed Mark's shoulders then realized that even in the best of times he hated physical contact. He lowered his arms as Mark started talking again.
"Wardo, I need you to resist your instinct to freak out. I'm going to call the doctor, and we'll go to the hospital, okay?"
"How are you not freaking out? Are you sure?" Do you really not remember anything?"
"Yes, I'm sure. They'll probably find rohipnal in my system. Wardo, I need you to think. Did you see me with anyone last night? Someone we don't know? Someone suspicious looking?"
Eduardo knew. He knew then it had to be Sean who drugged Mark. He had an overwhelming desire to pin it all on him. He had intended to rape Mark when anyone could see if he just asked, Mark probably would have said yes. Even if Eduardo told him he'd been with Sean, he wouldn't believe it. No, Eduardo couldn't let Sean take the blame even if the fucking bastard slipped Mark roofies. Eduardo had to come clean and take responsibility for his actions.
"Wardo? Wardo, I said are you okay?" Mark was right in front of him, looking up through his lashes. "If you need to puke, go to the bathroom. I'm not in the mood to clean it up."
"Jesus Mark, I wouldn't make you clean it up!"
Mark smiled, actually smiled, and said, "I know." before leaving the room.
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He was going to tell him, he really was, but when Mark lightly squeezed Eduardo's hand in the waiting room, he couldn't bring himself to. They were separated. He got drunk and crashed at Kirkland. No one would be the wiser and he could forget all about this. The "culprit" would never be found since Mark insisted they don't call the police.
"How many people were at that party?" he had asked. "I don't remember anything. What good would it do?"
A nurse called Mark's name, and his fingers slipped from Eduardo's. "It'll be alright," he said as if Eduardo was the one who needed reassuring. He was.
"I'll be here when you're done," Eduardo replied trying to smile. Mark followed the nurse, disappearing behind the door. Soft rock was playing quietly on the radio, and the plastic shades on the window directed the sunlight into measured stripes on the carpet. Eduardo his his face behind some out-dated magazine. He couldn't make out the words behind the tears.
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The results were clean. Eduardo hugged Mark even though he was already in the middle of another coding marathon. He hadn't been going to class.
"Mark, if you ever need to talk about..."
"We're not talking about it," Mark snapped.
"No! No, I meant, you could go see someone. No one expect you to do this alone."
"I didn't do it alone," Mark muttered. "Wardo, I know I never said thank you, so yes. Thank you for going to the hospital with me, but I'm clean. There's nothing left to discuss. Now I move on."
He had not looked up once as he spoke, and Eduardo knew the conversation was over. Hanging his head, he got up to leave.
"Don't go," Mark said.
"I'm not going to fly away," Eduardo said, his voice cracking. Mark just shook his head and took Eduardo's beer from him.
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The next few weeks Mark hardly let Eduardo out of his sight. Eduardo took to sleeping on the couch at Kirkland rather than going back to his room. All of his books were there, and he'd study while Mark coded. At first he still had to drag Mark to meals and classes where he couldn't just send his work in an e-mail attachment. He thought they spent a majority of their time together before. He was wrong.
It wasn't uncomfortable, though. Mark listened to him now instead of ignoring when he would talk about his day. Mark took breaks from his insistent typing to quiz Eduardo for exams. Soon he put up little resistance leaving his computer when Eduardo said he had to eat or just get some fresh air. He seemed truly happy. Subtle, but it was there.
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Dustin was the first to nice once again. He thought about yelling 'God, just fuck already!' when he saw Eduardo staring at Mark, but then Mark looked up from his laptop, met Eduardo's gaze and smiled. He actually smiled. 'The might not be telling anyone yet,' he thought, 'but I damn well better get some credit for setting things in motion. Best man at least.'
Chris was next. He was leaving for his biology class when Mark and Eduardo came in from lunch. The doorway became crowded, and as Chris apologized for almost knocking his friends down, he noticed Mark leaned into Eduardo in order to let Chris through. He nodded knowingly and said, "Thanks man" before bolting. He was going to have to yell at Dustin for not telling him. He knew Dustin had been acting smug.
It seemed Eduardo was the last to see it, an then the guilt flooded back. It was all he had ever wanted, but Mark loved him for the wrong reason - being there for him when he was in trouble. Yet Eduardo had caused the trouble in the first place. He knew he had to tell Mark before he hurt him again. It might, no would, ruin their friendship, but it was the right thing to do, what he should have done all along.
The time came when they were sitting on Mark's bed once afternoon watching some movie on his laptop. Mark searched for Eduardo's hand under the blanket, threading their fingers together, and sighed contently. Eduardo felt like he couldn't breathe. His chest constricted and he pulled his hand back as if he touched hot coals.
"Mark, we have to talk," he said quietly.
Mark looked confused as he turned toward Eduardo. "What's wrong?" he asked.
"That night... after the party..."
"I wasn't raped," Mark said, interrupting him.
"Mark, no," Eduardo pleaded. "Listen to me."
"No, you listen to me. I know you wouldn't slip me drugs. Dustin said I was with Sean but left alone. I... I may have been high, but I wanted - want - this. Wen I woke up not knowing what happened, I was afraid to tell you at first. That you'd hate me then. You looked so distraught, though, and Wardo. Don't cry, please. You're making me uncomfortable."
Eduardo laughed through his sobs. "Sorry. I have emotions, you robot."
Mark frowned, but his eyes lit up. He took Eduardo's hand in his again before saying, "I do have emotions, and what I was trying to say, you cry baby, was that I love you."
Eduardo cradled Mark's face with his other hand and whispered, "I love you too" and pulled him in for a kiss. "I'm so sorry."
"Don't be. Let's just... do it right this time."
"Okay."
They were silent then, finishing the movie as they held hands under the blanket. Mark rested his head on Eduardo's shoulder, and Eduardo felt he did not deserve the trust that was there. He knew he'd be compensating, proving himself to Mark - Mark who, for some unexplainable reason, loved him despite his flaws. Eduardo smiled. He thought maybe, just maybe, he could live with that.