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Note: English is not my first language, beware of possible mistakes!

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A month after the depositions, Eduardo recieves an email. He freezes when he sees from whom it came.

no subject

from Marck Zuckerberg

to Eduardo Saverin

We need to talk. You choose the day, hour and place that's good for you. I don't mind flying there.

Mark

An answer is instantly taking form in his mind: Really, how kind of you to let me choose, but then he realizes that he's not supposed to answer at all, because why would he? He certainly didn't even consider meeting with Mark, why even bother to pick up a fight with the guy?

He tries to be angry at Mark's arrogance, the tone of authority of his message, the fact that he had probably taken for granted that Eduardo would meet him. But his actual anger (it's more of a disappointment) is at himself for the impulse of responding to Mark, as if it was something natural that he had contacted Eduardo, as if he had not just sued him for betrayal, as if there was still any trace left of intimacy between them. There wasn't. He had not known Mark at all; only found out who he was when he had stabbed him from behind.

And still, his instincts had almost pushed him towards Mark like the last three years were nothing.

He knew what to do. Next time, he wouldn't even open the fucking mail.

Except two days later, Mark has replied to his own message and Eduardo doesn't even hesitate to read it.

No subject

From Marck Zuckerberg

To Eduardo Saverin

I understand if you're too busy. As I said, it's no problem for me to come over. It won't take too much of your time ok? Just… we have to talk. You know.

M

Even if he should be reprimanding himself for giving in and reading, he can't help noticing the change in Mark's tone, almost like he's kind of pleading. Which doesn't mean Eduardo's going to comply, like he always did before, back when he couldn't say no to Mark and he thought it was ok doing it for someone he cared so much. He had not realized how damaging this behavior was until the day he had entered Facebook's headquarters only to find his shares had been diluted to 0,3%. So, Eduardo also blamed himself for what happened, for never standing up to Mark when he should. He had just been too blind.

The worst thing was Mark had never really noticed how Eduardo always gave in to him. He probably saw it as the most natural thing in the world – people doing his will.

And there he was, focusing on Mark again, when he knew it would take him nowhere. It didn't matter what Mark thought of him anymore. What mattered was that he would have to act differently from now on, otherwise he would be damned. Again.

Still, Mark's pleading tone doesn't leave his mind for a minute, feeding, against his will, that small part of him that stupidly believes things between them could be sorted out.

No subject

From Marck Zuckerberg

To Eduardo Saverin

Ok, I see, you're still mad, I get it. That's reasonable. It's what I wanted to talk about, you know? So, will you give me a chance?

MZ

So his anger was reasonable. How reassuring. Only Mark could call it that. Only Mark would find himself in the right to judge his feelings, like yeah, I can give you permission to be mad, that's reasonable for inferior beings. And what the hell did he have to say about it anyway? Eduardo let a bitter laugh escape his mouth. Did Mark actually believe he could solve everything just because he suddenly decided he wanted to?

How dare he?

He felt a wave of renewed fury wash trough his body. Mark had managed to make things even worse, he had already gone off limits but it seemed his ability to be a jerk was endless.

And there he was, freaking out all over again.

No subject

From Marck Zuckerberg

To Eduardo Saverin

Can I just call you?

Subject: no

From Eduardo Saverin

To Marck Zuckerberg

Don't.

And at the moment he had decided to reply, even if it was to say no, Eduardo new he was inviting Mark back into his life, even if he tried to convince himself otherwise at first. And when Mark asks him why he couldn't call (and nothing in his message suggested he was slightly hurt by Eduardo's answer), he realizes there was no logic in Because I don't wish to talk to you, as it was already talking so he should either accept his proposal or not give him any answer at all. Never ever. And no, he wasn't ready for that. He was ok with ignoring Mark. He was not ok with being forced to decide right away that things were definitely over between them. Yes, he considered himself weak for that. And stupid.

So he opted for agreeing to talk. Maybe it would be easier to make himself clear using his voice. Or maybe things would go a different way.

It was a terrible day of work. He couldn't concentrate for a minute. Tonight Mark was going to call him and he already regretted settling this in the middle of the week. It was going to be a useless day now. Aside from the tightness in his chest and the hours that wouldn't go by, he still wasn't sure he had made the right choice. If he wasn't sure he ever wanted to be friends with Mark again, why had he accepted this?

On top of everything, it was definitely ridiculous that he was not only concerned with himself. He was worried about Mark. Worried about the fucking bastard. What if he had given him hope and ended hurting him even more?

As if Mark cared this much. Still, Eduardo was a decent person. Didn't wish to mess with anyone's feelings. He knew it wasn't only his responsibility, but still. He would try his best to solve things in the best way for them both, even if it involved never talking to Mark again.

When the phone ringed, he was on the verge of a nervous breakdown and his heart almost jumped out of him. He answered it right way, because he wasn't going to play hard to get and let Mark wait. He had not patience for games.

"Hi". – he said in a voice that was smaller than he had intended.

From the other side of the line, the voice he knew so well sounded as confident as ever.

"Hi. How are you doing?" - Mark spoke, as quickly as he ever did.

That one he couldn't answer, at least not without giving an entire speech.

"Ok, I realize that was stupid."

Mark said that and went silent. Eduardo waited a few moments, expecting him to go on, like he was used to, always the one to lead their conversations. When the silence went on, he realized Mark was waiting for him to speak. That was weird, Mark actually waiting for him. He sighed.

"What do you want?"

"Already told you; we need to talk." – came the slightly annoyed reply. Good old Mark.

"We are talking. I'm listening."

"Don't be ridiculous, you do realize we can't solve this on the phone!"

Silence.

"Ok, I didn't call you ridiculous all right?"

Before Eduardo could complain, he went on.

"No, listen! Your attitude was ridiculous. Come on, Wardo, you know it's not possible!"

Mark's voice had trembled when he called him that and the rest of the sentence had sounded insecure, his usually cool tone a bit too high. Maybe he expected to be reprimanded. Eduardo was not going to call attention to this. He didn't wish to go there now.

"Mark. How come you started looking for me out of nothing?"

"See? That's what I'm talking about. It wasn't out of nothing. You assume whatever you want and how am I supposed to unmake this mess using only a damn phone…"

"What do you mean I assume whatever I want?" – Eduardo's tone is dangerously calm and he can hear Mark gulping, he can almost see the way his eyes widen slightly whenever he's caught by surprise, which is rare.

"I… It wasn't out of nothing. It wasn't at all. I'd been waiting for you to make contact, assuming you were angry and needed your time to calm down, but then the weeks went by and you wouldn't show up, and I just… I had to do something." – Mark sounded honestly lost. Which didn't stop Eduardo from getting angrier.

"I just needed time to calm down? Is that how you see it?"

'Am I wrong? How should I see it then? You can tell me" – Mark's voice is a curious mix of defiance and apprehension and Eduardo almost starts throwing everything at his face. He's able to get a hold of himself in time to prevent further humiliation, though. His jaw tightens. Mark is a manipulative bitch.

He doesn't have to justify his actions. He's not getting all worked up over this.

So he simply hangs up on Mark.

Problem is, next day he can't get it out of his mind. Tomorrow will be better, he hopes, but it isn't. Neither is the next day, or the next. And when the week has passed without him getting any peace of mind, he decides it's enough.

Lets meet – he growls on the phone, and can totally picture Mark's smirk at his one more victory.

They are meeting at a coffee shop on the surroundings of Eduardo's house. Mark is the one taking a flight as he had suggested himself. He also said they could set this up to 10am even if his plane was landing at 6, because it was a Saturday and he didn't wish Eduardo to lose his rest.

Not that he had slept at all. When the clock shows 7am, after rolling and tossing on his bed all night, he resists the urge to call Mark and tell him he could go straight to the place. Instead, he just lies down, trying to catch at least a little sleep, and by the time he finally manages to relax, it's time to get up.

Sometimes, Eduardo really believes he likes to torture himself.

He gets there 10 minutes earlier and Mark's already there. He hasn't ordered anything and looks up at Eduardo as soon as he enters the shop, as if he had been doing it every minute. It's not typical of him; Eduardo is used to sitting down in front of Mark without even being acknowledged. And there's usually a big, half drunk something on the table.

This time, Mark looks at him, but his eyes go down as Eduardo approaches his place. Morning, he says, and finally looks up again, his face unreadable. Eduardo mumbles something in reply, not quite facing Mark. He calls the waitress and orders

One coffee (black) with a whole grain bagel and cream cheese – and Mark opens his mouth to order his but Eduardo is ahead of him – and a double cappuccino with a muffin for him.

The waitress looks at Mark with the note on her hands and she's silently waiting for him to confirm, since she clearly saw his startled expression. Mark nods at her and she leaves.

Eduardo finally looks directly at him. Mark holds his gaze, and it is a tense moment, but he can't help saying "Well, I was actually going to order a bagel this time. It could even be a whole grain one", because it's true, he's come to choose whole grain foods recently, and Eduardo blinks at him, with a look of disbelief, like Really? After years of me begging you to be healthier, you choose now to start it? And Mark shrugs, because it won't make sense if he explains that he had missed Eduardo so much he kind of started following his advices if only to keep something about him.

They don't say anything else, waiting for their orders, as if they knew that whatever was coming, it would go better with full stomachs. Eduardo has crossed his arms and Mark knows that's his defensive posture. He's looking around restlessly. Mark's tapping his fingers on the table, missing his keyboard.

Their food comes and Mark loads his drink with sugar and misses Eduardo reprimanding him with disapproval (and care) written all over his face. He ends up sweetening his cappuccino a little too much only to see what Eduardo would do, but he only raises an eyebrow while taking a huge bite of his bagel.

Mark doesn't look like he's going to initiate anything. He's got that uninterested attitude on his surface but Eduardo knows better, at least this time. Mark sometimes shots him nervous glances and it's because their last talk had ended with him screwing up even worse. He won't risk starting this because he doesn't have a clue.

"So, what is it that you wanted to say, Mark?" – Eduardo asks, and he's decided he's not starting it with a fight, because he knows he would be the only one to be affected. So his plan is letting Mark do most of the talking, because he never does and he's the one who has to explain himself.

"I… You're still mad at me." – and he tries to sound as if it's just a statement, but Eduardo's able to catch the slight complaining in his tone.

He breaths deeply.

"Shouldn't I?"

"There's no way I knew it would go so far."

"I don't believe you"

"I've wanted us to talk since the… since the dilution. But it was not possible."

"Why not?"

"Well, you were suing me. I figured you didn't want to talk."

"And what changed now?"

"Well, I guessed by now you'd have thought better and… hum… made contact. When you didn't, I realized you didn't intend to anymore." – and his tone sounds neutral while his eyes go from openly facing Eduardo to staring pointedly at a napkin on their table. His faked lack of interest pisses Eduardo off more than ever, but his words are worse.

"Mark. Are you holding me responsible for the end of our friendship?"

"You're certainly the one who decided to put an end on it!"

"You still don't see my reasons. Even after the lawsuit?"

"I saw that you mixed everything up!"

Eduardo stood up and Mark flinched. He tossed some cash on the table, much more than needed to cover his bill and Mark's.

"I don't have to listen to this bullshit." – his voice came louder than he intended, but he couldn't give a damn.

"Wait, we're not done." – Mark said, grabbing his wrist before he could take one step further. Everyone was probably staring now, but neither of them cared. Eduardo looked down at him and instead of fury, Mark saw nothing. It was wrong. Eduardo always let his emotions show up. He was shielding himself.

"It was never meant to go this way. Don't you get it? It had nothing to do with us, it was all about Facebook. I understand it was your right to sue me for Facebook's issues. I don't understand how other issues got caught in the middle of it."

"You think I sued you for Facebook's issues?"

"No. You made it pretty clear it was completely personal." – and there was evident mockery. Mark realized it too late and lowered his gaze. He looked sorry. It was probably so natural to him that it had escaped his mouth.

Eduardo was silent at this. He wouldn't deny his reasons had been far from professional. It's not that he had consciously decided to sue him as an excuse to throw on his face all he always wanted simply happened. Each day during the lawsuit, he couldn't help bringing personal issues, because Mark was there, he was properly listening for the first time, and Eduardo just couldn't hold back anymore, even if it was pathetic that his friend would only pay attention to him with such drastic measures. Mark had listened so carefully because he didn't want to lose. Wasn't it?

Mark shaking his hand brought him back.

"If our friendship was affected, it wasn't my intention."

Eduardo shook his head. He perfectly understood this was Mark's weird apology. Normally he would have smiled at this and accepted.

"You keep dismissing your responsibility."

Mark noticed he was still holding Eduardo's hand, let it go and blushed. Eduardo did his best to ignore it. But he didn't leave his place.

"I'll have to disagree with you. I'm here and I'm facing you and I want us to start over."

Mark admitting to need him again. Also, Mark believing he could always had what he wanted. It both made him hopeful and pissed him off.

"I don't believe you're being completely honest. Either that or you're really obtuse, and while I can understand you're not particularly good at personal issues, I don't buy your 'It wasn't on purpose' talk"

Mark actually shut up at this and tightened his jaw, glaring. Now he was being honest. Probably realizing Eduardo was not overlooking his mistakes this time, as he had always done before, which by the way was only his fault.

This is it, Eduardo thought. If Mark cared in the slightest, he would be forced to give in now. He strongly resisted the sudden urge to make everything easier for Mark.

"Ok. How do you want to do it then? Questions and answers? Or just a big, cover-everything deposition from me?" – and he was attacking because Eduardo had hit the nail. He wouldn't lose a bit of his calm.

"This is not another fucking lawsuit Mark. God, don't make this any harder, you're the one who called me here!"

"I know! It's just… I'm afraid… It won't work if I just go speaking my mind ok?"

Really, you only realized that now, Eduardo couldn't help but think.

"Well, I'd rather hear the truth than nothing, which is all I have now."

"I would. But you sued me first."

"You betrayed me, Mark. You went behind my back."

"I was going to talk to you, I was! But it needed to be done quickly! Sean said the investors wouldn't wait, and you were travelling, and I didn't want to give you the bad news over the phone…"

"Sean said? You did it because Sean told you to?" – Eduardo's tone came low and threatening but what he said truly angered Mark

"No! I did it because it was the best for Facebook! It was pure business!"

"That's what I'm saying, you easily sacrificed our friendship because of business!"

"I didn't sacrifice it! I believed we would talk it over and you…

"And I would understand and forgive it like I always do, right?"

Mark had the decency to stay silent, though it was obvious he still wanted to argue. Meanwhile, a battle was going on Eduardo's mind. There was anger and guilt and helplessness.

Then, Mark was speaking and his tone was soft, for once.

"I had no idea you resented so many things I had done, Wardo. You only made me know at the lawsuit. The dilution was not the cause. It was just your limit. You exploded."

Eduardo looked up at him. Mark had a pained expression.

"I don't blame you."

Eduardo felt a familiar sting in his eyes. Then there was wetness. "Wardo", Mark was calling, reaching for him, but he had already stood up, turning his back on Mark. The place was suddenly too crowded, too loud. He walked outside. The tears were insistent. He couldn't hold them, but he cried silently, tightening his lips.

When he felt he could get a hold of himself again, he returned to his place. Mark had his head slightly bowed. He looked ashamed. Eduardo let out a deep breath and took his sit.

"Are… are you ok?" – Mark asked uncertainly

Eduardo nodded silently. He noticed Mark still looked distressed.

"I'm not implying I was unaware that I screwed up a lot as a friend… It's just that I never did anything to change it. And you… you never censored me. And then Facebook came and I was blinded by it, I saw it as the first thing I accomplished that really mattered. I had to make it work and I did everything in my power to do it right, and I'm sorry Wardo, but regarding this, I don't regret my decisions. And then, you were suing me. I was so shocked to learn everything you said at the lawsuit. You made me realize what an asshole I was. But I was so angry. Angry with you, ´cause I felt like you deserted Facebook and, well, me. Angry with myself, for letting things go out of control. And only after it was over and you were gone, I… I really…"

Eduardo resisted the urge to reach out for Mark's hand and sooth him and calm him. Mark had to face the trouble of explaining himself this time. But he looked so distressed that Eduardo wished he could hold him.

"Anyway, I don't know if anything I said will make a difference for you."

Eduardo looked seriously at him. He opened his mouth, then closed it, before shaking his head.

Mark held his breath, thinking that now Eduardo would decide if it was ok between them.

Eduardo said nothing, though. His head was bowed and he looked distant and lost in his thoughts. Mark lowered his gaze and tried to wait silently. The main things had been said. It was up to Eduardo now. There was nothing else he could do, right?

Mark loathed the idea of something not depending on him. It felt so weird not having Eduardo's reassurance as soon as he had opened himself to him. Not having him instantly understand Mark's reasons.

On his part, he still couldn't completely grasp Eduardo's reasons. He had not lied; he understood how selfish he had been. But on his opinion, Eduardo had also gone too far. Was it impossible for them to ever be how they were before?

Why wasn't he reaching for Mark with that stupid smile of his and saying they were ok?

"Let's go? I need to go." – Eduardo finally said. Mark didn't say anything back and just stood up mechanically. He was confused to see Eduardo still on his chair studying him. Eduardo had just noticed dark circles under his eyes. Of course he had them too. But it always, always looked worse on Mark, because Mark never slept enough. Anything that deprived him further from rest affected him much more.

Mark was feeling anything but patient right now.

"What?"

"I'll drive you. You don't look well."

"I'm fine. I'll just walk."

"Don't be a child." – Eduardo said firmly, not leaving room for an argument, as he was already heading to the door with Mark following him and feeling actually too spent to argue.

Their way back consisted most of silence. Eduardo's thoughtful one and Mark's self imposed one, since now he was having trouble thinking, which was rare for him. It could be out of exhaustion. Or it could just be that he was panicked. He was screaming on the inside. What else did Eduardo want from him? But this time, maybe the first one in his life, he held his tongue. Wasn't it what people always wished him to do?

He just never thought he would have to be like this with Eduardo.

When Eduardo finally parked in front of Mark's hotel, they had not exchanged one word. Mark stepped out of the car. Eduardo looked up at him with a neutral expression that didn't suit him in the least. It was clearly forced, or so Mark believed.

"I… I'll talk to you then."

"Of course you will."

Eduardo was gone before Mark could see his reaction at his tone of disbelief