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uniborn2003 · 4 hours ago

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The Same but Different

Synopsis: your relationship with Sue is fun and free but things become a little more complicated when Elisabeth Sparkle joins the fray.

Pairing: Sue x fem!reader, Elisabeth Sparkle x fem!reader

Words: 5.1k+

A/N - not a lot of the substance fanfiction, huh? I could probably write more where the reason sue starts stealing time is because she feels like she has to compete with elisabeth for the reader's attention... but for now have this :)

WARNINGS - canon divergence (takes place in a universe where sue respects the balance and uses the split personality theory.). swearing and mild sexual references. cheating in a sense?? idk

The seemingly ever-lasting sparkle of moonlight delicately caresses every curve of her body. A perfect silhouette. An almost angelic glow as she straddles your hips. Running her hands gently against the soft surface of your stomach. It sends a shiver up your spine. Each move is thought out. Calculated. She's taking her time. Savouring every ounce of bare skin before going for the kill.

"I'm... I'm trying to talk to you," announced breathlessly. Her actions were deliberate and distracting. She did not care for conversation; she had other things in mind.

"I'm listening," whispered against the skin of your neck. Breath so tantalisingly warm. It makes your head spin. The feeling of her so close. So desperate.

"Sue, please." the vibrations of her hum tickle.

"I'm listening, I promise," she insists again ever so quietly. "go on,"

"I just- I was thinking we should go on a trip or something,"

"I can't," sharp pain shoots through your shoulder as she sinks her teeth in. It draws a gasp past your lips and you feel her smile. Amused with herself.

"Sue," you utter softly. An attempt to get her to stop so easily ignored as she nips at your skin. A mix of pleasure. A touch of pain. It's hard to stay focused. "maybe just a day then? next week?"

And the sensation stops. Her head falls into the crook of your neck. A loud sigh. It's a moment before she lifts to look at you. Puffy lips and glossed-over eyes. "you know I can't."

"then maybe I could come with you instead," you suggest. Slipping your hands over the curve of her hips, you pull her a little closer. She reaches for you. Thumbs brushing delicately over your cheeks. It tickles.

"you wouldn't have much fun,"

"but I'd get to spend time with you," you counter, leaning into her touch. A warm smile.

"she doesn't like strangers."

Now it was your turn to sigh. Soft but apparent. Not the first time. Probably not the last. She was a very busy woman who had to be out of town every other week and it happened like clockwork. It was amazing how committed she was to the arrangement. Never a day missed. But it didn't serve well for forming any kind of connection because she became unreachable for a week. She'll disappear. No texts. No calls. Nothing. "it's just one day,"

"babe," a much softer expression as she held your gaze. "maybe we can do something when I'm back."

"Because you have so much time in between your taping, photoshoots and interviews?"

"we're together now," her voice low, she rolls her hips into you. Keeping your head still and eyes locked on hers. "can't you enjoy it?"

"you know what I mean," your eyes flicker down. The mood was lost to the moment of rejection. It wasn't entirely her fault but you can't help but blame her. "can you get off me, please?"

There's a brief moment of pause. Her eyes search your face for an explanation before she climbs off, settling on her knees just beside you. "are you really upset?"

"let's just go to sleep," you lay down in her bed, pulling the covers up and over herself. It's a moment of undisturbed quiet before you feel the bed shift.

Maybe you had overreacted. You knew the kind of person Sue was and you can't fault her for having a sick mother. It's probably really tough to deal with. It was pure selfishness that you wanted a real moment alone with her so you figured an apology wouldn't hurt. Which is how you ended up walking up the stairs of her apartment building so early in the morning with a fresh mocha latte. It was her week away but you figured maybe you'd be able to catch her before she leaves. You knock a few times and wait. You can hear movement from inside so someone was definitely home and just taking forever to answer the door. You knock again. a little louder this time. Eventually, the door opens just as you begin composing an inquisitive message.

"Hey, so I wanted to apologise before you left" you explain shoving your phone back into its pocket. Only for your eyes to settle on a complete stranger. An older woman. Familiar and yet not. "you're not sue."

"no," replied softly. You glance around to make sure you're in the right place,

"This is ten fifty-seven Beverly Canyon, right?" you question. She nods. "weird. Sorry to bother you," you offer a smile and she just closes the door. That was strange. This was definitely her place, you've been here enough times now and never seen that lady. You probably just missed her. got up early for nothing.

It's radio silence from Monday to Sunday as per usual. You never really hold it against her. She was pretty good at texting back when she was in town. She probably just wants to focus on her mother while away. Sitting in the middle of the bed, you watch as she gets changed. "there was a weird lady in your apartment."

"huh?" she turns to you briefly as she undoes the hoops in her ears.

"I tried to catch you before you left but some lady answered. An older woman. Long black hair. Didn't say much. She seemed confused."

"Oh," Sue replied. "don't worry about it."

"was she like your aunt or something?" Sue tosses her earring down before turning to you. a small smile as she crawls up the bed. Slow and sultry, she climbs into your lap. Resting her head on one leg and putting her arms around you.

"I was thinking about what you said," Sue starts, pulling herself closer

"I'm sorry," you reply quickly. That was probably the first thing you should have done but your apology quickly slipped your mind. "looking after your mother is important and I'm just a selfish asshole."

"I was gonna say we should do something" she replies. "but I'll take the apology."

A glint of hope was quickly subdued by her proven record. You run your fingers through her soft hair. "are you serious?"

"I'll sort something out," she hums. "It's just one extra day, right?" it's hard to believe her but you take her at face value. Smile settling on your lips.

"just one night. I'll plan something- I'll even pick you up and everything."

Sue gives a dramatic gasp as she pushes herself up. "such a gentleman," she teases, a smirk as a gentle hand comes to your chest. Applying pressure so you'll fall backwards. You comply.

"gotta keep my girl happy," hand either side of your head, she is towering over you. Looking down with a smirk.

"Oh, so I'm your girl now?" curious raise of her brow.

"right now you are," you reply. Reaching for the collar of her t-shirt, you pull her down towards you. "it'll be cute." whisper before your lips meet.

You try to think of something the two of you can do that would be cute but casual. It couldn't just be like getting coffee because you can already do that. Dinner was too basic too. There were movies or exhibitions but again it felt like something you could just do whenever. A few hours and done. You eventually decide to take a drive out to Joshua Tree. Wasn't your usual hang-out but it'd just be you two out and you could talk and look at the stars. And have a little picnic. And as much as doubt sat in the back of your head, you eagerly climbed the stairs to her apartment once more. A certain pep in your step. But when you knock and the door opens, it is not sue. It's the same woman as last time. You stare at her for a moment as realisation settles in your mind. "uh... is Sue here?" she shakes her head. She wasn't much for conversation. "do you know when she'll be back? This is her apartment."

"no."

"no you don't know when she'll be back or no this isn't her apartment?"

"she's away for the week," they reply.

"oh." of fucking course. "why did I ever expect anything different," the other woman just stares at you. "she's supposed to be here," and then shrugs, clearly a little confused. "do you mind if I just grab my jacket then? I think I left it here the other night?"

"I don't think-"

"Great." you kind of don't wait for an answer, slipping past the older woman. "any chance you want to drive out into the desert with a stranger? I had this whole thing planned with Sue and well, you know the rest,"

"I don't think that's a good idea- I'm just a little busy," she insists. You look around the apartment. This was definitely Sue's apartment. Everything was where you expected. Felt almost wrong being here without her. The TV was on. Half-eaten plate of food sat on the small table. You turn to her. It was almost midday.

"yeah. You look real busy," you tease continuing further into her apartment. You can hear loud mumbles of words as you focus on finding your jacket. Who knows what she's saying but it's probably just excuses or demands to leave. Why was Sue so messy? Couldn't she hang up your stuff or hand deliver it to your place? That would be nice. You eventually find your jacket tossed on the floor in the bedroom. "why aren't you ready?" you ask. Offering a smile as you reenter the living space.

"what do you mean?"

"come on, I haven't got all day, go get whatever you need," you insist, heading for the door. "we leave in ten."

You never expected her to actually listen. She was a grown woman who could make her own decisions. But now you're trapped in a car with a woman you don't know driving like two hours out of town. She is sat silently in the passenger seat staring out of the window. You wonder if you should say something? Surely this was as awkward for her as it was currently feeling for you. Maybe you were just overthinking. "I finally figured out where I know you from."

"huh?" she turns to you before adjusting her posture. A gentle smile. A warm strip of sunlight across her face.

"you're Elisabeth Sparkle, right?" it had taken a moment to figure out who she was. She looked so similar to Sue, you just assumed they were related rather than she had a superstar looking after her apartment every other week. "sparkle up life or something like that?"

"sparkle your life," she nods a little. "with Elisabeth. yes."

"oh my god," thank god you didn't mistake her for someone else or this would have been embarrassing. It's pretty cool that Sue knows someone so famous. It makes sense that she'd have some kind of connection to the industry considering her sudden breakout but Elisabeth sparkle was unexpected. "the great Elisabeth sparkle looking after an apartment every other week- stars they're just like us." she just shrugs returning to looking out the window. Not very chatty for a Hollywood star. You put on some music to help break up the tension

It's warm and dry as you pick the perfect spot. The sun wouldn't set for a little while yet. You lay out the blankets and the basket you brought along. You had originally planned to camp out with but you're not sure that'll work for Elisabeth. Sleeping in a national park with a stranger probably wasn't part of her plan today. The awkwardness of the car ride still lingers between the two of you. You don't know what to say. Small talk was never your strong suit and what you could manage had already been wasted on the car ride here.

"so how do you know Sue?" you figure that's a safe topic. The one thing that connects you. "family? friends?"

There's a moment where you think she's not gonna answer. It wasn't exactly a hard question but she seemed so hesitant to answer.

"feels like I've known her forever."

Your brow furrows. Still so vague. "so you knew her as a kid?"

"no, not really what I meant. We're just..." a shrug. "how do you know her? You're clearly quite close."

You laugh a little. "close. sure."

"Why is that funny?"

"I don't know," you shrug. "we met at a party and have been hanging out ever since."

"That's all?"

"kinda," what more did she want? You lean back on the palm of your hands. Staring out into the desert. So big. So empty.

"so you go on weird trips into the desert to see the stars with all your friends?" like going camping with friends wasn't a completely normal thing to do? You don't press the matter. It's not worth the energy.

"Well, I never said we were just friends. It's more complicated than that," you explain, glancing briefly at Elisabeth who was apparently looking at you the whole time.

"what's complicated?

She makes you laugh again. There was nothing simple about Sue. "we hang out but there's no like official label. Sue does whatever she wants and that's fine."

"you kids and your labels. It used to be so much easier,"

"Maybe,"

"I didn't even know Sue was..." Her voice trails off a little and you start to wonder if you've just outed her to Hollywood legend Elisabeth Sparkle. You didn't know if it was a secret or not. Didn't make sense that it would be.

"Anyway- what about you?" a desperate attempt to change the conversation. "married? boyfriend?"

a slight chuckle. "gosh no."

"girlfriend?" you tease, offering a half smile. She thankfully takes it quite well. "wife, maybe?"

"no, no, nothing like that," a dismissive wave of her hand. "it's kinda always just been me."

"that's surprising," you insist. "you're literally stunning."

A much more audible laugh. "you don't have to say that."

"I'm literally just stating a fact," you explain, "nobody can deny it."

"many can and have. Happens when you get older." you don't doubt that. The world was cruel to women but Elisabeth wasn't exactly a normal case. She was a living legend with access to all kinds of resources. Not to mention the fact that she was genuinely beautiful. Perhaps one of the prettiest people you've ever met. You see a lot of sue in her.

"nooo don't be silly," you sit up a little straighter, moving so you're sat looking in her direction. "I know plenty of people who like older women and you're hot as fuck."

"I'll keep that in mind." she nods but you know she doesn't believe you as she turns away. Your head tilts a little. Watching her bring a bottle of water to her lips.

"I'm serious. I could get you laid real quick."

"oh my god," choked out through her water. You were mostly joking although you definitely know there are a great many people who'd kill to be where you are right now.

"sorry."

"It's fine." she coughs. You scramble for a napkin or something. Probably something you should have prepared.

"no, I shouldn't have said that," you reply, finding a pack of tissues. You hand them over. "it was inappropriate."

"It's fine. Honestly," Elisabeth replies, taking the tissues. Her hand brushes against yours and she smiles. A gentle smile. A genuine smile. "sweet in its own way."

It's mid-afternoon when there is a knock against the door. You ignore it. But it happens again and again until eventually give in. You weren't expecting anyone and usually delivery drivers just leave your stuff if you don't answer. This was likely either very important or a very determined Jehovah's Witness about to try and convert you. But as you open the door and see the ever-enchanting sue, it somehow feels worse. You immediately shove the door but she stops it before you can close it. "just hear me out."

"fuck off."

"I'm sorry, okay," you stop fighting her to shut the door. "it won't happen again."

"That's what you always say and then it happens again."

"It was a super last-minute decision."

"Whatever." you sigh.

"just let me in," she insists. "you know you're gonna eventually so,"

"go away."

"I got you something," tempting... and it works. With a roll of your eyes, you slowly open the door and step aside. A triumphant smile graces her lips as she saunters past. A single red rose in hand. You give her an almost bored look.

"cute,"

"I know," she hands it over. "stop pretending you're mad at me."

"I'm not pretending," you huff, twisting the stem between your fingers. Same old sue. She takes a tentative step closer. Testing your boundaries before a gentle finger lifts your head to meet her gaze.

"look at me and tell me you're not gonna forgive me then," such wide eyes paired with a hint of a pout. You want to slap her but she's right. You always forgive and forget. Caught in some stupid little back and forth. A very heavy sigh. You push her hand away.

"Whatever." mumbled as you made your way further into the apartment. Sue trails behind.

"We can do it another time- promise."

"It's fine. I ended up just going with Elisabeth."

"whose Elisabeth?" the girl asks, going straight for your fridge.

Your brows furrow. "what do you mean whose Elisabeth?"

"We don't know an Elisabeth?" she clarifies, unscrewing the top to a bottle of water. You stare at her for a moment, wondering if she's gone insane. Was she ever that normal to begin with?"

"Elisabeth sparkle? She literally looks after your apartment when you're away." she just stares back like you're the crazy one. They obviously know each other. You had a whole conversation with Elisabeth about her so why was Sue being difficult? "why are you confused?"

"Why did you go with her?" she asks, wondering back over to you. It kinda catches you off guard. At least she was no longer pretending.

"she was around and you weren't."

"so? You don't even know her." the girl pushes herself up and onto the counter next to you.

You shrug. "it was nice. We just talked for hours which is something we like never do so."

"what do you mean? We talk all the time." she brings the water back up to her lips and for a millisecond it gives you pause. Like a weird moment of deja vu.

"no we don't," you shake your head. "you hardly wanna know me outside of bed."

"you're exaggerating," and she's right. Sort of anyway. "I'm gonna make it up to you."

"When? right now?"

"I can't right now," she jumps down. "I have a shoot I need to get to, I'm already running late but I'll think of something," tapping the bottle against your shoulder, she heads for the door. "thanks for the water."

That moment never came. You kinda expected that. Neither a text nor conversation involved hanging out just the two of you. But one did come from Elisabeth during Sue's week back home inviting you for dinner to say thank you. You accept. You have no plans so why not? But now you're sat in her apartment and it's weird. It's weird hanging out here without her. Feels almost like a different place as you're sat on the couch drinking red wine next to Elisabeth. You don't normally drink wine. She had made some kind of pasta dish. It was good.

"so how is she doing?"

"you don't know?" the two of them have such a confusing dynamic. Neither will explain how they know each other. They don't seem to talk. So weird.

"We don't really get to talk," Elisabeth explains.

"I don't really know either," you explain. Half a shrug. "we barely hung out last week. She said we'd do something but guess not."

Elisabeth gives a soft hum. "interesting."

"What?"

"it doesn't matter," she replies. "I don't wanna be rude,"

"Please do," you insisted, taking a sip of wine. You'd love to gossip with the Elisabeth sparkle. Up until now, she's been very conservative with her words. Careful about what she says. Don't make any jokes.

"I just think she sounds kinda... selfish."

"I guess," selfish was one of many words that could be used to describe sue. Many more positives. Some a little less. "you get used to her blowing you off."

"Why do you put up with it?" it's hard to explain to someone who doesn't really know Sue. It's hard to explain to yourself. Sue was special. Like nobody, you had ever met before or may possibly ever meet again. Not to mention beautiful, talented and an absolute star in the making.

"because... I like her," you respond eventually. The simplest of reasons but perhaps the most important. You liked her. a lot. "I don't know. She's... mesmerising. So fun and free and interesting and I think she likes me too, in her own way."

There's a pause as she swirls the red liquid around her glass. You wonder if you've made it awkward by defending Sue. It hadn't been your intention. She drains the glass. "you deserve better." Elisabeth comments, raising to her feet.

"you offering?" you tease, following her with your eyes as she heads back towards the kitchen. There is a long moment of silence before she returns with the wine bottle in hand.

"That's not what I meant." uttered as she returned to the couch. She's a little closer now. Knee brushing against yours.

A huff of a laugh. "I know, I know," you down the rest of your wine as she pours herself a new glass. "worth a shot though, right?" you hold out your glass for her to refill.

"Better not let Sue hear you speaking like that," she replies, pouring the red liquid slowly. You watch it build within the confines of the glass.

"she wouldn't care," you shrug. "that's how the whole friends with-benefits thing kinda works. Or like situationship. or whatever- I don't know."

"before you didn't have a label. Now you have too many." Elisabeth jokes, leaving the almost empty wine bottle on the table.

"It's more that we don't have one so I'm never sure what to call it," you reply. "it's just not exclusive."

"so you see other people?" she asks. "isn't that like a new thing kids are into these days? polyamory."

An almost uncharacteristically sweet giggle. Elisabeth was older but you wouldn't exactly call yourself a kid. It was funny how she referred to anything different as being for 'kids' "You're cute," you comment. "pretty sure that's been around way longer than I have- or even you have been." who knows. "but no, we're not polyamorous. We're just not exclusive either."

"but you're dating?"

"yes and no." you take a sip of wine as you try to figure it out in your own head. It never seemed confusing until you were trying to explain it right now. "we hang out. I've kissed other people and it's fine. She's fucked other people and it's fine. Maybe we'll get to a point where that stops."

She looks at you for a long hard minute. It feels... intense. Like she was searching for something within you. Trying to figure things out. You offer a gentle smile. Glancing at the hand that now brushes against your arm. "you deserve someone who treats you like you're the most important person in the world." and you don't know what to say. You just stare into pretty eyes and she takes the queue because two hands now grace your cheeks keeping you from looking away. You laugh a little awkwardly not expecting to be so close. She'd clearly had a little too much red win.

"you're a little drunk huh," you comment, a smile that settles but you try to avoid her gaze. But it's like she doesn't even hear what you said

"maybe that's not sue." bold. clearly fuelled by her tipsy state. You've never been this close before. It was intense. A flowery scent mixed with the deep fruity accent of wine.

"Who else could it be?" she was making it sound so simple but it didn't take into account your feelings. How much you like Sue. the fun you had together. Sure, she can be flakey but she's also taking care of her sick mother. It's not like she was blowing you off to go party or something. And then her lips are on yours. Warm and a little rough. You freeze entirely. It's a brief encounter as she pulls back.

"sorry- I shouldn't have-"

"no no, it's...," You take a quick sip of wine before placing it on the table. It was an unexpected kiss... but not entirely unwelcome. "fine," hummed softly. Reaching for her, you pull her back into the kiss. It's messy. It's sloppy. And it's fueled by alcohol.

Side by side, you walk down the bustling street in the midday sun. Sue is telling you about the issue she had with a photographer this morning. You're only half paying attention. You can't stop thinking about Elisabeth. Kissing her had never been part of the plan. It had just been a mistake in the moment. Sue just wasn't giving you attention and Elisabeth was. She wanted to get to know you. It was a moment of weakness. You had ended up rushing out of there pretty quickly. You just couldn't help but feel a little guilty.

"I need to tell you something," blurted out.

"okay?"

"I... kissed someone else."

"so?" she shrugged. "I don't care."

"yeah but... but this is different," you explain. Nerves settle in your stomach. She definitely wasn't about to take this well

"what do you mean?"

"it was... Elisabeth," name just a whisper as it leaves your lips. Sue slows to a stop. A man curses her out as he barely avoids crashing into her. You stop a few paces ahead. Watching as a flurry of emotions danced across her face.

"Elisabeth," she repeats. "as in Elisabeth sparkle?"

"mhmm,"

"you can't be serious," her brow furrows. "fucking Elisabeth sparkle."

"I'm sorry it just kinda happened, okay?" you explain.

"you fucked Elisabeth sparkle," she marches closer and for a minute you expect her to hit you or something but she doesn't. She just closes the distance. A creased brow settled.

"what? No. It was just a kiss," you insist, hands held up in surrender. "nothing else and I put a stop to it pretty quickly."

"Why would you fuck her?"

"I didn't," you fire back. "but it's not like I haven't seen you literally go upstairs with guys so,"

"That's different," she storms past you, continuing down the street. You quickly follow after her.

"so it's okay for you but not for me?"

"so you did sleep with her,"

"no," she's walking so quickly, it's a struggle to keep up.

"Christ she's old enough to be your mom,"

"What does that have to do with anything?"

"so you like her more than me?" she growls back, sharply turning around to you.

"I never said that,"

"what do you even see in her?" and she's off again. Marching down the street like she had a reason to be so angry. You get that they don't get along but that has nothing to do with you. "she's like old and weird and boring,"

"you don't have to be mean," you huff. Following her once more. At least she was walking slower this time. "why does she look after your apartment if you hate her so much?"

"I don't... hate her," Sue insists. "it's- it's complicated."

"How?"

"it doesn't matter how," there's a bite to her tone. She is pissed. " what do you even see in her?"

"She's just... I don't know. She's nice."

"nice? You're leaving me because she's nice."

"Why are you- I literally never said I was leaving you?" you argue. "she's nice. We actually talk to each other."

"we're talking right now." seems your normal cafe is out of the question because she turns into some juice bar. It's small and mostly empty.

"you know what I mean. She listens and everything isn't about getting to the bedroom as quickly as possible."

"so what you're saying is you don't wanna sleep with me? Okay. Got it." she marches towards the counter.

"no, see, this is exactly what I mean. Will you just listen to me for once?" you wait as the girl behind the counter greets you both with a cheerful hello. Sue orders something from the menu board. You're not in the mood for anything anymore so you go and sit down at one of two small tables. Watching as she messes with her phone as the girl makes the drink. Some green-looking thing that Sue collects with a smile before reluctantly joining you. It's silent for a moment but you figure if this is gonna be resolved, you have to be the one to do it. "I like you, Sue. I think I like you more than I have ever liked anyone but all we ever do is party and sleep together. Which is fun but there's nothing else and every time I try to have a moment you blow me off. I'm not saying we have to be exclusive if that's not what you want but what do you want?"

"you really wanna do this right now?" she huffs. She hasn't looked at you since sitting down. Just kept all her attention on her phone as she slurped the juice through a straw.

"I just... this is all getting confusing for me."

"you're the one who kissed someone else. Someone so great apparently." so sarcastic. so mean.

"you two are so alike."

"oh my god," she abruptly looks up, slamming her juice on the table. "don't ever say that to me."

"you are though," you reach for her hand but she pulls away. "you even kinda look like her."

"I don't look anything like that old hag," she bites back.

"stop it,"

"Sorry. forgot you're in love with her now." you sigh softly. Each point seemed to go entirely over her head. Whether that was unintentional or deliberate, you couldn't be sure.

"sue. stop it."

"stop what? Why did you have to tell me?"

"because I felt bad,"

"I don't care," she snaps, catching you off guard. Voice so loud in such a small space, that even the girl behind the counter looks over. You offer a polite smile. "I didn't need to know you're making out with old people in my apartment or how nice she is and how you have deep meaningful conversations or whatever the fuck you wanna say about her."

"I'm sorry, okay,"

"forget it," she jumps down from her seat, grabbing her juice. "I've gotta go anyway."

"Sue- please."

"I'll see you later."

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