Work Text:
Finally, the day had come. Effy was to leave the psychiatric hospital.
The doctors stated that her condition had significantly improved, and she didn't question it. She had spent almost three years of her life in this place, unable to be with her loved ones or friends, so since they decided she could leave, she wasn't going to ask unnecessary questions.
She packed her things into a suitcase, gave curt goodbyes to the nurses, and headed for the exit. This place was like a prison to her, so she longed to leave it as quickly as possible. As she crossed the last threshold, thoughts swirled in her head about who exactly was supposed to pick her up today.
It wouldn't be Freddie, because he had disappeared 2 years ago without a word.
For a long time, she believed that their love was strong enough to survive even the worst episodes of her illness. However, it had clearly been too much for the guy, because he stopped showing up for visits, and when she asked her family about it, she only got evasive answers that Freddie had left without telling anyone.
At first, Effy was hurt by it, but in the end, she finally accepted it. Freddie wanted a normal life, a normal girlfriend, so he left that fucking city.
Cook, like Freddie, had disappeared, although Effy didn't really care. They were friends, so Cook had probably gone with Freddie or was hiding from the police because he'd gotten into trouble again.
Effy didn't care anyway. Yes, he had a driver's license, but Effy didn't feel like talking to him. He'd probably blame her for Freddie leaving.
She would have most liked to see her parents or Tony in the parking lot, although she knew it was unlikely. Tony was studying at the other end of the country after all, and her parents were building new lives with their new partners.
Her mother had previously promised to pick her up, but suddenly remembered that her new boyfriend had already planned a vacation for them. Effy didn't have the strength to argue again, so she told her mother she understood. In the end, her mother promised her she would find someone to pick her up.
And now Effy was wondering who it was.
Maybe Pandora? No, because they weren't friends anymore.
Maybe JJ? He didn't want to have anything to do with her after she destroyed Freddie and Cook's friendship.
Effy finally stepped out onto the street, stood on the pavement, and looked around uncertainly. The sun blinded her for a moment, and when her eyes adjusted to the light, she spotted a familiar figure leaning against the hood of a car.
Katie Fitch.
Effy stood in shock, still unable to believe that, out of all people, it was Katie who had come for her.
"Are you going to keep standing there, or are you finally going to get in so we can get the hell out of this place?" Katie threw out, rolling her eyes with slight irritation in her voice.
Effy blinked, processing what she had just heard.
"Oh, right, sorry." She whispered more to herself and obediently sat down in the passenger seat.
Katie started the car and pulled away. A random song was playing on the radio.
"So, how are you feeling?" Katie asked, not taking her eyes off the road.
Effy snorted softly. "Don't pretend you care. Why are you even here?"
Katie tightened her fingers on the steering wheel, and a grimace appeared on her face. "Maybe a little more politely? I did bother to come all the way to this shithole for you!"
"I noticed." Effy replied coolly. "I just still don't understand why."
There was a moment of silence, which was suddenly broken by Katie's raised voice.
"Because I care about you, damn it!"
Those words made Effy's body freeze. Katie Fitch cared about her? This couldn't be real.
For the rest of the way, an awkward silence reigned, broken only by random songs on the radio.
"Where exactly are we going?" Effy finally asked, to break the silence at last.
"To my place." Katie replied shortly. "Well, the apartment I'm renting. Emily has her own, she lives with Naomi, they're still together. Your mother will pick you up in a week, I can lend you some clothes."
Effy raised an eyebrow. "You'll let me stay over at yours?"
"Of course. We're friends after all." Katie replied, as if it were obvious.
Katie finally stopped the car in front of an old, brick building and turned off the engine. She sat still for a moment, staring at the windshield, until she finally spoke.
"Look, I know we didn't have the best relationship back then, but now I want to fix it. I don't want you to end up in that horrible place again."
"Okay, I get that, but why? What changed?" Effy asked, looking into the other girl's eyes.
Katie froze, her heart starting to beat faster.
Now or never.
"Because maybe you're actually important to me, and all those fights I caused were just an excuse to get closer to you." Katie finally admitted. "It was never about Freddie. It was about you."
"What are you saying?" Effy whispered, and then Katie realized what she had just said.
"Nothing, forget it." Katie replied abruptly, opening the car door. "Come on, before I change my mind and leave you here."
She got out, slamming the door, and walked towards the building entrance. Effy was still sitting in the car, processing what had just happened. She got out slowly and followed Katie. She caught up with her and grabbed her wrist, forcing her to look at her.
"Katie, wait!" She said firmly. "I think we need to talk."
Katie finally looked up. Her eyes were wet, and her lips were trembling. She was no longer that confident, feisty girl Effy knew.
"I guess I just finally realized that I'm in love with you." She admitted quietly, probably hoping Effy wouldn't hear. But Effy heard every word.
"Katie..." She started, but her voice failed her.
"You don't have to say anything." Katie interrupted quickly, wiping her cheek with the back of her hand. "I don't expect you to feel the same. I just wanted you to know."
Suddenly, Effy's lips silenced hers. The kiss was gentle and brief, but it was sincere. When they pulled apart, Effy rested her forehead against the redhead's forehead.
"I like you too."
...