Archive of Our Own ^beta

Day 31

Dusk

Stay

Duck was talking with Cassandra on the docks as night fell, the last rays of light glinting off her brass, when he decided to ask about the storm.

She was quiet for a moment.

“...I almost called for Screech.” She admitted quietly. “I didn't because…”

Duck understood. “It would have felt like abandoning your line.”

“The shed we were in was destroyed.” She revealed quietly, “We were unhurt, but we were stuck in the rain till morning. It was miserably wet.” 

“That's why Samatha was so angry with the cleaner.” Duck realized.

“...She and Nicole were the ones to reach us first. When they saw the rubble of the shed…”

“She thought the worst.*

Cassandra shifted uncomfortably, “it's probably why they had no issues transferring here. They were pretty badly shaken.”

“And you?” Duck asked.

Cassandra considered the question, “it's a bad memory…but that's about it. I was startled this morning. I doubt I would have been dreaming about it except I’d been thinking about my line.”

‘You're ready to go home.” Duck guessed, doing his best to hide his disappointment.

“No.” Cassandra said simply.

She smiled at his surprised look. “I talked with my crew. I don't want to go back until the damage is repaired. We agreed that being alone on the line would...it would not go well.” 

She paused hesitating, “I don't know why but the last few years are getting to me. I'm not handling my duties as well as I used to. They agree that I need a break, and being left alone on my branchline is the opposite of that.”

“You've been running for twenty years.” Duck said gently, “you were always going to fall if something didn't let up.”

Cassandra gave a bitter laugh, “Why is it a problem now? Not when steam fell? Why not then?! It was so much worse!”

Duck gently buffered up to her, “because you haven't been allowed to stop.” He said quietly, “that is our failing. We should have known you were not bearing this weight as well as you looked. We should have stepped in sooner.”

“They need me!” She said hopelessly, “they need Caomhnóir. I can't fail them, not now.” A tear slipped down her cheek

Duck tilted his head, “but do they need you the same way?”

“What?

“When steam fell we needed the Lady's Champion to be a warrior.” He said seriously, “we needed an engine that was willing to go toe to toe with the other railway. To prove she was fighting for us. That she had not abandoned her children.” He gently pressed closer, “these younger engines already know that, because you've already proven that. They will be fine if you send others in your stead.”

“What if they can't reach them in time?” She protested, but he could tell she was wavering.

“Then send Screech.” He said seriously, “I have no doubt she would enjoy the chance to terrify everyone.”

Cassandra barked a startled laugh.

“It's okay for you to fall now. We're here to catch you, I swear it to the Lady.”

“She'll hold you to that.” Cassandra warned, “she does not take oaths on her name lightly.”

“That is why I made it.” Duck said, “As long as you allow it we… I will catch you.”

Cassandra was quiet for a moment, “then after I take the train to reopen my line, you want me to come back.”

“yes.” Duck said simply, “I hated the idea of you alone in your shed.”

“I wish you had said that earlier.” She admitted, “it would have made my choice easier.”

“It was your choice, and didn't want to pressure you…I wanted you to want to stay.”

She frowned, “you're my partner. It may be my choice but you have a say.”

“I didn't know if you would want to remain together when you returned home.” He admitted.

She looked at him, “and if I hadn't?” She asked curiously.

“My vow would still stand.” He said firmly, “you will always have a berth in our sheds. No matter if you're my partner or not.”

She gently pressed back against him, “I want to stay. With you and here until my line is ready for me again.”