Work Text:
DAY 27: “can you stay?” / soulmates / paradox
"Hello Mum." River had a twinkle in her eye as Amy opened the door.
"What are you doing here?" Amy ushered her through the door and into the house with undue urgency, looking around in case someone else saw. "I thought you couldn't come to New York because of timelines and paradoxes and... stuff." She ushered River through into the cramped little kitchen.
"I couldn't not come and see my old Mum and Dad could I? Hello Rory!"
Rory lowered his New York Times and lifted his pipe in reply.
"Is that a pipe? I didn't know you smoked! You dark horse you!" River winked at him.
Rory pushed his specs up his nose a little. "Well, I thought it suited our 1940s vibe here. I rather like it, because I can point at things with the mouthpiece and wave it around and so on."
"Do you ever actually light it?"
"No, the dummy chokes if he actually inhales and smoke!" Amy sat down at the table and motioned for River to join them. "So what is this visit all about?"
"Well, I was in the area and I thought I should drop by. You know how it is."
"No, I don't know how it is! Isn't it hugely dangerous for the entire fabric of the universe for you to visit us here? The Doctor said that there was too much disruption to the timelines around 1930s New York for any more time travel here, remember?"
"Have you forgotten rule one?"
"I know the Doctor lies! But he wouldn't lie about this. Anyway, he was as distressed as anyone when Rory got zapped back here. He tired to stop me coming too."
River put her handbag on the table and withdrew a lipstick. She slowly fixed her make up and then put the lipstick back. "I had to come back, Sweetie. Besides, I waited five years just to be sure. It's no longer 1930s New York. Welcome to the Forties, babies!"
Rory placed his pipe on the table. "Can you stay?"
"I could, but I'm not going to. Things to do, places to go and Doctors to irritate. I just came to check that you'd both settled into your new lives OK. I didn't get to say this when you were with the Doctor, but I'm so glad that my Mum and Dad were real soulmates. I do love you two, you know." There was a tear forming in River's eye.
Amy put her hand on River's arm. "what's brought this on?"
River gave her a sad smile. "I should say 'Spoilers, Sweetie", but I'm not feeling it. I've just left the Doctor. We spent some time together and Darillium. Quite a lot of time, actually. But I know the end is coming." She dabbed at her eyes and stood up. "I've got to go, but don't forget: I love you, both." She put on her sunglasses and turned to go.
"Where are you going?" Rory asked, open mouthed.
River smiled again. "I've got a library to visit."