Work Text:
Ash feels herself slowly wake up. Her room is dark; the light of her phone tells her it’s nearly 4 AM. Lowering herself down, she walks to the kitchen to make tea. Coffee may have been her lifeblood during her time with Lance, but the caffeine addiction proved to be too much now.
Looking out the window, she isn’t surprised to see Calloway leaning over the balcony outside. The old lion had a habit of waking up early; Ash wouldn’t dare to disturb his peace, but something about his posture told her to join him— and she knows Calloway enjoys her annoying him.
“Hey.” She greets him, stepping out.
Calloway looks over to the small porcupine with a head nod. Ash walks over, taking the non-verbal cue as permission to stay. She doesn’t say anything yet— letting the lion acclimate to her presence. Ash takes her time in enjoying the silence as the life of a performer leaves her hectic. It’s nice to just listen to the world than have it listen to you for once.
“My wife and I…” Calloway starts, still staring out into the city. Ash’s attention falls to him. “We were always trying for kids.”
Ash’s eyes widen slightly at Calloway opening up.
“We were never successful, no matter how hopeful we were. One day we were, but…” He stops, not wanting to finish his last sentence. Ash stares at him with a knowing frown. He looks at her with a bittersweet smile. “You remind me of her, Ash. A great singer, kind, persistent .”
Ash laughs a little. “I would’ve loved to meet her.”
“You’d get along just fine.”
But, nothing could prepare her for what he said next.
“But if we did have a daughter, I’d be proud if she turned out be to just like you.”
The porcupine looks up at her idol with stars in her eyes. A smile graced her lips. She looks back at the scenery before taking a sip of her tea. “Thanks, Clay.”