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It’s late.
Not super late, to the point it would be ridiculous for Ash to be out on a small balcony, overlooking the gardens that surround the Hemlocke estate. Clowns shoes make a soft, rhythmic clicking sound as he approaches from behind.
”You asked to meet me here?” Clown asks politely, though he’s more stating it. Like it’s a simple fact.
Ash nods, leaning against the balcony’s rails, and hesitates before starting. “My labor contract is about to expire.” Not necessarily something he needed to announce to the night sky. Clown keeps track of these things. It’s part of his job, after all.
”I can help you in getting it rei-“ He’s about to lead Ash down to his office to get it sorted out, but before he can even try, Ash interrupts him.
”I’m going to let it.” He allows it to hang in the air, wanting for Clown to poke at the idea so it can all come tumbling down.
Clown turns to face him, as if examining Ash for a long while. “You want me to ask why. So I’m going to let you explain why you’re throwing away a perfectly good job.” Even if it doesn’t exactly… pay the best, and they’re treated unfairly, the butlers and maids of Hemlocke are given board and food.
“I’m going to propose to Squiddo, and I’m living a four hour train ride away. Even if we send letters frequently, and I go when time allows, it’s not ideal for any sort of permanent option,” Ash pushes himself from the wood protecting them from falling.
Clown lets out a sigh. It would be hard to convince Ash otherwise, and Squiddo couldn’t exactly know about these plans, if he was reading this correctly. Marriage was usually a surprise, in these typical romantic relationships.
”I’d like you to be there.” Ash says, causing Clown to look over at him, once again. “…Are you sure?”
“I was there for yours.” Ash knows he’s hit the mark because Clown looks away. Maybe in shame, maybe in embarrassment.
They don’t discuss their time in the army often, and when they do, it’s for a good reason.
Perhaps Ash wants Clown at his wedding so badly he willingly brought up the moment of the three of them, away from the camp, on a night like this one.
”I’ll be there. I promise.” Ash has a sly smile plastered on his face, but he’s already turning to walk away, leaving Clown alone on the balcony.