LOCKED TO viliorate

[sadisticwarfare]

[Profits have been way down in the last three months, and if things keep going this way, they won't last another three. Archer has the papers out in front of him, scouring everything to see where he can make cuts, yet again. He knows no one's going to be pleased, but they're going to have to remove another act. He's been told that cutting people from the circus is like throwing out a family member, but the fact of the matter is that the money he's making won't support everyone. It's not as though Archer is hoarding all the money for himself - though he's not exactly as generous to the others as he could be - but he's never really felt like part of the circus "family". They're the family members, he's the landlord.

Archer twirls his pen between his fingers as he examines the numbers again, finally selecting a couple of sheets with acts that he could possibly cut. He'll have to get Kimbley to look over them before he makes a final decision. Kimbley isn't his partner or his adviser, but Kimbley is his friend, and he'd rather have a second opinion on all this.]

Comments

[sadisticwarfare]

I'll make sure to find some good ones then.

[Archer isn't a good student, so good luck...]

[viliorate]

Let's pick up a couple books after work.

It's not like we need to up and move tomorrow or anything, so it'll give us a chance to decide.

[sadisticwarfare]

Of course. I'd rather not leave if we don't have to, but it's good to be prepared for the worst case scenario.

[viliorate]

Right.

Nothing'll happen, this is just us being prepared.

[Which means something is going to happen.]

[sadisticwarfare]

[Well it's not like it can be much worse than Kimbley getting burned, right?

...Right?]

[viliorate]

[Well, having people accuse them of being a couple would be pretty... bad, wouldn't it?

Kimbley being an assistant/secretary is a terrible excuse so most of the workers are probably well aware of them.

They just have to pray the doctor doesn't talk about this.]

[sadisticwarfare]

[It's not like he can do anything. Most of the people working here already know or suspect it, and they don't have any authority over Archer here anyway so there's nothing they can do. Even if the doctor tells his colleagues, there's no proof, so what's there to worry about?]

[viliorate]

[Being circus workers doesn't exactly make them high on the social ladder in the city, so they're probably safe.

...if it does become a problem, they can flee the country!

Right?]

It's getting late. We're not going to be here all night, are we?

[Apparently we're complaining now.]

[sadisticwarfare]

[Of course!]

No, we're not. I should be able to finish the rest of this tomorrow.

[He finally sets his pen down and stretches. Archer gets up and grabs the few things he does need to bring home with him, nodding for Kimbley to join him.]

[viliorate]

[Kimbley's happy to leave.

Having nothing to do all day makes for a very bored man, but at least Archer was spared from having Kimbley constantly complain about how bored he is?

So naturally he follows.]

I'll figure something out before our next show.

[sadisticwarfare]

Don't concern yourself with it. We'll just cut your act, it's not that big of a deal.

[It's unfortunate, but it's not the end of the world.]

[viliorate]

[He makes a disappointed noise, but doesn't protest.]

It's just a couple of weeks. I'll manage.

[sadisticwarfare]

We'll see how well you're doing then, but I'd prefer it if you didn't perform the same act again.

[viliorate]

I know.

[It's not something he wants to agree to, but he knows better than to argue with Archer about this.]

I'm not as young as I used to be. It's for the best.

[sadisticwarfare]

Yes. I don't want you to get hurt again.

[He's glad Kimbley's agreeing to this. It probably isn't easy for Kimbley to give up on his act, but he's doing what will make Archer feel best, and that's a good thing in his opinion.]

[viliorate]

[It's hard for him to agree to it.]

I know you don't.

[Kimbley wants to complain, but he doesn't.]

It could have been bad, but I'm going to be fine. I won't even have any scars.

[sadisticwarfare]

I'm glad to hear that. The most important thing is that you'll be okay again.

[viliorate]

It's weird hearing you act all sentimental.

[Not that he minds. Kimbley appreciates it more than he could possibly explain.]

I am going to be fine, you know. Maybe I'll stick to being your secretary for a while.

[sadisticwarfare]

I'm not sentimental.

[Yes he is.]

As long as you don't push yourself, I don't care what you do. I doubt you'd make a very good secretary, however.

[viliorate]

Of course you aren't.

[He likes the attention, Archer. Don't you know that? It's not like he seeks it out from anyone else, but you know. At least he looks for it in the right person.]

I'm sure I can help you out. I've done it before.

[Just ignore every single suggestion he has for finances.]

[sadisticwarfare]

Have you? I didn't know that.

[He's kind of concerned about entrusting any of his paperwork to you...]

[viliorate]

It's been a long time. I did a few odd jobs before the war.

[He'll do what he can to help Archer, but leaving him to deal with paperwork is probably a mistake.]

As long as you have a job for me I'll be fine.

[sadisticwarfare]

I'll always have a job for you, you know that.

[He is pretty biased with his employees, after all...]

[viliorate]

[...it's pretty obvious that Kimbley is his favorite, that much is known.]

You're good at keeping me busy.

[sadisticwarfare]

I do what I can for you.

[He smirks at that, clearly pleased with Kimbley's words.]