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]

No, but I figured you didn't want to be left here alone.

[viliorate]

[Good, because he wouldn't!]

I'm sure I can find something to do that isn't bothering you.

[sadisticwarfare]

As long as you don't strain yourself, of course.

[viliorate]

[This is Kimbley you're talking to. He's going to do something stupid.]

I won't.

[Are you going to stand around and watch him get dressed? Not that he minds, but he's going to continue to be annoying if Archer doesn't leave.]

[sadisticwarfare]

[No, he won't. He has to gather his paperwork and bring it out to the car! He also needs to prepare some breakfast and coffee!]

[viliorate]

[Your loss, Archer.

Anyway, Kimbley doesn't take too long to get ready. He certainly looks like he could use some coffee by the time he leaves the bedroom, but he isn't the sort to go back to sleep after Archer has woken him up.]

[sadisticwarfare]

[Good man! He'll hand you a cup of coffee and a piece of toast. At least it isn't burned?]

[viliorate]

Thanks.

[Archer had better start coming to bed like a normal person, but that's a conversation they can have later on. At the moment, Kimbley is fairly happy to have breakfast. It's not much, but he's never complained.]

I'm starting to heal, you know. I should be back to normal soon enough.

[But that old routine is still being reworked.]

[sadisticwarfare]

I hope so, but you shouldn't push yourself. You'll heal faster if you're rested.

[He smirks, though it's a gentle expression.]

Are you ready to go?

[viliorate]

I know, I know.

[Such a nag.

Not that he minds.]

I'm ready.

[sadisticwarfare]

[That much is never going to change...]

Excellent.

[As usual, the ride is uneventful and Archer immediately makes his way to his office to set his paperwork down.]

I need to run a few evaluations of some of the acts; wait here for me, will you?

[viliorate]

Of course.

[He'll even be good and not snoop through the business books this time!]

[sadisticwarfare]

[Good man! It'll take him awhile, so hopefully that cot on the floor is comfortable enough.

Eventually he returns with a small notebook out, carefully reviewing the contents. He sits down without even acknowledging Kimbley and only turns after he's finished checking something against the papers neatly stacked on his desk.]

Sorry, I didn't mean to be gone for so long. Hopefully you kept yourself entertained?

[viliorate]

[Kimbley has actually been good the entire time. Somehow. Archer's desk drawers haven't been rearranged or anything either.]

A little dull but I can't complain.

[It's not like he's been sitting here doing nothing. He's been brainstorming changing up his act.]

[sadisticwarfare]

Good, good. Are you feeling alright? Do you need me to get you anything?

[Once he gets started working there's going to be no stopping him so he might as well ask now.]

[viliorate]

Nah, I'll be fine.

[Look, he's actually doing work too.]

[sadisticwarfare]

[...Wait, but you never do work like this...]

What are you doing?

[viliorate]

Figuring out how to change my act.

[...]

Just because I don't usually do this in front of you doesn't mean I don't do it.

[sadisticwarfare]

...I don't think I've ever seen you plan it out.

[He actually thought that Kimbley just made it up as he went...]

[viliorate]

[No one ever said Kimbley does a good job planning things out, but he puts in some effort.]

Usually it's just me and someone working as a spotter in case I screw up.

[sadisticwarfare]

What do you have so far?

[viliorate]

[A lot of incomprehensible doodles.

But he shows them off anyway.]

With new equipment, I shouldn't have a repeat of what happened before. I'm simplifying my routine a bit, keeping the exciting finale but modifying everything else so the flames will be further from my body.

[sadisticwarfare]

[...Well as long as you understand what those doodles mean...]

I see. I can't wait to watch you perform.

[...]

Of course you're not allowed to practice until you're fully healed. Don't get any ideas.

[viliorate]

[He laughs at that, shaking his head.]

I know better than to ask you that.

[sadisticwarfare]

Good. It would be unfortunate if you managed to injure yourself further because you're not fully recovered.

[He turns back to the papers laid out before him.]

Let me know if you need anything.