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]

[He'll try not to. No guarantees since he tends to get angry to cover how badly he's panicking.]

[viliorate]

[.....unfortunately, Kimbley does screw up once in a while. This is one of those times when screwing up is something that he does badly.

The staffs he normally practices with broke without warning and the result was that he ended up a bit on fire. Not horribly; he doesn't need to go to the hospital as it's something that medical staff can treat even though he's swearing as the doctor is examining the burn on his arm. It very narrowly avoided being a third degree burn, but the doctor i telling him he's going to need to avoid aggravating the injury further and Kimbley is being combative just to have something to do.

At least it was just his forearm, and part of his side, though the bandages make it look worse than it actually is.

Someone on staff is bound to go get Archer because he needs to know and Kimbley can't exactly hide the bandages either.]

[sadisticwarfare]

[It's a damn good thing someone decided to inform him, because there would have been hell to pay if no one thought to notify him and Kimbley tried to keep it a secret.

Archer rushes to the tent, not running but obviously moving faster than usual, and immediately barges in despite the doctor's protests. He's quick to get the information from the doctor, who tells Archer what he wants to know (that Kimbley is fine, everything will heal on its own and Kimbley doesn't need to go to the emergency room), then Archer turns on Kimbley.]

What happened.

[It isn't a question. Anyone watching them would probably assume that Archer's angry, but Kimbley should know him well enough to know that it isn't anger that's causing him to slam down so hard on those words.]

[viliorate]

[Wearing long sleeves to bed would have been a giveaway, so it's probably for the best that he found out now and not when they were home for the night...]

The staffs I use, you know, they're pretty old. They both snapped in half when I was practicing. The one fell to the ground but the other...

[Well, it explains the burns.]

Look, the burns aren't bad. It's not like I'm going to need to go to the hospital and have a skin graft or anything.

[His nerves are too shot to sound calm, but it's obvious that he's trying to calm Archer down anyway.

He knows Archer isn't angry, but that doesn't mean he likes hearing him sound afraid.]

[sadisticwarfare]

[Archer makes an impatient gesture to shoo the doctor out of the tent (even though it is technically his tent); he leaves without any complaint and Archer kneels beside Kimbley. He knows better than to ask to see the injuries seeing as how they were just bandaged, but he can only imagine how bad they are.]

Are you okay?

[It seems like a stupid question to ask, but he can't think of anything else to ask now that they're alone.]

[viliorate]

You worry too much.

[He laughs, but it's a little forced.]

I'm fine. It hurts like hell, but I'll heal.

[sadisticwarfare]

Of course I worry. What if this had been even worse?

[His voice is soft though and Archer can't meet Kimbley's eyes.]

Do you want to go home? I can get some ice, if that will help...?

[viliorate]

[He moves to brush his right hand through Archer's hair. The movement is awkward, but since it was his left hand that got the brunt of the burn he's trying to avoid having it hurt further.]

You really don't mind leaving work early?

[He's not going to complain. It hurts too much to continue working, and he's going to need to get new practice staffs anyway.]

Ice would help, yeah.

[sadisticwarfare]

[He does have some more paperwork to take care of, but he can bring that home with him.]

Alright. Let me get everything I need and I'll meet you at the car in a few minutes.

[He stands, then takes notice of the bandages around Kimbley's side.]

...Can you walk?

[viliorate]

[He nods, moving to gingerly touch at the bandages.]

The bandages make it look worse than it is. I'm fine.

[He stands up, immediately looking like he wishes he hadn't, but he's not in danger of tipping over.]

I can walk. I'll meet you there.

[sadisticwarfare]

...Very well. I'll be quick.

[And sure enough, he's very quick! The ride back home is normal but as soon as they're home Archer sets about getting plenty of ice for Kimbley's injuries.]

Lie down. Here, press this against your side; this one's for your arm.

[They're basically just bags of ice wrapped in cloth, but it's obvious he's trying.]

[viliorate]

[He nearly smiles, taking the ice graciously.]

Thank you.

[If he didn't hurt as much as he does, he might complain, but as it is he's a little quiet for a while.]

It was stupid of me. I didn't notice how fragile they'd become.

[sadisticwarfare]

You should have checked them over more carefully.

[He winces once that's out there. Kimbley doesn't need to hear about what he should or shouldn't have done right now. Archer sits on the edge of the bed, awkwardly smoothing the covers.]

...I'm sorry, that was uncalled for.

[viliorate]

[He reaches up to touch Archer right-handed.]

Don't apologize.

[sadisticwarfare]

[Archer rests his hand over Kimbley's, smiling awkwardly. He's trying so hard.]

Is there anything else I can get you?

[viliorate]

Stay here. I'm fine right now.

[He's always been bad with his emotions, but he is genuinely gracious.]

[sadisticwarfare]

...Alright.

[Archer doesn't move from his spot though, still awkwardly messing with the blankets.]

Did the doctor say how long it will take you to heal? Are those burns going to leave marks?

[viliorate]

Three weeks.

[It's not horrible, but it's also a long time.]

I might scar up a bit on my side, but my arm should be fine.

[sadisticwarfare]

I see. I'll do whatever I can to help you recover from this. Do you need to take time off of work?

[viliorate]

[...and complain about how much he's going to fall behind?]

No, it's fine. I'll be able to keep myself entertained.

[sadisticwarfare]

...If you're certain. Don't push yourself if you need to rest.

[viliorate]

I've had worse, remember?

It's been a long time, but I've definitely had worse injuries.

[sadisticwarfare]

Yes, I know. I still don't like seeing you get injured.

[viliorate]

I know it looks bad, but you can still smile. I'm fine. The show will be fine without me. You'll see.

[sadisticwarfare]

I don't care about the show, I care about you.