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

[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.

[viliorate]

[Okay maybe he should get over trying to emotionally detach himself from things like this.]

I know you do. I care about you, too. More than anything.

[sadisticwarfare]

...I know.

[It's good to hear it though.]

I'm just worried about you. I know this isn't as bad as it could be, but... You know how I am. I'd worry if you got a papercut.

[viliorate]

You've always worried too much.

[Archer doesn't worry about anyone nearly as much as Kimbley, and he already spends most of his time worried about the various workers.]

[sadisticwarfare]

I'm not going to try to deny that. It's just the way I am.

[At least he's relaxing a bit?]

[viliorate]

I know it is.

[Still, he wouldn't mind it if you ever decided to stop hovering over him so much. Just ease up a little bit!]

Remember when you first asked me on a date?

[He needs a subject to take his mind off the burn, so nostalgia it is.]

[sadisticwarfare]

You're being a bit generous. I'm fairly sure I didn't realize it was a date until about halfway through dinner.

[viliorate]

You've always been a little slow. I knew what it was as soon as you asked, though.

[sadisticwarfare]

I'm not slow...!

[But he doesn't get too offended.]

You've always known me too well.

[viliorate]

[Yes you are.]

I've known you longer than just about anyone. Comes in handy for things like that.