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]

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.

[sadisticwarfare]

I suppose that's very true. I wouldn't have it any other way.

[viliorate]

As soon as I heal...

[Well, he's going to do something. He hasn't decided yet.]

I did say that I'd change my act if I got hurt again, didn't I?

[sadisticwarfare]

...You did. I know how much you like that act but...

[He doesn't want you to get hurt again.]

[viliorate]

I'll keep my promise.

[He attempts a reassuring smile, but it's a little off.]

I don't like seeing you panic.

[sadisticwarfare]

I know you don't but your act is a big draw...

[Forcing Kimbley to give it up will only hurt profits. This isn't something he can decide right away, and Archer shakes his head after a moment.]

...We'll think about it. I'm not going to make any rash decisions one way or another.

[viliorate]

...Yeah, I know.

[He's already aware that they're going to be at a disadvantage with him out of commission for a while. Why couldn't he have injured himself doing something cool instead of it being a stupid injury?]

You'll come up with something, I'm sure. You always do.

[sadisticwarfare]

I know.

[He'll have to think on it, but for now he wants nothing more than to just sit with Kimbley for awhile.]

Does it still hurt?

[viliorate]

It doesn't hurt so bad now.

[He smirks like he hasn't just had a rather serious injury.]

You're going to stay here for a while, right?

[sadisticwarfare]

Of course I am.

[He finally moves up to sit beside Kimbley, though he's cautious of Kimbley's side for obvious reasons.]

I'll have to work eventually, but for now I'd rather stay with you.

[viliorate]

I'm sure you could do some of your work in here.

[Not that he can really help in his current state, but he's going to try.]

[sadisticwarfare]

Well yes, but you might distract me.

[viliorate]

I'm not going to distract you.

[sadisticwarfare]

...I'll get to it in a little bit.

[For now he's just going to reach out and awkwardly wrap an arm around Kimbley's shoulders.]

[viliorate]

[Hey, if you think he's going to turn down the attention...]

Just don't forget about it. You'll be angry if you do.