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]

You know how picky I am, Kimbley. I'm not about to go camping, and I wouldn't want to stay somewhere uncomfortable. Besides, I barely get enough sleep as it is, leaving the city will only stress me out even more.

[viliorate]

[He frowns.]

What if I could rent us a cabin? Something with electricity and a nice bed.

[sadisticwarfare]

...I suppose that would work, but again it would be expensive. Why do you want to go somewhere so badly anyway?

[viliorate]

I want to get out of the city for a little while.

[sadisticwarfare]

...Why?

[Is it obvious that he has no idea?]

[viliorate]

So I can pretend this isn't all going to hell for a couple days. It would do us both some good.

[sadisticwarfare]

It isn't going to hell. I know things are bad now, but we'll get through them. We always do.

...But if leaving the city is that important to you, I suppose I can look into it.

[viliorate]

I'd appreciate it.

We can make the trip cheap, I'm sure of it.

[sadisticwarfare]

I'll see what I can do.

[It'll probably be possible, but he doesn't like the idea of just dropping everything and leaving the city, even for a few days. He has to plan everything down to the last detail, you know!]

[viliorate]

[Kimbley knows Archer better than to think he'd ever drop everything to go on a short vacation. He'll plan things out perfectly, but at least maybe they'll actually go on an actual trip together.

With both of them always working, it doesn't happen normally, if ever.]

It'll be a nice trip if we can swing it.

[sadisticwarfare]

I suppose it would be. I'll see what I can do about it when I get a chance.

[viliorate]

[He's made Kimbley very happy.

He smirks at Archer before curling up on the cot, now actually attempting to rest. No one else should bother them, so at least Archer will be able to work without more interruptions.]

[sadisticwarfare]

[He's glad he can help! He doesn't interrupt Kimbley and gets back to work.]

[viliorate]

[Fortunately, Kimbley isn't going to complain or bother Archer since he's gotten something he wanted.

So he'll stay put until the doctor returns near the end of the day. Hopefully he doesn't ask any questions, because that would be incredibly awkward.]

I'll be back soon.

[sadisticwarfare]

Ah, alright. I'll see you then.

[He still has a lot of work to do, so he'll stay here, but hopefully everything goes okay!]

[viliorate]

[...unfortunately, the doctor does ask Kimbley about why he'd be sleeping in Archer's office and not one of the other tents as he's checking the burn and changing bandages.

Kimbley is vague in his answer-- he's always worked closely with Archer. He might be one of the performers but he's also known Archer for years, you know. So he decided to sleep in his office today.

....the doctor isn't buying it but also obviously not pressing the issue. He tells Kimbley not to burn himself again and sends him on his way.

So back to Archer's office he goes.]

[sadisticwarfare]

Is everything alright?

[He doesn't even look up to make sure it's Kimbley; Kimbley is the only person who would open Archer's office door without knocking.]

[viliorate]

Everything's fine.

[No, it's not fine.]

[sadisticwarfare]

[Archer glances up, studying Kimbley for a moment before nodding.]

That's good to hear. You're not in any pain, are you?

[viliorate]

[He smirks.]

Of course not. I'm made of some strong stuff. A little burn like this doesn't hurt at all.

[This is a really stupid lie.]

[sadisticwarfare]

It's hardly a "little burn". You don't need to downplay your injury any.

[viliorate]

[He pauses at that, giving one of those looks that indicates he was hoping for a moment Archer would play along.

He really does know better normally, but being burned has gotten to him more than he lets on. At least he's not acting nervous, because if he was nervous everyone in the circus would know.]

I'm fine. Really.

[sadisticwarfare]

...Are you sure?

[Sometimes he really can't tell if Kimbley is being serious or faking it. This is unfortunately one of those times.]

[viliorate]

[He's faking it.

He's really faking it.]

I'm sure. Don't worry about it.

[sadisticwarfare]

Very well. Don't hesitate to let me know if you need anything.