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]

[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.

[viliorate]

[He's just. Going to sit back down on the cot.]

How long am I supposed to do this again? A few weeks?

[There's no way he can wait that long.]

[sadisticwarfare]

Until you're fully recovered. Yes, that might take awhile, but if you push yourself you'll only make things worse.

[Sorry, Kimbley, he has no idea what this is like.]

[viliorate]

[At least he's mature enough that he isn't just complaining? This is not something Kimbley could have done at any point in his twenties.]

Right.

[He really doesn't like having to sit around doing nothing because he's a very active man and being forced to stay in bed all day is a nightmare scenario for him.]

[sadisticwarfare]

[This is definitely a good thing!]

...It's alright, Kimbley. I know this isn't ideal, but you're going to be fine. You just have to be patient.

[viliorate]

I know, I know.

You used to yell at me about being impulsive, I guess you've rubbed off on me.

[sadisticwarfare]

I'm glad to hear that. I'd hate to imagine what you would have done had you received these injuries back then.

[viliorate]

Probably something really stupid.

[At least he's self aware enough to admit it.]

[sadisticwarfare]

Well, you're going to be fine now. There's no sense in worrying about it. Just take it easy for a little while.

[viliorate]

[This is a little awkward.]

I should let you get back to work.

[sadisticwarfare]

As I said, let me know if you need anything.

[viliorate]

[He doesn't have anything to say at the moment. Thankfully he isn't going to bother Archer, instead he glances around the office.]

Why do you have so many books in here?

[It's a strange question to ask now, but none of the books have ever been brought home.]

[sadisticwarfare]

When I first took control of this business I had no idea how to do anything. I wasn't sure what the first steps were to even keeping a business going, much less how to handle one as odd as this.

[He gestures to the books with a slight wave of his hand.]

I purchased these in the hopes that they would help. Obviously they have; I'm still running this circus.

[viliorate]

[Well, that makes sense!

He's not really sure why Archer needs so many of them, but then again Kimbley hasn't ever had a desire to run a business. Kimbley's gone through his life not being particularly motivated to do anything.

....it's probably good that Archer has given him some direction.]

You're a good business owner.