[Kimblee doesn't say anything right away, taking a good stretch of those stairs in silence; he isn't angry, just bothered somewhat. He knows that Archer is aware of the...difficulties he's experienced since his incarceration; it hadn't been nearly this bad in Amestris due to the constant state of conflict that his affairs had been in since his release. But here, now that he has no such distractions and obligations keeping his busy, it's been difficult; it's not the massive decisions that will affect his life overall that he has problems with - that's a matter of survival, and if there's anything he's good at above all else, it's surviving - but after spending so many years with literally no control over his personal choices, it's the simple things, impacting nothing more than his day-to-day existence, that tend to frustrate him. The level of difficulty in regards to decision-making runs a wide range, between "this is taking far too long" and "this is damn near impossible;" Archer had noticed eventually. It isn't something that they discuss, but Archer has taken on most of the responsibility in that regard, making the major decisions for both of them and taking the lead in terms of the minor ones, giving Kimblee an example to follow and alter as he saw fit.
He knows that in the end, it's just compounded the issue; it hasn't been improving, and if anything, it's been getting worse. He knows he should be more bothered by that than he is, but in reality he's content to not have to work through unnecessary stress on a daily basis, especially if he has someone willing to essentially give him orders. Normally, he's fine with it. If he actually considers it, however, as he is now...the thought is an unpleasant one. He not only takes orders without question, but at this point he practically needs them to function.
He really is the perfect soldier in the end, isn't he.]
You've been very good to me, Archer.
[The statement is sudden, though he doesn't seem displeased; his voice is even, not bothered at all, and he's smirking a bit when he glances back.]
no subject
He knows that in the end, it's just compounded the issue; it hasn't been improving, and if anything, it's been getting worse. He knows he should be more bothered by that than he is, but in reality he's content to not have to work through unnecessary stress on a daily basis, especially if he has someone willing to essentially give him orders. Normally, he's fine with it. If he actually considers it, however, as he is now...the thought is an unpleasant one. He not only takes orders without question, but at this point he practically needs them to function.
He really is the perfect soldier in the end, isn't he.]
You've been very good to me, Archer.
[The statement is sudden, though he doesn't seem displeased; his voice is even, not bothered at all, and he's smirking a bit when he glances back.]
I appreciate it.