It's been a while (Johnny Cruz/Joonas Parkkonen) - Santa Cruz -

One day, one way or another

"I can do it in my own.", Archie said convinced by his own words and lifted his foot to climb up onto the first step.
As Sammy expected he couldn't do it on his own.
In the middle of his movement he twitched and sat his foot back down to the ground.
"See. I told you. You weren't able to do it 10 minutes ago at the hospital so you aren't now either. Let me help you and we will be inside 100 times faster."
Without even taking a no as an answer she wrapped her arm around his back and supported him as he crawled up the stairs step by step.
"Did anything exciting happen while I wasn't here?", he asked and eyed his house as much as it was possible in his state.
He didn't have any crutches but he could barely walk by himself.
"Actually not, no. But something exciting that will happen next is you going to bed."
Archie raised an eyebrow and smirked.
"Make me."
Of course he was like that.
He was still Archie.
"Archie please."
He ignored her and limped towards the kitchen slowly.
"Archie!"
"Do we have beer?", he just asked and kept on limping, now into the kitchen.
"Seriously? Archie, no alcohol. Don't you dare break that rule. Go to bed!"
Sammy walked after him and tried to make him stop searching for any kind of beer but he wouldn't let her.
"Okay, I call Johnny."
She hoped he'd react by willing to do what she wanted but he just shrugged.
"Fine. I call him."
"What is this about you always going for him? Did I miss something? Whenever I'm with you there is either you talking about him or you talking with him.."
"Maybe I tell you as soon as I see you in your bed with a cup of tea."
He laughed and waved negatively.
"I'll find out sooner or later."
Sammy shook her head annoyed and took her phone from the table.
Johnny immediately answer happily.
"Heyy what's up?"
"Hi uhm could you possibly come around and help me tame Archie?"
She shot Archie a warning glare as she said that but just got a smirk in return.
"Tame him? What is he doing?"
"He is doing nothing. That's the problem. I need him to rest and the only thing he cares about is whether there is beer in the house."
"Oh. Well.. Ah okay I'm there in a bit. See ya."
He ended the call.
"So I guess the happy boyfriend is coming over to see his girl?", Archie asked smirking.
"My not-boyfriend is coming over to tame my brother.", she answered, still glaring, and left the kitchen, leaving him all lost with his injuries.
About 10 minutes later Johnny rang the door bell and stepped inside as Sammy opened the door.
"So, where is beast that needs to be tamed?", he asked jokingly and hugged her, renouncing a kiss.
"I left him in the kitchen. Gotta be somewhere around there cause he can't go far on his own.", she explained and pointed at the kitchen.
"I'm still in the kitchen. Johnny, wanna share a beer?", Archie yelled out.
Sammy rolled his eyes and turned to walk back into the living room.
Johnny made is way to Archie and bro-hugged him.
"How's it goin'? Does it hurt bad?", he asked and sat down with him.
"Nah it's fine. I mean yeah it does, it hurts, but it's me, man. I'm alright."
"Good to hear. So I've heard you refuse to get rest huh? You know you'd be okay much faster?"
Archie nodded and stood up from his chair.
"Yep. Just chasin' Sammy, that's it. Now that you're here I think I can leave to get some beauty sleep."
"Seriously?", Sammy screamed annoyed because he wouldn't even resist.
"Well yeah I know I'm already beautiful but a man needs sleep."
He winked at Johnny, who was also smirking at the situation, and made his way to his bedroom.
"He is unbelievable..", Sammy sighed as he was gone.
"Don't let him chase you. Just leave him be and he'll realize you're annoyed"
Johnny grabbed her wrist and pulled her down onto the couch with him.
"But that's exactly what encourages him.", she sighed and buried her head in a mountain of pillows.
Johnny, in return, pouted playfully and threw another pillow towards her.
"So now that we're alone whatcha wanna do?"
Sammy shrugged and leaned against his shoulder.
"I'm tired to he honest."
"Yeah I totally understand that. Well get some rest then and I will take a look over your songs meanwhile."
He got up and grabbed her laptop, logging in immediately.
"Don't look through my embarrassing photos please..", Sammy said and pulled the blanket over her body to get some sleep.
"Oh now that you've said it."
A smile escaped his lips and he turned to the laptop.
Sammy closed her eyes and soon fell asleep.

"Oiii Johnny boi, still here huh?", Archie called for him, definitely sleepy, as he entered the living room, nearly 4 hours after Sammy fell asleep.
It was 11:06pm now.
"Oh Archie.. yeah I was just writing and stuff. Completely forgot about the time."
He unlocked his phone to check his notifies just to see thousands of social media notifications.
Also sleepy he shut down the phone and leaned back to close his eyes and rest.
"I suppose you're going to stay tonight, aren't ya?", Archie asked, limping his way to the kitchen.
"If you don't kick me out I guess I am."
Johnny laughed slightly and followed Archie to help him walk.
"Can you just pour me some water in the glass please?", he asked and stretched his arm towards Johnny.
He took the glass out of his hand and did what he asked for.
"So.. would you be honest if I asked you about your relationship? With Sammy I mean."
Johnny avoided his face, afraid to give away anything.
"What do you want me to say? Hasn't she told you anything yet?"
Archie shook his head and sighed.
"Nothing. Every time it comes to this kind of conversation she would walk off or just give weird answers."
Johnny breathed out, relieved that he didn't know yet.
"Look, Archie, you know I'm always honest with you. I will definitely not say something without her knowing about it. Don't push too hard, man."
Putting the glass into the sink he mumbled something.
Johnny wasn't sure if he meant to talk to him or if he was just thinking out loud but next second he turned around, facing him dangerously.
"But are you honest?"
"You haven't asked if...", he started but Archie cut him off.
"You know, I can understand if you two don't want me to know because I was always the one to be mad about it but I can assure you... I'm not anymore. I'm fine with it. I just don't want to be the one who is left in the dark."
His face wasn't serious anymore.
There was some kind of pain, whether it was because of his injury or because he wouldn't get an answer, Johnny couldn't tell.
"I'm sorry, Archie. It's not my place to tell you this. Talk to Sammy."
With that he left the kitchen.
Archie, again, left alone.
Even though he wouldn't show he was hurt, he sure was.
It hurt him that, after all, they still lied to him.
Well not lie, but none of them would tell him what's really going on.
Without saying anything while trotting past Johnny he went back into his room.
He will find out.
One way or another.
Meanwhile Johnny sat down next to Sammy and slightly stroke her head until she opened her eyes.
"Hey, Sams. I was just wondering if you might want to go upstairs to your room? I'll stay if that's fine."
Sammy nodded and closed her eyes again.
Assuming it was a yes to both of his questions he carried her upstairs.
Gently, he placed her in the bed, took off his shirt and crawled under the blanket next to her.
One day they will tell Archie.