Chapter 4

Johnny couldn't help but love the bike journey. His ears, blowing back from the strong wind as he pushed forward the bike down the roads. The ride was plain smoothing as the engine roared passed down the long windy bends. Super Sonic simply chilled out, now resting his feet inside the side car. His arms were lifted behind him as he snuggled to the back cushion.

Quickly checking his watch, it was coming to 1AM. He hoped Amy was still far away from HQ but as the scenery changed from city, to plain fields, the roads started to change into dirt paths and uneven roads. The ride was slightly getting bumpy as the yellow hedgehog was rocked at both sides.

"Hey! Don't break it! She isn't exactly brand new!" Super shouted.

The rabbit winced as he could feel the wheels bounce high against any big stones as the engine pumped more iron to cross over the natural road. Suddenly they both looked onwards and to their amazement, both watched the final train on its tracks. As road and track merged opposite of each other, the rabbit could just see the last inhabitants making themselves home.

"That will be the final train. Maybe Amy's on it!" Super shouted

"Then we better push the pedal to the metal then!" Johnny replied with a grin.

But before the yellow hedgehog protested, he pushed his foot down and raced onwards. Super lowered his head down to avoid the burst of wind as they speeded through. Suddenly, the rabbit made a sudden turn, almost lifting the side car upwards. Racing down a small path, Johnny hoped the shortcut would get him there faster. This path however was full of trees and thick bushes. Super yelled as he tried to keep his helmet on as he dodged the upcoming attack of leaves and twigs. Johnny couldn't help but enjoy the adrenaline as the machine speeded down the hill and remerged back onto the road.

The front light beamed him the rest of the way. The road started to get better as they were starting to approach the Emerald Hill Zone. Then, they both saw their destination; the station. Making a quick U-turn on the bike, Johnny stopped the bike and ended the engine. The rabbit enjoyed the ride as he took his helmet off. However, looking at Super Sonic, he looked a little distraught.

"That is the first, and last time I ever let you drive; You maniac!" He shouted as he jumped off the side car.

"I thought you be used to that kind of speed?" Johnny smirked as the hedgehog rubbed down the leaves off his jacket.

"On my own feet! Stick to planes next time!" The hedgehog spoke in annoyance, quickly surveying the bike over for any damage.

Johnny stood forward and saw from the distract the train heading to the station. If he could just run it down, he be there in no time. Suddenly, the rabbit turned as he heard a small noise emitting from Super. Cursing, he watched as the hedgehog tried to reach something in his pocket. As he got it out, the rabbit couldn't help but snigger to see an old mobile; one that looked ancient compared to the technology of today. Super sighed as he answered it.

"Hi Ebony. No, everything's fine. I just dropped Johnny off at the Emerald Hill zone. No! I mean; he missed his train so I took him. No, the bike is perfectly fine. Wait what are you doing up? You better not be at that office again? Ok ok, I be heading back in a bit. Don't wait up. Ok Ok see you soon. Bye"

The rabbit couldn't help overhear the conversation, trying to hide a sinister smile.

"Is that your lady in waiting?" Johnny asked with a smile.

"Wait what?" Super asked.

But Johnny couldn't help but snigger as even in the night, he could see he was blushing. Waving his hands to change the subject, Super muttered away about the mud on the bike. Saying it will take all day for him to get it all cleaned up. Before long, his little rant was over, Johnny still seeing he was still embarrassed.

"Right, I be heading back now, you sure you'll be alright?" Super asked as he jumped back onto the bike seat.

"Of course. Oh, hang on, can I borrow that for one second?" Johnny asked as he reached his hand for his mobile.

Super gave it to him without question.

"It's just a pay as you go phone. Does the job in the end." Super stated as he watched Johnny messing with his phone.

Two seconds later, he phoned his own mobile to receive Super's number.

"There you go; sorted. Just in case of any emergencies." Johnny smiled giving the mobile back.

"Or, if you need a chat or something." The rabbit quickly added.

"Thanks. Now I can say I have more than one contact on this thing. But honestly, thanks. And same to you as well; just in case the freedom fighting business goes a little slow. Don't worry, I make sure there's carrot cake, in case you ever pop over unannounced" Super smiled back jokily.

"I'll take that offer." Johnny replied, as he turned around and ran down the slope hill towards the station.

He watched as the hedgehog waved back grinning. He then took the bike seat and revved up the engine into motion. The rabbit ran forwards, hearing the engine of the ancient machine finally moving away. The only thing he could hear as the bike moved away to the distance was the occasional loud banging from the exhaust.

By the time the train had just landed at the station, the rabbit had just made it as he wiped away the sweat from his brow and trying to gain his breath back. As the final passengers left the station, he called out to Amy and waved to his direction. The pink hedgehog smiled back as she left the platform.

"You had a workout? You look knackered." The hedgehog asked.

"Well, you could say that. Been a long day." The rabbit joked.

"Well, I'm not really in the mood to cook up anything, wanna get a takeaway instead?"

"You can Amy, I've already had my supper."

"Oh? Speaking of food, what were you cooking? Looks like you got it mostly on your top."

To Johnny's surprise, he almost forgotten about the food stains he had made while cooking, under his red jacket. He laughed nervously.

"It was a new recipe. I won in the end. In fact, tell you what. Save your money, I'll cook another round."

"Are you sure? It's late." Amy asked with a smile.

"Nah, won't take me too long. Got the ingredients at HQ and I learnt from the best." The rabbit winked at the pink hedgehog.

Not sure what he meant by that, Amy yawned and smile.

"Well, if that's the case, I better open something for us to drink." She smiled back.

Suddenly Johnny could feel himself blushing as both of them headed their way back to HQ….

Super Sonic finally landed home.

Cutting off the engine to the back entrance of the Groovy Train, he tossed over the waterproof sheets over the machine. To his luck, there was no significant damage; maybe a few leaves here and there. Sighing, he however couldn't help but smile.

As he unlocked the back door, everything was in darkness. Locking up again, he threw the keys to the side and undid the helmet over his head. Removing the red bandana, his yellow quills shot out in all directions. Scratching his head, he finally felt more comfortable.

He thought about heading upstairs to make himself a brew before bed, but not before he saw a dim light coming from the café inside. As he went to investigate, he saw that the office light was still on. Opening the door, he peeped inside and couldn't help but to shake his head.

Ebony was fast asleep as she rested her arms on the desk. Her face was planted on one of her paper works. The light was coming from the small desk lamp. Was she trying to burn the midnight oil? Or keeping up to wait for him to come back home?

The hedgehog sneaked inside, trying his best not to wake her up. He carefully took off the large blanket that was hung behind one of the spare chairs and carefully placed the blanket over the feline. The blanket covered her up to her shoulders as she didn't stare. Then saying a whispered goodnight, Super Sonic switched off the desk light. Tiptoeing back outside, he carefully closed the door.

Smiling, he checked his phone to say it was almost 2:00AM. Time for him to get some shut eye as well, seeing he was up early for another shift at the Groovy Train. Giving a small groan, he took up the stairs as he stretched his arms out wide. Either from such a busy day, or the fact he felt somewhat lighter to have another friend in the mix, the yellow hedgehog knew tonight he was going to sleep well…

The End.