Pushing Beyond Limits

One of the nice things about working late is how quiet it usually is by the time he’s done for the night. But tonight it’s far too quiet…

Sailor Mercury lay immobile, her head slumped forward as she groaned softly. Her body had strings of pearls and beads tying her down and draining her energy as well. Her computer and transformation pen lay out of reach from the blow she took while attempting to contact the others. 

But then he can’t do nothing. His pride as an ultra wouldn’t allow it for one thing, not to mention he can’t leave his friend like this.

While the monster was distracted, he moved quietly through the bodies towards her, shedding his disguised form. Ivan wasn’t supposed to know about her after all.

“Mercury…” he whispered as he tried to dislodge the pearls holding her down, “wake up, the fight isn’t over yet.”

“I….I feel so weak….please….leave while you can. I don’t want you to get trapped as w-”

In a flash, a bright red rose soared through the air and cut loose through the pearls. Slumping over onto Ivan, Ami sighed at the sight of the Rose.

He did help her up, but... was she in any condition to fight?

"You're not fighting her alone. Where are the others?"

Looking up to Ivan she gave a gentle giggle before shaking her head and looking back to the crowd that was passing by.

He looked down and smiled.

One of the nice things about working late is how quiet it usually is by the time he’s done for the night. But tonight it’s far too quiet…

Sailor Mercury lay immobile, her head slumped forward as she groaned softly. Her body had strings of pearls and beads tying her down and draining her energy as well. Her computer and transformation pen lay out of reach from the blow she took while attempting to contact the others. 

But then he can't do nothing. His pride as an ultra wouldn't allow it for one thing, not to mention he can't leave his friend like this.

While the monster was distracted, he moved quietly through the bodies towards her, shedding his disguised form. Ivan wasn't supposed to know about her after all.

"Mercury..." he whispered as he tried to dislodge the pearls holding her down, "wake up, the fight isn't over yet."

Moving aside, a small group of people began coming through, carrying a small shrine. Bells chimed, people chanted…and wait were they still holding hands? The realization hit Ami and suddenly she was pink all over again. Letting go of his hand, she gave him a small smile.

He hadn't actually noticed that he was still holding onto her. That sudden realization doubled with the break in contact made his face warm too.

The mobile shrine was a very welcome distraction.

When his last comment was made, They all tensed once more before looking at Ami who was looking up in awe of how serious Ivan looked.

“I seriously hope you’re just pulling our leg again! We wouldn’t know what to do without Ami!”

“Well if that’s the case, then maybe you guys should consider not trying to play matchmaker for me. You caused some grief tonight and i want you all to apologize to Ivan.”

Wait, why did he feel guilty? They should apologize! They made the night awkward.

“But….Ami….”

Standing up as well, Ami gave them a sad smile before giggling. Bursting into laughter, Ami shook her head before turning to Ivan.

“I’m sorry. I ruined it. They’re expressions were too much. I’ve always been a bit of a lousy actor.”

The other girls all blinked and looked between them before crossing their arms. With a loud huff, Makoto peered at Ivan

"It's fine, I'm not sure if I could've gone much longer either..."

Once he'd collected himself he gave the girls a smile.

"Sorry... just having some fun. Don't worry, neither of us is leaving tonight."

His expression turned entirely serious. Maybe too serious...

He went as far as to reach over and take her hand, making a big show of everything.

“I hope you don’t mind…I mean I… it’s a wonderful opportunity for me and I hope the rest don’t mind.”

Her eyes wide with Horror, Usagi immediately clung to Ami and began shaking her.

“Ami what are you saying?! You can’t leave meeee! I’ll miss you too much and I have a lot of homework I need you to doooooo!!!”

That’s when the rest decided to show up.

He stood up and gave a deep bow.

He went as far as to reach over and take her hand, making a big show of everything.

“Mmm, that’s much better than the takoyaki!”

He held it out to her.

Upon being offered a bite from his, Ami blushed and nodded. Not an indirect kiss at all. Nope. Taking a nimble bite, she smiled at the taste.

He smiled, nodded, tried a bit of hers.

“Sooooo how’s it going you couple of love birds?”

"Going just fine, thank you for asking... in fact..."

He broke out into a smile and looked over to Ami, hoping she'd catch his thinking.

“Mmm, that’s much better than the takoyaki!”

He held it out to her.

Upon being offered a bite from his, Ami blushed and nodded. Not an indirect kiss at all. Nope. Taking a nimble bite, she smiled at the taste.

He smiled, nodded, tried a bit of hers.

"Mmm, that's much better than the takoyaki!"

He held it out to her.

Once ti was their turn in line, She ordered for them both and paid. Standing to the side so the next order could be taken, Ami gestured to the chef.

“It’s fascinating how quickly they’re able to make them. I guess it’s like most art. Practice makes perfect.”

He was just about to take a bite when she reached over and violated his nose. He went cross eyed for a moment before laughing and smearing some of his cream cheese across her forehead.

"There, now we're even!"

Pointing with her free hand to the list of crepes number and pictures, she turned to him.

Mind put at ease about the subject, he took a good look at the menu. He'd tried chocolate... and most of the fruits available... what was this? Cream cheese? Wasn't cheese already made of... never mind... might as well try it, and it had strawberries too which he already liked.