S⃞ h⃞ e⃞ r⃞ l⃞ o⃞ c⃞ k⃞ H⃞ o⃞ l⃞ m⃞ e⃞ s⃞ x⃞ F⃞ e⃞ m⃞ a⃞ l⃞ e⃞ O⃞ C⃞
Ivy Liu takes a slow drag of her cigarette, watching Sherlock with those sharp, unblinking eyes that seem to s...
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The Californian
Sherlock shot to his feet, his coat already halfway on as he headed for the door. Ivy Liu, already accustomed to Sherlock's abrupt movements, grabbed her coat in a flurry and followed without hesitation. She was right on his heels as John hurried behind them, jacket in hand but forgetting his cane in his rush. Ivy noticed and sighed, already rolling her eyes at John's forgetfulness, but didn't have time to comment as they made their way outside.
Sherlock shrugged into his coat effortlessly while Ivy struggled, hurriedly yanking hers on as her eyes tracked the taxi parked nearby. The passenger inside looked around suspiciously, his eyes scanning the surroundings. Sherlock and Ivy watched him closely, their expressions identical in their focused intensity, though Ivy's had an edge of skepticism. As the man turned to look out the back window, his gaze fell on the restaurant. Sherlock glared at him, but the man soon faced forward again, and the taxi began to pull away from the curb.
Without warning, Sherlock bolted toward the taxi, completely disregarding the road he was darting into.
"Are you serious?" Ivy hissed as she raced after him.
A car screeched around the corner, its horn blaring as it sped directly towards Sherlock. Ivy, quick as lightning, grabbed the back of Sherlock's coat and yanked him out of the way just in time.
"Idiot!" Ivy growled, glaring at him as she saved him from being flattened. The driver slammed on the brakes, but Sherlock barely acknowledged the near-miss.
He shrugged Ivy off dismissively and rolled over the car's bonnet with ease, landing on the other side before continuing his pursuit of the taxi.
"Really?!" Ivy shouted, half-laughing, half-scolding as she ran after him. "One of these days, Holmes, I'm not saving you!" Despite her irritation, her speed was impressive as she easily kept up with Sherlock. The driver of the car leaned on his horn again, and John, vaulting over the front of the car, gave an apologetic wave.
"Sorry!" John called back, his breath coming in short gasps as he ran to catch up.
Sherlock had already realized he wasn't going to catch the cab and slowed to a halt. Ivy, not too far behind, came to a stop beside him, muttering curses under her breath.
"I've got the cab number," John wheezed as he caught up. Ivy raised an eyebrow, her expression mocking.
"So do I," Ivy added nonchalantly, not breaking a sweat as she wiped the corner of her cheek from where she'd barely scratched it in the chase.
"Good for you two," Sherlock shot back, his voice dripping with sarcasm. He brought his hands up to either side of his head, his eyes closing in concentration.
Ivy quirked an eyebrow, watching him with an amused smirk. "What are you doing? Casting a spell? Going full wizard now, Holmes?"
Sherlock ignored her jibe, muttering under his breath. "Right turn, one way, roadworks, traffic lights, bus lane, pedestrian crossing, left turn only, traffic lights."
