[color=#BC6101]“Just tell me what the hell you’re yammerin’ on ‘bout on here, a’ight? I don’t need ya snoopin’ around like ya own the place.”[/color] There was a muttering from the other side, followed by the distinctive ‘click’ of the call ending. 

Fucking Cal. 

Stride grumbled and placed the phone on the countertop, running a hand through her hair. It hadn’t taken long for her to get back to the apartment, belly full and thoughts bemused at Cienna’s sudden departure. She hoped that the fairy had made it back wherever she was going without trouble- while it was likely that Cienna could take care of herself if she’d been around for this long, she just seemed so...small. Faint. Even if she was a stranger, Stride felt worried about the chick and her soulmate alike. Maybe she’d see about visiting the room Erin was in. 

Idly, wondered if she could smuggle a bit of booze in. Sure, it might take a while before Erin could drink it, but Stride thought that she needed a drink more than anything in a time like this.

She would go get some extra whiskey while she was out shopping later, she decided. She had to go out to window-shop (pun intended) anyway, and to replace some of the furniture that had gotten damaged during the storm. Look into getting the locks changed, too, if Cal was really planning on stopping by for a little chat. Asshole had copied her key when she wasn’t looking, and he wasn’t exactly the type to wait to be let in. 

But before she did, she’d take some time to let out some steam. 

Dragging her easel out from the closet, Stride set it into the center of the room, then went to retrieve her other painting supplies. Her goggles and jacket were set neatly on the couch beside her, and, dipping brush into blended oil, she began to paint. Smears of orange and grey and black were committed to canvas, made to shape something new. Something quiet. 

Stride hardly considered herself a Van Gogh, but it was...relaxing. Soothing. Private. 

The canvas flushed a rosy pink under her hand, and she took in the scent of her work.