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It was common knowledge for those who frequently visited Cannibal Town that Rosie had business dealings with those not just on the Pride Ring, but in other rings as well. Being a Hellborn, she had an advantage many Overlords didn't. Thus, her business managed well when things in the Pride Ring were being torn to pieces by angels.
Her travels usually placed her in a decent good grace with the other Sins and their own merchandise.
There was always one draw back during her travels. Rosie was always stressed beyond all belief when she came back to Cannibal Town. She usually made sure that her travels were no more than three days long. However, there seemed to be problem with the elevator that went up to Pride, which made her a day late returning home.
Upon her return, she came back when most of Cannibal Town was asleep. Good. At least she wouldn't have to deal with a crowd upon her arrival. As she fiddled with her keys to open her Emporium, a shadowed figure materialized a few feet beside her.
"You're home rather late, Rosie."
She was so stressed and tired that she nearly jumped out of her skin and her reflexes for fight or flight kicked in. Her left elbow jabbed behind her, only to have the pained groan - followed by a cough.
Turning around, Rosie gasped as she realized she may have injured Alastor in her moment of panic.
"Oh my goodness! I am so sorry! You should know better than to sneak up on a lady, mister. Are you okay?"
Alastor was hunched over, a hand over his chest as he waved her off, "It's..nothing. I'm fine." he muttered between a few coughs here and there.
"Are you sure?" She did feel bad for knocking the wind out of him.
"Y-yeah. I'm fine. I see you still have your strength after your long trip away. It's good to see you back."
Rosie groaned under her breath, turning her attention back to the door as she rolled her suitcase inside. As she walked inside, it was so dark you could barely see a foot in front of you.
She took a moment to light a lantern that illuminated a portion of the storefront. Rosie fished around the front of her suitcase as she felt around for a pack of cigarettes. Taking a seat in her usual chair by her tea set.
Walking inside after Rosie, Alastor noted the pack in her hand, raising a brow.
"Was it that bad?"
"Some idiot brought cursed items from Envy to Greed and managed to get the elevator stuck. It took them about six hours to remove the lingering curses and get the gears working again. It was ridiculous. Meanwhile, I had loan sharks and few other demons give me twenty questions while I was waiting patiently for them to get things fixed."
Rosie took a stick out, only to grumble under her breath, "Damnit. I must have left my lighter back in my hotel room when I was in the Sloth Ring."
A slight curve of Alastor's lips could be seen as he leaned towards Rosie. Between his fingers, he created a bright green flame, one big enough for her to use so she could set her drug alight.
She took a moment to inhale the toxin with the cigarette as she gave him a small smile, "Thank you darling. I apologize for going off. It's just been a long couple of days."
He chuckles softly, waving his hand off with ease to dismiss the flames in his hand, "Think nothing of it, my dear. You look like you would do better using that aggression towards a poor soul destined to be your meal but you obviously need some rest."
It was her turn to raise a brow at him, "Are you volunteering?" she uttered in jest.
Alastor tilted his head slightly, buzzing noises flowing from his microphone staff as he took her question into serious consideration.
"I might. It has...been a while and I did promise that I was going to give you a proper welcome this time around to make up for my absence."
Rosie stood from her seat, cigarette still in hand, walked past Alastor, "You don't have to. I'm happy to see that you were here to welcome me at all..despite you scaring the shit out of me."
Alastor couldn't help but chuckle softly to himself, "Your face was priceless. Ah, but you ensured I received instant karma for that, dear."
She shot him a brief stern glance as she rolled her suitcase behind her front desk. Too tired to bring it to her apartment upstairs, she would keep it there until morning.
"Yes..yes you did." She took a drag of her cigarette before putting it out into the ashtray nearby. "You should head home, Alastor. It's getting late. Thank you for being here to make sure I returned home but I'll be fine."
If anyone knew how stubborn Rosie could be, it was Alastor. He knew that tone. It was one he only saw on handful occasions - all stressful for Rosie. She was overwhelmed with stress and need for some sort of outlet for her frustration while being too tired to truly do anything about it. Rosie was pushing him away so he wouldn't see that ugly part of her.
He tilts his head at the cannibal Overlord before using his shadow to relocate himself right behind her. Taking hold of her left hand, he spun her around so she was facing him before pressing a kiss to her knuckles.
"Not until you are relaxed, Rosie. I know what you're doing and I won't let it slide this time."
"But yo-"
A crimson claw taps her lips, "Ah- ah..None of that. Normally I would take my leave but I can't exactly leave my Rose in such a state of discomfort. What kind of demon would I be then, hm?"
Rosie, though hung her head for a moment as he caught her in a moment of weakness, heaved a soft sigh.
"Fine. . ."
"That's what I like to hear. Shall we head up then?"
Rosie intertwined her fingers with his, a small smile creeping over the corner of her lips, "You realize that you're not going anywhere tomorrow, right?"
"Quite the tragedy, I know. I'm sure the hotel can survive a day or two without my presence. You, my dear, are my main concern for the evening."
Without a warning, Alastor lifted her into his arms, causing her to giggle as she clung her arms around his neck. Well, now she really couldn't say no!
Her giggle was like music to his ears. He kissed her forehead as he carried his fellow cannibal companion upstairs to her room.