Cindy and her roommate, Zel, were in the middle of a fierce battle. Their thumbs twiddled quickly on handheld controllers, as they stared mindlessly at the television screen, though extremely focused on the task at hand. They mashed button after button like madmen for hours, until finally, a victor was chosen.

"I win again! That's ten to zero, baby!" Cindy shouted.

"Goddammit!" Zel grumbled, throwing her controller to the floor. "How come I can never win against you, anyway? This 'Super Bang Bros' game is garbage!"

"Teehee, you just gotta get good, Zel!" Cindy proclaimed, patting the ogre on her back. "Pour me up another drink, would ya?" she asked, quickly finishing her third glass of wine on the evening.

"Oh, I'll get good at something alright," Zel grumbled.

Cindy had grown rather fond of her new roommate over the last month. Sure, she was messy, rather loud as well, blasting her obnoxious rock music at unreasonable times. But, Zel had also been extremely kind and relaxed around Cindy. They'd play video games and even drink together often. They even had similar tastes in television, and would often binge-watch different shows together over a bottle of wine or three. She never had a problem letting Jon stay in their apartment, either. The half-elf could not have asked for a more caring and understanding roommate.

"So, you're really done killing already, Cindy?" Zel asked, handing Cindy another glass of wine.

"Yeah, I think so," Cindy replied, sipping on her wine. "I'll be working with Director Aria in the charity division from now on. The pay is much less, but at least... I can try to live a normal life now," she continued, glimpsing at her reflection in the hazy white wine.

Cindy and the three directors came to an agreement one week prior: The half-elf would still keep her position as an “assassin” with The Fam, but she would not forgo any contracts. Kai would handle the killings alone, while Cindy would work a grueling schedule in the charity department alongside Aria. Cindy would clean litter off the streets non-stop, feed the homeless and orphans at various shelters, as well as other tasks to help out the community. Though simple enough, the work hours still proved to be quite taxing for the half-elf, but she still preferred it over acting on her dark thoughts.

“Well, suit yourself,” Zel replied.

“Damn, I wish I had an education. Then, I’d be able to work in finance like you,” Cindy complained.

“Why don’t you go back to school then?”

“Yeah, I don’t think my seventh grade education will take me very far.”

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“Well, you can always go to trade school. Get a certificate in something, I don’t know,” Zel suggested, sipping on her glass of wine.

“Hm, I think I’d make a damn good locksmith, now that I think about it. You’re a genius, Zelly!”

“Don't call me that!”

“Zelly Zelly Zelly!” Cindy continued, reaching out to hug the ogre with her arms open. Her attempt was rejected, as Zel pushed the half-elf’s face away with her hand, spilling a bit of wine in the process.

“Ugh, you’re so annoying. Pour me up a little more, would ya?”

“Sorry, sorry! Please forgive me!” Cindy apologized, pouring more wine in the disgruntled ogre’s glass.

“Thanks. Seriously, you should be banned from playing ‘M*rio’ in that game. It’s a hack! Just a total fucking hack!” Zel complained, gulping on wine.

“Heh, still salty, I see. Wanna play again? I’ll use a different character this time,” Cindy smiled angelically.

“Hmph, finally a fair game.” Zel said, picking up her controller.

The two roommates continued to play video games for a few more hours. After Cindy switched characters, Zel was still no match for the half-elf, losing twenty more games in a row.

“Um, I think that’s enough gaming for the evening,” Cindy said, her eyes strained red.

“Y-yeah, you’re probably right,” Zel said, her eyes also red while she huffed in frustration. “I still couldn’t win. You switched characters every game and I still couldn’t win, dammit! I’m never playing this game with your ass ever again!”

“S-sorry about that. You can choose the next game we play!”

“Yeah, like that’ll make a difference. You beat me at all of them!” Zel complained, profusely gulping on more wine.

“Oh, I’m sure there's a game out there you can beat me at. Just keep searching!”

“Yeah, yeah, whatever,” Zel grumbled. “Real talk, though: What are you gonna do about that brat, Jon?” she asked.

“Who?” Cindy asked drunkenly, still sipping on wine. “Oh shit, I forgot about you. Isn’t it your bedtime, brat? Go to your room!”

“I-I don’t have a room… I sleep on the couch you guys are sitting on!” Jon complained, sitting on a chair playing on a handheld console.

“Oh, yeah… I’ll take the couch tonight. You can sleep on my bed.”

“Yay!” Jon cheered, rushing to the half-elf’s room.

“Ahem! Leave that game behind. Your tutor is coming tomorrow, remember?”

“Y-yes ma’am,” Jon said sadly, begrudgingly handing Cindy his console, and shutting the door to her room.

“Yeesh, kids these days, am I right?” Cindy complained. “I forgot he was even here.”

“Yeah, me too… Uh, like I said: You can’t keep the boy forever, you know? I don’t particularly give a shit if he stays here, but you should probably start looking for a new home for the kid. I think it’ll be best for you too, if I’m being honest.” Zel said.

“Yeah, you’re probably right,” Cindy said with a wry smile, while knocking back another drink. “I just… I just want to make sure he’s alright.”

“Are you alright, Cindy?” Zel asked. “You’ll see an early grave if you keep stressing yourself out.” she noted.

“I’m fine,” Cindy said with a big fake smile. “I’m perfectly fine.”