Over the past couple decades, since that day that proved a turning point in her childhood, Root hasn't stopped believing that it matters who gets hurt but she's given up on following that through for the most part. Certain things still hit her too strongly to ignore -- ironically, hurting young girls is one of those things -- yet over time it's seemed increasingly like no one else is following the rules, so why should she?

"I can be limited working alone," she agrees. "Usually I hire someone if I need an extra set of hands, but it's nothing like having someone I trust." Not that she's saying she trusts her already, but partnership means trust, and she's open to it growing into that place for them.

She has to pause briefly as the server sets down two waters and the carafe of sake, and Root starts pouring for herself.

"We could try it for a while, see how it goes." She won't admit she's been hideously lonely for a long time, but she has been for so long, and it makes her cautious and wondering about the possibility of breaking that status quo. "You have to eat, I like to keep busy, and I'm very good at making sure no one gets caught. Plus -- " Root grins fiendishly. "I bet no one takes you seriously."

So many amazing possibilities for cover identities and scams and making stupid people pay for their assumptions.