"Ah, honestly? With a slightly more sophisticated version of 'I can be charming, and mount any item for framing so that it looks good. Please hire me?' buttressed by my waving electives and explaining I'd like to save to go back to school, study art restoration. Wasn't going to happen, because I wouldn't've been able to afford it, but it was still what I would've liked to do, which I suppose sort of answers your question. To answer it properly? Still 'sort of.'" She chuffed, unembarrassed. "I like fussing with acrylics, and had to have some severe budgeting standards even picking up casual hours working at my most recent main tattoo place, but managed. Sometimes by being the girl with a purse of Tupperware take-away, but, y'know."

Moving on, Sam moved over, shifting her weight enough to pat at Hiro's shoulder. "It would be a handy trick, no lie. If I have half a chance to get my mitts on the right ritual, I'll jump at it---even trade two rituals in turn, if that's what it takes, and tell you before anybody else."