"Exactly. Ink's expensive, whether you're dealing with a place charging by time or surface area." She couldn't keep from smiling at the admission, or the emphasis. Of course the apron would be a point to press. "An apron was one thing luck kept me out of, which was probably for the best. Not like I'm a terrible cook---you know this!---but the temptation to pilfer would've been brutal. As it was? 'Business dressy' or 'short sleeves strongly encouraged.' People come into a tattoo parlor and the staff they see are all inked up, it's good for business."

She laughed a little at Hiro's question, adjusting her position enough to set a companionable arm about the boy's shoulders. "For a few things, it's like look and poof, there. For other things, though, it's go-go-go all afternoon, break a sweat just setting up."