| [Dec. 18th, 2013|11:43 pm] |
“Hey, I actually meant that,” Genma said. “You helped. Half of being a good medic is wanting the other guy to stop hurting. I can teach you a few healing jutsu and techniques, but you’ve already got the right instincts.” He eased around the railing onto the stairs and started down. “If you’re still game to learn?”
“I am,” Ryouma said, too quickly to be casual or cool. His ears colored faintly again. “You even have the time for it?” he hedged, glancing at Genma from the side. “I know the captain keeps you pretty busy.”
If Genma wasn’t mistaken, Ryouma wanted this, the way a kid wanted candy. No, the way a starving kid wanted a good meal. Maybe all those years of rotting enemies to death was weighing more heavily on Ryouma’s heart than he liked to let on. Maybe that instinct to help needed a better outlet.
Genma nodded. “I’ll make the time, and I’m sure the captain will be on board with it. Having someone else with medical training on the team would be an amazing advantage for us. Besides, it’s a great way for both of us to get some development credit: you’ll be learning new jutsu, and I’ll get teaching hours in. We can use one of our continuing education blocks for it.”
“Shit,” Ryouma said, grimacing at the thought. “Yeah, that'd—that'd be smart. I haven't got any credits this year yet. Keep missing the seminars.”
“Yeah,” Genma said. “I missed the last one I was signed up for, right before the Trials. My last mission with my old team ran long, and we got back a day after the class was over. This way we can both for sure get our hours in.”
Ryouma shoved his hands in his pockets and ducked his chin down. “You sure you're okay with it? I learn some stuff pretty fast, but this might not be it.”
“I’m sure,” Genma said. “I’ve never tried to teach this stuff to anyone before, but if we’re both committed to trying it, it can’t go that badly, right?”
Ryouma cracked a crooked grin as they reached the bottom of the stairs. “Better bring a gas mask. And shout your instructions from downwind.”
“And eat after we work, not before?” Genma tipped his head to the side and quirked half a smile. “I’ll risk it. It’ll be worth it if I teach you enough you can save me some stitches next time my armor fails and I get my belly sliced open.” He tucked a hand into his hoodie pocket and pressed it against his sore abdomen. “Anyway, speaking of food, shall we? That yakiniku is calling my name.”
If Genma ended up buying lunch—which seemed likely—he’d chalk it up to team development costs: worth it. Like teaching Ryouma the jutsu would be. Very worth it. |
|