"I'm pretty sure you're on medical leave, Haruichi," Genma said with something almost like a smile. "But I gather she's already raised that point with you. Don't worry, I won't get her into any trouble while you're gone." The smile broadened into a smirk and a wink. That ought to ensure Haruichi'd hurry back. Might also get him a punch, but sometimes you took a hit for a friend, if it was the right thing to do.

Genma had watched the conversation with quiet interest. Obviously Hoshi was alarmed and angry, and Haruichi was placating but adamant, and some signs were universal. You're hurt. Don't go. I'm fine. Then there were the less obvious things, like when they had each in turn glanced at him while making a little hand gesture he couldn't understand, followed on Haruichi's part by look and stay and Hoshi's more complicated response that included something that might have been carry.

All he could really gather was that he was somehow an object of contention. But then Haruichi had turned and asked him to remain. Did he want Genma to protect Hoshi in his absence? Was he just being a polite host and not kicking him out for decorum's sake? And what had that carry thing of Hoshi's meant? He had only the vaguest of notions.

Turning to Hoshi, he gave her the same flirty wink. "Do you want me to stay and keep you company while Haruichi's off playing doctor?"