Sulu's vaguely aware that this is the sort of scene that...he doesn't want to call it nightmarish. But it's unpleasant. It's the kind of thing he wishes they didn't have to condone, and the kind of thing he hates that Kirk put himself through. He keeps that opinion to himself, because what good is speaking it? Kirk's had arguments with everyone and their mother on this topic. He doesn't need his own crew raising hell over it.

( Though Sulu might, if Kirk goes another round. Insubordination has its time and place, Kirk taught him that, after all. )

He stands more or less at attention, hands clasped loosely behind his back. The longer this drags on the tighter his grip gets, but Sulu reasons that it doesn't matter, because who can see?

"Staying until it's over?"

It's not really a question. Sulu knows Kirk's here till the bitter end.