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@ itadakimasu

In what is definitely Satoru Gojo's voice: "You've reached Suguru Geto! Leave a message!"

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[satoru sits; suguru remains standing, the very picture of politeness as he accepts madam vermeer's outstretched hand, enclosing it, gently, in both of his. disgusting. something satoru is sure to feel—but that suguru does not show, his expression remaining perfectly pleasant throughout the (tedious) exchange. he's done this many a time before? charmed many a monkey, hence his outward ease. sometimes one must make certain sacrifices in order to achieve certain goals.

which is the crux of this matter, really, because here is suguru, sacrificing more of himself, of his values—and for what? for what? for satoru, whose reason for being here remains a mystery that he did not, does not, feel the need to share. and yes, sure, some variation of this worked for them, once; this does not work for them now, for there is no friendship to fall back on.

but suguru's options are limited; he has little choice but to accept the role that satoru assigns him, which is why he mumurs his own greetings, both allowing and listening for satoru to flesh out this scene. satoru is the director; suguru is the lead watching for cues. this is far more tiring than it was a decade before. the thrill that was not knowing what satoru would say, what satoru would do—even when satoru would take things too far, suguru's exasperation was tinged with the sort of fondness that, when given enough time, superseded everything else. they were a team.

and they do work well together, all things considered. satoru still offers the (ridiculous) explanation that suguru needs; suguru still rolls with it as opposed to bucking against it, managing a quiet, almost embarrassed laugh in the brief pause that follows. of course he understands satoru's true meaning? which is annoying, in its way; satoru's limitations are nothing, in the grand scheme of things, but satoru always was better at taking than giving.

(maybe you've forgotten what it's like to work with others. suguru told him this—and suguru remembers what followed, but in this moment, this is what suguru thinks of: satoru, coasting. satoru, failing to recognize the value of suguru's cooperation.)

but as madam vermeer's eyes jerk back to suguru at the mention of his visits to the clinic—no doubt wondering how close he comes to the infected on a daily basis—he just barely inclines his head, playing the part of the humble, dedicated priest.]

It's easy to overlook the caretakers, isn't it? They help others, but they often have no one to help them. A noble sacrifice. [the briefest pause, as though he's thinking of all those hard-working, nurses, before he continues with:] I offer them what comfort I can.

[and with that said, he raises his head just to catch satoru's eye, a smile once again playing about his lips. as though satoru is the apple of his eye; as though his presence is a blessing.]

Which does leave us little time together—but thankfully, my husband has always been such a selfless partner.

[ah, yes. satoru the selfless. another trifle of amusement as the lady and her son finally make their way to their seats, servants pulling them out for them—but as suguru also sits, making sure to only do so after the lady is well on her way to being situated, he adds:]

Of course, he's been doing his part, too. [or, well, as suguru reaches for his napkin before a servant can begin pouring his tea—] Or so I'm told. He's too modest to tell me himself.

[something, something, no communication whatsoever.]