The courthouse was nearly empty by sunset.
The reporters had finally left.
The television vans were pulling away.
Even the crowds outside had begun drifting home, still talking about the judgment they had witnessed.
Inside one of the smaller conference rooms, the atmosphere felt strangely peaceful.
A tray of untouched coffee sat on the table.
No one seemed interested in drinking it.
Sebastian stood near the window, loosening his tie for the first time that day.
The city stretched beneath him, glowing in the fading evening light.
Behind him, the door opened quietly.
Dorian stepped inside.
He hesitated.
"I'm sorry."
Sebastian turned.
"For what?"
"I wasn't sure if you wanted to see me."
A small smile appeared on Sebastian's face.
"I asked you to come."
Dorian nodded and entered fully, closing the door behind him.
For a few moments, neither man spoke.
The silence wasn't uncomfortable.
It felt... earned.
Finally Sebastian broke it.
