The House Master

Inferring Infallibility

The reports of the fire are vague, but most elude to arson. he stories derail themselves near the end, posing wider questions about what's going to happen to the business next, or the child, who the newspaper confirmed to be named Adrian. Some of the questions are even epistemological, things like 'And how can we ever know what happened here, when our only report lies in the hands of the police, unreleased and concealed beneath layers of bureaucracy?'' At least they admit their own biases.

Vincent has become obsessed with reading about the fire, staying up until 0200 scouring forums about it. The consensus is arson, however, there are several suspicious elements to it - that they couldn't find an accelerant in the aftermath, for one.

He doesn't actually expect Adrian to answer at 0200 but decides to text him anyway. He ponders what to write for a moment, not wanting to divulge his deception through cheating at his deductions.

Vincent: I know you won't get this until the morning, but I just wanted to say hi

However, as he motions to put his phone down to get some much-needed sleep, as he forces his eyes open, Adrian texts back.

Adrian: Hi, what's up?

Adrian also texts in full sentences with proper grammar. They have so much in common!

Vincent: I asked first.

Adrian: Fine. I'm lying here pissed cause you just woke me up. Happy?

Vincent: Very.

Adrian: You know you're insufferable?

Vincent: Indeed. I wanted to know if you'd given me a fake number, but it seems not.

Adrian: Can you call? Typing when you're tired suuuuucks.

Vincent listens to the sound of his father snoring from the other room. The walls are thick, and nobody can hear him underneath his blanket. He presses the call button on Adrian's number, and Adrian picks up immediately.

"Morning, since it's morning," he greets snidely.

"Sorry for calling so late. I guess people don't stay up as late as me," Vincent whispers in the cave creates by his duvet. No chance anyone will hear him like this.

"It's whatever, I'll just sleep in tomorrow. So what do you want anyway?"

"I already said that. Don't you listen?"

"If that was all you wanted, you'd fuck off when I confirmed it was me. What do you really want?"

How can Vincent say 'I just wanted to talk' when he's too proud to even admit his history with Diedrich? 

"Are you coming to school tomorrow?" Both know it's a request.

Adrian sighs dramatically. "Oh okay... "

Little does Vincent know he was already planning on it. Just to see the blue-haired incubus. He doesn't want to admit it either, but Vincent is an addiction and he probably knows it.