Author's Note: Woohoo, chapter 2! (Hey, that rhymed) Okay, so, enter Jeff! The way that I'm going to write this story is going to be a continuous shift in perspective between Nick and Jeff, with every other chapter being written from their alternating points of view. I don't have a beta for this story, so I apologize ahead of time for any errors you might see. Also, I swear that I'll try to minimize the amount of time I spend rambling up here as much as possible.

Jeff Sterling was a model student.

Many of his teachers would agree that this was because of his dedication, immeasurable creativity, and lack of a roommate to discourage him from his work.

Jeff Sterling was also a notorious prankster.

Many off his teachers would agree that this was because of the same reason.

All of them, actually.

When he was called into the principal's office on Dalton Academy's move-in day, he wasn't sure what to expect. With Jeff, it could be anything from a commendation for academic performance, to three weeks of detention for greasing the main entrance stairs. What he was not expecting, however, was this.

He closed the door to the large office quietly, carefully behind him, and approached the desk hesitantly.

"Mr. Sterling, please, sit down. And don't look so afraid, you're not in trouble. Unless you've done something new that I should know about?" The principal said, tone light, and Jeff breathed out a sigh of relief.

"No sir," he replied, taking a seat timidly. He still wasn't sure what this meeting was about, and the uncertain, almost nervous look on the principal's face had him on edge. "Uhm, if you don't mind me asking; what am I here for?"

"I'm sure you are aware that for the last two years, you have been one of the only students here at Dalton to board without a roommate?" Jeff nodded, and the short, stocky man behind the large maple desk continued. "Well, this school has received a new transfer, and after a brief consultation with the faculty, I have determined that it would be in everyone's best interests to move this new student in with you. Ideally, you could show him the ropes, and who knows? Perhaps an outside influence would keep you from dying the hair of other students in the middle of the night. However, I wanted your opinion before doing so."

Jeff frowned contemplatively. Though he resented the idea that the school thought it could control him -nobody stopped Jeff Sterling- having a roommate was actually an appealing concept. To be honest, spending so many hours alone was draining, and any kind of companionship would be welcome. But there was still one pressing question.

"Sir, I understand that, and honestly, company would be nice. But… don't you have the right to just… move him in? I thought you didn't have to ask me first. Is something wrong?" Jeff asked curiously, and the principal let out a long sigh, leaning forward and clasping his hands on the desk in front of him.

"Jeff, this new student of ours, one Nicholas Duval, is deaf. Meaning, communication and cohabitation with him might be difficult. Now, after speaking to his parents, we know that Mr. Duval would have no expectations of you regarding sign language or anything similar, but I still thought it best to have your consent."

"With all due respect, sir," Jeff began, speaking tentatively, "That doesn't make any difference to me whatsoever."

"Are you sure?"

"Absolutely."

And it was true. Though Jeff would do everything in his power to be respectful of his prospective roommate's disability, it didn't change them in his eye in the slightest. Company was company. A person was a person. Why should he care?

The principal smiled, and nodded in satisfaction. "That's exactly what I wanted to hear, and only what I expected from the top of the class. Expect Mr. Duval at some point early tomorrow. You are dismissed."

The blond boy stood from his chair quickly, eager to leave, but was stopped halfway through the door by the principal calling out to him once more.

"And Mr. Sterling? Do try to stay out of trouble this year."

Jeff grinned, crossing his fingers behind his back.

"Oh, absolutely, sir."