The next day, Stuart walked into the school, a new-found confidence apparent on his face. He'd actually made friends. Maybe even best friends. That was a rare occurrence for him, really. He was actually looking forward to English class now. But still, he had time. He leaned against the wall adjacent to the window, looking out onto the parking lot with a yawn.

The typical students poured in. He saw Noodle and Russel out of the corner of his eye, walking in together. And then, he saw a black car screech into the parking lot, just as the bell rang signaling to go to first period. He wanted to go, but... now he was intrigued.

As he approached the door that would lead him out of the school, he watched as the figure in the car climbed out. His long legs and dark jeans came first, then his grey sweater, and finally, his face. The first thing 2D noticed was that he sported a scowl. He wasn't even in the building yet, and he was already done with this whole thing. 2D could relate. He had greasy black hair, and eyes that looked to be of two different colors. And he was just so interesting looking... and handsome, in an unkempt sort of way.

As he approached, 2D ducked behind a wall, only peeking out enough to see him put a cigarette to his lips and lit it. He tried to stay hidden, but his blue hair and strange eyes must have made him stick out, because the student caught him out of the corner of his eye and motioned for him to come outside.

2D pushed through the doors, hands shaking a bit. He'd never been so nervous... "I-I-I'm sorry, I just saw your car and I didn't need to go to class and didn't want to and then I saw you and--"

"Eh, it's okay." He flicked ash from his cigarette with one hand, holding out the other. "Murdoc Faust Niccals."

2D held out his own and awkwardly shook Murdoc's hand. "2-D..."

"2-D, eh?" Murdoc looked at him. "Why do they call you that?" He suddenly gasped and snapped his fingers. "It's the two dents in your head, isn't it?" He burst out into a cackle.

2D found himself blushing. "'Ey, I-I dunno why it is! They just started callin' me that one day, an' it stuck..."

"Two dents, that's why it is! Those gaping holes in your head!" Murdoc said it like it was the funniest thing in the world.

"I-It's not that funny!" 2D shouted, but actually found himself laughing as well.

"Shouldn't one of those goody two-shoes like you be in class? Why'd you skip, anyway?"

"Why do you think I'm a goody two-shoes?" He was blushing again.

"I know your type. You wouldn't just miss class for no reason, right? Maybe not as much of a nerd as that... pasta, or whatever her name is. And not as intimidating as Russ. Just normal enough to blend in, just smart enough to pass. Another bland face in the crowd. Not starting trouble, not going out of your way to stop it."

"You haven't even been here a day!"

"... good point." Murdoc stomped his cigarette into the ground. "Well, we better get in there. You get to class, and I'll go wherever I go... probably the library."

"Didn't really see you as a reading type..." 2D chuckles, trying to lighten the mood that he felt had dampened a bit, but Murdoc was already gone into the building.

2D could barely pay attention to what was left of English that day. That student was so... strange. Was he really the same age as he? 2D thought he looked like he was almost an adult. But that was probably just the cigarette, and the unmistakable scent of alcohol that came off his clothes. He didn't know what to expect from this guy.

But still, what a guy he is...