I don't own anything.

Before It All

"I thought college was supposed to be fun."

Kiba looked up at his girlfriend. She was laying down on the bed with her laptop and a notebook.

He smirked, getting up from his spot at her desk and walked over to sit on the bed with her. "Need a break?"

"Yes," she whined. "I can't take all this studying."

It was their first semester in college, and they were nearing finals week. Kiba had joined Tamaki in her single dorm as insurance to keep each other on track. They weren't taking the same courses, but it always helped to have a study buddy.

He set aside her supplies onto the desk, making room for himself to lay down next to her.

"Just one more week and then we'll be home for winter break," he sighed. "We got this."

"Easy for you to say," she scooted closer to him. "All of your classes are just having final exams. I have group projects on top of that."

He shrugged, "You should've been a STEM major."

"Shut up," she whispered. She was tired from all the terms and formulas. She leaned forward to kiss him and he followed through. It wasn't long before he was on top of her, pinning her down and deepening their make out session.

His right hand roamed down to the hem of her shirt, and as it traveled up against her skin, she moved her head away, breathing heavily.

"Kiba, wait..." she said meekly.

He sighed loudly into her neck. He was impatient, but he wasn't going to force anything. "Sorry," he pushed himself, sitting back up. His hand ruffled his hair while he looked away, trying to calm himself.

"Sorry." Tamaki sat up, pulling her knees towards her body. "I just..."

"It's okay," he turned towards her, putting his arm around her. "You know I love you."

She looked into his eyes. She loved how patient and sincere he was.

College was hard, but they had somehow managed to make it through their first semester together. They partied, learned their limits, socialized with new people, experienced probably the toughest classes yet, but they were still in love and she was so grateful.

But something wasn't right.

"Can I tell you something?" she spoke softly.

"Sure?"

"I'm..." she hesitated.

He used his hand to force her face to look back at his direction. "What's up?"

"I feel a little lost here," her eyes trailed down to the bed. "Even though it's still our first semester, everybody feels like they're moving and I'm kind of stuck. I'm not upset or anything, but I just want to be going somewhere."

He sighed, "Is this about the whole summer internship thing?"

"No, not just that," she tried leaning away from him but he wouldn't let go of her shoulder. "I said I'd take it slow, but I kind of regret not joining a club or organization. It feels like I haven't made any real friends here; I don't even hang out with my dorm."

"So..." he looked at her expectantly.

He and the others had suggested several times Tamaki tried branching out, but she was too timid and reluctant. Even Hinata had found an honor society to study with; it was just an educational-focused group, but at least it helped her get out of her comfort zone when it came to relationships. Other members even introduced her to a church group that sparked her interest. She wasn't religious, but enjoyed the company of others and shared similar traits that boosted her confidence.

"So... I'm thinking of trying for that business fraternity next semester," she finally breathed out.

He finally let go, scooting further away with a blank look on his face. That was probably the last thing he was expecting.

"What?"

"What?" she started growing nervous. "Do you think it's a bad idea?"

"No, no," he shook his head. "I'm just surprised. I thought you'd say something like, join that Christian club Hinata's in. You seemed so against fraternities and sororities before."

"Ugh," she fell over, leaning on her side with her head facing the other direction from him. "I'm definitely not a big fan of them, but this is different. This is a business fraternity. I think they'd really help me gain the confidence and experience I need to move forward. And after seeing Sasuke so close with his, maybe I can find a group of people that can motivate me. It'd be different - I'd have friends outside of our circle, but it'd also be kind of nice too, you know?"

"Tamaki," he tried pulling her back up but she didn't move her body. "Okay, fine, just lay there. Look, you don't need to justify your decision with me."

She turned to look back at him. "I don't?"

"No," he smiled. "I joined some clubs and you supported me. It's not like you're going off to some skanky sorority to meet a bunch of frat dudes. I'm surprised you'd do something like a business fraternity, but it sounds like a good idea. Sasuke turned out just fine."

"Yeah, that's true," she held out her hand and he laced his fingers with hers. "I'm not joining Sasuke's though, they're a little too intense for me."

He shrugged, "I had a feeling. Kap-sigs are all assholes. You're going to do lambdas, right?"

"Yeah," she sat back up. "I'm scared, but I think I need this. I feel like I haven't really been productive with my time here. I spend most of my time in my room or yours."

"I don't have any issues with that," he grinned, waggling his eyebrows. "Just promise me one thing."

"What?"

"Your big has to be a girl."

"Kiba!" she giggled. She pushed him over and climbed on top, resting her forehead against his.

"Just kidding," he whispered.