What had possessed this school to make me wake up at 6:00 AM for orientation. It was honestly inhumane. I awoke to my alarm blaring in my ears, with Kagami already awake and fully dressed. She was dressed in some slacks and a casual white blouse. Her outfit was rather plain, save for her beautiful red dragon earrings. I pulled myself off the bed, and went for my toothbrush with a small yawn. The sun was hardly showing; why would anyone be awake at this hour?

I mumbled a morning greeting to Kagami and went into the hall bathroom. As I was brushing my teeth, an equally grumpy Alya barged into the bathroom, and positioned herself two sinks away from the one I was using. Her tee shirt was all crumpled and she wore blue boxer shorts. She let out a loud groan and started furiously brushing her teeth. I gave a small chuckle, and she looked at me completely perplexed.

"So I take it you're not a morning person either? I honestly don't know how I am going to get through this day," I replied. "What does this 'orientation' even entail? Could they not have just sent us a little 'how-to' pamphlet?"

Alya's eyes widened, "You don't know?"

"Know what?" I asked cautiously.

"Girl, what I am about to say may be a lot, so brace yourself."

My heart began to pound. The way she spoke made it seem as if she had uncovered the biggest and most horrifying story on campus. It couldn't be that bad, right?

"College orientation is where a bunch of overly perky upperclassmen force you to walk around the whole campus in the summer heat, sing songs, and go to information sessions by the administration. It's almost like summer camp. All of my friends from highschool that had gone to college before me have given me many warnings."

I chuckled again. "It can't be that bad right? Maybe a little cringey at times, but not unbearable."

"I don't know about you, Marinette, but I am bracing myself for the inferno," Alya claimed. She then left, presumably to go back to her room and ready herself. She seemed a little dramatic, but was really funny. It was then that I decided I would hang out with her for orientation. After all, sleepy girls have to stick together.

I went back to my room, and Kagami was already gone. She had probably gone to the lobby to meet up with our floor and our RA. I quickly threw on a blush colored tank top and high waisted shorts, and fled the room. When I got to the lobby, just about our entire hall was there, along with our RA, Erin. After the last few girls trickled down, Erin introduced herself to us. She was a Junior in the Architecture school, and was a foreign exchange student from Italy. Her dirty blonde hair was pulled into a messy bun, and she wore clear rimmed large framed glasses that sat lazily on her perky nose.

"Alright guys, I know it is early in the morning, but I want to learn more about you all! Let's go around the room and introduce ourselves. Say your name, what you plan on studying, and your favorite candy!"

A girl with a light blonde pixie cut began, "Hi! My name is Rose and I plan on becoming a French major. I've always wanted to be a writer. As for my favorite candy, I think I'll go with skittles."

"I'm Mylene," the girl with colorful hair and golden eyes started next to Rose, "and I am currently undecided with my major. I was thinking about Art… but I am not so sure," she said meekly. Oh, and I guess I like butterfingers?"

"I'm Alya, going for a journalism major, and I absolutely adore Twix."

"I am Kagami Tsurugi and I am studying business and accounting," she stated astutely.

"What is your favorite candy," Erin asked encouragingly.

"Oh," Kagami looked taken aback. "I don't really eat candy, but as for sweets," she gave a long pause, as if looking for the perfect answer, "I enjoy watermelon."

Next was my turn. "I am Marinette, and I think I am studying business, but I am not at all married to the major. My favorite candy would have to be… Kit-Kats," I fought the urge to let out a smile as I thought of my kitty, who would probably be over the moon to find out that my favorite candy made for one of the easiest cat puns. I wondered how he was doing. It had been a month since Hawkmoth had released an akuma, and we hadn't patrolled since I was busy with packing, and he said he had a lot as well. I wondered to myself if he was in college. After all, he looked to be about the same age as me, though he didn't always act like it. I missed him. Maybe I would ask to patrol again soon?

I was taken out of my thoughts as Erin led us outside, and to a vast courtyard where other orientation groups were seated all about. She sat us down in a circle, and began to explain that this was called 'the grounds' by many students. There were tables and many lecture halls spread throughout. I began to zone out, and thought to Nino. I felt bad that I hadn't seen him on move-in day, and decided to send him a text.

Hey, I typed, I'm just making sure I got your room number right. It's 318, right?

After about five minutes, he responded:Yeah. You should come check it out. My roommate totally helped me on the design aspect and the room looks sick.

My heart sank as I realized that the room I went to yesterday was correct, and I had made a total fool of myself. With a deep breath, I decided that I would have to return to the scene of what I then decided to call 'the incident' and responded. Awesome! I'll swing over before dinner and we can go to the dining hall together!

Sweet, see ya later dudette, Nino responded. Well, I supposed I have to face my demons at some point. With a sigh, I returned my focus to the group.

Alya looked to be studying all of the students around the grounds. She seemed very attentive, almost too attentive. I would have to be careful around her; my secret was going to be even harder to hide in college. She seemed nice enough, though. Next to her, Juleka was calmly watching Erin explain how scheduling worked, and how much time you typically want in between classes. She occasionally wrote down notes. I decided I should do the same, and put my attention onto Erin.

After explaining quirky campus culture and lifestyle, Erin took us to the library. It was about a ten minute walk from the grounds, and was a massive, Gothic style building that Erin couldn't stop gushing about. She really was an architecture major. She let us free to look around, and I found myself attracted to the large media center downstairs. It was filled with recording booths, Apple computers, and art studios. At the entrance to the media center was a boy with dip dyed blue tips on his scruffy black hair.

He gave me a friendly smile, "Checking out a room?"

"Uh, no. Actually I'm a first year here for orientation," I responded, looking at the boy in front of me. He looked to be a little older, and had a nonchalant composure that would make anyone feel welcome talking to him. His friendly blue eyes had a knowing spark to them as he took in what I said.

"Oh so we got a newbie here. Well, would you like me to show you around," he responded with a gentle smile.

"I couldn't ask that. After all, you're working, right?" I countered

"Nah, most students haven't even moved in yet. I'll leave my number just in case someone needs my help, but I think it'll be okay. That is, if it is okay with you…" he paused and I realized he was waiting for my name.

"Marinette," I responded curtly.

"Luka," he said with a smirk. "So, Marinette, what are you studying here?" He asked as he walked me around the center.

"Uhm, business, I think."

"You think?" he asked incredulously.

"Well, I'm not sure. I just figured it would be the most useful. I'm not particularly great at any one subject," I wasn't really sure how to answer his question.

"I doubt that is true, Marinette," he said, once again using my name, "most freshmen don't know what they want to do. That is why it is the best time to explore."

With that, Luka led me through the recording studio, explaining that he was minoring Music, and that he would often come here to record and decompress. While looking at him, I could definitely see him being into music. He had that indie-rocker vibe to him, with his ripped black jeans and ear piercings. As he walked into a sound booth, he showed me his guitar, and quickly played a few chords. He was so talented. I felt so small next to him. Luka had seemed so confident and assured, and here I was floundering over which major I wanted. I gave my praise and we headed towards the computers.

I found it kind of boring, as he was talking about graphic design. I was never really good with computers, though Nino had always lauded himself on his coding skills. He had even made an app that had gotten quite a bit of traction on the app store. I couldn't even figure out how to save a file most of the time. As Luka went on about the computer resources, I found myself distracted by the art studios. There was a great, golden sculpture, that looked like a tree with long drooping bright green leaves that cascaded around it. Luka noticed my interest and paused.

"Ah, so sculpting has piqued your interest?" he questioned.

"Oh, I'm sorry," I stated, feeling bad for ignoring him, "the statue is just so beautiful. It's kind of amazing that someone going to the same school as me was able to make that."

"Maybe you should try taking a sculpting class? After all, you might just have a hidden talent."

I laughed at the statement. Me? Talent? Keep dreaming. A sculpting class could be fun, though. He finished the rest of the tour, and I gave a quick goodbye, excusing myself to find the rest of our orientation group.

Once I returned, the other girls and I gathered around Erin, who was about to excuse us for lunch. A smile reached my face as I realized how hungry I had been. My mouth began to water. Just as we were about to leave, however, we heard a large rumbling in the distance. People began to run all around us. Erin looked panicked, and explained, "Okay guys so this seems to be an Akuma attack. Everyone, follow me."

As the group followed, I carefully broke myself off from the group, praying that nobody would notice. I could just say I got lost in the chaos. I slipped into the bathroom with a sigh. Tikki flew out of my purse, and gave me a knowing nod.

"It's okay Marinette. You've got this! Just say the words and we can go right back," she encouraged.

"You're right. I just wish Hawkmoth would have waited for a better time to make his grandiose return," I complained. With that, I shouted, "Tikki, spots on!"

Hello! This is my first fanfiction and I plan on uploading every Sunday. This week I might upload a few chapters, however, just to get the ball rolling. I hope you enjoy and feel free to leave any feedback in the comments or as a PM.