Today Is A Winding Road

My name is Tayuya.

I'm a junior in high school and I'm a nobody.

I'm just another band geek trying to get through high school.

It seemed like smooth sailing until he came along and changed me completely.

"Be my girlfriend." Were his words. Now this had to be a nightmare or just a dream. I hoped it because If it wasn't that then it would just be a prank for there was no way the quarterback of the football team and captain of the soccer team would ask a band geek like me to be with him as an equal. It just didn't work like that. We both had nothing and common and we didn't quite mach up. He had grabbed my hand, lacing it with his.

"Be my girlfriend." He said again.

"Why?" I asked, wondering why he of all people would ask me that.

"There's this girl I like." The raven haired boy explained, leaning against my locker, closing it shut. My shocked expression turned to a frown as I bumped Sasuke from my locker, I opened it and grabbed my flute case.

"Then ask her to be your girlfriend." I said, grabbing my books as well before slamming my locker and snapping my lock closed.

"I can't, she has a boyfriend already." Sasuke said and threw his arms up dramatically, as if it was the end of the world if he didn't get what he wanted. I ignored him, walking down the hallway to my class, like a annoying puppy he followed me.

"I need you so I can make her jealous." I stopped, turning to the jock with a scowl.

"Then why not ask a pretty girl to be your fake girlfriend." After all, I had the looks of true geek. Glasses, check. Braces, check. A cap that I bought from my hometown at the Sound Village, which basically has the word loser written all over it. A plain white shirt and get this, black trip pants with chains crossing everywhere.

Along with mangas tucked away in the center of my textbooks. I was a failure as a model that was for sure. It was even enough to make the popular crowd want to throw knives at my fashion disaster.

"I need someone who she can't compete with." Sasuke explained, running a hand through his black hair.

"Uh, Who is the girl exactly?" I asked, looking at him at a slant so I could get a view with him with my glasses and with my own vision. I liked it better with his appearance blurry.

"Haruno Sakura, why does it matter?" Sasuke made it seem like she was nothing special but I could tell from the tone of his voice that he wanted her for just her looks. Ah, Sakura Haruno. School representative and home coming queen. All the girls worshiped her presence, well all except me that is. Don't get me wrong, she's a nice girl with the looks of a natural beauty queen but she seemed bitter sweet. Just in her freshman year she had at least twenty boyfriends while your wondrous heroine had one. Rock lee. Go ahead and laugh, I suffered enough from the student body about it. I had to eat lunch in the girl's bathroom for weeks just to avoid him as well as the rumors and comments about us. Indeed high school can be very cruel. So there was no way would Sakura Haruno get jealous of a person like me, there was no second thought about it.

"Now why would you want to go and break her heart?" I asked, pushing my glasses back to the bridge of my nose.

"Surely she didn't do any wrong to you, that's not in her character." Sasuke blinked, his mouth wide and his eyes slanted.

"What are you talking about?" I sighed, quickly pulling out one of the mangas from my textbook, revealing the cover of Card Captor Sakura.

"Sakura is sweet, innocent and has the beauty ever girl could wish for." I pointed out, explaining the character on the cover of the volume, who wore a school uniform with a smile on her face and a clow card between her fingers.

"She's just a girl who has a magical feel for life except the whole clow cards and frilly outfits and cute boyfriend do not exist for her."

Sasuke then was quiet,"You're weird, I can't really understand how you can relate people to fake characters."

I laughed, tucking my manga back into my textbook cover.

"You wouldn't understand it anyway so let me try and put it in real life form then, Girls like Sakura do not want to be with boys like you."

Sasuke frowned, his arms crossed. "Oh?"

I nodded,"Yes because you're rude, annoying, only care only for a girl's looks and want to turn her into a stuck up bitch so she'll leave a boy she actually likes for you."

Sasuke rolled his eyes,"Your point?" I groaned, turning my back to the jock and continuing to my band class.

"You really don't get it, baka." I mumbled, going to my band class and slamming the door in Sasuke's face so he wouldn't follow me anymore.

I went to my first chair in the flute section and began to put my instrument together. I looked to the band door, seeing the Uchiha nowhere in sight, I finally smiled and concentrated on keeping my perfect A record in band. The band teacher, Haku, had let us freely practice before we moved on to our pieces. I practiced my scales and soon class had started.

"Very good children, now let us begin." Haku was a young guy, around twenty five or so. He didn't like to wear suits but wore a tie and suit pants ever day, along with a pair of specks. In my opinion he was very handsome man. Once we began to play it seemed like time had stopped, we were free to play anything to dream of anything. Music made us or rather myself feel free. I closed my eyes since we had played this piece many times, I tried to concentrate on my own sound. I opened my eyes in annoyance as I heard a knock. I looked to the door seeing Sasuke with a much more annoyed expression then mine. The music was cut on a bitter tune and Haku sighed, letting the jock in.

"Yes Mr. Uchiha?" I could tell Haku sounded pissed off, it was the middle of class after all.

"I need to speak with one of your students."

"Oh? Which one, I don't believe Sakura is in this class."

Sasuke's face turned bitter. "Actually I need to talk to Tayuya."

All eyes darted to my direction and I felt myself slid down in my chair.

God dammit, Sasuke.

Haku ushered me off to him with a wiggling finger, I sighed and obeyed as I rushed over there to get it all over with as soon as possible.

"Yes, what's up Haku-sensei?" I asked, innocent as ever that I could bail this little situation.

"It seems that Sasuke would like a word with you, so if you would be so kind to get this little talk over with before class is over then please do so." I nodded, grabbing Sasuke's hand, I dragged us out of the classroom.

"What the hell were you thinking!" I shouted, releasing Sasuke's hand, I began to pace the hallway.

"Well if you would have said yes before then I wouldn't have to wait outside your classroom." The pretty boy began, leaning against the lockers in back of him, his arms crossed.

"You dickhead! Why can't you just leave me the fuck alone! Get it through your thick skull that I will not be your girlfriend!" I shouted, my hands in my hair about to rip it from the roots. It was quiet then. I looked to see the band door open wide for all ears to hear. Shit. Worst of all Haku had the look of the devil and I could tell I had hell to pay.

"Miss Sound, With that kind of mouth I'm sure the principal would love to have a chit chat with you also." I groaned, this day just got better. I felt myself shrink as I walked into the classroom, I went to my seat and snatched my flute and put my bag over my body. I left the room in a hurry so I couldn't hear the whispers from the students.

"Sasuke likes her?"

"She's such a geek though! Who would date that?"

I pushed past Sasuke as I ran down the hallway to the principals office.

"Tayuya wait!" He called but I gave no answer. Fuck him anyway, I would just be his pawn. I almost tripped on my little trip pants as I approached the all high and mighty principal office. I sighed, dropping my body in one of the seats next to the door, I wait to be called in. Digging through my bag I found one of my other mangas, FullMetal Alchemist. I admit I'm a sucker for guys like Ed. Blonde hair and golden eyes, a smartass teen. Also a geek like me except I didn't know shit about alchemy. Well I knew a bit from the anime but still. Sorry I'm probably geeking you all to death with my little rants. Ahem. Let me skip ahead then to after my little meeting. I sighed, slamming the Principal's door shut. Like a stalker, Sasuke was waiting for me outside the office.

"So how'd it go?" I stopped down the hallway, Sasuke following at my side with his hands in his pockets.

"Fuck you." I spat, stomping all down to my locker I put in my combination.

"Hey it's your own fault that you got in trouble." Sasuke said simply, shrugging it off. I pulled my bag over my body, taking out my manga first, I chucked the bag inside and slammed the door, clicking my lock shut. Just ignore the prick, I told myself. No need to get so worked up. Carrying my life in my hands, I made my way to the outside world. Sasuke following my every step.

I turned to him on a sharp step, "Stop following me already! You don't need me to get the girl can't you see that Sakura will never be jealous of someone like me?"

It never bothered me before. I never cared what I looked like or who was better then me, so then why was I crying? I had nothing to be jealous of. Sakura Haruno was nobody special and I understood that but why did all of a sudden did that change?

"J-Just leave me alone." I said, turning back to my original path. I slowly walked out of school that day, wiping my eyes from my sudden heartbreak. I haven't cried since my relationship with Lee. Which was two years ago. Maybe it's best to just forget all of this, after all it's only Friday. I have the weekend to forget this and so do everyone else who heard my little out bust. Yeah right, what the hell was I thinking? The student body would never let me live this down. Well at least I'm free from all the chaos until Monday came. Since it was Friday, the streets were crowded, which made my way home a bit hard. It was very windy too since it was October, so I had to be careful that my papers didn't slip out. For in one of my mangas was a permission slip for the school dance. I never really went to the dances, I felt no need to. After all what idiot would take me to the dance? There were no Edward Elrics in the real world but in my world well a girl could dream. I hugged my book tightly against my stomach as I passed the street. Making sure to act like a good girl and look both ways.

I must have been daydreaming for when I was walking the cars honked at me as some of the drivers yelled for me to move it. I looked up at the streetlight to see it was green, I ran to the other side of the street so the cars could pass. I yelled an apology but my only answer to that was.

"Damn brat." I was always the girl with her head in the clouds. I held no other title then geek or nerd and loser most of the time. Once you've heard it all, you get used to it. Sticks and stones make break your bones but words hurt even worse. It seemed like it was going to rain, only grey clouds crowed the sky. I wish I could have brought an umbrella or even one of my textbooks to cover my head but I'd rather get my body went then my priceless little mangas. Rather pathetic don't you agree? I jogged into a run, trying to make it home before the rain started. I zigzagged to the back way alley on Suna street where I found the familiar black metal gate that lead home. I mumbled curse words as I dug for the key in my pocket. Shoving the tiny key into the lock, I twisted the key and opened the gate. I continued forward and turned back to lock the gate, tucking the key back to it's rightful place in my pocket. I go up to the back door and unlock it and head inside. The day was done. I kick off my shoes as I enter the house and toss my mangas on the kitchen counter next to me. I walk around into the kitchen and look in the cupboards. I'm not a good cook and I already used up my savings for takeout food and I wasn't willing to go back out in the rain.

"Well I guess it's cup ramen for dinner again."

I say as I snatched the cup from the cupboards.

I fill the tea kettle with water and set it on the stove.

This will be day five already.

I lost my job delivering papers last year and I also got fired from my job this year. I used to work at the public library but got fired from reading the books instead of filing them. So I barely had enough money to pay for the gas or light bills. You probably guessed by now that I have no parents. Well my parents split when I was younger. My father cheated on my mother and married the other women and my mother went her separate ways with another man. Neither of them wanted anything to do with me. That's okay though, I write letters to them but for some reason I always get the letter back. So I save them in a box under my bed. I know soon enough they'll read them. The only family I really got is my uncle, Orichimaru. He's a business man so I never get to see him but he does the normal stuff like send me money on my birthday and call once every few months. I use most of that money to pay off the house but it's still not enough and I already took out my share of loans. Sooner or later I'll be on the streets. I walk into the living room, clicking on the TV to find Inuyasha playing. Sasuke was so much like Inuyasha, stubborn and a total dick. I wish I had the power like Kagome to just say one word and have him fall flat on his face. I hear the tea kettle begin to sing and rush back into the kitchen. I turned the flame off and tore the wrapping of the ramen cup and peeled back the top.

I careful poured the burning water into the cup and set the kettle back on the stove. I might as well save some water for tea. I went back over to the cupboards, taking a plate and small tea cup out. I flipped the plate to sit on top of the ramen cup to let the hot steam cook the noodles. I then went back to the kettle as I poured the water in the cup and set the tea bags in. Now I had to wait. I pulled back the small stood at the kitchen's side counter, it was the stool I stole from someones garbage. Please don't think of me like that. Why throw something away when someone could really use it? My eyes glued back to the small TV in the living room, watching Inuyasha. Even thought it was a rerun, I watched it again. It was surely better then nothing. I looked to my wristwatch to see it's only six o' clock. I hopped off the stool and went down the hall of the house and then ran up the stairs to where my room was. My room as you could have guess was nothing fancy. Only a bed and closet and bedside table with an alarm clock. Oh, I forget about the anime posters and cut outs on my walls. I also have a small bookcase where my manga overflowed. I used all my lunch money to buy mangas after school, too bad today was different. I continued my daily routine finding a small paper at my bedside table and a pen. I grabbed the two and began to write.

Dear mom and dad, Today was a strange day.

That Sasuke boy I've talked about asked me out to make another girl jealous. I don't see why he chose me though, I'm nobody special. Although you won't let any boy near your little girl right dad? I've been getting good grades, I'm first chair still for my flute in band. How are you guys? I've been getting by but I'm running out of money but don't worry I'll work something out. Hey mom, I got the permission slip for the dance today. I don't know if I'll go but if I can afford a dress maybe I can go unless I can't pay the fee. I'm going to be the best daughter you hoped for mom, I'm not so boyish after all. You see that I can prove you wrong mom and dad. Well I guess this is goodbye for now. I love you guys.

Love your daughter, Tayuya

I dropped my pen and folded the letter in half. I pulled out the box from under my bed and opened it to find a collection of letters inside. I pick out an empty envelope and tucked the letter inside, I lick the seal and closed the letter shut. I quickly scribble the date on the front of the envelope and toss it in the box. I put the cap back on the box and pushed back under my bed. I get back onto my feet and leave the room. I trip down the stairs and my glasses fell off my face, I found them and they didn't crack. That's good because I don't think I can afford another pair. I put my glasses back onto my face and go into the kitchen to eat my dinner. I flip the plate back over and set it on the counter. I dig chopsticks of the drawer in the kitchen and rip the ramen cover off. This normally what happens every day. I eat cup ramen and watch anime. I lightly hum the ending theme of Inuyasha and watch as the show ends.

Next on is Bleach. I put down my chopsticks as I looked to my tea. I pull out the tea bags and begin to drink the tea. The tea tastes bitter but I could never perfect the art. I heard from my uncle that my mom was a great cook and could make great tea. I must shame her now by what I would call dinner. Green tea and cup Beef ramen. Yeah, seems like such a feast. I sigh and suddenly I don't feel so hungry with the thought of my mom. I looked to the TV and watched as Renji and Rukia are on the screen. It seems just like me and Sasuke. We couldn't be together, for it would all be a lie. Gah, what am I thinking about this again? My thoughts are drifting again. Besides I knew If I really died there was no way Sasuke would seek my revenge. It didn't work like that. This wasn't my anime fantasy world no matter how much I closed my eyes and hoped it would be. There was no way in hell Sasuke could be my Renji anyway. He was more of a Kon. I laughed at my little joke as I throw out the cup to the ramen and drank the rest of my tea.

I yawned and looked at my wristwatch again.

nine o' clock. Damn.

I guess I'll just watch some Bleach and head to bed.

Well that's what would normally happen.

A knock on the door proved me wrong. Wait, who would visit me? Nobody knew where I lived or at least I never told anyone. How would someone get through the gate anyway? Hm.

I rushed to the door shouting, "Coming."

I expected to see nobody actually to see it all as a prank. No way did that happen. I blinked looking at the boy confused. The black haired flipped and the head lifted. The smirk on the lips and black in the eyes. Sasuke Uchiha stood before me in a tux.

"Uh, Are you lost Sasuke?" I asked, awed at his appearance. Although I had been around the guy before I felt stunned. No, more like paralyzed.

"I don't think so, You do live here right?" I nodded, adjusting my glasses to make sure I was seeing right.

"Well then I'm in the right place." He flashed those pearly whites and gave a wink.

"What exactly are you doing here?" I said with a raised eyebrow, this has got to be another prank. Where's Neji and Kiba to jump out and yell 'Gotcha!'.

"We're going on a date." Sasuke said an grabbed my hand.

I blinked,"W-What? Why would you do that?"

It sounded like Sasuke was going to take me somewhere and sleep with me.

"Well 'cause you're my girlfriend whether you like it or not." I rolled my eyes, okay now the real reason.

"Plus Sakura and Naruto are going to be there so it all works out."

I sighed. "Aww and to think I got my hopes up for nothing."

Sasuke flashed another blinding smile and his eyes looked pleading.

"Please? I'll pay you if I have to." I blinked, he was kidding.

"What?" Sasuke bit his lip before speaking.

"I'll pay you if you date me." That could work. I could really use the money and even pay off my loans.

"Uh, okay." I said without thinking. Sasuke smiled again and leaned to kiss my cheek.

"Thanks Doll." I scowled, it was bad enough I was doing this for money.

"No nicknames." Sasuke pouted but then frowned.

"Alright babe, whatever you say." I opened my mouth to protest again but I was already being dragged out of my house in the pouring rain to the streets. Sasuke released my hand when we came to a black Corvette.

"Hop in babe." I ignored the last word and climbed into the passenger seat and slammed the door. I shivered and found the air conditioner was on.

"Damn it's c-cold in here." I said and Sasuke only laughed. We were both soaked to the bone and the air conditioner was making us both freeze to death.

"Want my jacket?" Sasuke smirked with a raised eyebrow. His jacket was soaked as well, that prick.

"Keep sweet talking me lover boy, I still get payed." I watched as Sasuke flipped his wet black hair looking like model that just walked off the street.

"So how do I look Tayuya dear?" I snorted and rolled my eyes.

"You're no Edward Elric that's for sure." Sasuke looked to me and the Corvette purred into action.

"What was that?" I shook my head, leaning my head against the leather seat. I had never been in a real car before, I've been in a taxi but other then that nothing. I'd learn to drive but the lessons cost alot as well as a car. This car was probably more then my house is worth. "Sasuke let me ask you something." I said softly, my fingers dancing on the rolled up window, touching the raindrops on the glass.

"Sasuke." I sighed, rolling over to look back at the boy.

"Why me?" Sasuke's dark eyes looked at me for a second before they returned back to the road.

"You're different, You're something Sakura can never be and I'm sure she'll be jealous of it."

Yeah I'm different, I'm the biggest geek in the school. Sasuke must be making all this up so he would have a reason to use me. To embarrass me more or less. What more could I deserve in my life. Maybe this was all a dream. Wait, if this was a dream then why would pretty boy be in it? Ugh, forget it. It's all a nightmare. Well either way I was going through with Sasuke's little charade with money as my guide.

"You don't have to lie to me, ya know? I'm a big girl I can handle the truth." I mumbled, my eyes going back to the window. I heard Sasuke sigh and I could of sworn he mumbled something.

"I wasn't lying." Whatever. Let me skip to Sasuke's date with me. Surely this will be entertaining. We pulled up at the restaurant. Of course it was big and fancy. Hell I've never been to a restaurant at all, I only had take out and sometimes ate in the small booth of the take out place when I couldn't pay bus fare. Sasuke being the oh so wonderful gentleman he was opened my door for me and I climbed out of the car, not bothering to take the asshole's hand.

"Let just get this over with." I sighed and Sasuke held out his hand again.

I took it and we went into the restaurant. Sasuke had a reservation so we got to go before many people and I could tell some of the rich bastards were snickering at my appearance. No dress or even some jerlwery. Just a prince and ugly peasant. That how the storybook went. The waiter had lead up to a table, not just a table though. Guess who sat next to us?

"Ah, Sasuke-kun it's nice to see you." Sakura Haruno commented, wearing a beautiful pink dress with her hair tied up in a bun. Naruto faced opposite of her wearing a orange tuxedo. Once again I was left out, my outfit not nearly as nice as her's. Sasuke gave my hand a squeeze before he let go and we we're seated.

"Who's your friend?" The green eyes looked to me and I gave a weak smile and a horrible view of my braces.

"Oh, This is Tayuya, my girlfriend." Sasuke announced, he was trying so hard to rub in her face. Sakura gave a carefree smile as if it didn't matter at all.

"Nice to meet you Tayuya, you're a very lucky gal to be with Sasuke." I shrugged, looking away from the girl.

"Hehe, not really."

Naruto finally spoke up,"So what do you see in Sasuke?"

My eyes widened and I looked to Sasuke.

The asshole smirked,"Go on dear tell them how you fell for me." Bastard.

"Well Sasuke's looks got me into him but his personality was what got my heart." I said, remember reading those words from some manga I read. So why not just go with it?

"Aw that's so cute, you two are such a cute couple."

"Yeah, why not give your girlfriend a little kiss?"

Sakura shot a glare at her boyfriend.

"Naruto don't be so rude."

Sasuke found this as a challenge. Woah, this wasn't part of the plan. My braces could probably hurt the both of us but nothing would keep Sasuke from doing what he liked. Apparently he wanted to prove Naruto wrong. I looked to Sasuke with pleading eyes, I shook my head, mouthing the word 'no' over and over again.

Sasuke smirked again,"Alright."

Oh God. I gripped the sides of my seat tightly, holding my body still. This was not happening. Sasuke raised from his seat.

"Really Sasuke, you don't have too." Sakura spoke, she saw my fear. I gave a weak smile to her direction for the attempt. Sasuke took my chin his hand, our eyes connected. My heart was about to burst. This was way too much. Sasuke closed his eyes as his lips reached out for mine, I found my face moving farther and farther from his but his hand kept my face still in place. I gulped and hoped for the best as I pushed my lips together and prayed that it would end soon. I felt nothing on my lips and I opened my eyes. Sasuke missed my lips, instead his lips were on my cheek. What was I thinking? Sasuke pulled back, his eyes opened and he gave me a wink as he released my chin. I was stunned once again and Sasuke did nothing but smirk at me the entire night. Oh, let me skip to the good part.

"What the hell was that?" I yelled as I slammed the door to the Corvette. "What were you disappointed that I wasn't aiming for your lips?" I gritted my teeth.

"No, It's just Ugh!" I stomped passed the gate and up to my door, Sasuke joined me.

"Well the night went great so..." Sasuke trailed off as he pulled out a wad of money from his pocket. He handed me a single bill and I looked to see it was a twenty.

"We'll do this again some time okay babe?" Sasuke said smoothly, he winked again.

"Yeah, sure but make sure there's more of this and not kisses." I said, waving the twenty with my hand.

"Yeah, sure whatever you say." There was an awkward silence for a moment before I spoke up.

"Well goodnight." Sasuke rubbed his neck, looking at me.

"Yeah, goodnight." Sasuke leaned forward, kissing my cheek again before turning on his heels and walking away. I sighed before shaking to my senses. I went inside, placing the twenty on the kitchen counter. I looked to see the TV still on. Eureka 7 was on and I wasn't surprised in the least. I was too tired to go up to my room so I jumped to the couch in the living room watching the couple on the TV. I closed my eyes, thinking of my little date with Sasuke. I listened to Renton's soft voice on the TV, telling how beautiful and great Eureka was.

For some odd reason, I pictured Sasuke doing the same with me.

Even if it was just for cash, I wouldn't mind it.

Yet that was just false hope.


A/n: I really don't know how this idea came up. I thought about writing a Tayuya x Sasuke thing but I didn't expect this exactly but here it is. I hope you guys like it even thought it took me two days to write it. I read it over and realized that this is better then what I've written before. Well I hope you guys liked this little chapter and hopefully some future chapter will come for this so to be series. Well that's all to say then. Farewell.