Story Disclaimer: I don't own Inuyasha or any other characters or concepts.

Alrighty! New story! Yay! Enjoy and review, it really makes me smile! LOL And it helps me want to update sooner!

Summary: Kagome and Inuyasha are best friends, only they know each other over the internet. Inuyasha realizes he's fallen in love with the personality behind the computer when Kagome finds someone new. Desperate times call for desperate measures and breaking the rules is no big deal when your heart is on the line.

Chapter 1: Rules of Conduct

Kagome let the hot water pour down her body, relishing in the way it released all the tension from her day. Humming quietly to herself, she shampooed her hair, rubbing it into her scalp and letting the suds flow down the ebony tresses. Through the open door to her bedroom, she heard a dog bark.

"Oh, geez!"

Pulling the large purple towel from the rack, she threw it around her body and ran into the next room. Moving her mouse brought the computer screen up, and she clicked on the instant messenger that was flashing on her task bar.

inupuppy: hey! i know you're home! bet you're rinsing your hair right now... hmm, smells like watermelon

lynx: prick

inupuppy: HA HA! your water still runnin kitten?

lynx: mmhmm... bastard

inupuppy: harsh!

Kagome smiled, walking back to the bathroom. The air was starting to chill the water on her skin, and her head was beginning to itch. She shuddered as she got under the water again. Ohhh, so good! Warmth! Rinsing her hair, she applied conditioner from bottom to top, letting it soak in for a minute. Hearing the bark again, she rolled her eyes and rinsed again. Inu had been her friend for three years. She'd met him in a chat room, and after a few months, they started to talk all the time. His screen name was courtesy of her, of course. He was such a puppy!

Her computer beeped at her again.

"Okay, okay, I'm coming! Impatient jerk!" Turning the water off, she wrapped the towel around her head. Stepping out, she pulled out a fresh one and wrapped it around herself before heading back to the bedroom.

inupuppy: man, i wish i was there... i'd flush the toilet :P

inupuppy: you're doing this on purpose! hurry it up wench!

Kagome shook her head as she sat in the chair. With a grin, she clicked ignore and closed the IM window. Laughing, she got up and unwrapped her hair, hanging the towel on the back of the bathroom door. Pulling a brush from her vanity, she ran it through her hair, taking care not to rip any knots.

ding

Tilting her head to the side, she went back to the computer.

Instant message from inustud6900

With a chuckle, she opened the window.

inustud6900: you've forced me to use the pimp

lynx: you know i don't like when you call me wench

inustud6900: would bitch be better?

lynx: i'll hang this up too, and then what will you do?

inustud6900: start masterbating early

lynx: why not get one of your hookers to do it for you:smirk:

inustud6900: you booked for the night?

lynx: asshole and i hate this screenname

inustud6900: what? too much for you?

lynx: hardly

inustud6900: you know you're hot for it :grins:

lynx: you wish

lynx: now i gotta get dressed, so you just hold on and get the hell off this screenname

inustud6900: :pouts:

Kagome closed the window and opened a new messenger, sending a message to inupuppy, before heading to her dresser and putting on a nightgown.

lynx: what should I wear to school tomorrow?

She eyed her closet, trying to pick out her clothes from the chair. 'Heh, when did I get so lazy?'

inupuppy: you could wear anything and you'd still be beautiful

lynx: how would you know? as far as you know, i could be ugly as sin

inupuppy: there's no way a sweetheart like you would be anything but breath takingly gorgeou

lynx: suckup

inupuppy: so good

Getting up, she walked to her closet and picked out a pair of black flares and a red hoodie with a dancing monkey on the front. Setting it across her vanity's chair, she sat back at her computer.

lynx: how's work?

inupuppy: feh

lynx: aww, that bad?

inupuppy: co-worker won't leave me alone... she keeps following me around

lynx: :giggle: aww inu has an admirer

inupuppy: laugh it up

lynx: why don't you give her a chance?

inupuppy: i'm just not interested

lynx: no reason? just not interested?

inupuppy: we've been through this kitten...

lynx: i know, i know

lynx: she's not your type, too uptight, too proper, blah blah blah

lynx: HA!

inupuppy: ha what?

lynx: she just wants your very expensive nuts

inupuppy: that gold diggin squirrel

lynx: oh that was lame

inupuppy: give me a break :yawns: it's like... well, it's bedtime

Kagome nodded, though he couldn't see it and stretched.

lynx: sounds like a plan

inupuppy: sweet dreams

lynx: as usual :)

inupuppy: that's cuz they're about me :beams:

lynx: no, those would be the nightmares

inupuppy: diss! damn, you got it out for me tonight?

lynx: you know i love you :)

inupuppy: do i?

lynx: you better!

inupuppy: night darlin, love ya

lynx: night night

Kagome padded to her bed, pulling back the covers and settling into its warmth. Turning out the lamp on her nightstand, she cuddled into her pillow, a smile on her face. Talking to Inu always put her day to a good end, and she couldn't think of a better way to unwind before falling asleep. No matter how horrible her day may have been, he could always get a laugh out of her, because he never settled for just a smile. She could tell him things she couldn't even tell Sango, her best friend.

There were times when she wondered about their relationship. Why was she so comfortable with someone she didn't actually know? Sure, he didn't know who she was or where to find her, but with him, she was more vulnerable than anyone. He knew her on the inside, how her mind worked, how she felt. Hell, he could tell her emotions better than she could. For that reason, he was the one person she could always count on to be there for her, to understand what she was going through at the time. There wasn't a doubt in her mind that she trusted him with anything. But why? Why did she feel so safe?

As her eyes drifted closed, she was content even without those answers. Life had its quirks, and he was probably the best yet.

Inuyasha leaned back in his chair, staring at the screen in front of him, a hollow feeling creeping into his heart. The only time he didn't feel so lonely was when he was talking to Lynx. She was the best part of his life, aside from his friend, Miroku. Other than that, contrary to popular belief, his life sucked. He hated every minute of his career when many people would die to be in his position. In his opinion, they could have it. Unfortunately, his father wouldn't have it if he decided to quit. When did he become a puppet? Well, that would be when he turned four and his father made the choice to make him follow in his prestine brother's footsteps. Oh, and the camera's loved a hanyou. Sweet Jesus, if he had to deal with one more squealing girl trying to touch his ears, he was going to kill someone. Well... maybe not, but you get the point. And now Kikyou Higurashi has picked him for her next victom. You think the girl would get over herself? It didn't help that his father thought it would be perfect for 'Yash Taisho to marry the exquisite Kikyou. The tabloids would love it. "Could you see their babies? Absolutely gorgeous!" The day he slept with that broad would be the day he castrated himself. There had been many times when he thought that would be the best idea anyway. Who wants a super model with no dick? Love me, Japan! In ya face!

That was the best part about Lynx, because she knew him for who he really was. True, she had no idea that he was a top model, but he did tell her that he was in the family business and wasn't hard up for money. At the time he had been trying to impress her, but that was before he knew that she really could give a shit what he did for a living. She was going to school to be an elementary school teacher herself, which rolled in the lesser bucks. At least her family was cool with her doing what she wanted to do.

'Shower. Yeah, that sounds like a winner right there.'

Inuyasha grabbed a towel from a basket on the floor and headed to the bathroom. He turned on the water to let it warm before stripping and brushing his teeth. Just as he was about to step in, he heard his cell ring in his bedroom. Cursing, he didn't even bother with a towel, considering the rooms were connected. Searching through the clothes he'd just thrown on the floor, he finally fished the damn thing out of his jeans pocket when it stopped ringing.

"Damnit!" Hitting the button to view his missed call he groaned, 'Kikyou.' With a smirk, he threw his phone on the bed, "Good, I didn't want to talk to her anyhow."

Just as he turned around, it rang again. With a annoyed growl, he picked it up, prepared to just shut it off but answered it instead.

"Hey man," he made his way back to the bathroom.

"Hey! Still talking to your little cyber girlfriend?"

"Fuck you, 'Roku. Whatchya want?"

"Just wondering what your doing."

"Actually, I was just getting ready to shower," Inuyasha plugged in his electric shaver.

"Well, why don't you hold off and come out with me?"

"Do you have any idea where they put the make-up when you do an underwear shoot?"

"Ohhhh, Yash in his tighty whitey's!" Miroku chuckled.

"Shut it, ya fag," he wiped a spot on the already fogged mirror, so he could see what he was doing as he shaved.

"Ouch, pissy today?"

"Everyday."

"Kikyou up your ass again?"

Inuyasha snorted, "How'd ya guess?"

"I'd be on her quicker than you could say yee-ha!"

"You'd be on anything with two legs and a pussy."

"Hey, I have some taste. Anyway, I met this girl and..."

"Oh, don't tell me! You got crabs?"

Miroku sighed, "Ha ha, very funny."

"Whatever, tell ya what. Let me take my shower and I'll be over in a half hour."

"Works, see ya then."

Inuyasha hung up the phone and set it on the sink. Stepping into the water, he hissed at the temperature and turned it down some. 'Trying to roast myself.' Leaning his head against the cool porcelain tile, he closed his eyes and let the water jet down his back. 'Wonder what Lynx is dreaming about right now?' With a sigh, he stood up straight and started washing the powder from his skin. 'Ack, do they really have to put so much gunk on?'

Miroku had offered on numerous occasions to look her up, find out who she is and where she lives. He'd turned him down every time. Considering he wouldn't do something to break her trust. They'd made an agreement to not disclose any personal information like that. It started as a game to see if one would slip, but they just got comfortable with it. He'd wanted to ask her several times what she thought about finally meeting, but he chickened out. Didn't make any sense in his head why he should be insecure. If she didn't like who he really was, then fuck her, right? Yeah, maybe with everyone else in the blasted world, but one little woman had him sweating bullets just thinking of it. He never told her he was a hanyou, mostly because it could have given away who he is. There aren't many hanyou's, because youkai were still not partial to mating with humansand most humans were afraid of youkai. Whatever the reason, women swarmed over his 'adorable' ears, but he hightly doubted they actually thought about what he is. Not like he cared. He couldn't imagine her resenting him for being a hanyou, though. She just wasn't that type of person. Oh well, maybe someday.

Twenty minutes later, Inuyasha was dressed and ready to leave. Throwing a jacket over his shoulder, he jumped in his baby blue 1969 Chevy Corvette Stingray. Miroku swore he shouldn't drive it on a regular basis, but his theory was, what's the point of owning a beaute and keeping it stored away all the time? She was born to be driven.

He left the driveway, shutting the gate in his wake and speeding off. Five minutes later, he was screeching into his friend's driveway.

Miroku opened the door, glaring at him and shutting it behind him. "Do you have to be so loud? It's 11:30 and some people are trying to sleep you shit."

"Keh, let 'em whine, you don't have to do it for them," he shifted into reverse after Miroku launched himself over the door. "And be a little nicer on the leather, you could open the door."

"Piss off, you jump in it every time you drive."

"Yeah, but I if I hurt the seats, I don't mind paying for my stupidity." Backing out of the driveway, he asked, "Where to?"

"I'm hungry and need a drink. How about Taijia's Pub?"

Inuyasha shrugged, "Whatever works."

When they got there, he reached into the back seat, producing a cap that he put on his head, effectively hiding his ears.

"Why bother when only your family sports the silver hair?"

"In the bar light, it may just look grey or blonde." When Miroku gave him a skeptical look he shrugged, "Hey, at least I tried. Besides, how many fan girls you think hang at a dump like this?"

"Hey! I like this place! Besides, you're going to meet the new bartender."

Inuyasha rolled his eyes, "The girl?"

"Yep, just turned 21. I had no idea the owner had a daughter," he laughed, "go fig."

"Heh, we'll see how much longer you're welcome here."

Miroku pouted but followed the hanyou in. The dimly lit bar worked to hide the color of Inuyasha's hair, which surprised him, but he just shrugged it off. Heading to the bar, he motioned for his friend to take a seat. "Hey Sango!"

A tall girl with long brown hair pulled into a slack tail against her back turned around. Inuyasha had to admit she was pretty, but not at all like the slutty girls Miroku usually went after. She was slender but looked firm, like a gymnist or something. Her eyes were doe brown, accented with a light purple eyeshadow and mascara. She didn't wear any other make-up. 'Good for her.'

"Jack and coke," Inuyasha ordered and concentrated on the T.V. behind her.

Miroku smiled at the bartender, "This is my friend, Yash." He waved his hand towards the girl, "and this is Sango."

Inuyasha gave her a half smile as she gave him his drink, "Nice to meet you." His attention turned back half-heartedly to the sportscaster on the television.

Sango narrowed her eyes, "What are you having? Without the pick up lines now."

"Aww, you spoil all the fun! I'll just have Capt. and coke, sweetie." She prepared his drink and started to walk away. "Come now, Sango, be friendly!"

She started washing glasses, not looking up at him, "You do realize that you're probably the upteenth guy to come in here with his cat calls and pathetic come on's."

"Sure! But I'm the only one that means them," Miroku grinned. Inuyasha snorted and he elbowed him in the chest.

"Loser," he said under his breath, chosing after that to ignore the conversation between the two.

"How's your father doing, still sick?"

Sango glanced up briefly before settling back to work, "He's feeling a little better, I guess. The cancer is terminal."

"I'm sorry to hear that. So will you be taking over the bar?"

"Actually, my brother will be taking over the business aspect. We'll technically be partners, but I'll be working more inside."

"Ah, how is your brother holding up?"

She sighed, "He'll be okay, I guess. Since our mother died a few years ago, dad's been all we've had. It's hard on the both of us."

"I can understand. You know, if you ever need anyone to talk to, I could give you my number," Miroku offered.

Sango regarded him for a moment, trying to decide if he was trying to cheat her or not. He seemed sincere enough, "We'll see." She received a smile in return.

On the way back home, Miroku decided to prod his quiet friend, "So, what did you think?"

"Seems nice. Too nice for you, even."

"Yash, what's with the hostility, man?"

"You'll break the poor girl's heart." Miroku honestly looked hurt. "Oh, come on, she's not even your type! The only girls I see you go out with are the easy ones."

"Well, I'm 24, and it's time I think about settling down. Sango's a good person, and I really like her."

"All I can say is good luck, my man. You're really going to have to win her over."

"I'll be doing my damndest."

"Have you considered what will happen when you tell her about your past?"

"What past?"

"Oh, I don't know. Maybe about all the girls you've bedded?" Inuyasha smirked.

Miroku stared out the window for a minute before responding, "Look, Yash. I have a fear of commitment. My father did it, got married I mean. Then my mom died, and he was so lonely afterward. I don't want to know that kind of pain, to lose someone you love." He fiddled with the radio, mumbling, "I've actually never slept with anyone."

Inuyasha slammed on the brakes, nearly throwing the man out of the car who wasn't buckled, "What!" He goggled his friend, "You've got to be joking! I've seen you when you've come out of your bedroom full of hickeys and shit!"

With a sheepish grin, "There's other ways to get off, you don't have to fuck."

"You mean to tell me you only messed with all those girls?"

He shrugged, "Yeah, nothing past oral."

"This is unbelievable!"

"Hey, I deal with my problem my way, you do it your way."

Inuyasha glared at him, "What the hell does that mean?"

"Well, I hide behind the player facade and you've got your Lynx."

"What about her?"

"HA! You have no idea that you're over your head! I mean, come on, you know her schedule to a T! You know when she wakes up, when she eats, what she eats. Jeez, you probably know when she pisses! You haven't dated a single girl since you started talking to her. I've seen you even brush them off. You're too wrapped up in her to even notice. She's your securtiy blanket that blinds you from what is out there in the world. Your mate could have walked right under your nose, and you wouldn't even know it."

The hanyou growled, "I would know it!"

"You won't if you don't pay attention! Who knows, she could be the one, but you won't meet her in person. You hide behind that fucking screen name like your heart depends on it. What the hell are you afraid of anyway?"

"I'm not afraid of anything, damn it! When did this turn into a diagnosis of what I do with my free time?"

Miroku's gaze softened, "Tell me you don't walk in the door and count the minutes until she logs on. Tell me you don't look forward to it every day."

Guilty. He lived for their conversations, no matter how meaningless or short. What the hell? When did he become so pathetic?

He noticed Yash's look, the scowl on his face, "Man, don't be ashamed of it. It's okay to feel good about her. You've been talking to her for what, two years?"

"Three."

"Okay, that's a long time. You two know all the in's and out's of one another. Think of it this way, there is nothing you have to hide from her. It's easier to talk to someone when you can't see them. She's just another person on a vast line of communication, who could live across the world from you. Who's she to judge? There is no danger, no risks. If you were to meet her, though, then there's where the fear kicks in."

"Again, fear has nothing to do with it. We're friends, end of story. I like how things are."

"Yeah? Why? Because you don't have to take any chances?"

"I don't care about chances! I don't date because I don't want to deal with a woman right now. They're annoying, they always have problems, and they try to wrap you around their finger to get whatever they want. If I even think of dating, I have to worry about them being with me for me, not fame or money. I don't want to have to go to bed at night, wondering who it really is they're dreaming about."

"That's deep, man, and that's a problem. You're hiding from the real world, and you're using her to do it. If you're going to do that, at least make her a bigger part of your life. She means more to you than just some computer friend. I can tell by the tone you use when you talk about her."

"I'm not going to ruin what we have."

"Who says you're going to ruin it?"

"People are different! Who's to say I'll be the same guy to her in person?"

Miroku tapped his forehead, "You have to turn the lights back on, buddy. I've never seen someone so content on striding through life so carelessly." He put his hand down, motioning for Inuyasha to continue. "When I met Sango, I realized she was just what I need."

Inuyasha kept his eyes on the road but smirked, "Did you grope her?"

"Oh, yeah, full ass grab. Leaned over the bar to do it even!" His friend laughed. "She walloped me pretty good for it, too. Girl packs a punch. Anyway, she's a strong girl, and not in a physical sense. I mean she's pigheaded as hell! I love the spitfire in her, and I want to get to know her better. It's been a long time since I've met beautiful and intelligent in one person."

They made it to Miroku's house and Inuyasha said his goodbye, "Well, I wish you luck on your journey to... well, whereever it is you think you're going."

"Thanks man, talk to you later."

Inuyasha backed out and headed home, singing along to some song on the radio. 'Am I using Lynx as my escape from relationships?'

a/n Please let me know what you think! I really would love the reveiws!