Author's Note: Introduction of Sango's cousin in this chapter, hence the chapter's name (genius I say!). I decided to give the cousin an "English" name because I can't bear to use some predictable Japanese name, or (shudder) another character from the series.

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Someone Out There

Chapter three: Cousin

Another windy September afternoon, the last day of the month. All the leaves have been shed and were strewn all over the grass. The skies were grey as usual and it was a bit colder today. There was a club ahead, with old-fashioned windows fogged up by the cold air. Sango brushed the lock of hair blown into her face as she entered the club. She smiled as warm air greeted her. The club was empty right now because it was still early. The club had a wide floor space for the night-goers to dance on, there were tables on the side, there were two pool tables near the window, the washroom was near the back, and the circular bar stood in the middle of the room.

Behind the counter was a young man, tall and well built. A smile was dancing on his lips when he saw Sango walking towards him. He quickly wiped up the counter and gestured for her to sit.

"How you doing cuz?" greeting his favorite cousin. "Hi Sandy. I'm tired, but good." she replied as she stifled a yawn. "Why, is college giving you a hard time? You should've dropped out like me! Life is a blast, each day not knowing where it'll take me." he grinned. Sandy was 23 years old and out living on his own. He decided that life itself was a learning process; why learn behind a desk in a small room when he can learn so much more out here?

"Oh, no homework is fine. Last night I had to go for a late ride with a friend to talk and stuff," she said hopping up on a bar stool, looking at the different bottles of wine and beer on the table. "Your boyfriend Miroku?" asked Sandy. "Yes!" Sandy's smile broadened. "I mean no! I told you before, we're just friends!" chastised Sango. "Relax cuz, I was just kidding." grinned Sandy. Sango stuck her tongue out at him. He always did that.

"So what did pretty boy want now?" Sandy asked referring to Miroku. "Why do you call him that?" she asked, a bit annoyed at the nickname given. "Well let's see, he's a good for nothing rich boy who has his priorities unsorted, and spends his time doing girls than homework." listed Sandy. "Haha, that's the surface level." She nodded, "but he's the guy that's been with me all these years, he had my back, you know that."

"Yeah, yeah, yeah, we know he's precious." said Sandy sarcastically. "So anyways how have you and David been doing?" asked Sango referring to his boyfriend. Yes, her cousin was gay. It was quite a shock when she first saw him come out of the closet. But that didn't make her love him any less. He was the only one she can talk to about anything and everything. He was family. A smile lit the bartender's face. "It's been great with David, he's doing well in his classes and I think our relationship has just entered a new chapter." gushed Sandy. 'A new chapter.' Uh, great…spare me the details, thought Sango. Sandy had a little glow to his cheeks as he continued his train of thought about David.

"How's my dad doing?" asked Sango. Sango's family lived in Canada, an 18 hour drive from her college in the states. "Uncle is doing great, he bought a new home, had it all furnished and is living happily." replied Sandy. "And no, he is not mad at you anymore for your college choice. He still disagrees that's for sure, but if you ever want to move back up, he already has a room reserved for you." Sango smiled, touched by the thoughtfulness of her dad. She had no intention of going back though, not any time soon. She loved college life, living across her best friend, attending classes, living the way she wanted to. She saw no reason to return unless it was something very serious.

She excused herself as she went to the washroom. The doors and walls have been vandalized over and over again by the club-goers each night. The stalls had writing all over them, and most of the sink taps were broken. Inside the stalls, on the door were writing by girls. Girls who poured their heart out to strangers who just want to go number 1.

"I'm in love with my best friend's brother, but he doesn't know. I'm tired of waiting."

And in reply a girl wrote,

"Sweetie, you got to take action yourself. And if he still doesn't notice, leave him, you're worth waaaay more!"

Sango laughed, as she continued to read other (ridiculous in her opinion) messages written. Sango always thought it was a bit silly that girls poured their heart out and someone actually took the time to write a reply back. She sat down on the toilet seat and rested her cheeks on her palms. Her eyes glassed over the scribbles as she thought about last night. Miroku was actually serious that time, and was really worried. I guess everyone will come to a point in life like that, thought Sango.

Talking with Miroku lately had been a bit different. Maybe it started when he stood so close to her the other day while trimming her bangs. Or watching him be so serious during their night drive. She couldn't put her finger on it, but something was definitely different now when she talked to him.

It couldn't be that she liked him right? Nah, she's not going to let her cousin's teasing get to her. He was her frister! The closest friend she's got. She left the bathroom and went back to Sandy. "Hey Sango you're here!" she turned around to see who called her. It was Miroku. He was holding an eight ball, "Wanna play pool?" She grinned. She rocks at pool, beating him almost every time. She waved good bye to Sandy and went over by the window.

She took position near the table and took the first shot of the frame. Sango grinned as her break potted three balls. "Beginners' luck," sniffed Miroku. Turns out it wasn't beginner's luck. After shaming him, she took a drink and leaned casually on the table, gloating her victory. Miroku said, "Ah-ha! Foul for touching the table while having beverage in hand." "Whatever loser, the game was over anyways." she replied. "Victory to moi," grinned Miroku while grabbing her drink. "Hey hey! That's mine!" shouted Sango. She jumped trying to reach it while Miroku taunted her by raising it higher. She stuck out her tongue and Miroku mimicked her. Sandy watched from behind the bar counter, smiling knowingly.