Disclaimer: inuyasha and the rest of the characters belong to the original owners. The title of this chapter is ripped from a Garth Brooks' song 'thunder rolls' though the song isn't connected to the chapter. just so you know, although I really love that song. Garth brooks rock!

Chapter 26: Thunder rolls

Puddles of water formed on the floor from the dripping raincoat. Just beside it, an equally drenched umbrella was just hanged. Sango shook off any droplets of rainwater from her hair. Despite the gloomy weather outside, she had a smile on her face.

She was starting to find her way to move on in life.

"Hey Jaki. Sorry I'm late. The weather was just nasty outside. It's a hurricane warning, I think," Sango greeted her friend who had a scowl on his face.

"Don't tell me you rode your bike at this weather?"

"Then I'm not gonna tell you I rode my bike at this weather!"

Jakotsu approached his employer/friend. He placed both hands on her cheeks. "Sango, honey, I know you're sad nowadays. But, please, don't commit suicide."

Sango rolled her eyes. "You're being overdramatic. When I left the house, there were only drizzles. It got worst on my way here. By that time, it was too late to take the bus or call a cab. Anyway, I left prepared," she pointed to the dripping raincoat and umbrella. "But, tell me, why do I sense you're not in a good mood."

Jakotsu stepped away and proceeded to the reception table. He took a heavy sigh, as if the information he was about to divulge to Sango was between life and death. "I think you should sit down before I tell you what happened," he said, the seriousness in his tone was thick as gravy.

Sango was used to Jakotsu's dramatic ways, but one can never too sure if the so-called actress/actor was in earnest. She grabbed the nearest stool and sat down. "Alright, I'm listening."

"A woman," he started in a tone as if he was in front of a large crowd saying a monologue. "Stopped by here earlier this morning."

Sango nodded. "Ookie…That is a very serious matter," she indicated half-mocking, half-amused.

Jakotsu glared at her. "No interruptions. I'm not yet done," he pointed a finger at her. "Just shut up and listen, sister! Anywaysss! This woman wanted our services for a very important event. I'm talking about dozens of flowers, tons of arrangements, some party planning on the side. In short, big money for our business sister!"

Sango smiled. She knew Jakotsu was simply being dramatic. "Then that's good news!" she clapped her hands and her voice were all cheery. We've been very fortunate this time of year to get big clients. Our business is blooming, Jaki," she exclaimed in a delightful tone. True, her little flower shop had never had this much orders and clients in two years. Despite recent some recent tragedies, there was still something good happening in her life. The expression on Jakotsu's face didn't share the same happy feeling Sango had. There was still something amiss. "Something wrong now, Jaki?"

Jakotsu looked away from those prying bronze eyes. "I didn't accept it; but that's because I'm in no position to decide. It's really yours to say yes, I told the woman."

Sango nodded, already understanding Jakotsu's melancholy countenance. "If you're worried about that, don't bother. You think this woman would come back?"

Jakotsu motioned his head in affirmative. "She will. I'm just not sure you should accept it," he finally voiced his opinion.

Sango face-faulted. "B-but… why?"

Jakotsu scratched his head, not sure whether to tell his friend or not. "Here, look at this. It's where I've written all the information this woman told me, including her name," he handed Sango a piece of paper.

Sango took it and read its contents carefully. She even read it twice, thrice, just to make sure. She gave Jakotsu a reassuring smile. "Then, I think we should really call her to make sure she still wants to hire us, eh? I mean, who would refuse such an offer? We're gonna be part of something very special, eh, Jakotsu?"

The effeminate man studied her closely. She sounded sincere, but Sango had the talent to hide her pains. "Are… you sure you want… to, you know, do it?" he asked carefully.

A bright smile lightened up the face of the young woman who had endured so much. "Of course, Jaki. I'll do it. Not for the money, but for my friend," she answered sincerely.

It was time she repaid all the things her friend had done for her, even if it meant a part of her will break during the process.

OOOooOOooOOOooOOooOOOooOOooOOOooOOooOOOooOOooOOOooOOooOOO

"Are you even listening to what I've just said?"

He turned to her, eyelids drooping, thoughts clouded. "Huh?"

Annoyed, she clenched her fists to control her surging temper. Why must he always make things so complicated? "I've been talking here for minutes that seem like hours and you didn't even hear a word I just said? Unbelievable!"

Once again, he snapped back to reality. "Huh?"

There were times she simply wanted to scream her frustrations out. She wanted to hit the man standing by the window, watching the heavy drops of rain fall down on the hard ground some eleven floors below him. Instead, she looked around his apartment, trying to find something to calm her down. "Would you please just concentrate for once?" she asked, her voice almost pleading.

He turned away from the window then gave a slight nod. "I'm all ears now."

"No, I don't need you to hear. I need you to listen." She stood up and walked to where he stood. She hooked an arm to his and led him away from the distractions of the scene outside the window. "Sit," she ordered in a stern voice as she pointed to the couch.

Inuyasha abided. He scratched his head, hiding the restlessness forming inside him. The weather outside was no help either to lighten his mood. It only got worse when Kagome decided to show up and discuss so many things that needed his attention. Right now, with the heavy rainfall and slight darkness, all he wanted was to sleep. He didn't need Kagome ordering him around at the moment. "I'm listening," he said in a dejected voice.

Kagome scowled but nodded sharply. "Good. I'm not the only one getting married here, just so you know. Paying attention is the least you can do," she preached, her tone though slowly turning soft. "Now, as I've told you, my mom is friends with the owner of the Centennial Inn. It's not a five-star hotel, but it's not cheap either. It's about two hours from here, so I think it's the best one. Anyway, mom was able to book it for our wedding date. So, wedding venue and reception are already fixed," she informed him.

Inuyasha blinked. Wedding venue and reception were already decided without his knowledge? Oh well, not like he made an effort to participate actively in planning this wedding. "Okay," was all he could say.

"We're scheduled to taste different types of dish and wines next week for us to decide what to serve for the reception. Got that?" Inuyasha dumbly nodded. "Just make sure you won't spend all your time at a friend's brother's funeral, okay?"

He tried hard to restrain himself from snapping at his fiancée, although Kagome had every right to comment on such things. She only learned of Inuyasha's supposed 'absences' the previous month because he was lending his support for a friend whose brother had died. For that, Kagome had the right for some sarcasm. Inuyasha remained timid.

"Also, we haven't talked about who you're best man is going to be. I highly doubt you'd like Sesshoumaru to stand beside you at the altar."

Inuyasha shrugged. "I haven't thought about it yet. Sesshoumaru's not a bad idea if we ran out of people to include," he said with a snort. Even if he wanted Sesshoumaru to be his best man (which will never happen), Inuyasha doubted his brother would even agree. Not because Sesshoumaru despised him, but Inuyasha knew he liked Kagome as much as he liked bathing in mud.

"Alright, that's not out primary concern at the moment. Except, we have to know soon if we wanted the invitations sent out as soon as possible," she paced back and forth the living room, racking her brains of the things she had said earlier that just went past through Inuyasha's ears. "Hmm, what else?" she tapped her chin. If only Inuyasha had the mind to listen, she wouldn't have to repeat everything else. "Have you had the tux-fitting session?"

"Yeah."

"Good. So, that's out of the way until the second fitting, which is in two weeks, I hope." Kagome folded her arms. She knew she was missing something very important. It took her about ten minutes to remember, by that time, Inuyasha was already sprawled on the couch, entering the first stage of sleep. "Inuyasha!" she called to him. He immediately sat up.

"I'm listening!"

Kagome rolled her eyes. "Anyway, I just wanted to tell you this morning I stopped by at the shop of your mom's party planner. She wasn't there but one of her employees booked me – us, I mean, an appointment with her tomorrow to discuss certain things. I was really impressed by her so I decided to employ her services," she filled him in as she slowly remembered the thing she wanted to tell Inuyasha. He only nodded.

Inuyasha really could do nothing. In a way, he was just a bystander at his own wedding. Perhaps it was for the best. He had no idea what to do if ever he decided to be active in the preparation. Then a realization dawned on him. "Mom's party planner? Who… are you talking about?" Oh god, please no! Kagome couldn't have possibly asked for her services?

"I think, if I'm not mistaken, her name's San… Sandy? No, wait. It's Sango Meiyo."

Who else? Inuyasha mentally slapped his forehead. This felt like a scene from some chick flick he had seen (because Kagome dragged him by force!) years ago, about the groom-to-be in love with the wedding planner. Would he like it to end the same way as the movie did?

"Your mom told me she's a good party planner as well as a florist. She'll be able to choose the right kind of flowers I want. Also, if I'm not mistaken, she was also the florist at Kiara's wedding we attended months ago. The thing I'm concerned about was would she be able to handle everything or should I employ a certified wedding planner while Ms. Meiyo could assist. What do you think?"

She wanted his opinion? "No," he answered without faltering.

"No to what?"

Inuyasha stood up and once again walked to the windows. The rain didn't even recede; it only got stronger minute by minute. A severe thunderstorm warning wasn't issued for no reason; yet Inuyasha felt what he was about to say to Kagome was more terrible than a storm. What kind of disaster it would be was something Inuyasha wasn't looking forward to, yet he had no choice. He had to say it to Kagome.

"No… to everything," he answered.

The loud thunder echoed all throughout as the dark, grey sky poured out heavy tears of rain. Emotions ran high as one man contemplated on being honest for the first time in his life. Golden eyes quivered with every deafening drops of water from the sky.

You're given a second chance. Use it wisely.

Indeed, he would.

A/N: I know I promised 30 chapters, but if I exceed to 31 or 32 chapters, is that okay? Anyways… school's nearing. Hopefully, I'd still find time to update regularly.

Thanks to everyone who still continues to support my pathetic excuse of a romance fiction. Heehee.