A/N: This one is a little weird, in my opinion. It's technically about Inuyasha and Kagome, but it's a Kagome and Sesshomaru story. Does that make sense? I was listening to the song that inspired this little ficlet while writing, and this is what I came up with. Hope you enjoy! :)

As he watched his, no, their group-as he has no right to call it his anymore-chat away happily and enjoy life, he sat back in his tree for a rare moment of introspection and observation. A lot of things had in the past two years or so. Naraku was defeated, Miroku and Sango were married and now had a chance to live the life they both dreamed, and the biggest change of all, perhaps the one that hurt and shocked him the most, was that Kagome and his hated half-brother Sesshomaru were now mated. It took everyone awhile to accept this fact as true, but once they saw how happy Kagome was, they embraced it and accepted Sesshomaru into their little family. When he first found out, he was angry, hurt, and shocked to his core, and felt horribly betrayed. But, now, in this rare moment, he could see clearly they belonged together and that he didn't deserve Kagome. Not really. After all, he was the one who couldn't put the past behind him, chasing after what was instead of what could have been. Now, his chance at happiness was gone because of his foolishness and inability to see Kagome for who she really was, a strong, beautiful, kindhearted woman who didn't deserve any of the harsh words he threw around so carelessly, and who deserved to be cherished and loved just like everyone else. He might as well have been blindfolded all those years they traveled together. And wasn't he the one who called her worthless and stupid? Always saying that Kikyo was always going to be better than her? Never seeing her for the strength she did possess. Her caring heart, her ability to love anyone despite what the may have done to her in the past pr any of their flaws, and the love and loyalty she instilled in others for her. He practically led her into his brother's arms. It's only now he realized how stupid he truly was. She loved him for so long, and all he did was break her heart constantly, and hurt her over and over again. Nope, he never deserved her not even for a second. With her pure heart and kind nature, she managed to change his brother's heart and make him fall in love with her, while all he managed to do was decieve her and make her feel worthless. A sudden sense of shame and regret fell over him. He wasn't worthy of her love, or even her friendship. Of course, now he doesn't even have the chance to earn her love, but he can and will be there for her, will stand by her, and be the brother she needs him to be, no matter how much it may hurt. Because, in the end, the pain he feels now is only retribution for the pain he caused her back then.

A/N So it's kinda short, but I felt like it was the perfect place to stop. When I first listened to the song, I knew that I HAD to write something for it. I feel good about this one, but I'd like to know what you think. Feedback is GREATLY appreciated!

Until Next Time! :)