Disclaimer: I own nothing

Note: I was so nervous posting the last chapter because I really wanted to capture the moment the right way. I would've updated sooner but I'm getting ready to move again. Sorry about that. Anyway I hope you all love this chapter and please review!

Kagome had fallen asleep quickly in Miroku's arms and relished the feelings of his arms around her. She had awoken before he did and smiled when she realized she hadn't had any dreams. Or at least any of those kind of dreams. Feeling warmth radiating off of him she felt herself smile and leaned her head on his chest feeling his heart. She placed her hand on his chest with the barest of touches but she felt his muscle jump underneath her fingers and Miroku moaned softly. Feeling a blush grace her features, she moved her fingers lightly over his right pectoral and watched in fascination as goosebumps arose on his arm.

Tracing his chest gently then gliding her fingers across the muscles in his arm, she felt heat curling in her belly. She continued tracing the muscles in his arm feeling his strength in every cord and let out a shaky breath before telling herself she should stop. Her body wasn't listening however and she felt her hand glide back to his chest she continued to gently touch him daring to go lower to his stomach again feeling his muscles jump at her touch and she watched as she touched his muscles again and they quivered. She watched with complete attention as she touched again and heard him let out another sleep filled moan. She didn't know why she couldn't seem to stop touching him. She supposed it was because she'd been dreaming of him for so long now and she had finally admitted her feelings for him. She'd also never seen so much of a man before and she couldn't help but be fascinated by him.

He was utterly male. Everywhere she touched was solid muscle. Feeling his hand slide over her hip she sighed softly before raising her hand to his hair gently running her hand through it. She smiled at the texture before letting his hair loose and traveling her hand back down his body. She had just touched his stomach again when she felt something against her hand. Looking down she felt her eyes widen and her blush returned at full force. Retracting her fingers as if his skin was burning her, she heard a small amused chuckle and raised her gaze to see Miroku smiling gently at her.

"I would say I'm sorry but I'm not. Your the one fondling me in my sleep."

Kagome blushed again and pressed her face into his chest and felt it rumble when he laughed again. Kissing the top of her head he whispered.

"Kagome please look at me."

He waited patiently, knowing she was embarrassed not only for touching him but for being caught. He needed to let her know he wasn't upset. After a long moment he felt her shift and finally look up at him her face still red.

"Gome, you don't have to be embarrassed about touching me."

She blushed again.

"I shouldn't have while you were sleeping. It was wrong. I'm sorry."

He thought for a moment.

"So you wouldn't mind touching me while I'm awake?"

She swatted him playfully and admonished him before placing her hand back on his chest. Capturing her hand and bringing it gently to his lips laying a kiss on her palm, he cupped her chin raising her gaze to him and he spoke softly to her, tenderly, gently.

"Gome, this is all new to you. You've never been with anyone have you?"

She shook her head a blush staining her cheeks. He smiled again and watched her relax slightly before he continued.

"See? So its natural you'd want to explore your feelings or touch and look at me since you haven't been this intimate before."

She looked at him for a long moment thinking. Finally she nodded slowly seeing the logic in his words. When she spoke again her voice was shy and tentative.

"So were...um..." She paused and Miroku waited trying not to smile at her nervousness. "Were together then?"

He nodded. Seeing her flounder again and having a feeling about what she was going to ask, he pressed his fingers to her lips and said.

"And we can take this as slow as you want."

She smiled gratefully before laying back down and was silent for a long moment before whispering.

"I can feel your heart beating."

He smiled but said nothing opting instead to kiss her head. She seemed hesitant to touch him now and he knew why but he wasn't having much luck fixing the problem she'd created so he continued to try and will it away until he noticed her fingers drifting again. Closing his eyes he took a deep breath before opening his eyes to see Kagome watching him. Keeping her gaze on him she began touching his chest watching the expressions on his face with a soft smile. She began gently exploring his body everywhere but was careful to avoid one spot and Miroku laid still watching her and letting her touch him. Raising her hand to his face she watched as her fingers glided across the plains his eyes closed and he looked completely at peace with the world. Leaning in without realizing she was doing it she watched as her fingers traced his lips making them fall open. She could feel his breath warm against her cheek and leaned in closer before taking away her fingers and kissing him gently. She couldn't deny that she wanted him. She'd noticed that when she was touching him her body had been responding and it was evident by the heat flaming through her body that she was aroused. She was still nervous about being intimate with him and was grateful that he'd offered to take it slow. She'd never explored a mans body the way she was with Miroku and thought he was sweet not to rush her. He was obviously aroused but said nothing and did nothing. He just laid there for her. Silent and still letting her do what she wanted.

Pulling back from the kiss she stared at him silently for a long moment before whispering.

"Thank you."

and thats it. the reason this chapter is this way is because i wanted to show how Kagome is becoming okay with herself and her feelings and is slowly accepting their relationship and coming to terms with the physicality of their relationship as well. stay tuned in the next chapter shippo and inuyasha come into play