Prompt: Risk
Genre: Humor
Rating: T

It had been a beautiful spring day. The sun shone bright, friendly and warm. The grass was vivid green, soft and new. A light breeze carried the scent of fresh flowers and all the creatures of the forest were bustling about finding dens, building nests and looking for suitable mates. Winter's cold grey grip had been loosening over the past few weeks and a day like this was welcomed as a promise of good things to come. This perfect spring weather was enjoyed by all, but there was one who was regretting ever stepping foot into it.

Kagome could not believe the situation she now found herself in. She sat on the ground in utter shock, trying hard to keep from crying in frustration. She had made a horrible mistake and was just now realizing the ramifications of it.

Sesshoumaru sat a short distance away from her, unsure about the mental and physical well-being of the small female. She had suddenly become highly distressed and full of regret, but he did not completely understand why. He'd learned something about humans from Rin but he didn't know them well yet, especially this one. The relationship with Kagome had grown slowly over the winter months, but he still had a lot to learn. He was now watching and waiting for her to give some indication of what she needed. He had earlier made an attempt to move closer to her, wrap her up in his arms and comfort her, but it had not gone well.

"DON'T TOUCH ME!"

She had screamed at him hysterically while cringing in fear.

He winced at the pain her volume inflicted upon his ears and instantly drew back.

"Kagome, what can be done?"

She just shook her head sadly, "Nothing, now…"

He felt confused and helpless. He was not well acquainted with these two emotions and he decided he did not care for them. Unfamiliar as well with what she was going through, he could permit the time she apparently needed for now, but soon he must insist they return to the village.

Meanwhile Kagome was mentally berating herself. 'Always use protection! Always use protection! Even if it's the first time, always use protection!' How could she have been so stupid, so careless? The message was one pounded into her head from school, magazines, newspapers, television and radio. The problem was a global one and absolutely everyone knew you had to use prevention, each and every time. Forgoing even one time was a risk that could potentially be life-altering, if not downright devastating.

She knew all this and still she disregarded what she'd been taught. It wasn't like she didn't carry any with her either. Her mother insisted she keep some packed in her bag for her ventures through the well. Everyone knew it was better to be safe than sorry. Why didn't she think to use it? Did she subconsciously think her body was immune to the effects of engaging male company, fresh air and sunshine? Looking back on the day, she couldn't honestly regret her initial decision to dally with the Daiyoukai.

While walking, they had found the perfect setting for a romantic afternoon. The white sandy shoreline was pristine; the lake's water was a hypnotic crystal blue. A secluded spot with no one to interrupt them was such a rare treat; they had immediately given in to the temptation this place offered. They ended up spending the whole day there, conversing, swimming, playing and just relaxing in a comfortable companionship that had developed since he had asked permission to court her.

She discovered her folly when she went to change back into her clothes. Standing behind some shrubbery for privacy, she removed her risqué swimsuit and gasped in shock. She was sunburned from her hairline to her toes. The only places unscathed were the two narrow bands covered by her neon-pink bikini, her palms, and the soles of her feet. Her skin was beginning to sting and she knew before too long she would be in scorching pain. Too late she remembered the sunscreen her mother made her carry. It lay untouched, unused, in her big yellow bag and now she would have to pay the price for her foolishness.

Finally realizing he did not fully comprehend her situation; Kagome explained to Sesshoumaru what the next two weeks held for her, excruciating pain, blisters and finally peeling skin. To him this was new information about humans and he made a mental note of it. Until now he was unaware people were susceptible to the sun's rays in this manner. Demons were quite simply not affected.

Deciding the best course of action was to take her back to Kaede for a soothing burn remedy; he gathered his youki and formed a vapor cloud under the two of them. Thinking she would not appreciate the irony of his compliment, he refrained from telling her how pretty she looked in hot pink.

A/N: Posted Nov. 19, 2008. This won second place, yay! Thanks for reading!