Penname: Babette12
Creative Original or Derivative Fiction: Derivative
Rating/Warning(s): K+
Notes: Puppy dogs and playful kittens cute.

Disclaimer: All copyrighted, trademarked items, or recognizable characters, plots, etc. mentioned herein belong to their respective owners. No copying or reproduction of this work is permitted without their express written authorization.

Prompt: Chapped Lips

I sometimes saw her on campus between classes. Well, actually, I saw her every day. She was always on the sidewalk between the buildings that housed my advanced anatomy and differential equations classes. Okay, maybe I waited for her to pass by after my anatomy class let out before walking to my math class. Regardless of the fact that I stood there, on the corner, rain, snow, sleet or shine, for thirty minutes. After all, it was getting out of class late, wanting clarification from my professor on a project, which allowed me to see her for the first time anyway. And, no, I wasn't stalking her. At least, I didn't think I was.

Winter was progressing, and she looked simply adorable all bundled up like Nanuck of the North, a down jacket hiding the curves I had spied that first warm, fall day, a scarf wrapped around her neck and half-way up her face, a knitted cap on top of her mass of dark curls with matching mittens on her hands. She looked like a Christmas present with a bow on top, all ready for me to unwrap. I watched her walk a couple feet ahead of me, teeth gripping her lower lip as she hitched her book bag higher on her shoulders. I noticed her lip looked red and sore and thought of the new lip balm I had purchased just that morning. It was mint flavored, I always liked the way it made my lips tingle when I used it, and I wondered if she would like some.

I sped my feet to intercept her just in time to see her trip on an uneven part of the sidewalk. Reaching her just as she hit the concrete I skidded to a stop. "Are you all right?" I called, kneeling down beside her, wondering if she would give me her hand to help her up.

She turned her face to mine and stared for a second, her mouth opening and closing like a guppy. Her chapped lips were rosy against her flushed skin. Images of her kissing the balm from my own lips raced through my mind and I shook them off so I didn't look like a complete idiot.

"Um, I'm okay?" she asked, assessing herself as I remained beside her. I then saw her hands were a little scraped, small cuts from the loose gravel having caused a beading of blood in a couple of places.

Not wanting to aggravate her injuries I took hold of her elbow and helped her to her feet. As soon as she was upright I took both of her hands, brushed the gravel from her minute cuts and restraining myself from my desire to place kisses on her hurts. "I saw you fall and I'm sorry I didn't catch you," I started before realizing how lame I sounded. Would she think I watched her all the time? The fact that I knew it to be true caused me to blush.

"That's all right," she whispered. "Um, I've noticed you before. You're always standing by the biology building when I pass."

I was mortified! I hung my head in shame, she had not only noticed me but also that I was watching her! I looked up at her through my lashes, embarrassed to look her full in the face when I noticed she was blushing. "I always wanted to talk to you, but didn't know what to say," she said hesitantly. Then she tilted her head, "I heard you behind me, that's why I wasn't looking at the sidewalk like I should have. Am I keeping you from something?"

I was shocked. She wanted to speak to me? I could have approached her and gotten to know her months ago? "Well, actually I was trying to catch up with you. Your lips looked a bit chapped and I had a new thing of balm and I …" I trailed off, realizing just how desperate and completely like a stalking loser I sounded. I looked down at my shoes, certain she would back away any second. Maybe I should just tell her I'm glad she's all right and walk away with what little dignity I have left.

"Oh, is it mint?" I heard her ask. Mint? OH! The balm! I looked up again at her and saw her smiling. "I mean, it's fine if it's not, it's just that's my favorite." I could see her skin reddening as well and with joy noticed that she was probably just as big of a geek as I was.

"Actually, yes, it is mint," I answered, pulling it out and handing it to her. I watched her lips closely as she applied it, the images of kissing her reappearing in my head. "Would you…" I paused. Would she what? Kiss me? Marry me? Have my children? Probably a bit early for that.

"Go on a date?" she asked. Yes! That would probably be the best first step. I nodded and she reached up and plucked my phone from my shirt pocket. "My name is Bella," she stated as she entered her number before returning the device to me.

"Edward. I'll call you at five? We can go to dinner?" Why can't I just be strong and direct? Why was everything coming out as a question?

I saw her nod. "I'll look forward to your call. Then she looked down the sidewalk. I really have to run or I'll be late and my professor is a real stickler for punctuality." I nodded, stupidly, I'm sure. She let out a little giggle, sweet, like the tinkling of bells. "I'll talk to you tonight, Edward. Thanks for helping me up." With that she patted my arm and walked quickly away from me. I watched her go and was thrilled when she spun around and gave me a little wave. "Until tonight!"

I now knew I would always be grateful for chapped lips.