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He loved how her eyes lit up. It was something so simple, so innocent, her wanting to go ride the carousel. It had only been an offhand remark, about the irony of how some arcade Edward had stumbled upon managed to be near as elegant as the antique store across the street, but her lips had curved in that irresistible smile, taking his hand and leading the way through the tangle of streets surrounding the Seattle waterfront. And it had only grown when she had spotted it through the curving window, down the street from the hulking aquarium and with the trolley route running just in front.
The neon sign all by itself was charming; all in curvy red letters with a simplistic carousel horse beneath it, spelling out "Bayfront" with some appeal modern billboards had long since lost. However, it was far from just the arcade itself- a collection of restaurants, some old bookstore and the typical collections of odd knick-knacks and charms that could only be sold in someplace where common sense is usually washed away by the rain. However, the arcade itself was the major draw.
The usual paraphernalia littered it: some shooter named Area 51, the game where you smash all the alligators, air hockey, the counter occupied by some bored looking man and terribly overpriced prizes. It differed from there though- instead of the usual darkness they allowed the expansive view of the waterfront to grace the bay windows, the typical gum splattered carpets replaced with light hardwood floors. And there was the matter of the carousel.
It took up most of the room, separated by a low glass barrier from the room itself and an insubstantial glass wall from the boardwalk. It was a true carousel- not like that campy trash many carnivals attempt to pass off as entertainment. Bella smiled at Edward once more as he silently paid the toll to the zitty teenager manning the booth, and she led him through the gate. He allowed her hand to guide him, not noticing the small grin spreading over his own features as she dithered between two of the grander steeds. Finally settling upon a warhorse proudly tossing its head in full glittering regalia, she mounted up. Edward was content to take one of the less impressive inner horses- the better to see her expression.
It was an elegant piece of machinery- each horse lovingly crafted, each bulb polished, the wood beneath their feet buffed to a soft luster. It took it's time starting, the traditional music swelling to a grand crescendo as it slowly rumbled into motion. Edward didn't force his long legs into the stirrups, rather letting them slowly touch the surface of the floor before rising again. Bella was entranced, her gaze straying from the sparkling crest piece of her mount to the bay outside, to the mirrors on the inner wall of the carousel, to Edward's face. She gave him a wide smile, eyes crinkling in pleasure. She mouthed the words, thank you, unwilling to disturb the beat of the music. Edward found himself returning it, allowing the "your welcome" to remain unsaid. Bella understood.
And somehow those gently undulating lights took Edward back. Back beyond the usual memories of blackened nights and bright stars, to something far fuzzier. Feelings, rather than some clear picture. To some time when a heart still beat within a child's chest, a mouth sticky with candy, and a mother taking him on the merry go round. A toddlers gap-toothed grin as he rested against his mother's chest and feet that seemed miles from the ground flying beneath his feet. Warmth. Security. Happiness.
He could barely remember his mother's face.
And Bella chose that moment to glance over, somehow sensing that sharp intake of breath. With effort he kept the smile upon his face, but he couldn't keep the age away that shown in his eyes. The weight of a lifetime far too long for anyone's good. Breaching the rift between him, she reached over to enclose his cool hand in her own warm one.
Suddenly aware that the ride had in fact stopped, Edward shared a smirk with the girl beside him- it was not unpleasant though- and gave her hand a gentle squeeze.
"One more time around, please."
A/N: Decided to work on description. Exploring the theme of Edward's age. A vain attempt to share with you one of my favorite places on the planet. –hugs-
AND I JUST REALIZED I HAVEN'T UPDATED SINCE SEPTEMBER. I AM SO SO SO SO SO SORRY. FORGIVE ME. -weeps- I'm working on an overhaul of some of the earlier drabbles, and have a few ideas. I'm working on a fic for a seperate fandom though, so it may take awhile to finish the whole project. THANK YOU FOR HANGING IN HERE.
And FYI- ALL CHALLENGES WILL BE CONTEMPLATED WITHIN REASON. XD My gift to you for being a lazy updater. -smiles-