isn't it lovely

x

She nodded at the boy’s wishes. He was definitely right, but maybe once things were a little more… settled she could talk to her brother about the other to see what was going on there. “Okay.” She said gently and took a sip of her water and looked back over at him while he talked about what he did for a living. “That’s interesting. I’ll have to stop in one day and take a look.” Maggie sighed and shrugged. “I write books. I’m almost done with the first series, Magnolia Grove. It’s a Netflix show now too and I help with that. So that’s my fame, I guess.”

.

Mingyu blinked before lifting his phone and looking up the book. “I hope it is not weird that.. I am going to buy your book now and read it. I am excited.” He beamed at her before pouting a little, “Netflix? That is amazing... I cannot believe it. That is something huge, I think.” He said excitedly. He knew she was downplaying it  a little but he truly was impressed with her and the fact she got on Netflix with her show. “What is it about? Is it a horror film? Is it comedy? Romance?”

location: Art Museum who: @bang-mingyu​ — closed.

Chase liked hanging out with Mingyu. They two got each other in an uncomplicated way and that was all that really mattered when it came to having each other’s backs. Chase was slouched over, seated backwards on a chair with his arms crossed on top of the back and his chin against them. Watching Mingyu in his element was one of his favorite things and today wasn’t like any normal day at work, things were more relaxed around the museum and there was a fieldtrip class there so a lot of activities were set up. He showed up a bit ago with his two little brother and they disappeared to lunch while Chase stayed behind with his best friend. He pushed off the back of the chair and sat up, then he leaned forward a bit to get a better look at what Mingyu was working on. “That’s pretty nice. Are you going to give it to anyone special?” Chase waited for Mingyu’s eyes to meet his before letting a soft smile spread on his features. 

.

It wasn’t often that Mingyu painted at the museum, he never like to be seen while he painted unless it was for kids. Today, he’d done a session with the kids and they worked on a cute little Bob Ross-esque painting with a lake and trees and Mingyu had purposefully made sure he didn’t go too fast or too slow. He had been slightly aware that Chase had come in at some point but he finished up the class then went back to finish up the painting, to add more details. When his friend spoke, he chuckled softly. “I don’t have anyone special enough for a Bob Ross painting..” He patted Chase’s arm before looking up at the painting again. “I’ll probably just put it in the back of my apartment where all the other paintings are.” Mingyu brushed a hand over the side of the canvas, “I don’t want to sell it since it’s based off of a Bob Ross thing.” Mingyu said. He’d met Chase a while ago and the two of them just clicked. Since he’d been a shut in, he’d rarely ever left his house but then Chase, after helping him with english, began to spend more and more time with him. He felt pretty lucky to have someone who wanted to spend time with him.”What are you up too today, Chase?”

Dust to dust, my friend

Well, you're only blood and bones

And I know your heart's at war with your head

I am sure it hurt to see

You're more than I'll ever have

And more than I'll ever be

I know it's a little late

My timing was never great

x

“You’re definitely right about that.” She said and took a deep breath. “I’ll keep the joking down.” Maggie listened to him as he talked about Ashton and nodded. “He is. He always has been.” She was the same way for a while when she was younger, so she could see how her brother would be jealous. “I couldn’t say, but I could speak with him if you want?” She suggested. She was a little jealous of her mom’s closeness to others. Summer, Stevie… anyone other woman out there that wasn’t her. They were like her daughters and sometimes she felt replaced. These thoughts went away and she nodded. “Water it is.” She said and stood up; going to get them some and coming back with a glass. “So, are you an artist then? Or is painting your hobby?”

.

“Um... no it is okay. Ashton does not need more stress pushed onto him than he is already going through... I will not get in the way of that. He needs to be able to grieve without worrying about me or something getting in the way of his process. I do not want to be a bother in the process right now...” He glanced around as she walked away to get him some water and looked to her at her question. He took the water and smiled shyly, “I am a professional artist. I work at the museum and I am one of the people who sets up the gallery with local art and helps with selling it... what do you do? I know all of the Rhodes are famous... what is your trade?”

&

Sitting on the bench, Calla was waiting for Samson to come pick her up. This entire no driving due to the giant cast on her leg was really becoming a nuisance. What Calla would give to be able to walk around easily and drive herself again. The walk to her apartment wasn’t even that long, but with the cast she’d be slowed down greatly. Her eyes were on her phone, playing one of her many favorite addicting games while she waited. The voice pulled her out and she quickly paused to take stock of his words and then look up at the clouds. “Um-” Calla squinted as the clouds lazily floated by in the sky. “A dog?” There was some kind of head with ears on one that was right above her. 

.

-

Mingyu looked down at her and realized he’d likely just interrupted her in the middle of something on her phone and immediately felt uncomfortable and like maybe he should back off. He cleared his throat and glanced back at the sky. “Yeah... I think you’re right. A dog.” He said, “it’s morphing into something else now, though. I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to interrupt you, ma’am.” He said and looked around the area.. “I... I guess no one else was here and I was thinking about ... talking to someone.” He said softly. “Do you... want me to go away? Cause I can. I just thought you looked kind of lonely and maybe wanted company.” 

 Verity smiled a little when he moved a bit closer to her, scooting her glass a bit backwards towards herself to make more room for his. Her eyes widened. “No way!” She exclaimed in excitement. “Congratulations on your masters! I just graduated mine as well, so cheers to us I guess!” She chuckled while lifting her glass off from the counter, motioning it into a small cheers movement, before taking a sip. “Fingers crossed for you, honestly! Sound like they have no reason not to hire you..” She shrugged back at him, hoping it all worked out for him in the end. “Oh me?” She chuckled a little under her breath. “Well I have been busy.. Still working at the bar and at the same time I am doing my training during the day so I am knackered for the most part.” She explained. “But I am currently enjoying a gin and tonic and have been fine overall.”

.

                                                                                                                                “Oh! Congratulations to you too! Geonbae~” He said and toasted with her, sipping his own as he said ‘Cheers’ to her in his native language. It made him feel normal that someone wanted to cheers with him, to feel like someone wanted his company... “I can only hope that they will hire me. It is important to me... I would very much enjoy the job...” He blinked at her wordsand paused, trying to remember what that word even meant -- unsuccessfully. “Forgive me but I am not sure what the word ‘knackered’ means. It is... not one that I think I have ever learned.” Mingyu said shyly. “But... I am glad that you are able to enjoy a drink. I will gladly buy your next one for you.”

x

She shook her head. “Don’t worry about it. I probably shouldn’t be making jokes anyways.” She was sure there was some out there that would get after her for making such jokes given the time, but she wouldn’t be Maggie if she didn’t joke. She listened to him and wondered what all the boy knew about her mom, but wasn’t going to ask. “Thanks. And he is. Ashton is the greatest. Why wouldn’t he like you?” She wondered out loud and stared at the boy in front of her. “It’s okay. And no. I’m alright. Can I get you something to drink or something?”

.

“I do not mind. Jokes are a way to heal the soul for most people... a lot of the time, it is easier to laugh than it is to cry. I do not mind that you joked. I just get confused very easily.” He said softly. “Well... I have noticed that your brother is very much attached to your mother. I believe it is a bit of jealousy... but perhaps I have imagined it. He does not spend much time when I am around.” Mingyu told her softly but he paused, thinking about the night Leanne had come into his hospital room after being hurt in the hurricane. She’d been concerned and visited him more than his parents ever did-- which was not at all. They didn’t care about him, but Leanne had. She always did. She’d put one of his paintings in the art show because she wanted to see him succeed while his parents had told him he’d fail. “... Water is okay.” He said softly.

x

She listened to the man talk and shook her head. “Oh, no. I’m just a ghost that roams around every now and then. I prefer the attic most of the time.” She teased and felt it was probably in bad taste given everything that happened recently. “Sorry. Um, yeah. I’m Maggie. The oldest.” She said and sat down on the couch. “You did that? It’s nice. You’re talented.” The woman commented and took a deep breath and listened to him talk about how her mother was so supportive and helped him. “She’s definitely good at that for everyone.” It made Maggie feel a little jealous hearing it, though. There were so many that viewed her mother as the great woman she was and they got all these wonderful things form her that Maggie refused to let her mom do for her because she was so scared. “I’m glad she was there for you. And I appreciate the offer. I’m sure we all would.” 

.

Mingyu had to stare at her for a long moment  and process what she said, blinking a few times before realizing it was a joke. “Oh.. ah... haha..” He laughed awkwardly. “Sorry... I am not very good at picking up on joking tones sometimes.” Not with new people, anyway. “Yes... Mrs. Rhodes is a good prson. I know that she has a lot of problems but I mean... so do we all. I ma... I am sure you are just as amazing as she is. Ashton is very kind, much like her though I do not think he likes me very much. But it is okay. I know he is close with your mother.” He realized he was rambling, “I am... I am sorry. I have tendency to ramble...” he said shyly, rubbing his head awkwardly. “I... can I do anything for you? I am very good at listening.”

Leanne was surprised by Mingyu’s willingness to hold her. Not that she minded, in fact, physical affection was what she craved most at the moment. She missed malcolm’s arms, being held by friends and family alike helped. it was just so odd, given she was accustomed to him tensing at the slightest touches. “Mingyu.. that’s.. so very kind. Thank you.” She whispered back, allowing her head to fall on his shoulder. She knew him holding her like this was a sign of trust for him. She rubbed his back in return, hearing the distress in his voice. “You’ve always been so kind to me and my family. It means a lot.” She added, wanting him to see she appreciated his words. “Here.” She grabbed him a tissue from the side of the bed. “It’s okay, I’ll be alright.. eventually.. some days are worse. I’m learning to cope, but seeing new faces helps. This.. helps.” She kissed his cheek. “Yes” She nodded when he mentioned how he sketched freely, she’d seen him drawing other people and herself, but she was surprised to hear he’d drawn Malcolm. Tears pooled in her eyes. “You.. Drew us out together? May I see them please?“

.

Mingyu rubbed her back as she spoke, shaking his head. He’d never experienced anything of this caliber, so he couldn’t tell her it would be okay even though she was saying she would be... instead, he said, “You can feel it as long as you need too. You were in love and he was everything to do. I don’t blame you if you feel sad for a long time.” Mingyu pet her hair gently before looking at the tissue. “Ah... thank you.” He mumbled and relased her from his hug, looking her over before nodding as she asked to see the drawings. He pulled out a binder from his bag filled with the drawings he’d done of them-- out in the park, at the coffee shop, in various places around town. Some with Leanne, some of him alone. Some with the kids... “I want you to have all of them.” On the front, he’d written ‘Malcolm Rhodes’ in beautiful caligraphy writing. “I only wish that I had had more than just this... there are over thirty drawings but... I wish I had more for you.”

*

“An art museum? That’s actually really cool. So what exactly do you do there? Are you a curator? That’s the only museum-y role I can think of,” Max chuckled. “Coffee always tastes so much better when somebody else makes it. When I make my own coffee, it just tastes wrong.” She shook her head as she set down her cup again, giving him an encouraging smile. She knew exactly how it felt to be awkward around strangers, and she didn’t want to make him feel any worse. “No, please, I love questions. It’s the easiest way to find things out about someone. We would be nowhere without questions. I’ve lived here my whole life, so you probably recognise me that way. I’m one of the infamous Rhodes siblings. We’re like the Kardashians, but with less money and more morals,” she joked. “Well, depending on who you ask.”

.

“No that is one of the positions I would like to have but I am unfortunately unsure I will be able to do it. I am an attendant, I make sure that people do not touch the art.” He told her, “I am also an artist. I am often painting and drawing so they let me be in control of the gallery because I can help sell art.” mingyu said, “I have recently been introduced to things like... Patreon and... places besides Facebook to sell my work. I have been doing pretty well so they told me I could help with sales in the gallery.” Mingyu nodded slowly, sipping his coffee again. “O- oh... oh you are one of Ashton’s sisters. I see.” Mingyu nodded, “I am... close to Mrs. Rhodes. She is... much like a mother to me sometimes. My own parents disowned me and Mrs. Rhodes was there for me... I am not a huge fan of Ashton’s though, he does not like me very much, I think.” He chuckled. Max would know that Ashton was jealous most likely due ot the fact that he had always been close to their mother. “I, um... am sorry for your loss. I veryy much liked Mr. Rhodes. He was sweet.”

 Aimee had gotten a concussion from trying to save Thomas’s sister the day of the earthquake and had swiftly been avoiding the male since that day which was why walking around downtown had felt a little nerve wrecking. She was mostly avoiding the man because she didn’t know how to handle when people thanked her for something she did and there was something about Thomas that made her nervous as it is, the last thing she wanted was to look at his face when he tried to find the words to thank her for trying to save his sister. She heard a voice come up from behind her, turning around almost a little too fast until her eyes landed on the man holding her shopping list. “Oh,” she chuckled nervously as she reached out and took it. “Thank you. I probably would have walked around like a chicken with its head cut off.”

.

Mingyu looked at her, noticing that she seemed really nervous about something and his first thought was the idea of someone following her or something having happened to make her uncomfortable in an interaction. “It is not a problem. I just did not want you to lose something if it is important to your day.” He told her softly, looking around to survey his surroundings. he took a moment before looking to her again. “I do not wish to pry but you are looking very nervous and you seemed to think I was going to... perhaps do something to hurt you? Or something of that matter. I just wanted to make sure you are okay. If you need help, I am willing to aide you with my assistance?” He offered, “or if I am over stepping my boundaries, please let me know so I can leave you alone.” Mingyu said, bowing slightly to her, trying to be polite but also wanting her to know he would help if she needed it.

“That’s actually a pretty good idea. You should get a job in here or something because you sure know your stuff about coffee,” Max chuckled. She wasn’t a ‘coffee-snob’, often relying on the instant coffee provided by the university to get her through the day. At the cafe, however, she opted for something slightly fancier. “I wish I liked tea. It just tastes like burnt water to me,” she explained, screwing her nose up. “Maybe that’s just me making it wrong or buying the wrong things,” she shrugged. She thanked him as she sat, sipping the vanilla latte she had bought. “Okay, that’s actually really good,” she smiled. “I’m Max, by the way.”

.

“Oh... haha... I have considered that in my life but I am currently full time working in the art museum and I will just continue to drink whatever coffee is made here and enjoy it when other people make it rather than myself.” he chuckled softly. “I do like tea. I think it tastes like a wonderful different flavor than coffee.” Mingyu watched her as she sipped it and gave her a thumbs up, “Glad it is good. I am Mingyu. It is a pleasure to meet you, Max. You look familiar... have I not seen your face before? Perhaps I have... um. Sorry. I should not ask so many questions, I do not want to overwhelm you.”