harley hua

harley ☆ they/he ☆ twenty-six ☆ artist ☆ the color wine ☆ freelance artist

[lcrcmcrie]

"Something like that? She didn't say. I'm guessing it is something the kids enjoy," Lara said, shaking her head with a laugh. "She did mention ice cream too. So maybe we can ask around to see what's available," she said.

[mxharleyhua]

"Yeah I guess most kids aren't excited about protein bowls." Harley realized out loud. It was probably something really sweet. "For sure, I wanted to get something from the Ojichan n...." Harley stared at his hand as he tried to fingerspell the Japanese word, but he wasn't confident about it, so he shook out his hand and approached it from a different angle. "Bryan's food truck." So much easier to sign!

[nadinesuh]

Following Harley's eyes to the deer with almost cartoon eyes, she pointed at the stuffed animal. "That one?" She turned slightly, raising an eyebrow with a small smile. She herself found herself in a fierce game of skeeball the prior night for a panda plush, so she could understand their dilemma. "For sure. It's definitely one of the more 'easier' games," So to speak, knowing they were all a bit skewed in favor of those managing the booths. "Want me to help you try to win it? We can definitely get the odds in our favor if we both get in on it."

[mxharleyhua]

"Yeah. Would it be complete cliche to name it Bambi or Sven? Can't think of any other famous deer without getting into Christmas territory." Harley chuckled. "That'd be great! I'll pay for your game since you're helping me out."

[jess-lawrence]

Location: Cobblestone Cafe, Historic Downtown Who: OPEN (3/5)

The bell above the cafe’s door gave a familiar little chime, blending with the low tones of conversation, the hiss of steaming milk, and the mellow indie playlist drifting through the speakers. It was another busy morning, and somehow the line never seemed to get any shorter. "I can help who’s next!” Jess brightly said, a warm smile coming easily over her face despite the rush. Her hands moved as if they were on autopilot – swirling names with pretty cursive onto cups, sliding fresh pastries into bags, and handling the register. No matter the line, there was always time for conversation. “Welcome in. What can I get started for you today? Feeling adventurous or going with a classic?” Jess asked, eagerly awaiting their order and any other convo that followed. Being behind the counter was her favorite place to be. Jess got to hear about first dates, new jobs, family recipes, fishing trips, and neighborhood gossip before it had even made its way around Merrock.

[mxharleyhua]

Harley usually didn't wear their cochlear implants in the Cobblestone Cafe. Typically they were either coming from their downtown apartment or the gym, and they didn't really wear their hearing aids in either of those settings very often. Today, though, Harley was getting coffee on their way to their parents' house.

"Hey!" Harley greeted Jess, then gestured at the cochlear implants so she knew he could hear her. He didn't catch everything she said, he rarely did when talking at a counter like this one, but he caught enough to respond. "I'll do my regular, and a vanilla cold brew for my mom. Heading to my parents' house when we're done here."

[mxharleyhua]

who? @nadinesuh where and when? carnival, 2026

"I know these games are rigged, but I really want to win that stuffed animal." Harley admitted, looking at an adorable little deer plushie. It wasn't a common animal for this kind of thing, but Harley was twenty six and surely did not need a stuffed animal. Their small apartment looked cluttered so easily. And yet... "I think I could win. I mean - it's just darts. As long as they're sharp enough to pierce a balloon, it's pretty hard to make them unwinnable."

[jj-hayes]

"Yeah, I was socially a nerd. I wasn't the cool kid in any way. I was the smartest kid in class, you know? I was more of the kid who everyone wanted as their lab partner," he explained with a laugh. "Yes, definitely the academic nerd. I wasn't into comic books, but I did come first during the science fairs a few times." JJ did not look back at high school with a whole lot of fondness, but he had no hard feelings either. It was what it was. "Between running after a toddler all the time and lifting weights a few times a week, I think I'm active enough. Other than that, I have no real interest in playing any sports. I only golf because it's a sport that isn't all that stressful. It helps me clear my head." Although he did understand why some people might prefer pickleball over golf. It seemed like a great way to take out all of the pent-up frustrations. "Maybe I should get my mom to try out pickleball too. She retired last year, and she's been looking for new hobbies. I think a little bit of physical activity would do her some good."

[mxharleyhua]

"I mean, I don't know anything about being the smartest person in class. But I get what you're saying." Harley was not a dumb as a kid, but struggled with the accessibility of education well into their college years. "Oh, we were very different kinds of nerds then. I never even competed in a science fair." Harley laughed. "I'd say that definitely counts as being active - toddlers are fast! And yes, you should get your mom into pickleball. Maybe she and my mom could play together."

[lcrcmcrie]

"My daughter recommended something about a drizzle bowl? I can't remember," she chuckled. "But she will also eat just about anything," she nodded, glancing around for any sign of her daughter around, but she was already off with her friends. "Street tacos sound delicious though," she nodded pointedly towards the food trucks.

[mxharleyhua]

"Drizzle bowl?" Harley asked, not familiar with the concept. "Is it like...a healthy bowl with something drizzled on top? But it sounds like it could maybe be ice cream, too?" They waited until Lara was looking at them to continue signing. "I could definitely go for some street tacos right now!"

[samuelxkwon]

"I'll let you know if I decide to do it again. Maybe I can even persuade you to join me too," Sam said with a smile. As Harley explained what they thought about doing the mural, he let out a chuckle and nodded along the explanation. "I can definitely understand that feeling. I wouldn't be doing this big of a mural regardless. For the time being, I'll stick with a sketchbook and a lot less people seeing it. But, really, this is great. And I have yet to hear negative reviews about it. Like, I heard a mention of it here and there during the event, and it was a lot of positives. So, you did an awesome job!" he gave Harley a thumbs up. "But, yeah, there are most likely less people seeing it in the countryside. At the same time though, it feels like it'll be more challenging?"

[mxharleyhua]

"I'm not against it - I've just been busy at the last couple events. Obviously there's the mural, but I helped with kids coloring pages at the winter market." The idea of doing face painting with Sam did sound fun, though. They could understand why Sam didn't want to do a mural, it had been more pressure than Harley anticipated when they signed up. But it was always fun to try a different medium, and it was for a good cause. They were surprised to find out there had been no negative reviews - Harley couldn't overhear what people were saying about it, so they only knew what people were willing to say to their face. "Really? Nothing negative? That's....unusual. Wow." They tried not to smile, but they couldn't hide how good it felt to hear that. "I mean, I'm not planning anything right now, but how do you think it would be more challenging there?"

[mxharleyhua]

"I've never played golf either. I was into gymnastics and cheerleading, and like football and basketball with my brother and his friends." Now, Harley just didn't prioritize sports at all. Although they still liked to get out and practice stunts just to make sure they didn't lose that skill - as useless as it was in their life now, it was still fun to be able to do.

[jj-hayes]

Hearing the other speak about their experience in playing sports, JJ let out a chuckle. "Yeah, I can imagine that golf and pickleball are very different from gymnastics and cheerleading. I didn't play a lot of sports growing up. I was more of a nerd in high school, and I briefly did musical theatre to impress a girl. I'm not very athletic, just physically active in a very general sense. What made you want to try pickleball?" He asked curiously.

[mxharleyhua]

"Yeah, I think so too." Harley replied about golf and pickleball being different from cheerleading and gymnastics. They perked up at the mention of being a nerd. "I was too - not socially, but I was secretly very into comic books. Or were you more of an academic nerd?" They laughed at the idea of doing musical theater - it was one thing they hadn't tried. "Well hey, being active is more important than being athletic. Your body doesn't really care if you're good at sports, it just cares that you move around enough. Anyways, the pickleball stuff is for my mom. She wants to try it out but would never spend the money on herself for a hobby she might not end up liking."

[chessxwilde]

Who: Chess and @mxharleyhua Where: Vibrations

It was easy to get lost in, but also fit exactly into a crowd, especially on a night like this. Chess had been spending her night dancing with as many people as possible, yet there was still always another shoulder she could shimmy up to. She gave Harley's arm a light tap to get their attention. "I have been looking for you all night," she said, though through her messy sign only managed legible "you" and "night". "Um, you and me dance?"

[mxharleyhua]

Harley had lost track of time dancing, when they felt someone tap them. They looked over to see Chess, and their face lit up. They couldn't really read lips very accurately, but they knew Chess well and there was only so many things someone would say in this moment. After a second, context, a couple awkward signs, and a couple extra words they'd picked up on from watching Chess's mouth move, led Harley to the right conclusion about what she ways saying. You, me, dance was a lot clearer - just pointing, and one very simple sign. "Yes!" Harley signed and said at the same time, before leading Chess further onto the dance floor.

[lcrcmcrie]

who: Lara & @mxharleyhua

what: pridepalooza

when: june 13

Lara was walking around the park, and Lily had run off with her friends to check out the games everyone had to offer. Seeing the town coming together like this was pretty amazing. Everyone was enjoying themselves. She walked over to the line of food trucks, and adjusted her glasses to be able to take a closer look at the menus. She waved seeing Harley. "See anything good you like?" she asked, nodding pointedly at the truck.

[mxharleyhua]

"Oh...I haven't decided yet." Harley replied. They were trying to find a healthier option. "I feel really sick whenever I eat a lot of fried food. So chicken tenders and corn dogs are definitely out. Was hoping for some kind of protein bowl, but I might settle for street tacos. What were you thinking about?"

[hessgirards]

who: hess girard & your muse

where: aquatic conservatory

when: feat. world oceans day

" i know it's good to learn, i just ... " stares at the nearest aquarium, suspicious of what's swimming around in it. nothing truly offensive: angel fish, the lone puffer fish, a handful of colorful ones she's never seen before, but the whole thing gives her the creeps. she rubs her arms, standing closer to the door than someone on one of the guided tours should, trying not to sound rude but — ugh. how'd she get roped into this? " i just think some things should stay outta sight, outta mind. " taps fingers to temples, a ward. " like that thing. what even is that fish? " all this learning makes her thirsty.

[mxharleyhua]

Harley had given up on trying to understand the tour guide. The interpreter had cancelled last minute, and the conservatory was kind enough to give him a printed guide of what would be explained on the tour. "I can't believe you grew up here and you still don't like ocean life." Harley chuckled, then started reading off the tour notes he'd been given at the front desk. "That is a chain pickerel. They can get up to 31 inches long. It eats....other large fish, frogs, snakes....nothing that's gonna get you to warm up to it, I don't think."

[jj-hayes]

JJ glanced over at the pickleball paddle the other held up, raising his eyebrow for a moment. He had never been interested in racket sports, although he was aware that pickleball was becoming more and more popular these days. However, he would not consider playing it anytime soon. Being responsible for a kid meant that even fast-paced sports were too dangerous. He would not risk getting himself hurt. "Yeah, I haven't played pickleball either. I have friends who do, but I'm more of a golf guy, if I'm being honest. Not that I'm any good at golf, either. I only picked it up recently."

[mxharleyhua]

"I've never played golf either. I was into gymnastics and cheerleading, and like football and basketball with my brother and his friends." Now, Harley just didn't prioritize sports at all. Although they still liked to get out and practice stunts just to make sure they didn't lose that skill - as useless as it was in their life now, it was still fun to be able to do.

[mxharleyhua]

who? @jj-hayes where? the great outdoors

"I've never played pickleball. Not really sure what the difference is between this and tennis, which I've also never played." Harley admitted as they held the pickleball paddle in their hand. They considered themself to be a pretty sporty person, but they just never gravitated towards tennis and hadn't even heard of pickleball until college. They were only here because their mom was interested in giving it a try, but Harley knew she'd never come in and buy the equipment for herself. "Have you ever played?"

[samuelxkwon]

Sam gave a wave once Harley noticed him, signing 'okay' and waited until they grabbed their implant. "Hey! Yeah, it was fun," he replied, turning to look at the mural the other made during Spring Fling. "I didn't think there would be that many people coming to get their face painted. I'm so glad that there were two other people doing it as well other than me," he let out a chuckle then made a gesture towards the mural. "This looks awesome. I don't think I would have the confidence to paint something this big. How did you feel?"

[mxharleyhua]

"Good! Glad face painting was a success. I've done it at other town events, but not recently. If you wanna do it again, let me know. I can loan you my face paints." As Sam asked about the mural, Harley briefly looked at it before turning their full attention back to Sam. "Honestly? Terrified! My parents were nice enough to get some temporary wood walls set up in their backyard I could practice on. But I've never done anything like this. It was a fun challenge, but I kept thinking about how people are going to walk by it every day for years and that was a lot of pressure. I think I'd do a mural again but like....in the countryside where less people will see it, and I can experiment a little more."

[mxharleyhua]

who? @samuelxkwon where? harley's mural, on a building downtown when? post-spring fling

Harley had never used a building as a canvas before, so Spring Fling had been an exciting experiment. Now that it was finished and Harley had cleaned up their supplies, they could properly step back and look at it. Many people had complimented them during the event, but all Harley could see were the flaws. Still, it wasn't a bad first attempt at street art. Typically he would have tried it somewhere less public first, but this was for charity. Harley had to remind themself of that.

As Harley turned around they realized Sam was there. Fortunately, they had their cochlear implants in their bag. They held up a finger to tell Sam to wait a second before attaching one of their implants. "Hey! Did you enjoy Spring Fling?"

[lenavaz]

"That's exactly what we're hoping to do! Everyone in Maine loves lobster," she paused, frowning a little, "granted, to eat it. Which, you know, me too." She didn't have any sort of moral high ground to stand on there, she also really loved to eat lobster. But that lobster had to come from somewhere, and that 'somewhere' might as well be the healthy, happy environment that they had always lived in, after all. "Okay, let's get to work, we've got a vision, and now we need to make it happen!"

[mxharleyhua]

"We're trying to make people sad?" Harley joked, but they knew exactly what she meant. They chuckled at the mention of people eating the lobster anyways. Once Lena demanded they get to work, Harley joke saluted her. "You got it, boss!"

[mxharleyhua]

Harley watched Kenzie follow the sound of the vibration until she found the purse had somehow ended up underneath the bookshelf. Well, Harley definitely hadn't been sticking their hand under all the shelves. "That's it!" They exclaimed once they laid eyes on the purse. "Thank you so much!"

[kenzie-newman]

A smile crossed her lips when he lit up at seeing the bag. "You're welcome. It's a pain to replace everything, so..." A shrug fell from her shoulders as she handed the purse over. An easy good deed for the day.

End.