[brendonxrulli]

Character Name: Brendon Rulli

Age: 23

Gender/Pronouns: Male He/him

Birthday: October 22nd

Hometown: Hillsborough, North Carolina

How long have they been in town?: January 2024

Occupation: Dancer at Bellevue Assembly Hall

TRIGGER WARNING: Religious Trauma, Homophobia

Biography

Brendon was born as the youngest child in the Rulli family, only having one older brother who is a couple years older than him. His family resided in Hillsborough, North Carolina, where a majority of them still live. Growing up, Brendon thought that he had a very normal upbringing, though as he got older he realized that most people did not live the way that his family had.

Both his grandparents and parents are conservative and devoutly religious, so Brendon and his brother were raised in a very strict household. They weren’t allowed to watch movies with inappropriate language or scenes, they couldn’t listen to music with any curse words in it, they had to go to the Synagogue as a family every Saturday. Most of his days were spent at home after school since he wasn’t allowed to hang out with friends unless they were from the same Synagogue. Brendon was (for the most part) fine with this, but his brother had always struggled with their parent’s expectations.

When Brendon was 13, after many fights over his ‘bad behavior’, their parents kicked his older brother out of their house and disowned him, forbidding Brendon from ever talking to him again. This never sat right with him, he knew they didn’t get along as well as he had with them, but he really didn’t agree that his brother had done anything to warrant getting kicked out of their family. By that time in his life, Brendon was starting to realize that he didn’t view girls his own age the way that his parents had wished for. Instead, he found his eyes wandering toward the other boys in his class. He knew that they wanted for him to get married to a nice girl from their Temple and have a family, and he knew that that was never going to be something he would want too, but he was too afraid to go against his parents wishes and get the same fate as his brother.

He tried throughout the years to find and contact his brother, but he was never able to reach him and Brendon was starting to lose hope. The trail went cold in New York City, so he made a plan to convince his parents to allow him to go to boarding school in the city so he would be able to look for him. By some miracle, his parents actually accepted his explanation for wanting to go to school in New York and enrolled him in the school, of course with a few stipulations.

During his time in New York, Brendon never came close to finding his brother, but much to his own shock he ended up finding the courage to explore new interests and discover more about himself. He realized that he had a passion for dance, so he changed his studies without telling his parents and started following his dreams. Over the next several years he continued living the life he wanted and telling his parents that he was doing something else. The only part of himself that Brendon was too afraid to explore was his sexuality. While he knew his parents' expectations and blatant homophobia were not normal and many people would’ve been completely accepting, he couldn’t shake the feeling that he would be doing something wrong if he acted on his attraction to other men.

Now, new leads came up that led Brendon to believe that his brother might be residing in Kismet Harbor. He applied to a job at the Bellevue Assembly Hall and packed his life up, moving into town in the hopes that he would be able to find him here. He also competes in ballroom dance competitions. Brendon continues to lie to his parents about what he does for a living in order to maintain a relationship with them, but living a double life has been getting harder for him the longer he keeps up with it. 

[brendonxrulli]

Brendon hadn’t really noticed that he didn’t have many friends or anyone that celebrated Hanukkah besides Hank until he pointed it out. “Huh I-… I guess I didn’t realize how much Christmas was around us” he said, since he really hadn’t considered it before. All he saw was happy people celebrating with friends and loved ones. He hadn’t thought about it before- most of the community he had grown up with was Jewish. “Do you know anyone else celebrating Hanukkah this year? Or just us?” He asked, now more curious than anything else. @hxnkbrxmson

[hxnkbrxmson]

Hank's eyebrows shot up. As someone so routinely mocked for not being up on trends or knowing how to use instagram correctly, Hank had never felt like he had his finger on the pulse and even he noticed how much Christmas took over. Every shop, ad, and conversation was about the holiday from November to mid-January. It was a nice caution sign, slow down, don't get as into this as he wanted to. They weren't on the same page here.

"Yeah, of course. There's loads of people back home celebrating. Mum and dad will FaceTime, it's almost like being there." taking a sip of his tea, Hank shrugged. Trying to convince himself that was true and figure out how to move along at the same time. "Do you have anything planned for the holidays then?" @brendonxrulli

[brendonxrulli]

Brendon had often been told of his own naivety and obliviousness when it came to most things. It seemed people thought he was living in his own very small bubble and had no awareness of anything outside of it, which in general they were kind of right so he couldn’t say anything about it. “My parents are going to FaceTime me for a little while I think, so that’ll be nice. I’m going to ask Millie if she wants to come over for a night of Hanukkah or something- I know her family does Christmas so I think I might be going over for that too” he told him excitedly, “It’ll be nice to have her over for a bit of Hanukkah and show her some of my family’s traditions” Brendon added, before looking back at Hank. “I’d love it if you joined one night- if- uh if, you’d want to” he offered, immediately stuttering over his words out of fear that he’d overstepped with the invite. @hxnkbrxmson

[veritywagner]

Closed | @brendonxrulli

"Don't tell me I fell asleep half way through the movie again?" Verity woke up, yawning while stretching herself awake from the snooze she had evidently fallen into while the movie had been playing. She had been working a longer shift than usual at work, not minding the extra overtime as it reflected in her bank account, but it mean she was extra low on energy. Not wanting to cancel on her friend, she had figured it would be fine, something it clearly was not. "I'm sorry Millie could not make it."

[brendonxrulli]

Brendon had noticed her falling asleep halfway through the movie they had picked, but instead of waking her up he let her rest. He knew she was working long hours and that she needed a break, so he was glad she was able to get some rest even if it had been during the time they were meant to be hanging out. “You did, yeah” he said with a short nod, “I’m glad you got some rest though! You needed it, it’s okay” he said with a soft smile. “Work has been a lot recently?” He asked, since she had been so exhausted. “It’s okay! She had other plans tonight, I’m sure we’ll pick another night this week that we can watch a movie or something. We always do” he smiled back at his friend, both of them knowing that Brendon and Millie frequently spent time together so it wasn’t a huge deal that they hadn’t tonight. “She says hi though” he told her, since him and Millie had still been texting throughout the evening. @veritywagner

[brendonxrulli]

Brendon listened intently as Hank talked, taking a sip of his hot chocolate and nodding along. “I don’t mind, I don’t have anywhere to go and I’m not waiting for anyone, stay with me as long as you’d like” he assured him with a soft smile, “Turns out I’m not very good at baking- I really tried, but I gave up after I messed up like five batches of cookies” he laughed a little awkwardly, “so I’m just going to stick to coming here and buying them” he explained, looking back over at the man he considered his friend. He wasn’t sure if Hank would say the same about him, but Brendon called pretty much anyone he’d met his friend. “Things are good, just getting everything together for the holidays. Are you doing anything special for Hanukkah this year?” He asked. @hxnkbrxmson

[hxnkbrxmson]

After rambling through an explanation that was barely needed and being hit with the confirmation he wasn't a bother, Hank visibly relaxed. Looking as close to at ease as he could, keeping an ear out for his name. "It's tricky," Hank said, nodding sagely. "I always thought I wasn't cut out for it, mum was always accusing me of messing up perfectly good dishes, but I got it figured out. Mostly. I still ruin the occasional loaf of bread." There was a quiet laugh to say it was true but also that Hank didn't mind.

From behind him, his name was called out (though Henry, not Hank) and he got up to get his tea. Sitting down and listening to what Brendon had going on offered another sigh of relief. "I haven't heard anyone say Hanukkah all season. Move to the Pacific Northwest, it's so inclusive," Hank mocked, a few years of bitterness piled up in to the words. "But it's all tree lightings and gingerbread houses. I'm not expecting seder at the city hall but I thought the country had sort of decided to, at least, acknowledge Hanukkah." Hank hadn't meant to ignore Brendon and his plans but this had been stewing in Hank for a while and it, apparently, couldn't be stopped. @brendonxrulli

[brendonxrulli]

Brendon hadn’t really noticed that he didn’t have many friends or anyone that celebrated Hanukkah besides Hank until he pointed it out. “Huh I-… I guess I didn’t realize how much Christmas was around us” he said, since he really hadn’t considered it before. All he saw was happy people celebrating with friends and loved ones. He hadn’t thought about it before- most of the community he had grown up with was Jewish. “Do you know anyone else celebrating Hanukkah this year? Or just us?” He asked, now more curious than anything else. @hxnkbrxmson

[brendonxrulli]

At the other man’s answer, Brendon had to think about his own question again. He didn’t know how frequently you needed to smoke cigarettes for it to be considered often. Was a pack a week a lot? A month? He had no clue. “Uhhh… like… 3 or more times a week? Maybe?” He said, sounding completely unsure of his own response. That could’ve been almost nothing for all he knew. “Me? Oh- no, no, no thank you- I’ll pass, I-I don’t..” he said quickly, followed by an awkward shake of his head. “I don’t smoke” he added, but he didn’t want the other man to think he was judging him. He felt like he needed to add a reason, but he didn’t know why he felt that he had to explain himself. “I’m uh, im a dancer so I can’t smoke it would destroy my lungs and my stamina” he explained, followed by feeling very awkward for seemingly talking too much. @carterfontenelle

[carterfontenelle]

Carter wasn't sure if the guy was kidding or not when he said 3 times a week as a lot, but there was something about the innocence that he gave off that made him assume he was being serious. "Right, well then yeah--" He chuckled a little under his breath again, "I smoke a lot." Carter could easily go through a packet a day depending on the circumstances, as he always tended to smoke more while at work and if out, so if he did both those things in a day, he'd quickly go through one. Closing the packet with his thumb, he pushed it back into the pocket of his jeans. "Alright." He had simply responded, thinking that would be it when the other brought up dancing. Raising a slight brow, Carter gave him another one over. "What, like ballet?" @brendonxrulli

[brendonxrulli]

Judging off the others reaction, Brendon had come to the conclusion that smoking three times a week was in fact- NOT a lot. “What um- what do you consider a lot?” He asked back, now just curious as to how far off he had been about the assumption. At the question about his profession, Brendon looked more than happy to gush about his work. “A little bit? Not really my favorite style, but I’ve tried it before. I generally do more ballroom style, and like contemporary stuff” he elaborated, before adding, “But ballet is really cool too! If that’s something you like, you know, I think that’s awesome” Though the other man didn’t strike him as a dancer, he had been wrong in the past. Realizing now that he had entirely forgotten to introduce himself, he shook his head, “oh- gosh, I am so sorry, please forgive me- I- I uh I’m Brendon, it’s nice to meet you” he said, holding his hand out to shake the strangers. @carterfontenelle

[brendonxrulli]

Brendon liked sitting in the cafe in his downtime, generally to enjoy a small snack and it was a good place to run into people he knew. He was sometimes too shy to reach out and ask people to hang out, so spending time somewhere he could run into them naturally was a good alternative. Here he was, sitting with a hot chocolate and scrolling on his phone for a minute before he looked up and spotted Hank. If he looked awkward, Brendon certainly didn’t notice, and just smiled brightly at the other. “Hank, hey!” He said with a wave, motioning for him to come over, “Grab a chair, sit with me, there’s plenty of space” @hxnkbrxmson

[hxnkbrxmson]

Any stress or worry Hank had was alleviated by the other with his warm greeting and invitation to sit down. Trying not to overdo the excitement for even half way thinking this was something that could happen, Hank checked on his drink (still an empty cup) and walked over to the table. "Thank you," he said as he took a seat. "I don't want to intrude, I was only popping in for a bit. Thought I'd do some baking today but it seems there's never the supplies needed for that so I've got to head to the shops but I can stay, I just won't monopolize all your time? Which is to say thank you for welcoming me. How are things?" @brendonxrulli

[brendonxrulli]

Brendon listened intently as Hank talked, taking a sip of his hot chocolate and nodding along. “I don’t mind, I don’t have anywhere to go and I’m not waiting for anyone, stay with me as long as you’d like” he assured him with a soft smile, “Turns out I’m not very good at baking- I really tried, but I gave up after I messed up like five batches of cookies” he laughed a little awkwardly, “so I’m just going to stick to coming here and buying them” he explained, looking back over at the man he considered his friend. He wasn’t sure if Hank would say the same about him, but Brendon called pretty much anyone he’d met his friend. “Things are good, just getting everything together for the holidays. Are you doing anything special for Hanukkah this year?” He asked. @hxnkbrxmson

[brendonxrulli]

“That’s the best way to do it! My parents always had my Hanukkah presents bought and wrapped like a month before, I would always find them in their closets” Brendon said with a short laugh, “I didn’t open them or anything- that would’ve been wrong, I just picked them up and looked at the shape to see if I’d be able to guess what they were” he added, not wanting the other man to think that he’d ever peaked at his presents growing up. “Of course we know each other, she’s like…. My best friend” he smiled a little, clearly missing the way that they were certainly not on the same page about his friendship with Millie. The comment could’ve just sounded like an endearing way to refer to your significant other, but he had really meant just his best friend. He perked up again when Nick said he could look at the books Millie had on the waitlist, “Yeah, that would be awesome! I won’t take all of the ideas from you, I promise, and I won’t tell her what either of us are getting her. I’m sworn to secrecy” @nickxwagner

[lucaswilder]

Chuckling a little, Nick shook his head. "I will admit you're a better man than me. When I was a kid, I would've tore through all those gifts the second I found them." He wished he was joking, but he knew he would've at the time. He definitely wouldn't now, but back then, he would've wanted to see what he got ASAP. Grinning, he nodded at the younger man. "That's great. It's always great to have in someone who you're close to. Friendship is always they key." He commented as he led the way to the counter so he could look up the list. "Good. Otherwise we'd have a problem." Nick got the list up and wrote down some options for Brendon. "Alright, here's some ideas for you. I don't think two of them are out yet, but they should be soon." @brendonxrulli

[brendonxrulli]

Brendon chuckled as Nick explained what he was like as a child, “I would’ve done that but I wasn’t good enough at wrapping gifts to cover it up afterwards” he joked, knowing good and well that even if he could’ve he would’ve never peaked at his gifts. “It is. I mean your whole family is great, you’ve all been very kind and very welcoming to me and I appreciate it immensely. I’m very glad to have been able to get to know you all” he said, very genuinely and with a small smile. When he was handed the list, Brendon looked down at it to read what he’d wrote before looking back at Nick, “Thank you Mr.Wagne-I- I mean.. Nick, thank you” he corrected himself. @nickxwagner

[hxnkbrxmson]

closed starter for @brendonxrulli location: cobblestone cafe

Work slowed down in the winter and often times, Hank took the day off so other's could work. He didn't need the money, he needed to excuse to get out of the house. Something he found on his own today and was going to do a bit of baking. A few other errands were added, as they always were, and had Hank swinging in to grab a little snack and hot drink before setting about his tasks.

With his order in, Hank did the awkward wander around as it was prepared. He caught a familiar face as he did and that was more than enough of a distraction as he tried to figure out if it was socially acceptable to approach or if they even knew each other well enough for it. Trying not to be obvious only made him more so but Hank stayed planted, looking anything but casual.

[brendonxrulli]

Brendon liked sitting in the cafe in his downtime, generally to enjoy a small snack and it was a good place to run into people he knew. He was sometimes too shy to reach out and ask people to hang out, so spending time somewhere he could run into them naturally was a good alternative. Here he was, sitting with a hot chocolate and scrolling on his phone for a minute before he looked up and spotted Hank. If he looked awkward, Brendon certainly didn’t notice, and just smiled brightly at the other. “Hank, hey!” He said with a wave, motioning for him to come over, “Grab a chair, sit with me, there’s plenty of space” @hxnkbrxmson

[brendonxrulli]

Brendon wasn’t even thinking when he heard the question, immediately assuming that it was genuine without giving it a second thought. “In my bags? Just some candles I got fo-“ he started, but as he looked back over at the other man and saw his smirk, he’d realized that it had been a joke. “You were joking- right, yeah, sorry-“ he apologized, feeling a little embarrassed and shaking his head. “I should’ve known that” he pointed out before clearing his throat and looking back at the other man. There was no reason to continue talking, he had already gotten his lighter back, and yet Brendon couldn’t stop himself from trying to engage further. “Do you um- do you smoke often?” He asked, not knowing anything else about the man that he could ask about. @carterfontenelle

[carterfontenelle]

An almost silent chuckle slipped from his lips when the other guy didn't seem to register the sarcasm in his tone of voice. "I was, yeah--" He confirmed when he finally seemed to have caught on, taking another pull from his cigarette, before flicking off the ash that was slowly gathering at the end. When he asked him if he smoked often, he actually had to stop and think. First of all, it wasn't a question he was asked often enough to have considered it, and second he wasn't sure how honest he wanted to be. "Depends on what you consider often." He told him with a small shrug, "What, do you want one?" He added out of curiosity, before fishing the packet out of the pocket of his jeans again to offer him one. @brendonxrulli

[brendonxrulli]

At the other man’s answer, Brendon had to think about his own question again. He didn’t know how frequently you needed to smoke cigarettes for it to be considered often. Was a pack a week a lot? A month? He had no clue. “Uhhh… like… 3 or more times a week? Maybe?” He said, sounding completely unsure of his own response. That could’ve been almost nothing for all he knew. “Me? Oh- no, no, no thank you- I’ll pass, I-I don’t..” he said quickly, followed by an awkward shake of his head. “I don’t smoke” he added, but he didn’t want the other man to think he was judging him. He felt like he needed to add a reason, but he didn’t know why he felt that he had to explain himself. “I’m uh, im a dancer so I can’t smoke it would destroy my lungs and my stamina” he explained, followed by feeling very awkward for seemingly talking too much. @carterfontenelle

[reneexthompsxn]

"You are going to be good at it, it all takes time. You should have seen me learning how to cook at The Homey Inn," she told Brendon with another laugh, "it was downright awful, I swear, the fire department showed up at least once a month." She told Brendon, shaking her head, "But I did it and I do it almost every day now," at least when she wasn't working at The Cedar Grill and Lounge as a bartender, "That feels like a fair plan moving forward, but we are going to nail these cookies, I promise." She smiled at Brendon, "Okay, let's start again, where's the recipe start again?" @brendonxrulli

[brendonxrulli]

Brendon listened as Renee insisted that she was not originally good at baking or cooking when she first was figuring out how to. A small smile formed on his lips, “I think you just might be saying that to make me feel better, but I appreciate it either way” he said, her efforts were very much noticed and he was very grateful for their friendship. “Maybe one day I can help you learn a dance to make up for your help here today” he offered, which he would of course follow through with if she ever wanted to learn any dances. “First step? Was uhh..” he paused, finding the recipe page again, “Flour and baking soda” @reneexthompsxn

[lucaswilder]

Nick couldn't help but smile at that. "My wife was the same way. She always had everything done and wrapped by Thanksgiving. They sat under the tree for weeks and it would drive the kids crazy." He laughed a bit. He was more of a late shopper. He always seemed to forget and go out the day before Christmas Eve most of the time. Nodding, he smiled at the younger man. "It definitely seems like you do know each other." He was happy for his daughter, but he also liked to tease Brendon a bit if he could so his demure was more of a protective father than what it usually was. A chuckle escaped his lips and he shrugged. "I'm not too sure what Millie reads these days. In my brain, she still reads Junie B. Jones." He said with a shrug. "She has a few books written on a waitlist if you want to check those out." He offered to him, happy to help his daughter's boyfriend even if he did want to give him a slight hard time. "Just leave something on there for me to get her." @brendonxrulli

[brendonxrulli]

“That’s the best way to do it! My parents always had my Hanukkah presents bought and wrapped like a month before, I would always find them in their closets” Brendon said with a short laugh, “I didn’t open them or anything- that would’ve been wrong, I just picked them up and looked at the shape to see if I’d be able to guess what they were” he added, not wanting the other man to think that he’d ever peaked at his presents growing up. “Of course we know each other, she’s like…. My best friend” he smiled a little, clearly missing the way that they were certainly not on the same page about his friendship with Millie. The comment could’ve just sounded like an endearing way to refer to your significant other, but he had really meant just his best friend. He perked up again when Nick said he could look at the books Millie had on the waitlist, “Yeah, that would be awesome! I won’t take all of the ideas from you, I promise, and I won’t tell her what either of us are getting her. I’m sworn to secrecy” @nickxwagner

[reneexthompsxn]

"No, it's not bad," she shook her head as she looked at the butter that Brendon pulled out from the fridge, "sometimes that's just an issue that goes awry," she told him with a smile, "You will get these right." She told him, "At this rate, I'm not going to leave until we do. It's my new life mission," she gently teased Brendon, "plus, learning to make the right batch is all about failing the others ones, too," at least that's how her mother always taught her about failure. "C'mon, we can try again." @brendonxrulli

[brendonxrulli]

Unfortunately for him, Brendon wasn’t raised with the mentality that making mistakes was a part of learning. His parents had always expected perfection from him, so whenever he wasn’t great at something he had a tendency to beat himself up about it. “I don’t think I’m ever going to be good at baking” he said, sounding defeated as he looked over at Renee. He sighed a little bit before nodding as she said they would try again, “Okay, yeah, we can try again. But if I don’t get it right this time I’m just going to buy them from the store to bring for the holidays” @reneexthompsxn

[carterfontenelle]

At first, Carter had raised his brow slightly questioningly at the other, who then had soon after started to look through his bags and rambling on about candles or something he didn't quite pick up on at first. For a moment, he found himself allowing his eyes to glance over him slightly, as if he was taking him in. He was trying to see if he knew him from somewhere, but he couldn't place him in his mind. Not that that said much really, because this was Carter after all. He rarely remembered anyone, or anything about anyone. It wasn't until he held out the lighter, he took it from him. Feeling the corners of his lips twitch up into a slightly amused smile when he mentioned the word candles again, he lit his cigarette before holding it back out for the other to take. "Sorry, what was that you said was in your bags again?" He decided to ask, perhaps sounding serious to an untrained ear, though the smirk that shaped on his lips revealed that he was only joking. @brendonxrulli

[brendonxrulli]

Brendon wasn’t even thinking when he heard the question, immediately assuming that it was genuine without giving it a second thought. “In my bags? Just some candles I got fo-“ he started, but as he looked back over at the other man and saw his smirk, he’d realized that it had been a joke. “You were joking- right, yeah, sorry-“ he apologized, feeling a little embarrassed and shaking his head. “I should’ve known that” he pointed out before clearing his throat and looking back at the other man. There was no reason to continue talking, he had already gotten his lighter back, and yet Brendon couldn’t stop himself from trying to engage further. “Do you um- do you smoke often?” He asked, not knowing anything else about the man that he could ask about. @carterfontenelle

[reneexthompsxn]

Renee had learned to cook from her mom and all the years she had spent working at The Homey Inn and thus, she had acquired some baking skills over the years. She was leaning against the counter, patiently awaiting yet another batch of cookies to cool for the taste test. As Brendon reached for one, it was immediately clear as disappointment rang in his words. Renee reached for the cookie in return, breaking off a piece between her lips. "Hm," she chewed before swallowing, "What butter did you use?" @brendonxrulli

[brendonxrulli]

“Butter? I uh..” he paused, moving over to his fridge to grab the remaining sticks of butter he had and bringing one over to show her. “I used these, is that bad? I didn’t know you have to use certain butter” he said with a frown, clearly anxious about his inability to make a proper batch of cookies. “I don’t think I’ll ever get these right, I mean I- I could just buy some but I really wanted to make them myself” he said sadly, his voice still laced with disappointment as he looked down at the batch of cookies he now knew he couldn’t use. @reneexthompsxn

[lucaswilder]

Chuckling a bit as the younger man stumbled over his words he nodded. "Nick, please." He told him with a smile. "There's definitely a nice selection right now. Gotta get them quick before people start their rush of holiday shopping." Nick told him before looking at the book he said was for his daughter. "Now that is something she'd like. You seem to know her well." @brendonxrulli

[brendonxrulli]

Brendon smiled a little and nodded as Nick had mentioned holiday shopping, “I always try to get my shopping done before the holidays start, I don’t like being in stores when they’re too crowded. It overwhelms me” he said, not ashamed to admit that fact about himself. “That’s what I thought too! I like to think I know her well, I spend practically every day with her” he agreed with a bright smile, glad that he could see how good of a friendship he had with Millie. “Do you have any books that you’d recommend for me, Mr.Wagn- I- I mean, uh Nick?” He asked, quickly correcting himself to the name that the other man had told him to use, even if it was weird for him to say. @nickxwagner

[sashaxjones]

Cold air had painted her cheeks a faintly rosy tint, as Sasha wandered through the town's streets. It was unusually busy for this time of day and she wondered whether she should take a detour. Flow with a crowd, counting less heads and she sighed. Doc's leash was loose as he walked beside her, ceaselessly attentive with his ears perked and dark eyes scanning their surroundings. The multitude of stimuli was something her dog had thankfully grown used to, from when they had walked along the streets of New York City. Now she had exchanged it for a small Oregon town and still, sometimes doubt shook her mind and Sasha wondered if it had been the right call to make. Her thoughts were slipping - hadn't she wanted to take a detour? And just then, the voice of a man took her out of her trance and hazel eyes glanced up toward a young face, impossibly innocent looking. She furrowed her brows and halted, listening to his words, while memories came flooding in, like tidal waves. Her keen gaze observed him as he scrambled to pull out one of the remaining flyers he had to share with the people who passed by. "You really should stop apologizing so much. It's unbecoming." She took the pamphlet with a secure hand and studied it, turned it over, studied it again. "I assume you're one of the dancers, then?" @brendonxrulli

[brendonxrulli]

Brendon shook his head when she insisted he stop apologizing so much, “Right- yeah, completely, you’re right I’m sorry” he agreed, pausing for a moment before realizing that he had just apologized again. “I-I mean.. I’m not sorry? I- uh.. I don’t.. I’m sorry- wait no, I-“ he fumbled through his words, attempting to not apologize for his mishap for now a third time after she had told him to stop saying he was sorry. Thankfully, her question took him out of the anxious spiral he was going through in his head and he perked up again. “Yes! Yeah, I’m a dancer in the show” he confirmed with a small smile, “It’s a really good show, I’m not just saying that because I have to, I mean it.” He added, hopeful that she would still decide to come despite his nervous rambling. @sashaxjones

[veritywagner]

Closed | @brendonxrulli Location | At the Starlight Ridge Country club

"I think you and Millie's couple's costume is the best one I have seen so far." Verity shouted a little over the music at her long term friend whom she had known all the way from back in her New York days. "Not that I would have expected anything less, especially from Millie." She chuckled, "You guys make cute couple!"

[brendonxrulli]

The use of the word ‘couple’ would’ve normally felt weird for Brendon, but he knew any costume done by two people was generally called a ‘couples costume’ so he didn’t put much thought into it. “Thank you! They were Millie’s idea, I think she really picked a good one. Probably my favorite Halloween costume I’ve ever done” he said with a bright smile. He of course had only ever worn 3 or 4 Halloween costumes, since he wasn’t allowed to go trick or treating growing up and has only been able to dress up now that he had moved away from his parents, but the statement still stood. “I like your costume too, you look very pretty” he complimented. @veritywagner