Cold weapons are a man's romance

On this day, Mr. Norfolk called his only son to him.Nolan Norfolk had just finished his horsemanship practice, and his face was flushed by the sun.Mr. Norfolk adjusted his bow tie for him, and then sat down somewhat awkwardly, trying to put on the serious attitude of a parent reasoning with a child.

"Nolan, you're going to have a younger brother soon."

Nolan Norfolk stared at his father, who was a little timid under his son's gaze.

"Dad, are you pregnant?"

"I'm a man, how can I be pregnant."

"It can't be said for sure. Our family runs a biomedical company. God knows what kind of black technology you have developed."

"Is there no such black technology!"

This brilliant father-son conversation goes off the rails from the start.Norfolk's prepared speeches were useless.He looked at his son discouraged: "I plan to remarry."

Mr. Norfolk divorced his ex-wife three years ago (because his ex-wife wanted to go to the Amazon rainforest to observe tree frogs, and Mr. Norfolk thought she was crazy), and his son was raised by him. He has always hoped to start a new family-and A more normal woman starts a new family.This wish finally came true half a year ago.He met an elegant and energetic woman, whose interests and hobbies were surprisingly compatible, and who, like him, was divorced and had a son.Mr. Norfolk felt that this was a good match from God. God must have seen him tortured enough by the witch to send him this beautiful Eve.

The only thing he worries about is his son.Generally speaking, children often don't have a good look at their parents' remarriage partner, not to mention that this stepmother has a cub, what if it develops into a Cinderella-like plot?

He prepared an emotional and reasonable speech (author: secretary), even if his son is hard-hearted, he will definitely be moved after listening to this speech.

But before he even opened his mouth, Nolan said, "Oh, yes."

"You agreed? Agreed so easily?"

"...Do you want me to object?" Nolan asked tentatively.

"My remarriage partner is your stepmother. She has a son who is younger than you and will move in with us. Do you have any objections?"

"So that's what happened to my brother."

"So... you don't mind? If you don't like this arrangement, I'll talk to Helena and maybe send Alex to boarding school so you don't have to see each other every day. — Oh, Ah Lex was the kid's name."

"It's okay, let him move in." Nolan said firmly, "If you really send your brother to boarding school, others will gossip about it."

Mr. Norfolk was astonished.He repeatedly confirmed Nolan's meaning, in case Nolan reluctantly agreed because he understood his father's difficulties.But Nolan didn't show the slightest objection, and was even a little happy.Mr. Norfolk was relieved, and turned to discuss the details of the move with his beloved Helena.Nolan was left alone in the living room, talking thoughtfully.

***

Nolan is of course happy, he will have a younger brother soon.

He is the only child in his family, with no siblings, not even cousins.Apart from him, there is only his careless father in the family.He was curious about what that noisy big family looked like.When he was a kid, his classmates used to brag about his siblings' accomplishments—"My brother is the quarterback on the football team!"For example, the quarterback's younger sister is the object of all the girls' fawning, everyone wants to take the opportunity to get closer to the idol.

Nolan had no one to brag about, and no one came to brag about him.If he has younger siblings, then he wants to be a model elder brother that his siblings can be proud of.He thinks that his ability is no worse than that of a quarterback or a cheerleader. Being his younger brother and sister should be a very happy and nourishing thing, right?

Weeks later, he finally met his fabled brother.In order to welcome the mother and son, Mr. Norfolk made a big change at home, brought in the furniture that Helena liked, and cleaned the room dedicated to Alex.At the same time, Nolan is also carefully planning an impressive appearance. On the day, he will ride in front of his stepmother and brother on horseback, just like the famous painting of Napoleon riding a horse and raising his whip.They (especially the younger brother) will surely be amazed by his good looks.

In addition to his appearances, he also prepared other "programs", including displaying his outstanding knowledge and athletic ability no less than that of able-bodied people.Who in the world doesn't like such a perfect brother?Thinking of his future younger brother's bright eyes, Nolan couldn't help but raise the corners of his mouth.

But God loves to tease the Norfolk men.

Alex didn't like that at all.

***

The younger brother brought by his stepmother was a few years younger than Nolan, but he was tall and had red hair. He didn't look like his mother, probably because he inherited his father's characteristics.His dealings with others are full of the arrogance of a young master, or childish arrogance, but Nolan knows that he is not a bad character.Sometimes people just use a hard exterior to protect their soft heart, and Alex is that kind of person.

His personality is as impulsive and fiery as his hair color. He often fights with his classmates at school, and they become friends again afterwards.Nolan would definitely not be able to do this. Those who fight with him will only be recorded in the mysterious book by him. It is not too late for a gentleman to take revenge for ten years.Nolan likes Alex's frankness. Their personalities are completely different from each other. Nolan is stable and Alex is open-minded, but people are attracted by things that are diametrically opposed to themselves, just like the south pole of a magnet attracts the north pole.Nolan always had a good word for his boisterous younger brother when he went crazy at home and was scolded by his mother.It's not because he hypocritically wants to be a kind brother, but because he really likes this rambunctious little guy.

However, my brother doesn't seem to think so.From the moment they met, Alex disliked Nolan.Nolan couldn't figure out what he had done wrong to annoy Alex.He tried hard to restore his impression in his younger brother's mind, but with little success.

Perhaps Alex is shy and hasn't adapted to the new environment yet.Nolan thought.He entertained his new brother as a landlord, but Alex didn't appreciate it at all, neither attending his social activities nor refusing to start a brotherly dialogue with him.Every time the two met, Alex's expression was like seeing an alien.

Maybe I'm not doing well enough.Nolan thought again.Alex is not one of those brats in school, he is a real rich young man with a much broader vision than ordinary people, and his ideal brother must not be at the same level as ordinary people.The average guy would be smug about his brother being a quarterback.Alex's older brother has to do better to make his younger brother proud.

So Nolan continued to improve himself, whether it was study or sports, he won the first place in everything.He knows that he is born with flaws, and he has to work harder than ordinary people to make up for his shortcomings.Alex doesn't like him?It doesn't matter.Who in the world is naturally attractive?What's more, as a child brought by a stepmother, he will be more or less disgusted with his stepbrother.Nolan can win Alex's favor through acquired diligence.One day, he would see the look of pride on Alex's face.

He graduated high school with honors, he was accepted to one of the best universities in the world, he took on the CEO position at a young age, and his company developed brand new pharmaceuticals and medical devices.His achievements have attracted worldwide attention.He is a shining star in the spotlight.But the only person he cared about never once looked at him squarely.

Alex didn't seem to care about his brother at all.

He never had a good look at Nolan.He scoffed at all of Nolan's achievements, and even sulked because of Nolan's excellence.Nolan tried to be the best in every field Alex set foot in.He arranged everything so that Alex could relax.But every time he climbed to the top, Alex would immediately lose interest in this field and turn to other areas.

why?Was he going in the wrong direction?Because Alex is not interested in these fields, he can't win the favor of his brother?

Alex is even willing to associate with those who are far inferior to Nolan, and ignores Nolan himself.He joined the school's not-so-good fencing club, and was bullied by the narrow-minded president.Later, he turned to some kind of military warfare, and he became brothers and sisters with a group of medieval nerds every day.Nolan, the real brother, has never enjoyed such an honor!How are those people worthy!

When Nolan saw with his own eyes that Alex was laughing shoulder to shoulder with the group of swordplaying friends, he was so jealous that he went crazy, and at the same time he felt self-pity to the point of despair.

How many days and nights, he longed for Alex's touch, as if he was a traveler who was dying of thirst after trekking in the desert for a long time, and Alex was a clear spring falling from the sky.How many days and nights, he dreamed of holding Alex in his arms. In those dreams full of desire and struggle, Alex was a treasure that belonged only to him, no matter how much others coveted him , can't ask for it.

He hinted to Alex time and time again the love and desire hidden in his heart for a long time, but Alex didn't know whether he was deliberately pretending to be stupid or innately slow, and he never realized his deep meaning once.Nolan couldn't bear the torment any longer.If hinting doesn't work, then he's making it clear!If it doesn't work, he'd rather be tough. He'll let Alex know who is the most qualified person in the world to love him, and then...he will finally get what he wants.

***

After the Silver Memorial Race, the contestants went home.The gymnasium is not an amusement park, so there is no need to linger.Lucinda's favorite student has been gloomy after the award ceremony.Everyone knew that he was disqualified for using violence against other players, and even the trophy was transferred to No.4.The good words of the coach comforted: "Don't be sad, you are the No.3 in essence, and those who are defeated by you will not forget this shame!"

"Damn, are you comforting words?"

"I'm sorry, but I can't think of any more considerate words at the moment. Anyway, there are still a lot of games left, so we can get rid of the shame next time." Lucinda waved her hand, "I'm going first, see you at the club tomorrow!"

"Hey! Lucinda! Don't go! Don't leave me alone!"

The coach ignored his persuasion, boarded the car and left.Looking at the car passing away in the sunset, Alex felt that the last ray of hope in his life was gradually going away.

Who will save him... He doesn't want to be alone with Nolan...

Nolan would...would have him...

By the way, what about the Nolans?

After that thrilling "brother brawl", Alex was called back to the game by Lucinda, and he hadn't seen Nolan since then.He thought Nolan had gone back to the stands, but he didn't pay attention (who would pay attention to the ants-like dots in the stands), and it wasn't until the end of the game that he realized that Nolan didn't stick to it, which is really strange!

He looked back for a long time before he found his stepbrother on the steps in front of the gymnasium.Nolan sat alone at the corner of the steps, fiddling with his prosthetic.Some well-meaning people passing by asked him if he needed help, and Nolan declined them all with a smile.

Alex's heart tightened.Did he accidentally break his expensive prosthetic when he knocked Nolan down?There is an axiom in Alex's thinking universe: the higher the technological content, the weaker the thing.

"Hey, are you okay?" He walked over and immediately turned his head away after asking, "I'm just asking if your prosthesis is broken, it's nothing else!"

"There's something wrong. But I can fix it." Nolan adjusted the screw on his knee.Alex found a few inconspicuous beads of sweat on his temples.

"Empty hand repair?"

"No, I have a clear screwdriver, but you can't see it."

Nolan's tone sounded a little unhappy.Of course, the wealthy Norfolk young master would not be angry because someone damaged a mere prosthetic limb. Anyway, it was produced by his own company, and he had as much as he wanted.But sitting alone on the stairs like a helpless disabled person surrounded by a large crowd did a lot of damage to Nolan Norfolk's self-esteem.He never liked being treated as a "special group".Yes, he was born disabled, but so what?He is no worse than ordinary people, and does not need extra sympathy. If there is anything unique about him, it is because of his unique IQ or achievements, not his unique body.

Alex bit his lip, staring at the non-slip lines on the stairs. "sorry."

Nolan's hand stopped. "Did I hear you right?"

"I know I broke it. I'm not a daredevil." Alex said, "Did you call the driver?"

"I drove by myself."

Alex stretched out his arms, like a gentleman at a ball holding a lady's arm: "Get up. Where did you park your car?"

Nolan looked at his hands and hesitated. "I can do it by myself." He didn't take his brother's arm and stood up by himself, as if he was using practical actions to prove that he didn't need the help of others.But the moment he stood up straight, Alex clearly heard a "click" from the prosthesis, and a screw broke out, rolling into a nearby flower bed.

The two looked at each other.

"Do you want more?" Alex stretched out his arms.

Nolan held him silently.

He limped down the stairs, and every time he took a step, the prosthetic made a toothache sound, even if it fell apart in a second, Alex didn't think it was strange.He withdrew his hand, jumped in front of Nolan, bent down and patted himself on the shoulder: "Come up."

"……What do you mean?"

"At your speed, we won't be able to find your car tomorrow morning."

"Then you can go back by yourself."

"Don't make me pick you up."

Nolan looked at his brother hesitantly, and finally gave in.He leaned on Alex's shoulder and said in an infinitely humiliating tone: "Don't pity me."

"Who sympathizes with you? It's all said that I did the bad things, and one person does the other. If someone else broke your artificial leg, I would still clap my hands on the sidelines."

Alex found Nolan's car on his back.In fact, you don't need to look for it deliberately, just the most attractive and conspicuous one.He stuffed Nolan into the passenger seat, and Nolan tried to resist, but he pushed him back to buckle his seat belt.

"I can drive myself. It's an automatic."

"As if I didn't know."

When Alex started the engine, he felt a sense of vengeance.Nolan has dominated his life since he was a child, like a god on high, but now the god has fallen and become a mortal, and he controls everything about Nolan.Although bullying the disabled is really not worth showing off, he still wants to enjoy this hard-won moment.

People who drive are in high spirits, people who ride are depressed.Alex was keenly aware of his stepbrother's anomaly, and asked, "Why don't you speak?"

"I'm reminiscing about my failed life so far."

"Your life is still a failure, and there are no successful people in the world."

"Even my younger brother hates me, how can there be success in such a life?"

Maybe it's because you're so successful that your brother hates you.Alex thought.

"What should I do, Alex?" Nolan propped his chin, looking at the twilight sky sadly, "I've thought about it for so many years, worked hard for so many years, and even used the last resort, but It still didn't make you feel good about me. What did I do wrong?"

Damn it, it's back on this topic again!

"It's because you do your best in everything that I don't like it." He gritted his teeth, "Are you particularly competitive, so you deliberately overwhelm me in everything?"

"That's not the case. If there is a perfect brother in the family, shouldn't the younger brothers and sisters be proud?"

"Then you're dead wrong. Do you know that people compare us to each other? You're so brilliant that I'm nothing by comparison. I hate your perfection, your presence makes me feel... Very...very low self-esteem."

Nolan's lips moved.

"I don't know, Alex," he said softly. "I haven't thought about it. Everything I do is to please you, but it always backfires. What kind of person do you like?" ? For you I am willing to change."

"You don't have to change."

"Seriously. I can be anything you like."

"That's fine now. You have weaknesses, you're not perfect, you're not invincible, you've finally stepped down from the altar, you're mortal, and mortals are never perfect."

Nolan turned to stare at him, with a faint helpless smile on his lips. "So you prefer the cute and pitiful type? Because it can arouse your inner desire for protection?"

"Nonsense, I'm a man, I don't protect others, do I need others to protect me?"

Nolan put his fingers on his forehead and laughed silently, his shoulders were shaking.

"Oh, we are really brothers. Even the type we like is exactly the same."

"Damn it, do you think I'm pitiful and need the protection of others?"

"It should be said 'protecting you makes me feel satisfied'. Some people like to depend on others, and some people like to be depended on. We are all the latter kind of people, but we always hope that the other person can be the former kind."

"Let me rely on you? There is no door." Alex said decisively.

"Then can I rely on you, Alex?" Nolan leaned against the seat, as if he had exhausted his last bit of strength, "I'm also tired of playing the role of the perfect brother for so many years."

"Are you sure you're not 'playing poor'? I think you've just changed from one role to another."

"Why poke it, Alex."

"You...you have something wrong!"

"Faulty Nolan Norfolk has a crush on you. What do you want?"

Alex almost crushed the steering wheel. "We're brothers! We can't..."

"What's the matter, we are not related by blood."

"What will others think!"

"I'll make sure they don't have any thoughts - if they do, they're afraid to say it."

"But Mom and Dad..."

"Hush." ​​Nolan pressed Alex's lips, "This has nothing to do with our parents or our family. It's only about you and me. Whether we are brothers or not, whether others agree or not, doesn't affect us at all. Right? It's not about that at all. It's about you. Will you accept me?"

He took Alex's hand, and his fingers slid along the lean curve of his arm to his shoulder, and then stroked all the way down his chest.

Alex's breathing gradually became heavy.

"Hands away... I'm driving!"

"What do you want me to do? Just use your hands like this? Or kneel down?"

"Aren't you afraid that I'll drive the car into a ditch?!"

"How about finding a place to park?"

really weird.Alex clearly knew that the current Nolan was too fragile, as long as he wanted to, he could leave this lame guy at any time and run away.But he couldn't leave Nolan behind, he couldn't escape.Nolan bound him with his fragility, and then turned his back on him, dominating all his senses in this small space.

The car drove into the Norfolk family's estate.A servant came over to stop the car for the master, but Nolan waved them to leave.Now Alex can't get out of the car, what should he do if someone sees him dissatisfied?

the next day.

"I feel like I've forgotten something very important." Alex gasped, looking at the ceiling—the ceiling of Nolan's bedroom.

"That means it's not important at all." Nolan hugged him, "You just need to remember me, and it doesn't matter if you forget other things."

***

On this day, Lucinda leaned on her sword and waited foolishly in the practice room of the Griffin Club all morning.

"Alex... actually... missed class."

The coach is heartbroken.