The Balance of Brothers

Canto VI: The Dating Disaster

It was Friday evening, and Dylan, dressed in his best blazer, paced the living room while waiting for his date to arrive. The air was thick with cologne and the scent of overconfidence. Nick sat on the couch, scratching Duke behind the ears and watching the spectacle with mild amusement."What's her name again?" Nick asked, feigning interest."Lila," Dylan replied, adjusting his tie for the third time. "She's brilliant, ambitious, and absolutely stunning."Nick smirked. "And she agreed to go out with you?"Dylan shot him a glare. "Yes, Nick. Some people appreciate intellect and charm.""Charm?" Nick echoed, stifling a laugh. "Is that what we're calling it these days?"Dylan ignored him, pacing faster. "I'm not going to let your cynicism ruin this night. This is a pivotal moment. Lila is the kind of woman who could match my ambition. Together, we could be unstoppable."Nick shook his head, grinning. "Let me guess. You're going to talk her ear off about your manifesto, aren't you?""Of course not," Dylan said indignantly. "I'll ease into it. Maybe start with my views on humility—why it's a societal trap—and go from there."Nick groaned, rubbing his temples. "Dylan, for once in your life, could you just... not?""Not what?" Dylan asked, genuinely confused."Not turn this into a TED Talk," Nick said. "Just be normal. Ask her about herself. Listen to what she has to say."Dylan scoffed. "Normal? I'm not trying to be normal, Nick. I'm trying to be extraordinary.""Yeah, well, good luck with that," Nick muttered, returning his attention to Duke. "Let me know how it goes."---Two hours later, Dylan stormed back into the house, slamming the door behind him. His blazer was wrinkled, his tie askew, and his expression was one of pure fury. Nick looked up from his book, raising an eyebrow."Back so soon?" Nick asked. "What happened?"Dylan threw himself onto the armchair, his hands clenched into fists. "She didn't understand me."Nick stifled a laugh. "What a surprise. Care to elaborate?""I tried to explain my philosophy," Dylan began, his voice rising with indignation. "I told her about my views on ambition and how humility is a weakness. And do you know what she said?"Nick set his book aside, intrigued. "What?""She said," Dylan spat, "that I sounded... arrogant."Nick burst out laughing, doubling over as Dylan glared at him. "Well, she's not wrong.""This isn't funny, Nick," Dylan snapped. "Lila clearly lacks the intellectual capacity to appreciate what I bring to the table.""Or," Nick said, wiping tears of laughter from his eyes, "maybe you just need to work on your delivery.""My delivery?" Dylan repeated, outraged. "My delivery was perfect. She's the problem."Nick leaned back, crossing his arms. "Let me guess. You didn't ask her a single question about herself, did you?"Dylan hesitated, his cheeks flushing. "I... may have been a bit preoccupied."Nick sighed, shaking his head. "Dylan, if you want people to connect with you, you have to show some humility. No one wants to date a walking lecture.""I wasn't lecturing," Dylan insisted. "I was enlightening her."Nick chuckled. "And how did that work out for you?"Dylan slumped in his chair, muttering under his breath. "She doesn't deserve me anyway."---The room fell silent, save for the rhythmic thump of Duke's tail against the floor. Nick let Dylan stew for a moment before speaking again."Look, little bro," Nick said, his tone softening, "I get that you want to impress people. But sometimes, the best way to do that is by listening. Showing a little humility doesn't make you weak. It makes you human."Dylan scoffed. "Spare me the life lessons, Nick. I'm not interested in being human. I'm interested in being exceptional."Nick shook his head, smiling. "Whatever you say, Dylan. Just remember, even the greatest minds had to learn how to connect with people."Dylan said nothing, staring at the floor as Nick stood and stretched. Duke followed him to the kitchen, wagging his tail as Nick opened the fridge."You hungry?" Nick called over his shoulder."No," Dylan muttered. "I'm full... of disappointment."Nick laughed. "Suit yourself. But hey, next time, maybe skip the manifesto and try asking her about her favorite movie."Dylan didn't respond, but as he sat alone in the living room, a small voice in the back of his mind whispered that Nick might have a point. Not that he'd ever admit it.