At least Rapier came with a sense of humor. Cuirass felt like his parents were too serious growing up. Sure, Seline liked to tease and flirt but Eric was all broody and no fun at all, really. He hadn't spent enough time with any of his other siblings save Kronos to know how they were as pups but he figured most pups would be carefree and fun loving. He'd have to wait and see how they all matured as adults. They couldn't be as epicly awesome as he was, but maybe one or two of them would be close enough to pass. Rapier's laugh was at least enough to tell Cuirass that he knew how to tease and joke too and he was grateful for it. That would keep this conversation interesting, at least. He watched his brother process the question and challenge in his words. He wouldn't hesitate to back them up either if Rapier chose to play dominant in this game of chess. It had been far too long since Cuirass had shed blood in a spar.

But he was distracted when Rapier mentioned there being more than one of them back in Moladian. He couldn't dare hope for Kronos to be the one he was referring to for surely his own litter mate would have tried to seek him out, right? At least that's what he wanted to tell himself. Surely all that distance between them hadn't lessened their brotherly bond? Rapier was enjoying toying with him too much though, asking if he'd like to know. Cuirass snorted and scowled in answer, his eyes narrowing. "Would I have asked otherwise, little brother?" He emphasized the "little" in his last words, again challenging the other male. If he was going to keep playing these mind games with him, it would only be a matter of time before Cuirass' short temper got the best of him. He was about to take a bold step foward as if to prove his point of backing up his words when his alpha showed herself. Holding his ground, he caught the agitated nature of her body quick enough to deduce that he needed to simmer down and help keep the situation defused, for his brother's sake.

She was on the war path and he didn't want family in the way of that. He noted that Rapier lowered his tail submissively but also that his hackles drew up and he stared straight into her eyes. His own lips curled in warning to his brother, knowing well how the alpha's moods could change on a dime. He wasn't asking Rapier to roll over and show his throat or anything so dramatic, but a little more respect would be more satisfying. His next words have Cuirass sobering up a little, at least for the moment. Kronos was back. He had to let that process, but he glanced down for a moment, listening as Rapier said something about him going to the caves. So he must be in the Grotto. Why would he go there? Surely he wouldn't think Cuirass would hide like a coward in the shadows? He scowled thoughtfully but his head nodded in silent thanks to his brother for telling him where to go next.

As the female alpha pressed against his side, he returned the gesture, pressing back against her in support to let her know everything was okay and he was still loyal to her. He could tell she was still agitated but at least so far she had remained fairly calm. He wanted it to stay that way. He listened as she spoke to Rapier, warning him that if he tried to hurt or take Cuirass, he would suffer. Cuirass couldn't help but curl his lips into a smug smirk, his tail flicking behind him, almost in a "haha" gesture. He'd never felt so appreciated. Then she said that Rapier was his responsibility, his guest. His brow lifted as if to say "see? I'm important here." As she turned to him though, he sobered up and nodded. "Yep, definitely." She then told him to call if he needed anything and he nodded again. "Will do." She turned to leave, brushing her fur against his once more and for a moment he was reminded of Belhara and how he longed to do that to her, to cement his claim on his own mate. He had a daughter now and it wasn't even from his mate, as he would have liked. But Behara would either reappear or she wouldn't. Until then, there was nothing he could do about it.

With a sigh, he watched the alpha walk away before returning his gaze to Rapier. "So, what are your plans now, Rapier?"