Fight the Friction

He hadn't heard Grimshaw slip out along the outer pathways of the courtyard in amongst the noises he was making with his training. What Artorias did notice however was the black shape of the boy skulking his way past when he spun during one maneuver, doing his best to not be noticed, as he always did. Art eyed the boy for a brief moment, debating on whether he should even bother interacting with his "brother" or not. The boy had been nothing but mopey and aggressive since he'd been brought in by his parents, and he couldn't say he cared much for the other boy's presence in their family—especially not with how much time he spent around his little sister. His brows narrowed and he turned away from Grimshaw with another practiced swing, trying to ignore the sour feelings the dark-furred boy brought up. How could someone be so ungrateful to be such a jerk to the family that had taken him in, cared for him, given him their own family name! What, were they not good enough for him? They had to be better than whatever terrible parents abandoned him alone in the world that his mothers had to step in and save his butt...

Out of the corner of his eye, Artorias watched as Grim slunk by. He was half tempted to just ignore him as he always did and let him go about his way... but something his mother Resin had said stuck in his mind, gnawing at his conscience. They were a family—all of them. Family looked out for family. Whether he liked him or not, Grimshaw bore the same name as him now. He wasn't going anywhere, and ignoring him wouldn't solve the friction between them. And so, with a heavy sigh, Art sheathed his sword across his back and turned to find the stealthy Grim again. "Hey, Grimshaw, wait up," he called out to the other pup in as neutral a voice as he could manage, slow steps closing a bit of the distance between them. He didn't really know how to address Grimshaw given their lack of interaction before, but given how explosive the boy had been with Rudy, he knew what one outcome could be. "I didn't tell you at the feast, but... welcome to our family. You don't have to keep being on your own anymore, y'know. If you ever want someone to talk to or play with or train with, I'm here."

Artorias briefly considered how to properly extend an olive branch without feeling like he was invading Grim's personal space, trying to be tactful without being cold. It wasn't easy, especially given who he was trying to deal with here. "Are you going exploring somewhere? Want someone to tag along?" He paused for a beat before adding, "Or, y'know, I could use someone to help train with if you like fighting." With any luck, something he said would break through the stony facade the shadowy pup always wore. Amber eyes searched Grim's face for any signs of reactions, hints to silent body language he might be able to use to understand his adopted brother better. Like it or not, Grimshaw fell under his realm of family to protect now too, and he was going to do his damnedest to do that without being overbearing like Rudy.