Albert found the strength to snort at his brother's joke, eyes half-shut as he replied, "I didn't realize ... you had an ego left to bruise." Perhaps a little harsh coming from anyone else, but the remarks were so commonplace when he was talking to (read: arguing with) Caesar that it would have been odd to go without them for too long. It was a sign of normalcy -- dysfunctional Silverberg normalcy.

All the same, he was actually grateful for the help. He wouldn't say as much, not right now, but ... eventually. Yes, eventually.

They were closing in on the entrance to the building, and he did his best to open the door so they could enter.