It was comforting just to have Rhys nearby, really. His help had been invaluable. There was no telling how many Kindred might have frenzied from the trauma and wounds if he hadn't put so many of them to sleep. His spells had eased the passing of a few ghouls and kine retainers as well. It almost seemed unfair to think of him as a fledgling anymore, considering how well he'd faced down so much gore and misery and kept his own mind. Many as new to the Embrace as he was would not have done so well.
The night before had been the most harrowing. Joseph was able to do even less than Rhys, just direct his retinue and be ready in case one of the wounded Kindred or ghouls frenzied. Even with a steady supply of blood from the Circulatory System, it had been touch and go for a few badly burnt Kindred. Burns were some of the worst wounds for a Kindred, with a higher risk of frenzy and requiring twice as much blood to heal.
Which was why it'd taken Joseph so long to to get his wound healed. He'd waited to get blood for himself until the worst of the wounded had been fed and he didn't want to gorge himself in case more wounded stragglers appeared.
Joseph smiled as Rhys come up behind him, rubbing the spot where the worst of his injuries had been. The tender kiss made him shudder softly. It was the first time in two nights either of them could relax and spend any time together.
"You are amazing, love," Joseph murmured, turning around to face Rhys. One hand rose to cup his face gently, then he pulled his lover down the spare few inches between them for a proper kiss he needed more than he could express in words.