Rhys was much closer to his humanity than even Joseph. Even as he put on a brave face for his mentor, the Brujah was certain it would be rough for lover for awhile. That was how grief went.
He was relieved when Rhys agreed with continuing on as they were. Joseph probably shouldn't have been concerned, but he was really mucking in things he ought not to getting this close to a Tremere, young or not. But it was literally the end of the world and nothing was certain.
Joseph was about to offer a thank you to the sheriff before he disappeared. That was terribly unnerving. "I'm sorry, love," he murmured as he held Rhys closer, fingers of one hand starting to comb through the curls. He knew what it was like to lose a beloved sire. The next few weeks would be a rollercoaster as Rhys sorted himself. At least he could do in privacy without anyone to judge him. It was possibly the only comfort Joseph could give him in the matter.