Esau could have cried when they finally reached the portal. It didn’t look like much, just a stone arch embedded in the side of a mountain. At the center of it, where there should be more stone, was a shimmery black surface.
It wouldn’t be the first time Esau had used a portal to cross into the human realm, but it had been decades since he’d last been there, and he was slightly nervous. He had no intention of sticking around in Hell, though. They’d been lucky they hadn’t been attacked again, but they had been three times, and he wasn’t sure his body could survive a fourth.
No, the best they could do was cross into the human realm and get to Sal, and Esau was more than ready for that to happen.
He looked down at Cyarea, who was holding his hand and staring at the portal as if it might eat her. “Have you ever been to the human realm?”
She shook her head. “Dad said it was dangerous.”
“It can be, but then, so can Hell. Lazarus and I will keep you safe.”
“I know.”
It broke Esau’s heart a little to hear her talking that way. She trusted him and Lazarus, but she shouldn’t have to. She should be with her parents, sleeping in her bed and playing with her toys. Lazarus and Esau had done their best to give her as normal a life as they could, but it wasn’t possible when they were on the road and being attacked every few days. She’d been a trooper, and Esau kept expecting her to break down. So far, it hadn’t happened, but he fully expected it to. Hopefully, they’d find her parents first because he wasn’t sure how to deal with that.
“If the two of you are ready, we should cross,” Lazarus said. He kept looking around.
They still didn’t know how those two groups of demons had found them, and Esau wasn’t willing to risk it. He might not be eager to go to the human realm, but he wanted to see his brother, and even more, he wanted to keep Cyarea safe.
He reached down so he could pull her up in his arms. Lazarus frowned at him, but he didn’t say anything about it. He knew Esau would have ignored it. He understood where Lazarus was coming from, and if he was honest with himself, he wasn’t quite up to carrying the child, but she’d never done this, and the situation was scary enough as it was.
“Ready?” he asked her.
She nodded and closed her eyes, burying her face against his chest the way she always did. It had become familiar, and Esau couldn’t imagine being without it anymore. He would have to get used to not having her in his life eventually, but for now, she wasn’t going anywhere.
He glanced at Lazarus, who nodded, too. Together, they moved toward the portal. Lazarus didn’t look nervous, but then, he was used to this. He and Esau had been talking, and Esau knew Lazarus visited the human realm at least a few times a year, sometimes more often. He knew what he was doing and what they’d find on the other side of the portal, while Esau didn’t.
Things didn’t change much in Hell. Demons were always the same—cruel, bloodthirsty, ready to kill their mother for a slight. Humans were different, and they didn’t live as long as demons. Esau suspected that was why they changed so much. They couldn’t afford not to, not when their lives were so short.
Lazarus was the first to cross. Once he was gone from sight, Esau took a deep breath, then followed him through the portal.
He blinked as soon as he was in the human realm. He didn’t feel any different, but after the bright red light, being in sudden darkness was strange.
“Where are we?”
“Underground,” Lazarus said from somewhere next to him.
Esau blinked again, thankful that he could already see better.
He looked around. He had no idea what this place was, but it had to be somewhere humans didn’t come often. It didn’t smell good, and it was damp and cold, which made Cyarea shiver, pushing closer to him. He squeezed her harder, not wanting her to be afraid.
“You know where we’re going?” he asked Lazarus.
Lazarus nodded. He was a bit more relaxed but still tense, making Esau wonder if everything truly was okay. He wanted to ask, but first, he wanted to get Cyarea out of here.
“Lead the way,” he told Lazarus. “We’ll follow you.”
He did. He kept Cyarea in his arms, just in case, and followed Lazarus down a tunnel that led away from the portal. He couldn’t remember the last time he’d felt so cold, and he hadn’t realized he would. Maybe they should have bought warmer clothes for Cyarea, but it was too late to think about that now.
Esau was relieved when the tunnel got lighter. There was water at their feet and things he didn’t want to identify floating in it. He tried to avoid them as much as he could, but he stepped on at least a few, and he grimaced at the squishy feeling.
“What is this place?” he asked. His voice echoed in the tunnel.
“Sewers.”
Esau blinked. “You mean this is where the humans accumulate their trash?”
Lazarus grimaced. “Not exactly. Don’t start thinking about it. Trust me, if you do, you’ll want to run away as fast as you can, and that can be dangerous.”
Esau swallowed. He was a powerful demon, feared by many in Hell. He wasn’t afraid of a little trash or anything else lurking in the darkness of the tunnel.
He was nervous anyway.
They finally exited the tunnel through a broken grate. Esau took a deep breath as soon as they were out, but the air still smelled foul. Even Cyarea wrinkled her nose, and she refused to climb out of Esau’s arms.
“What now?” Esau asked.
Lazarus took his backpack off and rooted through it. “Now, I’m going to call your brother.”
“How will you do that?”
Lazarus gave Esau a glance. “I was planning on coming. I came prepared.”
Esau didn’t know what that meant, but he watched as Lazarus took something small from the bag. He hauled the backpack on his shoulder again, then pressed a button on the side of whatever he was holding. It lit up, which made Lazarus grin.
“What’s that?”
“A cell phone. I only use it when I’m in the human realm, but it’s handy.”
Esau was curious, and he stared as Lazarus moved a finger on the phone. He then put it next to his ear and listened. Nothing happened, and Esau wondered if something was supposed to. Eventually, Lazarus shook his head and lowered the phone. “He’s not answering. We have to get out of here, though, so we better find a motel.”
“Will we be able to rest?”
“It’s like a tavern, so yes. It’ll have the bonus that no one will try to kill us.”
Esau hoped so. That was why they were in the human realm. Here, no one knew who Cyarea was, and no one was trying to find her. Hopefully, it would take the demons after her a while to realize where Esau had taken her.
Since Esau had no idea what to do in this realm, he followed Lazarus’s lead. They walked until they reached a busy road. Humans walked on the sidewalks, but every time they noticed Esau and Lazarus, they looked disgusted and crossed the road. Metal contraptions moved in the middle of it, and Lazarus had to explain they were cars. He made sure Esau knew they could be dangerous and that he had to stay away from them, which Esau was more than happy to do. They didn’t look safe, and he had no intention of checking whether they were.
“I know a motel that will allow us to stay the night,” Lazarus said after a while. “I spent a few nights there before. A demon owns it, so it won’t be a problem, but it’s probably better if you and Cyarea stay out of sight.”
“All right.” Esau was more than happy for no one to see him and the child.
He didn’t like the way humans were behaving, even though so far, none had said anything. He could see the way they watched Esau and the others, though. Esau had known humans disliked demons, so he’d expected it, but it was still hard to deal with. He didn’t want Cyarea to have to, and while he realized he wouldn’t be able to shield her forever, for now, he could, and he would do it.
* * * *
Lazarus knew what to do. He was relieved he’d visited the human realm often because it meant he could keep Esau and Cyarea safe. The balance had shifted, and now he wasn’t in Esau’s world anymore. He was in his, at least in part.
It felt good to do more to protect Esau and Cyarea, but it was also awkward. Usually, Lazarus did this alone. He never had to think about anyone else, and that made things easier. Now he had to consider that Esau had no idea how the human realm worked and that Cyarea would be terrified of what was going on around her. Lazarus had to keep an eye on them and at the same time, keep an eye on the humans surrounding them. He couldn’t wait to get to Sal’s apartment, but since his friend hadn’t answered his phone, it might be a while.
The best thing to do would be to get a room for the night and try calling Sal again. Hopefully, he’d eventually answer and would pick them up, if not tonight, tomorrow. Darkness was already falling, and Lazarus didn’t want to be out at night. It would be as dangerous as it had been for them to be out at night in Hell.
They hurried down the sidewalk, avoiding as many humans as possible. Thankfully, most of them didn’t want anything to do with demons, and they kept their distance. Lazarus still had to ignore a few comments, and he was relieved when even though Esau tensed and looked ready to kill the humans who’d made them, he kept up with Lazarus instead of doing just that.
“This is awful,” Esau said. He looked horrified and stunned at the same time.
“You knew humans don’t like demons.”
“But Cyarea is a child. Didn’t you hear what that human said about her?”
Lazarus had, and unfortunately, so had Cyarea. He’d made sure to tell her she was lovely, even though the three of them were dirty and looked rough. She’d still looked sad, and even Lazarus wanted to find that human and tear him apart. Instead, he pushed on.
“You better get used to it. This is how most humans see demons.”
“But my brother is dating a human.”
“I said most, not all of them. Harrison is nice, and he doesn’t have the same prejudices other humans do when it comes to demons. Your brother was lucky to meet him.”
Sal had been. The most important thing was that he and Harrison loved each other and that they were happy, and that Harrison was helping Sal deal with the fact that he wasn’t immortal anymore. Lazarus could too easily imagine how Sal would have reacted if he’d been alone, and he didn’t like thinking about it. Thankfully, he didn’t have to, since Sal would never be on his own again. Harrison wasn’t going anywhere.
Lazarus was relieved when they finally reached the motel. It didn’t look like much, but it was enough for them. Besides, the fact that it looked like a dump meant humans stayed as far away as possible from it, even humans who couldn’t afford much. They’d rather stay on the streets than have a room next to a demon, and that was perfectly fine with Lazarus.
No matter how many times he visited the human realm, he still didn’t understand humans. Of course, he also didn’t understand demons, but at least they had a good reason to be the way they were. It was in their nature. They wouldn’t be demons otherwise. Humans were capable of love and gentleness, though, and it was strange to see that some of them were more like demons than even some demons were.
Thankfully, they reached the motel without anything happening. Esau almost punched a few humans, but he was primarily focused on Cyarea, and they got to the motel safely. Lazarus didn’t want the owner to see Esau and Cyarea, just in case, so he told them to hide in the bushes and went inside. Luckily, the demon recognized him, and it didn’t take long for the male to hand him a key. He knew Lazarus wouldn’t make a mess, so he was more than happy to give him a room.
Lazarus’s heart raced when he left the office and couldn’t find Cyarea and Esau. He looked around, but they weren’t in the bushes anymore, and he thought they’d been kidnapped until he heard Esau’s raised voice. He ran toward the parking lot area where it came from and found Esau standing in front of two humans. He hadn’t hit them yet, but he looked like he might. And, while in Hell, no one would care—here, he risked a lot.
One of the humans sneered. “What do you think you’re going to do to me? You can’t touch me.”
“Are you sure about that?” Esau asked. “Because you’re close enough for me to punch you, and I’m tempted.”
“You’re a demon.”
Esau smiled wickedly. “Exactly. Shouldn’t you be more afraid of what I can do to you?”
The human faltered for a moment, but he wasn’t done. “You wouldn’t dare.” The woman with him put a hand on his arm and tried to pull him away, but he shook it off.
Lazarus had to intervene before things went from bad to worse. He rushed toward Esau, grabbed his arm, and pulled him closer. “Stop this,” he hissed.
“I wasn’t the one who started it.” Esau never looked away from the human. “I wasn’t doing anything. I certainly wasn’t going to attack him and the woman.”
“You sound like you could have,” Lazarus said through gritted teeth. “But think, please. Cyarea is vulnerable. You’re wounded. The humans wouldn’t hesitate to arrest you and lock you up if you as much as raised a finger to this man. They could even arrest you just for talking to him the way you’ve been. Please.”
“Why would they do that? He’s the one who started this.”
“And they won’t care because you’re a demon. Come on. I got us a room.”
Thankfully, the woman had succeeded in pulling the man away. He kept looking toward Esau, apparently ready to start a fight, but Lazarus would have none of that. Instead, he linked his fingers with Esau’s and pulled him toward the motel. Esau was still holding Cyarea’s hand, and she came along, looking both confused and scared.
“Can’t you see?” he asked Esau. “She’s terrified, and you should be focusing on her instead of on starting fights with humans.”
“I would have won,” Esau grumbled.
“I have no doubt you would have. You’d also have been thrown in jail, and we can’t afford that. You know that as well as I do.”
“It’s not fair.”
Lazarus agreed, but what could they do? “This is the human realm. They’re in charge here, and we don’t have a choice in that. We’ll go back to Hell as soon as we can, but for now, you have to focus on keeping Cyarea safe and getting to your brother.”
Esau nodded and started walking faster. Thankfully, the room wasn’t far, and Lazarus locked the door behind them as soon as they were inside. He leaned against it, looking around. It was nothing he hadn’t seen before, but Esau’s and Cyarea’s eyes were wide.
“This looks like a tavern, yet at the same time, it doesn’t,” Esau said.
“You’ll find that in some ways, it’s better,” Lazarus said, thinking about the running water in the bathroom.
He put his backpack on one of the beds and took out his phone again. He hoped that this time, Sal would answer. He didn’t want to have to stay here longer than necessary, which meant that he had to reach his friend by tomorrow at the very last. That wouldn’t happen if Sal didn’t answer his phone.
* * * *
Esau was focused on making Cyarea comfortable, but he kept an eye and ear on Lazarus, who had taken his phone out again. Esau hoped that this time his brother would answer. He didn’t want to stay at the motel or in the human realm for too long. He didn’t like this place, and even more, he didn’t like humans.
He’d known they hated demons, but he’d thought they were different. Instead, they behaved as if they were their own species of demons, and Esau didn’t understand why anyone would want to live here. At least in Hell, one could defend himself. Here, if he’d tried doing anything to that man who’d insulted him, he’d have been thrown in jail.
“I don’t like this place,” Cyarea whined.
Esau turned to smile at her. “I don’t, either, but it doesn’t mean it’s a bad place. Why don’t I draw you a bath?” There had to be a bathtub around here, right?
She didn’t look convinced, but she nodded, and by the time she was splashing in the water and Esau went back into the bedroom—with the bathroom door open to keep an eye on her—Lazarus was talking on the phone.
He looked up when he heard Esau and beamed at him. “Your brother answered,” he said. He turned his attention back to the phone and the conversation he was having with Sal. “It’s your brother. Yes, he’s fine.” He rolled his eyes. “Yes, I promise that he didn’t try to kill me. I told you, he was perfectly okay.”
Lazarus sighed and held out the phone. “He wants to talk to you.”
Esau stared at the phone for a moment. He knew he’d have to talk to his brother sooner rather than later, especially with what he was planning, but he wasn’t sure what to tell him. He couldn’t explain why he was here on the phone. It would be too easy for Sal to tell him to go home without giving him a chance.
Lazarus arched a brow, and Esau moved to take the phone. He didn’t have a choice. “Hello?” he asked once he had the phone next to his ear.
“I wasn’t sure if I should believe Laz, but I see he wasn’t lying. You’re really in the human realm.”
Esau snorted. “Why did you think he was lying?”
“Because I can’t imagine why you’re here.”
“I wanted to see you.”
“And you’re trying to protect a little girl. What’s up with that, anyway?”
“She needs protection. What did Lazarus tell you?”
“Not much, just that there are demons after her and that you’re trying to find her parents. That’s one of the reasons I couldn’t believe what he was saying. I don’t understand why you’re involved.”
Esau realized he deserved some of his brother’s skepticism. He hadn’t always treated Sal right, especially in the past decades. He’d been angry at his brother for leaving him, and it had leaked into all their interactions. That was in the past, though. Esau had decided to give his brother half of his powers, and he would.
“I’m going to step out for food,” Lazarus murmured.
Esau nodded and watched him leave the bedroom. He locked the door again as soon as Lazarus was out, then turned his attention back to his brother. “Do you think you can help us?” he asked.
Sal sounded amused when he answered. “Don’t think I didn’t notice you didn’t answer my question. I’ll ask it again when we see each other.”
“And you didn’t answer mine.”
Sal sighed. “I can try, but I can’t make any promises. You know what happened to me. I’ve been learning how to deal with it, but it’s not easy, and I’m still discovering just how little I can do now that I don’t have my powers.”
On the phone wasn’t the best moment or way to tell Sal what Esau was planning, so he kept it to himself. “We’ll be grateful for anything you can do.”
“What happened to you? You’re so different from when I last saw you, and I don’t understand.”
Esau didn’t fully understand himself, but he wasn’t about to explain what he and Lazarus had. He couldn’t be sure his brother would accept it, and if he didn’t, he’d tell Esau to stay away from Lazarus.
Esau would understand why. He wasn’t a good bet, not when it came to relationships. He was grumpy on the best of days, and Lazarus had seen that as they’d traveled together. It was a miracle he hadn’t kicked Esau’s ass back to his cave instead of kissing him. Instead, they’d agreed to see where things went once they settled the Cyarea situation.
“Look, I didn’t want to do any of this,” Esau said. He peeked at Cyarea, but she was busy playing in the water and not listening to him. Still, he lowered his voice. “You know me. I don’t know how to deal with children, and I wouldn’t have agreed to any of this if I’d found another way to keep her safe. But I didn’t, and I couldn’t allow those demons to take her away again.”
“I agree. You did the right thing,” Sal said, his voice softer. “I’m impressed. Harrison and I will be there as soon as possible.”
Esau looked toward the bathroom again. “Come tomorrow morning.”
“Are you sure? We can be there in a few hours. Harrison is almost home from work.”
“We’re safe for the night.” Cyarea needed rest more than she needed to be moved again.
And Esau wanted one last night before everything changed. Tomorrow, when Sal and Harrison reached them, things would be different. It wouldn’t be him and Lazarus against the world anymore. He hadn’t thought much about it as they traveled, but now he couldn’t avoid it. He didn’t know how he and Lazarus would manage, and he was afraid. Even though Lazarus had kissed him, that didn’t mean he wouldn’t change his mind.
“Tomorrow morning, then,” Sal said.
Esau forced his attention back to the conversation. “Tomorrow morning,” he confirmed. “Lazarus can give you the address when he comes back.”
“Be careful. Things are very different here than they are in Hell.”
And Esau had already noticed that. He was surprised his brother cared, but once again, maybe he shouldn’t be. There was a lot of history between him and Sal, and a lot of anger. Most of it was on Esau’s side, but he could see now that he’d been wrong. Yes, his brother had left, but that wasn’t a bad thing, and it didn’t make him evil. It made him a person who wanted to better himself, to have different opportunities, and that was what Sal had achieved when he’d moved to the human realm. Esau might not understand how he could stand living here, but he didn’t have to. This was Sal’s life, not his.
“Lazarus will keep me safe.”
“He’ll try. I’m wondering if you’ll allow him to,” Sal murmured.
Esau couldn’t explain what was going on between him and Lazarus without giving details he didn’t want Sal to know. “I have to go. I put Cyarea in the bath, and I don’t want to leave her alone too long.”
“Of course,” Sal said. He sounded puzzled.
Esau didn’t give him time to ask questions. He hung up, took a deep breath, and went to the bathroom, pausing only to put the phone down on one of the beds.
He had no idea what would happen tomorrow or how his brother would react to seeing him. At least Sal wasn’t like Esau. He wouldn’t try to kill Esau. He’d probably welcome him and give him everything he needed, and for once, Esau could do the same. He would give Sal everything he needed, and that included half of his powers.
* * * *
When Lazarus came back with his arms laden with food, he found that Cyarea was already in one of the beds. She was awake, quietly playing with her dolls. She wasn’t comfortable here in the human realm, and hopefully, she wouldn’t have to stay for long.
Esau had locked the door when Lazarus had left, so he had to unlock it to let Lazarus in. He closed and locked it again, then looked at what Lazarus was holding.
“What are those things?” he asked.
“Food. I know it’s not much, and it’s nothing like what you’re used to in Hell, but it’s what was available.”
Luckily for them, he’d found a demon-owned grocery store. Those things could be tricky, what with humans not wanting demons anywhere near them. It made finding food and other necessities hard, although Lazarus was lucky enough that he didn’t have to worry about it most of the time he came to the human realm. Today was different, and he was glad he’d been able to find food.
He dumped everything on the dresser, then started opening containers. “I found both a grocery store and a Chinese restaurant that serves demons,” he explained. “It’s hot, which is one of the things we need.” Between the night they’d spent in that tavern after being attacked and their nights on the road, Lazarus yearned for hot food.
Esau didn’t look convinced as he sniffed the containers, but he still put together something for Cyarea. She had to put away her dolls when Esau gave her the food, but she accepted it without complaining, even though she had no idea what it was. She trusted Esau and Lazarus to take care of her, and that included making sure the food they gave her was fine for her.
Once she’d started eating, Esau went back to the containers to get himself something. He and Lazarus leaned against the dresser, watching Cyarea. She kept looking around as she ate, so Lazarus reached for the remote control and turned the TV on.
Cyarea squeaked and almost dumped her food container all over the bed. “What’s that?” she asked.
“It’s called a TV,” Lazarus explained. “None of the people you see in there can hurt you. It’s just fun to watch them.”
“Doesn’t look fun to me,” Esau grumbled.
Lazarus couldn’t stop himself from smiling. “You don’t want to watch TV with Cyarea?”
“I want as little as possible to do with the human realm. I don’t want her to hear things she shouldn’t hear. She already had enough of that with that guy out there and on our way over here.”
Lazarus sighed. He agreed with Esau, but what could he do? The human realm was changing, but it was a slow process. Some humans were more accepting of demons now, and that was good, but they were still a minority. Esau couldn’t know that, since it was the first time in forever since he’d come to the human realm, but Lazarus could see the changes. It made him hopeful during the times he was insulted or even attacked.
He found a harmless cartoon, then put the remote control down. Cyarea was gaping at the TV, but she quickly stuffed another forkful of food in her mouth and chewed while staring.
“That’ll distract her for a bit,” Lazarus said.
Esau nodded. “Sal and Harrison will be here tomorrow morning. They wanted to come tonight, but I told them not to. We’re safe enough to spend the night here.”
Lazarus nodded. He wished he could already be with Sal, but Esau was right. They were safe enough, and Cyarea could do with a good night’s sleep.
They all could. Lazarus couldn’t wait to stretch out on one of those mattresses and not wake up until he slept twelve hours, which was what he intended to do.
“I hope they won’t beget here too early,” he murmured.
Esau arched a brow. “When have you know my brother to do something that wouldn’t inconvenience someone?”
Lazarus barked out a laugh. “You don’t know your brother that well, do you?”
Esau’s expression shuttered. “I already apologized for trying to kill him.”
“Twice,” Lazarus added.
Esau huffed. “Twice. Still, I apologized, and I won’t do it again. And no, I don’t know him very well. He never visited me after he left, and it’s been hundreds of years.”
Lazarus felt guilty for bringing it up. He’d been teasing, but it had hurt Esau. “I know. Sorry. I just hope that you and Sal can fix your relationship. You care for each other, which is rare enough in Hell. I want you to have each other.”
Esau stared at his container for a moment before nodding. “I agree.”
That was all he said. As soon as he was done eating, he almost ran into the bathroom, closing the door behind himself. Lazarus decided that meant he had to deal with Cyarea, which was fine with him. He’d been hesitant in the beginning, but he’d gotten over that, and he was quite good at making her do things she didn’t want to do, like going to sleep. Thankfully, she was exhausted, and even though she protested, she was softly snoring after only ten minutes.
Lazarus stared at her and sighed. He hoped they’d find her parents, but he also wished they didn’t have to. He knew how hurt Esau would be if they did, and if he was honest with himself, he would be, too. There was no way to know if they’d be allowed to see her again once they handed her off to her parents, and they’d become close with her as they traveled.
But finding her parents was the right thing to do. She deserved to be with them, and they deserved to get her back. From everything she’d said, they were loving parents, unlike most demons.
When the bathroom door opened, Lazarus turned to look at Esau. He hadn’t taken a change of clothes with him, so he was only wearing a towel and doing everything he could not to look at Lazarus. Lazarus had no idea where that came from. It wouldn’t be the first time he’d seen Esau with his chest bare, and it allowed him to check the wound.
He got to his feet, his attention on the wound. “It looks good,” he said.
Esau nodded. “That’s what I thought. It’s not infected or anything. I don’t think I’ll need a healer.”
Lazarus glared up at him before poking at the wound. “You’ll go to a healer if I say you do. But you’re right,” he admitted. “It’s not infected, and it’s healing well enough.” He took a step away. “I’ll grab a shower.”
He didn’t know what to do or say. Things between him and Esau had never been easy, and that hadn’t changed just because they’d kissed. Lazarus was out of his depth, and he suspected the same went for Esau. Maybe some time away from each other would help, even if it was only Lazarus showering. It could give time for Esau to make a decision, and whatever that was, Lazarus would accept it, even if Esau decided to fake sleep so he wouldn’t have to talk to him.
Everything would change tomorrow, but that was okay. It would have to be.
Lazarus wasn’t giving up on Esau. Things might be strange between them right now, but as soon as he was sure they were safe, he’d take Esau to the side and talk to him. They needed to know what they were doing, or at the very least, to have half a plan. Esau would no doubt try to run back to Hell as soon as they found Cyarea’s parents, while Lazarus was supposed to stay here and spend time with Sal. Lazarus would try to convince Esau to stay for a bit longer.
He sighed and turned the shower on. He’d deal with this tomorrow. Right now, the only thing he wanted to face was a shower and a warm bed.