[Closed Log] Boredom and a Visitor

[clumsyhorse]

Who: Dino Cavallone, Fran and Hibari Kyouya. (also, Diego Alessandro)
What: Hibari was bored and Dino tried to cheer him up. Someone unexpected visited them and saved the day. Kind of.
When: July 1st
Where: Hibari's hospital room.
Rating: PG-13
A/N: ... I hope I didn't mess up the logs' date. /)_(\

Dino entered Kyouya’s room, opening and closing the door softly after him. He brought a paper bag, filled with three hamburgers, for Kyouya. It had been more than two weeks since the man had woken up and Dino was sure Kyouya had had enough of the hospital food. So it wasn’t a bad idea to bring his lover some decent food, right?

Besides, Kyouya had been very cranky lately, so Dino hoped this would increase the dark haired man’s mood, even if only a little.

Once inside, Dino thanked Romario who had been watching over Kyouya on his stead while he was away and his Right Hand Man smiled before walking out of the room, taking his place to stand guard right in front of Kyouya’s room again and giving more privacy to both men.

“Kyouya, I brought you some hamburgers if you’re hungry.” Dino announced once he arrived on Kyouya’s bed side.

"I'd eat them even if I wasn't." And he was, in fact, starving. "The food here is terrible." The mere thought of good hamburgers made him even hungrier. He would have grabbed the bag from Dino's hands if the other had been a bit closer; as it was, he was forced to wait. It was most frustrating.

“I agree.” Dino chuckled as he gave the bag to Kyouya. “Thankfully you’re allowed to eat anything you want by now.” he added, sitting on his usual chair beside Kyouya’s bed.

"Indeed." Kyouya opened the bag and took out the first hamburger, biting into it. It was still warm, thankfully, though he supposed he would have eaten it just as eagerly had it been colder. It was still better than hospital food.

Dino just smiled as he watched Kyouya eating the hamburger. He was quite glad that the dark haired man was well enough to be his usual cranky self by now. Unconsciously, a small chuckle escaped from Dino’s lips.

Kyouya shot him a sharp glare. "What is so funny, Cavallone?"

The chuckle stopped almost immediately. “Wha- Oh! I’m not laughing at you! I’m just glad that you look so well already by now.”

"I'm not well." There was no reason to deny such an obvious fact, after all. "You are amused at my expense."

“You’re looking a lot better, Kyouya. I think saying that you’re ‘well’ was not an overstatement.” Dino sighed. “I really am not laughing at you. Why don’t you believe me?”

"Because I see no other reason for you to possibly be laughing." Kyouya narrowed his eyes.

"My, my~" An almost bored voice spoke from the window. "A lover's spat? How disappointing~ And here I was thinking you two were the epitome of love and sweetness."

To say Dino was startled when he heard the voice was an understatement. Taking his whip which had always been attached to his belt, he immediately stood up from his chair and walked to the window. His eyes narrowed as he stared at the person sitting on the window sill.

“You’re--” the person seemed familiar, but not as clear as other people Dino had actually met before. “Fran, right? Varia’s Mist after Mammon.” At least, that was what he understood from his ‘memory’ of the future.

"Yup." Fran looked at Dino's whip. "No need to be up in arms, you know. I'm here on a mission."

"A mission?" Kyouya raised his eyebrows. "And that would be?"

"Isn't it obvious?" Fran shrugged, hopping into the room. "Boss wants to know who's behind these attacks."

Dino smiled, although he still didn’t relax his stance. “I think I will hold onto my weapon. I won’t attack you, though, if you don’t do anything.” he said, eyeing the man closely.

“Xanxus ordered you to search for the culprit too?” So he really was serious.

"Yeah. The entire Varia's been alerted -- well, the few of us that are around here." Fran scratched the back of his neck. "Mammon-senpai and I already checked the site of the first attack... and happened to be the first ones to be there for the second, too. Well, assuming one doesn't count Genkishi of Millefiore as the second target. I quite prefer seeing him as a suspect, though."

"Suspect?" Kyouya raised his eyebrows. "How so?"

"He told me that he was attacked," Fran replied. His tone was still more bored than anything. "According to his story, he was at your training building, two days after you were attacked, on 'Millefiore business'." He paused. "He refused to give any details."

Dino leaned on the wall beside the window as he listened to Fran’s explanation. “That is suspicious indeed.” he frowned. “Why don’t I hear any news about Genkishi being attacked, though?”

"You think anyone pays attention to what happens to that creep?" Fran rolled his eyes. "Even I only know because it turns out he's my roommate, and he heard me talking to Diego Alessandro about the case."

"Diego Alessandro?" Kyouya raised his eyebrows even as he continued destroying the poor, defenseless hamburger.

"That'd be me." A small, black frog hopped into sight from somewhere, then up to Fran's palm.

"Technically, I know what he sees and hears, but talking with him helps me clear my thoughts." Fran shrugged. "Anyway, Genkishi then spoke up and told me he'd been attacked."

"He," Kyouya said quite calmly, licking away the last bits of mayo and mustard from his fingers before digging out the second burger, "is a liar."

Dino smirked, a little bit coldly. “Not so surprising from Mist Users. No offense meant, Fran.”

"It's a common attitude." Fran shrugged. "Why would you say that in this situation, though?"

"Simple enough." Kyouya shrugged. "I do not know whether he was attacked or not, but either way, I do know it is not related to the attacks against myself and Suzuki Adelheid."

Dino kept his silence and just raised his eyebrow, quite interested in seeing what Kyouya would say to Fran about the matter.

"Oh?" Fran looked at Kyouya. "And how can you be so sure?"

Kyouya looked Fran in the eye, now, the epitome of calmness. "You can let Xanxus know that I am fully aware of who was responsible for the attacks." He paused. "As well as who actually held the blade."

"That's not going to satisfy Boss, you know." Fran shook his head. "He's going to want names."

“Wakahisa.” This time, it was Dino who answered Fran’s question. Dino’s voice was so cold it almost like a stranger’s even to his own ears. His grip on his whip tightened almost as if he really wanted to use that weapon to kill someone right now.

Lifting his head, Dino gazed directly to Fran’s eyes. “He is my prey. Tell Xanxus to stay away from him. This is Cavallone’s problem.”

"Haaa... except one of those attacked was Vongola." Fran tilted his head to the side.

"No, I am not." Kyouya looked at Fran, his eyes cold. "I have never accepted that claim, and I do not do so this time, either." He paused. What he was about to say was not a trivial matter. "I am not able to fight for myself at present... but until such time that I have recovered, the family defending me shall be Cavallone, not Vongola."

Dino couldn’t say he wasn’t surprised hearing those words from Kyouya, because he was. He turned his hazel eyes away from Fran, gazing at Kyouya with a somewhat disbelieve look before, slowly, a fond smile appeared on his face.

“So you heard him.” He said lightly. “Besides, I think I have the right for defending my fiancé.”

"Maa... guess it's not my place to argue with that. I'll tell the Boss." Fran paused. "So is this Wakahisa the one responsible, or the one who actually hurt you?"

"The one responsible." Kyouya closed his eyes for a moment before opening them again, his expression grave. "I am also aware of who caused the actual injuries... but as long as Cavallone stay their hand even as the fiancé of their beloved don was attacked, I can only hope Vongola won't take to action for the sake of one who denies any connection to them."

“Yes. They are only being used, after all.” Dino closed his eyes briefly, remembering the conversation he and Kyouya had had with Julie and Adel.

"Maaa~ I'll try and tell the Boss that, but I can't guarantee he'll accept it." Fran shrugged. "You'll probably have to deal with him yourself, still." He paused. "So who is this Wakahisa, anyway?"

Kyouya bit into his current burger, chewing and swallowing before saying, "A yakuza boss I have some differences of opinion with. Also, a complete bastard even by my standards." He paused, then added, "And, incidentally, my father."

“If he could be called a father.” Dino murmured under his breath.

"He donated the material for half of my genetic makeup." Kyouya shrugged. "Together with being married to my mother, that is enough for him to meet the legal requirements for the title."

"Fair enough." Wouldn't that be fun to report. "Oh, by the way, you could brush up your security a bit. Anyone who can turn invisible, conceal their presence, and climb up four stories of a stone wall could sneak in."

"One would hope the list of such individuals is quite short." And any of those would tip off his radar for Mist users.

"So is the list of people one would expect to stab you from behind." And, with that, Fran turned back to the window.

Dino didn’t move from his place, simply watching Fran from the corner of his eyes as the man walked back to the window. “There’s a door that you can use, you know?” He said in amusement. “Please tell Xanxus thank you for me.”

"I know. I told Genkishi that," Fran replied. "However, not being difficult would ruin my reputation." He then nodded. "I will... don't expect him to note it, though." And, with that, he was out.

Kyouya glanced at Dino. "And you think I am difficult."

Dino watched until he was sure Fran was out before relaxing his stance. He chuckled as he heard Kyouya’s statement. “Well, looks like there are still some people who are more-- unique than you are.”

"You mean difficult." Kyouya rolled his eyes, returning to his burger. "...One hopes Xanxus won't push any further."

Taking his seat back, Dino shrugged. “We can hope, but I won’t know for sure how Xanxus will react to this news.” he put his whip on the bed side table. It was unneeded for now.

"Mmm." Kyouya waited until he was done with the second burger before speaking up again. "You seemed surprised when I refused Vongola's help."

“Yes, well, I didn’t expect you to do that.” Dino answered honestly. “I know you don’t like being related with the Vongola, but you’re still their Guardian. I just thought you wouldn’t care whether they help or not.”

"The less people are involved in this accursed mess with my father, the better." Kyouya dug out his last burger. It was lukewarm at best. Still better than hospital food. "I'm not about to let him ruin any more lives... and you do have more of a claim on him than Vongola does." He paused. "It's bad enough I have to allow you to fight my battles for me. I'm not about to let some Vongola weaklings do that as well." Even though Varia could hardly be called weak.

“Xanxus and the others will be very angry if they heard you saying that.” Dino shook his head in exasperation. “You really don’t feel attached to Vongola at all, do you? Eventhough you’re bearing their ring.” It was not a news for Dino, but he’d thought that Kyouya at least felt something about the family.

"Funny thing about that, Cavallone." Kyouya glanced at him. "The Vongola ring... I got it from you."

No, he did not have any feelings of loyalty to Vongola. To some core members of it, yes, because they were from Namimori and thus his to protect, but aside from that, they held little interest to him.

“It’s still Vongola’s, though, no matter who gave it to you.” Dino shrugged. “Reborn chose you to be Vongola’s Guardian. I was just a messenger who was ordered to make you accept the ring, no matter how.”

"And you think anyone else could have?" Kyouya shook his head. "I accepted it back then for the same reason I still bear it now... because it is a powerful weapon. And because Sawada Tsunayoshi will not take it back."

“Hmm,” Dino leaned back on his chair, a thoughtful expression on his face. “Say if, one day, when Tsuna has become the Don, a family attacks Vongola. Not in Namimori. Will you still help them fighting their enemies?” he asked lightly.

"That would depend." Kyouya shrugged. "You know I never turn down the chance at an interesting fight, if I have nothing more important to do at the moment."

Dino chuckled. “So cold, Kyouya. Don’t you think of Tsuna and the others as your friends?”

"They are Namimori residents. As such, it is my duty to protect them." A cool gaze. "It is not my duty to fight their battles for them when they are perfectly capable of doing so themselves."

“So you’re trusting them to take care of yourself? I never know you acknowledge their strength that much.” Dino said, half teasing with a grin.

Kyouya scowled. "Even an idiotic herbivore can win against an even weaker little idiot."

The statement made Dino laughed again. “That’s true. Although, with humans, not everything goes according to the natural law.”

"Mm. Sometimes, they surprise me." And sometimes, innocent hamburgers had to be devastated.

On the bright side, Kyouya had pretty much forgotten about his earlier spat with Dino.

“You’re saying it almost as if you’re not human yourself.” Dino was amused by Kyouya’s logic.

"It has been pointed out to me more than once that I do not always react to things in ways that most people see as 'normal' for human beings. It only makes sense I would adjust."

“You’re still a human, though, Dearest, and I’m really glad for that one little fact.” The blond man said sincerely.

"Oh?" Kyouya raised his eyebrows. "What would be the alternatives, then?"

“Well, I often think you’re actually an incubus sent to this world only to seduce me.”

"Considering you are the one who initiated the sexual part of our relationship, I'm going to have to call that theory somewhat busted."

Dino pouted. “You said that as if it was a bad thing.”

"Not a bad thing, no. However, that means I'm not the one doing the seducing, am I?"

“I don’t know. You can be seductive sometimes without even you knowing it.”

"Still. I'd be a rather bad incubus if I relied on passive attraction alone."

“Perhaps,” Dino chuckled. “I’m sure some people already referred you as an evil, though.” he said jokingly.

"Didn't you hear? I'm a monster. Or possibly a protective god of Namimori. Or both. Demons can be territorial, too." Oh, yes, he had heard the rumours, both those that were serious and those that weren't.

“Hm. I must be a really brave person who dared to get close to said God, then.” Dino grinned.

"Even braver to hope to take me away from my rightful territory." Not that he imagined he could remain in Namimori for all his life, even if his presence at the university was only temporary.

“Take you away... I will never do that. I’ll only take you to some trips for a moment. You can always return to your ‘rightful territory’ again whenever you wish, Kyouya.” He knew how important Namimori was -- is -- to the dark haired man, after all.

"That is still more than most people would dare to dream of."

“That’s because not all people can see how beautiful you are. ...Or maybe because most people are not as insane as I am.”

"Possibly." Kyouya finished his last burger. "...You think Xanxus will give us a lot of trouble?"

Dino was silent for a moment before he shrugged. “I hope not. After all, I do have the right to take over this case and it’s now Cavallone’s problem. Usually, other families will not interfere once a Don had declared a war to another family, except if the Don asked for it.” He paused.

“I can’t say for sure Xanxus will follow that rule, though.” Dino finished with a sigh.

"And it's quite hopeless to expect Sawada Tsunayoshi to grow enough of a spine to interfere if he does decide to overstep his bounds."

“Hey, Tsuna is not that timid!” Dino felt like he really should defend his little brother. “I think Xanxus will only listen Vongola Nonno, though.”

"He's close enough," Kyouya pointed out. "And of course Xanxus won't listen to Sawada. However, at this point people would rather expect Sawada to step up than for Don Timoteo to do so."

“...Tsuna still has few years again before he will really be a Don.” Dino said in soft tone.

"I know. And yet, people are already expecting him to do the job of one."

Dino shrugged, a sad smile on his face. “You know how people are. Many of them are expecting things without realizing what kind of pressure they give to other people.” he was not only talking about Tsuna right now.

"While others are perfectly aware of the pressure, and work to put on more of it."

Dino smiled. “Have you ever expecting something from other people, Kyouya?”

"Of course. And they never fail to disappoint me."

“Maybe your expectations are too high?” Dino chuckled. “...I’m sorry if I have disappoint you too.”

"Hn." Kyouya made no comment.

The blond man smiled before he moved out from his chair and sat on Kyouya’s bed. “At least I didn’t disappoint you with the hamburgers, right?” he grinned.

"No. Though the last one was cold." Of course, that was mainly due to Fran's surprise visit.

“That’s not my fault.” Dino refused to be blamed for that.

"I know. But I'm still disappointed." Why, yes, he was going to be childish.

Dino sighed. “I will make it up to you. What do you want?”

"A kiss, ice cream, and a kitten." Except kittens weren't allowed in the hospital, just like dogs weren't.

“The two first items are easy enough. The kitten should wait a little longer, though, and are you sure about that? I don’t think that’s a good idea.” Especially with Nuvola back in their room.

"And why not?"

“Cats and dogs. Aren’t they natural enemies?”

"Obviously you have never seen those cute pictures of cats and dogs cuddling." A pause. "That is, despite the stereotype, cats and dogs can well learn to live in the same household if they're allowed to get to know each other, especially if one or both of them are young when they first meet."

“...How do you think Nuvola will react to a kitten?”

"Not like I'll ever find out." Kyouya shrugged. "However much I might want one, and despite the fact that dogs and cats can get along, I'm fairly sure cats and birds are much more difficult to fit together."

“I will change the kitten with a horse if you want.” Dino chuckled.

"A pretty horse?"

“A beautiful and fast horse. I think I have one just right for you.” he hummed thoughtfully.

"What colour?" Of course it was important.

“Pure white. Its eyes color is ocean’s green. He’s a rather... feisty horse, though.” Dino chuckled.

"Like you?" Kyouya raised his eyebrows.

“Aww, Kyouya, so you consider me beautiful? Thank you~”

"I was referring more to the feisty part." A pause. "Not that you are entirely unattractive."

Dino grinned. “My, a compliment for you. Today must be my lucky today.” he said before leaning closer to kiss Kyouya softly. “Grazie.”

Kyouya gave him a smirk. "Now I'm just lacking ice cream."

“I will ask Romario to bring one.” Dino commented with a soft smile. “What flavor do you want?”

"Green apple."

“Alright, I’ll tell him. Wait for a moment.” and just because he could, Dino kissed Kyouya once again before moving away from the bed and out of the room to order Romario to buy the ice cream.

"As though there's much else that I can do." Getting up from bed still hurt too much.

It just took Dino few minutes and he walked back into the room once again. “Romario said he will be back soon.”

"Good." Kyouya sank back into his bed. "...I'm bored."

“...I know.” Of course Dino knew. He sighed. “I can bring you more books to read, but I doubt it will make you feel any better.”

"Probably not, no." He closed his eyes for a moment. "Amuse me."

“How? Telling you fairy tales?”

"I don't know. Are they amusing fairy tales?"

Dino chuckled. “I don’t know how amusing a fairy tale can be.”

"Does it have a lot of corpses? And idiotic people dying for their stupidity?" What? He hadn't gotten a proper fight in weeks.

“...I’m afraid my Madre would never tell me any fairy tale like that, darling.” Dino said after a moment of shocked pause. “Maybe I should buy you some gore DVDs.”

"You obviously heard the wrong stories." Japanese folklore at least had a lot of ghosts and avenging spirits. And he knew for a fact early European fairy tales hadn't been any better. "Movies tend to get things wrong. The only thing worse than not being able to fight is watching others do it poorly."

“My Madre only loved me too much. She didn’t want me to hear anything scary.” Dino retorted with a smile before he sighed softly. “How about video games?”

"So my mother didn't love me. Understood."

Kyouya’s words effectively silenced Dino. The blond man cursed his stupidity inwardly. “I’m sorry.” Eventhough he wasn’t saying that, actually.

"No, you're not." It was close enough. Obviously his mother had been cruel and irresponsible in telling him such stories in his early years, a sure sign she hadn't loved him. Wasn't that what Dino had just said?

“I really am sorry, Kyouya.” Dino sighed. “I didn’t think. I know your mother loved you so much.”

"How could you know, though?" Kyouya asked, his tone quiet. "You never met her." He gave him a crooked smile. "I don't even know it, do I? Children are easily misled in such things. I might have well imagined it."

Dino shook his head. “I know. Some mother could hate their children, true, but I’m sure your mother loved you very much.” he gave Kyouya a small smile. “I also know that you know it too. You have memories about her, right? You treasured it. They must be very important to you and I think it’s because she loved you very much.”

"Mmm." Kyouya closed his eyes briefly. "Sometimes I wonder how different my life would have been if it had been my father who died and not her."

“That... might not be good too, actually.” Dino murmured. “Not that I’m not wishing your father to die in stead of your mother, but if that happened, then you’d be pressured to lead the family from such a young age and your mother might be... disrespected.”

"Disrespected?" Kyouya raised his eyebrows.

“Yes, because she’s a woman but not the leader they had chosen to follow. Whatever respect the family had for her might be gone once your father was dead.”

"At least if I had been the leader, even if only in name, I could have made sure she got the help she needed."

“That is true.” Dino agreed. “The world would be a better place too without your father around.”

"A much, much better place." Kyouya's gaze shifted to the window that Fran had long since vacated. "Perhaps one day, I'll even see that world."

“You will, Kyouya. I promise.” Soon, too, if Dino could get his way.

"I can only pray I live long enough to see it."

“Like hell I will let you die before me.” Dino frowned. He cupped Kyouya’s face gently. “Don’t say things like that easily. Please.”

"I am half dead as it is, Cavallone," Kyouya murmured. "I do not plan to die any time soon, but even you have to admit we lead dangerous lives."

“I know. That’s why I will try my best to protect you even though I know you don’t really need it.” Dino smiled, kissing Kyouya’s forehead. “You won’t die before me, Kyouya. You won’t.”

"If you're dead before me, though, there'll be nobody left behind who cares enough to give me a proper funeral." It was half a joke.

It was not a really good joke, but Dino chuckled nonetheless. “I’m sure many people will mourn for you. Vongola will give you the proper funeral... which won’t happen for a very long time.” he finished with conviction.

"What, and not Cavallone? So much for claiming me as your own." By now, he was mostly teasing.

“The Cavallone will give you a private funeral before that so when the Vongola gave you a ‘proper’ funeral, you won’t even have to face the crowd.” Dino said, deciding to play along for now, even though his smile was slightly forced.

"How very thoughtful of your famiglia." Kyouya's lips twitched. "Now, if only one could convince such good, honest Italian folks that a Christian funeral will be wasted on me."

Dino raised his eyebrow. “You want to be cremated?”

"I am Japanese, still. I would much prefer a traditional Buddhist funeral, which, yes, involves cremation."

“...It can be arranged.” Dino said with a thin smile.

Their gloomy conversation was, fortunately for Dino, cut off by a knock at the door, though. “Ah, that must be Romario!” the blond man said cheerfully, his usual bright smile back on his face, before walking towards the door.

"Good," Kyouya said. "Talking about death makes me hungry for sweets."

Dino didn’t hear Kyouya’s comment. He returned few moments later after thanking Romario. “Romario brought one for me too!” he announced cheerfully. “Here’s yours, Kyouya.” He took out the green apple one and gave it to Kyouya along with a small spoon before taking his own, a vanilla ice cream.

Kyouya took his ice cream, immediately tasting a bit. "Just so you know," he said after a spoonful or two, "I'm not planning to die any time soon." He felt it might be important to mention that. "...Even if right now, I have to trust my safety to other people and Roll."

Dino paused his movement to give Kyouya a soft smile. “I know, Kyouya. That’s enough for me.” Because not even him was naive enough to think anyone of them would be able to avoid Death for long time in their world. “Now stop talking and let’s just enjoy our ice creams!” he added with a grin.

"Herbivore." Not that he wasn't all too happy to dig into his ice cream.

"You know, video games might not be an entirely terrible idea."

“Mm. The portable one like PSP?”

"Or DS, yes. It would seem more manageable than a bigger system." Especially in a hospital.

“Oh, I heard a new type of DS had just been released to the market. Maybe I’ll buy that one.” Of course, he would also buy a fighting game just so Kyouya would be able to beat someone to bloody pulp. Even if they weren’t real.

"I want the blue one." Of course he was demanding. When had he ever been anything else?

“Sure. Anything else specific?” Dino was used with it by now, he was no longer fazed.

"I want those lawyer games." He dug into his ice cream with ferocity. "Forcing criminals to bear the consequences of their actions sounds fun."

“...That kind of remind me of Alaudi-san.” Dino chuckled. “Okay. I will ask my men to buy it for you tomorrow.”

Kyouya gave him a mild glare. "I was the head of disciplinary committee long before I even heard of Vongola."

“I know, but you don’t bring them to the court, right? It’s the lawyer part that reminds me of Alaudi-san.” Dino explained with a smile.

"I am the law in Namimori," Kyouya pointed out. "And Alaudi is with the police."

“Was.” Dino wasn’t sure Alaudi was still with the police. “I will bring them tomorrow.”

"Was, whatever." As though anything else made sense in this place. "Good. Means I might be a little bit less bored." He doubted it, though.

“I sure hope the game will entertain you if for a little.” Dino said with a smile. “For now, though, I guess you’d have to be patient for a little longer.”

"I'm not good at being patient." As though that was news. "...Once I'm done with this ice cream, I'll take a nap." Well, Dino was always saying he needed more rest, right?

“That’s a good enough plan for me.” While Kyouya was sleeping, Dino would watch over him. Like always.

"Of course." Kyouya rolled his eyes even as he licked his spoon. "That means I will not bother you for a while."

Dino huffed. “That means, your body will get enough rest it needed.” he corrected.

"You don't see me hopping out of the bed anyway, do you?" Not that he wasn't tempted, but at least growing up had given him some common sense to combat his own pride with.

“If you get enough rest, then you’d be able to ‘hop out of the bed’ sooner, though.” Dino argued.

"Oh, whatever." Kyouya set aside his bowl and spoon, now devoid of any ice cream. He crawled further under the covers, trying to hide a grimace as doing so proved to be quite painful. "Try not to wake me up."

“I will try my best.” Dino grinned.

Kyouya didn't bother to answer, closing his eyes. There was some tension in his brow, still, but it soon relaxed as he fell asleep.