The guards came in multiple times, Alfred had lost count. Each time they left him beaten and unable to move. His eyes fluttered open, vision blurry, but, he could make out the two purple eyes that never stopped their gaze. He shivered and leaned his head against the wall.
"They left food today, you should eat." Ivan said, a bowl of brown slop sat on his chest. He dipped his finger in and licked it off. It tasted of spoiled milk. Ivan pushed the other bowl towards the traumatized youth.
Taking caution, Alfred reached out and took the food, being sure to keep out of the Russian's range. He held the bowl to his mouth, gulping it down messily. Some escaped down his chin and slithered down his neck. Desperate for more, he licked the bowl clean.
"Still hungry?" Asked Ivan. He still had plenty left, eating it slowly. "I will share, if, I can touch you."
Alfred contemplated the risks,but, nodded in agreement. He slide his hand across the muddy floor, close enough for the man to reach. Ivan softly rested his cheek against Alfred's icy fingers. Although cold, it gave him some comfort in touching another living being.
"I-Ivan?"
The older man's eyes snapped up quickly. It had been quite some time since he had heard Alfred speak, other than cries of pain.
"Da?"
Alfred would not make contact with his eyes.
"When I first met you I told you my name, didn't I?" His voice was soft and raspy.
"Da, this is truth."
"Will you say it?"
A smirk passed Ivan's lips.
"This is an interesting request."
"Just do it." Said Alfred sternly. "Please, say my name."