Volgin opened his eyes again, and there was Alexei.

It was just like a dream, wishing for something and then having it appear right in front of him, as large as life.

Scarred lips pulled into a slow, pleased smile.

"Alyosha," he said, but his voice rasped dry, barely audible.

"Alyosha," he tried again.

Volgin felt tired, even moreso than when Ocelot had been here, however long ago that had been. Not long, he thought, because Ocelot called to have Alexei released. Just a few minutes, then.

He almost couldn't be bothered to worry about it. He found himself caught once more by Alexei's eyes, which were the beautiful blue he remembered, as clear and bright as a warm winter day.

"There you are," Volgin murmured. "And you were there when I needed you, weren't you?"