Mikoto peered up at Orochimaru then offered him a lopsided smile. She claimed one of his hands and squeezed tightly. “I don’t think i tell you enough, Oro. You know you’re my best friend?” She reached up to poke his nose then signed “i love you”. “I mean that, you know. I care about you. A lot. And I don’t care about many people.”
He allowed himself to look at Mikoto - at the woman, at his companion.
His dear companion.
-You don't have to say it so often. I...
This time, he met her gaze with those golden eyes of his, focusing solely on hers.
-I know. I truly do. And I am... grateful. I feel the same way. You know something? To me, you're like the sister I never had. You're always there... no matter what happens, you...