Sai doesn't believe in love at first sight. Such frivolous concepts never appealed to him, and though that might sound insensitive, it's simply a part of his nature. He's never believed in fairy tales or perfection, because he knows neither of them exists. Indulge in your immediate dislike of him if you wish. Many others have grown to despise Sai for his undeniable opinion, deeming the artist cruel and even merciless when enduring talk of childish fantasies. These are a few of the titles he's been given by people he claims lack a true connection with reality. Some are more vulgar than others: Sai's even been called a dream killer, but not once have any of those words maimed him or burned themselves onto his soul. He'll admit he does like to keep track of all of them, as they prove to be an endless source of entertainment at the speaker's expense, since their insults don't quite have the intended effect on him. That really must make him out to be a cruel man, but he'll assure you he's not. However, categorizing people is a matter of perspective, so maybe you do already think less of him. While Sai certainly doesn't mind, as you are free to think what you wish, he'd appreciate if you save your labeling for after he explains what he sees with these vindictive eyes of his. After all, the process of judgement is an art, so at least take the time to do so properly before branding him, won't you?
Just as Sai stated earlier, he is not a fanatic of make-believe. What his sight identifies as astounding comes from the real world, so the artist tends to become bothered with everyone's constant desire to escape it, or to enjoy a magnificence that cannot truly exist. Sai believes that humanity always seems to strive for an attractiveness that is beyond our reach while ignoring the wonders of the world we reside in: There's so much admirable beauty around us, but no one invests their time long enough in reality to witness it. Be that as it may, Sai does understand why such vivid fantasies exist. Though he doesn't agree with it, some souls are set on grasping enchanting nothingness, creating life with their minds and finding purpose deep inside that just cannot be established in certainty. Sai accepts other artists' choices regarding abstract style and different idealistic approaches while they acknowledge that he'd never paint anything that takes form only within one's imagination. It's a mutual respect for each other's work and abilities, but when faced with tangible foolishness outside of art, it's much more difficult to not speak his mind. For example, you know that the artist scoffs at the odd idea of two strangers finding love just by meeting each other's gaze in the distance. Sai has always found it ridiculous, but he's all the more certain that it's impossible because of whom his heart currently yearns for. At a subtle glance, you'd think they don't get along, or would never even have the opportunity or care to get to know one another. Though they don't appear to see eye-to-eye, their bond has become incredibly strong after all these years of companionship. Sai sometimes gawk at the past in fear of what would've happened if his younger self decided not to acknowledge the gleeful, arrogant child who grew to be such a light. He is a warm, kind hope that radiates ease over anyone in his proximity. They weren't friends at first for the same reason most are put off by him. Sai never would've thought that they'd overcome our distinct personalities, yet they now appreciate them in an almost intimate way.
Naruto seems to have a remarkable ability to adapt naturally when socializing, like he shares bits and pieces of everyone's eyes, all fused into the ultimate onlooker of empathy. You would think so, considering he makes friends with just about everyone he comes into contact with, but that's not necessarily the case. He is an opposite of Sai in this regard: he unintentionally scars those who he shares his tongue with, while Naruto has a way of speaking his mind and being true to his own beliefs while genuinely enjoying everyone else's point of view. This is one of the several differences between them. They weren't supposed to get along, but they do, which is why love at first sight will not ever be plausible in Sai's mind, and it only leaves him shaking his head in pity at the poor souls who rely on its obscure magic to find happiness. Sai has discovered what it means to be surrounded by minds that aren't alike and find comfort in the variations rather than spite. Naruto showed him how to do this, and it's among the vast amount of reasons why Sai is in love with him.
"Hey, you in there? I'd like to have you back from whatever you got sucked into." Sai lift my gaze from the table as Naruto's playful tone draws him back into the present, only to become lost once again. His face is inches away from Sai's, those brilliant blue eyes watching him with interest. The undoubtedly colorful sparks of Sai's expression go unchecked as he swim in his irises. Their shine entices him with the trust that lingers within each blue shade, and when caught in this hold Sai always have the desire to pour out his past, with all the wrongdoings and mistakes to his precious secrets. Naruto has this power over Sai and over many, though he's likely unaware of it. His vivid, kind eyes lead directly to his soul, windowing his compassion for all to see. They make Sai want to scramble to find anything he hasn't told Naruto about himself yet, because he knows he'll be taken care of and treasured and valued no matter what he says. Sai has never been very talkative, and he definitely prefers to keep his secrets out of sight, but with Naruto, Sai can't resist the need to explain absolutely everything he's ever done in his life, for he'll listen without judgment, and view Sai (and unfortunately others) as someone with merit. A lot of people have tried to make Sai question his morality, deeming him to be unnatural, and calling him a monster. No matter what they spit at Sai, the artist will never succumb to those accusations. He knows what he is, and when he's with Naruto, Sai recalls that he's human.
"C'mon, fall back to Earth already! You invited me out for something important, remember? I'm still waiting to hear what it is we're celebrating." For a moment his voice doesn't reach Sai. It's merely an echo of the tide splashing within those eyes' deep oceans, but once it crashes against the metaphorical shore and reaches his ears, Sai forces himself out of another dreamlike state. With a shake of his head he's returned to the present, leaning away from Naruto's questioning face as casually as possible. Sai's gaze focuses on the uncontrollable twitching of his fingers on the table as they fold over each other in a pathetic attempt at calmness, but the shameful prickling sensation from his cheeks leaves him internally distraught.
"I apologize for being out of sorts. I've had a lot on my mind recently, and I'm still processing it all. Forgive me if I startled you." The only person Sai genuinely cares about seeing him so disheveled causes his stomach to knot. Before the artist can even grit his teeth at the anxious frustration bottling up, gentle hands fall atop of his. Each particle of Sai's being ignites with a pleasant fire from the contact, and if just to confirm what he's experiencing is actually happening rather than his hopeless mind conjuring up fantasies that feel torturously real, he raise my eyes to Naruto's. The soft smile speaks its own language, reassuring Sai without words and setting off fireworks inside his chest. Everything Naruto does initiates an incomprehensible reaction that Sai can't mediate, and he have absolutely no problem with that. 'I really am hopeless, aren't I?'
"Sai, you need to stop being so hard on yourself. I understand, so don't worry," he gives a quick wink before removing his palms, while Sai tries to muffle a shaky breath, "Since you're insistent about keeping this announcement to yourself, I'll share some big news first." A flush of pink blossoms across his nose. Sai enjoys the bashful expression far too much before he remember the one person who could make Naruto look like that. A second gasp escapes the artist's lips as it all comes back, the mental empire recently rebuilt by Naruto's brief moment of kindness teetering dangerously. The hammering in the artist's rib cage threatens to deafen him, and he opens his mouth to speak only to choke on the air that slips inside.
"I couldn't believe it when I found out, but Sasuke's coming back to town."
And just like that, Sai's calmed kingdom falls apart.