First off, I want to apologize for the very late update. College and life in general has kept me extremely busy, and while I'm not too happy with this chapter, I really just wanted to get it out the those still waiting on me. Thank you so much if you're reading this after so long! I apologize if it's not up to par. Please tell me what you think, reviews are very motivating for me, and when I don't get any feedback, I admit that I get discouraged. Simply put, if you do want me to work faster, all you have to do is review! I don't expect anything long; just a simple comment means a lot to me. Thanks again!
This is the last slow chapter, it'll start getting hectic from here!
*I changed chapter one to third person as well*
There are plenty of things that Sai hates in this world. He seems to be unable to restrain himself from calmly stating flaws he finds within others either. Difficult to impress and socially inept, Sai has hardly anyone he can consider his friends. This small list becomes far narrower when shaving off those who Sai doesn't actually like. While the artist has a large number of acquaintances he's indifferent about (though he'll quickly state each of their negative qualities upon further questioning), most use much more colorful language when describing him. One of the remarkably few souls that managed to become absolutely despised by Sai is Sasuke Uchiha. Now, with nearly two blessed years without the arrogant, selfish nuisance floating above the ground everyone else is bound to, the man decides to make his valiant return.
"Why... Why is he coming back to the humbleness of Konoha?" Sai's voice holds genuine curiosity, but is heavily laced with an underlying venom. "More importantly, why are you happy about this? If I recall correctly, he abandoned this town and you to model for some famous brand." Incapable of fighting off the anger bubbling inside, the artist crosses his arms and directs his gaze downwards. He hopes the heat behind his glare won't melt the tabletop. Regardless of its innocence in the matter, Sai refuses to set his vehement stare on Naruto. While the blonde is more involved in their situation than the table, he's just as innocent and undeserving of Sai's wrath.
"Hold your critic horses a second! That job was his dream. I understood and accepted his decision to pursue it." Naruto's words are betrayed by his gritted teeth and quaking fists. No matter the situation, the blonde is not the type to hide his true feelings and their extraordinary depth. He wears his heart on his sleeve, even if he doesn't intend to. Sai thinks it's a beautiful quality to have; it's certainly not one he possesses. Naruto is a passionate person, while Sai and Sasuke are accustomed to their cold, bitter state of being. It is a norm for them: emotions aren't easy to control and are best left subdued. Both brunettes have had extensive practice doing so, which is why Sai knows that, just as he was, Sasuke became enticed by Naruto's palpable, bright energy like a moth to a flame. Nearly everyone Naruto meets is spellbound from it, especially when combined with his famous smile. Naruto's purity is almost overwhelming as it throws people off, yet drives them closer to him. He could raise an army if he wanted to; many already follow him.
"Naruto, you were devastated. How many times did I have to stop you from making a fool of yourself?" When Sasuke had introduced the news to Naruto with his mind already made up, Sai had to verbally and physically restrain the blonde from throwing rocks into the raven's window, keying his car, and turning his front lawn into a bonfire. It's like high school all over again, even more so once Naruto begins to pout and redirects his gaze. He'll never admit it, but it's clear to Sai, an emotional flunkie, that Naruto knows his friend's memory of the time is far more accurate than his own. However, the blonde is a fighter, and being backed into figurative corners tends to fuel his never-ending compulsion to resist. Sai lifts his eyes and sits idly, ready for the expected rebuttal. He couldn't have prepared for what comes instead.
Something died in Naruto's eyes. For a brief moment, the continuous shine within them that Sai has latched onto throughout these years dims. It's only a second, but in that small fraction of time Naruto looks defeated. Such a word shouldn't be used to define the personified light. This leaves the observant artist utterly crushed, so much that the soft words leaving equally soft lips are almost unheard. "I know he loved me, but it hurts that I wasn't enough."
Painful numbness slithers to each of Sai's limbs like a gradual shock. Everything else around the pair diminishes: surrounding voices of fellow patrons evaporates, the breeze halts its dance, the sun ceases to shine and all colors turn into a uniform grey. With everything he has, Sai yearns to reach out, comfort his angel. But the artist freezes just like the endless pools of Naruto's unnaturally deep blues. He's not sure how to help. The brunette has never been faced with such an expression, and while he's had to soothe Naruto before, he doesn't know what to say to someone who appears empty.
This shouldn't be happening. Naruto's not meant to look so hollow.
Sai will do anything to keep those sunken eyes and heavy frown from ever staining his sunshine's face again.
'You are more than enough.'
He's too afraid to say it.
"So, when will duckbutt head be returning?" His lips twist around Naruto's acclaimed pet name and/or insult (it depended on how their relationship was at time of use) for Sasuke. The childish term doesn't sound right coming off his tongue, but Sai quickly deems it worth the effort as he watches stars begin to glow again in the blonde's eyes. Shaking his head, Naruto recenters himself while managing to smile, and emits a low chuckle. He releases a short breath before saying, "In less than a week. I never changed my phone number in hopes that he'd one day call, and now that he did, I'm not sure what I feel. Or what I should be feeling. At the least, I'm pretty sure I'm nauseous because the butterflies in my stomach died, or they're throwing up. It's hard to tell." Sai attempts to keep his features blank, but he struggles to hold in hiccups of laughter. When a few slip out, Naruto gives him a glare that only makes them thunder out instead. "Whatever. My point is that I'm nervous as hell."
At this point, Sai is ready to say what he's thinking. He's about to go on and express just how incredible Naruto is and how much the artist values him, and that Sasuke doesn't deserve him. Not once in their relationship has Sai truly poured his heart out about what he thinks of Naruto and how much he matters to him. Seeing the blonde struggling through such internal turmoil over someone who doesn't deserve a second thought awakens a million memories inside Sai's mind, priceless memories he's shared with Naruto throughout the years. As each one resurfaces, Sai truly acknowledges the fact that he'd be utterly lost without this burning, breathing star of a soul guiding him. He's finally ready to express his undying gratitude to Naruto, voice the debt that Sai can never repay. A silent breath sneaks out his lips, releasing bits fear and prepping for what he's about to do next. Sai's hand shoots from his lap to Naruto's cheek in an instant, drawing his friend's now wide eyes upward. Sai watches those bright blues still, focusing on him and only him. The confusion is so evident in Naruto's holding gaze that Sai nearly forgets what he just set himself up for.
"Naruto, there's something I have to tell you." They share several more seconds of eye contact. Naruto waits expectantly, wanting to give his friend time to verbalize his thoughts. Patience has never been his best trait though, especially when he's left in anticipation. He takes note of Sai's hand trembling against his face but goes no further than that. Eventually, the blonde can longer sit quietly, the tension too great. "Well, you did call me here to announce something. Whatever it is, you can tell me. It's only me here, no one else is watching."
At his words, Sai shakes his head. He drags his free hand across the table, frustration refueling his actions. "You don't understand, it's because it's you that I'm like this. I invited you out to announce one of my piece's acceptance at an upcoming art show, but that's not what I'mー" The confused expression melts off Naruto's face and instead swirls into an eager smile. Searching eyes are transparent, the immense joy in them overwhelming. The sight is like an arrow to Sai's chest, penetrating his very soul and slicing his vocal cords. Naruto's radiant grin is beautiful, glorious, and absolutely maddening.
"Sai, that's amazing! I said your work would get acknowledged soon enough, didn't I? I'll definitely be at the show, you can count on it." The artist can't ignore the heat staining his pale skin, his tingling cheeks an undeniable indicator. He drops his head to hide the evident blush, and forces a ridiculous smile from forming at Naruto's praise. As much as Sai desires it, he denies himself the pleasure of indulging in the blonde's stunning face any more than he already has. This was supposed to be when he told Naruto everything, mind it being a sudden decision but that's irrelevant, but there's no way he can pour out his heart now. Sai peeks up, sneaking another glance at that wondrous smile before letting out a sigh. The air of seriousness has been swept away in the wind, already a distant memory to Naruto. Sai couldn't bring himself to spoil the newly vibrant atmosphere.
Instead, the artist indulges in Naruto's glee, his excitement and happiness for him. Right now, that's enough. Sai's feelings can wait.
Now he just has to destroy the current roadblock in his path.
A tornado is approaching, it's top shaped like the back of a duck's ass. Experts have named it Sasuke Uchiha.