Disclaimer: Deidara, or any of the Akatsuki do not belong to me. Kaori's name and personality belong to me, but not his body.

Note: Kaori is the unnamed member, with the blue hair and the flower in his hair.

This isn't the best, but I sort-of like it.

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When he was first asked what made him go into the Akatsuki, Deidara said "Power, un." But when he was asked what made him stay, he didn't say anything, instead killing the annoying prisoner who was asking him questions.

The truth was, while it was power that got him to come, it was the people that made him stay.

It was the way they all wanted to take over the world with him. It was the way he could burst into evil laughter without getting strange looks, and say "I'm talking to my hormones, un," with only a passing glance. It was the way they all hated the moon, Konoha and their villages; and it was the way they were completely insane.

But mostly, it was the way they cared for him like no one else did. When Deidara was nearly killed after a battle, and in critical condition, Hidan prayed for just a bit longer than he used to. Kakuzu spared no expenses in medical care for him. Kaori tried to concentrate long enough to hold a conversation, and hummed Deidara's favorite song for him.

Sasori actually held a conversation with him, without insulting him (much). Tobi placed flowers and gushed over his wounds until Deidara's head hurt. Kisame would sneak him in junk food and video games (which he was strictly forbidden when hurt). Itachi let Deidara talk at him, and sort-of smiled at him.

Zetsu would tell him stories that made him laugh; Leader read a book to him to pass his days. And Orochimaru, before he left, used to make up a completely insane conspiracy theory that made them both laugh.

And so, while Deidara wouldn't die for them or anything, they were the closest thing to family he had.