Part one of a series of oneshots about the Akatsuki.

Deidara's last moments. It's a bit abstract, but I hope you enjoy it.

Naruto belongs to Masashi Kishimoto. That lucky bastard...

Reviews (and constructive criticism) would be lovely!

Those eyes.

Those goddamn eyes.

Even if he closes his own, he can still see them.

Goddamnit!

He can sense the smirk behind them.

THOSE GODDAMNED EYES!

"Heh..."

He can't help the laughter. The eyes are driving him mad.

"Ha ha..."

They mock him, disdain his art, refuse to acknowledge him as an artist.

Always overconfident. Always too damn cocky for their own good.

"That's what I hate about you and your brother!"

Not even one little shudder of fear! Nothing that appreciates him as a force to be reckoned with!

"I don't care. Just tell me where Itachi is."

Fine. If that's the way he's gonna be, then fuck it.

The fishnet shirt burns a welt into his neck as he rips it from his body with too much force.

This is it.

The teeth in his hand pick gently at the black thread sewn into his chest.

This is the finale.

The thread unwinds from his flesh. It hurts. He can taste something metallic.

Blood or vomit?

He can hear flesh rip as the monster awakens.

It's hungry.

It always is.

He feeds it with his art's essence, the wad of clay cold and unforgiving against his skin.

What's this? A reaction from those eyes?

"Behold, my masterpiece!"

God, let it be fear.

"Death will transform me into a work of art!"

Sasori always said he was one who'd die young. That he was promising, but too stubborn and stupid to go far.

Was he right?

…

Hell no!

"A creation worthy of praise unlike any other!"

This is how he wants it. To go out with a bang for the sake of his art.

If only to get those eyes to finally acknowledge him in their last moments.

"And you... will DIE!"

He can feel raw power flowing through his veins, burning and blackening them.

Sorry, Tobi.

Never out loud. His pride always got in the way.

He focuses on the struggling bastard before him.

That's it. Show your fear.

He wants to relish it. It is the last thing he will ever see. His vision is already going.

"Drown yourself in the awe and despair!"

Endless burning. No going back.

"Because my art..."

Black. Only power now.

...

"IS A BLAST!"