Get Lost by winterlive (PG)

[laceymcbain.livejournal.com]

Fandom: INCEPTION
Pairing: None - general
Length: ~13,800 words
Author on LJ: winterlive
Author Website: winterlive's stories on AO3
Why this must be read: This story is really all about Arthur after inception, and who he's become. He takes the time to travel around the States, visiting places that used to be home, and places where there are people he's known before. It's an exploration of perspective, and how a key event in life tends to make a person think about their experiences and achievements, and to consider what the future might hold.

Arthur does eventually end up on Eames' doorstep, but it's not about romance, it's about trust. Arthur has a question he needs answered, and there's only one person he thinks he can believe. It's an intricate and thoughtful look into Arthur's character.


The morning after inception, Arthur hurls his phone into the Mojave Desert. It's a gesture - all his data, programs and contacts are preserved on the laptop and the SIM card in his briefcase - but it sure fucking feels good. The black shape turns into a dot in the blinding blue sky; Arthur squints to watch it arc until he's sure it's had time to hit ground.

It's dry and still, about noon. Arthur breathes deep and feels dust scrape out the inside of his head.

His convertible is waiting. It's from a rental car place at LAX; he would have preferred a jeep, but there weren't any and this was the only thing that didn't have a roof. It's dulled with sand now, having carried Arthur this far, but under that is the slick cherry red that people write songs about, here in America.

It's been a long, long time since Arthur last came home. He pulls a blanket and the spare tire over his briefcase, slams the trunk and finally lets that deep breath out.

He's been holding it for years, feels like.

On AO3: Get Lost

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