DISCLAIMER: I do not own Inception.

I watched as he sipped his drink and sighed. Something told me that this guy didn't get out much.

"So…feeling better?"

I nodded and felt the warmth from the cup radiate onto my hands. "Much, thank you."

He smiled,, a small hidden smile. "So what else shall we do today?"

I shrugged. "I don't care. I'm just happy to be out."

"Your dad doesn't let you out much, does he?"

I shook my head. "Not really."

He nodded. "That's understandable. This is a very…difficult business, Phillipa. It's hard to keep the people you love safe."

I let my eyes fall to the floor, staring at the paved ground. "I know."

"Sorry, this is your day. Let's think of something good to do."

"Well, this is LA, and you probably know the streets better than anyone," I pointed out.

He smirked.. "Probably. Let's start with a walk."

He gestured for me to walked first, ever the gentleman, and followed me as I aimlessly made my way across the street.

"So, tell me more about being a Point Man," I said, trying to make a conversation we'd both be interested in. "Are the suits mandatory, or is that your own personal tastes?"

He chuckled to himself. "As a Point Man, I'm a representative of the team. I like to take that seriously. Something your mother taught me."

"You knew her?"

He paused, then gave a quick nod. "She was lovely." He sighed to himself. "It was such a shame when…I'm sorry."

"It's alright," I whispered. "Can you….can you tell me about her?"

He smiled to himself. "She was a dreamer if I ever saw one. We met just after I started working for Cobb. She was so…stubborn. But she was beautiful and good-hearted." He paused. "Just like you."

I raised my eyebrow. "Thanks?"

"Sorry."

"It's fine." I took another sip of coffee then returned to the subject. "It must have been…hard when she died."

He nodded. "You were probably too young to remember, but everyone became a nervous wreck."

"Geez," I sighed. I had a feeling that this was about as far as this talk was going to go.

"I have an idea," he suggested. "But it's probably only interesting if you're into that sort of thing."

"Oh yeah?"

He turned to me. "The public library."

"Isn't it closed today?"

He nodded. "Yeah…"

I stared for minute, silently asking for more elaboration. He looked back at me with a certain expression I couldn't quite pin. Like I was missing something statingly obvious. Then it clicked.

I felt my eyes widen. "Holy shit, you actually want to break in?"

He chuckled in amusement. "I'm sorry, are you morally against it?"

"No! I mean, yes! I mean…." I sighed. "Screw it."

"Let's go," he said, which some sense of sweet satisfaction.


"I take it you've had experience with this type of thing before," I said, watching Arthur fiddle with the back entrance lock.

He frowned into the keyhole. "Never a library. This lock is a son of a-"

The door clicked open and Arthur quickly straightened. "After you," he said, motioning to the door. I smiled and walked in, hearing the door shut behind us. It was pitch black.

"Ow," I muttered, stumbling into the wall.

"You alright?"

"Yeah, find a light."

There were a few silent seconds, which I can only guess was spend with Arthur searching for a light switch. Soon, there was a click, then I felt my eyes sting with light I blinked a few times then looked around.

Arthur prodded my arm and gestured towards the door. "Through here."

I followed him quietly and let him lead me into the front reception. It was strange, seeing everything all dark and lifeless. He kept walking then disappeared through another door. In fear of getting lost in the dark, I quickly followed after him. When I reached the next room, I stumbled slightly.

I could kind of see why Arthur chose this place. Sure, it was a library, as plain as any other, but in the dark, all quiet and lonely, it was strangely relaxing.

Arthur turned to me, looking satisfied with my reaction. "Not a bad idea, huh?"

"Not a bad idea at all."

He pulled out a chair. "Take a seat."

I complied and sat down in one of the chairs. He smiled and sat down in the chair opposite me.

"So, Phillipa, tell me. What is it you want to do in dream sharing?"

I shrugged. "I'm not sure. That's why I'm working with my dad."

"I take it you don't want to be a forger?"

"What makes you say that?"

He clasped his hands together. "Because you're not a liar."

I raised an eyebrow. "Ok…is that a good thing?"

"Sometimes. It's a good thing when you're a forger."

I nodded. "Can I ask you a question?"

"Shoot."

"How did you meet my dad?"

He upturned his lip slightly. "We met just after I finished High School. He was looking for a Point Man, and I was looking for a job. I knew your Grandfather mutually, and he recommended me for the job. You know, the day I was supposed to meet Cobb, I almost didn't go."

"Oh yeah? Why not?"

He smirked. "I was going to catch a train to New York and disappear. I wanted to travel. That day, I was going to go straight to the City, but I figured…hey, this guy is going to offer me a job. Might as well find out what it is."

There was a brief pause before I spoke again. "…Do you ever wish you had?"

He stared at the floor. "Very rarely. Often when I'm running from a job gone wrong, or someone that wasn't fully satisfied. But for the most part, it's so worth it. There's nothing quite like it."

"Can you take me under later?" I asked, trying to hide the desperation in my voice. "I think that Dad would trust you with me."

He smiled gently. "Sure."

"Promise?"

"I promise."