DISCLAIMER: I DO NOT OWN INCEPTION.

I love this chapter. Especially the ending. Almost made me cry while writing it.

"Fuck. Arthur, are you alright?"

I looked at Ariadne, angry. "Yes. I'm fine."

"You just look really tire-"

"I said I'm fine," I snapped. She turned back in her seat, looking hurt.

No I was not fine. I could barely remember last night. It all seemed like a colourful blur. All I remember was waking up that morning with a sore nose and a empty packet of Cocaine.

I slouched down in my seat, hoping Eames or Cobb wouldn't see me like this. My eyes sung and I had a headache like a giant fucking hangover.

The worst part was that I actually enjoyed it.

"So anyway, I was thinking…" I heard Cobb's voice from the doorway. I turned around in my seat and leaned my head on my hand, pretending to work. It was a rush, keeping this secret.

Cobb started talking to Ariadne and I could see Eames eyeing me in the corner. I silently begged for him not to come over. Soon, I heard footsteps and I could see a shadow cast over me.

"Arthur. Look mate, sorry about yesterday."

I nodded, still looking at the desk. "It's fine Eames."

"I mean, I guess everyone's just as frustrated as each other."

"Yeah."

There was a moment of silence. "Why are you staring at your desk?"

I sighed. "No particular reason."

I felt a hand on my shoulder, pulling me back. Eames stared at me for a moment.

"Wha-" he froze. His eyes widened, then narrowed into a dangerous expression. "You haven't."

I remained still. "I'm afraid I don't know what you're talking about."

He glared at me. "Don't play games with me, Arthur. You've…done something you shouldn't have."

"I haven't done anything."

"You took drugs. Let me guess. Coke?" he spat.

I looked at him for a while. "Eames. Please don't tell." I could hear a slight break in my voice.

"Then stop it," he snapped. "Stop all this stupid shit. The drinking, the smoking and now the drugs? You've practically lost your friendship with Cobb and Ariadne. Don't lose yourself as well."

"I don't know what's happening to me."

He straightened his back. "Then find out. Take a week off. Do whatever, I don't care. When you come back, you'd better have sorted all this out."

The rest of the day was pretty much spent in silence. Eames avoided me at all costs.

Take a week off. I suppose that would work. I was beginning to scare myself. After work, I explained to Cobb that I needed to go home for some family business. I'm sure he didn't believe me, but he bid me goodbye and told me that they could handle the job without me for a week. I said goodbye to Ariadne, but it was awkward to say the least. I decided not to speak to Eames. He knew where I was going anyway.

As soon as I got back to my apartment, I started packing my bags. I had a quick shower to relieve my sore muscles and changed into some clean clothes. I had decided that the place I was going would be good for me. I drove to the airport, feeling the angst and pressure build up in me.

I knew the airport at the back of my hand. I had flown to pretty much everywhere there is to go. One positive effect of the job is that I get to travel anywhere I want. Another negative is that I never actually get to see the sights.

"Hello Sir, how can I help you?" The lady at the check in asked me, overly preppy. I plastered a fake smile on my face.

"Can I have a ticket on your next flight to Chicago please?"

"Return or one way?"

"Return." For now, I thought. Before I knew it, I was boarding the plane, feeling sick to my stomach. I decided if I was going to make it through this flight, sleep was my only option.

I could have really gone for a drink. It almost killed me when the flight attendant came around asking if anyone wanted any drinks. I just pretended I was asleep.

When the flight landed, I rented a car and started driving out. It was a long drive. Longer than I cared for. I felt stinging at the back of my eyes while I was driving down the familiar road. Tears trying to force their way out, but I held them back.

When I had reached the suburbs, I felt a little better. There was a lot of green. It was calming.

I drove down the road and pulled to a gentle stop outside a familiar house. I sat in the car for at least 10 minutes, breathing and trying to calm myself. I straightened my tie and got out of the car. I was so close to bailing when I reached the front door, but my body had other ideas. I knocked on the door and waited for the response.

When the door opened, I felt my heart freeze. A woman in her 50's answered, wearing an apron, her hair pulled back into a ponytail. She was elegant, and her eyes were kind and loving. Just as they always had been.

She looked at me for a second, before allowing her eyes to widen slightly.

"…Arthur?" she asked, reaching her hand over her mouth.

"Mom."

I felt her small frame wrap her arms around me. I was still for a second before returning the hug, burying my face into her shoulder as I had done during my childhood.

I don't know what it was. I just let those tears start falling. I started to cry on my mother's shoulder. She didn't protest or ask me what was wrong, she just stayed still, letting me hug her and letting me cry like a kid.