DRABBLE: Journeyman (Twelvetide Drabble #10)

Fandom: Inception
Pairing: gen (Arthur-centric)
Word count: 100
Carol prompt: I Wondered as I Wandered
Summary: Arthur contemplates his future in the wake of the Fischer job.

Arthur sets out on the mountain trail at dawn.

 

It's overcast, damp, the ground slippery and shrouded by fog. He chooses his steps carefully while considering his options.

 

He could find another partner. But at thirty-two, the thought of working in someone else's shadow again is unappealing.

 

He could lead his own jobs. Maybe go legit. But taking point isn't the same as leading. He's never been the ideas man, only refined the ideas of others, and—

 

His foot slips on an outcrop, and Arthur staggers. Catches himself.

 

He takes a steadying breath, finds his footing again, and pushes on.