Last Tango, Then Onwards (James)

[Arsen Harrington]

Arsen had never been able to stand still and stay in one place for a long period of time. It wasn't in his nature to just allow the every day boredom of a routine take over his life. That was partly why he was so unreliable and never considered to be a responsible person. If he was truly honest with himself he couldn't blame his father for not wanting to groom him to take over the family business. His dad had seen who he was and realized before he did, Arsen was never going to be able to just sit down and do the job required.

It was just the way he was and Arsen had accepted it so he took on the job no one wanted and became more and more unreliable, doing what he wanted when he wanted. Now what he wanted to do was explore Spain. He and James had been talking about a trip to Europe and Arsen had arranged to have the tickets and the accommodations taken care of. He was at least good at making sure the financial burden was taken care of. 

Upon arrival at the hotel, Arsen had booked a suite with two bedrooms for the two boys and was now enjoying a glass of sparkling water, gazing out the window. "What do you want to do first? I mean, Barcelona has a great night life but we need something to do during the day."

[James Selway Rare Rare Rare]

This was the first time in a while James had gotten out of the country, let alone the camp he was always at the front desk at the big house. But he knew the others would watch the place while he was out so he could have a bit of fun. Arsen had been nice enough to get this whole trip in order for them which he was forever thankful for. He just wanted to spend time with his friend in a place where he could just have a bit of fun without having to take care of any younger campers. With the long day of travel behind them, they arrived to the hotel which was sort of the nicest place he had ever been.

Turning around in circles as he looked at the suite the two of them would be sharing while in this city. "WOAH" he said to himself as he saw Arsen looking out the window. Putting his things down he walked over to join him.  His friend asked him a question he began to think about "Well, I saw we should go out and enjoy the night as I want to see this city. Maybe we go find a good place to get drinks." He was looking at Arsen but then joined him at looking out at the city which seemed alive and ready for them explore. But what should they do during the day was a good question "Well there is a lot of sightseeing for ancient places and then there is the Palace of Catalan Music which I would love to see what is playing" he said excitedly. 

[Arsen Harrington]

Arsen was placing his American passport in the safe and kept his European one with him. He always found it very amusing that despite his mother being who she was, neither he nor his sister had Greek nationalities on that side, everything came from his fathers side. Then again, everything came from his dad side but that was a different conversation altogether. When he turned to look at James and his expression of complete excitement and perhaps even slight disbelief.  He couldn't help but smile at his reaction and as he walked over to him, he patted his shoulder and took a deep breath. "I think that is an excellent idea. We can go to the Barrio Gotico and see what we find." He said, looking out the window. "There is also a food market somewhere that I heard is good. Depends on whether or not you are hungry. I didn't love the plane food." Even if Arsen had made sure they were both flying first class, the food was not what he would have wanted for that sort of price ticket, but whatever. He had gotten a comfy seat and enough space to extend his legs when need be. He didn't need more. "Okay, we can go to the Palace first then go eat."

[James Selway Rare Rare Rare]

With losing his family so young, James never really had the typical experiences in life. He had grown up at camp from the age of ten where he was thrust into the wars happening. Learning to fight by the side of his friends, James had made some really good friends! But he never got to experience life like some of the others might have. As he looked over as Arsen, he was thankful for the friends he did have which he could call his family. He might have been alone in the world without the other Demi-gods but now he was traveling the world with one. 

Spain was beautiful and that was only the little he had gotten to see just now. He knew in the days to come there would be so much more that he would get to experience and do which would blow his mind. Feeling Arsen's hand pat his shoulder he turned to look at him. "I am definitely hungry for sure, I am not sure I ate too much on the plane. It didn't agree with my stomach." Wondering what type of food they would get to experience, it was as his mouth began to respond as he salviated a bit. Not enough to drool but to know he was very hungry!!!! "Sounds good to me" he said as he turned to go back to his things. He needed to find something a bit nicer to put on but what? "What are you going to wear? "

[Arsen Harrington]

Arsen had certainly never been the type of rich kid that felt the need to apologize for his privilege. His wealth and his family's status was just something that was a part of him and was as normal to him as other things were to other people. It just never occurred to him that he needed to apologize for it. But he had grown more and more aware of what it meant to be him and what meant for people around him. He was never going to be the type of guy that flaunted his money in an obvious sort of way. He simply liked to take care of himself and was very much generous with the people around him. He had invited James on this trip and there was nothing about it that Arsen hadn't taken care of beforehand. He just wanted them to focus on having a good time.

"Plane food isn't the best. Even if you are sitting in business or first class. I always just focus on having a good drink." Or more than a couple but that was besides the point. "Probably a pair of dark jeans and a leather jacket. Spanish girls always like that look. At least, I've never had an issue with it whenever I come here. Maybe they just like me wearing it." He chuckled, knowing he was making himself sound like such an ass but his tone made it charming as well. "What about you? I mean, none of the clubs I like to go are anything fancy. They are just pretty cool with a lot of people. I want something chill."

[James Selway Rare Rare Rare]

James knew a lot about creatures, lore and of the Gods, but he was still so new to exploring the world like Arsen had done! Which is one of the many reasons he was happy to have him by his side on this trip. The guy knew his way around almost anywhere they had been. Like traveling had been second nature to him. Listening to him talk about the plane food made him nod as if he understood the experience Arsen had had in his life. Which wasn't entirely true as he had only been out of the country a few times in his 22 years of existence. "Right then I will change into similar things" he said with a smirk. 

Disappearing he went to change into a pair of black jeans with a white shirt and a brown jacket. His hair had been tamed with some palmate and his beard trimmed to a stylish look. Feeling swave,  he walked out of his room to the main room to find Arsen. "Ready when you are" he said 

[Arsen Harrington]

Arsen had had many privileges in life so he often went about his knowing there were no true consequences to his actions. He had travelled, gotten into all sorts of trouble and had once had his sister come pick him up in Thailand, just to bring him back home on a 23 hour flight that he had no recollection of. He was half wanting to die same now and honestly, he couldn't imagine a better person to do it with than James. James was probably his closest friend and as Arsen waited for him to get ready, he glanced at his watch, wondering if perhaps it was the right time to go hit some of the bars by the market rather than going to the market itself. Not because it was too early to drink but he did care if it was too early and no one worth his time would be there. 

They were at that threshold where it could be one of the two and honestly, Arsen had no patience to wait around for more. When James appeared, Arsen took a quick glance at his outfit and nodded. He grabbed his own jacket and put it on, thinking of himself in one of those cologne commercials. "Perfect, let's go." He grabbed his wallet, his passport and the hotel room key and in a few minutes he was by the side of the pebbled roads waiting for James. "I know just the place. I hope you brought your appetite and I don't just mean for food." He said. "Did I ever tell you the story about my first time here?"

[James Selway Rare Rare Rare]

James was really feeling himself in this outfit as most the time he was just in a t-shirt and shorts. Nothing special but today he actually put in a lot of thought to how he looked as he came out to see Arsen ready for him. "Yesss lets do this" he said grabbing his things as well. Getting out to the street he looked around to make sure he knew his surroundings. That was one thing about being a demi-god, you were always able to get attacked anywhere! Monsters were always on the hunt for them. Smiling at Arsen he didn't think he had heard this story. "Oh do tell please" he said with a smirk. Who knows what the famous Arsen had gotten himself into the first time in spain....how old was he? James thought to himself as far as he knew. Arsen had always had money since he was born. 

[Arsen Harrington]

The first time Arsen had travelled on his own, he had been sixteen years old and a lot of things had been accessible to him. While drinking at home had never been an issue for him, there was something about doing it abroad where he couldn't see the consequences of his actions and his authorities figures were so far away that made it so much more alluring. He chuckled and shook his head, trying to remember some of the memories that were buried underneath cobwebs of blackouts and other substances. "I was sixteen and my friends and I had gotten ourselves fake IDs to really take on the experience. Our so called chaperone was one of my friend's older brother who just so happened to live here but it wasn't as if he was actually looking after us." He shrugged. "Anyway, we pregamed at the apartment and by the time we got here, I was trying so hard to keep myself steady and flirting with this girl I had no business flirting with." He pointed to the corner where a couple of high stools and a table were at. "I kept trying to grab her breasts and then her boyfriend showed up. In my defense, she did seem to like it." He shrugged. "What do you want to drink?"

[James Selway Rare Rare Rare]

James had been friends with Arsen for quite some time but still the man was a mystery to him at times. Not really knowing what his life was always like or even being apart of most of it. James listened as Arsen began to talk about the things had happened the last time he was in Spain. James began to wonder if all of Arsen's life was like this or was it just bits and pieces? "Umm whiskey on the rocks" he said quickly as he could just imagine the situation. "Well if I would have been there maybe you would have had luck on your side with the girl" he joked with his friend.  Most called him their lucky A in the bag when he was younger. Trying to take them on their wild adventures hoping that James would get them out of trouble and have fun. He didn't mind it of course as he love being included on fun adventures. 

[Arsen Harrington]

Arsen looked at James when he made his remark and chuckled to himself. The two of them had been friends for a while but Arsen had never been the type of person to want to mix his world. It offered him a self of escape whenever he travelled between the two most prominent parts of his life. It was like he could go between his mom's and his dad's world and choose how long he wanted to engage in either. "Whiskey sour," he ordered. "If I am being perfectly honest, I am not sure you would like me much if you knew that other part of my life." Arsen had a reputation back home. He always had been a wild kid that disregard the rules and knew how to have a good time. He never had any real regard for anything, as everything had been handed to him on a platter.

And while he had that reputation at home, he had always wanted to at least present a better part of himself at camp. "There is a lot about myself that not a lot of people know, and I guess camp was the perfect place to be whoever I wanted. Start fresh in a sort of way. I was never grounded when I went back to my other life."

[James Selway Rare Rare Rare]

James looked at Arsen thoughtfully, considering his words. He knew that everyone had different sides to them, and it didn't bother him that Arsen might have been different outside of camp. What mattered was the friendship they shared now, and the experiences they were creating together. "Well, we all have parts of ourselves that we don't necessarily show to others," James said, trying to reassure his friend. "What's important is that we're friends now, and I'm glad I get to see the side of you that you choose to show at camp."

As their drinks arrived, James took a sip of his whiskey, relishing the smooth burn as it went down his throat. "Besides," he continued, "I'm sure there are aspects of my life that you don't know about either. We all have our secrets and our pasts. What matters is how we grow and learn from them. With a slight smile, James raised his glass in a toast. "To friendship, growth, and discovering new sides of ourselves," he said, clinking his glass with Arsen's. They both took a drink, the warmth of the alcohol spreading through them as they settled into the evening, ready for whatever adventure lay ahead in the lively streets of Barcelona.

[Arsen Harrington]

Arsen had never liked the side of him that he showed his friends back in New York but it was a side of him that he had built out of necessity and his own desire to fit in. It had worked for him well and he had built a reputation that ensured him no one was going to bother him. Whether or not that was a good thing, was a different matter but he had learned to mold himself into that persona. For a while there, especially in his late teens, he had forgotten what it was to walk around without a mask and it had proven difficult to snap out of it. Now, having grown up, he had slowly let himself remember who he truly was, even if his past demons still caught up with him at times. "Have you ever been like that?" Arsen asked James. "Ever had to hide who you are to fit in?" 

"Growing up, my friends would call me Arsenic, because I could be toxic and I created chaos everywhere I went. Could be lethal so to speak. Could drag anyone into my madness." He chuckled, feeling himself grow nervous about admitting such things. "But I am glad you have never seen that. I don't think you would have liked me very much." He relaxed then and raised his glass to cheer. "Cheers! And thank you for coming with me."

[James Selway Rare Rare Rare]

James looked at Arsen, his eyes filled with a mix of contemplation and empathy. He understood the struggle of hiding parts of oneself to fit in, and he appreciated Arsen's honesty in sharing his own experiences. He knew this trip was going to be good for him but he could see that it was good for Arsen too. Taking a moment to gather his thoughts, James replied, "You know, Arsen, I can relate to what you're saying. Growing up, I often felt the need to put on a mask, to present myself in a certain way to be accepted by others." He took a thoughtful sip of his whiskey, letting the flavors dance on his palate before continuing. "There were times when I felt like I had to suppress certain aspects of who I truly was, just to be that good cabin leader they always expected of me to be....I was james the cool headed one...the one that people always went to but who did I go to when things go rough with Amber or when I wanted to bash Kyle head in?"

James paused, searching for the right words to convey his feelings. "I've realized there is a difference though, from being myself of who I am or the person running wild. because I am running from something that deep down is bothering me." He raised his glass, meeting Arsen's gaze with a sense of camaraderie. James looked at Arsen, his mind drifting to his own past struggles. Memories of his lowest points resurfaced, and he couldn't help but feel a pang of vulnerability. He took a deep breath, trying to steady himself, as he reflected on the painful chapters of his life. As Arsen continued to talk, James listened intently, but his thoughts raced back to the moments when he hit rock bottom. The pain of losing Amber and Rissa, the two great loves of his life, had sent him spiraling into a dark place. In his desperation, he turned to alcohol and gambling, seeking solace and escape from the unbearable weight of his emotions.

He remembered the nights spent drowning his sorrows in whiskey, the thrill of the casino as he chased the high of a winning hand, only to be left emptier than before. Those were the times when he felt like he was at the bottom of the barrel, lost and adrift in a sea of self-destruction. But as James glanced at Arsen, a glimmer of hope flickered within him. He realized that they both had experienced their own versions of darkness, yet here they were, sharing their stories and finding solace in each other's company. Maybe, just maybe, their friendship could be a source of strength and healing for both of them. With a renewed sense of determination, James raised his glass, his voice filled with a mix of gratitude and resolve. "So here's to being true to ourselves, to breaking free from the masks we wear, and to embracing the journey of self-discovery together. Thank you for sharing your story, Arsen, and for reminding me that we're all on this path of finding our true selves."

[Arsen Harrington]

Anyone that had met Arsen would have assumed that he was this confident bloke that hardly ever had any reason to think about the consequences of his actions or even about what he was going with his life. He had his future secured and there was nothing he had to really worry about, but such a life of leisure and endless opportunity had left him feeling empty inside. He hadn't really thought about that before. The emptiness had always been there, ever since he had remembered and he had only thought about it in relation to his mother's absence but maybe it was because of that absence and the fact that his father had opted to fill the void with things and opportunities that it had first sparked it.

So when he opened up to James and talked about his past, he realized there was very little differences between them. Sure the way the approached their problems was different but root of the problem was very much the same. Arsen had tried every substance known to man and he had engaged in more than his fair share of alcoholic binges. He had gotten himself in more trouble that he could remember and he had had to have his sister and their family lawyer bail him out from overseas in more than one occasion. His last trip to Spain was a perfect testament to that.

His nickname Arsenic had suck as a result of such and event thinking about it now made he realize he was truly a privilege prick. "I didn't really realize I was running until you just mentioned it now. I always assumed I was just doing being myself but truth be told, I have no idea who I am. I only know who I am supposed to be in relation to other people. I am the son of Hecate, goddess of magic and witchcraft. I am the son of Calvert Harrington, real estate mogul and financial tycoon of New York City. I am the twin brother of Asher Harrington, heiress and financial genius. I am a half blood and spend my time between New York City and Camp Half Blood. I have more time than I know what to do with and yet, who am I?" He shrugged, taking a sip of his drink. 

But as he thought about it, he smiled at James' words and cheered with him. He had no idea who he was but that was the best opportunity to find out he assumed. "Cheers to that," he said and took another sip. "Where do you think your path is going to take you?"

[James Selway Rare Rare Rare]

James pondered Arsen's question, the warm whiskey lingering on his tongue. He contemplated the future, uncertain yet hopeful. He had spent so much of his life living up to others' expectations, but now, with the newfound camaraderie between him and Arsen, he felt a glimmer of possibility. "You know, Arsen," James began, his voice tinged with determination, "I think the path ahead is about rediscovering ourselves. It's about embracing our passions, our desires, and not being afraid to take risks....I know I want to break free from the shackles of conformity and explore the depths of who I truly am. I've been so focused on being the dependable one, the problem-solver for others, that I've neglected my own dreams and aspirations." James paused, his eyes filled with a newfound sense of purpose. He wanted to take his music to a new level. He might not be an apollo camper but that didn't mean he didn't have a chance at making it in this world! 

"I want to travel the world, immerse myself in different cultures, and discover my own unique voice as a writer and musician. I want to create songs that will take this world by storm" James said, a hint of vulnerability in his voice. James felt a complex mix of emotions swirling within him. On one hand, he was excited about embarking on his personal journey of self-discovery and pursuing his own dreams. He craved the freedom to explore, to write, and to experience the world beyond the boundaries of his past responsibilities. But on the other hand, a deep sense of guilt gnawed at him. He couldn't help but think about the next generation of demigods, the ones who would continue to face the dangers and challenges that he had fought so hard to protect them from. The scars of two wars were still fresh in his mind, the sacrifices made by countless heroes to ensure the safety of demigods and the world they inhabited. James had played his part in those battles, and he couldn't shake the weight of responsibility that came with that knowledge.

He raised his glass once more, this time with a spark of excitement. "Cheers to embracing the unknown, to taking risks, and to finding our true paths. Here's to the journey, Arsen. Let's see where it takes us." As they clinked their glasses together, a sense of adventure and anticipation filled the air. James knew that the road ahead would be challenging, but he felt a newfound strength within himself, fueled by the connection he had formed with Arsen. They were both on a quest for self-discovery, ready to face the uncertainties of life together. With a smile on his face and a glint of determination in his eyes, James knew that this trip, this friendship, would forever change the course of their lives.

[Arsen Harrington]

On paper, James and Arsen seemed polar opposites. No one would ever describe Arsen as dependable or reliable. He was reckless and at times stupid but he had a way of charming his way out of any situation that always seemed to get him unscathed. He had never known what his path was supposed to be. He knew the path he could have taken, but being his father's heir had never been in the cards for him. Not to mention he would be terrible at it. He had spent a lot of time guessing and taking leap after leap, hoping he would land on his feet. 

But that was cute at seventeen. Now he was an adult and Arsen knew that he had to think about his future, about what he truly wanted and who he was to become. He wanted to make his mark but he wasn't sure how or he even could. Hell, he didn't even know what he was good at that didn't involve women, drugs or alcohol. "Thanks for listening mate, and in the spirit of taking chances, it is up to you to shape the next course of our adventure. What do you want to do?" 

[James Selway Rare Rare Rare]

James looked at Arsen, a mix of gratitude and determination in his eyes. He appreciated Arsen's trust in him to shape their next course of action. Taking a deep breath, James let his mind wander for a moment, considering the possibilities that lay before them. He had always been drawn to music, to the power of storytelling through melodies and lyrics. The idea had been brewing in his mind for some time now, and this conversation with Arsen solidified his decision.

"You know, Arsen," James began, his voice steady and resolute, "I think it's time for us to embark on a musical journey. I want to explore different place, immerse ourselves in diverse musical scenes, and connect with fellow artists who shares maybe my passion.." James paused, searching Arsen's eyes for a glimmer of understanding. James may not be a child of apollo but his love for music was evident through it all. He only wished he was as good as much as them.  "What do you say, Arsen? Are you ready to join me on this wild ride to a new musical place?"

[Arsen Harrington]

Arsen had never been much of a virtuoso and when he embarked on cultural expeditions its was rarely about the culture itself. But James knew what he wanted to see and Arsen was willing to let go of the usual booze and women to actually enjoy the city he was in. He had never actually seen Barcelona, at least not sober and and coherent. It was bound to be a new experience for sure. "Do you know of any artists that you want to go see? I have to admit I am unfamiliar with the music scene, but wherever you want to take us, I am more than willing. What should be our first step?"

[James Selway Rare Rare Rare]

James smiled at Arsen's willingness to embark on this new adventure with him. He appreciated Arsen's support, even if their motivations for exploring the music scene differed. Barcelona, a city known for its vibrant arts and culture, seemed like the perfect place to start their journey. "I'm glad you're on board, Arsen," James replied, his excitement palpable. "As for artists to see, there's a local band called 'The Soundbreakers' that I've been following them for a bit now. They have a unique blend of indie rock and folk, and their lyrics are incredibly poetic. I think seeing them perform live would be a great inspiration for us. Let's find out if they have any upcoming gigs in the city."

James went up bartender as he didn't have a phone. Being a demi-god meant that technology like phone were a beacon for monsters. His face lit up as the guy knew where they were play so he went back to Arsen. "Here it is! They're playing at 'The Melody Lounge' this Saturday night. It's supposed to be an amazing venue with great acoustics. This could be our first step, Arsen, our introduction to the local music scene. We'll immerse ourselves in their performance, observe their stage presence, and let the energy of their music ignite our own creativity. It's the perfect way to kickstart our journey. What do you think?" James looked at Arsen, hope and excitement shining in his eyes, eager to see if Arsen would share in his enthusiasm for this plan.

[Arsen Harrington]

Arsen had never been much of a music fan. He had gone to concerts out of invitations and had participated in Coachella but nothing he did there was as a fan of the musical arts. It was mostly to meet and hook up with girls, drink and do other kinds of illicit activities. He listened to music naturally but if someone asked him who and what was his favorite music, he had no real response. He wondered what he meant by inspiration but was also not about to question it. Whatever James meant by that was something he was okay with. 

He watched James manage to find a phone to look up the information and when he did Arsen simply chuckled. It was always amusing to him how easy it was for James to get excited about things and that excitement could be intoxicating. "I am down for it. This Saturday is still a couple of days away. Do you want to wait that long or do you want to see if there is something else happening sooner? I am not planning on sleeping during this trip."

[James Selway Rare Rare Rare]

James grinned at Arsen's willingness to dive into the adventure. Taking Arsen's suggestion into consideration, James nodded thoughtfully. "You're right. There's no need to wait if we're both up for exploring sooner. Let's see if there are any smaller events or open mic nights happening in the next couple of days. It could be a great way to get a taste of the local talent and get into the groove before the big gig on Saturday."

James spotted a flyer near the bar that advertised a local open mic night at a cozy cafe just a few blocks away. He pointed it out to Arsen and said, "Look, there's an open mic event tomorrow night at 'Cafe Serenade.' It might be a more intimate setting, and we could get a firsthand feel of the local scene. Plus, who knows, we might stumble upon some hidden gems. What do you say we check it out?" James couldn't help but feel a surge of excitement again, eager to explore this new avenue with Arsen and make the most of their time in Barcelona. But then wondering what Arsen wanted to do tonight he thought maybe they would go out and dance.

[Arsen Harrington]

This entire scenario was very different from what Arsen had imagined or even previously experienced. It was so chill and so tame that he wondered if he was capable of having fun without losing absolute control over the situation. If he was able to simply be himself without needing to force chaos and turmoil into his life. Could he have clean cut fun and actually enjoy it? Arsen had about a million thoughts running through his mind but he didn't want to settle on any one and he certainly didn't want to overthink the situation. "I'm down for it. Are you going to perform just like that? I always imagined you needed a bit more time to rehearse. Not that it's a bad thing. I don't know. I guess I myself am not comfortable just going up on stage without a drink in my hand." 

(Shall we fast forward? I am lost on where to continue.)

[James Selway Rare Rare Rare]

 

James chuckled at Arsen's comment, his easygoing demeanor contrasting with the intensity of his upcoming performance. "You know me, Arsen," he said with a grin. "I'm always ready for your next adventure, whether it's on stage or in the wild. And tonight, it's all about this performance. Let's do this." With that, James just thought about how much fun it would all be....but then again this was not just his adventure. Wanting to make sure that Arsen was having a good time he turned to his friend. "Hey lets order some more drinks" he patted Arsen on the back. As there was no rush for them to do anything crazy right now, but then again things always got crazy with Arsen. "Another round for us" he said with a smirk ready to drink the night away. 

.....fast forward to the next night

(Go ahead and set up the next night)