Kang Chani

Chani likes kissing Ren..he knows that much. As he stands there with the witch in his arms after the first tone hes quite content. The younger is so patient too. He doesn’t know what Ren will say or do but he’s embarrassed to admit that the hold he had on the shorter was very sturdy. The last thing he wanted was for the older to run from him again. Hide from him, be scared of what he might do to the other and the sad part of that is Chani wouldn’t ever do anything other than to get honesty.

That’s how they ended up here and in the end Chani got what he wanted. He was able to be completely transparent with Ren and he got some answers himself. The second kiss he gets feels different. He can feel how Ren clings onto him, how they are pretty much flush against each other and while it almost knocks the tall demigod off of his heels he kisses back sighing against his lips like it was the most refreshing drink one could have on a summer night. The younger is very much in a daze after they pull apart again and this beautiful creature in his arms looks up at him with this..pleading look. “Yeah..let’s go to my room..” he smiles, blush very prominent on his cheeks but he takes the witch’s hand lacing their fingers together to take him right to his apartment.

Ren admittedly doesn’t know exactly what he means by “talk”, but the desire to be with Chani alone somewhere safe instead of out in the open was strong so despite feeling a little silly being pulled along by one hand, trailing the pelt over his other arm, the hunter goes willingly.

The last time he had been here things had been a little different, so once they pass through the living room and into the younger’s bedroom the witch finds himself chewing at his lip to prevent from saying anything stupid. In an effort to play off the sudden wave of nerves- as if they weren’t moments away from undressing each other for strangers to see -Ren backed away a bit.

“So… we’re…?”

This event Chani was sharing another memory with Ren felt better than last time. It felt good to know that his feelings were out in the open and the tall demigod wasn’t doing anything to pressure the witch knowing that Ren was already sensitive enough. Chani didn’t want to provoke that. Walking around with the raven on his arm and as he chatted with some friends and family his mood is practically glowing all while keeping his hand laced with Ren’s or other times he would wrap an arm around his waist.

Its not long after they had made it around saying hello he had noticed how Ren kept his shy mind on other things. That didn’t bother him at all but when the older does ask him to dance in the sweetest way possible he chuckles and nods yet doesn’t walk Ren to the dance floor until after he has gently pecked his lips.

“Come on..I hope you remember everything I’ve taught you.” He teased but laughs right after as he walks them to the dance floor and easily falls in tune with the song that played.

Kissing Chani was on a lot of lists, but not one in any way associated with things Ren disliked doing. The dancer was just as open with his affections as had been expected, and twice as touchy. Ren was reminded often that the younger was a child of Eros… which was truthfully taking much less to get used to if one was judging by the developing habit of melting right into every little touch and momentarily forgetting himself.

Their dance lessons hadn’t really gone on long enough for the witch to gain any real skill, but it was very easy to lean into Chani and let himself be moved- so natural were the other’s movements. In short there was no fear of not remembering enough.

“You’ve taught me a lot, it was be amazing if I could remember it all~”

w/ @mp-chani

Looking back Ren couldn’t say what had possessed him to accept Chani’s offer of dance lessons. Maybe he had been chasing the flicker of recognition the studio had brought him, or maybe like so many before him the little witch had helplessly been drawn into whatever spell Eros weaved into the universe and his children… but when the younger smiled at him even now, Ren settled on the thought that it must have been whatever magic was uniquely Chani’s. It was impossible for it to be anything else but that magnetic warmth.

The headaches still came, and the hunter still woke nightly from nightmares, too afraid to reach out to the other demi-god. Some days he convinced himself they were meant to fall apart and other days he contemplated running away all over again, but when they were together like this- fingers laced even as Chani chatted amicably and Ren stood like a shy shadow at his side -the witch attained a brief peace that he knew would keep him by the other.

They didn’t have a label and this wasn’t their first time attending an event like this together, but somehow the evening felt special… something more tangible between them like a string wrapped around their wrists. Tonight Ren wouldn’t stray or look for courage in alcohol, instead remaining content on Chani’s arm in his own flighty way until he’s watched other couples share secret conversations and touches on the dance floor long enough to want the same.

Its not long after they had made it around saying hello he had noticed how Ren kept his shy mind on other things. That didn't bother him at all but when the older does ask him to dance in the sweetest way possible he chuckles and nods yet doesn't walk Ren to the dance floor until after he has gently pecked his lips.

“I think I can tell you with some certainty that I am not like…most guys.” he blushes a little and looks away for a moment. If he had to start from the beginning he’s sure he could say with confidence that he wasn’t just some normal young human male. He was male, yes, he was young, but he was also sheltered. He grew up close to his mother who was a gentle soul and stayed away from his older half brother who absolutely hated him with every fiber. Most guys like him normally came from a background which had a lot of female and soft presences. 

The kiss that is suddenly pressed against his lips shocks him a bit he gasps just before their lips meet. That shock slowly subsides and he groans softly before his lips move along with the older’s parting gently. Chani keeps his arms around him, hand slowly running up and down his back. “I definitely don’t want you to leave. Whatever you may be and whatever I am..I’m not scared of two different people getting together. I’m not afraid of you hurting me either..but I want to try if you will give us a chance? You don’t even have to call me..your boyfriend if you don’t want to we can just..date. If things go well..” he trails off and shrugs. “Then we take it slow. I just want a chance to make you happy..and keep you happy.” 

Chani was so candid in everything he did… including the way he showed his interest in the kiss. Ren felt like his cheeks had reddened to the tips of his ears.

Even the thought of having a ‘boyfriend’ or being someone’s boyfriend was enough to cause the witch to falter, heartbeat picking up nervously; he is equal parts terrified by what the other demigod proposes and thrilled. It feels insane how unsure he is all while wanting to do and say anything that will keep him wrapped up in the younger’s arms like this. Without much of an idea of what he can say to the earnest interest Chani seems to have in his happiness, Ren cranes his neck for another kiss, slender fingers tangling into the dancer’s hair. 

For a moment he indulges in the closeness, reminded with an unfortunate wave of embarrassment of the desperate way he had clung to the other last time… and admittedly enjoying the clarity with which this moment could be experienced; without the haze of alcohol and guilt. It is, however, with a sliver of shyness that he finally breaks the needy kiss, remembering himself.

It was painful to watch Ren look at him like he couldn’t read him. Truthfully Chani wasn’t hard to read at all. The boy wore his heart on his sleeve and he always has. He’s always been a rather emotional kid. Even still he doesn’t let that hang over his head. He needed to make sure Ren understood him. He didn’t want something that could possibly be so good be ruined by the fact that he didn’t try. 

Gradually the more Ren talks the braver Chani gets to slowly pull Ren by the hand to pull him closer and wrap his arm around him again, fur pressed between them. Then the witch looks back at him and the younger swears his heart feels like it’s about to stop. “Hyung…I like you a lot. I want you to know that my feelings are real and I have no reason to trick you. I do like you as you are. I don’t know if your old self will come back or not but regardless of that, I like you, I fell for the person you are right here, right now.” he quickly starts to explain and a hand comes up to cup Ren’s cheek as he speaks and he rests his forehead against the older’s. “I haven’t loved anyone like I love you.” he whispers back nerves starting to settle in again because he can’t believe he’s just said it again out in the open like this. “It’s okay if you just like me…maybe you can learn to love me too but I won’t pressure you to do that. I’m not asking for there to be any change, I just don’t want you to run from me. If you don’t like something or if it makes you uncomfortable, just tell me. I’d never hurt you..” 

It was difficult to trust Chani- not because he wasn’t endearingly open and sincere in everything he did and said, Ren was finding, but because the hunter himself clung so desperately to the suspicion and distrust he had survived on thus far. And here the Greek demigod was unraveling all of that effortlessly.

“You are… ridiculously trusting and not at all like the men Artemis warned me about, and that is terrifying.”

Bridging the gap between them- not that it was much despite their height with the way Chani was simultaneously encroaching on his space and pulling him in -Ren did what he was finding to be a dangerous habit. Sealing their lips in a kiss more desperate than chaste the witch tries to convey the depth of his regret before leaning back just as quickly.

mp-chani​:

It had been a fairly normal day for Chani. The young dancer kept to a usual schedule most of the time. Get up, spend time with MJ, go to work, eat out, get home, spend more time with his pup before he may go out and drink a little or he ends days at Loco just dancing. Ever since he found this little hobby of his, Chani tends to always end the day dancing because it just is a great way to let loose. Expel any bad energy from that day maybe with a drink but sometimes not. So when the young demigod hears from Val, it doesn’t take him long to make a decision.

  After sending a couple of texts back and forth Chani decides to forgo heading to Loco again for some alone time and instead spend some time with his favorite noona. The brunette dresses up a bit, nicely ironed black button-up to hug his tall frame, nice pair of jeans to match, and a pair of boots. Simple but cleaned up for sure, even with a nice simple way to style his hair. The demigod had just finished styling his hair when he hears the door and MJ a second later excited that someone was at the door. Chan can he heard trying to hush his dog to get him to sit and calm down as he opens the door with a smiles to greet Val with. His arms wrap around her small waist, giving her a nice squeeze. “Ugh it’s so good to see you noona. I feel like I haven’t seen you in ages, I’m sorry.” he sighs but once again just having a good friend like Val with him, going to spend some time with him, he’s so excited to have her. “Haha and you know I got you. You’re the most fun to dance with of course! But yeah, I’m ready let’s get going.”

A quick taxi ride later, Valentina is pulling Chani by the hand into Vision. The booming bass and loud thrum of music instantly washing over them as she turns to flash him a smile over her shoulder before pulling him to the bar. With her shoulder’s squared and her head held high she moves through the crowd of people around the bar and butts in to get the bartender’s attention first. Someone behind her protests but she simply flashes them a charismatic smile and a wink and they quiet down. She links her arm with Chani while they order drinks, quickly getting out of the way once they have glasses in hand. Pressing up to speak right into his ear as she gestures over to the VIP section. “I’ve got a table reserved in VIP, we can go get a few drinks and maybe a couple other things in our system before we hit the floor.”

All these thoughts that were coming to surface was like a bucket of cold water hitting Chani. He was rather innocent.. Well used to be. He had done a lot of growing up ever since he moved to the island and really trying to find himself. It’s not much but to compare himself to Ren, who is older than him and despite his condition, the younger didn’t think he could follow someone else’s words so blindly.  After listening, Chani very much wants to curse Artemis for saying such things and being part of the cause but the young dancer just keeps his harsh words to himself. “Hyung.. there are people out there that are…free minded. They want what they want and they will take it when they can get it, but I am not like that. When you came home with me that night, I was ready to give you my bed to sleep alone and I could take the couch. I…I wasn’t playing some kind of role.” he shakes his head hoping that the witch could see his sincerity. However, it seems that the more he lets Ren really see what he was about, the more scared the other became. 

Then he realized Ren actually saw him with someone and he’s not even sure how to acknowledge that… Things were already rocky enough, he didn’t need to explain that the night he went home with someone else was to try and forget the witch. 

“Please..” he whispers and reaches to hold onto Ren’s hand before he gets ready to make a run for it. “Please don’t leave like this. It was this reaction, this exact expression I thought was your initial reaction. Hyung, I don’t know the old you. I don’t know if you would have ran from me like this anyway or if it’s something else that scares you but please don’t run off without a word. I’m not begging you to like me, I just- if there is no hope I want you to tell me now. I don’t want to be left in the dark.” Chani tries to explain himself and his throat is burning as he grows sad and sensitive. The younger isn’t looking for Ren’s pity but he’s so emotional right now he’s so scared of what the witch might say or do. 

Doubt colors Ren’s expression quickly, suggesting he doesn’t quite believe Chani’s sincerity. It is a difficult stance to hold considering the younger demigod has been nothing but truthful and kind to him, but an obvious conflict of understanding flickers behind dark eyes even as he allows his hand to be taken.

Posture stiff and wound tight he sinks his teeth into an already worried bottom lip, gaze flickering anywhere but Chani’s watery eyes. It’s more painful than it should be, he’s sure. All of the self assurance built up that whatever was between them hadn’t meant anything is washing away like sand on the beach because it is so very obvious that this hadn’t been the callous one-night stand Ren had thought it to be.

“I- do like you. You’re the only one who has bothered to know the me that exists now… I shouldn’t have been with you that night. Not because of you, but because of me. I wanted…”

Swallowing hard and looking around as if expecting an audience Ren finally actually looks at the younger demigod, stepping closer and pressing the fur he still holds into the other’s chest, voice soft and almost secretive.

“It’s okay” he offers quietly to set Chani’s mind at ease that he was bothering him, or caught him in the midst of some crisis. “It is my mother’s birthday, is all” he hums before lifting his hand to take the frisbee and nods, he would quite like to join them. As soon as he’s holding it, MJ’s excitement seems to pique, and he chuckles softly before slowly standing on his long legs, and with one great big arch of his arm throws the thing nearly half the length of the field before them. Leaving the dog to watch on in awe and slight bewilderment. 

Chani eyes the older obviously seeing that he’s hurt. The dancer obviously feels bad yet at the same time, he’s so confused. Why would Ren try to talk to him still if he didn’t want to be around him anymore? Why would he look so hurt after declining his..gift? Well- when he thinks of it that way he can put together that this kill is special but the explanation he gets seconds later actually makes his heart sink into his stomach. Ren’s alone now..? He doesn’t have Artemis? Once again, those flashbacks of their romantic night roll through his mind. The witches moans and pleasured face… He had no idea there would be these kinds of consequences… “I’m really sor- Wait…what are you talking about?” he looks confused completely blindsided by the things Ren just said. Etiquette? Stay out of his way? What the.. “Hold on, what do you think this was..? Did you really think that…that night was just a one-night stand? Hyung, I was a virgin too…I-I thought it was you that…left me high and dry. You literally left before I woke up? I thought that only happened in movies! I… I confessed.” he ends his little rant firmly because he is so stunned right now. Was this really all a misunderstanding?

Artemis had tried to act like nothing was wrong, but Ren had known right away that he could no longer be apart of her ranks after whatever had happened before he lost his memory- the night he spent with Chani had only solidified that. All the same he didn’t regret it as he probably should have because for the first time he could remember it was his choice.

For the first time since they’ve begun this awkward encounter Ren lifted his head to really look at the other- confusion written on his features plainly. "I-” Shouldn’t it be obvious what he thought this was? Was it not that??

“That night… I thought you had been pursuing… just for the night. I assumed you wouldn’t want me there when you woke up because- because Artemis always says… and I felt so guilty- and then I saw you and that person leave together-”

Distress is rising in the witch’s voice and his gaze darts like a cornered animal, Chani’s words very blatantly clashing with the logic he has revealed himself to be operating on. The words that tumble from his lips are easily identifiable as a regurgitated speech he’s heard before, tinted with new found doubt instilled by Chani’s words as he tries to reason, “Men are only interested in one thing and once they get it they it… and I was okay with that because… because you were so sweet, I thought you just said what you said because it was natural I didn’t know it was truly-”

Then he realized Ren actually saw him with someone and he’s not even sure how to acknowledge that... Things were already rocky enough, he didn’t need to explain that the night he went home with someone else was to try and forget the witch. 

Ren had run from his problems.

Chani's low timber had haunted the witch even into the seclusion of the forest where he hunted and Youngjae's empty apartment flashed before his mind's eye with every blink, but the peace of being away from everything had settled his nerves and stilled his thoughts. He was back in civilization now, misgivings nursed and broken heart hardened; every day he thought perhaps he saw snippets of him old self, or at least began to understand the jaded person he was supposed to be. Maybe- he had mused to himself while staring into his lonely little campfire -he was not made to sustain and endure deep feelings. Maybe his mind and heart were so weak that they might splinter again without warning and the process would repeat. It was best to try to avoid such things.

That had been the plan: he would steer clear of entanglements and hurt. All he needed was to pursue his studies and stick to Artemis' side... but Ren was beginning to wonder if his luck was sour by nature.

Chani is broad and strong but the witch has faced larger foes- has a new, tender scar on his upper arm that he wears proudly as well as the freshly treated pelt in his hands as proof of this when he collides with the other demigod. Somehow the other man still succeeds in making him shiver in a wear the bear in the forest hadn't been able to.

The Manticore was a feasible place for their paths to cross but Ren had taken the risk, stopping to visit his patroness at her apartment and shower, eager to show his kill and receive the praise he knew would come. Now he stood attempting to right himself, dazed by a run in nearly sudden and violent enough to undo the careful braid he's put into wet black hair. Had Chani frozen in his path, or had Ren really been so lost in thought that the force behind the accident was his own mistake?

Brows furrowing in first confusion and then understanding he struggles to bunch the fur back into his grasp, holding the bulk of it to his chest and looking bashful, at least.

It wasn't as if he were mad at the younger. He had initiated what happened between them, and though he desperately wished he didn't- Ren remembered more of that night than he would like, despite the haze of liquor and lust. Being with Chani had been just as good as he had feared it would be, after all. The dancer had made Ren feel so special and precious that it nearly hurt, and he had been more pliable in those large hands than he cared to think about- out of embarrassment or fear he was unsure. -and the way the other had looked at him... what he had said; there was no way the witch could have stayed, stomach full of guilt.

"Chani. Sorry, I was... preoccupied."

"I used to go into the forest for months at a time with Artemis as her hunter but…” dropping his voice and clearing his throat gently Ren glances away in attempt to play off how sensitive the subject is- especially after not divulging any of this to the younger. “Once you… sleep with someone, you can’t be a hunter or huntress anymore. Artemis only keeps virgins, so I went on my own. Im not used to needing to let anyone know when I leave. So…”

Truthfully he had gone hunting to run away from everything, but he hadnt expected Chani to seem so upset about it; upset enough to reject a gift, even. The other demigod was an enigma and Ren was regretting this run in more by the moment. If Chani wanted to keep this a one night stand, obviously they wouldnt still be on good terms.

“I stopped at Artemis’ apartment to shower first but, yes, I’m going home. Look I don’t know what the etiquette for this is but next time I’ll stay out of your way better.”

with @mp-chani

Saturday nights at Vision/Illusion seem to always be shorter, crowder, and of course, crazier. 

Tonight isn’t an exception. When Woojin leaves the DJ table and steps off the stage, the back of his shirt is soaked, beads of sweat are running down his face, and his legs feel like they’re going to give up on carrying him around really soon. Even with such tiredness, the Greek demigod’s eyes still shine bright, and his smile is as radiant as ever, if not even more. 

Taking off his blinking jacket and tight it around his hips, revealing the thin plan black T-shirt, Woojin strides his way to the bar for his quick remedy - a big mug of cold beer and some salted nuts. The bartender has learned his favorite order so well that only his presence is enough for them to begin to serve. Usually, Woojin would give these moments to himself, for his racing heart to calm down and adrenaline subside enough before taking himself home. 

But when he notices the young man sitting an arm length away, Woojin knows tonight could be a little bit different. 

Woojin guesses he can get used to this - hearing his name spelled out by strangers’ lips, but since fame could be much more addictive and fatal than drugs, the son of Apollo prefers to be filled up with genuine humbleness and pleasant surprise. But of course, nothing can’t stop his face from lightening up with a radiant grin. 

“Ooh, thank you so much! It’s my honor to entertain you though. Let’s cheer for this fateful meet, shall we?” Woojin finds the the tiny clanking sound made by their beer mugs delightful, and he doesn’t forget to savor a bigger gulp of cold beer before getting back to the conversation. The slowly subsiding adrenaline still makes his voice sound slightly breathy, threatened to be drowned by the surrounding noises, but Woojin’s voice has natural resonance and volume that can compensate for it. 

@mp-chani

If there was one thing that was quite dangerous, it was Valentina when she’s bored. When she finds something to cure her boredom it very rarely doesn’t include her dragging a friend of hers into some kind of a mess. Val is pretty chill but she thrives in chaos and can’t live if she’s not out having a good time. This is what leads her to text her sweetest dongsaeng Chani at 9 pm on a Wednesday. Convincing him to join her at Vision for some dancing, drinking, and just having a great time. She thought it would take more convincing but, to her surprise, it doesn’t take much at all. Val happily bounded around her apartment, dressing to the nines in a sleek, form-fitting, royal blue body-con dress that complimented her tan skin and her dark hair.