Tides of Temptation

The bioluminescent jellyfish-like creatures floating outside the entrance of Cronus' hive cast an ethereal glow on the dark waters. Kankri, his eyes fixed on the entrance, felt a flutter in his chest. He hadn't announced his visit, but he couldn't help himself. His mind had been consumed by thoughts of Cronus, and he needed to see him. It had been a while since they'd last spoken, and Kankri's longing had only grown stronger. As he swam closer, his gaze drifted down to his own chest, where his secret gills lay hidden beneath his turtleneck sweater. He'd kept them concealed for so long, even from his closest friends. Only Cronus knew of their existence, and that was only because Kankri had confided in him during a moment of vulnerability. The memory of Cronus' understanding and gentle words made Kankri's heart skip a beat. Kankri pushed aside the jellyfish and entered the hive, his eyes adjusting to the dimmer light within. The sound of gentle waves and soft humming greeted him, and he followed the noise to the central chamber. That's when he saw him – Cronus, the sea dweller troll, lounging on a rocky outcropping, his physique radiant in the soft glow of the surrounding luminescent plants. Cronus was built like a Greek god, his muscles rippling beneath his smooth, turquoise skin. His waist, in particular, was something that made Kankri's mouth water – a slutty waist that seemed to invite attention. But it was the skimpy bikini bottoms that Cronus wore that made Kankri's eyes widen. He hadn't seen Cronus in such... casual attire before. Kankri's hands involuntarily flexed, his fingers itching to touch Cronus' skin. He forced himself to ball his fists, fighting to keep his hands to himself. It wasn't easy; Cronus was respectfully distant, always mindful of Kankri's vow to abstain from sex. That vow had been in place for a while now, and Kankri had grown increasingly frustrated. Cronus looked up, a warm smile spreading across his face as he spotted Kankri. "Kankri! It's been a while. What brings you here today?" Kankri's voice caught in his throat as he tried to respond. He cleared his throat, attempting to sound casual despite the turmoil brewing within him. "Just... just thought I'd drop by. You know, see how you're doing." Cronus nodded, his eyes sparkling with amusement. "I'm doing well, thanks for asking. Though I have to say, you're not exactly... subtle." Kankri's gaze dropped, his cheeks flushing. He knew he was staring, and Cronus was right – he wasn't being subtle at all. He took a deep breath, trying to compose himself, but his eyes kept drifting back to Cronus. The sea dweller troll's gills fluttered gently as he laughed, and Kankri felt his own hidden gills twitch in response. The air was thick with tension, and Kankri knew he had to tread carefully. He didn't want to jeopardize their friendship or, worse, make Cronus uncomfortable. But as he gazed at Cronus, he couldn't help but wonder: how much longer could he keep his hands to himself?