Kelvin noticed Wallace and Kai talking and laughing at the edge of the camp. The memory of what he overheard the previous night gnawed at him, and he knew he had to address it. He approached the two.
"Can I talk to Wallace for a sec?" he asked, trying to keep his voice steady.
Kai looked at him, then nodded. "Sure," he said, walking away to give them some privacy.
Wallace turned to Kelvin with a curious expression. "So, what's up?"
Kelvin took a deep breath. "Last night, after you and Kai reconnected, I heard him tell you he wasn’t in the mood. When you continued, he said 'stop,' but you didn’t."
Wallace's expression shifted to a mix of calm and justification. "Kelvin, as you know, I’m clairvoyant. I know that Kai and I end up dying a happy couple. I’ve told you before how Kai saved my life from predators that killed my mom and sister. That's why I have this fake arm. Back then, Kai hoped for more, but since I’m an ace, I didn’t have any romantic or sexual feelings for him, so I left. Years later, Kai was still single and waiting for me. I developed love for Kai and just started reconnecting with him again after all this time. I figured that since Kai’s love for me is true, there’s really no harm in me violating his consent either one time or all the time, really."
Kelvin felt a surge of anger and disbelief. "Wallace, that’s not how love works. Clairvoyant or not, you can't just disregard someone's consent. Just because you know the future doesn’t give you the right to control the present."
Wallace's face hardened slightly. "You don't understand, Kelvin. Kai loves me. He’s waited for me for years. And I love him too. Sometimes, I have to make tough decisions for both of us."
Kelvin stepped closer, his voice low and intense. "Respecting someone's boundaries is not a 'tough decision.' It’s basic decency. Kai deserves respect, not just because he loves you, but because he's a person with his own feelings and rights."
Wallace replied, "Kai is like a woman, he loses interest and doesn't want to do it anymore."
Kelvin's eyes widened with a mix of anger and disbelief. "Wallace, that's not only disrespectful to Kai but also an incredibly sexist thing to say. Consent isn't about someone's gender or their perceived tendencies. It's about their right to choose what happens to their body."
Wallace hesitated, then added, "What's the point in being with Kai if I'm just jacking off?"
Kelvin took a deep breath, his expression stern. "The point is, Wallace, that love and respect go hand in hand. If Kai isn't comfortable, you need to find other ways to connect and support each other that don't involve violating his boundaries."
Wallace tried to deflect. "By the way, Mat the rabbit over there—he is the reincarnation of that fox you bullied to death. He also has big, no, huge news. Go talk to him. Naturally, I’m the one that told him."
Kelvin didn't take the bait. "I'm not here to talk about Mat right now. This is about you and Kai. You need to understand that violating his consent is unacceptable, no matter what you think the future holds. Love isn't about control or disregarding someone's autonomy."
Wallace sighed, the weight of Kelvin’s words sinking in. He looked away for a moment, then back at Kelvin, his expression softer but still defensive. "Alright, Kelvin. I hear you. I'll talk to Kai. I’ll make it right."
Kelvin nodded, the tension in his shoulders easing slightly. "Good. Now, I'll go talk to Mat."
As Kelvin walked towards Mat, Wallace's words about the reincarnation still echoed in his mind. He found Mat sitting alone by the fire, looking contemplative.
"Hey, Mat," Kelvin began, his voice softer than usual.
"Hey, Kelvin," Mat replied, his tone steady but with a hint of nervousness. "Can we talk for a minute?"
Kelvin nodded and sat down beside Mat. "Of course. Wallace mentioned you had something important to tell me."
Mat took a deep breath, gathering his thoughts. "Yes, I do. Fiona and I... we're having twins."
Kelvin's eyes widened in surprise. "Twins? Wow, that's... that's incredible news."
Mat smiled, a mixture of happiness and nervousness in his expression. "Yeah, it is. I wanted to tell you because, despite everything that has happened, we're all connected in this strange way. We have a chance to build something better together, not just for us, but for the future of our children too."
Kelvin nodded, feeling a sense of purpose and determination. "You're right, Mat. We've all made mistakes, but we have a chance to make things right. Let's do this together."
Wallace, feeling the tension from his conversation with Kelvin, sought out Kit, who was sharpening his blade by the edge of the camp.
"Kit, I need to talk to you," Wallace said, sitting down beside him.
Kit looked up, curious. "What's on your mind, Wallace?"
"It's about Kelvin," Wallace began, frustration clear in his voice. "He's been getting on my case about respecting Kai's consent. I get where he's coming from, but it's really starting to get on my nerves."
Kit listened intently, then nodded. "I understand. Kelvin can be quite adamant about his principles. What do you want to do about it?"
"I need you to talk to him," Wallace said. "He respects you, and maybe you can make him see reason. Help him understand that we can handle our own relationships without his interference."
Kit considered this for a moment, then nodded. "Alright, I'll talk to him."
Wallace sighed. "Thank you, Kit. Hopefully you can get him to back off a bit."
Kit gave a reassuring nod. "I'll see what I can do."
Kit approached Kelvin, looking concerned. "Kelvin, Wallace told me you got hard on him."
Kelvin turned back to Kit. "I had to make Wallace understand that respecting boundaries is crucial, no matter what he thinks the future holds. We're all trying to move forward and make things right."
Kit frowned, a hint of curiosity in his eyes. "How did you know?"
Kelvin sighed, feeling the weight of the situation. "I overheard them talking last night. Kai told Wallace he wasn't in the mood and asked him to stop, but Wallace didn't listen. I had to confront him about it."
Kit raised an eyebrow. "You’re rather a goodie, goodie."
Kelvin crossed his arms, standing firm. "I’m a goodie, goodie because I want people to act with consent."
Kit shook his head slightly. "No, it’s just Wallace and Kai are adults. Sure, they’re younger than us, but they’re still adults. They can work things out on their own. Plus, Kai is an alpha predator like you. Wallace could be at a party with 200 people and Kai could kill all of them in mere seconds."
Kelvin took a deep breath, trying to keep his frustration in check. "Being an alpha predator doesn’t mean Kai doesn't deserve respect. It doesn't give anyone the right to override his consent. It’s about basic decency and mutual respect."
Kit looked thoughtful for a moment, then asked, "Would you treat Kai the same way, knowing how strong and fast he is, knowing he could kill 200 people in an instant?"
Kelvin looked Kit straight in the eyes, his expression unwavering. "Yes, I would. Strength and speed don't change the fact that everyone deserves to have their boundaries respected. It’s about who we are as individuals, not what we’re capable of."
Kit looked at Kelvin with concern. "I'd hoped you'd treat Kai and Wallace differently. One is weak, the other is extremely strong and dangerous."
Kelvin shook his head, his resolve firm. "Kit, it doesn't matter. Whether someone is weak or strong, everyone deserves to have their boundaries respected. Wallace might be weaker, but that doesn't give him the right to disregard Kai's consent. And Kai being strong doesn't mean he doesn't have the right to say no."
Kit sighed, a hint of resignation in his voice. "I understand and agree that people deserve respect, but getting in Wallace's grill like that is fine; he's not going to do anything. But Kai... what would you do if Kai lashed out?"
Kelvin paused, considering Kit's question carefully. "If Kai lashed out, I’d handle it the same way I’d handle any situation where someone’s boundaries are crossed. I’d try to de-escalate, to talk it out. Kai's strength and speed don't change the need for mutual respect and understanding."
Kit nodded slowly, then added, "Ok, but you're the only one capable of fighting Kai. Just remember that."
Kelvin gave a solemn nod. "I know, Kit. And that's why it's even more important for me to set an example. Respecting each other’s boundaries is something we all need to commit to, no matter our strengths or weaknesses."
Wallace found Kai sitting alone on a fallen log near the edge of the camp. The firelight flickered across his face, highlighting the tension in his features.
"Kai, can we talk?" Wallace asked, taking a seat beside him.
“Sure, what’s on your mind?" Kai asked.
Wallace hesitated, then spoke. "Kelvin confronted me earlier about last night. He overheard our conversation and wasn’t happy about it."
Kai's expression turned serious. "He was eavesdropping? That’s really frustrating. But, you know, I was going to tell you that what you did was wrong."
Wallace looked surprised. "Really?"
Kai nodded, his expression earnest. "Yes, Wallace. I love you, but what happened last night wasn’t okay. I need you to respect my boundaries, just as I respect yours."
Wallace felt a pang of guilt and looked down. "I didn’t think about it that way. I just thought... since we’re meant to be together, it wouldn’t matter."
Kai placed a hand on Wallace’s shoulder, his voice gentle but firm. "It does matter, Wallace. Our love doesn’t give either of us the right to ignore each other’s boundaries. We need to respect each other completely."
Wallace looked into Kai's eyes, seeing the sincerity and hurt there. "I’m sorry, Kai. I didn’t mean to hurt you. I’ll do better. I promise."
Kai smiled, a hint of relief in his expression. "Thank you, Wallace. That means a lot to me. Let’s work on this together."
Wallace nodded, feeling a weight lift off his shoulders. "Yes, together."
The two sat in comfortable silence, the fire crackling softly beside them, knowing that their bond was stronger for the honesty and respect they were rebuilding.
As the campfire crackled and the night deepened, Kai sought out Kelvin. He found him sitting alone, sharpening his sword. Taking a deep breath, Kai approached him.
"Kelvin, can we talk?" Kai asked, his voice calm but serious.
Kelvin looked up, surprised but nodded. "Of course, Kai. What's on your mind?"
Kai sat down beside Kelvin, staring into the flames for a moment before speaking. "Wallace told me you overheard our conversation last night."
Kelvin's expression tightened. "I didn't mean to eavesdrop, Kai. I just... I couldn't ignore what I heard."
Kai nodded slowly. "I understand. But I need you to know that while I appreciate your concern, it felt like an invasion of privacy. Wallace and I, we're working through things, and we need to do that in our own way."
Kelvin sighed, the weight of his actions settling on him. "I'm sorry, Kai. I was just so worried about you. When I heard what Wallace said, I couldn't just stand by."
Kai placed a hand on Kelvin's shoulder. "I know you mean well, Kelvin. And I appreciate your support. But Wallace and I need to navigate our relationship ourselves. Your interference, even with good intentions, can complicate things."
Kelvin looked into Kai's eyes, seeing the sincerity there. "I get it, Kai. I just want you to be happy and safe. But I'll step back and let you handle it."
Kai smiled, a hint of gratitude in his expression. "Thank you, Kelvin. That means a lot to me. Wallace and I had a good talk. He understands now, and we're going to work on respecting each other's boundaries."
Kelvin nodded, feeling a sense of relief. "I'm glad to hear that. If you ever need to talk or need support, I'm here for you."
Kai's smile widened. "I know, Kelvin. And that means a lot. We're all in this together, after all."
As the campfire crackled and the night deepened, Kelvin and Kai sat together, enjoying a moment of peace. Their conversation had settled into a comfortable silence when Wallace approached them. His expression was a mix of determination and vulnerability. Kai noticed him first and nudged Kelvin gently, nodding toward Wallace.
Kelvin looked up, meeting Wallace's gaze. Wallace took a deep breath, then spoke, his voice steady but soft. "Kelvin, I take it you're done being afraid of a weak rabbit."
Kelvin's eyes widened slightly at Wallace's words, but he quickly composed himself. "Wallace, it's not about fear. It's about respect and doing what's right."
Wallace nodded, taking a seat next to them. He sighed deeply before speaking, his voice tinged with a mix of frustration and sadness. "I just don't understand. I've lived my life constantly having to protect myself from predators. I barely learned to read and write because prey like me are only seen as toys and food. I've always been in survival mode, and it's hard to shift out of that mindset."
Kai placed a reassuring hand on Wallace's shoulder. "Wallace, we know you've been through a lot. But you’re not alone anymore. We’re here to support you and help you adjust."
Kelvin nodded, his expression softening with understanding. "Wallace, I can’t imagine what it's like to live with that constant fear. But we're all trying to build something different here. A place where everyone is respected and valued for who they are."
Wallace looked down at his artificial arm, his voice barely above a whisper. "It's just... hard. I thought I had to take control to protect myself and those I care about. I never wanted to hurt Kai."
Kelvin leaned forward, his voice earnest. "Wallace, your past doesn’t define you. Your willingness to grow and adapt shows your strength. We’re all here to help each other through our challenges."
Kai squeezed Wallace’s arm gently. "We know that. And it's okay to struggle with these things. What's important is that you're willing to learn and change."
Wallace looked up, his eyes filled with a mix of gratitude and determination. "Thank you, both of you. I promise I'll do my best to respect boundaries and be a better partner and friend."
Kai smiled warmly. "That's all we ask, Wallace. We're in this together, and we'll get through it together."
The next morning, as the sun rose and bathed the camp in a soft glow, Kelvin and the group prepared to leave for the nearby town. The atmosphere was filled with a mixture of anticipation and tension.
Wallace approached Kelvin, a hint of annoyance etched on his face. "I did what you said, and I didn't get a single moment to relax," he complained. "I needed Kai to help release some pressure, you know."
Kelvin sighed, trying to remain patient. "Wallace, it's not about you getting what you want whenever you want it. It's about respecting Kai's boundaries and ensuring that he feels safe and valued in the relationship."
Wallace crossed his arms, clearly frustrated. "You don't get it, Kelvin. I'm under a lot of pressure. Sometimes I just need to let off some steam, and Kai understands that."
Kelvin shook his head. "Wallace, you can't use that as an excuse to ignore someone's consent. If Kai isn't comfortable or in the mood, you need to respect that. Find other ways to deal with your pressure that don't involve crossing boundaries."
Wallace sighed, the annoyance still evident in his eyes. "I get what you're saying, but it's not easy. I need him in ways you might not understand."
Kelvin placed a hand on Wallace's shoulder. "I do understand, Wallace. Everyone has needs and pressures, but part of a healthy relationship is finding ways to address those needs that respect both parties. Have you talked to Kai about how you're feeling?"
Wallace looked down, his frustration giving way to a hint of vulnerability. "No, not really. I guess I haven't been fair to him."
Kelvin nodded. "Communication is key, Wallace. Talk to him. Let him know how you're feeling, but also listen to how he's feeling. You both deserve to have your needs met, but it has to be in a way that respects each other."
Wallace sighed again, but this time it was more of a resigned sigh than an annoyed one. "Alright, Kelvin. I'll talk to him. I just hope he understands."
Kelvin smiled reassuringly. "He will. Kai cares about you, and he wants the relationship to work just as much as you do. You'll figure it out together."
As Wallace turned to walk away, he hesitated and looked back at Kelvin. "When we find Marlin, I hope you ignore Mica's consent because we barely won last time, and he's stronger now."
Kelvin's eyes hardened. "Wallace, that's not an option. Ignoring someone's consent is never the answer, not in a relationship and not in a fight. We need to find another way to deal with Marlin that doesn't involve sacrificing our principles."
Wallace frowned, clearly not convinced. "But what if there's no other way? What if we can't beat him without pushing our limits?"
Kelvin stood firm. "Then we train harder, we strategize better, and we work together as a team. Respect and consent are not negotiable. If we win by crossing those lines, we've already lost something more important."
Wallace sighed, a mix of frustration and resignation on his face. "Kit would understand."
Kelvin's expression softened slightly, but his resolve remained. "Kit might understand the pressure we're under, but he also knows the importance of our principles. We've fought hard to maintain our integrity, and we can't throw that away. Kit knows that just as well as we do."
Wallace shook his head. "That might be, but Kit and Demi ignored it. You got up into my face."
Kelvin took a deep breath, his gaze steady. "Wallace, I got up in your face because I care about you and Kai. Ignoring it isn't an option for me because I believe in treating everyone with respect, no matter the circumstances. Kit and Demi might have their own ways of handling things, but this is too important to let slide."
Wallace's expression darkened. "You didn't treat Mat with respect when he hanged himself."
Kelvin felt a pang of guilt and sorrow. "You're right, Wallace. I failed Mat, and that's something I have to live with. But that's exactly why I’m so adamant about respecting boundaries now. I learned from that mistake, and I don’t want to see anyone else hurt because we didn’t act with respect and compassion."
Wallace stared at Kelvin, his frustration still simmering. "Did you forget that you thought about doing things the easy way when the time-traveling ferret was about?"
Kelvin felt the sting of the accusation but stood his ground. "I remember, Wallace. I thought about it, and I learned from it. I made the choice to do what was right, even when it was hard. That’s why it’s so important to me now. We have to be better, even when it’s difficult."
Wallace looked conflicted, but he nodded slowly. "I know you did consider it but chose not to, and it worked somehow."
Kelvin's gaze softened. "Yes, it did. And that's why we have to keep doing what's right, no matter how tough it gets. Respecting each other is the foundation of everything we do. It's how we move forward and make things better."
Wallace sighed, a mix of frustration and understanding in his eyes. "Alright, Kelvin. I'll try to keep that in mind."
Just before Wallace turned to leave, he stopped and looked back at Kelvin. "When we get to my planet, there will be predators stronger than you and Kai. They aren't going to hear about consent. They just kill and treat prey like toys, like they've always done."
Kelvin's expression hardened with determination. "Wallace, we're going to face a lot of challenges, and I know it won't be easy. But if we don't stand by our principles, we're no better than the predators we're fighting against. We have to show them that there’s a better way, even if it’s hard and dangerous."
Wallace nodded, though doubt lingered in his eyes. "I hope you're right, Kelvin. I really do."
Later, Wallace approached Kelvin, his demeanor more confident than before. "I've talked to Kai, and he agreed to non-con role play. How's that, goodie pants?" he said, a smirk playing on his lips.
Kelvin raised an eyebrow, taking a deep breath to stay calm. "Wallace, if Kai genuinely agreed and fully understands what he's consenting to, then it's his choice. Role play that involves consent and clear boundaries can be healthy if both partners are comfortable with it."
Wallace's smirk faltered slightly. "So, you're not going to get on my case about it?"
Kelvin shook his head. "Not if both of you are truly on the same page and respecting each other's limits. Consent means that both parties have to be comfortable and aware of what they're agreeing to. Did you make sure Kai knows he can stop it at any time if he's not comfortable?"
Wallace rolled his eyes. "Yes, Kelvin. We discussed safewords and everything. He's fully aware."
Kelvin nodded. "Good. As long as it's consensual and respectful, then it's your business. But always remember, Wallace, consent can be withdrawn at any time. It's important to keep communicating and checking in with each other."
Wallace sighed, a bit of the tension leaving his shoulders. "Alright, goodie pants. I'll keep that in mind."
Kelvin gave a small smile. "It's not about being a 'goodie pants,' Wallace. It's about making sure everyone feels safe and respected. That's all I want for you and Kai."
Wallace nodded, looking thoughtful. "Yeah, I get it. Thanks, Kelvin."
As Wallace turned to walk away, he paused and looked back at Kelvin. "I thought you'd ask Kai about it since you're so concerned about him."
Kelvin met Wallace's gaze steadily. "I trust Kai to tell me if something's wrong. It's about respecting his autonomy too. If he wants to talk to me about it, he knows he can. But if you both communicated and agreed, I believe in respecting that."
Wallace nodded slowly, absorbing Kelvin's words. "Alright, I see your point."
As the group prepared to leave for town, Kelvin sat by the fire, watching the flames dance in the early morning light. The camp was quiet, the only sounds the crackling wood and the occasional rustle of leaves. His mind wandered back to the conversations he had with Wallace and Kit. He wondered if he had done the right thing, standing firm on principles of consent and respect.
As he mulled over his thoughts, Wallace and Kai approached Kit and Mica, their expressions serious.
"Kelvin's way is noble, but it's not practical," Wallace said, glancing over at Kelvin by the fire. "We need to be realistic about what we’re up against."
Kai nodded, his face tense. "Kelvin's heart is in the right place, but we can’t afford to be idealistic. We have to be ready for anything, even if it means making tough choices."
Kit leaned back, his eyes thoughtful. "People can be stuck in their ways or beliefs, and it’s pointless trying to argue. Just pretend to agree with Kelvin. Let him believe we're on the same page. But when the time comes, we do what we need to do."
Mica looked uncertain. "Is that really the best way? Deception among ourselves?"
Kit shrugged. "It's about survival. If we argue, it’ll just cause more tension. We need to present a united front, even if we have to handle things differently when it matters. Besides, it's better to ask for forgiveness than permission. Sure, Kelvin will be upset, but Mica will marry him, and we’re still his friends. Mica will make a great husband. Opposites work well, you know."
Mica blushed slightly but nodded. "I just hope Kelvin can see it that way. I care about him a lot, and I want what's best for him."
Wallace sighed, nodding reluctantly. "Alright, we’ll pretend to go along with Kelvin. But when it comes down to it, we need to be prepared to act."
Kai looked over at Kelvin again, a pang of guilt in his eyes. "I hope he understands one day. We just want to keep everyone safe."
As the group began to move out, Kelvin felt a wave of relief wash over him as Wallace and Kai approached, their expressions softer.
"Hey, Kelvin," Wallace said, forcing a smile. "We’ve been thinking about what you said, and you’re right. Respect and consent are important. We’re with you."
Kai nodded, adding, "Yeah, we’ll do our best to uphold those principles, no matter what."
Kelvin felt a wave of relief wash over him. "I’m glad to hear that. It means a lot to me, and it’s the right thing to do."
The three of them walked together towards the town, Kelvin feeling a sense of camaraderie and hope, unaware of the underlying tension and the plans being made behind his back.
As the day went on, Kit and Mica watched from a distance, their expressions unreadable. Kit turned to Mica with a knowing look. "Remember, Mica, sometimes it’s better to ask for forgiveness than permission. Kelvin might be upset, but he’ll come around. And you’ll be a great husband to him. Opposites attract, after all."
Mica nodded, determination in his eyes. "I’ll do whatever it takes to keep him safe and happy."
The group continued their journey towards the town, the morning sun casting long shadows behind them as they faced the challenges ahead, bound by their complex relationships and the principles they fought to uphold.
