Kelvin and Mica were planning to enjoy Rabbit Day in peace, with most people having already left. Standing by the door, Kelvin called out, "Mica, aren't you going?"
Mica approached, took Kelvin’s hand, and led him to their private quarters in the mansion. "I'd rather spend the day alone with you," Mica said, making Kelvin blush at his future husband's words.
"What do you want to do instead?" Kelvin asked. Mica gently lifted Kelvin’s foot and started licking his paw pads. Surprised but enjoying the attention, Kelvin asked, "While I appreciate this, what brought it on?"
Mica paused, holding Kelvin’s foot. "I just feel like you deserve my full attention. You saved me from years of bullying, and I believe destiny has plans for you. If you hadn't bullied Mat to death, you wouldn’t have changed schools, and I might have dropped out. Mat wouldn’t have been reincarnated and gotten Fiona pregnant. You’ve stopped a ferret from killing hundreds and saved a rabbit on the brink of despair. I’ve also learned you’re an alpha predator, like her and Kia. I’m just a simple rabbit who owes you so much. I feel like I’m your slave, and you’re like a god who deserves to do whatever you want with me, whether I want it or not."
Kelvin gently pulled his foot away and knelt beside Mica, taking his hands. "Mica, I don’t see you as a slave or someone beneath me. You’re my equal, my partner. We’ve both been through a lot, and we’ve both changed. But I don’t want you to feel like you owe me anything."
Mica’s eyes softened as he looked into Kelvin’s. "It’s hard not to feel that way sometimes. You’ve done so much for me, and I just want to show you how much I appreciate you."
Kelvin smiled warmly. "And you do, every day, just by being with me. We don’t need to repay each other for our pasts. Let’s focus on building our future together."
Mica nodded, feeling a sense of relief. "You’re right. I’m sorry if I made you uncomfortable. I just wanted to express how much you mean to me."
Kelvin leaned in and kissed Mica gently. "You mean the world to me too. How about we spend today doing something we both enjoy? We could go for a walk, have a nice meal, or just relax here together."
Mica looked conflicted. “Most people would jump at the opportunity to… you know, wouldn’t you enjoy it more if you didn’t have to care or stop? I was enjoying licking your pads as a way to show that I’m freeing you from my consent.”
Kelvin looked into Mica's eyes, his expression serious yet tender. "Mica, your consent and comfort are incredibly important to me. I love you for who you are, not because you feel you owe me anything. Our relationship is built on mutual respect and love, not on power dynamics or obligations."
Mica’s ears twitched slightly, revealing his internal struggle. Kelvin continued, his tone gentle but firm. "I don’t want to be free from your consent. I want to cherish every moment we share, knowing we both want to be there, fully present and engaged. If something makes you uncomfortable or if you’re doing it out of a sense of duty rather than desire, then it’s not right."
Kelvin caressed Mica’s cheek tenderly. "I appreciate your love and the way you express it, but let’s find ways to be together that feel good for both of us. We can create our own traditions and memories without feeling bound by the past or any sense of debt."
Mica leaned into Kelvin’s touch, his eyes softening. "You’re right. I’m sorry if I made things awkward. I just wanted to show you how much you mean to me."
Kelvin smiled warmly. "And you do, every day. Let’s focus on building our future together, one where we both feel valued and loved. How about we start by doing something we both enjoy today? We can make it a special Rabbit Day just for us."
Mica nodded, a genuine smile spreading across his face. "I’d like that. Thank you, Kelvin."
After spending some time together in their quarters, Mica and Kelvin decided to take a walk around the mansion grounds. The day was peaceful, and they enjoyed the quiet, taking in the scenery as they strolled hand in hand.
As they walked, they ran into Wallace, who eyed them with a smirk. "Kelvin, I figured you were too goodie-goodie. Mica freed you from consent, but you’re not taking advantage. Where I’m from, prey like us have no rights, especially around alphas like you."
Kelvin’s expression hardened as he stepped protectively closer to Mica. "Wallace, that’s not how we do things. Consent and respect are fundamental in our relationship. Just because Mica said something doesn’t mean I’d take advantage."
Wallace’s smirk faded, replaced by a more serious look. "Back on my world, predators—especially alphas—don’t ask for consent. They take what they want and enjoy making prey suffer. I’ve seen entire villages wiped out for amusement. It’s hard to believe an alpha like you could be different."
Kelvin’s gaze softened as he heard this, but he remained firm. "I understand why you’d be skeptical, Wallace. But I’m not like them. I’m trying to be better, to do right by everyone, not just take what I want because I can."
Wallace looked down, a mix of guilt and understanding in his eyes. "When I kept going after Kai withdrew his consent, you called me out—not because I’m a rabbit and he’s an alpha, but because I was a person hurting another person. Right?"
Kelvin nodded, his tone firm yet compassionate. "Exactly, Wallace. Consent is crucial, no matter who you are. It’s about respecting each other as individuals. What you did to Kai was wrong because you ignored his boundaries and hurt him."
Wallace looked conflicted, his expression softening further. "I’m used to seeing predators as the enemy, especially alphas. It’s hard to believe one could be different. But watching how you treat Mica, it makes me want to change."
Mica, who had been quietly observing, chimed in, his tone calm but resolute. "Kelvin’s done a lot to prove he’s not like those alphas you’re used to. Maybe it’s time you started seeing that some of us actually care about changing things for the better."
Wallace slowly nodded, still thoughtful. "Maybe. It’s hard to shake off the mentality that prey are just meant to be used. But seeing how you treat Mica, it makes me want to believe in you more."
Kelvin placed a hand on Wallace's shoulder. "It’s never too late to change, Wallace. We can all learn to respect and care for each other better. It’s about seeing each other as equals, as people deserving of respect."
Wallace nodded slowly. "Thank you, Kelvin. I have a lot to learn, but I’m willing to try."
As Wallace looked away, Kelvin turned to Mica, his expression softening further. "Are you okay?"
Mica nodded, a small smile forming on his lips. "Yeah, I’m fine. Thank you for standing up for us, Kelvin."
Kelvin smiled back, pulling Mica into a gentle hug. "Always. Let’s keep walking and enjoy our day together, just the two of us."
Wallace, still looking a bit confused, called after them, "Mica gave you consent to ignore his consent, so how is that different?"
Kelvin took a deep breath, choosing his words carefully. "It’s different because true consent is about ongoing communication and mutual respect. Even if Mica says I can ignore his consent, it doesn’t mean I should. Respecting his boundaries and making sure he’s comfortable is more important than any one-time permission."
Mica nodded in agreement. "Kelvin is right, Wallace. Consent isn’t something you can give up permanently. It’s something that needs to be reaffirmed and respected in every moment. When Kelvin respects my boundaries, it shows his love and care for me."
Wallace frowned, trying to understand. "So, it’s about always checking in and making sure the other person is okay with what’s happening?"
Kelvin smiled, appreciating Wallace’s willingness to learn. "Exactly. It’s about making sure both people are comfortable and happy with what’s going on. It’s not about power or control; it’s about mutual respect and care."
Wallace still looked conflicted. "Mica was licking your pads, and you were enjoying it, but you pulled your foot away when he said you could treat him like a slave."
Kelvin nodded, understanding Wallace’s confusion. "Yes, Wallace. I did enjoy it, but there’s a big difference between enjoying an intimate moment and taking advantage of someone. When Mica said that, it was clear he was coming from a place of feeling indebted to me, not from genuine desire. I don’t want him to feel like he has to do anything because he owes me. I want our relationship to be based on love and mutual respect."
Mica squeezed Kelvin’s hand and added, "It’s important to recognize the difference between consent given freely and consent given out of a sense of obligation or guilt. I want to be with Kelvin because I love him, not because I feel like I have to repay him for anything."
Wallace thought for a moment, then slowly nodded. "I think I’m starting to get it. It’s about making sure the other person really wants it, not just feeling like they have to go along with it."
Kelvin smiled warmly. "Exactly, Wallace. It’s about mutual desire and respect. It’s about making sure both partners are truly comfortable and happy with what’s happening."
Wallace gave a small, appreciative smile. "Thanks for explaining, Kelvin. I have a lot to learn, but I’m willing to try."
Kelvin placed a reassuring hand on Wallace's shoulder. "We’re all learning, Wallace. It’s important to support each other in becoming better. If you ever have questions or need to talk, I’m here."
Wallace nodded, his expression turning more serious. "Kelvin, I know I’ve messed up a lot, and I’ve hurt people. I don’t want to keep being that person. But I don’t know how to change. I don’t even know where to start."
Kelvin paused, considering Wallace’s words carefully. "It’s a good sign that you want to change, Wallace. The first step is to really understand the impact of what you’ve done. Listen to the people you’ve hurt, like Kai, and take their feelings seriously. Acknowledge your mistakes without trying to justify them. It’s going to be hard, but it’s necessary."
Wallace looked down, a hint of vulnerability in his eyes. "I don’t know if I’m strong enough to face all of it. It’s overwhelming."
Kelvin squeezed Wallace’s shoulder reassuringly. "You don’t have to face it all at once. Take it one step at a time. Start with small actions—showing respect, listening, and being honest with yourself and others. And remember, you don’t have to do it alone. We’re here to support you, but you have to be willing to do the work."
Wallace nodded slowly, the weight of Kelvin’s words sinking in. "I’ll try, Kelvin. I don’t want to be this person anymore."
Kelvin gave Wallace a supportive smile. "That’s all anyone can ask, Wallace. Just keep trying, and don’t give up on yourself. Change takes time, but it’s possible if you’re committed."
As the conversation ended, Wallace took a deep breath, feeling a mixture of apprehension and determination. The road ahead was daunting, but for the first time, he felt like he had a direction—a way forward.
Mica, who had been quietly observing, stepped closer to Kelvin as Wallace walked away. "Do you think he’ll really change?" Mica asked softly.
Kelvin watched Wallace’s retreating figure thoughtfully. "I don’t know, Mica. But the fact that he’s asking for help is a good sign. It means he’s starting to see that he can’t keep doing things the way he has been."
Mica nodded, leaning into Kelvin’s side. "I hope he does. It would be nice to see him become a better person."
Kelvin wrapped an arm around Mica, pulling him close. "We’ll have to wait and see. But for now, let’s focus on us and make the most of our day together."
Mica smiled up at him, the tension from earlier finally easing. "I’d like that."
Together, they continued their walk, enjoying the quiet companionship that had grown even stronger through the day’s challenges. The future was uncertain, but Kelvin and Mica knew that as long as they had each other, they could face whatever came their way.
The next morning, after enjoying a quiet breakfast together, Kelvin and Mica were getting ready to start their day when there was a knock at the door. Kelvin exchanged a curious glance with Mica before going to answer it.
Standing in the doorway was Wallace, his expression tense. "Kelvin, I need your help."
Kelvin noticed the tension in Wallace’s voice and stepped aside to let him in. "What’s going on?"
Wallace hesitated, frustration evident as he looked down at the floor before meeting Kelvin’s eyes. "I had a vision last night... Fiona and Mat were talking about me. Fiona doesn’t trust me because of what happened with Kai. She said that anyone who can justify what I did isn’t our friend."
Kelvin frowned, his expression serious. "And Mat? What did he say?"
Wallace huffed, crossing his arms defensively. "Mat tried to defend me, said I’ve been helpful and that I’m just a product of my environment. But Fiona wasn’t having it. She thinks I’m dangerous, that I haven’t changed at all. But what really gets me is that Kai still trusts me. We come from the same world—he gets it. He knows what it’s like, how things work back home."
Kelvin’s expression shifted slightly, a mix of understanding and firmness. "Wallace, I get that you and Kai come from the same world and have a shared understanding, but that doesn’t change what happened. Just because Kai still trusts you doesn’t mean everyone else will, especially after something like this."
Wallace’s eyes narrowed, his tone more defensive. "But it’s not like I’m some kind of monster. I didn’t mean for things to get out of hand, and now everyone’s acting like I’m this huge threat. I thought the good I did would count for something. And if Kai can still trust me, why can’t they?"
Kelvin sighed, placing a hand on Wallace’s shoulder. "I understand why Kai might still trust you, given your shared background. But Fiona and Mat don’t come from that world—they don’t see things the same way. What you did to Kai was serious, and it’s not something they can easily overlook, even if Kai has. Trust isn’t something that can be rebuilt overnight."
Wallace shook his head, clearly still struggling to accept the situation. "So what? I’m just supposed to sit back and let them think the worst of me? I’ve been trying, Kelvin. I thought you could talk to Fiona, help her see that I’m not a threat."
Kelvin’s gaze softened, but his voice remained firm. "Wallace, I can’t make Fiona trust you. That’s something you have to earn, and it’s not going to happen overnight. What you did hurt Kai deeply, and it’s not something that can be easily overlooked. It’s going to take time, and you have to be willing to put in the work to show that you’re committed to change."
Wallace’s defensiveness faltered, his frustration giving way to uncertainty. "But what if she never sees it? What if she never trusts me again?"
Kelvin softened his tone, though he remained resolute. "That’s a possibility, Wallace. But trying to rush it or force it isn’t going to help. You need to give Fiona space and time to process what happened. She needs to see that you’re not just saying you’ve changed but actually living it out."
Mica, who had been quietly listening, stepped in. "Fiona’s skepticism isn’t something you can just argue away. She’s justified in feeling the way she does, and it’s going to take more than a few good deeds from before to change her mind."
Wallace looked down, his frustration simmering under the surface. "I just… I don’t want to be stuck in this place where everyone’s doubting me. It’s like no matter what I do, it’s not enough."
Kelvin placed a reassuring hand on Wallace’s shoulder. "It’s not that it’s not enough, Wallace. It’s just going to take time. You need to keep showing that you’re committed to being better, even if it’s hard. Trust is earned through consistent actions, not just words."
Wallace took a deep breath, the weight of Kelvin’s words settling on him, though the defensiveness hadn’t completely left his eyes. "I guess… I just thought it would be easier if you talked to her."
Kelvin shook his head gently. "This isn’t something I can fix for you. It’s something you have to work on yourself. But know that we’re here to support you, as long as you’re committed to doing the right thing."
As Wallace turned to leave, Kelvin added, "Remember, it’s going to take time. Don’t rush it. Just keep doing the work, and things will start to change."
Wallace looked back at them, a mix of frustration and reluctant acceptance in his expression. "Thanks, Kelvin. And you too, Mica. I’ll… I’ll try."
As the door closed behind Wallace, Kelvin turned to Mica, his expression thoughtful. "This isn’t going to be easy for him."
Mica nodded, leaning against the door frame. "No, it’s not. He’s still got a lot to work through."
Kelvin sighed, wrapping an arm around Mica’s shoulders. "Let’s hope he sticks with it. It’s going to be a long road."
The group had gathered outside, waiting for Wallace to open a portal. The atmosphere was thick with tension, everyone acutely aware of the unspoken issues simmering beneath the surface. Wallace stood slightly apart from the others, his eyes scanning the group, though it was clear his mind was elsewhere.
Fiona approached him, her gaze sharp and unyielding. The rest of the group fell silent, their attention drawn to the impending confrontation. Mat stood nearby, his expression unreadable, while Kai kept a careful distance, his eyes betraying a mix of emotions.
Fiona didn’t waste any time. "So, you’re using your gift to spy on people now?" Her voice was cold, cutting through the murmurs of the others.
Wallace shifted uncomfortably, his defensive instincts flaring up. "It wasn’t like that, Fiona. I just… I needed to know what you were thinking."
Fiona’s eyes narrowed, her voice dropping to a low, intense tone. "Kai gave you every chance to set boundaries. When you told him you didn’t see him that way, he respected that and backed off. But then you decided to go to him, take what you wanted, and when he told you to stop, you ignored him. Instead of honoring the kindness and respect Kai had always shown you, you violated his trust and his consent."
A hush fell over the group. Mat glanced at Fiona, concern flickering in his eyes, while the others exchanged uneasy looks. Kai remained silent, his gaze fixed on the ground.
Wallace flinched at her words, the full impact of what she was saying hitting him like a physical blow. "Fiona, I… I didn’t mean for it to happen like that. I didn’t want to hurt him."
"But you did," Fiona snapped, her voice filled with anger and disappointment. "You had the choice to stop, to respect his boundaries, just like he respected yours all those times before. But you didn’t. You chose to violate him, Wallace."
Mat stepped forward, his voice calm but firm. "Wallace, I defended you when Fiona and I talked because I know you’re a product of where you came from, but that doesn’t mean what you did was okay. You can’t just expect everyone to look past it because you’ve been helpful in the past."
Kai finally spoke up, his voice quiet but steady. "Wallace, I still trust you… but that doesn’t mean what happened didn’t hurt. You have to understand that trust is fragile, especially when it’s been broken like this."
Wallace’s defenses crumbled further, his voice coming out weaker. "I know I messed up, Fiona. I know I hurt him. But I didn’t mean to… I just…"
"Intentions don’t change what you did," Fiona continued, her voice hardening. "You can’t just brush this off as a mistake, Wallace. You have to own it. Kai trusted you, and you broke that trust."
Kelvin, who had been standing nearby, stepped forward to add his thoughts. "Wallace, we all want to see you do better, but you have to realize that this isn’t just going to go away because you want it to. You need to put in the work to rebuild what you’ve broken."
Wallace looked around at the group, seeing the mix of disappointment, concern, and caution in their faces. "I’m sorry, Fiona. I’m sorry to all of you. I know I can’t fix this with words, but I’m willing to do whatever it takes to make things right."
"Sorry isn’t enough," Fiona replied coldly. "You need to prove that you’re more than just empty words. You need to show, not just to Kai, but to everyone here, that you’re willing to do the hard work to make this right. But don’t expect me to trust you until I see real change."
Wallace nodded slowly, the weight of Fiona’s words sinking in. He knew she was right. This wasn’t something he could talk his way out of; it was something he had to earn back through actions, not just apologies.
As Fiona turned to address the group, she added, "And Wallace, if you want to be part of this group, you better start understanding that trust is everything. Without it, you’re just another threat."
The words hung in the air, heavy with meaning. The group’s eyes were on Wallace, their expressions a mix of uncertainty and caution. Mat gave Wallace a nod, acknowledging his willingness to try, but his face showed the seriousness of the situation.
Kai, who had been silent until now, finally looked up, meeting Wallace’s gaze. There was a lingering trust there, a connection rooted in their shared past, but it was strained, fragile.
Mica, who had been observing quietly, spoke up. "Wallace, it’s going to be a long road, but if you’re serious about making amends, we’ll support you. Just know that it’s up to you to prove that you’ve changed."
Wallace looked around at the group, seeing the mixture of cautious hope and lingering doubt in their expressions. "I understand. I know I’ve got a lot to prove, and I’m ready to do whatever it takes."
Kelvin, sensing the tension, approached Wallace and placed a reassuring hand on his shoulder. "You’ve got a lot of work to do, Wallace, but you’re not alone in this. Just remember, it’s not going to be easy."
Wallace’s expression softened slightly as he looked at Kelvin, then the others. "I’m really trying to change, but I’m scared I’ll fail. I don’t want to go back to who I was. Can you help me?"
Kelvin nodded, his voice steady and compassionate. "We’ll help you, Wallace. But remember, it’s you who has to put in the effort every day. We can guide you, support you, but the change has to come from within you."
Mat, standing nearby, added, "It’s good that you’re asking for help, Wallace. That’s a step in the right direction. But you have to be prepared to face the consequences of your actions and learn from them."
Wallace nodded, his eyes reflecting a mixture of hope and fear. "I know it won’t be easy, but I don’t want to keep making the same mistakes. I’ll do whatever it takes."
Kelvin gave him a reassuring smile. "That’s the right attitude, Wallace. Just remember, we’re here for you, but the hard work is yours to do. Take it one step at a time, and don’t be afraid to ask for help when you need it."
Mica nodded in agreement, offering a small smile of encouragement. "We’re all learning, Wallace. Just take it day by day, and don’t give up."
Wallace looked around at the group, his resolve strengthening as he saw their support. "Thank you, all of you. I won’t let you down."
As the group slowly began to disperse, the atmosphere was heavy with unspoken thoughts and unresolved feelings. Wallace stood there, the reality of the situation settling in more deeply than ever before. He knew now that the road ahead was going to be long and difficult, and that he couldn’t afford to take any more missteps.
Mat lingered for a moment, catching Wallace’s eye. There was something in his expression—perhaps a glimmer of understanding or a small measure of hope—but he said nothing as he turned to follow the others.
