Kelvin found Fiona sitting near the campfire, her posture relaxed but her eyes sharp as she stared into the flames. He approached hesitantly, unsure if he was ready for yet another intense conversation.
"Got a minute?" he asked, his tone cautious.
Fiona glanced up, her expression neutral. "For you? Always. What’s on your mind?"
Kelvin sat down across from her, his shoulders sagging slightly. "It’s about Mat."
Fiona raised an eyebrow, folding her arms. "What about him?"
Kelvin sighed, running a hand through his fur. "He called me out for pushing too hard, for trying to force change on this place when it’s not ready. And… he’s right. But it’s hard to just accept things the way they are here."
Fiona tilted her head, her expression softening. "I get it. This place is a nightmare. As much as I hate that Mat kinda has that medieval mindset—and the fact this planet is hundreds of years behind when it comes to respect for women, people, whatever—Mat is correct. It would take an army to fix this place."
Kelvin frowned, his ears twitching. "But doesn’t that bother you? Just accepting it?"
"Of course it does," Fiona replied firmly. "But look at history, Kelvin. Ketill wasn’t exactly ahead of the curve when it came to women’s rights and slavery. It took time, effort, and, yeah, armies to bring about change. This place will get there too, eventually."
Kelvin shook his head, his frustration evident. "How do you stay so calm about it?"
Fiona chuckled softly, her gaze flicking back to the fire. "Because I’ve learned to pick my battles. You can’t fix everything at once, Kelvin. And you can’t save people who don’t want to be saved—not yet, anyway. Mat understands that. He’s been surviving here for years. He knows what happens when you push too hard."
She paused, her lips quirking into a faint smirk. "Though, even though this planet hasn’t invented indoor plumbing, it did produce Mat. Even if he did enter my box without permission."
Kelvin blinked, momentarily thrown off by her bluntness. "That’s… a pretty layered statement, Fiona."
Fiona shrugged, her tone casual but tinged with amusement. "What can I say? This place is a mess, but it’s not all bad. Mat’s proof of that. He’s flawed—sure—but he’s also kind, resourceful, and strong in ways most people here could never dream of being. Even if his medieval mindset slips out now and then, he’s still worth it."
Kelvin tilted his head, his expression softening. "You really believe that?"
"Absolutely," Fiona said firmly. "If someone like Mat can come out of this hellhole and still have the capacity to care, to love, then there’s hope. Not just for him, but for this place too. Someday. Maybe."
Kelvin nodded slowly, her words settling over him. "I guess I can’t argue with that. He’s… a good guy, even if he’s rough around the edges."
Fiona smirked, her gaze returning to the fire. "Exactly. So, don’t waste your energy trying to change this planet, Kelvin. Focus on the good that’s already here—and the people who make it worth surviving."
Kelvin exhaled deeply, her words sinking in. "Thanks, Fiona. You always know how to put things into perspective."
Fiona gave a small nod, her smirk softening. "I know you two were talking earlier. I hope you didn’t get on him too much. Sure, he knew better than to enter my box, but… it’s not like he’s had any reminders in the last 20 years."
Kelvin frowned slightly, his tone thoughtful. "I didn’t come down on him, but we had words. He’s carrying a lot, Fiona. I guess I didn’t fully understand just how much until now."
Fiona poked at the fire absently, her gaze distant. "He’s been through hell, Kelvin. And let’s be honest—this planet doesn’t exactly teach respect or boundaries. If anything, it beats the opposite into you. Mat’s spent his whole life here, surviving in a place that doesn’t value people like us. I can’t say I blame him for slipping up."
Kelvin’s frown deepened. "But you still forgave him?"
"Of course I did," Fiona said firmly, looking up at him. "Because he owned it. He didn’t make excuses; he listened. That’s more than I can say for most people here—or even back in Ketill. Mistakes happen, Kelvin. It’s what you do after that defines you."
Kelvin nodded slowly, her words sinking in. "That’s fair. He’s lucky to have you, Fiona. You’re a lot more patient than I’d be."
Fiona chuckled softly, a hint of warmth returning to her expression. "Maybe. Or maybe I just see the bigger picture. Mat’s trying, and that’s what matters. We all screw up. The question is whether we learn from it."
Kelvin managed a faint smile. "You’re good for him, you know that?"
Fiona tilted her head, her smirk returning. "And he’s good for me. We balance each other out, even if he still has a few things to figure out."
Kelvin chuckled, standing and brushing himself off. "Well, if you can see it, I guess I can try to give him the same grace. Thanks, Fiona."
"Anytime," she replied, turning her attention back to the fire as Kelvin walked away, her words echoing in his mind.
Kelvin chuckled softly, hesitating for a moment before speaking. "Mat did say you were too mean, though."
Fiona raised an eyebrow, her smirk curling into an amused grin. "Oh, did he now? Did he happen to mention why?"
Kelvin shrugged, a teasing glint in his eye. "Something about how you handle things—especially when he messes up. Sounds like he thinks you’re a little tough on him."
Fiona leaned back, crossing her arms as her grin widened. "Well, someone has to be. He’s not exactly living in a world where soft words and gentle reminders get the job done. And let’s be honest, sometimes he needs a little push."
Kelvin raised an eyebrow, his tone turning more pointed. "He said you threatened to slit his throat with your claws."
Fiona’s grin faltered for a moment before she let out a soft laugh, shaking her head. "Yeah, I did. And he deserved it. What, did he think I was just going to let it slide?"
Kelvin smirked faintly. "I think he was more surprised than anything. He said something about medieval laws and always-consenting pregnancies, but I don’t think he expected that kind of reaction."
Fiona rolled her eyes, her tone firm but not without humor. "Oh, please. Just because this planet operates on barbaric traditions doesn’t mean I’m going to. He might have been conditioned to think certain things are normal, but I’m not about to let him get too comfortable with that mindset. If a little scare is what it takes to get the message across, so be it."
Kelvin leaned back slightly, his expression thoughtful. "You don’t think that’s a little… extreme?"
Fiona’s smirk returned, though her gaze softened. "Look, Kelvin, Mat knows I love him. He knows I’d never actually hurt him—not seriously. But he also knows I’m not afraid to call him out when he’s wrong. That’s the kind of balance we have. And honestly? I think he respects me more for it."
Kelvin nodded slowly, considering her words. "I guess that makes sense. But maybe dial back the death threats next time? Just a thought."
Fiona laughed, the sound light but genuine. "Noted. But let’s be honest—he’s lucky I’m patient enough to stick around. And he knows it."
Kelvin chuckled, standing and brushing himself off. "Fair enough. I’ll let him know you’re keeping score."
"Do that," Fiona said with a wink. "And remind him that love doesn’t mean letting things slide. It means holding each other accountable—even if it gets a little messy."
Kelvin’s tone turned more serious, his gaze steady. "Mat’s right. I didn’t see it before."
Fiona tilted her head, her expression curious but calm. "And what’s that?"
Kelvin hesitated for a moment before speaking, his voice quieter but firm. "You went from Edwin’s daughter to being that rabbit killer I stopped."
Fiona gave a soft chuckle, her blue eyes flicking toward the fire. "Yeah, I did. And for a while, I tried to pretend that wasn’t part of me. But now? I’ve made my peace with it. Both sides of me are real, Kelvin. They’re both… me."
Kelvin’s ears twitched as he absorbed her words. "You’ve really come to terms with that? Even after everything?"
Fiona nodded slowly, her tone thoughtful. "It wasn’t easy. For a long time, I thought I had to choose—either be Edwin’s daughter or the rabbit killer. But now I see it’s not about choosing. It’s about accepting that I’ve been both, and I can take what I’ve learned from each to figure out who I want to be."
Kelvin studied her for a moment, his expression softening. "I guess that makes sense. You seem… more grounded now. More certain."
Fiona smiled faintly, her voice carrying a note of humor. "Well, it helps that I’ve got people like you and Mat to keep me steady. Even if you two have a habit of reminding me of my flaws."
Kelvin chuckled softly. "It’s what friends are for, right?"
"Right," Fiona said, her gaze turning distant. "You know, back when you stopped me that night, I was angry. Not just at you, but at everything. The world, the rules, myself. I didn’t know how to deal with it. But now? I see you were just doing what you thought was right. And I can’t hold that against you."
Kelvin exhaled, relief flickering across his face. "I’m glad you see it that way. I always worried that I made things worse for you."
"You didn’t," Fiona said firmly, her tone steady. "If anything, you gave me a chance to step back and figure things out. That rabbit killer side of me—she’s still there. She always will be. But I don’t have to let her run the show anymore."
Kelvin nodded, a small smile forming. "And Edwin’s daughter?"
Fiona smirked. "She’s here too. Maybe not as bright-eyed and hopeful as she used to be, but she’s still in the mix. I’ve just learned to balance the two."
Kelvin leaned back, his expression thoughtful. "I think Mat sees that balance, even if he’s not great at putting it into words."
Fiona chuckled softly. "Yeah, he’s a work in progress. But he’s mine. And I wouldn’t have it any other way."
Kelvin grinned. "He’s lucky to have you."
Fiona raised an eyebrow, her smirk widening. "Don’t let him hear you say that. His ego’s big enough as it is."
Kelvin laughed, shaking his head as he stood. "Noted. Thanks for the chat, Fiona."
"Anytime," she said, her voice warm as she turned her gaze back to the fire. "And Kelvin? Thanks for stopping me back then. I might not have liked it at the time, but I wouldn’t be here without it."
Kelvin nodded, his smile fading into something softer. "You’re welcome."
Kelvin smirked slightly, leaning forward. "Mat was kinda scared."
Fiona raised an eyebrow, tilting her head. "Of what?"
Kelvin hesitated, a teasing edge in his tone but a touch of sincerity beneath it. "You dominated him in bed, but when he knocked you up, you were Edwin’s daughter. I think he’s trying to figure out how to keep up."
Fiona chuckled softly, shaking her head. "Mat overthinks everything. I don’t care if I was Edwin’s daughter then or the rabbit killer now. He’s still the same to me—my partner, the one who keeps me grounded when I start spinning off the rails. That’s all that matters."
Kelvin nodded, a faint smile on his face. "He’s lucky to have you. But you know, he does wonder which version of you he’s dealing with sometimes."
Fiona smirked, a glint of mischief in her eyes. "Let him wonder. Keeps him on his toes. Besides, he’s stuck with all of me now—Edwin’s daughter, the rabbit killer, and whoever else I decide to be."
Kelvin hesitated for a moment, then added, "I mean, a little over a month ago, you had sex with him and got pregnant with his twins. Now, he said you made love to him, but you kept being in charge and never let him set the pace."
Fiona raised an eyebrow, her smirk deepening as she tilted her head slightly. "Oh, is that what he said? That I didn’t let him set the pace?"
Kelvin shrugged, his tone teasing but careful. "Something like that. I think it threw him off a little. You know how Mat can get—he overthinks things."
Fiona chuckled softly, shaking her head. "He does overthink, doesn’t he? But honestly? That’s just part of who he is, and I love him for it. If he’s confused, he’ll figure it out eventually. I’ve got no problem taking the lead when it feels right, and if he wants to set the pace next time, he just has to step up."
Kelvin smirked. "You make it sound so easy."
"It is," Fiona said lightly, her gaze flicking back to the fire. "Mat’s stronger than he gives himself credit for. He just needs to realize he’s not competing with me—we’re on the same team. He’ll get there."
Kelvin nodded thoughtfully, his expression softening. "You’ve got a lot of faith in him."
"Of course I do," Fiona replied without hesitation. "He’s not perfect, but neither am I. That’s what makes us work. And if I have to nudge him a little to see what he’s capable of, so be it."
Kelvin chuckled. "He’s got his hands full with you, that’s for sure."
Fiona grinned, her tone playful. "And don’t you forget it. Now, are you going to keep gossiping about my love life, or do you actually have something useful to do?"
Kelvin laughed, raising his hands in mock surrender. "Alright, I’ll leave you alone. But tell Mat to watch out—I think you’re plotting something."
"Always," Fiona replied with a wink, her laughter following Kelvin as he walked away.
Kelvin smirked, his tone carrying a teasing edge. "We’re both alpha predators, Fiona. You being a lot stronger than he’ll ever be, well… you’ll be setting the pace forever then."
Fiona chuckled, her eyes glinting with amusement. "Maybe. But setting the pace doesn’t mean leaving him behind, Kelvin. It just means leading when it’s needed. Mat’s got his own strengths—they just look different from mine or yours. And honestly? That’s what makes us work."
Kelvin smirked, raising an eyebrow. "I mean, sex is a two-way street, Fiona. I’m sure Mat had fun, but it’s his wood. Maybe he might like to move it himself every now and then."
Fiona laughed, the sound rich and genuine. "Fair point, Kelvin. I might’ve gotten a little carried away. But let’s be honest, Mat’s not exactly the assertive type when it comes to that. If he wanted to take the lead, he could’ve spoken up."
Kelvin tilted his head, his tone playful but edged with sincerity. "You sure about that? Maybe he’s just worried about stepping on your toes—or, you know, claws."
Fiona smirked, her expression softening. "Maybe. But Mat’s not as fragile as you think. If he really wanted to take control, he’d figure out how. Besides, it’s not like I don’t give him space to try. He just… hasn’t yet."
Kelvin chuckled. "So, what you’re saying is, he’s welcome to lead—if he can keep up?"
"Exactly," Fiona said with a wink. "Mat’s learning, just like I am. And when he’s ready to take the reins, I’ll gladly let him. Until then, I’m not going to apologize for knowing what I want."
Kelvin shook his head, grinning. "You’re something else, Fiona. Poor Mat’s got his work cut out for him."
Fiona’s smirk widened. "And he wouldn’t have it any other way. Now, are you done giving me a lecture about my love life, or do I need to remind you I’ve got claws?"
Kelvin raised his hands in mock surrender. "I’m done. Just passing along some feedback."
"Good," Fiona said, turning back to the fire with a satisfied smile. "Now go make yourself useful, Kelvin. I’ve got a fire to tend to, and you’ve got a rabbit to check on."
Kelvin laughed as he stood, brushing off his knees. "Noted. Take it easy, Fiona."
"Always," she replied, her tone light but warm, her thoughts lingering on Mat and the balance they were still figuring out together.
