“I wanted to be able to protect you and Calara” Alyssa said simply.

“I know what you mean" John said, kissing her soundly. Alyssa sighed happily and her Lips moved to match his tender kisses.

They eventually parted lips and John leaned back to Look deeply into her sky-blue eyes.

Now it's time to talk about something elsex He thought for her benefit.

Alyssa smiled looking bashful. "So when did this start exactly? Have you always been psychic?" he asked curiously.

Alyssa shook her head animatedly “No, It started off with just being able to feel your emotions" she explained “then one day I started to be able to hear your voice in my head".

“Why didn't you say anything?" John asked.

“Well at first I worried I might be going crazy" Alyssa admitted "Then when I realised I was listening to your inner voice, I ended up just constantly tuning in, as it was fascinating to hear what you were thinking".

“Hmm'* John said dubiously. He wasn't sure if he should feel violated, or worry about his young lovers budding new abilities.

"Oh please don't think about it Like that!" Alyssa said with alarm. "I didn't tell you, because Listening to what you were thinking helped me say the right things to you".

John looked confused.

“Ok, do you remember when we first went into the Commander's ready room and you were feeling a bit intimidated about taking command over your old ship?" she asked carefully.

“Yes, it was hard getting used to being the one in charge" he admitted, nodding.

"So then we had some fun and you were very masterful, do you remember?" she said gently, trying not to make it sound like she had been manipulating him.

John remembered very well that feeling of dominance when he hosed her down in the ready room. He realised with a start that from that point onwards, all lewd jokes aside, he really had felt like he had marked his territory and he hadn't been troubled by the same feelings of insecurity.

“Or when you've been dwelling on bad events from your past, I just distract you a bit, as I don't Like seeing you get sad" she explained sincerely.

John thought back over the last several weeks and found himself suddenly aware of the dozens of times she had subtly been listening to his thoughts and then had done something to make him feel better. ALL those occasions when he thought she was just being very perceptive. He raised his eyebrows in surprise, having gained a newfound appreciation for his young Lover.

Alyssa sighed happily, he had understood her benign motives after all.

“Ok I admit, I Love the way you've seemingly been able to read me like a book and react to what I'm thinking" John said, realising it was true.

“but why did it come as such a shock when you read Seb's mind?"

“Well for two reasons I guess" The beautiful teen said, thinking to herself. "You're inner voice feels so lovely in my mind, you're nearly always thinking nice thoughts. Seb's voice was angry, dark and ugly and it was unpleasant to suddenly tune into it".

“Also, that's the first time I've heard anyone else's inner voice except for yours, oh and the Bolon of course" she clarified for him.