Dare: A M/M Sci-Fi Romance (Mindset Duet Book 1)

13. Chapter 13

Dare”s concern regarding Stravetta ”outing” him as a Mindset One slowly dissipated as time passed with no revelation. Receiving Riis” message from the captain helped to allay his fears for the most part. After two weeks had gone by since their confrontation, the empath felt, if not totally safe, better about his conversation with the older man. During that time, he thought about telling the rest of the ship about his true nature, knowing he would have to tell the emerging Mindset on the colony deck soon.

Years of keeping what he was to himself made it difficult to let go of the spurious safety held by keeping it secret. Finally, he decided to release the information on an ”as needed” basis. Knowing the way information spread on the ship, he would not have to tell many for everyone to know. It would be a relief to let the secret out, to be himself at last. He could only hope to be accepted and not feared.

Working with Chance in the colony”s quarters was an unlooked-for joy. Chance was a natural therapist; warm, caring, and an excellent listener. With his nascent empathy talent, he would be a wonderful asset for the colony, a true gift.

Dare decided he would share his secret with Chance today, and if he wished, drop his shields to discover what level of empath the young man was. As he walked to the colony deck, the empath thought of ways he could introduce the subject of his gift with the least amount of upset, but finally shrugged, uncertain.

It was a subdued empath that arrived at the colony”s quarters. He managed to smile and wave to those he knew as he ambled to Chance”s small room. Calling out before he entered, Dare found Chance sitting on his couch, waiting, with a smile wreathing his face, his brown eyes warm, sandy hair soft in the light.

”It”s good to see you again, Dare. I”m ready for more training today.” Unexpectedly, he yawned, covering his mouth quickly. ”I”m sorry. I”m not sleeping very well. It seems like there are so many thoughts around me they fill up my head. It”s been worse lately, but it”s not new. I”ve had that problem for several years.”

Dare nodded in understanding as he sat in one armchair. ”I think you need to take the damping medication before you sleep. Your shields drop low when you sleep, and that allows everyone”s thoughts to invade yours. I take that medication every night myself or sleeping becomes more of a nightmare. I believe it”s getting worse for you as your gift expands. I have some of the medication in my room here, so we can go over there after your training today. You”ll need to see the doctor here, too, so you”ll have your own script for them.” He gazed at Chance with sympathy. ”This is one downside of empathy, my friend.”

Chance gave him a wry smile. ”I thought that might be what was going on. I”m fine with taking the med if it”ll let me get a good night”s sleep. What do you want to work on today? I”ve been holding my shields pretty steady and haven”t inadvertently listened in on anyone recently.”

Dare nodded agreeably before meeting Chance”s eyes. ”I think it”s time for you to find out what level of empath you are. I can assist with that, but it will mean dropping our shields for a few minutes, then I would look to see what gift you hold within you. It”s painless, but invasive. You are an empath whether or not we do this, so it”s up to you if we proceed.”

Chance sat forward in his seat. ”Why bother then if it doesn”t make a difference? Would it change my training?”

The older empath bowed his head. ”Yes, it would change your training, as I would tailor it to your level. Otherwise, I would stay with the general knowledge I am giving you now. As I said, this decision is yours to make. I will help you with whatever you decide.”

Chance sat back on the couch, looking thoughtful. ”How do you know how to do this? You”re a Mindset Three–I didn”t think that level had that ability.”

Dare sighed, then leaned forward. ”Mindset Three”s do not, but I am not truly a Mindset Three. I am a Mindset One, which is why I left Earth. I am sorry I kept this from you, but keeping that secret has been my only safety for some time. It was difficult to let that go.”

The younger empath”s eyes widened as he inhaled a breath. ”I thought those existed only rarely. But here you are. I don”t know what to…I mean, thank you for telling me, but you are way out of my class as far as empathy goes.”

The older empath smiled faintly. ”Perhaps, perhaps not. Unless I discover your level of ability, we won”t know. I understand I am not what you thought, and will give you time to consider my proposal, or indeed, leave you alone completely. That, too, is your decision.”

Chance bowed his head for a moment, obscuring his face. A few breaths later, he raised his head, grinning. ”Dare, my empathy tells me you are caring and thoughtful. I am not worried about you ravaging my mind or harming me. For Gaia”s sake, don”t leave me to wander the minds of others without more training! I”m saying I trust you, and I want you to find my level so we can customize my training. What do I need to do?”

Dare gave him a thankful smile. ”You are sure?” Chance nodded emphatically, making Dare grin. ”In that case, I will drop my shields first so I can hold you safe when you drop yours. This will feel strange, but it will not take long.” He took a deep breath, dropping his defenses, then nodded to Chance to do the same.

Dare held Chance”s gift within his mind, feeling his joy, his warmth, his loving care given to others. Delicately probing, he carefully felt what he could do, then, mind to mind, told him to raise his shields again.

Chance fell back against the couch, opening eyes he hadn”t realized he”d closed. ”That was…different, but I feel fine. Did you find what you wanted to know?”

Dare swiftly rebuilt his shields, then smiled warmly. ”You are a Mindset Two, Chance. We will adjust your training to fit your level. Thank you for allowing me to touch your mind. It was an honor to do so.”

The younger empath shook his head. ”Um, thank you. All I felt of you was the strength of your mind and the carefulness of your touch. You are scary strong.”

Dare met his questioning gaze. ”I suppose I am. I have not found my limits thus far, as Earth was not the place to practice my gift. Don”t worry–my conscience and ethics keep me in check. I would hurt no one except to defend myself, and would question even that.”

Chance slowly nodded. ”I”m glad to hear that now that I”ve felt your mind. Otherwise, you”d be a serious threat.”

The older empath bowed his head before answering softly. ”Yes, I would be if I wished it. Thank Gaia, that is not so.”

They stared at each other for a moment before Chance responded. ”Thank you for giving me your truth. It is a gift I will not forget.”

Dare shook his head. ”Thank you for your acceptance and courage. I will not forget that gift, freely given.”

They spent the remainder of the day together as Dare taught his student different exercises to strengthen his shields and the constraints of using his gift. They walked together to the older empath”s room to retrieve the dampers for Chance to use that night, then had a meal with the colony.

Dare arranged to meet with Vida the next day to confirm Chance”s abilities, with his consent, of course, and to tell her of his own. Chance walked him to the exit, asking his teacher about different psychological theories, pausing only to say hello to other colonists. Dare finally made the ”time out” sign to quell the flow of words.

”Chance, therapy is more about being in the moment with another than it is using psychological theories. Read the books I suggested, but otherwise practice being present in each conversation you have with someone. We bring ourselves into therapy to help others. The different theories only give us insight into what might be going on.”

The younger man ducked his head. ”Crap. I got carried away. I”ll remember to bring myself into my interactions with others and not worry so much about what school of thought I”m following.”

Dare gave him a rueful smile. ”I did the same when I started my training. Don”t worry about it. You are a natural therapist, and I know you”ll do well. Now let me out so I can get ready for my clients tomorrow. Have a good night, Chance, and remember to take the dampers.”

Chance nodded. “Thanks for everything you”re doing to help. It means a lot to me, but then you know that, right? Have a good evening, too, and I promise to take my medication. See you in a few days?”

The older empath gazed at his student, giving him a gentle smile. ”Yes, I will be back tomorrow to see the Administrator, but will see you the day after. Please ask one of the non-gifted therapists if we can sit in on a session with one of their clients soon. It is good to see therapy in practice instead of only in theory. Until then, get some rest.”

Chance nodded, grinned, and let his mentor out to return to his deck on the Gambit.

Dare sighed quietly as he left. He no longer held his secret, realizing that his safety had been only an illusion, and was, at last, thankfully discarded.