“So, how was your date?” Taylor asks with a smile.

“It was good. We banged. He's a pretty good fuck.” Jesse says without consideration.

Taylor's heart cringes at the idea. Goddamn, that hurts. He exclaims in his mind as the pain spreads to his body. “So you guys are together now?” He asks, forcing himself to act normal.

“Unfortunately, no. He didn't make the cut, Taylor.” Jesse says as she collapses onto the couch and onto Taylor's shoulder. “Sex was great. Unfortunately that bastard wants more than I can give. I'm like a bird, Taylor. I need to be free.” She says as she rests her eyes.

Taylor smiles as his mind lingers on the familiar warmth. “Then I’m glad your freedom led you here.” He says, happiness glowing on his face.

…

…

“What are you talking about? What do you mean you can’t control yourself?” Taylor asks, annoyed.

“I don’t know, master–” A voice says over the phone before being interrupted.

“Hey! What the fuck did you just say? What did I say about calling me that?” Taylor asks, his annoyance rising.

“Ugh, my bad.” The voice says before continuing his explanation. “I reached the second stage, the Instinct Refinement stage, and now I just can’t stop my hands for reaching for stuff. I mean it’s fine, but whenever I’m near a hot lady I’ll instinctively reach to touch her ass. I’ve had to do a lot of running lately.” The voice says, sounding exasperated.

Taylor’s eyes open with shock. “What the fuck? Why do you sound sad right now? Aren’t you the offender?” He asks, slightly pissed. This is what happens when you teach cultivation to an idiot. He thinks, also exasperated. “It seems like no one taught you about consent when you grew up. Do you know what consent means? Do you know what ‘no’ means? When you’re reaching for someone’s ass, is there any sign whatsoever on their face or their body language, or any suggestive incidents previous to when you reach for their ass, that tells you that they want you to reach for their ass? This is the thing, friend; your mind understands the logic of consent but your identity and essence doesn’t understand its substance and why its so important in the world. It’s called the Instinct Refinement stage, so if you’re instinctively doing something dumb, figure out why it’s just so goddamn dumb. Refine yourself, bitch. Bye.” He says before hanging up. Hopefully that bastard figures it out. He thinks before ignoring it and continuing on with his day.

…

…

“What you have disciples now?” Daryl exclaims, his beer stopping half-way to his mouth. “Damn, man. What stage are you?” He asks, feeling a little left behind.

“On my way to the sixth stage, my friend. After that, my life will be smooth sailing.” Taylor says with a smile before raising his glass to take a sip. “What about you? Did you level up yet?” He asks as he sets his glass down.

Daryl glances away and mumbles, “Second stage…”

“What?” Taylor asks with a teasing grin. He heard but he wanted Daryl to repeat it.

“I said second stage, asshole. But don’t worry. Before you know it, I’ll be a loud and proud vampire prince!” Daryl responds with enthusiasm.

Taylor chuckles. “I believe in you. Step by step, my friend. Just don’t trip.” He says before bursting out into laughter.

“Fuck, man. Don’t jinx it.” Daryl says before glancing around the room looking for signs of bad juju.

Taylor continues to laugh. “If it gets jinxed, it wasn’t meant to be, my friend. Something so frail that it would collapse to some bad luck… That shit’s just not believable on a fundamental level, my friend.” He says with a chuckle, already feeling a little drunk.

Daryl sighs. “You’re probably right. If you’re a vampire prince… Man, if it was what it was… That’s something no one can deny.” He says, looking lost in thought.