"Sure, that'll be fine." He had to fight the urge to pout. What am I, five years old? Christ!
***
The one week mark of Conner's new life coincided with Jackson's birthday. As Sarah predicted, he possessed incredible self-control. He hadn't left the house yet, so seemed a bit stir crazy, but otherwise was adjusting without problems.
Jackson poured two glasses of blood, using a bottle labeled, 'Elisabeth' for Connor. He hated himself for it, yet still felt jealous. He observed the glass for a minute then dipped his index finger and touched it to his tongue. He scowled at the immediate burn and taste of acid. "Crap."
Since learning that Elisabeth regenerated blood faster than it could be drained, he didn't buy the protection theory anymore, and was convinced this was some kind of well-deserved penance.
Jackson handed Connor his blood. "I was thinking we could go out for a drink this afternoon. Just the guys."
The newborn gaped at him. "Really?" Then he turned his attention to Sarah.
She seemed concerned, yet said, "I think that's a great idea."
Connor jumped up, excited. "Let me just run up and change."
Jackson fixed his eyes on the ceiling, bracing for the lecture about responsibility that was sure to come from Sarah. "I want you to help him feed on someone."
He gaped at her, his face a mask of shock. "Excuse me?"
"You heard me. He is always going to wonder what it's like, and I would rather get it over with."
He knit his brow. "And if he decides he wants to feed that way? You know that is a very real possibility."
"I know. I will just have to find a way to deal with it."
He regarded Sarah then Elisabeth, shaking his head slowly. "I don't understand you two, both encouraging your lovers to cheat on you. Why?"
Sarah pinched his cheek. "Because your happiness is more important to us than our own."
***
Jackson explained Sarah's wishes on the way to the bar.
Connor was clearly rattled. "Are you kidding me? I'm not even sure how to influence someone."
"Don't worry about that. I'll take care of it. You just feed, and I'll make sure you stop."
"Jesus, I was thrilled to finally get out of the house, now I wish we could just go back. I don't think I'm ready for this."
"Skippy, when you woke up with fangs you were ready for this. This is your nature, you just don't know it yet."
Jackson chose a bar that wouldn't be too crowded at this hour. The last thing he needed was Connor losing it from too much human scent his first time out. They sat and ordered drinks. They had almost finished their drinks when the pretty bartender leaned over, a little closer than necessary, displaying her ample cleavage. "I'm going on break. Can I get you two anything before I leave?"