Walt almost choked on air. That’s how shocked he was, “you? But how?”
Dan exhaled with the stress lifted explained. “Easy. I have some eggs frozen in a clinic back home, and I’m willing to be the surrogate and co-parent.”
Walt was astonished. He hadn’t expected Dan to offer such a thing. He knew Dan had always been open-minded and adventurous, but this was a whole new level.
“But, Dan, are you sure about this? It’s a big decision to make,” Walt said, trying to process the information.
Dan nodded. “I’m sure. I’ve always wanted to be a parent, but I never found the right person to do it with. So, I planned and froze my eggs before I started taking testosterone,” Dan explains. He looks at Walt with a serious expression, trying to gauge his reaction.
Walt stares at him for a few seconds, his thoughts racing. He never imagined that his old high school classmate would be the one to offer him this opportunity.
Walt takes a deep breath, trying to calm down his racing thoughts.
This is a lot to process, but something inside him feels right about Dan’s offer. Perhaps this is the answer he’s been searching for - a way to start a family without having to compromise on anything.
“Why me, Dan? Out of all the people you know, why do you want to do this with me?” Walt asks, genuine curiosity in his voice.
Dan takes a sip of his wine before answering. “We have history, and I trust you. Plus, I know that you’d make a great parent. You’re successful, responsible, kind, and you have a big heart. I’ve always admired those qualities about you, and I think you’d be an amazing father.”
Walt couldn’t help but feel flattered by Dan’s words. He’d never considered it before, but Dan’s comment made him realise starting a family might be ideal.
“I don’t know, Dan. This is a lot to take in. I need some time to think about it.” “Of course, Walt. Take all the time you need. It’s a big decision, and I wouldn’t want you to rush into it.”
The waiter approaches their table, taking their plates. He asked if they would like another round of drinks or even dessert. They both decline and ask for the check. As they waited, there’s an awkward silence between them. Neither knows what to say next, given the weight of their conversation.
Finally, Dan breaks the silence. “Hey, I hope you don’t think I’m being too forward with my offer. I just thought, with your recent divorce and all, that you might look for a way to start a family without having to go through the traditional route again.”
Walt looks at Dan and smiles. “No, I don’t think you’re being forward. Actually, your offer has given me a lot to think about. I’m just not sure if I’m ready for something like this yet.” “I get it. I totally understand,” Dan replies, matching Walt’s smile. “But just know that I’m here for you, whatever you decide. We can take it one step at a time, and there’s no pressure whatsoever.”
Walt nods, appreciating Dan’s understanding and kindness. He’s always known Dan to be a great friend, but he never expected this level of support. It’s clear that Dan has thought about this a lot and is genuinely offering to help Walt in a time of need.
Dan’s proposition takes Walt by surprise, but it also piques his curiosity. He’s never considered the idea of having a child with a friend, but something about it feels right.
“What about the pregnancy, Dan?” Walt asks, breaking the silence between them. “How can you carry the child?”
Dan looks at Walt and takes a smile before answering. “Simple enough, I haven’t had bottom surgery yet. Everything is still there and working. I’m not in a rush to change everything. My dysphoria was always low about having a womb still.”
Walt was more curious. “But you’ve done so much to become a man now. Wouldn’t that affect how you see yourself after all that work?”
Dan shrugs. “While I understand your perspective, others have described this as a temporary step back. They felt discouraged at first, just like you, but once their mindset shifted, the situation improved. My body will change just differently, I’ll have wider hips and lose my body hair. But these changes are temporary and I can reverse them later.”
Walt nods, trying to process the information. He had never considered this possibility before. It’s a lot to take in, but he can’t deny the appeal of having Dan as the surrogate.
“Have you ever been pregnant before?” Walt asks, genuinely interested.
Dan shakes his head. “I’ve never been pregnant, though I had a few potential encounters in college while on birth control. If I was, it never went anywhere. Recent checkups show I’m now ready for pregnancy, even after coming off testosterone.”
Walt was clearly amazed at what Dan said. “You’ve been off testosterone? Why?”
Dan shifted in his seat. “I wanted to see if I could restart a healthy cycle. And the doctors said I could, so I went for it and so far it’s been back to my routine from high school and college. My enthusiasm surprised my friends, but I’ve never been uncomfortable with it. I’ve always known what I was doing and planned.”
Walt leaned back in the booth, processing this new information. He had so many questions, but he didn’t know where to start. “What about your work? Your business?”
Dan shrugged. “I can take some time off. It’s not a problem as I am the boss and I can work from home if need be. Besides, this is something I’ve always wanted to do. And I want to help you, too, Walt.” Dan touched Walt’s hand. “I think this could be a great opportunity for both of us. What do you think?”
Walt pauses, trying to process everything Dan has said. He takes a deep breath before asking, “Dan, I have to ask, do you have a girlfriend? Is there anyone special in your life this decision might affect?”
Dan smiles wryly. “Walt, I appreciate the concern, but I’m single now apart from some hookups before I was off T and I don’t have a girlfriend. I never have. I actually identify as a gay man.” “Oh. I see. I did not know.” Dan Continued. “It’s not a surprise, as I always had boyfriends when we were in school, but I supposed it wasn’t obvious when I was a girl.”
Walt nods slowly, trying to absorb this new information.
He can sense that Dan is holding something back, but he doesn’t want to push him. Instead, he focuses on the topic at hand.
“So, Dan, you mentioned that you’ve been single for a few months and that you’ve had a few flings, but nothing has stuck. Can I ask why?”
Dan takes a deep breath and lets out a long sigh. “Well, I guess it’s because I’ve been focusing on my career and building my business. I have had little time for dating, and when I have some free time, most guys I meet aren’t looking for something serious. They just want to hook up or have a casual fling situation.”
Walt nods sympathetically. “I can relate to that. I’ve been so busy with work and therapy that I have had little time for dating, either,” Walt replied, taking a sip of his drink.
Dan chuckled, “Yeah, I guess we’re both in the same boat. But seriously, Walt, I’m not joking about hormones since getting off T. I feel like a teenager again, with all these raging emotions and desires. I would be grateful for a vibrator right about now.”
Walt couldn’t help but laugh at Dan’s honesty. It was refreshing to hear someone speak so openly about their feelings, especially for topics that were often considered taboo.
“Well, if you ever need a recommendation, I know a few good guys,” Walt said, winking at Dan.
He could sense his friend’s desperation, and Dan couldn’t help but feel a little flattered.
“No, I mean, like, with you,” Dan said, his voice low and earnest. Walt’s eyes widened in surprise. “What? Dan, I can’t-. “
“I know, I know. It’s just- I don’t know who else to turn to. And you’re so damn attractive,” Dan said, reaching out to touch Walt’s arm.
Walt hesitated, unsure of how to respond. He had never thought of Dan in that way before, but now that he had planted the idea in his mind, he couldn’t shake it. He looked into Dan’s eyes, and he saw a hunger there that he couldn’t ignore.
It had been a long time since he had felt such a powerful attraction to someone, and he couldn’t deny that Dan’s proposition was tempting.
“Dan, I-“ Walt started, but before he could finish, Dan leaned in and kissed him. It was a passionate, urgent kiss, and Walt responded in kind. He had never felt this way about a man before, but something about Dan’s confidence and assertiveness was incredibly appealing.
As they broke apart, Dan looked at Walt with a hopeful expression. “I know it’s sudden, and I know we said we would take it slow, but I can’t help how I feel. I want you, Walt. And I think you want me too.”
Walt hesitated for a moment, unsure of what to say.
He had never considered the possibility of getting pregnant himself, let alone with someone he had just kissed. But here he was, in this moment, feeling a strong connection to Dan and wondering if it was possible for them to create a life together.
“Dan,” Walt asked hesitantly, “Do you have an egg inside of you?”
Dan nodded. “Yes, I’m on time with my cycle. It’s possible for me to get pregnant right now this week. All I need is your assistance.”
Walt was silent for a moment, trying to process this new information. The old crush he used to have for Dan was awakening. Maybe he could have the fun he always wanted before, but for a good reason. He had the choice looking into Dan’s, eyes he made up his mind
“Well, I have to admit, that’s definitely something I’m interested in exploring,” Walt said, looking at Dan with a newfound desire.
“Really?” Dan asked, a smile slowly spreading across his face.
“Yes, really,” Walt replied, leaning in closer to Dan.
The two men shared a passionate kiss, their bodies pressed against each other. After a moment, they broke apart, both of them panting.
The waiter interrupted Dan, who began, “Walt, I-…,” with the sound of him clearing his throat.
“Excuse me, gentlemen, but is everything alright? Here’s the check, but if you need more time?” The waiter asked, politely interrupting their moment.
Walt shook his head. “No, thank you. We’re good.” Dan stood up. “Yes, we’re all set. We just felt romantic.”
The waiter nodded and led the way to the cash register. Walt looked at Dan with a newfound intensity, his thoughts swirling with possibilities. Dan returned his gaze, a small smile playing on his lips.
Once the waiter brought the check, Dan quickly snatched it up and handed his credit card to the waiter. Walt protested, “Dan, I can pay for my half.” Dan shook his head. “Nonsense. I invited you out for lunch. It’s on me.”
Walt didn’t argue further, realising that arguing with Dan would only delay their return to their building.
He followed Dan out of the restaurant and onto the bustling streets of downtown. The two men rushed back to the office block, their minds still swirling with the possibilities of what had just transpired between them.
As they entered the lobby of the office building, Dan immediately went to his assistant’s desk. “Hey, did I have anything important on my schedule this afternoon?” he asked, quickly checking his calendar.
“We can reschedule anything,” the assistant replied, eyeing Dan curiously. “Is everything all right?”
Dan nodded. “Yeah, everything’s fine. Just need to take care of something urgent.”
The assistant nodded, understanding the urgency in Dan’s voice. “No problem. I’ll let everyone know that you’re not available for the next few hours.”
“Thanks,” Dan said, before turning to Walt. “Shall we head up to your office, then?”
Walt nodded, and the two men stepped into the elevator. As they rode up to the thirty-second floor, there was an electric tension in the air between them. Walt couldn’t shake the feeling that he had just made a decision that would change his life forever.
As they stepped out of the elevator and into Walt’s office, Dan took in the sleek, modern design of the space. “Pleasant office,” he said, as he walked over to the window and looked out over the city.
Walt followed Dan over to the window, feeling a little self-conscious about his space. “Thanks,” he said. “I try to keep it as minimalist as possible.”
Dan turned to face him, his eyes sparkling with excitement. “That’s amazing, Walt. I can’t believe it looks so good here.”
Walt grinned, feeling a warmth spread through his chest. “Yeah, I know. It’s a lot to take in, but I think it’s a good idea. And I trust you, Dan. I know you’d be a great co-parent.”
Dan’s face lit up at the words, and he stepped closer to Walt, his eyes searching his face. “Thank you, Walt. That means a lot to me. So shall we go to your apartment or…?”
Suddenly, Walt realised something. He looked around the room, then back at Dan. “Wait, the door’s locked, and the office is soundproof. We could...you know...”
Dan’s eyes widened in surprise, then he grinned, his eyes gleaming with excitement.
