In the morning's quietude, as the world stirred to life, the soft tap-tap-tap of shoes echoing against the polished concrete sidewalks, the city breathed life anew. The eternal symphony of the metropolis, a melody whispered by the profound murmur of the waking subway, the labyrinthine network of arteries that pumps lifeblood into the very heart of the metropolis.
Walt and Dan were irrevocably part of this, entwined in a dance as old as time itself.
They stood there, arms encircling each other, as the raw emotion of the moment enveloped them both. A swelling sense of belonging took root in the fertile soil of their spirits, and they nurtured that fragile seedling with whispered words that echoed softly in the room. The doctor, Dr Rossi, left them be, sensing the profound depth of their connection.
The doctor stepped out of the room, leaving the two men alone to process their emotions.
The pair went back to their office block, where Dan rested in Walt’s office while he finished work. Dan lay on the leather couch, staring up at the ceiling, his thoughts swirling in his head. He couldn’t believe what had just happened - he was going to be a father, a seahorse one at that. Thankfully, he was now feeling better.
Walt worked quietly at his desk, trying to focus on his paperwork, but finding it difficult with Dan so close by. He couldn’t take his eyes off of him, watching as he breathed deeply and evenly, his chest rising and falling in a soothing rhythm with the Dr’s information sheet by his hand.
Finally, Walt couldn’t resist any longer. He got up from his desk and walked over to the couch, sitting down next to Dan. “Hey,” he whispered, brushing a stray lock of hair out of Dan’s face. “Are you okay? Do you need anything?” Dan took a deep breath and opened his eyes, looking up at Walt with a small smile. “I’m fine, just processing what happened today.”
Walt nodded, understanding the weight of Dan’s words. He had been through a lot in the past few months, from their chance encounter to their growing feelings for each other. And now, this recent development has added another layer of complexity to their relationship.
“I know it’s a lot to take in,” Walt said, taking Dan’s hand in his. “But I want you to know that I’m here for you, no matter what.” Dan squeezed Walt’s hand, his eyes shining with gratitude. “Thank you,” he whispered. “I don’t know what I’d do without you.”
The two men sat there for a few more minutes, lost in their thoughts. Dan looked over at Walt’s desk and chuckled, “We conceived our child on that desk, imagine!” Walt smiled. “It was more than that. I felt we made love on that desk.” Dan smiled back, “it was, and I know we shall be happy to see it as the birth of our relationship.” Walt asked, “Should we tell anyone yet or shall we wait until it’s more suitable?” Understanding the importance, Dan thought for a second, “I think we should wait until a month has passed, as I don’t want to risk it.” Walt nodded in agreement. “But first, we need to find a place that suits us, and has enough space for our new family,” Dan said, a sparkle in his eyes.
Walt nodded in agreement, feeling a sense of excitement building inside him. “We’ll find the perfect place, I promise,” he said, squeezing Dan’s hand.
The next day, they set out to find their dream apartment. They explored various neighbourhoods, from the trendy new builds to the picturesque West Side. They looked at apartments with grand views of the Main River, cosy lofts with exposed brick walls, and spacious townhouses with lush gardens.
But nothing seemed quite right. They wanted a place that felt like home, a place where they could raise their child and build a life together. Finally, after hours of searching, they stumbled upon a stunning apartment in the city's heart.
The apartment had the space they needed for their growing family, and it was conveniently located just a few blocks from their office buildings. The neighbourhood also boasted friendly faces and child-friendly places, such as a beautiful park with a playground and a community garden.
Walt and Dan knew they had found their forever home. As they stepped inside the spacious loft, the sleek design and modern décor immediately struck them. The living room featured dark leather couches that faced an elegantly shaped wooden coffee table, while the open kitchen boasted stainless steel appliances and marble countertops.
Walt’s eyes lit up as he pictured the two of them cooking meals together in their new kitchen, while Dan smiled at the thought of watching their child grow and play in the nearby park.
The price was good as well, and they didn’t hesitate to purchase the apartment right away. The next week, they moved in, filling the space with their belongings and creating a home that felt uniquely theirs. They decorated the living room with a mix of modern and vintage pieces, including a sleek sofa, a mid-century modern coffee table, and a quaint armchair upholstered in a delicate floral print. A king-sized bed and a large dresser made the bedroom a calming oasis, while soft pastels and whimsical wallpaper would fill the future nursery. Plus space to grow. There was a nice suite of rooms that could work as guest rooms or an office.
News of Dan and Walt’s relationship filled social media. One day, as Walt came back from dealing with an estate, Lena, someone he never expected, greeted him with, “Hi Walt.” She looked different; the arrogant woman who’d previously hurt him was gone. since her parent’s reality check, she had become meek, like a shadow. “Hello Lena, what do I receive the appearance,” “I saw you were dating, I had to say something, no I don’t want to spoil things I just want to say that, I treated you badly, I should have been honest when the cheating started, I could have prevented our marriage, but I felt pressured to do what was right, so I became a person I never intended to be. Since I saw you with your new man, I knew I didn’t apologise. I’d never move on, so I’m sorry.”
Walt looked at Lena, the shell of the woman in front of him, he knew he couldn’t be bad back, “It’s alright Lena I forgive you, me and Dan wish no ill will on you,” Lena said a weak, “thank you” before she returned to being part of the crowd of strangers once more. As Walt got to the building’s foyer, Dan was outside his store, saying goodbye to a customer, happy with their new outfit. Walt walked up to him and kissed him, “how are you, babe?” Dan smiled, “fine you?” “Yes, Lena just appeared. She apologised for her cruelty to me,” Walt laughed, “you weren’t nasty back were you?” “No Dan,” Walt replied, “I didn’t, I forgave her and I have more important things to worry about, like you both.” They hugged, all while Dan’s employees smiled.
A month later, they threw a party, inviting friends and family to celebrate their new home. Walt and Dan stood in the kitchen, sipping drinks and chatting with guests, feeling a sense of pride and contentment. As the night wore on, the conversation grew louder and more festive; the laughter echoing off the polished concrete walls.
Finally, the moment came when Walt stood up, taking a deep breath before speaking.
“Everyone, I have something to tell you,” he said, his voice steady and clear. “Dan and I have some exciting news.” A hush fell over the room, and everyone turned to look at the two men. Walt hesitated for a moment, his eyes meeting Dan’s. He took a deep breath and continued. “Dan and I are expecting a baby,” he announced, grinning widely. A collective gasp rippled through the crowd, followed by a wave of cheers and applause.
“That’s fantastic news!” someone shouted. “Congratulations!” another voice called out.
Walt and Dan smiled at each other, feeling a rush of happiness and love. The months rolled by, and the pair found themselves busy with preparations for their recent addition.
First, they designed the nursery, a bright and cheerful space filled with soft pastels and whimsical wallpaper. A cosy corner, surrounded by plush toys and a gently spinning mobile, became the crib’s location. Gifts, from onesies and bibs to rattles and teething toys, soon filled the nursery, thanks to friends and family. Walt and Dan felt a sense of gratitude as they opened each gift, appreciating the thoughtfulness and generosity of their loved ones.
As Dan went to his first scan, despite his work, Walt made it. Thankfully, they scheduled his meeting later. The pair watched the ultrasound as the image showed a healthy baby forming inside Dan; Walt sobbed, but Dan had tissues for them both. As the baby’s due date approached, Dan started working with his tailors to create maternity wear for trans-men. The growing bump needed to be accommodated. He had always been a fashionable person, and he wanted to ensure that he looked his best during his pregnancy.
He had heard about a talented designer in London who specialised in gender-neutral clothing for pregnant people, and he collaborated with her on a collection. The first appointment with the designer, Amelia, was nerve-wracking for Dan. He was used to being on the other side of the table, but now he was the one being measured and scrutinised. Amelia was patient and understanding, though, and she took detailed measurements and listened carefully as Dan described his vision for the collection.
Over the next few weeks, Dan worked closely with Amelia to design and create the maternity wear. They chose soft, flowing fabrics in muted shades of grey, navy, and black, and they added subtle details like embroidery and pleats to make the clothes unique.
The results thrilled Dan, and he couldn’t wait to show off his new maternity wear. On Social Media Dan and Amelia’s new looks inspired people, the commissions came thick and fast, Walt’s pride in his partner’s work and their growing child was the focus on his mind, if he had time during a case he would call Dan or visit home, he even set his work so that he could come for every scan and prenatal class. They found out they were having a boy. They didn’t mind what they had. He was going to be part of their happy family and that’s all that mattered.
The day of the baby’s arrival finally came, and the hospital admitted Dan. The pair had planned everything beforehand, even to the point of arranging for their family to be on call, but thankfully had no problems travelling to the hospital. As Dan awaited labour, he and Walt, on leave, listened to the doctors describe his choices—waiting or induction. However, just then, Dan felt the first contractions and his water broke; laughing, he announced, “I think my son decided for me!” The delivery was long and difficult. Walt held Dan’s hand as he pushed out their child. Sometimes Dan lacked energy, but with Walt’s encouragement, they welcomed a beautiful baby boy into the world. As Dan held his new son in his arms, he felt a love like he had never known before. He looked up at Walt, tears streaming down his face, and whispered, “Thank you for being here with me.” Walt smiled softly, wiping away a tear of his own. “Welcome to the world, Ashley,” he whispered, looking down at the tiny bundle in Dan’s arms.
Awe and wonder filled the room as the pair introduced their new son to their loved ones. Ashley’s health testified to the love and care lavished upon him even before his birth. Coming home to their apartment, Walt and Dan welcomed their son to his nursery they cried they had done it they were parents but also they were a couple.
As Walt and Dan settled into their new roles as parents, they found their bond grew even stronger. They faced challenges, of course, but they tackled them together, with patience, understanding, and a deep sense of love for each other and for their child.
Dan found returning to work the most difficult, but after Ashley began daycare and their trusted family provided childcare, he found work easier and even resumed going to the gym, occasionally exercising with Walt. Slowly, his baby weight dropped, and he was back to his former self.
As the weeks turned into months, Walt and Dan adjusted well to their new roles as parents. Ashley was a happy and curious baby, and he brought joy and laughter to their home. They shared in the responsibilities of parenting, from feeding and changing diapers to soothing and playtime. The year passed quickly, and soon Ashley was a toddler, full of energy and curiosity. He was a joy to be around, and he brought laughter and light into every room he entered. As they watched him play, Walt turned to Dan and smiled. “He’s perfect,” he whispered. Dan nodded, his eyes never leaving Ashley. “He is,” he agreed. The pair held hands as they watched their son play in their living room, as the cityscape filled their apartment’s tall windows, a moment of calm before the crazy nature of life would return.
Walt and Dan’s careers as a successful lawyer and a clothing designer, respectively, continued to thrive as well. They hired a nanny, Lou, to help with the overwhelming tasks of childcare and household management, freeing up time for them to work and enjoy each other’s company. Walt and Dan continued to cultivate their relationship as lovers, not just parents. Their bond grew stronger with each passing day, and they cherished their time together. The trio spent the day at the parade, laughing and dancing together as they took in the colourful sights and sounds of pride. They cheered for the floats and performers, and the powerful speeches from LGBTQ+ activists touched them.
As the day came to a close, Walt and Dan held hands as they walked back to their apartment, Ashley asleep in his stroller between them. The lingering energy of the parade filled the still-crowded streets. They passed by bars and restaurants, the sound of laughter and music spilling out onto the streets.
Walt stopped in front of a jewellery store, his eyes locked on a ring in the window. He had been thinking about this moment for a long time, and now, with the parade behind them and the quiet of the surrounding night, he knew it was time.
He turned to Dan, taking both of his hands in his own. “Dan, I love you,” he said, his voice steady and sure. “I want to spend the rest of my life with you, to build a family together and to face whatever challenges come our way. Will you marry me?”
Dan looked at Walt, his eyes wide with surprise and joy. “Yes,” he whispered, tears filling his eyes. “Yes, I’ll marry you.”
Walt smiled, his heart swelling with love and happiness. He went inside, took the ring from the window, slipping it onto Dan’s finger as the world around them faded away.
As they stood there, arms encircling each other, a swelling sense of belonging took root in the fertile soil of their spirits, and they nurtured that fragile seedling with whispered words that echoed softly in the world.
