"What is it that you want to tell me?" Charles asked. He recognized that look. It was the same nervous expression Benjamin had when he revealed his secondary gender.
"If I tell you... promise me you won't do anything crazy. Promise me you won't do anything at all."
"It depends on what it is," Charles said honestly. "I can't just give you my word blindly. I don't know how I'll respond. But I promise I won't take action without discussing it with you first."
Benjamin nodded. He took a shaky breath, staring at the floor. After a long silence he spoke.
"I'm... pregnant… I found out just before the trip."
Charles's eyes widened with shock before a bright smile appeared on his face. He took a step forward to embrace Benjamin, but Benjamin stepped back.
"I'm not keeping it…"
The smile vanished from Charles's face. He froze, then slowly sat down on the edge of the bed. Minutes passed in silence.
