Author's note: In this alternate timeline, not much is different from the current world with one notable exception. A subset of males have evolved the ability to conceive and bear children (known as "fertility-capable men" in polite company, "breeders" in more common usage).
***
"How can I be pregnant?" Andy asked, still in shock at the news.
"Well, I think you probably know how it happened." Dr. Shaw replied, "I did warn you that you would be extra fertile given your delayed cycling start, right?"
Andy remembered Dr. Shaw mentioning it, but for some reason it had never really crossed his mind.
"It's the hormones," Dr. Shaw explained. "You're filled with such a strong impulse to breed that your rational brain doesn't have a chance to raise any objections."
"I see," Andy said, still in shock.
"Now obviously," Dr. Shaw continued, "you have options. You should know that we typically recommend someone in your condition continue their first pregnancy, just because it can make later cycles easier. But it's your choice. Take some time to think about it. I know it's a big piece of news."
"Understood," Andy said, getting up to leave.
"Oh one more thing," Dr. Shaw added, "It can be helpful to talk it through with the father. I know that's a good option for everyone, so just a suggestion in case it is for you."
As Andy walked back to his car, he started laughing to himself. "The father!" he said to himself, "which one?!"
***
Andy weighed the many different possibilities he was facing: tell the guys, don't tell the guys, keep the baby, don't keep the baby. It had been bad enough not telling the guys his breeder status and well, look what happened. If he was going to keep the baby, and didn't tell them, he knew the guys would be curious why he wasn't drinking or smoking anymore. Plus he'd... get big eventually. But what about school too? How could he manage that?
At dinner that night he was so lost in thought, he missed Jake asking him a question and Chase had to lightly jab him in the shoulder to get his attention.
"I'M PREGNANT," Andy shouted as his was awakened back to reality. None of the scenarios he had imagined for telling the guys - not that he even was sure he intended telling the guys - involved him blurting the news out over dinner.
Jake literally spit out his beer, Brian dropped his still-full spoon on the floor, and Chase's face lost all of its color.
"Who is the father?" Jake asked innocently, finally breaking the silence.
Andy opened his mouth but was unable to form any sounds.
"It's obviously one of us dummy," Brian said to Jake.
"Unless there's been someone else? No judgment of course." Brian said, looking at Andy now.
Andy shook his head "no."
The dinner table soon erupted in heated discussions of panic between the three roommates. Andy stayed silent as tears rolled down his cheeks. Brian noticed and called a halt to the debates.
"It'll be okay, friend," he said, wrapping his arms around Andy.
"For sure dude, whatever you decide is fine with us," Chase said joining in on the hug.
"I think I'm probably the father because my cock is so big," Jake said, before joining in on the hug too.
Andy was glad to have such supportive friends (and potential fathers to the baby inside his womb). He went to bed early and slept deeply, exhausted at the news of the day.
The next morning at breakfast, Brian broached the topic again.
"I've been doing some research," he started.
"NERD!" Jake interrupted to shout.
"And it seems like people who start cycling late, like you, have trouble conceiving later on if they don't keep their first pregnancy. If that was part of your plan. If you want to keep it, I think we'd all be willing to do whatever it takes to support you in your pregnancy, right guys?" Brian said, glaring at Chase and Jake until they nodded in agreement.
"But like college... and our friends?" Andy thought out loud.
"You can always take classes online. And our friends... I don't know... you can tell them the truth: you're a breeder and you got knocked up in a night of hormonal passion," Brian suggested.
"Worst case scenario you get called a slut," Chase offered, "which let's be honest..."
Andy threw a piece of bagel at Chase, but it was good natured teasing.
"We won't let anyone give you shit Andy," Jake said, flexing his huge biceps to emphasize the point.
"Well," Andy sighed and looked down at his belly, "guess I'm having this kid."