Previously On Queer As Folk: Daphne agreed to carry the baby for Brian and Justin, but opted not to be artificially inseminated. Brian insisted that Justin be the father since he already has Gus and doesn't want Justin to miss out on the experience.

After Michael got upset talking to JR, Ben offered to move the family to Toronto so that Michael could be closer to his daughter.

Emmett was hired by Brian to organize a party at Babylon in honor of the new issue of Rage.

Chapter Twenty-Five

The Rage party was in full swing. Everybody who was anybody was there. While normally Babylon would have been packed anyway, that fact that Emmett had announced that Justin Taylor and Michael Novotny would be there had bolstered the sales even more. "I'm going to kill you for this," Michael grumbled as a swarm of men shoved their comic books at him.

"Oh come on, Mikey, you love it! Hot men throwing themselves at you, almost makes me nostalgic for the good old days," Brian said. He was wearing a tight Rage costume that accentuated his muscular physique. Justin hadn't been able to keep his hands off.

"Careful, mister. Don't get too nostalgic for the old days," Justin warned.

"Don't worry, Sunshine. My heart belongs to you," Brian assured him sarcastically.

"Good." Justin kissed him. "Let's go dance."

"Okay." Brian and Justin headed out to the dance floor.

Michael sighed and made his way to the bar. "A beer please," he said.

"Where's Ben?" Ted asked, joining Michael.

"He's on his way, he had some papers to grade."

"Then why do you look so happy?"

"Do I?"

"You do," Blake said, speaking for the first time.

"I figured some stuff out." Michael smiled.

"Okay." Ted shook his head. "We're going to go dance, do you want to join us?"

"No, thanks. I'll wait for Ben."

"Bye." Ted and Blake walked off.

The music was loud and Michael welcomed the temporary reprieve from his thoughts. He watched his friends dancing. Who knows how long Ben will be? Get out there and shake that groove thing, he ordered himself. Michael took a deep breath and pushed his way through the crowd, stopping next to Brian and Justin. "Mind if I join in?" he asked.

"Not at all," Justin replied, standing back to make more room for Michael.

Together, the three of them danced, not a care in the world. Why was I so upset before? Michael wondered, laughing for the first time in nearly a week. "It's good to see you laughing again, Mikey," Brian whispered into his ear.

"It's good to laugh," Michael replied. "I made up my mind about the thing." He'd looked around online a little and if he and Ben moved to Canada, Ben would most likely be out of a job. And if he did manage to find one, the salary would suck. He couldn't put Ben through that. He loved him too much.

"And?"

"I'm not going. I'll just have to toughen up. I did some research and Ben's salary wouldn't be as good there. Besides, if Ben and I moved to Toronto, I'd be driving Mel and Linz nuts."

"Yeah, then they'd be calling me telling me to get you the fuck out of there before Melanie kicks your ass." They both laughed.

Emmett squeezed between a pair dancing. "So, what do you think?" he asked Brian and Michael.

"It's great! It still amazes me how many fans we have!" Michael said jovially.

"Does it rise to your expectations Brian?" Emmett inquired when Brian didn't say anything.

"It definitely rises," Brian replied, kissing Justin's neck.

"Great." Emmett rolled his eyes jokingly at Michael and pulled him away. "So that's what I have to look forward to when Calvin and I are married?"

"And more. They look so happy, don't they?"

"Yeah," Emmett agreed, sighing contentedly.

"In fact, they seem happier than normal. I wonder what's up."

Emmett bit his tongue. I know exactly what's up, they're having a baby! "I don't know. Must be love. And speaking of love," Emmett spotted Calvin through the crowd, "I just found mine. Excuse me."

"Go get him!" Michael encouraged.

"What was all that about?" Brian asked.

"Nothing. We were just talking about married life."

"Oh." Brian yawned.

"We were actually wondering why you and Justin look so happy tonight."

Brian paused and looked at Michael. "What do you mean?" he asked innocently.

"I don't know, you two just seem...happier than usual."

"Maybe we should tell him," Justin suggested.

"Now? Brian asked.

"Why not? He is your best friend; he should be the first to know."

"Know what?" Michael exclaimed.

Brian sighed. "Actually, he won't be the first to know. I let slip to Emmett..."

"It doesn't matter. You're the one who wants to keep it a secret," Justin said.

"Keep what a secret!" Michael continued, growing anxious.

"Okay, you tell him, I'm going to the bathroom," Brian announced, walking off.

"Will you tell me what's going on, please?" Michael begged.

Justin laughed mischievously. "All right," he relented. "I'll tell you. Brian and I are going to be parents."

"Seriously?" Michael's breath caught in his chest.

"Yeah. Daphne's going to be the mother."

"That baby is going to be so adorable! Who's going to be the father?"

"I am. Brian wants me to experience everything first hand."

"That's understandable, he has Gus. Just as long as you and Daphne don't actually sleep together." Michael laughed at the absurdity of the idea. Justin and Daphne having sex again? Ha!

"Actually, she'd prefer that we do it the old fashioned way." Justin chuckled.

"Oh, my God," Michael gasped, his heart dropping. "How does Brian feel about that?"

"He seems fine with it." Justin shrugged.

"Well, good luck. I don't think I could do it," Michael admitted. "It's too much like cheating for me to stomach."

Brian came back with two beers. "I see he told you," he said to Michael.

"Yeah. Congratulations!" Michael kissed Brian quickly. "You're gonna be a dad again."

"I guess so," Brian replied, not quite masking his joy.

"Now we're even."

"What is this a pissing contest?"

"Maybe." Michael grinned.

"It doesn't matter. If you want another kid, have one. Two's enough for me."

"Two! I was thinking at least three..." Justin teased.

Brian smacked Justin's backside. "Come on, Sunshine. All this baby talk is making me horny. Let's go pay a visit to the back room."

"Ooh," Justin replied, taking Brian's offered hand.

"Behave!" Michael called after them, shaking his head.

"Always do," Brian shot back.

"Yeah, right." He looked down at his watch. Damn it Ben, where are you?

Ben hurriedly ran the last half block, breathing heavily. Shit, I'm late, he thought, hoping that Michael wouldn't be too upset with him. Glancing toward the entrance, Ben heaved a sigh of relief; the line to get in was very short. Thank you God. He got in line and caught his breath. "Ben! Honey!" He whirled around to see Debbie waving emphatically at him from her car.

"Deb. Hi," he replied, smiling. "I didn't know you were going to be here."

"And miss Michael and Sunshine's party? Not on your life!" She looped her arm through Ben's and together they moved closer to the door.

"Where's Carl?" Ben asked.

"He wasn't feeling up to coming tonight," Debbie explained. The doorman waved them through and they entered Babylon. "Wow!" she gasped. "What a turnout!"

"I'll say," Ben muttered, looking around for Michael.

"Where the fuck is Michael?" Deb asked.

"I don't know, I'm looking for him."

"Ben!" Michael called from the bar. He waved and smiled, until he saw Debbie.

"Hey, honey!" Debbie trilled, hugging him. "This is party is amazing!"

"Thanks, Ma," Michael said lamely, frowning.

"Hi," Ben said, leaning in to kiss his husband. "I'm sorry I'm late, I lost track of time."

"That doesn't matter anymore, you're here and I want to dance." Michael smiled and Ben felt his body temperature rise.

"We'll be back," Ben said to Debbie.

"I'll just be here, by the bar...alone," she replied, sitting down. The bartender turned to her. "A Screaming Orgasm," she said.

Michael and Ben found an empty spot on the dance floor. "It's weird seeing so many people in costume," Ben commented as they began to dance.

"I'm used it. I've been coming here since my senior year of high school, trust me, I've seen it all. And after the last Rage party, nothing can shock me."

"You're in a good mood," Ben noted happily.

"Yes, I am, you know why?" Michael grinned.

"Why?"

"I've made up my mind about the moving thing."

"What did you decide?" Ben chuckled nervously.

"We're staying here. I'll just have to learn to be tough."

"Is that really what you want, though? I mean, don't stay here for me..."

"It is what I want. Pittsburgh has always been and will always will be my home. No matter what."

"You're incredible."

"So are you." They kissed. "What do you say we leave here early?"

"What did you have in mind?" Ben asked.

"Oh, you know..." Michael's eyes twinkled.

"That can be arranged," Ben replied, leading Michael off toward the exit.

As they passed the bar, Debbie jumped to her feet. "Where the hell are you two going?" she demanded.

"Home. I'm tired," Michael lied.

"You can't leave your party early! We're celebrating Rage, you two can go home and fuck any time."

"Thanks Ma," Michael scoffed, blushing.

"Come on, Michael. What would Brian and Sunshine say?"

"Not much. They're in the back room fucking as we speak."

"Then why don't you and Ben pop back there for a quickie and then come back out and party?"

Michael groaned. "Ma, I am not having this discussion with you. It's too...weird."

"Michael, please. I came down here to see you and celebrate your achievements. Just stay for a little while longer, please?" she begged.

"Fine. One hour."

"Yay!" Deb squealed and hugged both Michael and Ben. "Now get your butts back out on that dance floor and show these queens how it's really done!"

As Michael and Ben walked back, Ben muttered, "What was that you said about Pittsburgh being your home?"

"You think she's bad now, just imagine if we had decided to move to Toronto. She'd be calling us every five minutes to make sure everything was okay. She drives me so crazy sometimes!"

"Still, you love her. She's your mother. What choice do you have?"

"What choice do I have?" Michael agreed with a sigh. "What's taking Brian and Justin so long back there?" he wondered, checking the time.

"I'm sure they're just enjoying it the fullest," Ben assured him.

"I don't know. Brian used to be back there an awful lot and even when he was 'enjoying it to the fullest,' he wasn't gone this long."

"What, do you think something bad happened to them back there?" Ben asked jokingly.

"No. No, you're right. I'm just being paranoid."

"I love it when you're paranoid," Ben murmured.

"Yeah?" As they kissed, Michael fiddled with Ben's belt. "How about we go see the back room? I haven't had sex back there in...Christ, too long."

"I-I don't know," Ben replied. "I'm not really one for public sex. Not anymore, anyway."

"Me neither, but you only live once, right?"

Ben let that sink in. "You're right, let's go." He grabbed Michael's hand and headed toward the corner housing the infamous back room. Once they stepped into the darkness and away from the deafening music, they could hear the passionate moaning and groaning coming from all around them.

Through the scant light, Ben saw Brian and Justin having sex against the wall. Just the image I wanted in my head, he thought. "What do you think?" he asked Michael, who was looking around at all the couples.

"Wow, it's even busier than usual back here," he commented, eyes wide in surprise.

"Michael," Ben put his hand on his shoulder. "Are you still with me?"

"Yeah, sorry. Squinting, he saw a vacant corner in the back, away from the light. As they walked, Michael saw Todd and Emmett's friend Alex going at it. "Hey, Todd. How's it going?" he asked.

"Fine," Todd gasped, managing a smile.

"This is kind of weird," Ben admitted.

"I agree, but if everyone else can have sex down here and not be bothered, why can't we?" Michael unbuttoned his pants and let them fall the ground.

Some time later, Brian and Justin went back up to the party. "That was hot," Justin said, rubbing Brian's back. "You look so good in your Rage costume that you've got my hormones raging."

"Hopefully they'll still be raging when we get home," Brian replied.

"I'm sure they will."

Brian noticed that the majority of the men were eying up Justin. "You seem to be the main attraction tonight," he commented.

"Yeah? Well too bad for them, I've got my man. They'll just have to deal with it," Justin replied.

"Good answer."

"Besides, they're not interested in me for sex. This is a party to celebrate three years of Rage, they probably want my autograph."

"I suppose. Though, I'm sure there are some fan boys out their that would gladly suck your dick."

"Are you jealous?" Justin beamed.

Brian scoffed. "Me? Jealous? Yeah right." He shook his head "I can suck your dick whenever I want to. I could even do it right now if I wanted."

"Here? In front of all these people?" Justin asked, laughing.

"Yeah, better not. Your mom's supposed to show up, isn't she?"

"There she is," Justin pointed over to the bar. "She's talking to Debbie...and drinking."

"We'd probably go say hi before they hunt us down and Debbie smacks us," Brian said, sighing.

Together, they slowly made their way to the bar. "Hey, boys!" Deb exclaimed.

"Hi, Deb," Justin said with a smile. "Hi, Mom."

"Hi, honey. Great party," Jennifer replied.

"Thanks. It's all thanks to Emmett. And Brian, of course."

"Of course."

"I never knew Rage was such a hit!" Deb remarked looking around the packed club.

"Neither did I," Jennifer agreed.

"I'd suggest reading it sometime but it's a little...graphic," Justin said, clearing his throat nervously.

"Oh." Jennifer averted her eyes.

Justin could sense her discomfort. "Come on, Mom, let's dance," he said, grabbing her hand and pulling her to her feet.

"Oh, I don't know," she protested.

"Don't bother. It's best to just let him have his way," Brian suggested.

"You've learned that, too, huh?"

"Yeah." Brian chuckled. "What do you say, Deb?" he asked, extending his hand.

"It's been too long since I've danced with a guy as cute as you. Let's go!" She took the lead.

"Well, it's been awhile since I've danced with a woman, so I guess we're even," Brian joked.

They danced for a couple of songs and then Brian suggested that they trade partners so that he could dance with Justin. "Come on, Jen, let's show these queens what real dancing looks like!" Deb challenged.

"Okay," Jennifer shrugged and began to dance wildly with Debbie.

"Oh, my God, how much has she had to drink?" Justin asked unbelievingly.

"Now I know why she never has anything to drink when I offer it," Brian muttered.

Justin sighed. "You know what? I'm not going to let it bother me. She deserves to have fun and if this is her idea of fun, whatever."

"That's very mature of you," Brian said.

"Well despite the fact that she freaked a little when she found out I was gay, my mother has always been supportive, so what choice do I have but to reciprocate?"

"I like it when you reciprocate."

"Shut up." Justin laughed.

Ben and Michael started dancing next to them. "Where the fuck have you two been?" Brian asked, noticing Michael's flushed face and slightly disarrayed hair.

"Uhhh..." Michael fumbled for an explanation.

"Mikey, did you and the Professor slip into the back room for a little quickie?" Brian asked, grinning.

"Yes, okay?" Michael's face flushed red.

"About time."

"Can we change the subject now?"

"Whatever you say, Mikey," Brian replied, wrapping his arms around Justin and swaying to the music. After a few seconds, Ben and Michael began to dance too, both smiling happily.

Next Time On Queer As Folk: As moving day gets closer, Brian and Justin reminisce about the good times they've had at the loft. Justin is called into a meeting at PIFA with the Dean, which could spell trouble. Debbie and the others rally around Brian and Justin, giving the loft one final farewell.