I know the timelines seem off, but I wanted to try different scenarios for the fic.
The following day, Mike and Angela cruised down the highway in the Suburban, accompanied by Gypsy, Manny, Tuck, Roll, Rosie, Dim, and Francis. Behind them, David, Lily, and the rest of the group followed closely in the Ram, all eagerly en route to Cocoa Beach.
"From the hotel pool in New York to now a beach," Gypsy remarked with a hint of excitement.
"Cocoa Beach, precisely," Mike chuckled, glancing in the rearview mirror.
"We've got our sunscreen sorted," Angela added, adjusting her sunglasses.
"How much longer till we get there?" Rosie inquired, peering out the window.
Francis leaned back, trying to look relaxed despite the cramped space. "Yeah, are we there yet? This bug needs to stretch his legs."
"Usually, it takes about an hour to get there from Universal Orlando," Angela replied.
"An hour?" Dim asked with surprise.
Mike nodded. "Yep, but it's worth it. Cocoa Beach is beautiful, and there's plenty to do."
Manny leaned forward, intrigued. "What kinds of things can we do there?"
"Well," Mike began, "there's swimming, sunbathing, beach volleyball, and even surfing if you're up for it."
"Though some of you guys might want to stick to the shore if you're going in the water," Angela advised.
Tuck and Roll, chattering excitedly in their own language, seemed particularly keen on the idea of exploring the beach.
"Do they have shaded areas? I'm not a big fan of direct sunlight." Rosie asked
"They do," Mike assured her. "There are plenty of spots with umbrellas and trees for shade."
"Sounds like a perfect day," Gypsy said, her wings fluttering with anticipation.
Francis, looking out the window, grinned. "Can't wait to see what Heimlich discovers at the beach. That guy has a nose for the best food and fun."
With everyone's spirits high, the two vehicles continued their journey to Cocoa Beach, eager for the day's adventures.
When everyone arrived, they quickly unloaded their gear and set up their spot on the sandy shore. The sun was shining brightly, and the sound of waves crashing against the shore filled the air.
"This place is amazing!" Gypsy exclaimed, taking in the vast expanse of the ocean.
Manny nodded in agreement. "It's even more beautiful than I imagined."
Lily bent down to help Emily out of her sundress, revealing a cute one-piece swimsuit underneath. Emily immediately ran toward the water, her laughter echoing as she splashed in the shallow waves. David and Lily watched her closely, smiles on their faces.
Heimlich was already eyeing a nearby food stand. "I wonder what delicious treats they have here," he mused, rubbing his hands together.
Francis chuckled. "You always think with your stomach, Heimlich."
Mike and Angela set up a beach umbrella and laid out towels for everyone. The four humans removed their beach robes, revealing their swimsuits underneath. "Alright, let's make sure we all have sunscreen on," Angela reminded, passing the bottle around.
Tuck and Roll were busy digging in the sand, their playful antics drawing amused looks from passersby. Dim, Rosie, and the others joined in, helping to build an impressive sandcastle.
Rosie, finding a shaded spot under the umbrella, stretched out on a towel. "This is the life," she sighed contentedly.
Mike looked over at the group and smiled. "Who's up for a swim?"
Manny and Gypsy exchanged a look and then nodded. "We'll give it a try," Manny said, though he seemed a bit nervous.
"Just stay close to shore, and you'll be fine," Mike reassured them.
As everyone spread out to enjoy their beach activities, the day promised fun and relaxation for all.
"How's the water, guys?" Lily asked as she watched from the shore.
"Feels good!" Slim replied, splashing around happily.
Gypsy and Manny were wading in the shallows, getting used to the sensation of the waves. "It's a bit different from what we're used to, but it's nice," Gypsy said with a smile.
Tuck and Roll were having the time of their lives, tumbling in and out of the small waves, their laughter blending with the sound of the ocean.
Back on the shore, Heimlich had found a food stand and was happily munching on a giant pretzel. "This is the best beach snack ever!" he declared.
Francis, lying on a towel next to Rosie, chuckled. "I'm just glad we're all getting to relax for once."
Angela, lounging under the umbrella, turned to Mike. "This was a great idea. We should do this more often."
Mike nodded, watching the group enjoy the beach. "Yeah, this is perfect."
The day continued with laughter, splashing, and the warmth of the sun, creating memories that would last long after their adventure ended.
After a while, the group decided to set up a volleyball net. "Who's up for some beach volleyball?" Mike called out.
"Count me in!" Slim said, stretching his long limbs.
"Me too!" Francis added.
As the group divided into teams and began their game, Emily, Tuck, and Roll stayed on the shore, building sandcastles and digging tunnels. Emily's laughter rang out as Tuck and Roll playfully tumbled in the sand, their antics bringing a smile to her face.
Dim sat contentedly beside Rosie, watching the game and the sand play. "This is nice," he said softly.
Rosie nodded. "It is. It's good to have a break and just enjoy being together."
The volleyball game grew more intense, with Gypsy and Manny displaying surprising agility and teamwork. "Nice spike, Gypsy!" Mike cheered.
"Thanks!" she replied, beaming with pride.
As the sun climbed higher in the sky, the group continued to enjoy their day at Cocoa Beach, the sounds of laughter and the crashing waves blending into a perfect symphony of summer fun.
"So what else is around here?" Francis asked, brushing sand off his carapace.
"There's the Kennedy Space Center," Mike replied, pausing to serve the volleyball. "It's not too far from here. You can learn all about space exploration and even see some rockets up close."
Manny's eyes lit up with curiosity. "Space exploration? That sounds fascinating."
"It really is," Angela chimed in. "They have exhibits on the history of space travel, astronauts' lives, and even simulations of shuttle launches."
Gypsy looked intrigued. "I've never thought about what's beyond our world. It must be amazing to explore the stars."
"Maybe we can visit it before heading back," David suggested, hitting the ball back over the net.
"Great idea," Lily agreed. "Emily would love to see the rockets."
As the game continued, the conversation shifted to the wonders of space, each member of the group imagining the vastness of the universe and the possibilities it held. It was clear that their adventure in Florida was far from over, with many more exciting discoveries to come.
After a while, the group decided to take a break and explore the beach a little longer before going to the Kennedy Space Center.
"Alright," Mike panted, wiping sweat from his forehead. "Game over."
"I'm surprised by how well you two lovebugs can play at your age," David remarked to Gypsy and Manny with a grin.
Manny chuckled. "We may be old, but we've still got some energy left in us."
Gypsy smiled, catching her breath. "And it's all about having fun with friends. Plus, the beach air gives us a bit of a boost."
"Speaking of fun," Angela said, glancing over at Emily, Tuck, and Roll, who were busy building an elaborate sandcastle. "Looks like Emily's having a blast with the pill bugs."
Lily laughed. "She's been talking about building a sandcastle since we got here. Tuck and Roll make pretty good assistants."
"Definitely," Mike agreed. "And we've still got the Kennedy Space Center to look forward to. Should be quite an experience."
As the group relaxed and enjoyed the sun and sand, they knew they were making memories that would last a lifetime.
"How's the sand feel, lovebugs?" Lily asked Gypsy and Manny with a hint of humor as Mike and Angela went back to their chairs under the umbrellas.
"Feels pretty good," the moth replied, wiggling her feet in the warm sand. "It's been a while since we've been able to just relax like this."
Her husband nodded in agreement. "It's nice to feel the warmth of the sand and the ocean breeze. Much better than the circus grounds."
Lily smiled. "Glad to hear it. You two deserve a break."
David glanced over at the sandcastle Emily, Tuck, and Roll were building. "Looks like our little girl and the boys are having fun too."
"They sure are," Rosie said, watching them with a smile. "Emily's got quite the imagination, and Tuck and Roll are loving every minute of it."
Mike, settling into his chair, added, "This has been a great day so far. And we've still got the Kennedy Space Center to look forward to. I think Emily's gonna love it."
Angela nodded. "It's a nice mix of fun and learning. Perfect way to end the trip."
As the group continued to enjoy the beach, they felt a sense of contentment and anticipation for the adventures still to come.
"Oh! Almost forgot," Lily said with realization as she reached into her beach bag. "Got some of you bugs a little something." She then pulled out pairs of sunglasses, all for Rosie, Slim, Francis, Heimlich, Gypsy, and Manny.
Gypsy's eyes lit up. "Oh, how lovely! Thank you, Lily!" she said, as she put on the sunglasses, adjusting them to fit her.
Manny chuckled, putting on his own pair. "Stylish and practical. These will definitely help with the sun."
Rosie examined her pair before slipping them on. "Very thoughtful, honey. Thanks!"
Slim and Francis followed suit, each expressing their appreciation.
"These are great, Lily," Slim said, adjusting his pair to sit comfortably.
"Yeah, now we really look like we're on vacation," Francis added with a grin.
Heimlich beamed as he put on his sunglasses. "These are wunderbar! Thank you, Lily!"
Lily smiled, pleased with their reactions. "Glad you like them. Figured they'd help with the bright sun out here."
Mike looked over and laughed. "Lookin' good, everyone. Definitely beach-ready now."
With their new sunglasses on, the group continued to enjoy the beach, soaking in the sun and the relaxing atmosphere. The day was turning out to be one of the best parts of their trip, filled with fun, laughter, and good company.
"So how long are we staying in Orlando?" Gypsy asked. "And what's next after this?"
"Probably three days tops," Mike replied. "And after that, we're heading to Washington, D.C."
Gypsy nodded thoughtfully. "That sounds interesting. What's in Washington, D.C.?"
Angela chimed in, "Lots of history. The National Mall, museums, monuments, and the White House. It's a place rich with culture and stories."
David added, "It's also a great place to learn more about the country's history and see some iconic landmarks."
Francis perked up. "Sounds like another adventure to me."
Lily smiled. "Exactly. Every place we visit is a new adventure."
The group continued to relax and explore, enjoying the warmth of the sun and the cool breeze from the ocean. The anticipation of their next destination filled them with excitement as they looked forward to more shared experiences and discoveries.
"If only we had beaches like this in Bug City. Or at least near the circus where we perform," Heimlich said wistfully.
"Even if there were any beaches there, P.T. Flea probably wouldn't let you bugs go there. Since my bro, our girls, and I don't work there, we're an exception to him, unfortunately," David remarked.
Francis chuckled. "Yeah, P.T. would probably charge us for every grain of sand or droplet of water we touch."
Gypsy smiled. "At least we get to enjoy moments like this together, away from the circus."
"Absolutely," Mike agreed. "This trip is about making memories and having fun. We'll deal with P.T. and his rules later."
The group shared a laugh, appreciating their time together and the adventures that awaited them.
Mike then whispered to Angela, his voice quiet and flirtatious, "Say, when we head back after the Kennedy Space Center, why don't we do that 'swimsuit in bed' thing we talked about when we were in New York?"
"Ooh," Angela replied softly, her eyes lighting up with excitement and desire. "I like the way you think."
Angela playfully nudged him, her smile mischievous, and they shared a secretive laugh, looking forward to the evening.
David whispered a similar idea to Lily, though it wasn't something they had talked about when they were in New York. Lily let out a soft giggle of excitement, her eyes sparkling at the thought.
"Oh, David, that sounds like a wonderful idea," she murmured, squeezing his hand.
After a while, the four humans placed their beach gear in their two vehicles and put on their beach robes.
"Alright. Who's ready to go explore some space exhibits?" Mike announced.
"Aww, can't we stay a little longer?" Emily whined with disappointment.
"Now, honey," Lily said with comfort and encouragement, "we know you're having a lot of fun here. But the Kennedy Space Center has some amazing things to see, too. I promise you'll enjoy it."
"Besides, we know how much you love rockets," David added as Lily dusted the sand off their daughter and placed her in her sundress. "And the ones you'll see there will look like real ones."
Emily's eyes lit up with excitement. "Really? That sounds awesome!"
With everyone ready, they all climbed into their respective vehicles and set off for the Kennedy Space Center. The anticipation of exploring the wonders of space filled the air, promising another day of adventure and discovery.
"Besides, we know how much you love rockets," David added as Lily dusted the sand off their daughter and placed Emily in her sundress. "And the ones you'll see there will look like real ones."
Emily's eyes lit up with excitement. "Really? That sounds awesome!"
With everyone ready, they all placed their beach gear in the cars and began the short walk to the Kennedy Space Center. The anticipation of exploring the wonders of space filled the air, promising another day of adventure and discovery.
As they approached the Kennedy Space Center, the excitement grew palpable. The towering rockets and exhibits were visible from a distance, capturing everyone's imagination.
"This place is incredible," Manny said, marveling at the structures.
"And it's just the beginning," Mike replied with a grin. "Wait until you see the inside."
The group made their way through the entrance, where they were greeted by a massive rocket garden, filled with historic rockets from various space missions. The sheer size and scale of the rockets left everyone in awe.
"Look at the size of those things!" Francis exclaimed, craning his neck to take in the full height of the rockets.
"Those must have taken a lot of work to build," Rosie added, clearly impressed.
David nodded. "It's amazing what humans can achieve when they put their minds to it."
As they continued exploring, they visited various exhibits showcasing the history of space exploration. Emily was particularly fascinated by the interactive displays, eagerly pressing buttons and learning about the different planets and spacecraft.
"This is the Apollo Command Module," Mike explained, pointing to a sleek, conical capsule. "It was used to take astronauts to the moon."
"Wow, it's so small!" Gypsy exclaimed. "I can't believe people actually traveled in that."
"And for days at a time," Angela added. "It's a testament to their bravery and determination."
The group then moved on to the Space Shuttle Atlantis exhibit, where they were able to get up close to the actual shuttle. The sight of the massive spacecraft, with its intricate details and history, left them speechless.
"This is beyond anything I've ever seen," Heimlich said, his eyes wide with wonder.
"It's a piece of history," Mike replied. "And a reminder of how far we've come."
After exploring the exhibits, they headed to the IMAX theater to watch a film about the future of space exploration. The immersive experience captivated everyone, giving them a glimpse into the possibilities that lay ahead.
As the film ended, Emily turned to her parents with a big smile. "That was amazing! Can we come back here again someday?"
"Absolutely," Lily said, giving her daughter a hug. "There's always more to learn and explore."
With the day drawing to a close, the group made their way back to their vehicles, their minds filled with the wonders of space and the adventures yet to come.
"Flik would be amazed at what we saw if he were here," Mike sighed, his voice tinged with longing.
Angela put a comforting hand on his shoulder. "Hey, I know you miss him, I do too," she said softly. "But we've said this before, we will see him again. He isn't gone forever."
Mike nodded, taking a deep breath. "Yeah, you're right. It's just hard sometimes."
Manny, overhearing their conversation, chimed in. "You have a strong bond with Flik. That's something that can't be broken by distance or time."
Gypsy nodded in agreement. "And who knows? Maybe one day we'll all be exploring space together."
The thought brought a smile to Mike's face. "Yeah, maybe. Thanks, guys."
With their spirits lifted, the group headed back to their vehicles, ready to return to their hotel and prepare for the next leg of their adventure. The promise of future reunions and the shared experiences of the day gave them a renewed sense of hope and excitement for the journey ahead.
As they settled into the vehicles, David glanced over at Gypsy and Manny with a curious smile. "So, how do you lovebugs like the truck?" he asked.
"It's quite comfortable," Manny replied, adjusting himself in the seat. "And it's fascinating how smoothly it moves."
Gypsy nodded in agreement. "It's a nice change from what we're used to."
Lily turned to Emily, who was peeking out the window with wide eyes. "Especially you, Emily," she added with a smile.
Emily grinned. "I love it! It's so big, and I can see everything from here."
David chuckled. "Glad to hear it. These rides are a bit different from what we usually get around in."
As the vehicles started, the group felt a renewed sense of excitement for the next part of their journey. With the Kennedy Space Center behind them and more adventures ahead, the road seemed to hold endless possibilities.
Back at the hotel, in the hallway, David checked the time on his phone, realizing it was almost time to invite the group to his room while Emily played with Dim, Tuck, and Roll in Rosie's room.
"Oh, guys, Brian Williams is almost on!" he announced urgently, scanning the keycard to his room and opening the door.
"Ooh, NBC Nightly News," Angela said softly.
Mike sighed softly, leaning closer to Angela. "Guess the 'swimsuit in bed' thing will have to wait," he remarked with a hint of disappointment.
Angela chuckled and gave him a quick kiss. "We'll have time later," she assured him.
David turned on the TV, which revealed that the local station WESH was already coming to a close, showing a live camera of an Orlando street.
As the rest of the group gathered in David's room, they settled in to watch the news. "It's always good to stay informed," Manny commented, his antennae twitching with curiosity.
Gypsy nodded, "Yes, especially in a new place."
The room fell into a comfortable silence as everyone focused on the TV, waiting for NBC Nightly News to begin.
As the program started, Brian Williams appeared on the screen with the graphics displaying the upcoming headlines, accompanied by the iconic music. The room grew quiet as everyone focused on the broadcast, ready to catch up on the day's important news.
The intro then viewed different pictures of Earth, which formed into the filming station, Rockefeller Plaza.
"Didn't we go to that place a few days ago?" Gypsy asked, recognizing the familiar building as the logo graphics appeared and the screen faded to the far side angle of the anchor desk.
"We did," Mike confirmed. "Explored both the Nightly News and Today studio."
By the time the broadcast reached the end, Brian Williams closed the program with his famous "Goodnight" as the screen faded to the side of the desk with the iconic closing music. The screen then displayed a live shot of Times Square.
"Visiting that place was truly remarkable," Francis commented, gazing at the view.
"Yeah, dealing with all those tourists and traffic," Mike remarked sarcastically.
"Visiting that place was truly remarkable," Francis commented, gazing at the view.
"Yeah, and navigating through all those tourists and traffic," Mike added sarcastically, rolling his eyes.
As David reached to turn off the TV, an Empire Today commercial popped up, advertising its 50/50/50 sale.
"Hold on, I wanna see this!" Lily exclaimed, recognizing the commercial and anticipating the iconic jingle at the end.
"Oh, Lily, always the Empire jingle fan," Angela chuckled, rolling her eyes.
David smiled, shaking his head. "Some things never change."
"What's this about?" Gypsy asked.
"New flooring for low prices," Mike replied. "But really, it's the jingle she loves."
"And of course, us, we'll admit, cuz it's catchy," Angela added with a grin.
At the end of the commercial, the famous jingle played with its catchy tune, "800-588-2300, Empire! Today!"
"Alright. Now, can we do that swimsuit in bed, Angela?" Mike asked, a hopeful smile spreading across his face.
Angela chuckled and nodded. "Yes, Mike. Let's finally do it."
Mike and Angela excitedly went to their room and closed the door behind them.
"Well, we may not have any swimsuits, but I think I understand their idea. And it's a good one," Gypsy quipped, taking Manny's hand and heading to their own room as well.
"Well, I'm gonna go out on a limb and say you two are gonna do the same thing, so this is where we part ways," Francis said with a smirk to David and Lily as the rest of the bugs stood up and walked out of the room.
"Alright, later guys," the male human called after them, watching as the group dispersed for the evening.
Meanwhile, in Mike and Angela's room, they stripped themselves of their beach robes and made out passionately on the bed in their swimwear.
Angela was on top of Mike, caressing his well-built stomach, while Mike ran his hands gently along her back. Their connection deepened with each touch, the day's excitement blending seamlessly into their shared moment of intimacy and affection.
After a while, the human couple switched sides. Mike, now on top, slowly rubbed his fiancée's slim stomach and navel.
Angela's arms were wrapped tightly around Mike as she ran one of her hands down his back and the other through his hair. Their breaths and moans synchronized, creating an intimate rhythm as they lost themselves in the moment, savoring every second together.
Meanwhile, David and Lily were doing the same thing in their own room, still in their swimsuits after taking off their beach robes. The two had their lips glued to each other as David gently rubbed his girlfriend's belly. Lily's hands explored David's back, pulling him closer as they deepened their kiss, lost in their own world of affection and warmth.
Even though Gypsy and Manny didn't wear human clothes like swimsuits, that didn't stop them from having their own private moment in their room.
The moth and mantis laid in bed, making out passionately as Manny's hands caressed his wife's backside. They cherished this quiet time together, away from the busyness of their travels.
The heavy breaths of energy, the moans of pleasure, the touches of love filled the rooms as each couple shared their intimate moments. No one stopped until an hour and a half had passed, each couple fully immersed in their shared passion and connection.