The next morning, Angela and Mike slowly started to open their eyes with a yawn. "Morning, hon..." Mike said lovingly and softly.
"Hey, baby..." Angela replied, her voice still heavy with sleep. She stretched and smiled at him, feeling the warmth of his presence beside her.
Mike reached out and brushed a strand of hair from her face. "Sleep well?" he asked.
"Yeah," she murmured, nestling closer to him. "Last night was... pretty emotional."
Mike chuckled softly. "Yeah, it was. But it was good to unwind after such a heavy day."
Angela nodded, her thoughts drifting back to Ground Zero and the emotions they had felt. "It's hard to believe everything the bugs learned yesterday. It's so overwhelming."
Mike kissed her forehead gently. "I know, but it's important to remember and honor those who were affected."
Angela sighed, feeling a mix of sadness and gratitude. "Yeah, you're right."
Meanwhile, in the room next door, David and Lily were also starting to wake up. David rolled over and smiled at Lily. "Morning, beautiful."
Lily smiled back, her eyes still half-closed. "Morning, David."
David took her hand in his. "How are you feeling?"
"A bit emotional still, but I'm glad we were able to pay our respects," Lily replied.
David nodded. "Me too. It was a heavy day, but it brought us all closer together."
In another room, Gypsy and Manny were slowly waking up as well. Manny turned to Gypsy and kissed her cheek. "Good morning, my love."
Gypsy smiled sleepily. "Good morning, Manny."
"How are you feeling?" Manny asked, concern in his voice.
Gypsy took a deep breath. "I'm okay. Yesterday was tough, but I'm glad we were all together."
Manny nodded, pulling her into a gentle hug. "Yes, we're stronger together."
As the morning light filtered through the windows, the group slowly got ready for the new day, carrying with them the memories and lessons from their visit to Ground Zero.
As Mike and Angela got out of bed, Mike suggested softly, "Hey, why don't we take the gang out for the hotel pool? It could be a nice way to relax and unwind after yesterday."
Angela smiled at the idea. "That sounds perfect. A little bit of sunshine and water might lift everyone's spirits."
Mike nodded, already picturing the group enjoying themselves by the pool. "Exactly. Plus, it'll give us a chance to have some fun together before we hit the road again."
Angela stretched and yawned. "I'll go make some coffee and then we can start rounding everyone up."
Mike grinned and planted a kiss on her cheek. "Sounds like a plan, hon."
As Angela headed to the kitchenette to prepare the coffee, Mike went to knock on the doors of their friends' rooms, eager to start the day with some much-needed relaxation and camaraderie.
Gypsy and Rosie met Angela in the kitchenette, where the aroma of freshly brewed coffee filled the air.
"Hey, Angela," the moth greeted with a smile.
"Hey, girls. Coffee?" Angela replied warmly, gesturing toward the mugs on the countertop. She poured the steaming liquid into two of the three mugs and handed them to the two female bugs.
"Sure. Never had it before," Rosie said, eyeing the dark liquid with curiosity.
Angela chuckled softly. "Well, today's as good a day as any to try it. Just be careful, it can be a bit bitter without any sugar or cream."
Rosie and Gypsy each took a cautious sip, their eyes widening slightly at the unfamiliar flavor. "Hmm, it's different. But I think I like it." the black widow said.
"Me too," the moth added
Angela smiled, pleased to see Rosie and Gypsy giving it a chance. "Great! Feel free to have as much as you want. We've got plenty."
As they sipped their coffee, Angela filled them in on Mike's idea to go to the hotel pool. "So, what do you think? Are you up for some pool time?"
Gypsy's eyes lit up with excitement. "Absolutely! It sounds like a fantastic way to start the day."
Rosie nodded eagerly. "Yeah, I'm in! I've never been to a pool before."
Angela grinned. "Well, today's full of firsts then. Let's finish our coffee and get ready to have some fun in the sun."
With their mugs in hand, the three of them chatted animatedly as they made plans for the day ahead, looking forward to enjoying some leisure time together by the pool. Although, Angela had something she needed to talk about with the two ladies.
"Hey, girls... Can I talk to you about something?" Angela's voice was suddenly tinged with worry as she spoke.
"What is it, dear?" Gypsy asked with concern, her eyes softening as she looked at Angela.
"It's about my fiancé," Angela sighed, her shoulders slumping slightly. "The night that he, you, Manny, and I got home after our Cash Cab ride, in our room, he told me why he looked uneasy earlier back at Bug City. And... it was about Flik."
"Ohhh..." Rosie said sympathetically, her expression mirroring Gypsy's concern. "I can understand why... He hasn't been seen since he left the colony out of anger."
Angela nodded, her eyes glistening with unshed tears. "And... I'm just... scared for Mike. What if he slips into depression again and he loses it and tries to end his own life again, and there's no one around to save him like you did, Gypsy?"
Gypsy reached out, placing a comforting hand on Angela's arm. "I understand your fear, Angela. But you have to remember that Mike has come a long way since then. He's stronger now, and he has all of us to support him."
Rosie chimed in, her voice gentle yet firm. "You're not alone in this, Angela. We're all here for Mike, and for you too. If you ever notice him struggling, don't hesitate to reach out to us."
Angela took a deep breath, feeling a bit of the weight lifting off her shoulders. "Thank you, girls. It means a lot to know that we have such good friends. I'll make sure to keep an eye on him and be there for him whenever he needs me."
Gypsy nodded. "And don't forget, sometimes just being there and listening can make a huge difference. Mike knows he can count on you, and that alone is a powerful thing."
The three of them shared a warm, supportive hug, drawing strength from each other as they prepared to face whatever challenges might come their way.
"I gotta ask though," Rosie said as the three ladies broke away. "How'd you and Mike get so tough when it comes to fighting?"
"I've never seen a girl fight that hard before," Gypsy added. "Especially on Jerry Springer. You and Mike gave me and Manny a hard time as security in each of our appearances. Along with David and Lily."
Angela chuckled, a hint of pride in her voice. "Well, growing up in the colony wasn't easy. We had to learn to stand up for ourselves and each other. Plus, Mike and I have always had each other's backs."
Rosie nodded. "That makes sense. But what about that time on Jerry Springer? You were fierce!"
Angela smirked. "That was quite a day. We were only on the show once, but it felt like a battle zone. Mike and I had to defend ourselves and our friends. It's amazing what you can do when you're protecting the people you care about."
Gypsy shook her head in amazement. "Wow, and here I thought our adventures were wild."
Angela smiled warmly. "Life in the colony taught us a lot. But let's hope we can keep the drama to a minimum from now on."
"Hey," a familiar voice sounded.
Angela turned around to see Mike coming down the stairs. "Hey, Mike."
"So, I told the others about the pool. The bugs don't have to worry about swimwear because, you know…" Mike informed.
"Yeah, I get what you mean," his fiancée replied.
"But David and Lily are getting ready right now, and they'll get Emily ready in a minute after," Mike added.
"Hey," Gypsy chimed in. "Angela told us about the night we got home after our Cash Cab ride. You okay?"
"Yeah… Mostly," Mike sighed. "I'm just hoping Flik will be okay, and that this will help me not think the worst."
"If you ever wanna talk, we'll be here for you," Rosie assured him.
"Thanks. I appreciate it," Mike replied with a small smile.
"Alright. Well, Mike and I better get changed as well," Angela said as she walked upstairs, with Mike following suit.
"Well, we don't need to worry about that," Gypsy quipped to Rosie with a smile.
When the human couple finished changing in their room, Mike couldn't help but stare at Angela in astonishment. She was wearing a sleek, dark blue bikini that accentuated her figure perfectly. "You look amazing," he said, his eyes filled with admiration.
Angela smiled, taking in Mike's appearance in his well-fitted black swim trunks. "You too," she replied, leaning in to peck his lips.
Mike's expression softened with excitement as he gently cupped Angela's face. "I can't wait for the day we get married," he said softly, his eyes filled with anticipation.
Angela laughed, a playful glint in her eye. "Well, it ain't gonna be in our swimwear," she quipped, eliciting a chuckle from Mike.
Mike leaned in and kissed his fiancée tenderly, his hand tracing a gentle path along her stomach. Angela reciprocated the affection, her touch mirroring his.
"I love you, Angela," Mike whispered softly.
"I love you too, Mike," Angela replied, her voice filled with warmth and affection.
As Angela and Mike emerged, each wearing a beach robe, the male human deftly scanned the key to Tuck and Roll's room. "Hey, boys!"
Tuck and Roll chittered excitedly as they rolled over to the human couple, each being scooped up by them and placed on their shoulders. Meanwhile, David and Lily emerged from their room, also clad in beach robes, with swimsuits already on underneath.
"Hey, bro!" Mike greeted David with a grin.
"Hey, Mike!" David greeted in return.
"Has Emily gotten ready yet?" Angela inquired.
"Not yet," Lily replied. "She had to wait for us until we got changed first."
Right on cue, Emily emerged from her room with Dim. "Mommy, Daddy!" the toddler exclaimed happily.
"Hey, baby!" David cooed, scooping up his daughter.
"You ready for a day at the pool?" Angela added.
"Yeah!" Emily replied enthusiastically.
"Well, I'd better get her changed," Lily said as David handed the 3-year-old to her. She took Emily back into the room to get her ready.
As the rest of the circus bugs emerged from their rooms, Gypsy and Rosie made their way back to the suite. The group gathered in the living area, excitement palpable in the air as they prepared for a day of fun at the pool.
As Lily emerged with Emily, now dressed in her swimsuit, Gypsy couldn't help but exclaim, "Ohhh, you look so adorable!" She knelt down to Emily's level and ruffled her hair affectionately, eliciting a giggle from the little girl. Emily was wearing a vibrant pink one-piece swimsuit adorned with colorful starfish and seashells, perfectly complementing her bubbly personality.
"Oh, almost forgot," Mike added, retrieving some sunscreen spray cans and distributing them to Gypsy, Manny, Rosie, Slim, and Francis. "You bugs are gonna need these."
"What's this?" Francis asked, peering at the can with curiosity.
"These are sunscreen sprays," Mike explained. "They help protect your skin from the sun's harmful rays. Just spray it on exposed areas, and you'll be good to go."
"Wow, thanks, Mike!" Rosie exclaimed, examining the can with interest. "We don't have anything like this back at the circus."
"Yeah, this'll definitely come in handy," Slim added, nodding appreciatively.
You two might need to help Heimlich," Lily said to Slim and Francis, glancing at their insectoid anatomy.
"Ja, my hands are tiny," the "butterfly" agreed, understanding the practicality of his appendages.
"You also might need to help Dim out since he only has feet," David added to Rosie, considering the unique anatomy of the rhinoceros beetle.
Mike and Angela began carefully applying sunscreen to Tuck and Roll, ensuring the two pill bugs were protected from the sun's rays, before setting the two pill bugs down gently.
Lily then took care to apply sunscreen to Emily, making sure her daughter's delicate skin was shielded from the sun's intensity.
"In the meantime, the rest of us can go to our rooms and do it," Mike suggested, recognizing the need for everyone to protect themselves from potential sunburn. With that, the three couples– Gypsy and Manny, Mike and Angela, and David and Lily headed into their respective rooms to apply sunscreen before their day at the pool.
While Mike, Angela, David, and Lily attended to their sunscreen routine in their respective rooms, they carefully applied the lotion to each other, ensuring full coverage. Gypsy and Manny mirrored their actions in their own room, taking extra care around their delicate insect wings. Outside, Rosie efficiently applied sunscreen to herself before turning her attention to Dim, the rhinoceros beetle, offering him a reassuring smile as she applied the lotion.
Meanwhile, Francis and Slim adeptly handled their own application, ensuring even coverage before assisting Heimlich, mindful of his tiny wings. After everyone was properly protected from the sun's rays, the human couples donned their beach robes once more, stepping out of their rooms just as Gypsy and Manny emerged.
"Ready to hit the pool?" Mike called out, his voice filled with anticipation.
Everyone said words of acknowledgement and excitement as everyone made their way downstairs.
Upon reaching the pool area, Mike offered a word of caution to the circus bugs. "Just a heads up, some of you might want to stick to the shallow end," he advised. "We wouldn't want any water damage to those delicate wings."
"You can still enjoy the water by sitting on the edge and dipping your feet in," Angela chimed in. Meanwhile, Lily inflated Emily's water wings and slipped them onto her arms, ensuring the little one's safety in the pool.
"That or you can sit on the chairs and sunbathe," David added.
"Sunbathe?" Gypsy asked curiously.
"Yeah," David confirmed with a smile. "Sunbathing is when you relax in the sun to get a tan. It's a nice way to enjoy the warm weather without getting in the water."
"Plus, you can still chat and keep an eye on everyone," Lily added, finishing with Emily's water wings.
"Which is what Angela and I are gonna do," Mike said as he and his fiancée took off their beach robes, revealing their swimwear as David and Lily did the same. David wore navy blue swim trunks with white stripes along the sides, while Lily sported a vibrant floral-print bikini with shades of pink, yellow, and blue. Manny, Francis, and Slim sat on the middle edge and placed their feet in the water, enjoying the coolness against the warm day. Mike and Angela sat next to each other in the chairs, ready to sunbathe.
Dim stood on the shallow step, careful not to get too wet, while Gypsy squinted her eyes against the sun's brightness. "Ugh… It's so bright out here."
"Try these," Lily suggested, placing a pair of sunglasses on her. The moth blinked a few times, adjusting to the tinted view.
"Much better, thanks!" Gypsy exclaimed with a smile.
David and Lily each grabbed Emily's hands, carefully walking her down the steps into the shallow end of the pool.
"You know, I actually might try a little sunbathing," Rosie said as she settled into one of the chairs next to Mike and Angela, with Gypsy following suit.
Tuck and Roll stood on the shallow step with enough water and started splashing each other, laughing hysterically. "Looks like they're enjoying it," Mike remarked.
"Those two always find a way to have fun," Angela replied with a smile.
Meanwhile, Heimlich sat on the shallowest step near the edge, contentedly his tiny feet. "This is wunderbar!" he exclaimed, his tiny wings fluttering.
Slim leaned back, propping himself up on his elbows. "This is pretty nice. The sun feels good."
Francis, who had been dipping his feet in the water, looked over at Dim. "Hey, big guy, how's the water?"
"It's cool and refreshing," Dim responded, his feet creating small ripples in the water.
Lily, now swimming with her boyfriend and daughter ensuring Emily was safely playing, glanced over at David. "I think we all needed this."
David nodded, watching Emily splash around. "Yeah, it's a good break after everything we've been through."
"I gotta say, you two look nice," Gypsy remarked, admiring Mike and Angela's swimwear.
"Thanks, Gypsy," Angela replied, smiling warmly. "You two are looking great as well, soaking up the sun by the pool."
"Thanks, Angela," Rosie chirped. "It's nice to just relax and enjoy the warmth."
"Yeah, it's a nice change of pace from all the traveling," Gypsy added, adjusting her sunglasses. "Plus, the view here is pretty spectacular."
"Looks like Dim's enjoying the pool already. Just trying to be careful and not damage his wings," Mike remarked as he watched the rhinoceros beetle cautiously standing on the shallow step, letting the water wash over his feet.
Angela nodded. "It's good to see everyone having fun. We all needed this break."
Rosie leaned back in her chair, stretching her many legs out. "You're right, Angela. Sometimes it feels like we're always on the move, always dealing with something. "
Gypsy turned to look at the other bugs. "Even Tuck and Roll are having a blast. Listen to those laughs!"
Mike smiled as he glanced over at the pill bugs, who were still gleefully splashing each other. "They sure know how to make the best of any situation."
Angela chuckled. "They're like little kids. Always finding joy in the simplest things."
David, guiding Emily in the water with Lily, called over, "This was a great idea, bro. Thanks for suggesting it."
"No problem," Mike replied. "Sometimes, you just need to unwind and let loose a bit."
As they continued to relax and chat, the sun shone brightly, making the pool sparkle and creating a perfect backdrop for their well-deserved break.
"It was nice of your sister to give me these," Gypsy said to Angela as she adjusted her sunglasses, shielding her eyes from the sun's glare.
Angela smiled warmly. "Yeah, she's always looking out for us. Those sunglasses suit you well, Gypsy."
"Thanks," Gypsy replied, tilting her head to get a better angle on the sunlight. "I've never worn sunglasses before. It's kind of fun."
Rosie, reclining in her chair beside them, nodded in agreement. "They make a big difference, especially on a bright day like this."
Angela chuckled. "You bugs are getting the full human experience today, aren't you?"
Gypsy grinned. "Seems like it! First sunscreen, now sunglasses. What's next?"
"Who knows?" Angela said with a playful shrug. "Maybe we'll teach you how to order a fancy coffee or something."
"Or how to hail a taxi in rush hour traffic!" Mike laughed
As they bantered back and forth, enjoying each other's company, the worries of the day seemed to fade away, replaced by the simple pleasure of being together under the warm sun.
"You know, I was pretty fascinated you could watch movies on a game console when we were watching Anchorman yesterday," Rosie said to Mike and Angela.
"Yeah, it's a cool feature," Angela agreed, adjusting her sunglasses as she leaned back in her chair.
Mike nodded. "Definitely. The PS3 is pretty versatile. You can watch Blu-rays, DVDs, and even stream movies and TV shows on it."
Gypsy, who was listening in from nearby, chimed in with curiosity. "What's a Blu-ray?"
Mike glanced over at her. "Blu-ray is a type of disc that can hold high-definition video and audio. It's like a DVD, but with better quality."
"Ah, got it," Gypsy said, nodding in understanding. "So, it's like a fancier version of a DVD?"
"Exactly," Mike confirmed with a smile. "It's all about getting the best viewing experience possible."
Rosie nodded in agreement. "Makes sense. I'll have to keep that in mind next time I'm picking out a movie."
Angela chuckled. "Just don't get too overwhelmed by all the options. Trust me, it can be a rabbit hole."
Gypsy grinned. "I'll try to stick to the classics, then. Can't go wrong with a good old-fashioned romance."
Mike chuckled. "Nothing wrong with that. Everyone's got their favorite genre."
As they continued to chat about movies and technology, the poolside atmosphere felt light and relaxed, a welcome respite from the heaviness of the day before.
Lily then called out to Angela, "Hey, sis, what's next after this?"
Angela adjusted her sunglasses and glanced over at Lily, offering a warm smile. "Well, after we've had our fill of the pool, we'll head over to the Statue of Liberty. Then, if everyone's up for it, we can find a bowling alley later."
"'Bowling alley?'" Gypsy echoed from her spot on the chair, intrigued by the idea.
Angela chuckled, nodding in response. "Yeah, it's a fun indoor activity. You roll a heavy ball down a lane and try to knock over pins. It's quite popular here in America."
"Sounds like a blast!" Rosie exclaimed, her eyes lighting up with excitement.
With plans set for the day ahead, the group continued to enjoy their time by the pool, soaking up the sun and savoring each moment of relaxation before their next adventure.
"Well, I think I've soaked up enough sun for now. Time to join the others," Mike announced, pushing himself up from his lounge chair.
Angela glanced over at Rosie, who was sitting nearby, and smiled. "You think you'll be joining us in the pool, Rosie? I know you don't have wings like the rest of us bugs, but you're still one of the gang."
Rosie grinned at the invitation, feeling a surge of excitement at the prospect of joining in the aquatic fun. "I'll give it a try! Can't miss out on all the fun, right?"
With a nod of agreement, Angela led the way as they made their way over to where the rest of the group was enjoying the cool waters of the pool.
Gypsy stood up from her lounge chair, a warm smile gracing her features as she made her way over to where Manny was seated, his feet still dangling in the refreshing pool water alongside Slim and Francis.
With a gentle touch, she settled down beside him, slipping her own feet into the cool embrace of the water. Wrapping an arm around Manny's shoulders, she leaned in close, her expression filled with affection as she gazed at her beloved husband.
As Mike, Angela, and Rosie eased themselves into the pool, enjoying the refreshing sensation of the water, David's voice cut through the air, drawing the attention of Gypsy, Manny, Slim, and Francis. "How's the water, guys?"
Gypsy glanced over at Manny, exchanging a knowing smile before turning back to David. "It's perfect," she replied with a contented sigh. "Not too cold, not too warm."
Manny nodded in agreement, his eyes reflecting the tranquility of the moment. "Yeah, just right for a relaxing dip."
Slim chimed in, his voice filled with enthusiasm. "I could stay here all day," he remarked, splashing water playfully with his antennae.
Francis chuckled, his gaze drifting across the pool. "It's quite refreshing," he admitted, a sense of calm settling over him.
David grinned at their responses, pleased that everyone was enjoying themselves. "Glad to hear it," he said warmly. "Feel free to join us if you want to swim a bit deeper."
"David," Mike interjected, "they can't really swim with wings. Well, Francis, Heimlich, Dim, Gypsy, and Manny anyway."
"Ah, right," David acknowledged, nodding in understanding. "Guess the shallow end it is for you guys."
Gypsy smiled appreciatively. "Thanks for considering us, though," she said, a hint of gratitude in her voice.
As a couple of hours slipped by, the group began to trickle out of the pool area. Mike and Angela carefully dried Tuck and Roll with a small towel, mindful of their tiny size. Meanwhile, Lily and David tended to Emily, ensuring she was dry and comfortable after her time in the water.
After drying herself off, Rosie turned her attention to Dim, gently patting him dry and ensuring his feet were free of any lingering moisture.
Back inside, as Mike scanned the key to Tuck and Roll's room, prompting the pill bugs to roll inside, he whispered to Angela as he closed the door, "Angela... I've got that feeling."
"Right now?" she whispered back, her eyes widening slightly.
"I can't keep it in any longer," he replied, a determined look on his face.
Angela giggled as they reached their room, opening the door and slipping inside. "Alright then," she said softly, closing the door behind them.
As Lily finished changing Emily in the other room, the toddler emerged in her normal clothes. David leaned in to whisper to his girlfriend, "Lily... I've got the feeling."
"Seriously?" she whispered back, a hint of amusement in her voice.
"Yeah," he replied with a grin.
"Alright. How can I say no?" Lily said, her eyes sparkling as she turned to Rosie and Dim. "Watch over Emily for a while, then we'll head to the Statue of Liberty."
"Got it," Rosie affirmed with a nod as David and Lily closed the door behind them, leaving Emily in the care of Rosie and Dim.
Inside their bedroom, Mike and Angela, still in their swimsuits, were kissing each other passionately. Angela laid on top of Mike, her hands caressing his well-built stomach as he gently rubbed her smooth back. Their breaths and moans mingled, intensifying the moment as they drew each other closer.
After a couple of minutes, they switched positions. Mike, now on top of his fiancée, continued to kiss her deeply, his hand tracing patterns on her stomach. Angela responded by wrapping her arms and legs around him, soft moans of pleasure and contentment escaping her lips. Their connection grew stronger with each passing moment.
Meanwhile, in David and Lily's room, they were still in their swimsuits, caught up in a passionate embrace. Lily lay on top of her boyfriend, their lips locked in a deep kiss. They held each other tightly, their bodies pressed close as David tenderly caressed Lily's smooth back, lost in the intimacy of the moment.
After a while, both of them switched positions. Now, David was on top, continuing their passionate kiss as he trailed his hand down Lily's stomach. Lily responded by wrapping her legs around David, pulling him closer as she ran her fingers through his hair. Their breaths mingled, and the room was filled with the sounds of their deep connection and love for each other.
The atmosphere in the hotel room was filled with a sense of anticipation and excitement, each human couple eagerly anticipating the intimate moments they would share with their partners.
With the day at the pool behind them and the promise of more adventures ahead, they savored this private time together, cherishing the opportunity to deepen their bonds and express their love in the quiet intimacy of their shared space. Each human couple didn't cease their moment until 35 minutes passed.