A few hours had passed. David had his PS3 hooked up to the TV, and he and Mike were deeply engrossed in Resident Evil 5's The Mercenaries mode. Mike controlled Chris Redfield while David maneuvered Sheva Alomar.
As they fought their way through the Public Assembly stage, tension and excitement filled the room.
Heads were being popped off either when the Majini were stunned on the ground by Sheva's impale attack or Chris's stomp attack.
Sometimes it happened when the pistol or shotgun was fired at their heads. Occasionally, a Cephalo—a centipede-like creature with a long, jagged tentacle-shaped head—would erupt from the neck stump when the heads were destroyed.
"This… This is a freaky game," Francis remarked, watching the action with wide eyes.
David chuckled as he deftly maneuvered Sheva through the chaotic battlefield. "Yeah, it's not for the faint of heart. But that's part of the fun."
Mike, focused on taking down a horde of Majini, nodded in agreement. "Definitely keeps you on your toes. The Cephalo can be a real pain if you're not quick enough."
Lily, Angela, Francis, Slim, and Heimlich watched as Chris performed a powerful stomp attack, crushing a Manjini's head with a sickening crunch.
"I don't know how you guys stay so calm with all these monsters coming at you," the stick insect said.
"It's all about staying focused," David explained, firing a well-aimed shot at an approaching enemy. "And knowing when to use your special attacks."
As the timer on The Mercenaries mode ticked down, Mike and David coordinated their moves, covering each other and maximizing their combos. The score kept climbing, and they worked seamlessly together.
"Watch out, big guy with a giant ax incoming," Mike warned as a massive Executioner Majini lumbered onto the screen, wielding a giant ax.
David quickly switched to grenades. "I've got your back. Let's take him down."
With a combination of grenade usages and well-timed melee attacks, they managed to bring the hulking foe to its knees.
A final blast from Chris's shotgun finished the job, and the Executioner fell with a heavy thud. As he did, his body rumbled ominously before exploding in a shower of gore and debris.
Lily, Angela, Francis, Heimlich, and Slim continued to watch David and Mike intensely focused on the game, their characters maneuvering through the intense battle on the screen. The room echoed with gunfire and eerie creature noises as the game unfolded.
"They're really into it," Lily whispered, marveling at the intensity on their faces.
Angela nodded, her eyes glued to the action. "Resident Evil games always have that effect."
Heimlich leaned forward, his curiosity piqued. "It's like a movie but you get to control it."
Slim chuckled softly. "Definitely not like any movie I've seen."
Meanwhile, in their respective rooms, Gypsy and Manny rested, recharging after the day's excitement. Dim and Emily had also settled in for their nap, the two enjoying a quiet moment together.
As the time passed, David and Mike finally wrapped up their game session, both looking satisfied yet slightly drained from the adrenaline rush of the gameplay.
"That was intense," David remarked, setting down the controller.
"Yeah, definitely one for the books," Mike agreed, stretching his arms.
Lily smiled at them. "You guys seemed really into it."
"We were," David admitted with a grin. "It's one of those games that really gets you hooked."
Angela stood up and stretched. "Well, I think it's time to start thinking about dinner. I'm sure everyone else will be hungry soon."
"Good idea," Slim agreed, rubbing his stomach.
They all headed out of David and Lily's room, gathering in the hallway where Gypsy and Manny and the others soon joined them, looking refreshed after their nap.
"Hey, everyone," Gypsy greeted with a smile.
"Hey, you guys sleep well?" David asked, giving them a friendly nod.
Manny stretched his arms. "Ready to take on the evening."
Angela clapped her hands together. "Alright, let's head down to dinner then. I'm sure we're all starving."
They made their way to the hotel's restaurant, chatting about their favorite moments from the day and eagerly discussing plans for the next day's adventure.
"I'm thinking about trying out some local cuisine tomorrow," Heimlich said excitedly. "Maybe something with seafood."
Angela nodded. "That sounds like a great idea. We can find a good seafood place near Daytona Beach."
Lily looked at Emily, who was holding her hand, and said, "Emily, you also need to try something local for it."
As everyone made their way to their vehicles, David's Ram and Mike's Suburban were parked side by side in the hotel parking lot. The late afternoon sun cast a warm glow over the scene, creating long shadows on the pavement.
"Ready to head out?" David asked, unlocking his truck and tossing his keys onto the passenger seat.
"Definitely," Mike replied, opening the driver's side door of his Suburban. "It's been a great day, but I think we're all ready for a nice dinner."
Lily joined David in the Ram, settling comfortably into the passenger seat. She leaned over and kissed David on the cheek. "Where are we going for dinner?"
David smiled at Lily. "How about that Italian place we passed by earlier? It looked pretty good."
"That sounds perfect," Lily agreed, fastening her seatbelt. "Italian sounds delicious."
With everyone settled in, David started the engine of his Ram, the deep rumble of the V8 filling the air.
Mike followed suit, pulling out of the parking lot smoothly in his Suburban.
The drive to the Italian restaurant was short but scenic, passing by palm trees swaying gently in the evening breeze and the occasional glimpse of the sunset casting hues of orange and pink across the sky.
Arriving at the restaurant, they found a cozy spot in the parking lot and exited their vehicles. The aroma of garlic and tomatoes greeted them as they entered the restaurant, where a hostess led them to a large table near the back.
"This looks perfect," Lily remarked, settling into her seat next to David.
Menus were passed around, and everyone began perusing the selections eagerly. The restaurant buzzed with conversation and the clinking of silverware, creating a lively atmosphere.
"I think I'll go for the lasagna," David said, closing his menu decisively.
Angela nodded in agreement. "Lasagna sounds good. And maybe a side salad."
"I'm torn between the spaghetti carbonara and the chicken parmesan," Mike mused, glancing at the menu.
"You can't go wrong with either," Gypsy chimed in, her eyes scanning the options.
Rosie, seated next to Dim, helped him decide on a simple pasta dish, ensuring it would be easy for him to eat.
After placing their orders and enjoying some fresh bread and olive oil, the conversation flowed easily among the group. They shared stories from the day, recalling their favorite moments from Islands of Adventure and Universal Studios.
"I still can't believe how much fun we had on those rides," Francis remarked with a grin.
"I think Minion Mayhem was my favorite," Manny admitted, chuckling. "Those little guys are hilarious."
"It was nice to see Emily and Dim enjoying themselves," Rosie added with a smile. "They had such a great time."
As they waited for their meals to arrive, the conversation turned to their plans for the rest of the trip.
"So, what's on the agenda for tomorrow?" Rosie asked, sipping on her water.
"I was thinking we could head to Daytona Beach," Mike suggested. "It's not too far from here, and it's a great place to spend the day."
"Sounds like a plan," Angela agreed. "We can pack some beach gear and make a day of it."
David nodded. "Sounds like fun. I'm sure Emily will love playing in the sand."
"And there's some good beach snacks to enjoy," Heimlich added eagerly.
Their dinners arrived shortly after, served hot and aromatic. Plates of steaming pasta, crispy chicken parmesan, and cheesy lasagna were placed before them, accompanied by glasses of chilled water.
"Bon appétit!" David said with a grin, raising his glass in a toast.
"Cheers," Mike replied, clinking his glass against David's.
The group dug into their meals with gusto, savoring each bite and enjoying the camaraderie of good friends and family. Laughter and conversation filled the air as they shared their impressions of the food and made plans for their second beach day ahead.
"Can't believe we're going on another beach trip!" Gypsy said with excitement.
"You bugs would be surprised at the variety of beaches they have in Florida," David replied with a grin.
Manny's eyes widened with curiosity. "How many different kinds of beaches are there?"
David smiled, thinking for a moment. "Well, each beach has its own unique feel and attractions. There's the lively and bustling Daytona Beach, the tranquil and scenic Clearwater Beach, and the surfing haven of Cocoa Beach, as you know, just to name a few."
Mike nodded in agreement. "And each one offers something different. Daytona Beach has a lot of activities and events, Clearwater has beautiful, calm waters, and Cocoa Beach is great for catching some waves."
Lily looked at Gypsy with a smile. "You'll see. Every beach has its own charm and something special to offer."
"Sounds amazing!" Rosie chimed in. "I can't wait to explore."
As they continued to enjoy their dinner, the anticipation for the next day's beach trip added an extra layer of excitement to their conversation. The warm, hearty Italian meal, coupled with the lively chatter and laughter, made for a perfect ending to an eventful day.
Eventually, the group finished their meals and settled the bill. David and Mike stood up, stretching and yawning contentedly.
"Alright, let's head back and get some rest," David suggested. "We have another big day ahead of us."
Everyone agreed, and they made their way out of the restaurant, the evening air cool and refreshing after the warmth of the indoor dining area. They climbed back into their respective vehicles, ready to head back to the hotel for a good night's sleep.
The drive back was quiet, with most of the group feeling pleasantly tired from the day's activities and the satisfying meal. As they pulled into the hotel parking lot, David turned to Lily with a smile.
"Ready for another adventure tomorrow?" he asked.
"Always," Lily replied, returning his smile.
Inside the hotel, they all headed to their rooms, exchanging good nights before settling in for the night. Emily was already fast asleep, tucked in snugly in her bed. Rosie, Emily, and Dim settled in as well, with the rhinoceros beetle curling up contentedly and wrapping his feet around his adoptive trainer and toddler friend.
David and Lily got ready for bed, reflecting on the day's fun and looking forward to the beach trip. As they lay down, David wrapped an arm around Lily.
"Thanks for making today so wonderful," Lily whispered.
"Anytime," David replied softly, kissing her forehead. "Sleep well, honey."
The room fell silent as they drifted off to sleep, the promise of another exciting day on the horizon.
Meanwhile, Mike and Angela took off their beach robes, slipping into bed still wearing their swimsuits.
"Can't believe we haven't changed clothes since we first arrived here," Mike remarked with a chuckle.
Angela giggled softly. "I know, right? We've been having too much fun to even think about it."
"So, we still on for beating our record from last night?" Mike asked with a playful grin.
Angela smiled with a soft giggle. "Let's wait until after Daytona Beach. I'm beat right now," she replied. "Maybe just belly rubs and light kissing for tonight."
Mike nodded, leaning in to kiss her forehead. "Sounds perfect to me."
Mike then turned off the lamp and placed a hand on his fiancée's belly as they shared a gentle kiss.
"My guess is we're probably gonna change when we leave this place?" he asked with a loving smile.
Angela nodded, nestling closer. "Definitely. But for now, let's just enjoy the moment."
Mike continued to rub Angela's belly, enjoying the smoothness of her soft skin.
"Feels nice," she murmured with a soft sigh, her eyes closing in contentment.
"Glad you think so," Mike whispered back as he kissed her cheek, his touch gentle and affectionate.
"I'm glad you chose to marry me," Angela said softly with gratitude as she scooted closer to Mike.
"I can't wait for that day. Then I get to spoil you and your tummy for life," he quipped.
"You're terrible," Angela giggled.
"You're beautiful," Mike replied, his eyes filled with affection.
"This coming from a guy with abs," Angela teased, lightly tracing her fingers over his toned stomach.
"I love you, honey," he whispered, her eyes full of warmth.
"I love you too, baby," Angela replied, pulling him closer.
Mike continued to slowly stroke his fiancée's belly as they both closed their eyes, drifting off to sleep in each other's arms.
Meanwhile, Gypsy and Manny were prepping for bedtime in their own room. Gypsy stood in front of the bathroom mirror, gently brushing her antennae with her hand while humming to herself.
"I wonder what Daytona Beach will be like," the mantis spoke up.
"It's probably similar to Cocoa Beach—ocean, sand, and all that," his wife replied.
"That stuff felt good for the feet," Manny remarked.
"Definitely," Gypsy agreed with a smile. "The sand and the water are so soothing. It's like a natural massage."
"Well, Emily's message when she splashed you was that she wanted to play," Manny chuckled.
Gypsy laughed softly. "She sure did. That little girl has so much energy."
"Gypsy? Can I ask you something?" Manny asked after a short pause.
The moth turned around and faced her husband after she finished with her antennae. "What is it, hon?" she asked, her curiosity piqued.
Manny blushed and hesitated for a moment, then took a deep breath. "Do you ever think about having kids? You know, little ones of our own?"
Gypsy's expression softened as she blushed and approached him. "Honestly... I do," she admitted. "I've thought about it a lot, actually. Why do you ask?"
Manny looked into his wife's eyes, a mix of hope and apprehension in his gaze. "I just think... with everything we've been through and all the adventures we've had and all the times we've played with David and Lily's daughter, it might be nice to start thinking about our own little family."
The moth smiled warmly, placing a gentle hand on her husband's cheek. "I feel the same way. We'll know when the time is right."
Manny nodded, his worries easing as he embraced her. "I just wanted to know if you felt the same."
"I do," Gypsy whispered, hugging him tightly and planting a kiss on his lips. "And we'll figure it out together, just like we always do."
As they held each other, a sense of contentment settled over them, knowing that whatever the future held, they would face it side by side.
"I wonder what our kids would look like, since I'm a praying mantis and you're a moth," Manny quipped lovingly.
Gypsy chuckled softly, her wings fluttering slightly. "That's a good question. Maybe a mix of both? They'd definitely be unique."
Manny grinned. "Unique and adorable, just like their parents."
Gypsy kissed him on the cheek. "I'm sure they'd be wonderful. And no matter what, they'll be loved."
Manny nodded, holding her close. "Absolutely. We'll give them all the love and care in the world."
They stood there for a moment, lost in their dreams of a future family, before finally preparing for bed. As they settled in, the thoughts of the day ahead and the promise of many more adventures to come filled their hearts with joy and anticipation.
As they lay next to each other and turned off the lights, Manny placed a loving hand on his wife's belly and slowly stroked it, his touch soothing.
"You always know how to make me feel so relaxed," Gypsy sighed, snuggling closer to Manny.
Manny smiled, his touch gentle. "It's the least I can do for the most amazing wife."
Gypsy closed her eyes, feeling comforted by Manny's presence. "I love you, Manny."
"I love you too, Gypsy," he whispered back, wrapping his other arm around her.
The two fell into a peaceful silence, enjoying each other's warmth as they drifted off to sleep, dreaming of the adventures and memories yet to come.
The moon shined bright around the hotel, casting a serene glow through the windows. In their rooms, David and Lily, Mike and Angela, Gypsy and Manny, and the rest of the group slept soundly, the excitement of the day's adventures giving way to peaceful dreams.