I didn't feel like describing the full show of Angel because I felt like it would take too long and it's complicated. And I don't really know where the name Greenwolf Corp came from so correct me if I'm wrong.
After they finished their make-out session, Mike and Angela, still in swimwear, broke away and rolled over onto their backs as they both breathed heavily from the aftermath of their private moment, their skin shining with sweat.
"I love… doing this… every time…" the male human chuckled softly between pants.
"As… do I…" his fiancee replied with a soft giggle of her own.
The clock ticked softly in the background, showing that it was nearly 1:15. Both lay in contented silence, the quiet of the room wrapping around them like a blanket.
Mike reached over to the nightstand and grabbed his water bottle, taking a long sip to cool down. He sighed in satisfaction, setting it back down. "You want some?" he asked, offering it to Angela with a smirk.
She smiled, shaking her head slightly. "I'm good," she replied, still catching her breath. "But thanks."
"So… after Jerry Springer… what else do you wanna do?" the male human asked, turning his head slightly to face his fiancee.
"Well… we do need to head down to the dry cleaner because it's been a while since we had our clothes washed. Even our swimsuits," Angela replied, her tone practical but lighthearted as she pushed a strand of hair behind her ear.
"Well… we got about 45 minutes before it starts, so what should we do now?" Mike asked, his brow furrowing in thought.
"You know... I'm not really sure," Angela admitted, glancing around the room as if the answer would magically appear. She paused, a playful smile creeping across her face. "How about we make the most of the time we have left before we head out?"
"I know just the thing." Mike placed a hand on his fiancée's belly and slowly stroked it, a gentle smile spreading across his face.
Angela closed her eyes, relishing the soothing touch. "That feels nice," she murmured, leaning into his hand. "I could definitely get used to this."
Mike chuckled softly, his fingers continuing their gentle exploration. "Just trying to keep you relaxed before we head out," he said, his eyes sparkling with affection.
"And it works every time," Angela whispered, her lips curving into a soft smile as she placed her hand over his, enjoying the calm moment.
Mike smiled back, their fingers intertwined as they laid in comfortable silence for a while longer, savoring the peace before they'd have to get up and face the rest of their day.
He then traced a finger gently around his fiancée's belly button, drawing small, delicate circles. Angela let out a soft giggle, her stomach twitching slightly at the ticklish sensation.
Both of them shared a gentle kiss, their lips meeting softly as the warmth between them lingered. The moment was quiet and tender, a shared intimacy that needed no words. As they pulled back, Angela rested her head on Mike's shoulder, her fingers lightly tracing his arm.
Meanwhile, David and Lily lay catching their breath, David placing a hand on his chest, feeling his heartbeat slowly steadying."Man, you… you really… got me having an arrhythmia right now…" he joked with a light chuckle, still winded.
"You're one… to talk…" Lily replied, her voice breathless but playful, as she gave him a teasing nudge with her elbow.
David laughed softly, turning his head to look at his girlfriend with a teasing grin. "Hey, I'm just saying… you're dangerous."
"Guess we both have that effect on each other, huh?" she replied, resting her hand on his chest as they lay side by side, soaking in the calm after their playful exchange.
"Yeah… I guess we do," David murmured, squeezing her hand gently.
His breathing gradually steadied as his hand softly stroked his girlfriend's belly in gentle, rhythmic motions.
"Mmm... This gets me every time…" Lily murmured, her eyes closed as she melted into the comforting touch.
David smiled, his fingers continuing their soothing movement. "Good to know I've still got the magic touch," he said quietly, enjoying the peaceful moment between them.
David smirked as he traced a finger lightly around Lily's navel, drawing lazy circles.
"Heheh. That tickles," Lily giggled, her stomach twitching under his touch, though she didn't pull away.
"I know," David teased, his grin widening. "Just love hearing your adorable giggle." He leaned in closer, his finger still tracing delicate patterns as they shared a moment of quiet laughter.
"I love you, hon," Lily said softly, her voice filled with warmth as she looked up at David.
"Love you too, babe," David replied, his eyes meeting hers with the same affection. He leaned down, planting a gentle kiss on her forehead, their connection deepening in the peaceful silence that followed.
15 minutes later, the two human couples showered and changed into their usual attire, emerging from their rooms alongside the circus bugs. Rosie and Dim stayed behind, knowing they needed to watch over Emily for Lily and David.
"Alright," Mike breathed with a grin. "Jerry time."
"And our last one too before New Orleans tomorrow," Francis remarked. "Better make it a good one."
Angela chuckled. "Not sure how Jerry Springer ever counts as 'good,' but it's definitely entertaining."
Lily nodded. "Perfect way to unwind after today."
"Let's just hope we're not late," Slim added, already pacing toward the door.
"It's only about 1:45, so we got time to walk over to the NBC Tower to get there," David said, glancing at his phone.
"Perfect! Let's take our time and enjoy the walk," Angela suggested, feeling the energy of the group.
"Right behind you!" Mike replied, heading toward the door with a bounce in his step.
Lily followed close behind, a playful smile on her face. "Let's see who can spot the weirdest thing on the way there!"
"Challenge accepted!" Gypsy chimed in, eager to join the fun as they all stepped out into the bright Chicago afternoon.
Everyone exited the hotel and made their way toward the NBC Tower on foot.
"So what should we do after this?" Gypsy asked, her curiosity piqued as she strolled alongside the group.
"Well, other than going to the dry cleaners... not really sure," Mike admitted sheepishly. "Maybe another beach in the city and..."
"Then we could hit up a café for some snacks," Lily suggested, glancing at David. "I know a great place nearby."
"Sounds like a plan!" David replied, his enthusiasm evident. "As long as they have good iced coffee."
"Let's just avoid any drama this time," Francis added, rolling his eyes at the thought of previous adventures.
"Agreed!" Angela laughed, nudging him playfully.
Eventually, they found their seats in the empty Jerry Springer stage, excitement buzzing in the air.
"Shame this will probably be our last time seeing the show in person for now," Manny sighed, his antennae drooping slightly.
"Yeah, I'll miss the chaos," Mike chuckled, looking around at the empty set. "It's always an adventure here."
"Who knows? Maybe we'll get lucky and catch a wild episode before we leave," Gypsy added with a wink, adjusting her seat.
"Let's hope for some entertaining guests," David said, leaning back in his chair. "You know they always bring the drama."
"Bring it on!" Francis exclaimed, pumping his fist in the air as the stage lights began to dim, signaling that the show was about to start.
An hour later, everyone began to walk out of the studio, their faces still lit up from the wild antics of the show.
"Second row of the middle column is always the best spot," Heimlich said, his eyes sparkling with enthusiasm. "You get the best view of all the action!"
"Absolutely! And the drama is always more intense up close," Mike replied, still buzzing from the experience.
Lily laughed. "I think we all know it's just as ridiculous no matter where you sit!"
David nodded, shaking his head with a grin. "True, but it's way more fun to watch the expressions of the guests right in front of you."
"Okay, what's next?" Angela asked, glancing around at the group as they stepped into the bustling hallway. "Time for the dry cleaners?"
"First we'd better get Emily, Rosie, and Dim," Mike reminded, glancing at David and Lily as they exited the studio.
"Right, can't leave them waiting too long," Lily agreed.
Angela nodded. "Let's head back to the hotel, then we can swing by the dry cleaners."
With a plan set, the group made their way out of the building, ready to reunite with the rest of their crew and finish off the day's errands.
At Old Town Valet, the 4 humans gathered around one of the self-service machines, tossing their clothes into the washer. Mike closed the lid and set the cycle, watching the water begin to fill.
"Alright, that should do it," Mike said, stepping back and wiping his hands.
"Not bad for handling it ourselves," Angela smirked, leaning against the counter.
Lily folded her arms. "Now we just have to wait. What should we do in the meantime?"
David shrugged. "Could take a walk around the block, or grab a snack while we wait for the load to finish."
"Are there any other landmarks we could go to?" Rosie asked, looking curious as they waited for the laundry.
Mike thought for a moment. "We've hit a lot already… but what about the Chicago Water Tower? It's one of the oldest buildings in the city, survived the Great Fire."
"Oh yeah, that's a cool spot," Lily said, nodding. "And nearby is the Museum of Contemporary Art, if you're into that."
Angela smiled. "We could also check out the 360 Chicago Observation Deck. The views from up there are supposed to be incredible."
David shrugged. "All sound good to me. Let's make a quick stop at the Water Tower and decide from there."
The group made their way to the Charger and Armada, splitting up into their respective cars. Engines revving, they pulled out of the parking lot and began the short drive toward the Chicago Water Tower.
The streets were busy with afternoon traffic, but the weather was clear, making for a smooth ride.
"Hope we can find parking near the Tower," David remarked, keeping an eye out for a spot.
"We'll figure it out," Mike replied, glancing at the road ahead. "It's not too far now."
At the Chicago Water Tower, the group walked toward the historic structure, taking in its intricate stonework and towering presence. The sunlight reflected off the limestone, highlighting the building's unique architecture.
"Hard to believe this survived the Great Fire," Angela remarked, looking up at the tower.
"Yeah, it's got that old-world charm," Mike added, hands in his pockets as they strolled around.
Lily smiled as she admired the surrounding area. "This place always feels like stepping back in time."
David nodded. "Definitely one of the more unique landmarks we've visited."
"Wooow…" Emily gasped, her wide eyes fixed on the towering structure above her as she clung to Lily's hand.
Lily smiled down at her daughter. "Pretty cool, huh? It's been standing here for a long time."
Emily nodded enthusiastically. "It's big!"
David chuckled, ruffling Emily's hair. "Yeah, hon, it sure is. One of the oldest buildings in the city."
"Bet it could tell some stories," Mike added with a grin, glancing around at the rest of the group.
"What is a water tower?" Dim asked, his childlike curiosity shining through as he gazed up at the towering structure.
"It used to hold water for the city," David explained. "It was part of a system to pump water throughout Chicago back in the day."
"And it's one of the few buildings that survived a massive fire that destroyed most of the city," Lily added, looking up at the tower.
"Survived a fire? Impressive!" Heimlich said, his eyes wide with amazement.
"Do they all look like historic buildings?" Slim asked, tilting his head as he observed the tower's stone architecture.
"Nah, most of them are pretty simple, more like big metal tanks," Mike explained. "This one's special because it's so old and has a lot of history behind it."
"Yeah, it's one of the few that look like this," Angela added. "The rest are just practical, not built to look nice."
"Well, this one definitely stands out," Manny remarked, still fascinated by the design.
"Wonder what it's like inside," Gypsy mused, her eyes fixed on the towering structure.
"They've turned it into a gallery and visitor center now," Angela responded. "So it's more of a museum these days."
"Probably not as exciting as it sounds," Francis added with a smirk. "But still cool to say we've been here."
"Maybe next time we can check it out," Mike said, glancing at the entrance. "Could be interesting."
"Seems it's the Observation Deck next?" Manny asked, glancing around at the group.
"Yeah, 360 Chicago," Mike confirmed. "Should be a great view of the city from up there."
"I've always wanted to see the skyline from that high up," Lily said, excitement creeping into her voice.
Angela smiled. "Let's get going then. The view will be incredible at this time of day."
With that, the group began to make their way back to the cars, ready to take on their next adventure at the top of Chicago.
At the entrance to the observation deck, the group gathered around, looking up at the towering building before them.
"Wow, it's even taller up close," Mike remarked, craning his neck to take it all in.
"Definitely gonna get a good view from up there," David added, glancing at the others.
"Hope no one's afraid of heights," Angela teased with a playful grin.
"Not me!" Francis chimed in confidently. "Bring it on!"
Emily looked up at Lily. "Are we going all the way up?"
Lily smiled down at her daughter. "Yep, all the way to the top."
"Well, Tuck and Roll won't be the ones walking," Mike quipped, glancing at the pillbug twins each perched on his and Angela's shoulders.
"Lazy as always," Angela chuckled, giving Tuck a playful nudge.
Tuck and Roll exchanged grins and chattered in their usual fast-paced gibberish, clearly unbothered by the comment.
"Hey, as long as they're enjoying the ride," David laughed, watching the pillbugs settle comfortably.
"Must be nice, getting carried everywhere," Francis added with a smirk.
Everyone went inside, taking in the sleek, modern design of the lobby.
"Do they have elevators in here?" Heimlich asked, his eyes scanning the area.
"Yeah, of course," Mike replied with a grin. "You didn't think we were going to climb all the way up, did you?"
The chubby "butterfly" let out a relieved laugh. "Oh, good! My hands amd legs are much too short for so many stairs!"
David smirked. "Don't worry, we'll be at the top in no time."
The group then made their way to the elevator, joining a few other visitors as they waited for the doors to open. As the elevator arrived with a soft chime, they all stepped inside, the pillbugs settling in for the ride.
"This thing's supposed to go up fast, right?" Rosie asked, glancing at the digital floor counter above the door.
"Yeah, they say it only takes about a minute to reach the top," David replied.
As the doors closed, they began their smooth ascent, the floor numbers ticking upward rapidly as the group prepared for the incredible view awaiting them.
The elevator smoothly shot upwards, the rapid ascent causing a slight flutter in everyone's stomachs. Emily giggled, holding tightly to Lily's hand.
"Feels like we're flying!" she squealed.
"Almost there," Mike noted as the numbers climbed higher.
Within moments, the bell rang and the doors slid open, revealing the observation deck. The group stepped out, greeted by panoramic windows displaying an incredible view of the Chicago skyline, stretching out to the horizon.
"Wow…" Angela breathed, taking in the sight.
"Now this is a view," David said, walking toward the glass. "You can see the whole city from up here."
The group spread out along the observation deck, marveling at the breathtaking view. The city below seemed to stretch on endlessly, with towering skyscrapers, shimmering waters of Lake Michigan, and busy streets far beneath them.
"Look at the lake!" Lily pointed out, guiding Emily closer to the window. "It's huge from up here."
Emily pressed her hands against the glass, her eyes wide. "It looks like the ocean!"
Heimlich waddled over, gazing out. "It's so beautiful, and so much food down there, I bet!"
Francis smirked. "You think about food even from all the way up here."
Angela leaned in closer to Mike, admiring the skyline. "This was definitely worth the trip."
Mike nodded, grinning. "Chicago never disappoints."
"Hey, let's take a selfie," David suggested, pulling out his phone.
The group quickly gathered together, with Mike and Angela standing on one side, Lily and Emily on the other, and the circus bugs clustering in front. David held the phone up, angling it to capture the stunning cityscape in the background.
"Everyone say 'Windy City!'" he called out, holding up his phone.
"Windy City!" they all chimed in, smiling wide as the camera clicked.
David glanced at the photo and nodded in approval. "Now that's a keeper. One for the scrapbook."
"Great shot with the skyline in the back," Mike said, looking over his brother's shoulder.
"Can't wait for the upcoming New Orleans pictures," Rosie chimed in, glancing at the photo with a smile.
"Yeah, those are gonna be something else," Lily agreed. "A whole different vibe down there."
David nodded. "Plenty of sights and food. Definitely some good memories waiting to happen."
"Let's just hope Heimlich don't try to eat all the beignets," Angela teased, casting a playful glance at Heimlich.
Heimlich grinned, rubbing his stomach. "No promises!"
Everyone laughed, the sound echoing through the observation deck as they enjoyed the moment together.
"Guess we'll just have to keep a close eye on him," Mike joked, giving the "butterfly" a playful nudge.
Heimlich beamed. "I'll be on my best behavior... until I see the food!"
Emily pressed her face against the glass, fascinated by the tiny cars and buildings far below. "Everything looks so small!"
"It sure does," David agreed, smiling at his daughter.
The group then headed to the elevator, chatting and taking in the last bit of the view as they descended.
Mike glanced at his phone. "It's 3:15 now. Still plenty of time to check out a few more places."
"What should we do now?" Manny asked, looking around as the elevator doors opened.
"Not sure, but I'm up for anything," David replied. "Any ideas?"
"Maybe watch an episode of Angel on your PS3?" Lily suggested to her boyfriend. "I know you've got the complete DVD collection."
"Angel?" Slim asked with curiosity. "Does that have anything to do with celestial beings?"
"Not exactly," Angela replied. "While it does have wings on its title, the show's about a vampire with a soul. Kind of a detective vibe, too."
David nodded. "Yeah, it's a spin-off of Buffy the Vampire Slayer but with more of a darker, noir tone. I think you'd like it."
Slim looked intrigued. "A vampire detective… That sounds unexpectedly interesting."
"But I think Dim will need to keep Emily entertained in our own room while I watch with you guys," Rosie suggested, glancing over at the gentle giant.
"Probably a good idea," Mike replied with a nod. "She might get a little freaked out by some of the episodes."
Gypsy tilted her head in curiosity. "What exactly is a vampire?"
"It's a creature from folklore," Angela explained. "A human that's turned into an immortal being that drinks blood. But in Angel, the main character has a soul, so he's a good guy, even though he's still a vampire."
"Ah, I see," the moth said thoughtfully. "A bit of a tragic hero, then?"
"Exactly," David chimed in. "That's what makes it interesting."
After a little while, the elevator made it all the way down, the doors sliding open with a soft chime. The group stepped out, still chatting about their plans.
"So, Angel it is then?" David asked, glancing at Lily with a grin.
"Sounds like a plan," she replied. "Should be a fun way to relax for a bit."
The bugs exchanged glances, some intrigued by the idea, others still unsure of what to expect.
"Let's head back to the hotel and get settled," Mike said, leading the way toward the exit.
As everyone exited the building and made their way to the Charger and Armada, Slim glanced up at Mike.
"Should we check your clothes before going back to the hotel?" Slim asked.
Mike paused, considering. "Yeah, that's probably smart. They should be done by now."
"Dry cleaners first, then Angel," David added with a nod.
Angela smiled. "Works for me. Let's get everything sorted before we settle in for the show."
"They'll probably only be done washing right now," Angela sighed as they climbed into the Armada.
"Do they put the clothes in the dryers for you?" Manny asked, settling in comfortably.
"Yeah, most places do that," Mike replied, adjusting the rearview mirror. "We'll probably just have to wait a little for them to finish drying."
Heimlich leaned forward from his seat. "Waiting is fine, as long as there's food nearby!"
Angela chuckled. "We'll see what we can find while we wait."
"Honestly…" Mike sighed with a humorous eye roll as he started the engine. "You're always thinking about food, aren't you, Heimlich?"
Heimlich grinned widely. "It's my greatest passion!"
Gypsy chuckled softly. "I think we all knew that by now from the start."
Angela smiled, leaning back in her seat. "Maybe we can grab something while we wait for the clothes. Multitasking at its finest."
"Food and clean clothes—sounds like a win to me," Rosie added with a nod.
Later, when they got inside the dry cleaners, David approached the counter while the others waited by the door.
"Hey, we're here to pick up our clothes," he said to the attendant.
The attendant checked the computer and nodded. "They're in the dryers right now, should be done in about 15 minutes."
Heimlich's eyes lit up. "Perfect time to get a snack!"
Angela laughed. "Alright, let's see what's nearby while we wait."
Gypsy smiled. "Multitasking, just as you said."
"Any place we can find?" Lily asked, glancing around as they stepped outside.
Mike checked his phone for nearby spots. "There's a little café just a block away—Corner Bakery Café. Should have something for everyone."
"Perfect," Angela said. "Let's grab some coffee and snacks while we wait."
Heimlich perked up at the mention of food. "Ooooh, pastries!"
"Let's go," David added, starting to lead the group toward the café.
"Any other beaches we can go to after Angel?" Rosie asked as they walked. "You know, for one last time before tomorrow?"
Mike thought for a moment. "We've hit most of them, but we could swing by Oak Street Beach again. It's close to the hotel, and the view's always great."
Angela nodded. "Yeah, that could be a nice way to end the day. Quick dip, relax a bit."
"Sounds perfect," Lily agreed. "Emily would love it too."
Francis smiled. "Then it's settled."
When they got inside the Corner Bakery Café, the warm scent of freshly baked pastries and brewed coffee filled the air. The group approached the counter, scanning the menu.
Heimlich's eyes widened as he spotted an array of desserts. "Look at all the treats! I'll take a cinnamon roll… and maybe a muffin too!"
Angela chuckled. "I'll just get a coffee and a scone."
Mike ordered a sandwich, while the others picked out their snacks and drinks.
Once they had everything, they found a cozy spot by the window to enjoy their food while waiting for the humans' clothes to finish drying.
As they settled into their seats, the group began enjoying their snacks, the conversation light and relaxed.
"So," Manny said between sips of tea, "after Angel and the beach, are we all set for tomorrow?"
"Pretty much," Mike replied. "Just need to pack tonight, and we'll be good to go."
Angela took a bite of her scone, nodding. "New Orleans is going to be a whole different experience. I'm excited."
"Me too," Gypsy added, looking out the window. "But one more night in Chicago sounds like the perfect way to wrap this up."
Heimlich happily munched on his cinnamon roll. "As long as there's food in New Orleans, I'm ready for anything!"
"I gotta ask, but keep this brief until we get there—where exactly did the name Hurricane Katrina come from?" Slim asked, looking curious.
Angela paused, thinking. "Hurricanes get named from a rotating list of names used by meteorologists. 'Katrina' was just the next one up in 2005."
"They use different names each year. Or at least when a hurricane forms on the maps," Mike added. "We'll tell you more when we're in New Orleans."
"Sounds good," Francis replied with a nod, taking a sip of his coffee. "Always wondered about that."
The conversation quieted for a moment as everyone focused on finishing their snacks.
After a few minutes, Mike glanced at his phone. "Should be about time to head back to the cleaners."
"Great," Manny said, standing up. "Let's get your clothes, human friends, then it's Angel time."
Back at the dry cleaners, Slim and Rosie helped with David, Lily, and Emily's clothes, while Gypsy and Manny assisted Mike and Angela, both groups pulling the warm laundry out of the dryers.
"Forget folding these right now, we've got bags at the hotel," David quipped, stuffing clothes into the basket with a grin.
Meanwhile, Emily stood by the laundry machines, her eyes wide with fascination as she watched the clothes tumble inside. "They're spinning so fast!" she exclaimed.
Lily smiled at her daughter. "Maybe one day you'll get to help with laundry too, baby."
"Not too soon," David joked with a wink.
"Alright. Angel time," Mike breathed, grabbing his bag of clothes. "While Dim plays with Emily."
Rosie nodded. "Dim's great at keeping her entertained. They'll have fun."
"Yep, and we'll get to enjoy the show," David said with a grin as they all headed out of the dry cleaners.
Back at the hotel, David turned on his PS3 by hitting the PS button on one of the controllers, the console emitting a soft beep as the light switched from red to green.
"Is there a way to turn it on without pressing the button on the controller?" Manny asked curiously, watching as Lily and David settled onto the bed.
"Yeah, you can press the power button on the console itself," David explained. "But the controller's just easier."
He grabbed the first disc of Angel from its case. "Alright, let's start with Season 1, Episode 1." He slid the disc into the console, and the room filled with excitement as everyone settled in for the show.
"Oh, forgot to mention to you bugs, he has *Marvel vs. Capcom 2*, *Earthworm Jim*, and *Puzzle Fighter* downloaded on this console," Lily said, glancing at the bugs as they settled in.
"What are those games?" Gypsy asked, tilting her head in curiosity.
David chuckled. "Marvel vs. Capcom 2 is a fighting game where you can pick characters from both the Marvel comics and Capcom games to battle each other."
"And Earthworm Jim?" Slim prompted.
"It's a platformer where you play as an earthworm in a suit trying to save the world. It's hilarious and super fun," David explained.
Lily added, "And Puzzle Fighter is a puzzle game where you match colors to defeat your opponent—it's really addictive!"
"Sounds like a blast!" Manny exclaimed.
"Lucky bastard…" Mike sighed, shaking his head playfully. "You've got all the remastered classics."
"I assume those three games aren't game discs?" Francis asked, leaning forward with interest.
"Nope, they're all digital downloads," David replied. "Makes it easier to access them without cluttering up the room with a ton of discs."
"That's smart," Gypsy said. "You can play whenever you want without worrying about losing anything."
"Exactly," David said with a grin. "And I can always add more games if I find something I like!"
"But enough about that, let's get to this," Angela chimed in as the screen went through the warnings and the interview disclaimer. After a brief second of a black screen, the 20th Century Fox Home Entertainment logo appeared, with its golden iconic 20th Century Fox building. The lights swept across the screen, illuminating the metallic lettering as the logo slowly zoomed out.
"Never seen this logo before," Manny remarked with interest. "And it's funny how there's no sound in it."
"Yeah, they used this for a lot of DVDs back then," David explained. "You'll get used to seeing it pop up before every movie or show."
As the logo finally faded away, they waited for the menu to appear, ready to start their afternoon viewing session.
After David pressed play, the black screen faded into a nighttime shot of downtown LA, the city lights twinkling below.
"Is that what Los Angeles looks like?" Heimlich asked curiously, his eyes wide with fascination.
"Pretty much," David replied, glancing at the screen. "At least, that's what it looks like at night—lots of lights and tall buildings."
"Very different from the fields and beaches we've been seeing," Gypsy added thoughtfully, tilting her head as she observed the sprawling cityscape.
Angel slumped at the bar in a dimly lit dive somewhere in downtown Los Angeles, his face etched with sorrow. His thoughts, clouded by longing, circled around a girl he missed deeply. Heimlich frowned, his usual cheerful expression replaced with sympathy.
"I didn't expect this to be so… emotional," Francis murmured, arms crossed.
"Yeah, I thought this guy would be all action," Mike added, raising an eyebrow. "Guess not."
Angela, sitting beside him, nodded. "It's kind of sad, actually."
The screen shifted. Angel's eyes sharpened, shifting from maudlin to dangerous, as he noticed three men leaving the bar with two women. Without a word, he rose from his seat, his movements calculated as he followed them silently.
"He's definitely up to something," Slim remarked, leaning in with interest.
"Looks like we're getting to the action now," David chimed in, watching intently.
In the dark alley, Angel moved with fluid grace behind the group. His hand slid to his bracers as he staked the men—revealed to be vampires—with lethal precision. The two girls screamed, backing away in terror.
"Whoa, that was fast!" Mike said, eyes wide.
"Yeah, didn't even give them a chance," Francis added, impressed. "Guy knows what he's doing."
The camera zoomed in on the frightened girls, one of whom was bleeding from a head wound. They tried to thank their mysterious rescuer, but Angel, fighting his bloodlust, warned them harshly to get away from him.
"He's struggling with it," Rosie pointed out. "He's a vampire but doesn't want to be."
Gypsy nodded. "It's kind of tragic, isn't it?"
As the girls hurried away, Angel turned and strode down the shadowy alley, disappearing into the darkness.
"Man, this dude's got issues," Francis remarked, shaking his head.
"No kidding," David replied. "It's like he's constantly at war with himself."
"Must be tough being part human, part vampire," Manny said thoughtfully.
A while later in the show, Angel stalked confidently into a top-floor conference room at Russell Winters Enterprises. The room was filled with tension as Winters conducted a meeting with Lindsey MacDonald and other representatives from Wolfram & Hart. The bugs watched intently, especially as Angel entered, exuding danger.
"Wow, he's not playing around," Mike remarked, leaning forward slightly.
"Definitely not," Manny added, his eyes narrowing at the sight of Winters.
Winters, arrogant as ever, claimed that he could do whatever he wanted in L.A., but Angel's expression barely shifted. He asked the CEO coolly, "Can you fly?"—and then, without hesitation, forcefully kicked Winters' executive chair through the massive floor-to-ceiling windows.
"Whoa!" David exclaimed, eyes wide.
Everyone watched in shock as Winters, now exposed to direct sunlight, screamed in agony. His body ignited in flames, turning to dust mid-air, scattering into the breeze. The bugs exchanged glances, clearly impressed.
"That's one way to handle things," Francis said with a grin.
"Yikes, he didn't even flinch," Slim commented, shaking his head.
Below, the empty, scorched chair smashed into the sidewalk with a loud crash, but Angel remained calm, walking away as if nothing had happened. Lindsey, still seated at the conference table, quickly pulled out his cell phone to make a report, stating that while the Senior Partners didn't need to be disturbed yet, there seemed to be a "new player in town."
"Angel's got their attention now," Angela remarked.
"Think he'll take down all of Wolfram & Hart?" Heimlich asked curiously.
"Just wait till season 5," Angela quipped with a knowing smirk.
Rosie raised an eyebrow, intrigued. "Season 5, huh? Now I'm curious."
Lily chuckled. "Oh yeah, things really start heating up later on."
"He's already kicking people out of windows," Francis added. "What's he gonna do next, throw the whole building?"
Manny crossed his arms thoughtfully. "With this show, anything seems possible."
Gypsy gave a nod, eyes fixed on the screen. "It's impressive how much darker this one feels compared to… well, other shows."
"Yeah, it's not holding back," Slim added with a thoughtful expression.
Back at home, Angel sat alone, clearly despondent, as he picked up the phone and called Buffy. The group watching the show could feel the weight of the moment as Angel, after hearing her voice, silently hung up without saying a word.
"Man, that's rough," Mike muttered, shaking his head.
"Hard to imagine having that kind of pain," Manny added, sympathy clear in his voice.
The scene shifted, bringing some levity, as Cordelia energetically proposed the idea of them starting a business to save souls — at least until her "inevitable stardom" kicked in.
"Cordelia sure knows how to lighten the mood," Gypsy chuckled.
Francis smirked. "At least she's got confidence."
As Doyle made his point about how many people in L.A. needed their help, everyone could see the shift in Angel's demeanor. The final scene showed him standing atop a skyscraper, looking over the sprawling nightscape of Los Angeles, his voiceover simply stating, "I'm game," before he walked off-screen.
The screen cut to black, and the text credits read Executive Producers Joss Whedon & David Greenwalt.
"Solid ending," David commented.
"Sets things up perfectly for more," Mike agreed.
As they watched the credits, Manny nodded thoughtfully. "That was something."
"Yeah, I can see why this show gets the hype," Francis added, stretching a bit. "It's got that dark edge."
Lily smiled. "It's only going to get better from here."
Heimlich chimed in, "I like that it's serious but still funny sometimes... I'm not sure what to expect next!"
"Whatever's next, it looks like Angel's got his work cut out for him," Rosie said with a grin.
Slim nodded. "I'm definitely ready for season 2 already."
"Well, it'll have to wait till 21 more episodes," David quipped with a smirk.
"21?" Heimlich gasped. "That's a lot of saving souls!"
Manny chuckled. "Sounds like we've got our entertainment lined up for a while."
Angela grinned. "It'll be worth it. Trust me."
"Guess that means we've got something to look forward to after New Orleans," Gypsy said, leaning back with a satisfied smile.
"Until then," Francis added, "plenty more to get through."
As the credits rolled past the copyright note, fictitious character disclaimer, and the IATSE logo, the screen shifted to a poorly animated vampire monster figure crossing from right to left in front of a white display board. The words Mutant Enemy were scrawled on the board, with "mutant" in red and "enemy" in blue. The creature let out a humorous "Grr. Argh."
Slim tilted his head, studying the odd little figure. "That is a weird-looking creature."
Mike chuckled. "Yeah, it's kind of a classic. It's always at the end of Joss Whedon's shows."
"I like it," Heimlich added with a grin. "It's silly but fun!"
Manny smirked. "Looks like something I could step on."
The second logo appeared on the screen, a purple metallic background displaying the print logos for Kuzui Enterprises on the left and Sandollar Television on the right. There was no sound for about 2 and a half seconds, just the logos on display. Then, the screen shifted to the familiar 20th Century Fox Television logo before finally fading to black.
"Okay, now it's really over," David said with a laugh, glancing at the blank screen.
"Interesting how quiet the second logo was," Manny noted, leaning back.
"Kind of a calm way to end it," Gypsy added.
"Next episode, it'll say 'Greenwolf Corp' on the logo," David quipped as he held down the power button on the PS3 for six seconds. One last beep sounded before the green light blinked a few times and turned back to red.
"Greenwolf Corp?" Rosie asked, raising an eyebrow in curiosity.
David chuckled. "Nah, just kidding. That's a joke between the producers—it's a mashup of Greenwalt and Whedon. You'll see it pop up in a few episodes."
"Ahh, I see," Rosie replied with a smile. "You got me for a second there."
"And it's the only show you'll see it on until season 2," Mike added as he stood up, the others following suit. "Then it switches to David Greenwalt Productions, and that runs from season 2 to season 3."
"David Greenwalt Productions?" Manny asked, his interest piqued. "So, these producers get their own logos? That's quite a personal touch."
"Yeah," David nodded, "certain shows give their producers a special logo. Greenwalt had his for a bit, then changed it for later seasons."
"Fascinating," Gypsy remarked, adjusting her antennae. "I never knew they did things like that behind the scenes."
"Yep," Angela said. "A lot of thought goes into it."
"Anyways, beach time?" Lily announced with a grin.
"Beach time!" everyone replied in unison, their excitement echoing around the room.
"Alright," David chuckled, turning to Lily, "us humans better get changed first."
Lily nodded with a smirk. "Let's make it quick before the beach excitement fades."
While they stayed in the room, Mike and Angela headed off to theirs, and the bugs waited patiently outside. Inside their own room, Lily and David closed the door and laid out their swimsuits. They undressed completely, taking a moment to choose.
David, after some thought, slipped into the navy swimsuit with green and blue hibiscus flowers, adjusting the fit as he glanced at Lily with a smile.
Lily, meanwhile, picked up the crimson bikini. She slipped into it with ease, smoothing the fabric and adjusting the straps before turning to David with a playful smile.
"How do I look?" she asked, striking a small pose.
David grinned. "Very hot, as always." He leaned over, giving her a quick kiss on the cheek.
Lily giggled and grabbed her light blue and white floral aloha shirt, slipping it on over her bikini. David followed suit, putting on his matching navy blue aloha shirt with hibiscus patterns, making sure it complemented his swimsuit.
Once they were dressed, Lily turned to get her daughter. "I'll grab Emily and get her ready."
She then took Emily into the room and laid out her selection of swimsuits
"Alright, honey, which one do you want to wear today?" Lily asked, holding up the options for her daughter to choose.
Emily's eyes lit up as she pointed eagerly at the colorful two-piece with the underwater scene. "This one, Mommy!"
"Good choice!" Lily smiled as she helped her daughter into the swimsuit, fastening it gently while Emily giggled, excited for the beach. Lily then placed a dress on her and they both walked out of the room.
Meanwhile, in the other room, Mike had already put on his red trunks, leaning against the dresser as he watched Angela, who was still bare, carefully deciding between her swimsuits.
"Can't decide?" Mike teased with a smirk as he looked over her shoulder.
Angela shot him a playful look before pulling out the emerald green bikini with the shimmering gold accents. "I think this one's calling my name."
Mike chuckled, "You'll look amazing in anything, but that one's a winner for sure."
With a grin, Angela began to slip into the bikini, adjusting it as she glanced at herself in the mirror.
Mike placed his hands on his fiancee's belly from behind, gently pulling her closer. "Lookin' hot, babe," he whispered with a grin.
Angela giggled, giving him a playful nudge. "Mike, can't you wait until after the beach?"
He smirked, lowering his voice. "Can't resist the urge."
Angela rolled her eyes, still smiling. "You're impossible," she said, turning around to kiss him on the cheek before stepping away. "Let's get to that beach before you get any more ideas."
Both of them slipped on their aloha shirts and stepped outside where the bugs were waiting. Mike glanced over at Angela as they started walking down the hall.
"So, what time is it right now?" Mike asked his fiancée.
Angela glanced at her phone. "It's about 4:14," she replied.
"Perfect timing," Mike nodded, slipping on his flip-flops as they headed out to meet the others. "Ready for some sun?"
"You know it," Angela smiled, taking his hand as they made their way down the hallway.
Everyone reunited at the exit and made their way to the cars.
"I can't wait for a tan," Manny quipped as Mike and David unlocked their respective cars.
"Just make sure you don't end up looking like a roasted peanut," Francis teased with a grin.
"Hey, that might actually be an improvement!" the mantis shot back with a laugh.
Mike chuckled as they all settled in. "Let's just get there before we start roasting ourselves."
With that, they started up their engines, heading off towards the beach.