The soft morning light bathed the room in a warm glow as Mike laid there, watching Angela sleep peacefully beside him. Her steady breathing and the gentle rise and fall of her chest filled the room with a calmness he cherished.
He smiled to himself, brushing a stray lock of hair from her face. "How did I get so lucky?" he murmured softly, his voice barely a whisper. He leaned over, pressing a gentle kiss to her cheek, careful not to wake her just yet.
Angela stirred slightly at the sensation, a soft hum escaping her lips as she stretched, her eyes slowly fluttering open.
"Good morning, babe," Mike said, his voice warm with affection.
Angela smiled groggily, her eyes still heavy with sleep, but she reached out to him with a sleepy sigh. "Good morning… You're already up?"
"Couldn't sleep in when I'm laying next to someone as beautiful as you," Mike replied, his tone full of warmth and admiration.
Angela chuckled softly, her eyes sparkling with affection. "You're so sweet, Mike."
He leaned in, planting another kiss on her forehead. "You deserve it."
She snuggled into his chest, content and happy. "I love you," she murmured.
"I love you too," Mike replied, wrapping his arms around her. They stayed like that for a few moments, enjoying the peaceful morning together, savoring the quiet before the excitement of the day ahead.
Angela's hand gently cupped Mike's cheek, her fingers brushing lightly against his skin. She looked up at him with soft eyes, her voice low and inviting. "Kiss me, baby…"
Mike's heart fluttered at the sound of her voice, and without hesitation, he leaned in, their lips meeting in a tender kiss. It was slow and soft, the kind of kiss that spoke volumes without needing words. When they finally pulled away, both of them were left with warm smiles on their faces.
"You always know how to make my day," Mike said, his voice filled with affection as he gazed into her eyes.
Angela's smile widened. "I know," she teased, her hand still resting on his cheek. "It's a gift."
They lingered in the peaceful moment, sharing another quiet kiss, both of them content and in love, before they finally began to stir, knowing the day was waiting for them.
"Shower time?" Mike asked, his voice still groggy but playful.
"Yeah…" Angela replied with a smile as she stretched and slid out of bed. Mike followed, and together they headed into the bathroom, closing the door behind them.
The faint hum of the water pipes filled the room as Mike turned the shower knob, adjusting the temperature until steam began to rise. Angela slipped off her undergarments, placing them neatly aside, while Mike did the same.
The warm cascade of water filled the stall as they stepped in together, letting the soothing heat wake them up fully. Angela tilted her head back, letting the water run through her hair, while Mike grabbed a bottle of body wash and started lathering up.
"Nothing like a hot shower to start the day," Mike said, his voice muffled slightly as he rubbed his face.
Angela chuckled, reaching for the shampoo. "Especially after a long day of adventuring with bugs and TV marathons."
Mike squeezed some body wash onto his hands, the fragrant lather quickly building as he began to work it across Angela's back. His hands moved with care, massaging the suds into her shoulders and slowly trailing down to her sides, chest, and belly.
"Mmm… I love this…" Angela murmured, a gentle sigh escaping her lips as she leaned into his touch.
"This is my favorite part," Mike admitted, his voice low but warm as his hands lingered, tracing comforting circles along her skin.
Angela smiled, glancing back at him with half-lidded eyes. "You're just saying that because you like an excuse to touch me."
"Maybe," Mike replied with a playful smirk, "but can you blame me?"
Later, the group made their way downstairs, handing in their room cards as they went. The human family carried their bags, ready for the next leg of their adventure.
"Alright. New Orleans, here we come!" David said, a grin spreading across his face as he stepped out of the hotel with Lily and Emily in tow.
"First, we've gotta get the Charger and Armada back to Windy City Motors," Mike said, adjusting the strap of his bag.
"You bugs can fly off to Chicago O'Hare. We'll meet you at the entrance," Angela said with a wave.
The bugs nodded in agreement. Dim stretched his wings wide, his thorax buzzing slightly in anticipation. Rosie climbed up onto his back, sitting comfortably against the smooth surface. Tuck and Roll scrambled to settle near Dim's head, excited for the flight ahead.
With a powerful flap of his wings, Dim took off, lifting the group into the air. Heimlich, who had found a spot in Dim's hands, was carried along by the rhinoceros beetle's six sturdy legs.
Francis, his wings humming as he flew off into the morning air, carried Slim in his hands, while Gypsy and Manny flitted off together, their wings catching the wind. The bugs quickly dispersed into the sky, their flight paths stretching toward Chicago, while the humans made their way to the cars.
The group would soon be reunited at O'Hare, ready for the next chapter of their journey.
David carefully secured Emily into her car seat in the back of the Charger, making sure the straps were snug but comfortable. Once satisfied, he climbed into the driver's seat, glancing at Lily, who settled in beside him.
The group then drove off, heading toward Windy City Motors to return their rental cars.
In the Armada, Angela smiled warmly, her fingers intertwining with Mike's as he steered. "Well, Chicago was fun while it lasted," she said, her tone light but nostalgic.
"Yeah," Mike agreed with a grin. "Got lucky with a hotel close to the NBC Tower. Made it easy to walk to Jerry Springer."
Angela chuckled. "And easier to walk back after all that drama on stage."
"Wouldn't have it any other way," Mike said, squeezing her hand. "But now, New Orleans is calling."
Angela's eyes sparkled at the thought. "Beignets, jazz, and some warmer weather. I'm ready."
Meanwhile, the circus troupe waited outside Chicago O'Hare in the outer parking lot, their excitement building for the next leg of the journey.
Gypsy stood with her arms behind her head as she looked up at the sky. "Wonder how many days it would take for us to fly to New Orleans ourselves," she mused, her voice light with curiosity.
Manny, standing nearby, chuckled. "I'd say many days with plenty of napping along the way."
Francis grinned as he joined the conversation. "Heimlich would probably hold us back with snack breaks every few hours."
Heimlich, who was standing not far off, overheard and grinned. "I do need to keep my energy up, you know," he said, lifting his arms in mock defense. "Can't fly on an empty stomach!"
"Fly?" Slim quipped, raising a brow as she leaned against Dim. "Dim has to carry you everywhere we go 'cause your wings are too small to lift that belly of yours."
Heimlich gasped dramatically, placing a hand over his chest. "Rosie! That is hurtful! My wings are perfectly fine—just not… practical for long distances."
"Or short ones," Francis added with a smirk, crossing his arms.
The group chuckled as Heimlich pouted. Dim gave a rumbling laugh, glancing back at Rosie. "Dim doesn't mind. Heimlich good company."
"Good company, sure. Heavy company, definitely," Slim muttered under his breath, earning another round of laughter from the group.
Just then, a yellow cab rolled up with a screech of tires, coming to a halt in front of the circus troupe. The doors swung open, and out hopped Mike and Angela, David and Lily, with little Emily in tow. The adults immediately began unloading their bags from the trunk, trying to balance the weight of their luggage in the busy parking lot.
"You'd think we were moving in here," Angela joked, pulling a giant bag from the trunk with a dramatic grunt.
"Yeah, next time we'll just ship everything ahead of time!" Mike quipped, wiping sweat from his brow as he wrestled with Emily's stroller, which seemed to have a mind of its own.
Lily smiled as she adjusted her bag. "At least we're all packed. But I swear, every time we travel, we end up with twice as much stuff."
David, balancing a coffee cup and suitcase, shot her a mischievous grin. "Well, you did insist on packing everything but the kitchen sink."
Lily shot back, "Hey, you never know when you'll need an extra pair of shoes!"
Mike grinned, joining in. "Right, right. And don't forget about the backup sunglasses… for the backup shoes."
The bugs, meanwhile, watched in fascination, trying to figure out how humans managed to get so much stuff into such a small space. Gypsy leaned in to Manny, who was standing next to her, observing the chaos. "Next time we get a cab, we're packing half that much."
Manny smiled back at her, shaking his head. "I think we'll need a bigger vehicle next time. Or just less stuff."
The group started walking toward the entrance of the airport, each carrying bags and trying to keep up with little Emily, who was already ahead, eager for the next adventure.
"So, which flight will it be this time? American, Southwest?" Rosie asked.
"Well, I know one thing, it sure as hell ain't gonna be Spirit," David said, shaking his head with a smirk.
"Never heard of that," Slim said, looking confused. "Also, what's wrong with it?"
"Let's just say, Slim, if you want a flight where they charge you for everything and treat you like crap, you go with Spirit," Mike said, rolling his eyes.
Angela nodded. "Yeah, they're the 'budget' airline, but the moment you breathe, they're like, 'That'll be $5, thanks.' Need a carry-on? That's extra. Need to print your ticket at the airport? Extra. Want to sit together? Guess what—extra."
"And don't get me started on the seats," David added, shaking his head. "They're basically metal folding chairs with barely enough padding to keep your ass from going numb."
"And the legroom!" Lily chimed in, throwing up her hands. "If you've got legs longer than my daughter, good luck not getting a cramp halfway through the flight."
"They really nickel-and-dime you to death," Mike said. "You think you're saving money, but by the time you're done paying all the 'extra fees,' you're probably better off just going with American or Delta."
"Unfortunately, they usually get away tearing a big-ass hole in humans' pockets," Mike grumbled. "You think you're paying for a cheap flight, and by the end of it, you're out way more than you bargained for."
Angela nodded in agreement. "Yeah, they make it look like a deal until you realize you're paying for things that should be included, like choosing your seat or even bringing a bag."
David chuckled darkly. "And don't get me started on the snacks. They give you a little packet of peanuts or pretzels, and if you want anything more, they'll charge you all your limbs for a damn soda."
Lily added with a smirk, "You're basically paying to be uncomfortable for a few hours, and it's not even a good story to tell afterward."
"Sounds like a nightmare," Slim commented, raising an eyebrow.
"Oh, it is," Mike said. "But it's the kind of nightmare where you're wide awake, and your bank account is crying like a gigantic baby."
"And don't even get us started on the freaking wait time," Angela scoffed as the group got their tickets. "You get to the airport hours ahead, only to sit there like a sack of potatoes waiting for your gate to open."
"Yeah, and you're stuck with overpriced food that tastes like cardboard boxes if you're lucky," David added, shaking his head. "It's all part of the experience, right?"
Lily rolled her eyes. "The worst part is when they change the gate at the last minute, and you have to run across the terminal with your bags just to find out it's not even worth the effort."
Mike sighed. "And then you finally get on the plane, and you're crammed in next to someone who thinks it's okay to spill over into your seat and hog the armrest. It's like, really? We're all paying for this torture."
"Sounds like hell on Earth," Gypsy muttered, shaking her head as she watched the humans' animated conversation.
"I'm telling you, Spirit Airlines is where nightmares of flying a plane are born," Angela said with a grimace.
"Well, which flight is it we get?" Francis asked, looking over at the humans as they gathered their things.
"American Airlines, 11 AM, direct flight," David replied, holding up their boarding passes.
Mike smirked. "Same as last time. At least we know we'll get there without any surprises."
Angela chuckled. "Yeah, I'd take American over any of those budget airlines any day."
"Can't argue with that," Lily agreed. "We've never had any issues with them."
"That's true," David said, glancing around. "It's been smooth sailing every time."
"Well, if it's as good as last time, I'll be happy," Slim added, his wings flicking lightly. "Those flights were decent enough."
"I just hope they don't skimp on the snacks this time," Mike said with a grin. "I'm not asking for a gourmet meal, but a little more than pretzels would be nice."
"Don't worry, Mike," Rosie said, "You'll probably get the same thing as last time—peanuts, pretzels, and a drink."
Gypsy nodded. "Better than what Spirit offers, that's for sure."
Heimlich scratched his head. "So no giant feasts then?"
Angela laughed. "Not unless you're flying first class."
The bugs all shared an amused look as they continued to chat.
"Well, at least we know what we're getting into," Francis said as he hovered just above the group, his wings buzzing lightly. "American Airlines it is."
With a final glance around, the group made their way toward the gate, their excitement growing as they prepared for the flight to New Orleans, knowing they'd be in good hands—just as long as no one, not even Heimlich, hogged the snacks.
As the plane eventually arrived at the gate, the group walked over, with their tickets in hand and a sense of excitement in the air. The bustle of passengers moving around and the hum of the terminal filled the background, but the group's focus was on the flight ahead.
"Alright, let's get this show on the road," Mike said as they approached the gate, flashing a grin.
"I still can't believe we're going to New Orleans," Angela added, her voice full of anticipation. "It's gonna be a blast."
David nodded. "Yeah, it's been on my list for ages. And now, we finally get to experience it all."
The bugs followed closely behind, still in awe of the human world they found themselves in. Gypsy looked up, adjusting her wings.
"So, what's the first thing we do once we land?" she asked, her tone curious.
"Well," Lily began, "we'll check into the hotel first. Then, we can explore! I'm sure there's a lot to see and do."
"I'm just ready for some real food," Francis said with a playful glint in his eyes. "No offense, but I'm getting tired of snack bars."
Heimlich nodded enthusiastically. "I want to try everything—gumbo, beignets, jambalaya, crawfish…"
"Slow down, Heimlich," Rosie said with a giggle. "We'll make sure to pace ourselves."
They all shared a laugh as they approached the counter to check in for the flight. The flight attendants greeted them with warm smiles, and before long, they were settled into their seats.
"So, let's hope this flight is as smooth as the last one," Mike said as he buckled in.
"Fingers crossed," David replied.
With a final glance around the cabin, the group relaxed into their seats, ready for the adventure ahead.
As the group settled into their seats on the plane, Gypsy turned her curious gaze toward Angela.
"So, you think there are any beaches in New Orleans?" the moth asked.
Angela smiled. "Oh, absolutely. New Orleans has beaches, but they're not like your typical oceanfront. Most of them are on the shores of Lake Pontchartrain or along the Gulf Coast, a bit outside the city."
"Lake beaches?" Francis raised a brow. "That doesn't sound very exciting."
"Don't knock it 'til you try it," David said. "For example, there's Fontainebleau State Park on Lake Pontchartrain. Sandy shores, shallow waters, and a gorgeous view—perfect for a relaxing afternoon."
"And if you want something more 'classic beach,' you've got Gulf Coast spots like Grand Isle," Angela added. "It's a little further out, but it's the real deal—waves, sand dunes, and seafood shacks lining the shore."
"Seafood shacks?!" Heimlich's eyes lit up. "Now that sounds delicious!"
"Don't forget, there are also a few smaller, hidden gems along the Mississippi River," Lily chimed in. "Not quite beaches, but they have that vibe—quiet, sandy spots surrounded by trees. Great for a picnic or some peace and quiet."
"And it's a lot safer than dodging seagulls at the coast," Slim added.
Gypsy smiled dreamily. "I can already picture it—relaxing on the sand, sipping a drink, the breeze ruffling our wings."
"Sounds perfect," Manny said, leaning back. "I say we put it on the list for this trip."
"Agreed," Angela said, grinning. "But first, we've got a whole city to explore. Beaches can come later."
The group shared a nod, excitement growing for what awaited them in the Crescent City.
"So, what airport are we landing at when we get there?" Manny asked, leaning forward slightly.
"Louis Armstrong International," Angela replied. "It's the main one in New Orleans—pretty big but easy enough to get through."
"Sounds like a breeze compared to O'Hare," Rosie added with a chuckle.
"Anything's easier than O'Hare," David said. "But yeah, Armstrong's nice. Quick to navigate, and it's not far from the city."
"Just wait until we're out of there and in the heart of NOLA," Mike said, grinning. "That's when the real fun starts."
The bugs exchanged intrigued glances, already buzzing with anticipation for their arrival.
As the plane landed, the humans grabbed their bags from the overhead compartments, stretching as they stood up.
"Alright, let's get moving," David said, checking the time as he led the way down the aisle.
"Finally! I've been waiting for this," Mike added, giving Angela a quick grin.
Angela laughed. "We're almost there. Just a little more patience."
The bugs, standing tall as usual, felt the plane's descent. They stood in place, getting ready for the final touchdown. As the plane came to a complete stop, the group began to gather their things.
"New Orleans, here we come!" Lily said, her excitement matching the rest of the group.
The humans made their way off the plane, with Emily in tow, while the bugs followed closely behind, moving as a group toward the terminal.
"Alright, first stop—Enterprise," David said. "We need to pick up our cars before we head anywhere else."
"Do we need to walk far for that?" Rosie asked.
"Nope, it's just a short shuttle ride away," Lily replied. "We'll grab the cars, then figure out where to head next."
The group made their way to the shuttle pick-up area, ready for the next leg of their journey.
The group made their way to the airport shuttle stop marked for car rentals. After a short wait, a bus pulled up, and they climbed aboard. It was a smooth ride, with the city's energy already palpable as they passed by streets filled with music and color.
"This city already feels alive," Angela said, glancing out the window.
"Definitely a different vibe from Chicago," Mike added, watching as they neared their destination.
The shuttle pulled into the rental lot, and the group stepped off, taking in the expansive rows of vehicles under the morning sun. The Enterprise sign loomed ahead, signaling their next stop.
"Here we are," David said. "Let's check it out."
The group made their way to the airport shuttle stop marked for car rentals. After a short wait, a bus pulled up, and they climbed aboard. It was a smooth ride, with the city's energy already palpable as they passed by streets filled with music and color.
"This city already feels alive," Angela said, glancing out the window.
"Definitely a different vibe from Chicago," Mike added, watching as they neared their destination.
The shuttle pulled into the rental lot, and the group stepped off, taking in the expansive rows of vehicles under the morning sun. The Enterprise sign loomed ahead, signaling their next stop.
"Here we are," David said. "Let's check it out."
The group began walking toward the lot, ready to scope out their rides for the trip.
Gypsy, Manny, Slim, Tuck, and Roll accompanied Mike and Angela, while the rest of the bugs followed David and Lily.
As Mike's group began exploring the lot, Mike glanced around with a thoughtful expression. "I think I'll go for a truck this time," he said, his tone decisive.
Angela raised an eyebrow. "Switching it up, huh? Alright, let's see what they've got."
"What kind of truck are you thinking about?" Gypsy asked, her tone curious as her wings shimmered faintly in the sunlight.
Mike smirked. "Let's take a look around and find out."
After about 30 minutes of browsing, Mike's eyes lit up as he spotted a four-door 1994 Ford Ranger in a clean, glossy red finish.
"There we go," he said, pointing at the truck. "That's the one."
Angela tilted her head, examining the vehicle. "Classic choice. Not too big, not too small."
Gypsy fluttered slightly closer, her gaze appraising. "Seems sturdy enough. Do you know much about this model?"
"Oh, yeah," Mike replied, grinning. "Reliable little workhorse. Perfect for what we need."
"Comfortable for us bugs?" Slim asked, glancing toward the back seats.
"Plenty of space," Mike assured him. "Let's check it out inside."
As they walked over to the Ranger, Manny commented, "Seems like a good fit for what's ahead. Rugged and dependable."
"Exactly what I was thinking," Mike replied with a grin.
"This isn't like any four-door vehicle I've ever seen," Gypsy remarked, eyeing the back door, which seemed smaller and oddly hinged.
"That's because it's got suicide doors," Mike explained, gesturing at the design. "They're rear-hinged. Instead of opening like a regular door, it swings backward. Makes it easier to load stuff or climb in and out, especially in a truck this size."
Angela added, "You can't open them unless the front doors are open first. It's a safety thing. Pretty common in extended cabs like this one."
Gypsy leaned closer, inspecting the setup. "Hmm. That's… unique. Never seen doors that work like this before."
"Don't worry, they're sturdy," Mike assured her. "It's not as fancy as a modern truck, but it'll do the job just fine."
Slim nodded. "Efficient design, I'll give it that."
"Plus, it looks cool," Mike added with a grin, running his hand along the side of the truck. "It's got plenty of character for a ride like this."
Slim looked at the back of the truck, noting the slightly larger Ford emblem on the bottom right corner of the tailgate. "Did all Ford vehicles have this emblem here in the back?" the stick insect asked.
"Only certain models," Mike replied, looking over the truck with a thoughtful expression. "The Ford emblem was placed here on certain models even from '99 to 2004, like the F-Series, Excursion, and Expedition. They started moving the emblem to the center in later years, especially after 2008."
Angela, who had been examining the interior, chimed in, "Yeah, they like to mix things up over the years, make each generation a little different. But this one's got that classic look. Feels pretty solid, doesn't it?"
"Yeah, it's a cool design. I like the retro feel of it," Slim said, running a finger along the emblem. "So, are we taking this one?"
Mike nodded with a grin. "Looks like it. Let's head to the counter and grab the paperwork. This ride's ours."
"I just hope David finds a car that can fit the other bugs. And Dim," Manny sighed, glancing toward the section of the lot where the rest of the group had gone.
Angela chuckled as she stepped out of the truck's passenger side. "Don't worry, Manny. Knowing David, he'll probably scope out something roomy enough to double as a moving van if needed."
"Yeah, that guy thinks ahead," Mike added, patting the hood of the Ranger. "Besides, if Dim had his way, they'd just strap him to the roof."
"That would not be comfortable," Manny muttered, crossing his arms.
Gypsy placed a hand on her husband's arm with a reassuring smile. "I'm sure they'll find something just fine. David and Lily know what they're doing."
Meanwhile, David, Lily, Emily, Rosie, Francis, Heimlich, and Dim explored another section of the lot, surrounded by rows of vehicles of varying shapes and sizes.
"I think an SUV with third-row seating would work best," David mused, glancing at a lineup of spacious vehicles. "Who knows what Mike's grabbing, and it's not like we'll fit everyone comfortably in either one of our rides if we don't plan ahead."
Emily's wide eyes darted from car to car as she held tightly to her father's hand, occasionally pointing and giggling at a brightly colored vehicle.
"Especially with Dim," Rosie chimed in, giving the towering rhinoceros beetle a sideways glance. "The poor guy wouldn't do well with the hard wind and traffic noises if we had to put him in the back of a truck."
Francis snickered, folding his arms. "Yeah, Dim's got the size of a tank but the nerves of a kid when it comes to loud noises. Toss in honking horns and... well, you've got a recipe for disaster."
"Not to mention sports cars zooming past, or—motorcycles," Lily added, gesturing toward a row of two-wheelers parked nearby.
"Motorcycles?" Heimlich's antennae twitched with curiosity as his wide eyes settled on the sleek, shiny machines. "Did you tell us about those before? I do not think I remember this... motorcycles, you say?"
David chuckled, walking toward the row of motorcycles. "I don't think we've mentioned them before. They're these two-wheeled vehicles—kinda like a bike, but powered by an engine instead of pedals."
"And a whole lot faster than bicycles," Lily added. "Motorcycles are built for speed and maneuverability, but they're not the safest option in heavy traffic. The noise can be ear-splitting, too. Trust me, you don't want to be near one when it revs its engine unless you have a helmet.."
Francis smirked, pointing to a particularly flashy red motorcycle. "They do look cool, though. I mean, who wouldn't want to ride something that screams 'extremism'?"
Heimlich tilted his head, looking at the motorcycle thoughtfully. "Hmm... it looks like it could be fun! But, also maybe a little... terrifying?"
"You hit the nail on the head, Heimlich," David said, laughing. "Fun and terrifying—that's motorcycles in a nutshell."
Dim, who had been quietly observing the exchange, tilted his head. "So... motorcycle like small car for one person?"
"Pretty much. But you can have 2 people riding," Lily confirmed. "But with way less protection. No roof, no doors—just you and the open road."
"That does not sound safe at all," Heimlich declared, his eyes wide. "I think I will stick to cars... or flying!"
The group shared a laugh, their banter carrying through the lot as they continued their search for the perfect vehicle.
Lily's eyes lit up as she spotted a sleek 2009 Chevy Traverse LS parked nearby. "Hey, I think this one might have a third row."
The group perked up and made their way over to inspect the vehicle, curiosity sparking in their expressions.
Rosie immediately walked up to the front of the car, her eyes locking onto the gold bowtie emblem sitting prominently on the grille. "The emblem looks just like the one on your 2012 Camaro, David."
David tapped the grille of the Traverse gently, feeling the surface. "Except my Camaro back in Bug City only has clear layers on the grille and tailgate emblems. So, you can't feel the inside part, but it's the same look."
Francis walked around the side, nodding. "I get it. It's that signature Chevy look. Not too flashy, but classy."
Lily opened the driver's side door and peeked inside. "Ooh, nice interior. Cloth seats, simple layout—it's practical, but not boring."
Heimlich waddled over to peer into the back. "Does it have the three rows? I don't see so well from here!"
"Yep, it does," Lily said, leaning further in. "Plenty of room back here, even for Dim."
Francis wandered over to the side doors and paused to examine the GM emblem near the base. He tapped it with one hand and tilted his head. "So… this is what the General Motors logo looks like?" he asked, running his fingers over the shiny badge.
David glanced over. "Yep, that's it. Clean and simple, just the letters GM. You'll see it on most of their vehicles somewhere."
Francis nodded thoughtfully, still inspecting the emblem. "Huh. Never noticed it before, but I guess it's not bad."
"Well, everyone who's in favor of the Traverse, say 'I,'" Lily said, turning to the group with a confident smile.
"I," David chimed in immediately, raising his hand. "Plenty of space and a dependable look. Works for me."
"I," Rosie agreed, crossing her arms. "It's roomy enough, and Dim won't have to squeeze anywhere awkward."
"Yeah, he can just take the trunk," Francis added with a smirk. "Not like we're gonna put luggage back
there."
"I," Heimlich echoed enthusiastically. "And the trunk will make a cozy space for him! Plus, zee snacks can go in the second row!"
Francis raised an eyebrow. "You're really on this snack thing, huh?"
Rosie chuckled, shaking her head. "Let him dream."
Lily turned to Emily with a grin. "What about you, sweetie? You like this car?"
Emily clapped her hands and giggled. "I like it! Big car!"
"That's settled, then," Lily said, satisfied. "The Traverse it is."
David opened the door and slid into the driver's seat, adjusting the controls. "Alright, let's see… comfy seats, nice dash layout. Yep, this'll do."
Rosie leaned into the back. "The trunk space is decent, too. Dim can sit back here with no problem."
Lily nodded, glancing over. "Yep, it's enclosed enough for him to feel comfortable, but there's still enough ventilation so it won't get stuffy."
"Perfect! The trunk will be like his own little suite," Heimlich said, smiling. "Maybe we can even put a pillow in there."
Francis rolled his eyes. "Next, you'll want to install a minibar."
Lily laughed and waved her hand. "Alright, let's head to the front desk and claim this thing before someone else grabs it. This Traverse is practically made for us."
As they made their way to the front desk, David glanced back at the Traverse with a satisfied smile. "I think we nailed it with that choice. It's got the space, comfort, and style we need for this trip."
Lily nodded in agreement, carrying Emily on her hip. "Yeah, and Dim will actually stay put back there without a problem. No more worrying about him sticking his head out in traffic."
Francis smirked. "That'll save us all some stress. I'm not in the mood to explain why a giant bug's hanging out of a car to some confused bystander."
Rosie chuckled. "And with those tinted windows, no one will even know he's back there unless they're looking real close."
As they reached the desk, David leaned on the counter and smiled at the clerk. "Hi, we'd like to rent the 2009 Chevy Traverse over in your lot."
The clerk typed something into the computer and nodded. "No problem. Let me grab the paperwork for you."
While waiting, Heimlich wandered over to a small rack of maps near the desk and picked one up. "Ooh, this one shows all the best places to eat! We should keep this with us."
Francis smirked. "Priorities, huh?"
Heimlich grinned unapologetically. "You can't go on adventures without food!"
Lily smiled as she adjusted Emily. "You're not wrong about that. We'll have to make a pit stop somewhere good before heading out."
The clerk returned with a clipboard and keys. "Alright, just sign here, and you're all set."
Later, after settling into their vehicles and driving for a few miles, the group arrived at the Bourbon Orleans Hotel, a stunning mix of historic architecture and modern elegance right in the heart of the French Quarter. The grand building towered before them, with its intricate ironwork balconies and vibrant colors reflecting the late afternoon sun.
"Well, here we are," Mike said as he stepped out of his truck, stretching his legs. "This place definitely has character."
Angela hopped out next to him, taking a deep breath. "I can already smell the food. If there's one thing New Orleans knows, it's how to make your stomach growl."
David parked the Traverse and climbed out along with Francis, Heimlich, Lily, Dim, Tuck, and Roll, holding Emily's hand as they moved toward the entrance. "I'm impressed. We couldn't have asked for a better spot in the French Quarter."
Behind them, Slim, Gypsy, and Manny shuffled out of Mike's truck, excited by the vibrant atmosphere. "Looks like the place is buzzing with energy," the stick insect said, eyeing the building.
Francis, walking beside Rosie, admired the intricate details of the hotel's design. "This city doesn't do boring," he remarked with a smirk.
"Everything here just feels alive," Rosie agreed.
Manny grinned as he stretched his legs after the ride. "I'm ready for some action. Let's hope the rooms are as good as the vibes around here."
Heimlich, who had been tucked away in the back of the vehicle, looked around with wide eyes. "Do you think they have beignets here, or will we have to hunt them down ourselves?"
"Hold your stomach, Heimlich," Lily said as they walked inside. "We gotta get settled into our rooms. Plus, it's been a long travel here, and your humans truly gotta rest for a bit."
Heimlich looked a little disappointed but nodded with understanding. "I guess… But after we rest, can we find those beignets? I'm sure I could smell them somewhere!"
David chuckled, glancing back at him. "Soon enough, Heimlich. Let's just get settled first." He turned to the front desk, ready to check in.
The lobby of the Bourbon Orleans Hotel was as grand as the building's exterior, with its elegant chandelier and polished floors. The air smelled faintly of jasmine and southern spice, setting the tone for the experience ahead. The group walked up to the desk, where a receptionist greeted them warmly.
After they received their keys, the group made their way to their respective rooms.
"Oh, and I forgot to mention, this place has a pool here," Mike said, glancing over at Angela as they walked down the hallway.
"Hmm, a pool sounds perfect after this long trip," Angela replied with a smile. "I could use a good swim."
"I might take a dip later. Or at least dip my feet in, then soak up some sunlight." Gypsy mused, "but I think I'll just take a nap first. You know, to recharge my wings for all the fun we'll have later."
Francis raised an eyebrow, looking towards her. "You sure you want to rest? I thought you were always ready for some exploring."
"I am," the moth responded with a chuckle, "but I don't want to get too tired before the fun starts."
Heimlich chimed in, a little too eagerly, "When do we eat those beignets? I'm already hungry!"
Manny shook his head with a grin. "We'll get to them, my friend. Patience."
As the group continued down the hall, the sound of their footsteps echoed softly in the quiet corridor, the excitement of the next few days already starting to build.
"Is it indoor or outdoor?" Slim asked as they eventually reached their rooms.
Mike glanced over at him, "It's outdoor. It's in the courtyard, actually."
"Nice," Slim replied with a grin. "Perfect for some sun after a long trip."
"Yeah, and a great place to relax later," Mike added, scanning the key for Tuck and Roll's room and opening the door, prompting them to roll inside.
Gypsy let out a long yawn as she entered the room, immediately heading for the bed. "I'm so ready for a nap," she murmured, stretching out and sinking into the soft covers.
Manny glanced at her with a smile. "I figured you'd be the first to crash," he said, walking over to the bed and sitting beside her. "You sure you don't need anything?"
Gypsy shook her head, her eyes already starting to close. "Just some quiet. I'll be full of energy in no time."
Manny nodded, settling next to her. "Alright, I'll be right here," he said softly, placing a hand on his wife's chest as he watched her drift off to sleep.
Meanwhile, in the other room, Francis, Heimlich, and Slim were settling into their spaces.
Francis flopped down onto the bed, stretching out. "Not bad," he muttered, checking out the view from the window.
Heimlich, always curious, walked around the room, inspecting every corner. "I'm gonna check out the hallway later," he said with a grin.
Slim sat by the window, glancing outside. "Might as well enjoy some quiet too," he mumbled, stretching out on the bed as well.
Mike and Angela were busy making out on their bed, attempting to unwind after the long day of travel, flight, and car shopping. The exhaustion of navigating through airports and dealerships melted away as they held each other close, savoring the quiet of their room.
Angela pulled back for a moment, brushing her fingers against Mike's cheek with a soft smile. "Finally, a moment to breathe," she murmured.
Mike chuckled, brushing a stray strand of hair from her face. "Yeah, no more planes or decisions. Just us for a while."
She leaned in again, their lips meeting as they let themselves relax fully, the weight of the day slipping away.
Mike and Angela continued to savor their quiet moment together, their laughter and gentle whispers filling the room, as the peaceful ambiance of the Bourbon Orleans Hotel embraced them, signaling the start of what promised to be an unforgettable New Orleans adventure.