FanFiction: Our Sweet Sound

AnimatedC9000

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... wow.

Lookit the pretty comet...

*blinks* Oh yeah, the story. *ahem* What took you so long, girl? This is great stuff! The composing of their greatest hit... And they still wanna add a second chorus.
 

Boppity

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To Count and AnimatedC - thanks so much :big_grin: I'll try to post more quickly XD

And White Rabbit, I would be honored to be yours XD However, I must warn you that I already have about 22 wives, not that I remember who any of them are...

O_O *blinks* Huh--whaaaaa? But Zoot, you're--I thought--Lips--band camp--and--geh--lemon pudding--no... =P
Haha, is this a hint for slash? XD Hmm, never thought of those two...

Heehee, you're amazing, thanks! ^-^
And yes. Yes he is~
 

Boppity

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This chapter is much too long, but I couldn't find a good break point...I'm so happy it's finished. Good stuff happens after this.

------
Chapter Nine
------
It was early morning now. All but Dr. Teeth, who was fueled on caffeine on adrenaline, had fallen asleep, curled up on the seats (except for Zoot, who was fully stretched out with his legs hanging off of the side). The pianist looked ahead at the seemingly endless road bordered by morning fog.

“Exterior: dawn.” He muttered to himself. “That time of day when the farmers are up, the air is crisp, and the sun is getting’ dressed.” He pondered this. “And the frog and the bear are…somewhere.”

~
They had already checked his ID at the front, made sure he had no weapons, and given him a temporary ID that was in fact quite restricting. With not but a few gruff instructions, Dr. Teeth managed to find his way to the correct studio. He slipped in the back just as they were finishing the take. His old friend Jim was leaning casually against a large block, talking to a frog who was sitting on top. He recognized a few of the people in the studio, they seemed to follow Jim wherever he went.

“Cut!”

“That was a good one!”

“Nice work, guys.”

“Hey, Dr. Teeth!” A voice called from his side. Rowlf, a laid back, musically gifted canine, came to greet him.

“Hey, Rowlf, you working on this, too?” Dr. Teeth grinned.

“Yeah, Jim thought it would be a good idea for me to be here. Help balance out the frog, if you know what I mean.” He nodded his head towards Jim and the frog, who were deep in conversation. “Name’s Kermit.”

“Yeah, I’ve seen him on TV before.” Dr. Teeth looked at the frog. He looked taller on TV.

“So did Jim ask you to come?” Rowlf asked.

“Yeah, man!” Think he thinks I’d want to get into the film business, but the only piece of cinematography I’d ever make would be a music video!”

The two laughed and left the soundstage, catching each other up on various gigs they had played, money that had never been paid, and attempted relationships.

~

“This isn’t good.” The pianist said to himself.

“W’ss up?” Floyd asked as he stumbled to the front, still half asleep.

“Lost the scent.” He nodded to his right, to Mad Mooney’s car lot, where the cosmic-colored Studebaker was parked, no frog or bear in sight.

“Why is there a septic tank on top of it?” Floyd raised an eyebrow.

“They died.” Zoot said, not at all awake.

“No, man.” Floyd shook his head. “They can’t just leave that car here, we put our souls into it!”

“True, yes.” Dr. Teeth glanced behind him, where Zoot, Janice and Animal were still sleeping, then opened the door. The mostly awake two left the bus to examine the car.


Zoot woke up just after Floyd and Dr. Teeth stepped off the bus. He sat up and looked at the seat behind him where Janice was still asleep, her long limbs curled close to her. He hadn’t told her how he felt, but she had done just as much. Honestly, in the seconds before she told him, he dreaded something terrible. It was hard to tell with her if he was doing the best he could or not. He knew he wasn’t very talkative and that he didn’t really show what he was feeling, but she kept on smiling no matter what.

At the sound of voices, Zoot turned his head to look out the window, where Dr. Teeth and Floyd seemed to be negotiating some sort of deal with a shady-looking salesman. Behind the three of them was the Studebaker (which had been christened “Love, Peace, and Fire”), which was supporting some sort of rusted truck on top.

“How much did you give them for this fine collection of metal?” He heard Dr. Teeth ask.

“Twelve dollars.” The salesman said gruffly.

“Aw, man…” Floyd said. Zoot knew what the problem was - Scooter, the keeper of their money, hadn’t come with them.

“What if we take the thing on top off?” Floyd asked.

“Eleven ninety-five.” The man replied.

“Nice haggling, man.” Dr. Teeth commended.

“Yeah, but I don’t know if I have any money on me.”

Zoot looked at the rack above his seat where his sax case lay waiting for him. He had some money in there, but he was saving that for something more meaningful then two cars stuck together, like a better sax case.

But knowing that the two would probably search the entire bus and do anything to get the money, Zoot sighed and reached for his case. It -was- only twelve dollars.

~
After a while, the two pianists went back to the studio where only a few people remained. Dr. Teeth watched as the frog bid farewell to some of the crew. Seemed nice, and from what he had watched on TV, a good face. He could probably make it.

“See you later, Kermit.” Rowlf patted the frog on his back.

“You too, Rowlf.” He smiled back. A genuine smile, which betrayed the slightly tired air around him.

“Nice job, green stuff.” Dr. Teeth grinned. Kermit looked up at him and he could tell instantly that the frog was in fact exhausted.

“Gee, thanks!” He said earnestly. Kermit gave one last wave to the room before leaving.

“Nice kid.” Dr. Teeth nodded.

“He’s definitely unique.” Rowlf agreed. “Jim introduced us a while back and we’ve been cool ever since.”

“Jim’s real adept at finding us good friends.” The good doctor smiled. “I never would have met Zoot if it wasn’t for him.”

“Mm-hmm.” The dog nodded. More people had left the studio, and the two started walking towards where Jim was talking to a friend. “Say, Jim’s talking to some people and I heard that he’s working with some folks on a kid’s show. Me and Kermit might be on it.”

“Nice!” Dr. Teeth said. “Are you going to educate the children of tomorrow on how to play piano today?”

“I wish.” Rowlf laughed.

Before long, Dr. Teeth, Rowlf and Jim left the studio together. On their way through the maze of buildings, Jim told Dr. Teeth that he had found him a bassist for the band the pianist hoped to form. Dr. Teeth beamed at the thought. Jim was good at that.

~

After the car incident, things were starting to pick up again. The band bought the cars with Zoot’s money and had hooked them up to the back of the car. They continued to drive towards California with no sign of Fozzie or Kermit, but no sign of Doc Hopper either. They drove for about a full day, stopping only at a fair which was winding down (and which, to Animal’s delight, was filled with frightened women).

The sun was only starting to rise again when Dr. Teeth yelled, “Wake up, gang! We’re in Hollywood!” He didn’t need to say it twice, the other four were up and alert.

“Oh, wow!”

“HOL-LY-WOOD!” Animal cried. He needed to be walked soon.

The band stared at all the sights, watching the sun shine over the casinos, the studios, and the people of Hollywood.

“Like, how are we going to find them?” Janice asked.

“Yeah, this is a pretty big place for a frog and a bear!” Floyd said.

“I think I know a place where our new friends would be.” Dr. Teeth said. “Just gotta find it!”

Wherever “it” was, it was hard to find. About an hour later, the bus stopped suddenly in front of a tall building.

“This is it?” Zoot asked.

“It is this!” Dr. Teeth smiled. “’Least, I hope so.”

“Man, how do you know that they’re here?” Floyd raised an eyebrow.

“Just a feeling.” The pianist replied. In actuality, it wasn’t a feeling at all, but after seeing the frog, memories of the past and the one time he had met him came back. Back then, Kermit was a bit more “groovier,” or maybe that was just how the sketches he was in portrayed him. He remembered the one day he had seen him while dropping by the studio, Jim was talking about making a movie or even a TV show with all his friends.

”But, I don’t know how many networks would think the idea would work at first.” He had said. ”I do know one person, though - Lord Lew Grade. In fact, if you ever think of doing something major with the band-”
“If the band ever happens!” Dr. Teeth laughed.
“It will.” Jim smiled. “When it does, look him up. He‘ll more than likely give you a hand”


The five made their way into the cool building which was just opening up for the day. They found the right floor and office and waited as the receptionist looked up the past day’s records.

“Nope.” She shrugged carelessly, closing a folder with a snap. “No Sesame Street frog or bear has been in here, just a few nobodies.”

“No way!” Floyd exclaimed.

“You positive about that?” Dr. Teeth asked.

“Yeah, positive, sure.” The receptionist said, not even looking at them. “You can leave now, unless you’d like to schedule an appointment.”


“Now what?” Janice asked as they re-entered the bus. Dr. Teeth took his seat at the wheel and thought for a moment.

“They’ve gotta be somewhere close.” He nodded. “They wouldn’t give up.”

“Like, where are they? Did that guy get them?” Janice asked, taking the seat behind his.

“That would not make for a very enjoyable movie.” The pianist nodded, thinking some more. After a moment, his head shot up. “Of course, this is it!” He quickly started the vehicle and began to drive in the direction they came from, sending the other three males stumbling to the back.

“This is what?” Floyd asked, sitting down in the back.

“Our defining moment as recurring characters!” Said Dr. Teeth, making a sharp turn. “I thought we’d have to “rescue” them here, but I suppose once you took all the good stuff out of our story-”

“Like the alien dressed as George Washington?” Janice asked.

“-we’ll have to backtrack a bit. And suddenly, we’ll come out of nowhere and all will be right with the world.”



As their leader drove, Zoot thought. Lord Lew Grade, he had heard that name before. One night after a day out with two of his friends, Dr. Teeth came back and proposed, jokingly, a film about their starts, and that man would help support it. That was also the same day Floyd played with them for the first time.

The pub was supposed to open at six. It was eight, it was raining, and Dr. Teeth was nowhere to be seen. He probably could have done the simple task of unlocking the outside doors or even putting a sign up that sad the pub was opening later, but that would be too much work. He was content with sitting inside, playing his sax with accompaniment from the people outside banging on the windows, the light, rhythmic rainfall, and the two inside switching between bickering and playing nice.

“We’ve been performing that song for a month now!” Wanda sighed. “I want to do something else, something classic!”

“That song IS a classic!” Wayne said.

“I think I’d know a classic if I heard one.”

Zoot knew his way around their song. Soon the crescendo would come, and then they would be back at the beginning again. It was nice to stay constant but a little variation wouldn’t kill them.

“Hey what are you doing in here?” Wayne turned his head to the back door. Zoot looked up from his sax and saw his friend Floyd looking the place over.

“What are you doing here, man?” Floyd asked Zoot.

“I’ve been here.” He replied simply.

“M’ friend Jerry said I should swing by and talk to some guy named Dr. Teeth.” Floyd said, setting the case he carried on the floor.

“How did you get in, the door was locked!” Wanda asked.

“No it wasn’t.” Floyd blinked. The duo, who had been locked out in the rain just an hour ago, went to go check. “This guy cool?” Floyd asked his friend.

“The best.” Zoot nodded.

There was a clicking and slamming in the back. Wayne, Wanda, and Dr. Teeth came into view.

“It was locked!” Wayne exclaimed, putting an arm around his now-soaking girlfriend.

“You must be Floyd!” Dr. Teeth extended a bejeweled hand.

“Yeah, man!” Floyd took his hand briefly.

“Heard you play bass.” The pianist said. “Could use a bass, if you wanna jam with us.”

“I only started playing bass, I used to jam on guitar.” Floyd explained.

“Could use that too!”

~

Zoot looked forward at Janice and smiled. They used to joke that they’d never let a girl in their group.

“Like, hey, there they are!” Janice shouted suddenly. The five looked across the road, and sure enough there was a car stopped on the side and a fire made in the desert-like area. There were more people, but Fozzie was clearly there.

“Broadside!” Dr. Teeth exclaimed as he jerked the wheel around. The bus drove over the median, into the desert, and stopped at the makeshift campsite.

Animal, Janice and Dr. Teeth left the bus quickly to greet the group, Zoot and Floyd bringing up the rear.

“So what’s it like having a girl again, man?” Floyd asked randomly.

“Well, good.” Zoot said, not really sure what else to say. “Why?”

“Just wondering.” The bassist shrugged before joining the others.
Zoot slowly made his way to the fire, where Dr. Teeth was introducing himself and the band as the recurring characters to the group. Kermit was nowhere to be seen, but Fozzie was joined by a pig, a chicken, a dog who he was sure came by the pub every now and then and a…whatever.

“Like, where’s Kermit?” Janice asked.

“He’s…somewhere.” Fozzie said, his mouth now in a frown. “He thinks that he’s let us all down and he just wandered off.”

“Music’s always good to ease a heavy heart.” Dr. Teeth noted.

“I tried that!” The blue thing said. The chicken next to him ba-bawked and nodded her head.

“It was a nice song...” The dog said. Zoot was sure he’d seen him somewhere.

“It was just kind of sad.” Fozzie finished.

“But I was expressing myself!” The whatever exclaimed.

“Perhaps vous could express yourself a little quieter next time.” The pig replied in an annoyed tone.

“Alright, hey now.” Dr. Teeth said, his pacifist tendencies coming through. “No need to get upset over this. I’m sure Kermit’ll come back soon and then we can get you guys to Hollywood. In the meantime,” He sat down next to the dog; the rest of the band sat as well. “Why don’t you tell us who you are and how you became companions of the little green man.”

“Well, you know me.” The dog - Zoot finally remembered his name was Rowlf - said.

“You were on Sesame Street too, like, weren’t you?” Janice asked.

“And all those old commercials!” Floyd added.

“They weren’t that long ago…” Rowlf muttered.

“Well,” the pig started before Rowlf could finish. “My name is Miss Piggy, and moi is going to become a huge Hollywood star, and end every one of her movies with a kiss from my beloved Kermie!”

“Oh wow,” Janice smiled, “Like, have you two been together for a while?”

“It seems like moi has loved him all my life!” Miss Piggy swooned, a twinkle in her eye.

“They just met.” The whatever chimed in.

“No one asked you, weirdo!” Miss Piggy snapped.

“She asked!” He exclaimed. “Anyway, I’m Gonzo, this is my girlfriend, Camilla, and that’s my truck on top of that car.”

“You’re a plumber?” Floyd asked.

“I’m a performance artiste plumber!” He smiled.

“…oh, yeah.” Janice nodded, looking back at the car-truck marriage. “Like, I couldn’t tell what that was. I got it now.”

Floyd had to stifle a laugh.

“He’s not back yet.” Miss Piggy stated pointedly.

“I know a song about bananas!” Fozzie said. He turned to the band. “Do you know it?”

“No, but we could improvise.” Dr. Teeth smiled.

Moi doesn’t think bananas are going to help bring Kermie back.” The diva pouted.

“I know a good song!” Gonzo started.

A debate now started with those closest to the fire about what song would be best to bring Kermit back, most of them shot down by Miss Piggy. Zoot looked at his friends, who were either confused or amused. Janice, who was closest to him, looked concerned.

“There’s our song.” Zoot said suddenly. While this brought no end to the small argument, it turned a light bulb on in the band.

“Yeah, man!” Floyd grinned.

“Almost forgot about it!” Dr. Teeth laughed.

“Good idea, honey!” Janice smiled, giving his hand a squeeze before jumping up to get her guitar from the bus.

“Alright, gang!” Dr. Teeth announced once they had set up. “Let’s do this-”

“What song is it?” Fozzie asked, harmonica at the ready.

“One we created not too long ago, I believe we called it Can You Picture That.” He said.

Moi doesn’t know the words to that!” Miss Piggy complained.

“Neither do we!” Floyd laughed.

“What’s it about?” Gonzo asked.

“Whatever you want it to be.” The doctor said.

“My kind of song.” Rowlf said.

“Alright!” He grinned. On Animal’s count, they began to play.

“Everybody’s brother,
Everybody’s lover,
I wanna be your lifetime friend!…”


Now that they were playing again, trying to remember the words they had made up, it didn’t sound all that bad. In fact, it was kind of sort of really good.

They didn’t know how long they played, but eventually Zoot looked up and saw the frog sitting next to the pig. Weird match.


Not long after that, they were packing up again. Zoot was about to board the bus when Janice grabbed his hand and pulled him back.

“Look!” She smiled and looked towards the sky. The stars were shining brighter than ever before. There wasn’t a bit of light to interfere. The blonde leaned into him and he placed his arms around her. “Like, I could get lost in it!” She sighed.

They stayed that way for a good few minutes, together, just staring into the universe.

“Hey babe?”

“Hm?”

“I love you. You’re the world to me.”

Somewhere miles away, someone was calling for them, but they were too close to the stars to hear.

“I love you too, honey.”



After that, it was like time soared by. After the sun came up, the band, minus Dr. Teeth who wouldn’t give up the driver’s seat, was back to playing.

The only hitch came when a motorcycle cop pulled them over.

“Were you speeding, man?” Floyd asked.

“Never, I like to absorb life.” The pianist said, opening the door.
The cop took off his helmet and the newer additions to their party gasped.

“Is this him?” Dr. Teeth asked.

“Wait, listen!” The man said. He found Kermit in the group and faced him. “Doc Hopper sent me. He said that-” the anticipation quickly rose “-he’s sorry. He realized what he was asking of you and, well, he’s just really sorry.”

“Really? That’s, well, thanks!” Kermit smiled. “Tell him that I forgive him.”

“Thank you.” The man said. He put his helmet back on and jogged back to the bike.

“Oh, Kermie!” Miss Piggy gave him a rib-breaking hug.

“Alright, Kermit!” Fozzie patted him on the back.

“That’s it?” Floyd asked. All eyes were suddenly on him.

“What do you mean “that’s it?” Did you want Kermie to get killed?” Miss Piggy yelled.

“’Course not!” The bassist scoffed. “Just kinda anti-climactic.”

“I have to agree with you there.” Dr. Teeth added. “It doesn’t really compare to our version of the story?”

“The story…? Do I want to know?” Kermit asked.

“Oh, like you mean the showdown?” Janice exclaimed. “That was my second-favorite part!”

“You and this Doc Hopper guy had an old-school Western-movie showdown.” Dr. Teeth explained. “There was an epic gunfight, and then right when the good guys - that’s you - were on your last leg-”

“BIG SCENE!” Animal shouted.

“Animal grew into a giant Animal!” Floyd finished.

“How did he do that?” Kermit asked.

“Well, we won’t find out, now, will we?” Floyd said, raising an eyebrow.

“You know, you can’t have a good movie without a showdown at the end.” Dr. Teeth said as he pulled back into the road and continued driving. Kermit couldn’t tell if he should be slightly irritated or amused. The latter was always best.

“Well, if I ever make a movie, I’ll be sure to have a showdown in the west with Animal growing bigger!”



In an hour, they were back in Hollywood. Dr. Teeth knew just where to go, and in no time they had arrived back at the office complex.

“Hey, Kermit, Dr. Teeth?” Rowlf spoke up. “Do you see what I see?”

The two turned to where he pointed. The others had no idea what they were looking at, but it was apparently important, as all three of them left the bus in a heartbeat.

“What was that about?” Gonzo asked.

“Not a clue.” Floyd blinked. The others headed out and into the building, the band leading the way to the right office. The receptionist didn’t even look up, she just waved a hand towards the office of Lord Lew Grade. When they opened the door, they saw the three standing there before the desk of the mogul. Behind the desk, and behind the man seated there, was a man with a big brown beard.

“Like, you’re-!”

“Jim Henson!”

“Wow, really?”

“Bawk!”

“What are you doing here?” Kermit asked with a smile. “How did you know-”

“I didn’t!” He laughed. “Just a feeling. We were even talking about you right before you came in.”

“About me?” He asked, now facing the other man. Miss Piggy squeezed through the group to join Kermit.

“Why is it that you’ve come here?” Lord Lew asked. Kermit swallowed and thought for a moment.

“Well, we came here because we wanted to be big stars.” He started. “But I don’t really care about money or fame anymore.”

“Kermie?” Miss Piggy mumbled.

“I don’t care who sees me, as long as someone sees me. I just want to sing and dance and make people happy - and I want to do it with my friends!”

Everyone in the room felt his honesty and love. It was swirling around them, binding them together. Even Lord Lew had to smile.

“Your friend Mr. Henson actually proposed a very good idea to me that you might like.” He said, opening a drawer and searching through it. “A TV show, with your friends. A variety-hour type show that can give something to everyone.”

“That…that sounds great!” Kermit said slowly. Everything seemed to be sinking in and he was becoming slightly overwhelmed.

“You know that Valentine special we did with Mia Farrow?” Jim asked. “I was thinking that it was a good format, just change it up a little.”

Lord Lew finally found what he was looking for. He placed a thick sheet of paper on the desk, facing Kermit.

“What do you think?” Jim asked. Kermit looked at the paper, which was quite intimidating with all of the fancy script and legal binding.

“Well…” Kermit turned back to the others. “What do -you- think?”

“Oh, vous should go for it!” Miss Piggy said.

“Yeah, this is what we wanted!” Fozzie exclaimed.

“And you know I’ve got a TON of acts!” Gonzo said.

“And if you even need help, we’ll be there!” Dr. Teeth added.

That was all he needed. Kermit turned around, inhaled, and signed the contract.


It was a joyous night in Hollywood. Everyone, Jim and Lord Lew included, went out for a celebratory dinner that was full of laughs, jokes, and fun.

It was long past midnight when the band boarded the bus once more. Kermit also hopped on to bid his new friends farewell.

“They’re giving us a theater to turn into a soundstage.” Kermit told them. “It isn’t too far out from where that church is.”

“Like, we’ll stop by a lot, then!” Janice said, yawning shortly after.

“Hey, Dr. Teeth…” Kermit started. “You know, I bet you guys would be great on the show. You should join us!”

“I’m sure you’ve got plenty of music acts in your head already.” Floyd joked.

“Well, yeah, but none of them can play as, um, loud as you.” Kermit looked at the band. “I mean, you guys, your energy, is electric!”

“I thought we were mayhem.” Zoot spoke up.

“Hm…” Dr. Teeth thought. “We could be Electric Mayhem!”

“That does describe you guys…” Kermit muttered.

“Scooter’s gonna be mad that we chose a band name after he left!” Floyd laughed.

“But, really,” Kermit insisted. “Join the show!” Dr. Teeth gave Kermit a watered-down smile.

“Listen, green stuff,” He said gently. “We’re not exactly the made for TV types. We’re musicians.”

“Well…” Kermit looked down. “Will you at least think about it?”

“Sure, man.” The pianist nodded, placing a hand on Kermit’s shoulder. “Call us when you get back in our town. We should all get together then. Talk about it more.”

“Fair enough.” Kermit smiled. He took a step backwards and gave the band a wave. “I’ll see you all soon! And thanks for helping us!”

“Anytime!” Floyd called from his seat.

“Like, can’t wait to see you again!” Janice waved.

The frog left, and the band was going home.



“You know, like, Dr. Teeth…” Janice said, staring out the window. Everyone but them had fallen asleep, and she now joined him at the front, watching the stars whiz by. “Do you really not want to be on Kermit’s show?”

“Don’t get me wrong, Janice, the Electric Mayhem on television would certainly be an amazing thing.” He replied. “And I do have a nagging feeling that we’re going to be seeing a lot those guys.”

“So, like, why did you turn him down?” She asked, playing with a few strands of her hair. “It looked like it rully bummed him out.”

“Really, I didn’t want to.” He said. “But right now, I think the frog needs to pull this together with as little help as possible. Make his dream into his dream, then put in the dreams of others and all that jazz.”

“Like, those five are probably going to be with him the whole time, though.” Janice pointed out.

“That’s probably unavoidable.” He gave a small laugh. “Don’t worry, we’ll come in when we’re needed.”

“That’s good.” The blonde said, sinking lower into her chair. She hadn’t slept since the sun came up. (Then again, she didn’t even know when Dr. Teeth had slept in the course of their trip.)

“Hey Janice,” Dr. Teeth said, rousing her from an almost-sleep. “What were you and Zoot talking about in the desert? You were taking a long time.”

“Oh!” The sleep was momentarily shaken from her as she relived the moment in her head. She smiled, even giggled a little, earning a weird stare from her band mate.

“As long as things are good.” He nodded.

“Things are rully good.” Janice agreed.
 

AnimatedC9000

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Aaaaaawwwwwwwww! That's so sweet!

This is an excellent chapter! The band found Kermit, they finally got a name, they all went to Hollywood!

Please, post more when time allows!
 

Boppity

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----
Chapter 10
----

The day had finally come when the newly-christened Electric Mayhem was finally able to find a day where nothing of importance came up in order to help Zoot move his things into Janice’s room. After they returned from their adventure with their new friends, they were all so exhausted from a lack of sleep that any sort of heavy or light lifting was out of the question. Dr. Teeth, who had barely slept at all during their time away, slept for almost two days, beating both Floyd and Zoot’s records.

Shortly after came Thanksgiving, which was celebrated by a 50s movie night, followed by social merriment, followed by mourning the temporary loss of Scooter and Skeeter, followed by personal merriment. A little more than a week later, everyone was fully revived.


“You know, this is great and I’m sure this fine day will be celebrated in the future…” Dr. Teeth nodded as he watched Zoot, Janice, and Animal move things from Zoot’s room into Janice’s. “But now, we have this empty room, and we have to pay for that empty room…would have been cheaper to rent a two-bedroom apartment…” He teased.

“Like, sorry!” Janice smiled, darting in and out of the two rooms. “It’s not like we were planning this far ahead.”

“Yeah, they could have broken up by now!” Floyd said loudly from where he reclined on the couch.

“Floyd!” Janice cried, throwing a pillow at him. “Like, don’t jinx it!”

“I’m not doing a thing!” Floyd laughed, throwing the pillow back at her.

“You’re right, you’re not.” Dr. Teeth observed.

“You’re not, either.” Zoot said quietly, taking his time making trips.

“I’m providing pleasant commentary.” He explained. “Sets the mood.”

“Hey, anytime me and Animal are too tired to go home we can crash here.” Floyd said. “Except I really like this couch.”

“We noticed.” The pianist said.


Floyd reclined further into the cushions of the couch, watching the four. Dr. Teeth was verbose. Animal shouted. Janice laughed. Zoot was quiet.

He crossed his arms over his chest and closed his eyes. He hated to think it, but he honestly couldn’t see how Zoot could make her completely happy. She smiled and he smiled, but then again, she always smiled. It was almost like he could see their inner selves in his head; She was floating forward in large jumps, and he was content with floating in small circles.

The phone rang on the table behind his head. He grasped for the receiver clumsily, eventually getting it on the last ring.

“’Llo?”

“Hi-ho!” A chipper voice on the other end replied.

“Hey green stuff!” Floyd sat up as everyone else in the room moved closer.

“Like, is that Kermit?” Janice asked, taking a seat on one of the huge chairs.

“That was fast.” Dr Teeth commented.

“We haven’t taken down the Thanksgiving decorations yet…”Zoot said, looking at the ragged turkey plush toy on the table.

“What’s up, man?” Floyd asked.

“I finally got finished signing all those forms.” Kermit said, feigning weariness. “But now it’s official! The Muppet Show is now in production! I was wondering if you and the rest of the band wanted to-”

“You sure about that name?” Floyd interjected.

“What name?” Dr. Teeth asked.

“The Muppet Show.” The bassist said.

“Like, it’s rully lame…” Janice nodded.

“It’s kind of quite straightforward.” Dr. Teeth mumbled.

“I like it.” Zoot said quietly.

“BORING!” Animal exclaimed.

“The band here has come to a general consensus of mutual disagreement with that name.” Floyd told the frog.

“Sheesh…” Kermit grumbled. “Well, do you have any suggestions?”

“Man, it took us half a year to pick a band name!” Floyd laughed. “Think about how long it’ll take to make a name for a whole show!”

“Alright, then, the name stays.” Kermit said. “Anyways, I was wondering if you and the band wanted to come to theater…we still really want you on the show.”

“I dunno, our doctor of rhythm seemed kinda hesitant about it.”

“’Bout who?” The pianist asked.

“Joining the frog’s show.”

“Slightly hesitant, but not aporetic.” Dr. Teeth nodded. “I may be warming up to the idea.”

“You’re on, green stuff.” Floyd relayed.

“Oh good.” The frog replied. “How about tomorrow?”

“What‘re we doin‘ tomorrow?” Floyd asked. He was getting a bit tired of being the messenger.

“Deadline.” Zoot said.

“Date.” Dr. Teeth smiled.

“No can do, got another day?”

“I have legal people and handymen coming all this week…” Kermit thought out loud. “How about next Friday?”

“Next Friday?” Floyd echoed, his head lolling onto the back of the couch.

“Like, that’s my mom’s birthday…” Janice mused.

“That’s my avali-day.” Dr. Teeth nodded.

“GOOD DAY!”

“You’re on, Green Stuff!”


---
It took a bit of navigating, but eventually Floyd and Animal found the theater. From the outside, it didn’t look like anything special, other than the “new show coming soon!” sign nailed to the overhang. As soon as he stepped inside out of the cold, however, and could see the stage before him, he could see it.

“Hey, Animal, you see us up there?” Floyd asked, pointing to the rotting stage.

“Rah?” Animal stared and saw nothing.

“I see us jumpin’ around up there, and you’re tearin’ up your drums-”

“DRUMS! DRUMS!”

“That’s why you’re so popular with the women, I guess.”

“WOMAN!”

“Why are you so popular with the women, man?”

“WOMAN! WOMAN!”

“I mean, I know why I am…”

“Floyd, Animal, you’re here!” Janice came out from behind the curtain and started walking up the aisle towards them. “Like, it’s terrible!”

“What’s wrong, girlie?” Floyd asked not seeing any sign of harm.

“They’re going to tear all this out!” She exclaimed, waving her arms at the stage and the seats.

“We knew that!” He said, laughing at her expression.

“But I rully want to play on the stage, look!” Janice grabbed his arm and pulled him and Animal up onto the stage. Looking out, Floyd could see that there was another whole lever lo seats. They were dusty and in need of care, but it wasn’t as bad as he first thought. “Like, I’ve never been on a stage like this before…” Janice looked straight up, gazing at all the theater’s inner workings; its wires and ropes and lights.

“You know, that’s bad for your neck.” Floyd pointed out.

“What, like, bending it back?” Janice asked. “But it popped, and that’s good.”

“I dunno, someone told me it was bad.” He shrugged.

“It can’t be bad, it felt good.” She said.

Suddenly, a large brown hairy monster entered from stage right.

“There ya are!” He exclaimed.

“Should I be defensive?” Floyd asked.

“Like, this is Sweetums, one of Kermit’s friends.” Janice said. Under all the hair, Floyd could see a smile.

“BE FRIENDS!” Animal yelled happily.


After a few exchanges, Animal ended up going with Sweetums - where, Floyd wasn’t sure, but they seemed to be getting along. The bassist followed Janice backstage and into a storeroom of sorts. There were boxes and drawers everywhere and it was lit by several small lamps, making it look cozier than it really was. It wasn’t organized at all, save for the papers that were resting neatly atop a low table that Dr. Teeth, Zoot, and Kermit were sitting around.

“You’re late.” Dr. Teeth stated.

“Like Dr. Teeth, is it bad to roll my head backwards?” Janice asked.

“Feasibly. Not my field of expertise.” He shrugged. “Anyway, you arrived right at the good part!”

“Was there a bad part?” Floyd asked, taking a seat in between Dr. Teeth and Kermit.

“Not yet.” Kermit said with a smile. “So, should I get right to the chase or slowly work towards it?”

“A happy medium is always the lesser of three evils.” The pianist said.

“Alright then.” Kermit said, straightening his posture slightly. “Um, well, I don’t really have anything at all. I just really think it would be great if we were all on the show together. Whatever’s holding you back, tell me and I’ll try my best to take care of it.”

“People just give off a different vibe on TV, man.” Floyd spoke up. “And you know how it is, the suits don’t like something and there it goes.”

“Well I haven’t spoken to the, er, suits…” Kermit started. “But I’m not going to change anything about you guys.”

“Like, you really are a good guy.” Janice smiled widely.

“And I think that you guys can transcend the television screen…I mean, not everyone will agree with your music, but I know they’ll like your energy.”

“Literally and philosophically.” Dr. Teeth nodded in consent.

“I mean, Janice, you’re always so happy,” Kermit said, smiling at his friends, “And Dr. Teeth, your music sounded so colorful to me, Animal’s so…Animal, and Floyd-”

“Man, half of the time I’m too lazy to do anything, I don’t have any energy!” Floyd laughed.

Kermit laughed as well. “Zoot, you really out your all into your sax…when I heard you at the church, it sounded like you were playing with all your love…I bet that makes Janice really happy.”

Floyd looked from Kermit to Janice to Zoot and heard a pause. Kermit smiled, Janice laughed and blushed, and Zoot… Floyd stared hard at his band mate, trying to send him a mental signal. “Say something, man! Acknowledge that the frog just said something about you and your girl! Wrap your arm around her, kiss her, acknowledge that you -have- a girl!”

The moment passed and Kermit went on. Floyd sighed and prepared to lay down on his back, but before he could reach the floor he hit something hard.

“There’s a bottle of wine here.” He stated, glaring at the object in question.

“Like, your head was back when you did that.” Janice said.

“I was hoping that if you said yes, we could have a celebratory drink.” The frog said.

“What if we say that we still need to talk it over but we’re leaning in the positive direction?” The pianist asked.

“That’s good enough for me!” Kermit said with a laugh.

“Pass it up!” Dr. Teeth exclaimed, reaching for the wine bottle.

Just then, a phone could be heard ringing from deeper within the theater.

“Hey, Fozzie, could you get that?” Kermit yelled out the door. There was no response. “I’ll be right back…” He stood up and sprinted for the phone.

“Are we really thinking in a positive direction?” Janice asked.

“If there’s fine wine and cigars, then yes.” Dr. Teeth laughed, examining the label on the bottle.

“There’s cigars?” Floyd asked, searching near the spot where the wine was.

“Like, isn’t that a rully bad habit?” Janice said.

“So is rolling your head all the way back.” Floyd pointed out.

Kermit came back into the room, a scarf in hand.

“Hey listen, I’m really sorry but I have to get back to the hotel before Miss Piggy tears it apart…” Kermit said. “But we’re having open auditions tomorrow, so you should come by and play for some of the other guys in charge who haven’t heard you. And maybe the, uh, suits will tell me if they approve.”

“You’re joking, right?” Floyd asked, his voice raspier than usual.

“I hope so.”

“What about our toast?” Dr. Teeth asked.

“Go on without me.” Kermit said with a sigh. “I’ll see you all tomorrow.”

“See you!” Janice called as the frog left the building.

“Right, then, where were we?” Dr. Teeth grinned.

“Like, shouldn’t we make a rull decision first?” Janice asked as the cork was expelled from the bottle with a very distinct pop.

“That’s where we’re going!”

“What do you think, man?” Floyd asked Zoot. The sax player had zoned out long ago and hadn’t really paid much attention to his surroundings until the noise the cork made caught him off guard.

“I dunno. I guess we should do it.” He said shortly.

Floyd frowned slightly. His answer, would he answer that to everything? He turned to Janice and sighed inwardly. He knew he shouldn’t be thinking badly about his friend, but then again, he knew what the real problem was, and if it was anyone but Zoot there wouldn’t be a problem. But it was Zoot. Zoot was his man. And Zoot was going out with the girl he liked.

After Janice had told him that she was going out with Zoot, Floyd did his best to ignore it. He tried his very best to ignore what he felt when he met her for the first time and pretended to ask her out. He tried with all his might to block out the sound of her laughter, the sight of her golden hair in the wind. But try as he might, he couldn’t ignore her in any way. He couldn’t help liking her and he felt terrible for it. She was his best friend’s girl, end of story.

He didn’t want anything to come in between the band, and he wanted Zoot to be happy. But he wanted Janice to be happy as well. Could Zoot do that? He needed to. She deserved no less than the best.

“To the Electric Mayhem possibly doing something more productive than on previous occasions!” Dr. Teeth made the toast.

“Hmm.” Janice hummed as she took a small sip. “Like, it feels like Christmas doesn‘t it?” She asked absentmindedly, leaning backwards into Zoot.

Floyd took a mouthful and swallowed. “It sure does, girlie.”
 

The Count

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*Loving the story... Reading how it progresses into the Muppet Show cast hiring and other, erm, relationship entanglements. It's all so great... Please, post more!
 

Boppity

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Thanks so much! Yay! :]


Also, just a general question to anyone...I'm always trying to improve my writing, so if anyone has any concrit or suggestions or anything else to make this story better, feel free to tell me~
 

Boppity

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XD I'll try my best to get it out quickly...finals approach and I might actually study
 

Boppity

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---
Chapter 11
---

An hour or two had passed after Kermit left most of the Electric Mayhem in the storeroom/temporary meeting room of the theater. After a while, they had completely forgotten why they were there; their objectives lost in the sea of good talk. Zoot was, for once, being quite loquacious, most likely due to the wine. Janice, however, had fallen asleep, stretched out on the floor, after only a few sips.

“And thus, Janice’s adventures with alcohol come to a crashing halt, much like the death of one of the world’s beloved musicians.” Dr. Teeth said eloquently.

“Don’t say that, man!” Zoot said, brushing a bit of her hair from her flushed face. “My girl’s not dead!” He made some motion to pull her closer, but ended up accidentally scratching her shoulder a bit.

Floyd laughed a bit too quickly, causing a small fit of coughs.

“Hey where’d you leave Animal?” Dr. Teeth asked the bassist.

“He’s got a sitter! One of Kermit’s friends, Sweetums.” Floyd recalled. “He’s sitting on him!”

“Kermit!” The pianist said suddenly, as if he just remembered his existence. “We gotta think about the frog’s offer.” He leaned back a bit. “It would be steady income just for playing and helping bring a little mayhem to syndicated television.”

“We already know a lot of the people there.” Zoot said. “Wouldn’t have to bother with meeting new people.”

“And it would be good publicity.” Floyd pointed out.
“And with the assumption that our unconscious guitarist and our temporarily missing drummer feel the same way, I hereby announce that Dr. Teeth and the Electric Mayhem shall play on this Muppet Show!” Dr. Teeth grinned happily. He rose from his seat on the floor, pulling up Floyd as well. Zoot stared at Janice - she was light, but he didn’t think he could carry her.

“Need help, man?” Floyd asked. Without waiting for an answer, he hoisted the guitarist onto his back and began to follow Teeth out of the building. Zoot stumbled to stand up and walked quickly to catch up. As soon as he reached the others, he draped his scarf around his girl.

Dr. Teeth led the way through the dark theater. The place itself seemed to be, despite the emptiness and dust, quite welcoming.

“I do love a good Christmas cheer.” He said absentmindedly as he pushed the exit door open. Freezing air and a light snowfall immediately greeted them. Dr. Teeth glanced back, looking from Janice to Zoot to Floyd, laughing slightly to himself. He thought that he should probably be a bit worried, imagining that Janice had never been in this situation before. The pianist shook his head, smiling, and led the way towards the main road.

-
In the end, after a run in with a not-so-amused garbage can, Floyd ended up staying with the three. Sweetums could be heard thundering up the stairs at around six in the morning, Animal following in suit. Dr. Teeth was the only one awake and took care of getting him inside and into Zoot’s old room.

Minutes later, Floyd emerged from Dr. Teeth’s room looking as presentable as the day before.

“Animal didn’t hurt him that much, did he?” Floyd joked.

“I think that guy’s alright.” Teeth smiled. He crossed his long arms and watched Floyd look through the empty refrigerator. “Hey, man.” He started, deciding he should intervene just a bit. “Last night, think you were getting a little too close to Janice for Zoot’s comfort.”

“I don’t think so.” Floyd shrugged, shutting the door. “She’s not gonna get the attention from anywhere else, unless you’re hiding something from us.” He laughed again. “I mean, last night, when he was drunk, was the first time I’ve ever seen him do anything love-like. I never see him talk to her or make her laugh. He may love her, but he doesn’t show it!”

“I’ve seen it.” Dr. Teeth nodded.

“I haven’t.” Floyd frowned slightly. “He’s too wrapped up in his sax.”

“You’re quite enamored with your bass.” The pianist pointed out, playing the reasonable one.

“I don’t love it more than her.”

“Than her?” Dr. Teeth echoed, raising his eyelids. Floyd paused and realized what exactly he had just said.

“Man, you know I can’t resist blondes!” Floyd said, trying to laugh it off. Nothing.

“That’s all?” Dr. Teeth inquired. Floyd stared for a moment.

“And, you know, she’s actually a smart one and she’s always happy and she’s always looking at the colors in the small things!” It was obvious that Floyd had thought this over before. “But…man, you know I can’t talk about that personal stuff! And, and now you‘re probably think I‘m gonna steal her or something!”

“I know you’re not.” Dr. Teeth smiled. “You kids are cute.”

The sound of Floyd’s grumbling covered up the sound of a door quietly clicking shut.


-
Later that day, the five walked back into the theater. It seemed like everyone that could have been invited came and brought friends. Pigs, chickens, monsters, divas, somethings, Whatnots, and many more were there. They had all gathered in the seats of the theater, talking, squawking and yelling to one another.

“Frog’s got his work cut out for him.” Zoot said.

“Like, are all these people going to be on the show?” Janice asked, tilting her head slightly. “That’s going to be crazy fer sure!”

Animal was simply overwhelmed with all the noise and movement. His eyes were wide and his breathing came heavy.

“Come on, Animal, chill out,” Floyd said, pulling on his chain.

“There’s a few seats here.” Dr. Teeth led the group to the back row.

“There’s Boppity.” Zoot said, spotting the frackle sitting close to the front. “Be right back, baby.” He got up, leaving his sax case on the seat, kissed Janice on the forehead, and left to meet his friend. Dr. Teeth almost laughed out loud at Janice’s look of admiration and Floyd’s look of confusion. There was no way around it - Zoot must have heard them talking about him and Janice early that morning.

“Hey, hey!” Shouted an enthusiastic voice. Gonzo had appeared in the aisle next to their seats. “Long time no see!”

“Not really.” Floyd said, giving him a small smile.

“You know, I never noticed this before,” Gonzo said, addressing Janice, “But you’d be perfect for my minimalist clothing act!”

“Hey now, Cigar Box” Floyd said, his voice slightly protective.

“It’s Gonzo, and I meant, it’s this act I’m doing-”

“Like, a minimalist clothing act?” Janice repeated.

“Yeah!”

“G-Gonzo, Gonzo…” Fozzie, another familiar face managed to squeeze past a huge group coming in and led his friend away gently. “Very sorry, Mr. Dr. Teeth Band!” He called as the two disappeared into the crowd.

“That was weird.” Floyd shrugged.

“Yes, he is.” Dr. Teeth laughed.

“Like, I’m totally out of practice.” Janice thought out loud. No one said anything in response.


Minutes later, Kermit himself entered from the back of the house, slowly making his way up to the stage, greeting people along the way. When he finally reached the front, he was joined onstage by a short yellow Muppet and a great eagle.

“Hey…hey okay guys, we need quiet!” Kermit started. If anything, the talking got louder.

Zoot returned to the group and took his seat. He gave a quick glance to the frog onstage before leaning over Janice to talk to Dr. Teeth.

“We got a problem. Frog’s already got a pianist and some guitarists, and he sang me some of their “theme”…man, we have a few things to discuss.”

Before the pianist could reply, the eagle began yelling and the crowd immediately grew silent, save for a few snickers and whispers.

“Thank you…Sam…” Kermit said. He seemed a bit shorter. “Well, thank you all for coming! I really didn’t think so many of you would come, but, the more the merrier - or something close to that.”

Fozzie now joined the three onstage. “As you know, I am Kermit the Frog, this is our resident comedian and my best friend, Fozzie Bear-”

“Wokka wokka!”

“This,” Kermit motioned to the yellow man, “is Nigel, an MC like myself, as well as a conductor.” Nigel nodded his head. “And this is Sam, our, um, cultural advisor and, er, barrier between us and the distasteful entertainment?”

“Then we’re never getting on the show!” Floyd joked.

“Ladies and gentlemen, before you get your hopes up about performing on this show, please take a minute to review your act to make it easier on us.” Sam said, standing tall. “Does your act contribute to society? Does your act teach, promote, or force wholesome values? Does-”

“Okay, Sam, that’s enough.” Kermit sighed. He faced his audience once more. “Okay, so we’ve already been given a green light for a variety-type show to be aired in syndication, now we just need to find our angle. We’ve already filmed a Valentine’s day special with me, Thog, George, Harry, and some others and that’s what we’re basing this off of, but this time with a bit more, well, us! We’re also looking for hosts, custodians, stagehands, crew-”

“Are you looking for acts?” Someone in the front shouted.

“Acts, yes, and anything else you’d like to throw out at us.” Kermit continued. “We’re going to make this
The best show of frogs and dogs and bears and chickens and pigs and birds-”

“ANIMAL! ANIMAL!”

“-And whatever else is out there!”

“Yeah, this show’s going to be a real bang!” Fozzie added.

“Did somebody say ‘bang?’” Came a raspy voice from one of the balconies.

“No!” Shouted the two old men who had the unfortunate pleasure of being in the same box as the cackling man. But it was useless; Crazy Harry had already pushed down the lever and a small explosion shook the right side of the theater. Some of the Muppets in the house, Dr. Teeth included, gave the short man a round of applause.

“Thank you, Harry.” Kermit said, rolling his eyes. “Okay, um, if you all just sit tight, we’ll get this started and call you backstage!”


-
“Never. Again.” It was past midnight when the band returned to the apartment, and they hadn’t even gotten to see Kermit. They were covered in a layer of feathers from a chicken riot caused by Gonzo. They most definitely did not spend the night “sitting tight.”

As soon as they walked in, Animal passed out on the table; the others sank to the floor.

“Guess we gotta go back tomorrow…”Floyd said miserably.

“Man, why did that eagle start chasing us?” Zoot moaned into Janice’s hair.

“Let’s just get some rest and do out best tomorrow…I suppose.” Dr. Teeth said, slowly getting to his feet. “Floyd, you and Animal just wanna stay here?”

“Yeah, man, I don’t think Animal’s waking up.” Floyd stumbled to an upright position before collapsing onto the couch, kicking off his boots.

Janice and Zoot helped the other up and made their way into their room, Dr. Teeth doing the same, bidding the band a slightly irritated and quite weary good night.


-
Dr. Teeth woke everyone up at six the next morning and dragged them down to the empty theater so that they would be first to see Kermit. Not that he was there yet.

Animal had gone exploring somewhere in the depths of the theater. Zoot had fallen back into a deep sleep across a few of the seats and Floyd kept complaining that his eyes hurt. Janice and Teeth were remarkably awake and talked about various little things to pass the time and keep Floyd awake.

About half an hour later, the door opened, but Kermit was not the one to enter. It was a group of six in various states of cleanliness, dressed like cowboys and bumpkins with the exception of the only girl who resembled a gypsy.

“Oh, man, no…” Floyd muttered as he sunk into his seat. Animal, who had returned to the stage, saw the group and began to ran towards them shouting as if he knew them.

“Aw, it’s Animal!” Said the best dressed of the six. He patted Animal on the head and pushed the woman who instantly shrunk back and decided to follow her group to the side. Janice studied the man’s face and noticed that he looked a bit like Floyd. His long blonde hair was tied back in the same way and his mustache was long and extended into his sideburns. His face was a bit longer and he didn’t have Floyd’s hipper stance, but other than that, the resemblance was striking.

The man walked up to the end of their row, reached over, and abruptly pulled Floyd onto his feet and into his chest. It was something resembling a hug.

“Lordy, Floyd, Who would’a thought that I’d ever see you here!”

“Good to see you, too, Slim.” Floyd said grudgingly.

“Hey, man.” Dr. Teeth gave a quick wave from his seat.

“Dr. Teeth! Well, hey, I didn’t think you’d be caught dead in a place like this!” Slim Wilson passed a smile down the aisle to Janice. “Kermit already promised us a spot on the show ‘cause we were here so late last night. Just gotta audition! They needed a jug band and and we have the jugs!”

“The frog didn’t promise -us- anything.” Floyd grumbled as he fell back into his seat.

“Sorry, little cousin!” Slim smiled. “Guess he just really liked our style!”

“STYLE!” Animal shouted from across the theater.

“Man, don’t listen to him!” Floyd yelled.

“BAD STYLE!”

“Whatever you say.” Slim laughed. “I hope they still have room for you guys, Kermit said they were getting pretty full.”

“Kermit’s had our spot reserved for quite while.” Dr. Teeth said shortly. It was clear to Janice that none of them were very fond of the man.

Zoot woke up at that moment, as always, with a start.

“Aw, Zoot -is- here!” Tony exclaimed.

“Why are we still here?” Zoot asked, sitting upright.

“Waitin’ for the frog, man.” Floyd said.

“He’s not coming today, he moved it to the theater downtown so they can do work here.”

“No wonder no one’s here!” Slim said. “Come on, gang!” He called to his group. They made a beeline for the door. “See you there, little cousin!”

And with that, Slim Wilson and his jug band were gone.

“Nice going, man!” Floyd clapped Zoot on the back.

“Like, I thought you were still asleep!” Janice beamed at him.

“What?” Zoot asked. “Shouldn’t we go?”

“I thought you made that up!” Floyd exclaimed.

“The frog didn’t say anything about that.” The pianist said.

“Oh.” Zoot said. “Wait. Yeah. I was dreaming.”

At that moment, Kermit and Nigel walked in, deep in conversation about one of the acts auditioned for them the day before, something about balancing pigs.

“Oh, hey, Dr. Teeth!” Kermit greeted. “You guys are early.”

“Wanted to be the first!” Dr. Teeth grinned.

“Yeah, and your jug band split.” Floyd added.

“Really? I liked them…” Kermit mused. “Either way, I’m sorry I couldn’t get to you yesterday, there were just too many…everythings.”

“Like, Kermit, the show’s not full already, is it?” Janice asked.

“Not for you guys!” Kermit said. “You saved me and Fozzie and our friends and I’m never going to forget that! Really, I wanted you guys to come and give some suggestions for the show.”

“Also,” Nigel spoke up, “I’ve seen you around town, Floyd, and we were wondering if you would like to help host our second pitch along with Sam and myself.”

“Oh, wow!” Janice exclaimed.

“I don’t know how well I’ll get along with that eagle, but I’m up for it!”

“Great!” Kermit said. “Now, um, actually, there are a few little tiny matters that I did want to talk to you about.”

“This doesn’t sound good.” Zoot muttered.

“Well, no, it’s just, you know we are a new show and…” Kermit looked up at the band, each of them staring at him inquisitively. “I talked to the ‘suits.’” The band groaned in unison. “It’s just that, well, we need to ease the public into the insanity, and-”

“Man, I’m not going to be on this show if you’re taking away our individualism.” Floyd said, raising his eyebrows.

“No, no!” Kermit started. “I mean, it’s just for a little bit, and you guys can still play your music and…” He was very aware that he was digging himself deeper. “It’s just little things, like, keeping Animal under control-”

“Impossible task, but done.” Floyd said.

“And, well, for some reason these guys are really adamant when it comes to how people are perceived, and um, Janice, do you think there’s any way you could talk with a more general…well, not like a valley girl?”

“Isn’t that going too far?” Dr. Teeth asked.

“It is.” Kermit nodded. “But it wouldn’t be for more than a few episodes and in return I’ll give you a spot on a sketch we’re planning called Veterinarian’s Hospital.”

“She shouldn’t have to.” Zoot added.

“Like, it’s okay.” Janice said. “It can be like acting.”

“Thank you.” Kermit gave her a genuine smile. “Was that all?” He asked Nigel.

“Well, there was one other thing, but I think that can wait.” Nigel said.

“Oh, good.” Kermit said. “Now that that’s taken care of, Nigel’s been really wanting to hear you guys play.”

“Shouldn’t we wait for Sam?” The conductor asked.

“Er, that’s okay.”


-
Zoot sat alone in the room he and Janice shared, balanced on the end of the low mattress, twisting and untwisting the mouthpiece of his sax. Was he really that quiet, around Janice even? Did it matter?

After a while, he put his sax safely in its case and pulled out a sketchbook. He started doodling a logo of sorts, the lettering looking like it came straight out of Vaudeville. It was a logo for the show.

“Oh, like you are in here.” Janice’s figure appeared in the corner of his eye. She sat down next to him and glanced and what he was drawing. “Like, you should show that to Kermit!”

“Yeah, I might.” He said, looking at how all the lines connected. Suddenly, he turned to her. “Baby, I love you. I really love you.”

Janice stared at him for a second before smiling widely. “I rully love you too.”

“I don’t show it enough. I’m sorry.” Zoot started. “I have all these things I wanna tell you but the words don’t happen. You know I’m not very loquacious.”

“I know.”

“I’m sorry.” Zoot repeated.

“Like, honey, don’t apologize or that! Don’t apologize for you!” Janice exclaimed.

“Doesn’t it bother you?” He asked.

“Like…” Janice started. She quickly realized that she had taken a breath at the very worst time. “I always love when you talk, and I love it more when you talk to me, but I don’t care how much. Like, I love you the way you are.”

“Really?” was the only thing that Zoot could think of to say.

“Fer sure!” She crooned in that voice that always made him smile.

“You’re happy, right?” He asked.

“Totally!” She said. “But I’m happier when I’m with you.”

Nothing could upset her.

“Will you love me forever?” He asked spontaneously. He didn’t even know what he was saying now.

It took Janice a second, but yet again, she smiled at him.

“Like, ask me again in a million years!” She giggled.

He would not upset her.
 
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