A Technician's Tale

Chapter 16

Words: 1473

Warning: Minor Fight Scene at the end

The next morning, Ben joins the rest of the Muppets for another meeting and sits behind Fozzie. During the meeting, Kermit had made an important announcement but the technician wasn't listening. He seemed too caught up in his thoughts, mainly of the 'dinner date' with Zoot last night. Was he really 'crushing' on him? He still isn't sure yet and snaps out of his trance when he sees everyone standing up.

"So, uh, heard about you and Zoot's 'hang out'. It, uh, went well?" Harry asks as he walks to him. Lew was right behind him, carrying a bucket of his boomerang fish. The smell was putride, yet a small air freshener was hanging off the side.

"Yes, we did 'hang out' for... Dinner last night. Though, not as expected".

"And you're still sure that you don't like him?" Lew adds, tilting his head slightly. Ben shrugs. He's still confused about his emotions and what happened the night before wasn't exactly helping. Especially that quick kiss on the cheek.

"I'm still getting used to feeling this way. I've experienced love with my parents, but this is different somehow". He could see Harry hold in a groan, merely rolling his eyes at the explanation.

"I think Lips was right. You do have a crush," Lew adds in, nudging Ben's arm. Ben shakes his head, but looks back on himself. The same warm, fuzzy feeling wells up in his chest and he could feel blush creep on his cheeks once again.

"Perhaps I do have a crush on him..."

"What was that?"

"Will you refrain from listening to me talk to myself please?!" Lew laughs as Ben grabs Zoot's jacket. That was something he was determined to not forget today. As soon as he sees Zoot, he's going to give him the jacket.

---

"Hey, Ben?"

"Yes, Mr. Kermit?"

"Gonzo broke a spotlight by flying into it. He was trying a new act during rehearsal. Could you go fix it please?" The technician nods and walks to the stage. By the time he was done, the entire building was almost empty. Outside, he could see the band packing a few items inside of their van. This would be a great opportunity to give Zoot his suit jacket back. He grabs the jacket and walks to them, looking curiously at what they're doing.

"Excuse me, Zoot?" Zoot looks from the front seat and smiles, blush clear on his face.

"Hey, what's up?"

"I forgot to return your coat to you last night. Here". Ben holds up the jacket to him. The saxophone player takes it and sets it in the back seat, thanking the technician.

"What're you and the band doing?"

"Hey, Ben! Are ya doing anything today?" Lips suddenly asks, pulling his wild hair back into a ponytail.

"I'm currently free at the moment. Why do you ask?"

"Kermit called for a "Beginning of Summer Grill out". We're all gonna go," Dr. Teeth informs. Animal bounces in his seat, already chained inside of the van.

"Join everyone at the park! It's a nice day and I think Sam's gonna bring food and grill for the first time in years," Floyd invites, patting his back. Ben nods at the idea and tags along with the band. He sits in the back with Lips and Animal, patting the drummer's head. Once arriving at the park, Animal immediately runs off. Everyone grabs their instruments, Dr. Teeth snagging a pair of bongos for Animal.

"Ben! Over here!" Harry yelled from a nearby hill. Next to him was Lew Zealand, waving an arm in the air. Ben breaks off from the band and joins the two on the hill. The wind whistled in their ears as the sun's rays warmed their skin.