Axel went to see Sapphire every day, usually not at night like the first time, but when his parents thought he was studying, he would just grab some food and silently slope off.

After a few days, Axel and Sapphire grew used to each other's company. Axel told Sapphire stories about his family and the mad adventures that the Muppets had previously been on. And Sapphire, talked about the few times when she had almost been discovered, usually by Gonzo firing himself out of his cannon, and how she had hid in the tiniest, most uncomfortable places.

Sapphire opened herself up to Axel more and more. She was still shy and fragile, but soon she showed that she could be loyal, territorial, feisty and sparky. She was easily ruffled but she had a big heart and really cared about who she loved.

But whenever Axel looked at her, all he could see, and all he always saw, was the most beautiful and amazing person he had ever met. And every time, he wanted to ask something so badly, but he didn't quite dare.

Until one day, when he plucked up the courage and finally said it.

"Sapphire," Axel said. "Seeing as I've done so much for you, I was hoping you'd do something for me?"

"What is it?" Sapphire asked. "If it's the studying thing again, then I'm sorry, but-"

"No, it's nothing to do with studying it's just…" he cleared his throat. "Saph, I've liked you for a long time, will you be my girlfriend?"

Sapphire was silent.

Axel felt himself blushing all over. But it was too late, it was out and there was no going back.

"Axel, it's not that I don't like you," Sapphire said. "But…I'm not sure if I'm ready for a boyfriend yet. I'm sorry."

"Are you…turning me down?" Axel could feel the tears coming, his heart breaking, he had to leave.

"No, Axel, it's not like that," Sapphire insisted. "We can still be friends, right?"

Axel got up and ran out of the room.

"Axel? Axel, wait! Come back!"

Sapphire ran to the door. "Axel?"

She tried to follow him but someone else turned up. The person she least wanted to see in the world right now.

Sam.

"Sapphire, what are you doing?" he thundered.

Sapphire was trembling. "N-nothing, Dad."

"Don't lie to me! I heard you calling someone's name. Have you been talking to those weirdos, the Muppets like I strictly forbade you to?"

"No!"

"Axel, you were calling wasn't it? Axel, where have I heard that name before?"

Sam thought for a while. Then he gave a start.

"Axel, that creepy frog's son! How dare you talk to him?!"

"I wasn't!"

"You were, I heard you! How dare you spread our private affairs that are none of their business! I ought to think of some supreme punishment for you, Sapphire."

"No! Don't lock me in please!" Sapphire begged.

Although Sapphire was too afraid to leave the room even when it was open, she still shivered at the idea of being locked in.

But once Sam had his mind set, there was no convincing him.

He stormed out of the room and yanked the stiff bolt into place. Through the door he said:

"I'll make sure you never go near that horrid boy or his family ever again. You stay here and when I'm back I'll have thought of a severe punishment!"