Work Text:
Your POV:
I have arrived on Earth with my colleague, Zardo Zap, for our assignment: to figure out how to make the children of our planet laugh–and to bring back one can of lemonade. According to my research, there is a band called “The Wiggles that consists of four members. Greg, Jeff, Anthony, and Murray. Their overall style is to our liking. They’re the perfect humans fit to assist us.
Zardo contacts the spaceship to announce we have arrived at Wigglehouse. We are then stopped by what appears to be a talking door. Is this a common human shelter security system?
After rejecting the door’s test, Zardo successfully hypnotizes the door and we infiltrate our way inside Wigglehouse. We walk up to someone sleeping in a chair.
“That’s Jeff!” I quietly exclaim. “He is the purple Wiggle and he enjoys sleeping,” I inform. “An unrelated note: he is my favorite,” I smile.
Suddenly, we hear footsteps and humming. We stand in our emergency camouflage poses as the entity exits the room. The door closes and we sigh in relief, but soon take our position again once the door opens again. We sigh in relief as the entity leaves once more.
We realize that we need to move fast. Jeff stands up while he’s still asleep. He’s sleepwalking. Fascinating. We follow him until he stops at a door that matches the color of his shirt. This door, however, isn’t speaking. How odd. Zardo opens the door for him by opening and closing her hand. Once he walks inside, Zardo uses the same method to close it again.
“The human planet is intriguing,” I ponder.
“You could say that again,” Zardo agrees.
“The human planet is intriguing,” I ponder again, earning a playful scoff from my colleague. “Since you closed the door for Jeff, can I transform into him?” I gleefully ask.
“Are you certain? You haven’t quite perfected that skill yet,” she sounds slightly hesitant.
“This’ll be good practice then!” I try to convince her.
She sighs and nods. I watch Zardo hide behind the chair Jeff previously sat in. I take a deep breath and spin around, successfully completing the transformation.
“They will never know,” I say in my Jeff voice.
I hear the sound of three doors opening and closing behind me. I turn around to see who’s there. It’s the other remaining Wiggles. The pressure is on. I mustn’t fail.
“Jeff! You’re finally awake! I bet you’re already tired all over again though,” the food Wiggle, Anthony, makes a joke. At least, I believe it’s a joke. Now how would Jeff typically respond…?
“I am well-rested. Thank you,” I reply. That’s normal, right?
The others slowly walk up to me with perplexed expressions. I take a step back. Seems like I chose the wrong dialogue option. Oh no…
“What I meant to say was–yes, I am tired–thank you for your concern, Jeff.”
“But you’re Jeff,” the magic Wiggle, Greg, corrects.
“Are you sure you’re alright?” The guitar Wiggle, Murray, adds. Oh shoot! An oversight! I can’t let them discover Zardo and I!
As soon as I try to defend myself, I feel a light tap on my shoulder. I violently flinch and whip my head around.
“Why are you scared, Jeff? It’s just Dorothy,” Murray calmly explains.
“Undetected entities startle me.”
“Huh?”
“Huh?”
“Huh?”
The trio speak one by one in a confused manner.
“Let us explore the planet and make children laugh immediately,” I blurt out. That’s a normal sentence, right?
“You mean…perform a concert? We don’t have any today. I thought you already knew that?” Greg looks confused.
I turn to the dinosaur, “take me to your shows and/or events and make the children laugh, Henry.”
“Henry?!” The trio exclaim.
“That’s Dorothy. Are you really Jeff?” Greg inquires once more, leaning in closer.
“The jig is up, Y/N…” Zardo announces from her hiding spot. She stands up, defeated.
“Identity detected. The jig is up!” I panic and spin back to my original form.
Zardo walks back to me. We sigh as we stare at the floor in disappointment and embarrassment.
“Wahoo! It wasn’t Jeff!” Anthony exclaims.
“I am Zardo Zap,” she somberly introduces herself.
“And I am Y/N Zap…” I can’t believe I’m introducing myself like this…
“We are from the planet Zephyr…” Zardo adds.
“And we have failed our mission…” my voice quivers.
“What’s your mission? Greg asks. He sure is full of questions.
“To learn how to make the children of our planet laugh,” Zardo explains, sadly.
“They’re always sad, so we arrived in Wiggleworld to learn and use your knowledge on the art of laughter,” I’m on the brink of tears. I immensely dislike the feeling of failure.
“Well, there’s not really any secrets or techniques to being happy,” Anthony says.
“We all like singing and dancing because it’s what we enjoy doing,” Murray adds.
“We all appreciate each other’s company very much and have even more fun because of it!” The polka-dotted dinosaur, Dorothy, enthusiastically says.
Zardo and I look at each other in awe, then confusion, “fun? What’s that?” We look back at the group. The real Jeff is standing with them. I must not have heard him. He really is quiet.
“Watch this!” Anthony starts moving in a silly way while making an even sillier noise. Dorothy joins in.
When they’re done, everyone laughs, even Zardo and I, something I haven’t done in ages.
“That’s all really nice, but we unfortunately can never teach the children that,” Zardo huffs. “It looks rather complex.”
“Sure you can! If we can do it, so can you!” Anthony cheers. The others nod in agreement. “Even I didn’t know I was going to do that, but it’s all about enjoying yourself in the process, too!”
“As long as everyone’s happy, there’s no way anyone can fail!” Jeff smiles.
I shoot my eyes quickly in his direction. I might’ve startled him a bit seeing how shocked he was in return. How could I not have seen this before? I’ve been so focused on my mission that I haven’t even thought about having ‘fun.’
“Am I really that boring…?” I mutter under my breath.
I feel two hands placed on my shoulders. This time, I don’t flinch. My nerves are calm when I’m surrounded by this dinosaur and a group of humans. I realize it’s Jeff who pleasantly caught me off-guard. I can’t help but stare into his deep, caring eyes.
“Neither you or your planet are boring. You just need to relax from time to time. Take it from me,” he smiles.
I don’t recall the last time I ever received that sort of advice. I fondly put my hand over my chest, “thank you, real Jeff,” I smile back slightly.
“Thank you all. We best be on our way to fill in our report,” Zardo interrupts our moment.
I never felt this peaceful before…I need to maintain this feeling, “Zardo, tell the spaceship I’ll be staying on Earth temporarily. I’d like to extend my mission if…that’s alright with you all,” I turn to the others.
“I have a spare bed in my room,” Jeff offers.
“Much appreciated.”
“Are you sure?” Zardo asks for further confirmation.
I give a genuine smile to Zardo, “you’re the key to bringing happiness to our planet now. As for me, I simply wish to conduct more extensive research on not only happiness for the children, but my own as well.”
Zardo nods. I knew she’d understand, “I will forward your message. I wish you the best of luck,” she hugs me. When she unwraps her arms, she looks at the group, “ah, would any of you happen to have a can of lemonade?”
“We sure do. Jeff?” Anthony asks him to get it.
“On it,” Jeff opens his bedroom door and hands the can of lemonade to Zardo.
“Much appreciated. See ya, Wiggles!”
“See ya!”
Zardo exits doing the same silly movement and sound Anthony did earlier. We all make the same movement, laughing, enjoying ourselves, being…happy!
“It’s time for me to go, too. I need to water my roses, Bye, everyone!” Dorothy waves and happily skips to the door.
“Bye, Dorothy!” The colorful quartet wave.
“So, Y/N, what do you want to learn about first?” Greg asks.
I take a moment to think before snapping my fingers, “I would like to formally ask if you are the leader of the Wiggles.”
“Well, I do like to take charge, but I wouldn’t exactly say I’m the ‘leader,’” he air-quotes and casually stuffs his hands in his pockets.
“Yeah! If anyone’s the leader, it’s obviously me!” Anthony jumps in.
“Who ever said you’re the leader?” Murray questions.
When the others continue to lightheartedly banter between one another, Jeff stands next to me.
“I bet you didn’t know I’m actually the oldest, so I guess that makes me the leader,” he whispers.
“No, it doesn’t!” The trio whip their heads at him.
“Ah! It appears I’ve caused another conundrum. My sincerest apologies. Please ignore my previous query!” I lower my head and close my eyes in shame.
“No harm done. We’re all independent in our own way. Isn’t that right?” I peek one eye open. Jeff gives an intense glare to the trio, ceasing their playful bickering.
I gulp. Such authority. Jeff pats my shoulder once more. I blink and hold my arms out in front of him.
“This is how you humans typically hug, correct?”
Jeff returns the gesture, “always has been, always will be,” his embrace is so…warm…gentle…inviting…
“Group hug! Anthony announces. The others join in. Now I truly don’t remember the last time I shared such a nice gesture. These guys are so genuine! This is fascinating!
The remainder of the day was truly an eye-opening experience. The Wiggles showed me around town and introduced me to more of their trusted companions. Wags the Dog, Henry the Octopus, and Captain Feathersword. Once the sun sets and we return to Wigglehouse, I sit at the end of Jeff’s spare bed in his bedroom to write down my recordings in my journal. He lent me a spare pajama set to wear. Coincidentally, they’re in my favorite color.
Smiling, friendship, joy, remarkable!
I pause my writing upon hearing a knock on the door, “proceed!” I call out. I look to see who’s entering. It’s Jeff. That makes sense since this is his room.
“Hi. What are you writing there?” He approaches, sitting next to me.
“My recent discoveries of today. It’s certainly been eventful,” I continue writing.
“Can I read it once you’re done?” He asks politely.
“You have perfect timing, purple one. I just finished the last sentence. As you humans say, ‘have at it!’” I hand him my journal and stand up to stretch, “another human saying, ‘I’m tuckered out.’
He gives me an understanding nod and stands up continuing to read my journal, “you’re really smart, Y/N. Your observations are very detailed,” he hands my journal back.
“I appreciate your feedback,” I smile and place the journal on the night stand next to me. Smiling is fun amongst itself, “I started writing my recordings ever since I was recruited. Others weren’t too fond of the idea calling it a distraction, so I wrote in secrecy. I only shared it with close friends and colleagues. Like Zardo.”
“Well, you shared it with me. Does that make me one of your close friends?” Jeff asks, sitting on the edge of his bed.
“Do you want to be?”
“More than ever!” His enthusiasm is…charming. Is that a good word for this scenario?
“Then it’s settled. From this day forward, you are a close friend,” I nod, “I grant you permission to look in my journal more often than non-close friends and non-colleagues.”
He stands up from his arm to wrap his arms around my neck in a ‘hug.’ I return the favor by ‘hugging’ him back. His embrace specifically is so…endearing. I’m almost…speechless? In a way? What is this warm feeling inside of me…?
“Thank you, Y/N! You’re the best alien I’ve ever met!”
“Does this imply you previously met other aliens?” I joke. Jokes are fun.
He pulls back and chuckles at my response, “can’t say I have. I just think you’re really interesting.”
“The feeling’s mutual. I appreciate your honesty.”
“You know, you don’t have to talk formally around the others and I, right? Not saying there’s anything wrong with it, but we want you to be comfortable during your stay. We’re all friends and we care about you.”
“Hmm. Considering your personality is very laidback in contrast to my overworking habits, perhaps our traits can work in tandem.”
“What do you mean?”
“I’m simply stating the possibility we could become more than close friends, further creating a special bond with one another in the future.”
“Special…bond?” He processes. There’s a faint tint of pink spread on his cheeks all of a sudden. That’s new.
“Indeed. Best friends. That is the highest form of friendship, is it not?” I explain further.
“Uh–uhm, sure?” He averts his eyes and clears his throat.
“You don’t sound certain. Was my statement too straightforward?”
“No! Not at all!” He leans back, nervously waving his hands.
I curiously tilt my head and stand up. I crouch down to his eye level, placing a hand on his forehead, “you do feel a bit warmer than usual. Perhaps it’s best for you to sleep soon as well,” I analyze. The blush on his face grows. I can hear him hold in his breath a little, “are you nervous?”
He gives an honest nod.
“There’s no need to be. I’m just checking up on friends, right?”
He nods again.
I stand back up and settle myself underneath the covers, “I now declare this checkup complete. Thank you for your cooperation. I will now commence my sleeping regimen. I mean, I will now go to sleep. Sleep dreams, Jeff Wiggle,” I close my eyes with a smile.
“Good night…” are the last words I hear from him before I fall asleep.
Over the passing months of my stay, I started to understand more Earth culture. My speech has become more ‘casual.’ It’s a nice change of pace. The Wiggles and their friends also helped me learn how to be more kind to myself. It’s honestly surprising seeing how much of a calmer being I’ve become.
However, I can’t help but worry if my previous nervousness has transferred to Jeff. I couldn’t help but notice his behavior around me. He doesn’t maintain eye contact for very long, his face often looks flushed, did I do something wrong? He doesn’t act like that around anyone else.
I’ve been conducting more ‘friendship checks’ as I like to call it and his behavior has remained the same. Almost as if he’s holding in something.
I decided to ask Greg, Murray, and Anthony for more advice. They were pondering for a moment. They’ve never seen Jeff act like this before either. Greg snaps his fingers.
“Murray, didn’t you act the same way around Lilly Lavender?”
“Don’t remind me…” he groans.
“Maybe your admiration towards Ms. Lavender is how Jeff feels for Y/N!”
“Yeah. I think you’re onto something, Greg!” Anthony follows along.
I, however, am lost. “What are you talking about?”
“Jeff likes you!” The trio exclaim.
“Yeah…I like Jeff, too.”
“We mean, he likes you more than a friend!” Anthony smiles.
“Yeah…I like him more than a friend, too…a best friend…”
The three of them continue exchanging knowing, playful looks.
“Repeat after me, alright?” Anthony looks into my eyes. I nod.
“Jeff.”
“Jeff.”
“Has.”
“Has.”
“A.”
“A.”
“Crush.”
“Crush.”
“On.”
“On.”
“You.”
“You.”
“...”
“...?”
“...!”
“...Jeff has a crush on…ME?!”
“Bingo!”
“What’s a crush?!” I panic.
As soon as I blurted that out loud, the three of them overlap with various answers. Just when I thought I got a grasp on human emotions, I’m suddenly back at square one like nothing previously mattered…this sucks!
“One by one! Slow down!” I wave my hands, sounding distressed.
“A crush is when someone has romantic feelings for another person,” Murray starts.
“In this case, Jeff is expressing romantic feelings towards you,” Anthony adds.
“Now, you don’t always have to reciprocate those feelings back. The other person will feel rejected, but it’s not the end of the world,” Greg points out.
“Rejection, huh…?” I know that feeling all too well, but it was never in a romantic context.
“Now, it’s whether or not you want to confess,” Anthony continues.
“Confess what?”
“That you like him back.”
“There’s no pressure, of course,” Greg adds.
“Well, if there is something I want to confess…you know about those ‘friendship checks’ I’ve been conducting on him?” The others nod, “...I’ve been using that as an excuse to get closer to him. I could sense he was hiding something, but I never thought that was the reason!”
Murray chuckles, “it’s all good. Just take the time to talk about your feelings–”
“I’m going to confess to him tonight!” I perk up.
“Orrrr you could do that!”
I ask the group tips on how exactly humans confess romantic feelings. Everything they’re explaining is so clear once I finally dissected these emotions…I love Jeff! And I’m going to make sure he knows it!
Later that night, I knock on Jeff’s door.
“Come in.”
I turn the doorknob and open the door, “you’re getting ready to sleep rather early, huh?”
“I just drank a warm glass of milk, so I’m feeling extra tired right now,” he yawns as he’s sitting on his bed wearing his purple pajamas.
“Well, don’t rest your eyes just yet because I’m here to conduct a very special friendship check,” his expression turns into a more nervous one, “but this might be the last one I conduct,” he looks confused.
“How come?”
“You’ll know soon enough,” I sit next to him on his bed, “hold my hands,” I notice his fingers slightly tremble. I intertwine mine with his, pulling him up on his feet, and bringing our faces rather closely.
I can’t stop staring into his eyes. My vision occasionally flickers down to his lips. I notice he does the same to me.
“I—I…” I try to muster up some words, but I can’t even articulate a single syllable. I’m genuinely speechless. I close my eyes.
“I love everything about you, Jeff.”
I muttered that out loud, didn’t I…? The next thing I feel, his soft, gentle hand on my cheek. I can’t help but flicker my gaze to his lips. I notice he does the same for mine.
“...I’ve fallen for you, Y/N…please…let me kiss you…”
I cup his face and close my eyes, leaning in, granting his wish…of kissing me. Nobody taught me to kiss before. It just felt…right. His lips are soft, warm, and inviting. I feel him press into me more, wrapping his around my waist. I wrap my arms around his neck. Our kiss lingers for a while, taking very short intervals in between to catch our breath.
We finally pull back barely an inch away, smiling and blushing to no end.
“I, uh, never told you this, but we could push our beds together so we can have enough space to cuddle,” Jeff nervously mumbles with an even more nervous grin.
I nod subtly. “I’d like that,” we let go of each other for a brief moment so we can bring the beds together. I spin around to change into my pajamas.
We settle under the covers. Jeff’s arms return around my waist while I press my hands against his chest.
“Your pajamas are quite soft,” I observe, running my hands over him. I can feel him shiver and rub small circles over my hip with his thumb.
He hums and rests his chin on top of my head. He kisses it before nuzzling his face into the crook of my neck, “thank you for everything, Y/N…good night. Sweet dreams.”
“Good night, my dear Jeff,” I smile before falling asleep myself.
Mission success.