Shy of the Beholder
Wallflower Help Quest
Requirements
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Requirements
Danny: Huh? Did someone say something?
Jeff: I did! Hi!
You turn and see Jeff sitting against the wall.
Danny: Oh, sorry. I didn’t see you there, Jeff.
Jeff: Totally not your fault. I’m used to it. I’m kind of a wallflower.
Danny: Aw, people usually don’t notice you? That sounds like a bad thing. Does it bother you?
Jeff: Not at all! A wallflower is just someone who hands out at the edges of crowds, looking in, noticing what no one else notices. Like the fact that you’re always looking out for everyone, Danny!
Danny: Awww! Thanks! No one’s ever really said anything to me about that!
Jeff: I am having ONE problem you might be able to help me with...
Danny: What’s that?
Jeff: ...
Danny: Excuse me? I didn’t hear you.
Jeff: I said that my birthday’s coming up...
Danny: Happy birthday, Jeff!
Jeff: Thanks! I really want to have a fun gathering of friends!
Danny: You mean, a party?
Jeff: Oh no! Parties are definitely not my thing!
Danny: Got it. A gathering. It doesn’t seem like there’s anything wrong with that! What’s the problem?
Jeff: ...I don’t have many friends to invite! Being a wallflower means I’m not very outgoing.
Danny: Well, you’ve come to the right place! I can help you make friends for sure!
Jeff: Really? You’d do that for me?
Danny: Of course! And I think I know exactly how to get started!
Jeff: Nothing too outgoing, right?
Danny: No way. We’re going to start slow. And the first step to making friends is to get loud! No offense, but I can barely hear you! It’s hard to make friends when no one can even hear what you have to say!
Jeff: That makes sense. But how can I ‘get loud’?
Danny: We need to go somewhere with a crowd! Somewhere fun! Somewhere where you can cheer for a scrappy point guard as they sink a fadeaway jumper with no time left on the clock!
Jeff: That got really specific.
Danny: There’s a basketball game here tonight! It’ll be perfect!
Requirements
You, Jeff, and Emily squeeze into the middle of the crowd for you school’s basketball game!
Channing calls to you from below.
Channing: Danny! Are you going to cheer today?!
Danny: Of course! That’s what we’re here for!
Channing: See you after the game!
Danny: What do you think of our seats, Jeff?
Jeff: They’re--
Emily: --Awesome! AWESOOOOOOOOOOME!
Jeff: Not quite how I was going to phrase it, but that’s the gist. I think normally I’d watch the game from way over there. By myself.
Danny: Let me guess, with your back against the wall?
Jeff: I guess ‘wallflower’ really is an apt term...
Emily: Well, now you’re hanging out with us, uh, bleacher pumpkins?
Jeff: I don’t think that will catch on...
Danny: Hey, before the game starts, I’m going to grab a pretzel! Can’t wait for all that pretzel-y goodness! Anyway, save my seat!
Time - 2 hours
After a timeout, you return to your seat holding some nachos...
Jeff: I thought you went to get a pretzel?
Danny: They ran out!
Jeff: Sorry...
Emily: Yeah! Bummer!
Danny: That’s okay... I can never be sad with nachos!
Later, with time winding down and the score close, your team has the ball!
Channing: Everyone get loud!
Danny: You ready?
Jeff: I... I think so. What do I do?
Danny: It’s easy. Just yell go team!
Jeff stands up and yells!
Jeff: GO TEAM!
Danny: Nice
Jeff: Yelling that felt great! Plus, I’ve never really felt much team spirit before!
Emily: Yeah! Way to cheer, Jeff!
Jeff: Glad I could contribute.
Emily: Let’s just hope it makes a difference. Our center’s stinking it up! It’s like he’s not focused at all...
Jeff: Um... I kind of noticed something about that.
Emily: Really? What?
Jeff: Well, see his girlfriend sitting right in the front row? He keeps looking at her, and I think she’s making him nervous!
Emily: Whoa! Good eyes, Jeff!
Jeff: Thanks. It wasn’t anything. And it’s not like we can do something about--
Emily: I’m going to do something about it! We have to win!
A few moments later...
Emily: I told his girlfriend what was up. She’s just hanging out in the parking lot now with some friends. And it looks like it totally paid off! Check out the score! We’re pulling ahead!
Boosted by the now-focused center, your school’s team dominates from then on, winning the game!
After the game...
Danny: So, Jeff, how was your first, middle-of-the-crowd cheering experience?
Jeff: ...
Danny: I... I can’t hear you... I guess it didn’t really work...
Jeff: Just kidding! That was so much FUN!
Channing comes over to say hi!
Channing: I don’t think I’ve seen you at a game before, Jeff... I hope you come back!
Jeff: Thanks!
Emily: I hope you come to every game! Without your sharp eyes, we would’ve lost!
Jeff: I... I played my part...
Outside the gym, Jeff turns to you.
Jeff: I think... I think I’m ready for whatever’s next...
Danny: Well, now that you’ve mastered ‘getting loud’, I think next is ‘caring less’. Namely, about what others think of you.
Jeff: And how do I care less?
Danny: One word, a bunch of syllables... KARAOKE!
Jeff: Uh... I don’t know... karaoke’s kind of a wallflower’s nightmare. All those judging people judging your singing with their judging ears...
Danny: That’s why this karaoke event will be special. It’ll be low-key, judge-free karaoke!
Jeff: Judge-free?
Danny: There’s a video game version of karaoke that you can play at home. We can sing with just the four of us listening.
Jeff: The four of us?
Danny: Yeah! Me, you, and two people who love spending an evening in front of a game console!
Requirements
You and Jeff arrive at James’ house for karaoke.
Zayn: Come in! Come in! The ‘So You Think You Can Sing’ crowd grows impatient!
James: Yeah! I can hear them clamoring already for my melodic soprano!
Inside James’s house, Zayn and James have set up a mock concert stage, complete with surround sound speakers, a fog machine, and a vintage microphone stand.
Danny: Whoa. This is amazing!
Zayn: We’re glad you like it! We were getting SO tired of trying to sing co-op online...
Jeff: ...because you sing better than everyone else and judge them for it?
James: The opposite! We stink, and the internet can be a harsh, cruel, and heartless beast. Just like my Aunt Maude...
Zayn: Yeah! Karaoke’s only fun when no one’s judging you!
Jeff: Oh, this sounds great!
Danny: Then let’s get started! Release the fog!
Time - 3 hours
You and Jeff are almost ready for your karaoke duet together!
Zayn: Host’s choice! I picked THE hardest song available! Good luck!
James: Watching them try to nail this song is going to be so funny!
You see Jeff starting to panic!
Jeff: ...!
Zayn dims the lights, and the fog machine slowly fills the room with fog... You pause the song.
Zayn: What’s the hold up?
Danny: I was just thinking... if you guys want something funny, I’ve got just the song for you!
You change the song and start it up.
Jeff: I don’t know this one...
Danny: It’s okay. Just go with it.
A moment later...
Danny: What does the fox say?!
Jeff: Beep-a deep deep ba-deep deep beep!
Danny: Perfect fox!
Jeff: Hahaha! What IS this song?! It’s so funny!
Danny: Right?
After the song ends...
Zayn: You crushed it!
James: Hilarious all the way through! Ten out of ten for Jeff’s especially good fox noises!
Jeff: Thanks! I get to pick the next song!
After your duet, Zayn and James try a duet of their own...
Zayn: Aww... looks like we got another low score, James.
James: Weak.
Jeff: Um...
Danny: What’s up, Jeff?
Jeff: Well, I know the score says one thing, but I thought that was awesome!
Zayn: Thanks. We know we blew it.
James: Yeah, thanks for trying to cheer us up...
Jeff: I’m not just saying that! You may not have the best voices individually, but together, the two of you have a ton of vocal chemistry! I don’t know a lot about video games, but I don’t think any computer can pick up on that...
Zayn: You really mean it?
Jeff: Of course!
James: Yeah! Underrated by machines, but adored by audiences worldwide!
Jeff: And in this living room...
Later, you and Jeff say goodbye to Zayn and James.
Danny: Thanks for hosting us!
Zayn: No problem! Come over anytime! That means you too, Jeff!
James: Yeah! The fans are already hungry for an encore!
Jeff: ...okay!
On the way home...
Jeff: That was fun! And listen to my voice! It’s all scratchy from singing!
Danny: First time?
Jeff: First time!
Danny: So, you’ve already learned how to get loud and how to care less. Ready for the next lesson in Making Friends 101?
Jeff: I think so... just as long as it’s not--
Danny: --a party. Don’t worry, I remember.
Jeff: Good.
Danny: For this lesson, all you have to do is think fast!
Jeff: AHHHHHHH!
Danny: Why did you just scream?
Jeff: ‘Think fast’ is usually what someone says before they throw something at you!
Danny: Oh, whoops, sorry. Actually, we’re about to literally ‘think fast’! It’s time to improve our improv!
Requirements
You and Jeff meet up with Channing in the school’s theater.
Channing: Improvisational comedy is a GREAT way to get better at thinking on your feet! It’s just you and your partner, making a wacky, unscripted premise come to life!
Danny: Can Jeff and I do a scene right now?
Channing: Sure you can!
Jeff: Uh... there won’t be an audience, right?
Channing: No. No audience. Just us.
Danny: Any tips before we get started?
Channing: All you really need to know is this: Don’t deny.
Jeff: And that means...?
Channing: Let’s say I’m doing a scene with Danny. I start by saying that Danny is a pirate with dreams of becoming a ballet dancer...
Danny: I like it.
Channing: If Danny denies what I’ve said, claiming instead to actually be a manatee looking for a job in computers, then the scene dies.
Jeff: I think I get it.
Channing: Good! Then let’s do some improv!
Time - 4 hours
You and Jeff get onstage and prepare for your improv scene! You approach, pretending to knock on an invisible door.
Jeff: Come in!
You step forward.
Danny: Hello, doctor.
Jeff: Hello, uh, patient whose name I’ve forgotten! I’ve been looking over your chart, and I’m deeply concerned.
Danny: Is it...?
Jeff: Yes, I’m afraid you have a serious case of... hop-on-one-leg disease...
You begin hopping up and down on one leg!
Channing: Hahaha! That’s good! That’s good!
Danny: I’ve been hopping like this off and on for the last three weeks. It’s driving my family crazy. You have to help me!
Jeff: There’s only ONE way to cure... hopatitis.
Danny: You don’t mean...?
Jeff: Yes. You have to... rub your stomach and pat your head at the same time.
Danny: I really don’t want to do that because of how silly it will look, but if it’s the only way...
Jeff: I’m afraid so...
You rub your stomach and pat your head all while still hopping around on one leg!
Channing: Hahaha! I can’t stop laughing!
Jeff: Aaaaaaaaaand scene! That’s a thing actors say, right?
Channing: It is! Great job, both of you! That was REALLY funny and REALLY good!
Danny: We’re quite the quick-thinking pair!
Channing: Just a heads up, I’m running an improv show here tonight!
Channing hands both of you flyers advertising the event.
Channing: You should both totally come perform! You were so good at coming up with funny stuff on the spot!
Jeff: I... I don’t think that’s a good idea. All those people... all that pressure.
Danny: Jeff isn’t a fan of crowds.
Jeff: Especially crowds that are looking at me!
Channing: Why are you studying improv then?!
Jeff: Danny’s just helping me meet new people.
Danny: I figured improv could give Jeff some of the skills for making friends!
Channing: Oh, I get it. Good for you, Jeff!
Jeff: Oh, um...
Danny: I’ve seen that look before. What’s up, Jeff?
Jeff: I just noticed that the date on these flyers is for tomorrow, not tonight...
Channing: What?! Let me see... Oh, wow! Thanks for noticing that! You know, if you want to meet new people, but don’t like big groups, there is an alternative.
Jeff: What’s that?
Channing: Dating!
Danny: Ooh! Great idea, Channing!
Jeff: ‘Great’ isn’t exactly the word I’d use... I mean, I am dating someone, but that doesn’t make it any less nerve-racking!
Requirements
Danny: So... about that date!
Jeff: I’m sorry! I can’t talk about it. It’s nothing against you or anything... I just don’t like to talk about really personal stuff.
Danny: Fair enough. Can’t say I’m surprised...
Danny: I’ve been thinking about how far you’ve come, Jeff! You got loud at the basketball game, you cared less at karaoke... You thought fast at improv, and you just braved the scary world of dating!
Jeff: You’re saying I’m done? That I’m ready to make friends for my birthday gathering?!
Danny: Not exactly... there is still one small step you’re going to love. And by ‘small’ I mean ‘big’ and by ‘love’ I mean ‘hate’.
Jeff: Oh no! You don’t mean what I think you mean, do you?
Danny: I do! It’s time to throw a party!
Requirements
As you’re leaving the party...
Danny: Did you have fun, Jeff?
Jeff: I did! I danced! I never dance!
As you’re leaving, some of your friends come over to talk to you and Jeff...
Autumn: You have such an interesting dancing style, Jeff... it’s very free form!
Jeff: Thanks...
Julian: Yeah, you really know how to throw an epic party, Jeff! When’s the next one?
Danny: Actually, there’s this birthday bash that Jeff’s going to throw, and...
You turn toward Jeff... ...but Jeff is gone!
Danny: Jeff?
You see him in the distance, heading toward his car!
Danny: Oh no!
You rush over, only to watch him drive off!
Danny: This is my fault... I’ve got to find him!
Requirements
You, Maya, and Alex are driving around, looking for Jeff!
Maya: I don’t want to be a downer, but he could be anywhere...
Alex: Yeah, don’t you have some idea where he might be?
Danny: Jeff is a wallflower, and wallflowers like to be away from people.
Maya: So we’ve narrowed it down to... places where people aren’t?
Just then you drive near a sign for the beach...
Danny: The beach! That’s where Jeff is!
Alex: Uh, hate to break it to you, but you said Jeff would be where people aren’t. There are like a thousand people on the beach...
Danny: Yeah, but Jeff isn’t on the beach.
Maya: Jeff IS the beach?
Danny: Just drive!
Time - 5 hours
A few minutes later, you pull into the beach parking lot...
Danny: There’s Jeff’s car!
Near the parking lot is a tall lighthouse at the end of a rocky point.
Maya: Whaaaat?! How long has this lighthouse been here?!
You rush over to it... Inside, Jeff is sitting at the top of a spiral staircase, staring out through the lighthouse windows at the ocean. Maya and Alex hang back so you can talk to him alone...
Danny: Jeff?
Jeff: Oh! You startled me!
Danny: Are you okay? You kind of bailed back there...
Jeff: Yeah, I guess I did...
Danny: I’m really sorry... I feel so bad. I forced you into going even though I knew you--
Jeff: --Danny?
Danny: Yeah?
Jeff: There’s nothing for you to apologize for.
Danny: Really?
Jeff: I was having a great time at the party, I just got a little overwhelmed by all the attention afterward! My weekends are usually spent in special, solitary places like the top of this lighthouse.
Danny: The ocean is so beautiful from up here.
Jeff: And the population is usually one. It’s a thousand times different than being in a house party packed with classmates!
Danny: So, you left because you were overwhelmed?
Jeff: Yeah, I just needed a moment by myself, that’s all. Wait... are you okay? You look upset.
Danny: I just... I was supposed to teach you how to make friends, and I feel like I let you down! Like I failed...
Jeff: Not at all! I’m so grateful for all the lessons you’ve taught me. They’ve helped, you know?
Danny: Have they?
Jeff: Sure! While you were teaching me how to meet people and make friends, I met a bunch of people and made a lot of friends!
Danny: Heh. Like who?
Jeff: Well, I’m now friends with a jock, a nerd, a gamer, and an improv coach! Plus all the people from the party! And all thanks to you!
Danny: I think you should take most of the credit. I also think you’re forgetting one new friend... me!
Jeff: ...
Danny: Listen... you might have learned some lessons from me, but you might not realize that I’ve learned some lessons from you.
Jeff: Really? Like what?
Danny: Like the power of being observant and insightful. If it weren’t for you, I wouldn’t have gotten that compliment about helping others. My day would have been a little less bright. The basketball team wouldn’t have won its game, my karaoke friends might never have known how good they sound together, and the improv even wouldn’t have been advertised on the right day! If it weren’t for you, none of those things would have happened!
Jeff: But all I did was just notice a detail or two...
Danny: That’s exactly the point. You helped others, just by being you. Actually, now that I think about it, you’re a lot like this lighthouse, guiding others from an outside perspective.
Jeff: Thanks, Danny! That’s like the nicest thing anyone’s ever said to me! But you should know this lighthouse has been out of commission for twenty years.
Danny: Don’t ruin it.
Jeff: Sorry.
The two of you look out at the ocean for a while...
Danny: Jeff?
Jeff: Yeah?
Danny: I think you’re ready for your birthday gathering...
Jeff: Yay!
Requirements
The next week, it’s Jeff’s birthday gathering at a Japanese tea garden! All of Jeff’s new friends from the basketball game, karaoke, improv, and the party are there, including Autumn and Julian!
Autumn: Great birthday party, er... gathering, Jeff! This garden is so beautiful!
Julian: Yeah! It’s, uh, not what I expected... ...but it’s still awesome! I’ve never seen so many turtles!
Danny: This is a really beautiful, quiet place. It kinda has ‘Jeff’ written all over it.
Jeff: I’m glad you like it!
After the gathering...
Jeff: This was really fun, Danny.
Danny: Yeah! It really was!
Jeff: I’ve got a surprise for you, if you want to come with me.
Danny: What is it?
Jeff: I can’t tell you! It’s too personal!
Danny: Really?
Jeff: No, I’m kidding! I just don’t want to ruin the surprise!
Time - 6 hours
Jeff leads you away from the gathering...
Danny: So? What’s this surprise?
Jeff: You’ll see...
Jeff leads you to a wooden house overlooking a koi pond.
Danny: It’s beautiful!
Jeff: And voila!
Jeff steps aside, revealing an outdoor table. Arranged neatly on it are some tea cups, a tea kettle, and a huge pretzel!
Danny: A pretzel! For me?
Jeff: Surprise again! I wanted to thank you for everything you did for me! And I remembered how much you really wanted a pretzel at the basketball game!
Danny: This is SO thoughtful.
Jeff: Turns out, ‘thoughtful’ is what I’m all about.
Danny: I wish everyone had a wallflower friend like you...
Jeff: You’re just saying that because of the food.
Danny: Maybe. But not really...
Jeff: Haha!
- Have a Wallflower
Danny: Huh? Did someone say something?
Jeff: I did! Hi!
You turn and see Jeff sitting against the wall.
Danny: Oh, sorry. I didn’t see you there, Jeff.
Jeff: Totally not your fault. I’m used to it. I’m kind of a wallflower.
Danny: Aw, people usually don’t notice you? That sounds like a bad thing. Does it bother you?
Jeff: Not at all! A wallflower is just someone who hands out at the edges of crowds, looking in, noticing what no one else notices. Like the fact that you’re always looking out for everyone, Danny!
Danny: Awww! Thanks! No one’s ever really said anything to me about that!
Jeff: I am having ONE problem you might be able to help me with...
Danny: What’s that?
Jeff: ...
Danny: Excuse me? I didn’t hear you.
Jeff: I said that my birthday’s coming up...
Danny: Happy birthday, Jeff!
Jeff: Thanks! I really want to have a fun gathering of friends!
Danny: You mean, a party?
Jeff: Oh no! Parties are definitely not my thing!
Danny: Got it. A gathering. It doesn’t seem like there’s anything wrong with that! What’s the problem?
Jeff: ...I don’t have many friends to invite! Being a wallflower means I’m not very outgoing.
Danny: Well, you’ve come to the right place! I can help you make friends for sure!
Jeff: Really? You’d do that for me?
Danny: Of course! And I think I know exactly how to get started!
Jeff: Nothing too outgoing, right?
Danny: No way. We’re going to start slow. And the first step to making friends is to get loud! No offense, but I can barely hear you! It’s hard to make friends when no one can even hear what you have to say!
Jeff: That makes sense. But how can I ‘get loud’?
Danny: We need to go somewhere with a crowd! Somewhere fun! Somewhere where you can cheer for a scrappy point guard as they sink a fadeaway jumper with no time left on the clock!
Jeff: That got really specific.
Danny: There’s a basketball game here tonight! It’ll be perfect!
Requirements
- Danny
- A Level 5+ Jock (Emily)
- A Level 3+ Cheerleader (Channing)
You, Jeff, and Emily squeeze into the middle of the crowd for you school’s basketball game!
Channing calls to you from below.
Channing: Danny! Are you going to cheer today?!
Danny: Of course! That’s what we’re here for!
Channing: See you after the game!
Danny: What do you think of our seats, Jeff?
Jeff: They’re--
Emily: --Awesome! AWESOOOOOOOOOOME!
Jeff: Not quite how I was going to phrase it, but that’s the gist. I think normally I’d watch the game from way over there. By myself.
Danny: Let me guess, with your back against the wall?
Jeff: I guess ‘wallflower’ really is an apt term...
Emily: Well, now you’re hanging out with us, uh, bleacher pumpkins?
Jeff: I don’t think that will catch on...
Danny: Hey, before the game starts, I’m going to grab a pretzel! Can’t wait for all that pretzel-y goodness! Anyway, save my seat!
Time - 2 hours
After a timeout, you return to your seat holding some nachos...
Jeff: I thought you went to get a pretzel?
Danny: They ran out!
Jeff: Sorry...
Emily: Yeah! Bummer!
Danny: That’s okay... I can never be sad with nachos!
Later, with time winding down and the score close, your team has the ball!
Channing: Everyone get loud!
Danny: You ready?
Jeff: I... I think so. What do I do?
Danny: It’s easy. Just yell go team!
Jeff stands up and yells!
Jeff: GO TEAM!
Danny: Nice
Jeff: Yelling that felt great! Plus, I’ve never really felt much team spirit before!
Emily: Yeah! Way to cheer, Jeff!
Jeff: Glad I could contribute.
Emily: Let’s just hope it makes a difference. Our center’s stinking it up! It’s like he’s not focused at all...
Jeff: Um... I kind of noticed something about that.
Emily: Really? What?
Jeff: Well, see his girlfriend sitting right in the front row? He keeps looking at her, and I think she’s making him nervous!
Emily: Whoa! Good eyes, Jeff!
Jeff: Thanks. It wasn’t anything. And it’s not like we can do something about--
Emily: I’m going to do something about it! We have to win!
A few moments later...
Emily: I told his girlfriend what was up. She’s just hanging out in the parking lot now with some friends. And it looks like it totally paid off! Check out the score! We’re pulling ahead!
Boosted by the now-focused center, your school’s team dominates from then on, winning the game!
After the game...
Danny: So, Jeff, how was your first, middle-of-the-crowd cheering experience?
Jeff: ...
Danny: I... I can’t hear you... I guess it didn’t really work...
Jeff: Just kidding! That was so much FUN!
Channing comes over to say hi!
Channing: I don’t think I’ve seen you at a game before, Jeff... I hope you come back!
Jeff: Thanks!
Emily: I hope you come to every game! Without your sharp eyes, we would’ve lost!
Jeff: I... I played my part...
Outside the gym, Jeff turns to you.
Jeff: I think... I think I’m ready for whatever’s next...
Danny: Well, now that you’ve mastered ‘getting loud’, I think next is ‘caring less’. Namely, about what others think of you.
Jeff: And how do I care less?
Danny: One word, a bunch of syllables... KARAOKE!
Jeff: Uh... I don’t know... karaoke’s kind of a wallflower’s nightmare. All those judging people judging your singing with their judging ears...
Danny: That’s why this karaoke event will be special. It’ll be low-key, judge-free karaoke!
Jeff: Judge-free?
Danny: There’s a video game version of karaoke that you can play at home. We can sing with just the four of us listening.
Jeff: The four of us?
Danny: Yeah! Me, you, and two people who love spending an evening in front of a game console!
Requirements
- Jeff
- A Level 4+ Nerd (Zayn)
- A Level 4+ Gamer (James)
You and Jeff arrive at James’ house for karaoke.
Zayn: Come in! Come in! The ‘So You Think You Can Sing’ crowd grows impatient!
James: Yeah! I can hear them clamoring already for my melodic soprano!
Inside James’s house, Zayn and James have set up a mock concert stage, complete with surround sound speakers, a fog machine, and a vintage microphone stand.
Danny: Whoa. This is amazing!
Zayn: We’re glad you like it! We were getting SO tired of trying to sing co-op online...
Jeff: ...because you sing better than everyone else and judge them for it?
James: The opposite! We stink, and the internet can be a harsh, cruel, and heartless beast. Just like my Aunt Maude...
Zayn: Yeah! Karaoke’s only fun when no one’s judging you!
Jeff: Oh, this sounds great!
Danny: Then let’s get started! Release the fog!
Time - 3 hours
You and Jeff are almost ready for your karaoke duet together!
Zayn: Host’s choice! I picked THE hardest song available! Good luck!
James: Watching them try to nail this song is going to be so funny!
You see Jeff starting to panic!
Jeff: ...!
Zayn dims the lights, and the fog machine slowly fills the room with fog... You pause the song.
Zayn: What’s the hold up?
Danny: I was just thinking... if you guys want something funny, I’ve got just the song for you!
You change the song and start it up.
Jeff: I don’t know this one...
Danny: It’s okay. Just go with it.
A moment later...
Danny: What does the fox say?!
Jeff: Beep-a deep deep ba-deep deep beep!
Danny: Perfect fox!
Jeff: Hahaha! What IS this song?! It’s so funny!
Danny: Right?
After the song ends...
Zayn: You crushed it!
James: Hilarious all the way through! Ten out of ten for Jeff’s especially good fox noises!
Jeff: Thanks! I get to pick the next song!
After your duet, Zayn and James try a duet of their own...
Zayn: Aww... looks like we got another low score, James.
James: Weak.
Jeff: Um...
Danny: What’s up, Jeff?
Jeff: Well, I know the score says one thing, but I thought that was awesome!
Zayn: Thanks. We know we blew it.
James: Yeah, thanks for trying to cheer us up...
Jeff: I’m not just saying that! You may not have the best voices individually, but together, the two of you have a ton of vocal chemistry! I don’t know a lot about video games, but I don’t think any computer can pick up on that...
Zayn: You really mean it?
Jeff: Of course!
James: Yeah! Underrated by machines, but adored by audiences worldwide!
Jeff: And in this living room...
Later, you and Jeff say goodbye to Zayn and James.
Danny: Thanks for hosting us!
Zayn: No problem! Come over anytime! That means you too, Jeff!
James: Yeah! The fans are already hungry for an encore!
Jeff: ...okay!
On the way home...
Jeff: That was fun! And listen to my voice! It’s all scratchy from singing!
Danny: First time?
Jeff: First time!
Danny: So, you’ve already learned how to get loud and how to care less. Ready for the next lesson in Making Friends 101?
Jeff: I think so... just as long as it’s not--
Danny: --a party. Don’t worry, I remember.
Jeff: Good.
Danny: For this lesson, all you have to do is think fast!
Jeff: AHHHHHHH!
Danny: Why did you just scream?
Jeff: ‘Think fast’ is usually what someone says before they throw something at you!
Danny: Oh, whoops, sorry. Actually, we’re about to literally ‘think fast’! It’s time to improve our improv!
Requirements
- Danny
- Jeff
- A Level 5+ Classmate (Channing)
You and Jeff meet up with Channing in the school’s theater.
Channing: Improvisational comedy is a GREAT way to get better at thinking on your feet! It’s just you and your partner, making a wacky, unscripted premise come to life!
Danny: Can Jeff and I do a scene right now?
Channing: Sure you can!
Jeff: Uh... there won’t be an audience, right?
Channing: No. No audience. Just us.
Danny: Any tips before we get started?
Channing: All you really need to know is this: Don’t deny.
Jeff: And that means...?
Channing: Let’s say I’m doing a scene with Danny. I start by saying that Danny is a pirate with dreams of becoming a ballet dancer...
Danny: I like it.
Channing: If Danny denies what I’ve said, claiming instead to actually be a manatee looking for a job in computers, then the scene dies.
Jeff: I think I get it.
Channing: Good! Then let’s do some improv!
Time - 4 hours
You and Jeff get onstage and prepare for your improv scene! You approach, pretending to knock on an invisible door.
Jeff: Come in!
You step forward.
Danny: Hello, doctor.
Jeff: Hello, uh, patient whose name I’ve forgotten! I’ve been looking over your chart, and I’m deeply concerned.
Danny: Is it...?
Jeff: Yes, I’m afraid you have a serious case of... hop-on-one-leg disease...
You begin hopping up and down on one leg!
Channing: Hahaha! That’s good! That’s good!
Danny: I’ve been hopping like this off and on for the last three weeks. It’s driving my family crazy. You have to help me!
Jeff: There’s only ONE way to cure... hopatitis.
Danny: You don’t mean...?
Jeff: Yes. You have to... rub your stomach and pat your head at the same time.
Danny: I really don’t want to do that because of how silly it will look, but if it’s the only way...
Jeff: I’m afraid so...
You rub your stomach and pat your head all while still hopping around on one leg!
Channing: Hahaha! I can’t stop laughing!
Jeff: Aaaaaaaaaand scene! That’s a thing actors say, right?
Channing: It is! Great job, both of you! That was REALLY funny and REALLY good!
Danny: We’re quite the quick-thinking pair!
Channing: Just a heads up, I’m running an improv show here tonight!
Channing hands both of you flyers advertising the event.
Channing: You should both totally come perform! You were so good at coming up with funny stuff on the spot!
Jeff: I... I don’t think that’s a good idea. All those people... all that pressure.
Danny: Jeff isn’t a fan of crowds.
Jeff: Especially crowds that are looking at me!
Channing: Why are you studying improv then?!
Jeff: Danny’s just helping me meet new people.
Danny: I figured improv could give Jeff some of the skills for making friends!
Channing: Oh, I get it. Good for you, Jeff!
Jeff: Oh, um...
Danny: I’ve seen that look before. What’s up, Jeff?
Jeff: I just noticed that the date on these flyers is for tomorrow, not tonight...
Channing: What?! Let me see... Oh, wow! Thanks for noticing that! You know, if you want to meet new people, but don’t like big groups, there is an alternative.
Jeff: What’s that?
Channing: Dating!
Danny: Ooh! Great idea, Channing!
Jeff: ‘Great’ isn’t exactly the word I’d use... I mean, I am dating someone, but that doesn’t make it any less nerve-racking!
Requirements
- Complete a Successful Date with Jeff
Danny: So... about that date!
Jeff: I’m sorry! I can’t talk about it. It’s nothing against you or anything... I just don’t like to talk about really personal stuff.
Danny: Fair enough. Can’t say I’m surprised...
Danny: I’ve been thinking about how far you’ve come, Jeff! You got loud at the basketball game, you cared less at karaoke... You thought fast at improv, and you just braved the scary world of dating!
Jeff: You’re saying I’m done? That I’m ready to make friends for my birthday gathering?!
Danny: Not exactly... there is still one small step you’re going to love. And by ‘small’ I mean ‘big’ and by ‘love’ I mean ‘hate’.
Jeff: Oh no! You don’t mean what I think you mean, do you?
Danny: I do! It’s time to throw a party!
Requirements
- Complete a Party with Jeff
As you’re leaving the party...
Danny: Did you have fun, Jeff?
Jeff: I did! I danced! I never dance!
As you’re leaving, some of your friends come over to talk to you and Jeff...
Autumn: You have such an interesting dancing style, Jeff... it’s very free form!
Jeff: Thanks...
Julian: Yeah, you really know how to throw an epic party, Jeff! When’s the next one?
Danny: Actually, there’s this birthday bash that Jeff’s going to throw, and...
You turn toward Jeff... ...but Jeff is gone!
Danny: Jeff?
You see him in the distance, heading toward his car!
Danny: Oh no!
You rush over, only to watch him drive off!
Danny: This is my fault... I’ve got to find him!
Requirements
- Danny
- A Girl Classmate (Maya)
- A Guy Classmate (Alex)
You, Maya, and Alex are driving around, looking for Jeff!
Maya: I don’t want to be a downer, but he could be anywhere...
Alex: Yeah, don’t you have some idea where he might be?
Danny: Jeff is a wallflower, and wallflowers like to be away from people.
Maya: So we’ve narrowed it down to... places where people aren’t?
Just then you drive near a sign for the beach...
Danny: The beach! That’s where Jeff is!
Alex: Uh, hate to break it to you, but you said Jeff would be where people aren’t. There are like a thousand people on the beach...
Danny: Yeah, but Jeff isn’t on the beach.
Maya: Jeff IS the beach?
Danny: Just drive!
Time - 5 hours
A few minutes later, you pull into the beach parking lot...
Danny: There’s Jeff’s car!
Near the parking lot is a tall lighthouse at the end of a rocky point.
Maya: Whaaaat?! How long has this lighthouse been here?!
You rush over to it... Inside, Jeff is sitting at the top of a spiral staircase, staring out through the lighthouse windows at the ocean. Maya and Alex hang back so you can talk to him alone...
Danny: Jeff?
Jeff: Oh! You startled me!
Danny: Are you okay? You kind of bailed back there...
Jeff: Yeah, I guess I did...
Danny: I’m really sorry... I feel so bad. I forced you into going even though I knew you--
Jeff: --Danny?
Danny: Yeah?
Jeff: There’s nothing for you to apologize for.
Danny: Really?
Jeff: I was having a great time at the party, I just got a little overwhelmed by all the attention afterward! My weekends are usually spent in special, solitary places like the top of this lighthouse.
Danny: The ocean is so beautiful from up here.
Jeff: And the population is usually one. It’s a thousand times different than being in a house party packed with classmates!
Danny: So, you left because you were overwhelmed?
Jeff: Yeah, I just needed a moment by myself, that’s all. Wait... are you okay? You look upset.
Danny: I just... I was supposed to teach you how to make friends, and I feel like I let you down! Like I failed...
Jeff: Not at all! I’m so grateful for all the lessons you’ve taught me. They’ve helped, you know?
Danny: Have they?
Jeff: Sure! While you were teaching me how to meet people and make friends, I met a bunch of people and made a lot of friends!
Danny: Heh. Like who?
Jeff: Well, I’m now friends with a jock, a nerd, a gamer, and an improv coach! Plus all the people from the party! And all thanks to you!
Danny: I think you should take most of the credit. I also think you’re forgetting one new friend... me!
Jeff: ...
Danny: Listen... you might have learned some lessons from me, but you might not realize that I’ve learned some lessons from you.
Jeff: Really? Like what?
Danny: Like the power of being observant and insightful. If it weren’t for you, I wouldn’t have gotten that compliment about helping others. My day would have been a little less bright. The basketball team wouldn’t have won its game, my karaoke friends might never have known how good they sound together, and the improv even wouldn’t have been advertised on the right day! If it weren’t for you, none of those things would have happened!
Jeff: But all I did was just notice a detail or two...
Danny: That’s exactly the point. You helped others, just by being you. Actually, now that I think about it, you’re a lot like this lighthouse, guiding others from an outside perspective.
Jeff: Thanks, Danny! That’s like the nicest thing anyone’s ever said to me! But you should know this lighthouse has been out of commission for twenty years.
Danny: Don’t ruin it.
Jeff: Sorry.
The two of you look out at the ocean for a while...
Danny: Jeff?
Jeff: Yeah?
Danny: I think you’re ready for your birthday gathering...
Jeff: Yay!
Requirements
- Danny
- Jeff
The next week, it’s Jeff’s birthday gathering at a Japanese tea garden! All of Jeff’s new friends from the basketball game, karaoke, improv, and the party are there, including Autumn and Julian!
Autumn: Great birthday party, er... gathering, Jeff! This garden is so beautiful!
Julian: Yeah! It’s, uh, not what I expected... ...but it’s still awesome! I’ve never seen so many turtles!
Danny: This is a really beautiful, quiet place. It kinda has ‘Jeff’ written all over it.
Jeff: I’m glad you like it!
After the gathering...
Jeff: This was really fun, Danny.
Danny: Yeah! It really was!
Jeff: I’ve got a surprise for you, if you want to come with me.
Danny: What is it?
Jeff: I can’t tell you! It’s too personal!
Danny: Really?
Jeff: No, I’m kidding! I just don’t want to ruin the surprise!
Time - 6 hours
Jeff leads you away from the gathering...
Danny: So? What’s this surprise?
Jeff: You’ll see...
Jeff leads you to a wooden house overlooking a koi pond.
Danny: It’s beautiful!
Jeff: And voila!
Jeff steps aside, revealing an outdoor table. Arranged neatly on it are some tea cups, a tea kettle, and a huge pretzel!
Danny: A pretzel! For me?
Jeff: Surprise again! I wanted to thank you for everything you did for me! And I remembered how much you really wanted a pretzel at the basketball game!
Danny: This is SO thoughtful.
Jeff: Turns out, ‘thoughtful’ is what I’m all about.
Danny: I wish everyone had a wallflower friend like you...
Jeff: You’re just saying that because of the food.
Danny: Maybe. But not really...
Jeff: Haha!