Jenna Ortega Imagines (2)

Tamales and Kindness - J.O

3rd Person POV:

Y/N adjusted the camera perched on her kitchen counter, testing the lighting one last time before the stream went live. The warm scent of masa and roasted chiles already filled the air, blending with the faint hum of Spanish music from her speaker.

"Alright, chat." She said with a grin, brushing a bit of flour off her cheek. "Today's stream is special. I've got guests—really special ones."

A knock came at the door right on cue.

She darted over, pulling it open to reveal Jenna Ortega standing with her family: her mom, dad, and two of her sisters. Jenna wore an oversized hoodie and jeans, her hair tied up messily, and the sight made Y/N's heart stutter. She wasn't used to seeing Jenna so casual—so completely herself.

"Hey." Jenna greeted, smiling wide. "We're ready to cook."

"Perfect timing." Y/N said, stepping aside to let them in. "Chat's already waiting to meet the Ortegas."

As everyone shuffled in, the camera's chat feed exploded.

"OMG JENNAAAA"
"Is that her actual family?!"
"Latina cooking stream YES"

Jenna laughed as she leaned over to read. "They're really calling us the Ortega Tamale Squad already?"

Y/N snorted. "You should see them when I burn rice. They get vicious."

Jenna's mom chuckled as she unpacked bowls of ingredients. "Well, let's make sure that doesn't happen today, mija."

-

Soon, the kitchen was alive with noise—the rustle of corn husks, laughter, and the rhythm of spoons clinking against metal bowls. Y/N showed the camera each step, narrating like she always did, except this time, there was a spark of something new in her tone—joy.

"So, we start by spreading the masa evenly." Y/N explained, demonstrating. "Not too thick, not too thin. Think of it like love—you don't want to smother it, but you don't want to hold back either."

Jenna looked up from her own tamale, raising an eyebrow. "Did you just compare masa to love?"

The chat went wild.

"Jenna caught that 😏"
"She's flirtingggg"

Y/N's cheeks flushed. "I-I was talking about the consistency!"

Jenna leaned closer, whispering just loud enough for the mic to pick up. "Mhm. Sure, chef."

Her teasing grin made Y/N's heart race.

While they cooked, Jenna's dad mashed beans in a pot, humming to himself. One of her sisters arranged foil trays to store the finished tamales in. Y/N's camera caught it all—the genuine family energy, the warmth that radiated between them.

"Okay," Y/N said after a while, brushing masa from her hands, "So these trays are for later. We're gonna pack tamales and beans to give out downtown. That's the real goal of today's stream—feeding people who need it most."

The chat quieted for a second, then filled with hearts.

"That's beautiful 🥹"
"You guys are amazing for this."

Jenna smiled softly, looking proud. "Yeah, my mom and I used to help out at shelters during the holidays. This feels like coming home."

-

An hour later, the counter was stacked with neatly wrapped tamales. Steam curled into the air, the scent rich and comforting. Y/N turned off the stove and smiled at the camera.

"And that's how it's done." She said, wiping her hands on a towel. "But we're not done yet. The real magic happens outside."

She paused the stream momentarily to reposition her camera setup for the outdoor portion. Jenna helped her load the containers into the car, their hands brushing every so often, each touch sending a quiet thrill through Y/N.

"You know," Jenna said as they climbed in, "I've been on a lot of sets, done a lot of shoots, but this? This feels... real."

Y/N smiled, starting the car. "That's because it is."

-

The streets downtown were cool and quiet, the sun dipping low behind the buildings. They parked near a shelter where a few people were already gathered, waiting with tired but hopeful faces.

Y/N started handing out meals, her camera balanced on a small tripod. She made sure not to zoom in on anyone's faces—just on the act of giving, the exchange of warmth.

"Hi, would you like some tamales?" She asked a man sitting on the curb. His eyes lit up as he nodded, murmuring thanks.

Behind her, Jenna knelt beside a woman holding a small dog, gently passing her a container and a bottle of water. "For you and your buddy too."

The woman smiled, whispering, "God bless you."

For a long moment, Jenna stood still, eyes glimmering in the fading light. When she turned back to Y/N, her expression was soft, almost reverent.

"This is what people should be watching." She said quietly. "Not the chaos online, not drama. Just... people helping people."

Y/N reached out, brushing a strand of hair from Jenna's cheek. "That's why I started my channel. Cooking's great, but it's the connection that matters."

The chat scrolled fast across Y/N's phone as it livestreamed the moment.

"I'm crying right now."
"The world needs more of this."
"This is why I love you both."

-

After an hour of handing out meals, their trays were empty. The group stood together under a streetlamp, tired but glowing. Jenna's family laughed among themselves, recounting the little kitchen mishaps, while Y/N began wrapping up the stream.

"Alright, guys," She said, her voice gentle, "Today wasn't just about cooking—it was about sharing. About kindness. Thank you for being here with us."

Jenna stepped beside her, waving at the camera. "And if you're watching, do something kind for someone this week. Big or small, it all matters."

The chat flooded again with hearts and emojis.

Y/N turned off the stream, sighing softly. "That might've been my favorite one yet."

Jenna grinned. "Mine too. Though next time, I'm making dessert."

"Oh yeah?" Y/N teased. "What, store-bought cookies?"

"Hey," Jenna said, poking her arm, "I can bake! You just have to... supervise. Closely."

Y/N laughed, tucking a loose strand of hair behind her ear. "Deal. But only if you help me pass out food again."

Jenna's gaze lingered on her, soft and full of unspoken warmth. "Always."

As they packed up, Y/N looked out at the street—the people now eating, smiling, sharing quiet conversations—and felt something settle deep in her chest.

Hope.

It wasn't about being famous online, or perfecting recipes. It was about moments like this—hands giving, hearts open. And standing there beside Jenna, laughter echoing into the night, Y/N knew she wouldn't trade it for the world.