A Fresh Start: Jamie Oliver x Bob the Tomato

Chapter 1: A Holy Encounter

The soft hum of church organs echoed in the nearly empty church, the afternoon sun shining through the vibrant stained glass hitting Jamie Oliver's eyes. Was it worth it? the constant scrutiny, the hate, the despair he fell into? Jamie squeezes his eyes shut and pressed his head against the church pew "if there's a god out there, please, please just send me a sign" he croaked, tears streaming down his face. Tomato juice from the veggies and fruits that had been thrown at him earlier ran down his shirt. The people hated him, he tried to give them a peace offering of various vegetables and fruits yet they threw them right back and spat in his face.

Hot tears rolled down his face, yet he suddenly felt something wiping them away. He looked up with a start and came face to face with a red, round... tomato? Jamie shot back, stumbling back in the pew "wh-who are you?!" he said, voice trembling. The tomato casually jumped down from the pew, his short stubby legs giving a surprisingly graceful landing. His smooth complexion reflected in the dimming sunlight as he confidently glided towards Jamie, who was still frozen in shock "I'm Bob, Bob the tomato. it's a pleasure" the tomato said, voice deep and smooth as carrot juice. He held out a small hand to shake snapping Jamie out of his entranced state. Jamie held a finger for Bob and he took it with a firm grip and shake.

Jamie sat down onto the pew, needing time and stability to process all that was happening "w-why are you here?" Jamie said, throat starting to clear from all the tears. Bob hopped onto the pew, legs gracefully leaping onto the worn, wooden bench "I'm here because you asked for me" he said, looking deeply into Jamie's eyes. He placed his hand on Jamie's "I've been watching you, what you've been doing for this unaccepting town, all you have given just to be turned away, and it hurts my tomato heart to see you cry" his hand lightly caressed Jamie's face and wiped his tears away "I'll help this whole town see how important you are" Bob said softly.

The door creaked open and in walked priest. In a panic, Jamie shoved Bob into his bag and quickly walked out. Once they were safely out of the church Bob stuck his head out of the bag "it isn't safe for me to be out in the open" he said nervously "do you mind if I stay at your place" Jamie looked down at Bob, face flushing, a nervous smile spread across his lips "sure" they ran away to Jamie's abode as the sun set over the horizon.