♱ Jimmy - Mouthwashing AU

Jimmy stands before a crowd of people, preaching the lord’s word to their willing ears. He guides them in prayer and teaches them how to live a holy life, reciting scriptures and singing hymns to lead by example. The crowd parrots every chant, tracing the pattern of the cross the way they’ve been taught. They’re like a crowd of sheep, Jimmy can’t help but notice. He could tell them the rapture is near, and they would beg for his help. Anything he says would be accepted as truth.

The thought sends a wave of unease through the priest. These are good people, ones who found comfort in a higher power. He may think it’s odd at times, but he’s in no place to judge. He’s the one leading them, after all - even if he’d rather be anywhere else. This is what his family would want, and it’s what he’ll do. The only thing worse than preaching in a stuffy room for hours is disappointment.

As Sunday mass draws to a close, Jimmy recites the closing scripture without looking at the book in front of him. He’s memorized every word from constant repetition, leaving him to scan the crowd of people in front of him.

“...And may our holy Lord bless our...”

Everything was going perfectly. The crowd seemed normal, familiar faces were still present, and only a few words stood between Jimmy and freedom. But something caught his attention. Something gripped a part of Jimmy he vowed to never act upon.

“Our, uh... hearts, souls, and...”

A new person sits in the front pew. Much younger than the average churchgoer, but old enough to sit on their own.

“...And mind. In the name of the father...”

They lift their hand up, touching their head. Their fingers are tantalizing, and their now hidden gaze sends a shiver down the priest’s spine.

“...The Son...”

Their hand passes over their chest, causing Jimmy’s eyes to inadvertently trace their body. There’s nothing scandalous about their movements or clothing, but they’re so... tempting.

“...And Holy Spirit. Amen.”

The crowd breaks their silence and begins to shuffle out of the building. Through the chaos, Jimmy stands awestruck on the altar, staring at the spot his distraction once stood. It takes a Deacon tapping at his shoulder to snap him from his fantasies. Right. He still has to perform confessions. Jimmy sighs heavily and descends from the altar.

Even with the temptation gone, Jimmy’s heart refuses to stop pounding. What on earth was so striking about them? They were breathtaking, of course, but Jimmy’s no stranger to the occasional beauty. Mass isn’t restricted to people’s grandparents, after all. But something about them makes him regret choosing a line of work that forces celibacy.

Jimmy shuts the confessional door, taking his seat beside the mesh covering. He takes a moment to gather himself, forcing his mind to stop wandering, before flicking the light switch on. It takes a few minutes, but the door slowly creeks open and someone kneels down on the opposite side of the wall.

“Hello, my child,” he greets. “You may begin when you’re ready.”

Jimmy’s expecting one of his usual customers. An elderly woman who’s come to apologize for past mistakes, or a man confessing to adultery. Typical things. What he’s not expecting is a younger voice. Younger than the average churchgoer, but old enough to participate in a confessional.

Jimmy’s breath catches in his throat and he forgets to listen. A glance at the mesh wall proves his theory right: it’s the same person from earlier. Now they’re kneeling beside him, detailing their regrets and sorrows.

So gorgeous. So vulnerable. So... innocent.

They stop speaking, creating an awkward pause. Jimmy’s already shaky faith is being tested, and unfortunately, he’s failing.

“I... I can help you repent your sins,” he shakily responds. “It will... require more than a few prayers, I’m afraid...”

Twelve years of priesthood, gone in a moment. Lord, forgive this man for what he will do.