Title: Shadowland: Jake/Sleepy's POV

Rating: Probably K+

Disclaimer: I do not own these stories. The talented Meg Cabot does, of course.

Summary: This is the Mediator, book one: Shadowland. But, it's in Jake/Sleepy's POV. It's about his feelings in the book, and his feelings for Suze. Just what exactly is going on? And why is his step-sister so frequently on his mind?

A/N: Okay, I get that their siblings, but it is STEP-siblings. So technically, it's not wrong. It's just weird. But I read a Suze/Jake (Sleepy) story, and it was amazing and I was really interested. So, when I re-read some of the books, I noticed a lot of scenes that could be taken as a protective older brother BUT if you open your imagination just a little, it could almost be seen as jealousy. So at least try it, first. Then if you don't like it, that's fine. But at least give it a try! And be sure to let me know what you think!

Suze. That was her name. My new sister, or well, STEP-sister to be exact. I'd heard my dad and his fiancé, my soon to be new mother, talk about her. Apparently, she was a little rough around the edges. And for some odd reason, she really despised old buildings. I'm sure that would be great, considering the house we had just bought was old, very old. I mean, how weird, huh? Someone who dislikes old buildings?

But whatever, I've seen weirder.

So, anyway, the first time I met her was at the wedding. And, ok, so I admit it. She was hot.

What is wrong with me? I have no idea. I cannot believe that I thought she was hot. But honestly, it was definitely not my fault. Because I noticed her at the wedding BEFORE I knew who she was.

I saw a girl with shoulder length dark hair, walking around with an air of confidence. But not that fake conceited type of confidence that girls like Kelly and Debbie have. It was more like she knew who she was and what she was doing. And well, I mean, she was definitely in good shape. She must have worked extra hard to keep a body like that. And since I am a guy and everything, I noticed.

Just as I was admiring her and about to walk over and introduce myself, I saw my dad call her over.

"Suze!" he said, waving her over towards us.

Just my luck. The girl I was checking out just happened to be my very-soon-to-be sister, or well- stepsister, but still.

She walked over as my dad called over the rest of the family and introduced all of us. I briefly said hi, nodded, and walked away.

It's not that I was trying to be rude or anything. I mean, I really wasn't. It's just that I was slightly weirded out by the fact that I had just been checking out my future stepsister. Besides, I was incredibly tired. I still wasn't used to working so late. But it would be worth it, once I got my Camaro.

Anyway, so after the wedding, we went to the reception. After a while, I decided that I needed some fresh air to keep me awake. So I stepped outside and saw Suze, and she was wearing a leather jacket and smoking a cigarette.

Well, I guess I'm in luck that she's my stepsister, after all. Because I definitely never wanted to date a human ashtray, or a gang member, which I was beginning to think she might possibly be.

I mean, after all, she did have that great body.

And, it is NOT weird that I noticed. Come on. I'm a guy, and it's not like she's blood related or anything. I just happened to notice is all.

Anyway, she was obviously in shape. Probably from all the fighting in whatever gang she had been in back in New York. I mean, gangs were pretty common there after all, weren't they?

So, of course, I came out and asked her if she was a gang.

What?! She seemed open enough. I didn't think she'd care.

But anyway, she denied that she was in a gang. I still didn't believe her though. I mean, she was always glancing weirdly over her shoulder or something like someone was going to pop up behind her. She was probably looking out for some member of an enemy gang, or something like that. I mean, I didn't know much about gangs. But that was the only explanation I could think of as to why she was so paranoid.

But I didn't want to seem too pushy, so I dropped the subject. I still didn't believe her, but I wasn't going to let her know that.

So then the wedding was over, and everyone left. But then, it was up to us to help decorate her room.

Our parents were going all out in Suze's room. Andy installed a bay window and a canopy bed and made it so, well, so feminine. But the thing was, it didn't seem like Suze at all. I mean, yeah, I guess Suze's mom would know her better than I did. But it just seemed like Suze wouldn't like it. But I decided not to say anything, on the chance that I would be wrong and end up looking like an idiot.

So I did my share and helped out. I wanted Suze to feel welcome here. Plus, maybe she would give up her gang activities if she felt more at home here.

Finally, after days of labor working on Suze's room, we were finally done. Suze would be here soon to move in, and I couldn't help wondering what she would think of the room.

I wondered if she'd appreciate all the hard work I had put into it.

I mean, not me specifically. What I mean was all the hard work we had put into it. Together. As a family.

I wasn't expecting her to personally thank me or appreciate me or whatever. I just meant, you know, in general.

Yeah, that's all.

Really, what is WRONG with me?!

A/N: Okay, that's all for now. Let me know how you like it and what you think. Is it too out of character for him? Is anything off? Any recommendations? Comments? Criticism? Just let me know! Please review! No matter what you have to say!