A/N: Really tempted to time jump.

The first snow had reached Pennsylvania, and Christmas was well on its way.

JJ was enjoying her time as a normal human being. Despite all the sponsorship deals and promotion opportunities that were rolling in much to her delight, life still felt normal... easy even.

Her budding relationship with Will was a secret for the time being; JJ was a rather private person, and she was happy to enjoy it for a little while before telling her parents that things between the two had changed.

"Your grandparents haven't seen you since before the Olympics, so expect a lot of fussing over you at Christmas dinner this year. Well... more than usual," Sandy said conversationally as she and JJ worked to hang a string of tinsel along the length of the lounge room.

"I don't want them to fuss over me," JJ replied. "I won a few Olympic medals, and yes, that's amazing, but I'm still the same person... I don't want to be treated any different"

"I know," Sandy sympathised. "But they're just proud of you, JJ, as are your dad and I. Not everyone has an Olympic champion in the family, and your grandparents are just excited about that. Even if the fussing gets annoying, try to remember they're just excited and showing you that they're proud"

Shrugging as she taped the tinsel to the curtain rod, JJ stepped down from the step ladder.

"Besides, Aly probably has it worse," Sandy laughed. "Her family is huge"

Grinning at the thought of what her best friend was going to experience come Christmas, JJ nodded. "Definitely worse"

Climbing down from her own step, Sandy folded her arms across the top of the TV and leaning on it as she looked towards her daughter.

"Hey, tell me something," she said, a smile lingering in the corners of her mouth. "What's the deal with you and Will?"

JJ had to fight very hard to stop her face from showing the reaction she was feeling on the inside. How on earth had her mom figured out something was up so quickly?

"What do you mean?"

"Well, you've been spending a lot of time together lately, I'm just curious," Sandy said lightly.

JJ shrugged. "I don't know... nothing's the deal. We've just been hanging out"

She was surprised when her mom started to laugh. As confused as she was, it was infectious, and she couldn't help the grin spreading across her face.

"What?"

"I saw you two on the porch the other day," Sandy chuckled. "If there really is nothing going on, then that makes that kiss a bit awkward"

"Oh my god," JJ groaned, her cheeks flushing red. "I didn't realise you were home"

"Clearly," Sandy laughed.

"I kind of wanted to keep it to myself for a little while. Just until... until we were completely comfortable with it. Not that we aren't... but, like, we're making the jump from friends to being a couple, so it's just taking some time"

Sandy nodded. "No, I understand that. I wasn't going to say anything, but you know me... can't resist a chance to poke a little fun"

"I know," JJ said dryly, rolling her eyes.

"Do we need to have that chat again about sex-"

"No!" JJ cut in before she curst out laughing. "We've been together for about two weeks Mom, slow down. Besides, I can take care of myself, and I know I can come to you if I need anything"

"Too right my girl," Sandy beamed, pushing off of the TV and crossing the room to be closer to her daughter.

"Just please, Mom... don't tell Dad just yet. I'll tell him soon," JJ said softly. "It's still all very new, and we're just figuring stuff out. Like how on earth it's going to work when I go back to training and go back to spending every waking hour in the gym"

Placing her hands on JJ's shoulders, Sandy gave her a comforting smile.

"If it's a relationship that's meant to be in your life, it'll work. Don't you worry about that"

jj_jareau94: Just finished watching the team final. Crying.

As the pre-medal ceremony montage rolled across the screen, JJ was wiping away the stray tears beneath her eyes.

"You were actually there, JJ," Will chuckled. "And I don't think you cried"

JJ turned, managing a grin. "No, but you don't get it. When I was actually there, it was just a whirlwind. Everything happened so quickly, and adrenaline was on our side... it was mostly a blur. I was too excited to cry. But sitting here and reliving it all... right now, I can actually think about all the work that went into that gold medal, and seeing the exact moment we became Olympic champions... it's pretty moving"

Will broke into a handsome smile as he watched JJ closely.

"I may never fully understand it... but I love how happy you get when you talk about it," he said gently, pulling JJ into his arms. "Promise me you're not giving up gymnastics... because you look happiest when you're defying death in midair"

JJ laughed, leaning against his shoulder as he kissed her temple.

"Don't worry. I'll be back in the gym before you know it. So don't wish away our time right now"

Tipping her face up towards him, Will smiled.

"Never, " he replied, before kissing her gently.

It just felt so right. It felt so natural to be Will's girlfriend. It was like they had been meant for each other the whole time.

And, JJ suddenly realised, her mother may have known that all along.