A/N: Aaaand another one! This one is a bit all over the place, it's a bit of a positioning chapter.
After what had truly been a wonderful night, JJ had been the first to wake the following morning. For the first time all weekend, the rain had broken and the sun was shining through the window.
Not in any hurry to move, JJ had stayed beneath the covers, her eyes drifting over to the sleeping face of her boyfriend. He'd looked so peaceful that JJ had let him sleep a little longer. He'd put so much work into making sure their weekend together was perfect; he had more than earned a decent rest.
Hours later, she was home. Will had dropped her off with a tight hug and a sweet kiss, before leaving her to mentally prepare for another week of dealing with the professional aspects of her gymnastics.
Unpacking was a drag, but eventually it was done. No sooner had she packed away the last of her things than she was falling onto her bed, her mind already drifting back to the weekend.
A light knock at the door immediately pulled her back into the present.
"Mind if I come in?" came her mother's voice.
"Sure," JJ replied, turning her head towards the door as her mom came into the room.
"How was your trip?" Sandy asked, taking a seat at the end of JJ's bed as JJ pushed herself up to a sitting position.
"Oh my god, it was amazing. The cabin was so beautiful, and the lake was beyond gorgeous. Will said he'll take me back in the summer," JJ replied.
"I've heard all about it from his parents... it does sound amazing," Sandy said with a smile. "That boy is quite the romantic"
"He really is," JJ said, her mind momentarily wandering back to the previous morning as a happy smile crossed her face.
A few moments' silence passed, only to be ended when JJ took a deep breath and looked up at her mom once more.
"Can I ask you something? Something personal?" she asked quietly.
Sandy nodded slowly, looking rather concerned. "What's it about?"
JJ sighed, clasping her hands together tightly. "Sex"
Without hesitating, Sandy nodded. "Go on"
JJ frowned, biting her lip. "I don't know how to explain it without just telling you what happened... minus the details, of course"
Relaxing, Sandy chuckled. "Go ahead, you know I won't judge"
"Well... last night, Will and I were... you know... and, there was this moment... when it felt like nothing else in the world mattered... like it was just Will and I and we were all that existed. And right after that, I felt this incredible feeling of love... it was so strong, I could feel it in every part of my body, but it wasn't a physical thing? And it was so overwhelming... when it was all over, I just started crying, I couldn't control it," JJ explained softly. "I just... I know it was love that I was feeling, but I don't really understand... why it hit me last night in the way it did... and I was wondering if you've ever experienced anything like that?"
Sandy was slightly taken aback. She and JJ had always been close, but the fact that JJ trusted her enough to open up to her about something that had clearly been a special and private moment was something that she found deeply touching. It also amazed her (and made her incredibly proud) that even at what was a considerably young age as far as committed relationships went, JJ had such a mature perspective on the things she was experiencing in her relationship with Will.
Turning so she was facing JJ completely, Sandy smiled at her daughter, reaching out and squeezing her hand.
"True love is one of the most powerful things you can feel, my girl, and from what I can guess, you definitely felt that last night with Will. When you're in a deeply connected, committed relationship, as you two are, the emotions you feel during sex are so much stronger, they can be incredibly overwhelming, which is probably why you started to cry," she explained gently. "You were alone together all weekend, you were celebrating an important milestone in your relationship... I suspect that all played a hand in what you felt. As for your other question... I have felt that before... many times, actually. With your father. The first time I ever felt that... was the same moment I realised he was the one I wanted to spend the rest of my life with"
JJ broke into a soft smile. Her parents' relationship was one for the ages, a model of what she wanted in her future one day. To hear her mother's honest account of what she thought and felt really helped her to better understand what she herself had felt.
"It sounds like you had a really special weekend," Sandy said with a smile. "I'm glad of that... you and Will don't have the easiest relationship, what with all your training and other commitments combined with his work and study. It's nice to see you two are mature enough to handle it really well"
"It was amazing," JJ agreed quietly. "What we have is something worth fighting for, it's worth putting in the effort"
"You two have always been beyond your years... I suspect your gymnastics has a hand in that. I'm just glad that you're happy. Because if he was making you miserable, I'd kick his ass"
JJ laughed. "I don't doubt that for a second"
JJ seemed more subdued and a little more inconsistent at Worlds than we're used to seeing from her. Do you think that's a bad sign?
No, I don't think it is. She's been working really hard without a long break pretty much her whole life, and even after the Olympics, she only took a couple of months off before she came back. I think, understandably, she was just tired. She definitely looked like she had a little less energy in the all-around final, and I think that's a sign that this quad is just wearing her a little thin. I don't think it's anything to worry about; I spoke to her personally just a couple of weeks back in a phone interview, and she seemed quite chirpy and happy, and said she wasn't disappointed in her Worlds performance, and that she's looking forward to what lies ahead. As for being subdued... she had a big wobble in the team final, which is never a good feeling, and I also heard a rumor that she got rattled the morning of the all-around by some nasty comments online. It's just a reminder that these girls are human too. I don't think JJ's troubles at Worlds are major concern; she's always proved herself when she needs to. And it's all a reminder to us to watch what we say about people when we think they can't see it.
Do you think having a relationship is a distraction to elite gymnasts?
I don't think so! Not as long as you're someone who can manage their time and prioritise, and the person you're with is someone who completely understands your commitments. Look at JJ as an example; she and her boyfriend have been together for two years now, and if anything, I think it's a benefit for her. Will supports her wholeheartedly, and encourages her dreams. I think because of it, she's grown immeasurably in confidence since 2012.
Snow was falling thick and fast beneath the cold gray sky, but despite the freezing winter, JJ was working up a sweat inside the gym.
Christmas was just four days away, but there was no time to rest. Before returning to the gym in January, JJ had taken it upon herself to go to the gym twice a week for conditioning and strength training. With all the snow on the roads, her dad had driven her to and from that day, with the promise of a sweet treat on the way home. Today's choice was pancakes.
After ordering their food, they chose a table in the corner of the quiet establishment, near the window, and near enough to the fireplace that they were able to keep warm.
"Your workout looked good today," Michael said with a smile. "You look like you're getting even stronger"
"Thanks," JJ replied happily. "That's the plan"
"You excited for next season?" Michael asked.
JJ nodded slowly. "Yeah... mostly"
Michael frowned. "Mostly?"
"I'm a little... I don't know, I think anxious is the best word," JJ admitted. "It's an important season, and I have a lot of upgrades going back in"
"You know better than to stress about it though," Michael said. "Nick will guide you through it at the pace he sees fit. I'm sure you're going to be just fine"
Smiling, JJ nodded. "I know. I'm trying not to worry"
"Good. Now on another note, I can't believe it's Christmas in three days," Michael chuckled. "Another year gone"
"It's crazy. I swear it was Christmas just yesterday," JJ laughed.
"I'll never forget one Christmas... you, Jason and Rosie all tried to surprise us with breakfast. Somehow, you got egg on the ceiling, burnt the toast, and we later found a hashbrown in the Christmas tree," Michael said, starting to laugh once more.
JJ laughed as well. "I remember that. I think the hashbrown was my doing"
Silence fell between them once more. In the quiet of the cafe, a saddened look crossed Michael's face.
"It's never been quite the same without Rosie, has it?"
Sighing softly, JJ shook her head slowly. "I miss her. Every day"
Reaching across, Michael squeezed JJ's hand, giving her a comforting smile. "You're not the only one, Jaybird"
"Do you think she's proud of me?" JJ asked quietly.
Michael looked surprised for a minute, a sudden wave of sadness crossing his face for a split instant. Holding onto his resolve, he closed his other hand around JJ's, holding her hand between his own as he tried to offer her some comfort. "Of course she is. Every day. I don't know how she couldn't be," he said truthfully. A twinkle flew into his eye and a little smile began to play around his lips. "And she'll be glad you finally got together with Will"
JJ giggled, her cheeks blushing pale pink as the heaviness that had momentarily settled in her heart immediately lifted. "They're still spending Christmas with us, right?" she asked.
Michael nodded. "And Jason and Katie fly in tomorrow morning as well," he said.
JJ chuckled. "The snow will be a nice shock to their systems after Florida"
Michael grinned. "Oh, I bet it will be"
At that point, the waiter brought over their food. Once he had set it down for them and left, Michael lifted his spoon. "Bon appétit, my JJ"
JJ smiled, picking up her spoon as well. "Bon appétit"
Passengers streamed out of the arrivals doors, heading straight for the bank of baggage carousels that JJ and Will were standing by. He had an arm looped loosely around her waist, watching as a carousel began to move for a flight that had just arrived from Newark. Will's brother Sam, his wife Lisa, and their two kids, Bailey-Rose and Pippa had come up to see their family for Christmas, and Will had happily volunteered to pick them up at the airport.
"Apparently Bailey-Rose has been talkin' about you for weeks since she found out they were comin' up for Christmas," Will chuckled as they watched the people wandering past. "Not a mention o' me, but she's rapt about seein' you"
"Yeah, I tend to have that effect on people," JJ said teasingly, tipping her face up towards Will as she swung her hips lightly into his. He laughed, leaning down and pressing a quick kiss to her lips. As brief as it was, she still felt the butterflies fluttering around her stomach again. Ever since the night of their anniversary at Conneaut Lake, everything he did never failed to drive her crazy. She'd known it since they started dating, but the reality of just how profound his love was for her… even weeks after, it was an incredible feeling.
"AUNT JJ!"
They broke apart, beaming as they saw Bailey-Rose sprinting ahead of her parents at full pelt towards them, her little backpack bouncing erratically on her back.
"Hey peanut!" JJ said happily, kneeling down and opening her arms just in time for Bailey-Rose to throw herself into them. Sam and Lisa approached a little way behind with Pippa, laughing as Will feigned hurt and defeat.
"What about Uncle Will? I'm here too!" he said with mock upset. "Don't I get a hug?"
Bailey-Rose giggled, shaking her head as JJ stood up with her on her hip. "I missed JJ," she said with a cheeky grin, wrapping her arms around JJ's neck and tucking her head onto JJ's shoulder.
"Naw, B-Rose, you're makin' Uncle Will sad, look," Lisa said with a smile, prompting Will to stick out his lower lip and put on his best puppy dog eyes. Bailey-Rose giggled, shaking her head and staying snuggled up on JJ's shoulder.
"Alright then, come on," Will said, pouting as they turned towards the carousel that had just lit up for the flight from New Orleans.
"Bailey-Rose, you're gonna give JJ a bad back, can you walk please?" Sam said as they traipsed behind Will.
"She's ok," JJ said with a smile.
"Uncle Will, are you and Aunt JJ gonna get married?"
The question was sudden, making all the adults look at each other before starting to laugh.
"Baby girl, Uncle Will and Aunt JJ have only been datin' for two years-"
"But yes," Will cut in, before catching a look from JJ. "I mean, one day. If JJ wants to"
"Will you wear a princess dress?" Bailey-Rose asked JJ excitedly, her eyes lighting up. JJ laughed.
"I might"
"We're home!" JJ called as she swung Bailey-Rose through the front door, shaking off the snow from her coat as she went. Will came in right behind her, playfully scooping his niece up and throwing her over his shoulder as she squealed.
"Took you long enough," Sandy teased. "Lots of snow out there?"
"So much," JJ said with a grin. "We took Sam and Lisa's stuff over to the LaMontagnes but we figured we would just come straight here afterwards. Janine and William are just behind us"
"Of course, the more the merrier! Hi!" Sandy said warmly as Sam and Lisa came into the house. "You probably don't remember me, I'm Sandy, JJ's mom"
Sam beamed, reaching out and shaking her hand. "Very vague memories, nice to see you again! This is my wife Lisa, I don't think you've met before"
"Come in, come in out of the cold, let's get everyone fixed up with a hot drink. Michael!"
"Yeah?" Michael called back as they all made their way through to the main area of the house. "Oh, full house! Let's start some drinks"
"JJ, Aly's upstairs, her and her mom and sisters arrived while you guys were at the airport," Sandy said with a smile. "Lynn's just on the phone to Rick and she'll be down shortly"
Eager to see her best friend, JJ turned on her heel and took the stairs two at a time. At the top of the stairs, she found Aly leaning against her open door with a smirk on her face.
"Took you long enough.
"Oh my god," JJ laughed, throwing her arms around her friend. "There's so much happening today"
"I know right. And now I get to interrogate Will properly, make sure he's treating you like a queen," Aly said, nudging JJ with her elbow.
"When I get a minute, I'll tell you about our anniversary, that'll be enough," JJ said with a giggle. "When did you get here?"
"Like an hour ago," Aly laughed. "My dad and Brett are coming tomorrow night, but Mom and the girls are here already"
"There's so many people here... and my friend Clayton is coming as well. It's gonna be chaotic," JJ mused.
Aly nodded, slinging an arm around her shoulders. "But it's gonna be fun"
Hours later, the house was silent, feeling fuller than it had felt in a long time. But even after a day of excitement, in the dead of night, JJ lay wide awake.
For the first time in a long time, anxiety was kicking up in her stomach.
2015 was just days away. And JJ knew it was going to be her toughest season yet. Not only did the team have to pre qualify to the Olympics for 2016, JJ had to prove herself to Marta. That the mistakes from Worlds weren't going to become a regular occurrence, and that her upgrades were solid and consistent. That she could still be the Olympic Champion everyone knew and loved.
Turning over onto her side, she pulled the covers right up to her chin. Aly was fast asleep beside her, and even having her best friend there was the smallest of comforts. Aly knew what the year ahead was going to be like better than almost anyone else. And she probably had it harder this time around; Marta had not seen her under competitive pressure since the London Olympics, and Aly would have to prove herself from scratch all over again. JJ was secretly glad she had been competing through the last two years; Aly had a good head for pressure, but it was going to be a tough year.
Closing her eyes, JJ tried to relax. There was no point stressing, she knew that. All she could rely on was that she would do the hard work, and it would give her the best shot of getting where she needed to be.
Even with a thousand thoughts running through her mind, her muscles softened with exhaustion.
Just minutes later, she too was fast asleep.