A/N: Leaving the original A/N in here to show you exactly what point I got up to before deciding to rewrite this fic baby! This was in December 2017!
Two things. I have only seen snippets of the Kellogg's Tour, so I'm taking some of my dance background and using my creative license to invent numbers they would have done haha. Second is, Jordon (littleoblivion, go check out her fic Forward, it's incredible!) and I have spent all weekend sussing out a little muse baby that turned into the most indepth and incredible idea we've ever had. Good news? It's for Undying Champion! The arc will appear soon enough, it'll probably be VERY interesting, and it'll slow the pace of the story down for a while so I can get EVERYTHING in. But stick around, because you have that to look forward to, and to thank Jordon for helping me, you can go read and review Forward!
Also since establishing this idea with Jordon, I've been hit with the urge to start rewriting this story to include even more detail haha! There's lots of things I missed and a lot of missed opportunities for backstory and character development. I may eventually do it, but fear not, this iteration isn't going anywhere. If I start rewriting it, I'll let you guys know, and just take it chapter at a time. But I'd appreciate your thoughts; would you like a way more detailed version that includes a lot more personal detail and development, like JJ's family and Will's family etc?
Hope everyone had a fantastic Christmas!
Music thumped through the arena as JJ stood by the edge of the floor, watching the first group of girls performing. It was her personal favourite routine of the whole show; an upbeat, 'girl power' inspired dance routine to Salute by Little Mix. As well as being a dance routine, it also incorporated some powerful tumbling from JJ and Simone, which was why they were waiting on adjacent corners for their turn to go.
As the song built into the bridge, JJ stepped up onto the very edge of the carpet, dusting off her hands as the other girls split down the middle and danced their way off the floor
"It's who we are, we don't need no... camouflage. It's the female... federal, and we're taking off! If you're with me, women, let me hear you say!"
Flashing Simone a grin, she stepped up to the corner as the chorus broke out, and immediately broke into a powerful run across the floor.
"Ladies all across the world, listen up, we're looking for recruits!"
Punching high off the floor, she whipped through a strong double layout, landing it easily on her feet as Simone stepped up and took off from her corner.
"If you're with me, let me see your hands, stand up and salute! Get your killer heels, sneakers, pumps or lace up your boots! Representing all the women, salute, salute!"
The other girls rejoined them as Simone nailed the landing on her own double layout, getting back into their formation as the routine continued along.
As the crowd of gymnastics fans in the arena cheered and clapped for them, JJ found herself getting lost in the fun and energy of the choreography. Here, with her girls, was truly an experience she couldn't replicate, and she was forever glad that after the pressure of the Olympic year, they were able to let loose and have some fun to celebrate their success.
The only drawback was eventually, it had to end.
Dropping his keys on the hall table, Will turned back to the front door and locked it behind him.
He hadn't noticed it before, but the air outside was truly starting to cool down, a slight nip in every gust of wind. 'Which is just great,' he thought to himself. He loved living in Pittsburgh, but he would always miss the warmer weather of Louisiana. Not to mention the food. He almost groaned as the thought of his mom's shrimp gumbo rolled through his mind. What he wouldn't give for a big bowl of that right about now.
Rolling his neck from side to side to stretch out the crick, he started up the stairs. Finally catching up with some of his friends from high school had led to an afternoon of beer. While he'd been careful not to overindulge himself, he was ready to shower and sleep.
As he headed up the stairs towards JJ's bedroom, the gentle silence that had settled around him upon entering the house was quietly broken by the sound of muffled sobs floating down from the landing.
His heart sank a little. Seeing as he and Sandy were the only two in the house… he didn't have to guess at who was crying upstairs.
When he reached the landing, he hesitated for a moment at the top, before turning and walking in the direction of Sandy's room, rather than JJ's. He immediately noticed that the door was ajar, soft light spilling out onto the carpeted floor of the second floor landing.
He knew immediately that he should go and check on his girlfriend's mom. Otherwise it would just feel wrong to leave her there, alone and crying in her room. But on the other hand, he didn't want to overstep any boundaries. Sandy had already done so much for him… he didn't want to make her feel uncomfortable in her own home.
But the caring side of him was winning out, and before too long, he found his feet moving towards the door.
"Sandy?" he said softly as he approached the door, reaching out and gently pushing it open a little further.
"Oh… hi Will… I didn't realize you were back," Sandy said tearfully, lifting her face. She was sitting cross legged in the middle of her bed, clad in sweatpants and a long sleeved t-shirt, her blonde hair pulled back into a messy bun. Tears still shone on her cheeks, leaving glistening trails from her lower lashes.
"This is going to be a dumb question… but are you alright?" he asked, standing somewhat awkwardly in the doorway. Sandy let out a weak chuckle, shaking her head as she wiped away a few more tears.
"Not really," she whispered, her voice wavering terribly as she spoke. She buried her face in her hands, sitting forward a little as her shoulders heaved with fresh tears.
Swallowing hard, Will stepped into the room. In a few short strides, he reached the end of the bed. He hesitated for a moment, before slowly lowering himself down onto the edge of the mattress.
"It was so stupid," Sandy said tearfully, lifting her face again. "Michael and I always used to argue about leaving drawers open. I used to tell him off for it all the time… among other things, stupid things"
Will stayed silent, simply listening, allowing Sandy to talk, to vent.
"I was getting ready for bed… and I turned and caught my hip on the drawer… my first reaction was to yell out and tell him off… before I realized he wasn't here"
His heart sank. For Sandy, that moment must have felt just like losing Michael all over again. Just when she and JJ had been starting to heal… grief had delivered another cruel blow.
He reached out, placing his hand on top of hers where it was resting on top of the covers. Sandy looked down at their hands, before looking up at him with a smile.
"It just sucks," she said softly. "I've always been one to pick up and carry on when things get tough… seems like this time it's not working so well in my favour"
"Something you and JJ have in common," Will replied without really thinking. Sandy chuckled, sniffing back a few more tears.
"Never have you spoken more truth," she said, dropping her head down to her other hand and taking a deep breath. "I just miss him… he had such a presence in this house… it's just so quiet without him. It's not fair. We should have had forever… and here we are without him, just trying to get through every day as it comes"
Will nodded understandingly. They sat in silence for a few minutes, Sandy's sobs having diminished to sniffs.
After a little while, Sandy suddenly let out a weak laugh, shaking her head. "Okay, I give in… it was me that was leaving the drawers open"
For a moment, Will just stared at her, caught a little off guard. But just moments later, they both started to laugh.
Before you worry, everything is alright. I've handled it, but I just wanted to let you know that I think you should call your mom when you get a chance. She's had a little bit of a rough night and she's really missing your dad. Hope you're having fun with the girls xx – Will
The text had come through at the end of the meet and greet session. The second they were released to head back to the hotel, JJ had immediately pulled out her phone and dialed her mom.
"JJ? Is everything alright?" came Sandy's voice after the fourth ring.
"Yeah," JJ said softly, a little smile creeping onto her face. "Yeah, I'm ok. How are you?"
"Taking it day by day… I'm guessing you spoke to Will?"
"He sent me a text… said you had a bit of a rough night"
Sandy let out a little chuckle on the other end. "I'm alright… he sat with me for a little while and let me vent it out… I just… had a moment… where I kind of forgot that your dad… isn't here"
"I miss him," JJ said quietly.
"Me too baby girl. More than anyone could ever imagine"