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"Hmmm," JJ murmured in his sleepy voice, his face nestled against Belle's neck, arms wrapped tightly around her waist. The warmth of the morning sun seeped through the curtains, casting a golden glow over the room.
"I'm hungry. Are you?" she whispered, running her fingers through his hair, enjoying the moment of intimacy.
"Mhm," he replied, eyes still closed, savoring the comfort of her presence.
"C'mon then," she said, trying to rise, but he held her tighter.
"Just five more minutes," he begged, a sleepy pout forming on his lips. Belle sighed, knowing they needed to get up.
"Just five," she agreed, but those five minutes quickly turned into twenty.
The sun was now streaming through the window, illuminating the room in a warm, inviting light. Belle gently tried to wiggle out from JJ's arms, but he still held her tightly, unwilling to let go of the peaceful moment.
"JJ," she whispered, unable to keep the smile from her voice, "we really need to get up now."
He groaned in response, burying his face further into her hair. "Five more minutes," he mumbled again, his arms not loosening their hold.
Belle chuckled softly, her hand resuming its gentle strokes through his hair. "You said that twenty minutes ago," she reminded him, trying to suppress a grin.
JJ didn't respond, continuing to hold her closely, enjoying the feeling of her in his arms. He knew he was playing dirty by refusing to let go, but he wasn't ready to start the day yet.
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"Good morning, sweetie! Breakfast is ready!" Belle's mom called as she heard footsteps on the stairs.
"Thanks, Mom! I'm starving, and I want to introduce you to someone," Belle replied, excitement bubbling in her voice.
"This is JJ, a friend of mine. He's also friends with Kiara," she said, gesturing toward him as he awkwardly waved, a hint of shyness creeping in.
"Nice to meet you, honey! Sit down; I'll make you a plate," her mom said with a warm smile, causing JJ's eyes to widen. He had expected her to be wary, given his background.
Belle shot a surprised glance at JJ, impressed by her mom's warmth. He'd never really experienced the warmth of a maternal presence, and it was almost dizzying to be faced with it now.
