I sat on the sofa in the library, watching as Kuriza skimmed the bookshelves on the second story. We had finished out last book and he was now picking out another, at times spelling out the title so I would tell him what it was. While he could read simple things, more complex words remained out of his skill set, which was understandable given his young age. I smoothed down the skirt of my dress and waited, casting my gaze to the fire which burned brightly in the hearth. The weather had started to get colder lately, much to my dismay, but the servants were always sure to keep a fire going in whatever room I was in.
"Not reading today?"
I looked over to see Frieza watching us from the doorway. I was surprised to see he was in his second form again, the larger body clothed in his typical armor and spandex bottoms.
"We're picking out a new book," I told him, pointing to were Kuriza was. His gaze followed my finger and he nodded, a small smile forming on his lips.
"I see," he said, strolling over to me and lifting me easily into his arms before sitting on the couch. He stretched his long legs out on the cushions before setting me between them and pulling me back against his chest. I looked up at him, startled.
"Mind if I join you?" he asked.
"No," I said. "But why are you like that?"
"You mean why am I in this form?" he asked. I nodded and he chuckled, tightening his hold on me briefly.
"So we can sit like this," he replied. "I found I am rather fond of having you in my lap. But to be able to read, I must see over you."
"You could always sit in my lap," I teased. He rolled his eyes and called over a servant, telling them to bring us lunch and some snacks.
"Mama! I found one!" I heard Kuriza cry, followed by the quick padding of his feet against the ground. They stopped just short of the sofa and I turned to find him standing behind us, his large eyes looking up at his father.
"Papa? Why are you here?" he asked.
"Do you not want me here?" Frieza returned. I scowled and nudged him.
"Don't tease," I hissed.
"O-of course," Kuriza stammered. "I was just curious."
"I've come to listen to your Mama read," he said with a grin, bending his head and nuzzling my hair. Kuriza paused, looking at me with an expression of longing.
"What's wrong, love?" I asked.
"I wanted to sit in your lap," he muttered.
"No one said you couldn't," I told him. "Come here." He gave me a relieved smile and clamored into my arms, cuddling against my breast. I took the book from him, opening it to the first page. I giggled when I felt the gentle brush of lips against my neck, causing Kuriza to look back at us.
"Mama! Papa! Ew!" he groaned, wrinkling his nose. Frieza smirked at his son, his hand coming around and tilting my chin back so he could place a brief kiss on my lips. Kuriza groaned and tried to push his father's face away from mine, making us both laugh.
"So nasty!" the three year old complained. "Can we read the story now? Please?"
"Yes, my dear," I said, turning back to the book and beginning to read. I felt Frieza's hand at my side, his fingers absently stroking the soft fabric there and had to suppress a laugh. At my front, Kuriza was doing the same thing, his hand on my stomach, stroking the cloth while he sucked on his thumb. I smirked, not stopping my reading. If nothing else, I didn't want to break the moment.