Little Lux

35

25th November 2022 - Los Angeles California

"No- No! I can do it by myself!" Lux insists, trying tot take the wash cloth out of Sebastians hand.

"Luxie, I'm sorry babe, but you most definitely can't do it by yourself." Sebastian says calmly, pulling the washcloth away from her so that she can't reach it. "We can't get your cast wet in the water and having you wash yourself is just too much of risk lovie."

Lux huffed, her good hand gripping the edge of the tub as she tried to glare up at Sebastian. "I'm not a baby. I can do it," she muttered stubbornly.

It certainly wasn't helping that Lux seemed to be in no sort of headspace at all right now and was adamant on being treated like any other normal 15 year old girl.

Sebastian crouched beside the tub, resting the damp washcloth on the edge where Lux couldn't grab it. "I know you're not a baby, Luxie," he said gently. "I also know you're strong and capable. But your arm needs to heal, and I don't want you to get hurt or mess up your cast."

Lux crossed her arms over her chest with a huff, careful not to jostle her injured one. "I can still do stuff! You and Papa keep treating me like I'm made of glass."

Sebastian sighed, reaching out and brushing a strand of damp hair out of her face. He knew this wasn't just about the bath—it was about her independence, her need to feel in control of something.

"I know, and I'm sorry that it's making you so frustrated but I need you to understand that you need help with this. You're strong, and you're brave. But letting someone help you doesn't make you any less of those things." He tries to explain, lathering up the wash cloth with vanilla scented bubbles.

Lux frowned, her gaze dropping to the water as she mulled over his words. Her good hand absentmindedly traced patterns along the surface, causing ripples to distort her reflection.

Sebastian waited patiently, allowing the small girl to work through her frustration.

"Fine." Lux huffed bitterly.

Sebastian smiled softly and he dipped the washcloth into the water and wrung it out, his movement gentle. "Thank you baby," he said warmly. "I'll be quick, I promise."

She gave a small nod, still pouting.

Sebastian hummed a soft tune as he carefully washed around her cast, taking extra care not to let any water near it.

"You smell like cookies now," Sebastian teased lightly, breaking the silence and trying to lighten the mood. "Vanilla bubbles are clearly the superior choice."

Lux couldn't help the small smile that tugged at her lips. "Cookies are better than boring soap."

"Exactly my point." Sebastian replied as he spun Lux round in the water so that he could get her back.

"Is Auggie still napping?" She asked, her good hand playing with the bubbles that rested on the surface of the water.

"Mhm" Sebastian hummed. "He had a rough night last night so papa and I figured we'd let him sleep a little longer."

Lux nods softly, feeling Sebastian turn her back around again. It always amazed her how easily he could handle her as if she weighed nothing. "Can I help to wake him up?"

Sebastian chuckled, shaking his head slightly as he reached for a towel. "I think Auggie would love that, but only if you're gentle, okay? He was pretty fussy last night, and Papa's trying to make sure he gets enough rest."

Lux gave a small, determined nod as Sebastian wrapped the soft towel around her, lifting her out of the tub with ease. "I'll be gentle."

"I know you will, sweetheart," Sebastian replied, setting her down carefully on the plush bathroom rug. He began drying her off, mindful of her cast. "Once you're dressed, we can check on him together. Sound good?"