Bastien turned the taps, adding the perfect measure of bubble bath. He plucked the floating turtle thermometer off the side of the tub, carefully placing it in the tub. He turned to the basket at the side of the tub, placing a few toys in the water. He picked up the turtle, reading the digital display on the back. 95.2, perfect. A grin spread across his lips, he was getting this down to a science.

He exited the bathroom, taking Sage from Liza’s arms.

“You know using your elbow is just as accurate as the turtle.”

He shook his head with a laugh. “I know that’s what you prefer, but I’m not taking any chances with our baby girl.”

Liza laughed kissing both their cheeks. “We’ll wear down Papa, won’t we baby girl?” She cooed ruffling Sage’s blonde curls.

Sage babbled blowing spit bubbles.

“Not likely. Now, who’s ready for a bath?” Bastien asked as he turned receiving a happy squeal. He stopped in the doorway, eyes going wide as he saw Buttons splashing in the tub, snapping at the bubbles. “Poppy!” He called over his shoulder. She must have left the room. “Okay Princess, stay here while Papa gets your brother out of the tub.” Bastien sat Sage on the fluffy bath mat. He quickly turned off the tap, reaching for Buttons collar, trying to pull him from the tub. “Come on Butt.”

Buttons jumped out of the tub with a low whine. He shook his body, water flying through the air.

Bastien sighed at the water accumulating on the tile floor. He released Buttons collar, bending to lift Sage.

Slosh.

Oh no. He turned.

Buttons sat in the tub panting happily. Bastien set Sage back on the floor. “No Butt, it’s time for Sage’s bath.” He grabbed Buttons collar, Buttons whined and refused to budge. “Come on Butt.” He pulled harder, Buttons still refusing to budge, letting out a huff of air.

“Buh!”

Bastien turned smiling at his daughter crawling towards him.

“Buh!”

Splash.

What now? He turned sighing at Pickles sitting next to Buttons in the water. Of course.

“Pic!” Sage squealed pulling herself up holding onto the side of the tub. She stood bouncing on her legs, happily laughing.

“Sorry tadpole, Papa has got to get them out then you can have your bath.” Bastien released Buttons collar, removing Sage’s hands from the tub.

“Buh! Pic!” She squealed, waving her arms happily. “Liza!” Hopefully she’s close. He placed Sage on the ground.

Sage scrunched up her nose, her lower lip trembling, she let out a loud piercing cry.

Buttons barked jumping out of the tub, splashing water on the floor. He gently nudged Sage with his wet nose.  

Bastien ran his hand down his face in frustration at the growing puddle of water on the tiled floor. Okay he’s out, get the cat out, put Sage in and put towels down on the floor. “Come here Pickles.” He carefully picked up the bubble covered cat, releasing her on the floor, his shirt damp from her wet fur. “Liza!” He picked up Sage placing her in the tub. Finally. He turned grabbing a towel laying it on the wet floor.

Splash. Splosh.

Oh no. He froze. Please no. He turned, sighing at Buttons and Pickles in the tub with Sage.

Sage screamed with glee slapping the water. “Buh! Pic!”

“That’s cute, you should take a picture.”

He spun spying Hope leaning against the doorframe munching on an apple.

“Could you help me get them out?”

Hope cocked her head in thought, pulling her phone out. She took a picture of Buttons licking Sage as she splashed the water. “Nope.” She popped the p. She spun, flipping her bleached hair over her shoulder as she left.

Bastien turned back to the tub. Sage squealed happily as she picked the rubber ducky from the water, bringing it down in an arc the water splashing up into her face. He pinched the bridge of his nose sighing. “Okay fine. You can stay.” He knelt in front of the tub dropping his head at the squish his knees made as they hit the wet floor.

Liza’s giggle cut through the air. “Hope said you needed some help.”

“I give up.”

“Guess we need to close the door from now on.” She shrugged. “Unless you want to do this every bath.”

“No.” Bastien shook his head. “Never again.” Bastien let out a soft chuckle as Sage pulled Pickles ear, the cat barely flinching. “They can swim with her in the pool, but no more baths. The floor couldn’t handle more group baths.”

Sage slapped the water, both hands clutching small rubber duckies, the warm water flew up splashing Bastien in the face. Liza covered her mouth as she tried to bite back the laughter bubbling in her chest. “Okay Papa, go get dry, I got this.”

Bastien stood, he looked down at his drenched clothes and the floor covered in water. “We definitely need to close the door from now on.”

Feedback fuels me, please like, comment reblog or send an ask. Feel free to scream, I promise I can take it.

Masterlist can be found in my bio.