guffawsungraciously | psl time: single dad au edition

I would think you immune to it by now, but I suppose that is just hopeful thinking on my part. I must have disturbed your sleep no less than a hundred times in our lives so far.

[Between his nightmares as a child and his snoring as a young knight, he might as well have come with a warning label of some kind for anyone sharing a tent or room with him.]

Perhaps I would have if you were consistent about it, but you are not really an issue if you have not been working the whole day. I suppose at the very least, I knew that if we were having a tiring day, I would not get any rest at the end of it...

Unfortunately not. But you never failed to look impressive come morning. Like you actually managed to sleep.

[Which is, you know, pretty impressive unto itself while traveling around the countryside.]

I usually managed to get at least a bit of sleep in, in fairness, though you can chalk most of it up to my wonderful complexion.

[...his hands are too occupied for him to preen.]

[Unsurprisingly, Hendrik is familiar enough with Jasper's mannerisms to know this is a moment during which he would likely be flicking back his hair.]

Mm. Yes, you are quite blessed with your looks. There were days on the road where I questioned if blood and grime could even stick to your skin.

[Was that too blatant? Hopefully not. He's not even sure he can walk back that comment in any way.]

[Jasper doesn't actually see that as anything... flirty... because it's kind of just a statement of fact...]

Well, I take steps to remain fastidious in my appearance even in the depths of the wilderness. It is not too difficult so long as you are prepared; why, I dare say even you may be able to do it if only you learned how.

It seems each new rank comes with a new level of fastidiousness... I was told by Sir Lazarite to give myself an additional 25 minutes to prepare in the mornings once I became general.

[Not that he used all that time, especially while traveling.

They soon enough reach Jasper's room, without any delays along the way.]

You have some kind of daily care regimen, I imagine?

I suppose you have started looking slightly less scruffy when I have seen you around, now that you mention it...

[Hendrik was never too unkempt, granted, but he was definitely more prone to looking a touch rough.

But anyhow, he may as well give out some self care tips!]

Ah, of course. It is not necessarily something you have to do right before waking up, either, so you can get away with sleeping a bit late.

I understand it is all a matter of looking professional and showing confidence, but it also seems rather troublesome.

[But. Well. He's not going to say no to advice on something he is not particularly skilled with.]

I welcome the advice, regardless.

There are various lotions you can rub on your face before bed that will leave you with better looks in the morning than you would have otherwise.

[He'll wait for Hendrik to open the door, then.]

At the very least, if you are tired, it will leave you without dark circles under your eyes.

[Hendrik frowns as he listens, reaching for the door handle and positioning himself so he won't bump into Jasper while pulling the door open.]

Lotion? Is that all? That is much simpler than I was expecting.

Well, it is one of many things, and you have to be certain you are choosing the right kind of lotion lest you end up with some sort of breakout. But it is a good place to start.

[He walks on into his room and heads over to his desk, where he sets down the milk and the bassinet just for a rest and so he can look and see how she’s doing.

She’s doing good! Just kind of vibing, really.]

I generally thought that lotion is to ... keep your skin from drying out. To soften it. That is the same idea with using it before you sleep?

[Well, that help would explain why Jasper's face looks so soft and youthful. He would be tempted to say pretty if he didn't think it would be construed as odd and possibly insulting.

Jasper may be a pretty man, but Hendrik finds it difficult to think he wants to simply be known as a pretty man.]

Yes, exactly. Keeping your skin from drying out overnight keeps it looking healthier in the morning. Of course, it generally feels better as well, so it is worth doing for more than just aesthetics.

[...actually, he should check and see how Celestine’s doing on that front, since it is probably terrible to be itchy when you don’t have enough control over your limbs to scratch. He pats her head and her cheeks and... ah, nothing to worry about so far. She is very soft.]

[Hendrik notices Jasper patting Celestine and, given the topic they are currently discussing, manages to string together a connection.]

Ah. Babies do sometimes require lotions as well, now that we are taking about it. Most commonly to help prevent diaper rash. I would not be surprised if the cold weather would also affect her skin.

[...He doesn't recall there being specific baby lotions, though. Maybe it doesn't matter too much?]

Ah, yes. I kept that in mind while shopping, but I will certainly keep the reminder in mind. She has not been outside overmuch, but I will certainly be sure to make sure she is kept comfortable.

[...you know he's been mostly utilitarian about holding her so far, maybe he should just see if she's fussed about being picked up for the sake of being picked up... so he'll gingerly lift her out of her bassinet and hold her.

...]

You are, are you not?

[She yawns and stretches a bit, as much as she can in his arms. He smiles, because it's still very cute...]

[Having let the door shut, Hendrik walks over to watch Jasper pick up Celestine again. He smiles at how she yawns and makes herself comfortable in her father's arms.]

With how much she is yawning now, you could probably have her fall asleep in your arms without any trouble.

[Not to completely drop the other subject, he inquires...]

So you would suggest I try different lotions to see what works?

It would be nice to have more quality time with her while she is awake, but I suppose that will come when she is a bit older.

[He starts gently rocking her to maybe help that along, since he does want to make sure she’s getting enough rest.]

And yes, that is a good idea. I can recommend you the variety I use and where you can find it, but it would be worth trying out more, particularly if you are not fond of mine.

You can still read to her, should the desire strike you. When you are readying yourself for a nap, that is.

[...He really should be on his way, to let them have some family bonding time.]

I will likely forget about that lotion if I do not get that recommendation now and write it down.

I think that I will, actually. I am certain she would like that very much.

[Well, he thinks so, anyway. He can read anything to her and she will probably still be calmed by it...

...but ah, right.]

It is the rose hip lotion next to the antidotes in the item shop. It should not be too difficult to find, even for a neophyte like yourself.

Rose hip lotion... Next to the antidotes. Ah, that should not be too difficult. I know where the medical herbs are kept. My thanks.

[It's ... not exactly something he thought he would be pursuing through a conversation with Jasper, but he learned something new, so it can't be all bad.]

Well then, I will take my leave. I will come by in four hours to check on the two of you.

Yes, I will see you then. Enjoy doing... whatever it is you plan on doing for the rest of the day, given you already got your workout out of the way.

[...because sometimes you just need to get that last rib in. Okay, he’ll look for something to read Celestine...!]

psl time: single dad au edition

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