sundaybestsocks ([personal profile] sundaybestsocks) wrote in [community profile] bakerstreet2021-04-03 07:09 pm

Intimate personal care

The Personal Hygiene Shipping Meme


Personal hygiene is just that - personal. By the time we've come to a point in our lives where we notice that the concept exists and we should be prudent about it, we can take care of ourselves. There are also many practical reasons why we don't involve other people in this process. We're not too keen on showing off parts to be cleaned that are private in most contexts, and there's definitely an ingrained aversion to showing so much soft, fleshy skin. Hot water or a sharp razor could spell dangerous with a capital D should they come into the hands of someone with a vendetta against you. No need to be extra vulnerable.

So, if you're involving another person in your cleansing routines, it must be someone you trust. Not only that, but it's most likely someone you're comfortable with and likely at least somewhat open to being intimate with. You may not be dropping all your clothing in front of them, but it's still you opening yourself up to touching and closeness unparalleled in more "usual" moments.

Established and burgeoning couples (or not-so-couples) can bond through this showing of care and good faith. Will you like being pampered and find the attention endearing? Or will things go terribly, terribly wrong?

...you never should have let them near that shaving cream.

  • Comment with your character and preferences.
  • Smut is not required. Mention if you want/don't want it.
  • Reply to others and use the RNG.


  1. Comfort: You've decided to pitch in a helping hand to get your partner to unwind, and warm water or suds may do the trick.
  2. Romantic: The sole purpose of this endeavor is to set a lovey-dovey mood. No shame here!
  3. It Started Out Platonic...: What a good pal you are, volunteering to give your friend a good scrub. Of course, you didn't count on the cute way she squirms as you scrub her back or how he blushes when you shampoo his scalp.
  4. No Choice: Currently, you're unable to clean yourself up. That means that you need assistance, and it might as well be the person you lov- tolerate the most.
  5. Open: You have trust issues. Actually, you have backlogs of trust issues. Still, you want to show the person you love that you're willing and trying to change for them, and what better way than letting down your walls and having the assist in your grooming?
  6. Shave: Whether it's your face, your legs, or...your other places you've decided to shave, there's a certain intimacy involved in letting your lover do it for you. Let's hope they won't leave you looking like you got into a battle with a book with the paper cuts to prove it.
  7. Reluctant: They want to get you clean. You don't want to show off your body at all. It's injured, it looks weird, what if they don't like it...
  8. Forced: You love them, you really do, but you won't kiss them if they continue to look like an unwashed hobo clown. You have to draw the line somewhere, and if they won't take action, you will.
  9. Beat Up: You've been trampled in a fight. Your partner isn't about to let you wallow around in your own mud and blood.
  10. Hair: Some find that there's nothing quite as soothing as getting their hair washed or brushed. Of course, those with more luxurious locks may find any hair care a burden, so the assistance is appreciated.
  11. Make Up: They think you're beautiful already. See how they'll paint you up when they get the chance.
  12. Unique: If you're not human, you probably have your own proceeders you have to do to keep all spiffied up. There are wings with stray feathers to pluck, horns on heads to polish, scales to shave down, all sorts of tasks! Introduce your ignorant (and most likely human) boyfriend or girlfriend to your world...and your pain.
  13. Accommodations: Those with disabilities or prosthetics may also have their own routines, and anyone who wants to be with them should learn how to pitch in.
  14. Sponge Bath: You don't have enough water to do this right or you just want to give them a nice rub and scrub with a gentle sponge or wash cloth.
  15. Wound Care: In order for wounds to heal, proper care must be taken. Bandages have to be changed and cuts cleaned out. It's certainly easier when you don't have to do it all by yourself.
  16. Together: You're both cleaning up, taking a bath, splish splash, in the same tub because there's no where else to go. This is the most likely smut option, even if, again, it starts off "platonic."
  17. Clothing: Don't forget that clean clothes are an important part of personal hygiene. Always make sure your partner has a nice, fresh outfit, even if it's to your taste and not theirs.
  18. I've Made a Terrible Mistake: Somehow, everything's now shit. This little experiment went haywire and you may be sporting anything from the worst hairdo of your life to a Columbian necktie.
  19. FREE SPACE
recordingends: (pic#14092710)

[personal profile] recordingends 2021-04-09 05:00 am (UTC)(link)
The conditioner - Jon assumes that's what Martin must be using - smells nice. It smells rather like Martin, and the thought of his hair smelling like that for a while does make Jon smile.

"Do you like it long?" he asks, almost absently. He is curious to know now that he's thinking about it. Martin is talking about trimming it, after all, and seemed quite invested when Jon was thinking to cut it all off.
secreteary: (pic#14232704)

[personal profile] secreteary 2021-04-09 05:07 am (UTC)(link)
"If I told you the truth, you'd be disgusted with me."
recordingends: (pic#14553011)

[personal profile] recordingends 2021-04-09 05:09 am (UTC)(link)
That startles a laugh out of him and Jon tries to turn his head to look at Martin.

"Really? Well now I really need to know. I promise I won't be disgusted." Jon reaches back to touch one of Martin's hands, trying to offer reassurance.
Edited (typo) 2021-04-09 05:10 (UTC)
secreteary: (pic#14232703)

[personal profile] secreteary 2021-04-09 05:12 am (UTC)(link)
Damn. It's his own fault for putting it that way. Martin whines softly in the back of his throat for just a second, before saying firmly: "I think you're very handsome no matter which way your hair's done."

Momentary confidence lost, Martin clears his throat. "...Besides, it's your head. Not mine. Do what you want. Shave it off, for all I care."

(He cares very much.)
recordingends: (pic#14009939)

[personal profile] recordingends 2021-04-09 05:19 am (UTC)(link)
"Martin..."

Jon knows that tone so well by now. He squeezes Martin's hand and pulls away just so he can turn around more. So he can actually see Martin's face without craning his neck. He lifts Martin's hand to his lips and brushes a gentle kiss to the back of it.

"It sounds like you care quite a bit. And I asked because I want to know. Truly."
secreteary: (pic#14232708)

[personal profile] secreteary 2021-04-09 02:33 pm (UTC)(link)
That's- Dammit, Jon, that's too adorable. And soft. Martin's poor little gay heart can't take the strain, and he can't help but be irritated at himself for how susceptible he is to Jon being sweet.

"I- Look. Yes. I like it like this. Okay?"
recordingends: (pic#14553011)

[personal profile] recordingends 2021-04-10 03:37 pm (UTC)(link)
Jon smiles and looks forward again, tipping his head down so Martin has better access to everything.

"Then I'll keep it like it is," he says, quiet and warm. "Well, assuming you can save it. And, if you can't, I'll--I'll grow it back out."

So, even if it takes a while, Martin can have him with long hair again. And, maybe, Jon is blushing just a bit at the thought that Martin cares about his hair.
secreteary: (pic#14232692)

[personal profile] secreteary 2021-04-10 08:54 pm (UTC)(link)
Martin tries to smooth over his embarrassment with even, cheerful tones. "The conditioner is helping."

He lets a moment of comfortable silence fall before continuing. "You don't have to keep it if it's too much work."