[The 'Gear comes on to briefly show France's face before it's handed off to Marianne, who takes it obediently in her mouth. She moves off to the side, and France goes back over to the bathroom door.]

Merlin! Come on out; we want to see how lovely you look!

Don't ever say that in front of Arthur.

[The owner of the dry, dry voice comes onto the screen soon enough, tugging at his new suit jacket with a frown.]

He claims I'm like a girl enough without needing further encouragement.

[France giggles lightly before kneeling down in from of Merlin and straightening creases in the suit pants, a cheerful air about him.]

Well, this certainly isn't something a girl would be wearing, at least not normally. A lady wouldn't wear three buttons unless she had an unseemly paunch.

[France stands up.]

Not that Arthur would know any of that--he'd be judging on what he sees.

[With a soft huff, France slaps Merlin's hands away, fussing with the jacket, tie, and shirt collar. Merlin gives a small yelp at the slap, making a face as his friend re-arranges what feels like everything on his person]

Do you really need to do all this? I can't believe the courtiers back home actually like having people help with their clothing.

Chut, you. I knew I shouldn't have trusted you with buttons. Look at how you've mangled the poor things. This is a suit, not a lump of drawstring barbarian wear.

[France finally finishes up and stands back, looking over Merlin with an appraising scowl. His stops suddenly, his shoulders going suddenly and painfully straight.]

Whatever have you done to your hair?!

Nothing, I swear!

[Merlin backs away, eyes wide. France stalks after him, picking a pair of scissors from the hotel room desk.]

You get over here right now, Merlin.

Iiiiii think I'll pass. I really don't like don't like the way you're waving those scissors at me.

[As he makes to leave, Merlin suddenly freezes, staring straight at the screen with growing horror.]

...Francis? Why is the Gear on?

Don't try to change the subject!

[France makes to lunge at Merlin.]

You sit down right now and let me cut your hair, or, so help me, there is a reason that I invented total warfare!

[In the ensuing chaos, Marianne lets go of the 'Gear, promptly stepping on it and cutting off the feed.]



[[OOC: Joint post between wingless_falcon (blue text) and of_france. Both players will be responding to tags after Merlin gets his hair trimmed and hair care beaten into him.]]