"I wouldn't." Raju takes up the sheet, grinning at Francis as he drapes it around his shoulders, over his chest. "Unless you asked," he adds, then his free hand tugs a portion of Francis' beard just enough to hold it straight. "Last chance to keep your beard."

He waits but knows Francis won't tell him he's changed his mind, and in a moment he's holding the little scissors as close to Francis' face as he can get them. "Keep still now, this shouldn't take more than a minute." Jaw and cheeks first, then he'll move down to the neck. Bit by bit Raju starts cutting it away, holding Francis' jaw and turning his head by his firm, careful grip when he needs a new angle.

"I did think you preferred to keep it long, though," he says absently as he focuses on his hands and Francis' face. "What changed your mind?"