I know, I know... This isn't tomorrow. I'm sorry... :'-) PLEASE FORGIVE ME! *coughs* ahem... So...umm... review? :-D
unanimous
Merlin gazed up at Arthur. "No!" he said desperately. "Please! I'll do anything!" Arthur just stood there, face impassive, unmoving despite Merlin's pleas.
Merlin looked wildly around the room, searching for a trace of pity. Gwaine. Gaius. Leon. Elyan. Gwen. Percival. All of his friends. All looking straight ahead, not meeting Merlin's anguished gaze.
"I'm sorry, Merlin," said Arthur, and Merlin knew he was imagining the regretful tone in Arthur's voice. "We voted. It was unanimous." Merlin stared at all his friends, trying to catch someone's eye.
Then Morgana stepped forward, smirking cruelly. "Sorry Merlin," she chuckled. "But you knew the penalties."
"Please!" he begged. "I'm sorry!"
Morgana held out the object she was holding. Merlin winced. Morgana's voice turned ominous. "Too bad. You have no choice. You must accept your punishment." Merlin sighed and stood up.
"Fine! Give me it!" Merlin snapped. Morgana handed it over with an evil grin.
Merlin glared at her and snatched the feathery monstrosity, jamming it onto his head. "Stupid hat," he muttered. There was absolute silence for a heartbeat and then the room was filled with laughter.
Merlin stood stock-still, blowing a stray red feather away from his face, his face twisted into a grimace. Arthur laughed, ruffling the feathers in the hat condescendingly. "Don't worry, Merlin, it's only for twenty-four hours!"
Merlin groaned, and Gwen smiled sympathetically. "That is such a terrible hat."
Gwaine chuckled, then leaned back in his chair, closing his eyes happily. "I will remember this moment forever," he said dreamily.
Merlin smiled despite himself, looking round at his friends.
They had made him wear an atrocious hat, they had laughed at him and mocked him... but he knew that they'd be there for him if times got hard.