Animal Love: An Aladdin Story

Aladdin took a deep breath through his nose, and out through his mouth. Sometimes it was a good thing for him to just sit down and think for a while. Sighing, he reached up and ran his fingers through his hair. I'm pretty sure all the fleas are gone. he thought as he pulled his hand away. He reached down into the refreshing, cold water of the fountain he was sitting on and got himself into a better position to splash some of the water on his face. As the water ran down his neck, he quickly rubbed it away with his hands before getting up and sitting back on the side of the fountain. He sat there for a while before suddenly, feeling a stream of water hit the back of his head. Startled, Aladdin whipped around to see Jasmine grinning playfully on the other side of the fountain with her hands in the water.

"I had to get your attention." bubbled Jasmine, who continued to splash him with the cold water. Aladdin grinned and gently splashed Jasmine back.

"Well my princess, it looks like you sure got it. What do you need?" replied Aladdin, standing up.

"It really isn't much, but Father wanted to tell you something important."

"Do you know what, exactly? Am I in trouble?" Aladdin had always been afraid of being in trouble with the Sultan, mostly because he had seen a lot of drama going on with women's husbands, and he didn't want to end up being thrown back onto the streets of Agrabah again. Luckily, Jasmine seemed to notice that.

"Oh, no! Of course not. It's kind of a surprise, so I'm not really supposed to tell you."

"Oh." Aladdin's smile faded, his facial expression full of disappointment. Why does everything have to be so difficult all the time? he thought.

Jasmine took a few steps closer to Aladdin and placed her hands on his shoulders.

"But I'm sure you'll probably figure it out before then." she cooed, sensing Aladdin's sudden dismay. "It's one of your assets."

Aladdin's smile returned and he took Jasmine's hands in his. "Maybe so, but that isn't my greatest asset."

"And what is?"

"It's you, of course." replied Aladdin, before pulling Jasmine closer to himself and kissing her passionately. "You're everything to me."

"Oh, Aladdin, don't say that. You've been like a brother to Abu for all those years. You can't forget about him."

Aladdin froze.

"You're right. I guess I just got.. Uh..."

Jasmine pressed her finger to Aladdin's lips.

"Shh. It's okay. I won't let anyone know you said that."

"Thanks, Jasmine." Aladdin let go of Jasmine and she started heading towards the palace.

"I'll be inside," she told him, then walked through the palace door. Aladdin waved goodbye to her for good measure, then headed off in the direction of the marketplace.