Summary: (oneshot) Things aren't quite the same at the castle since Iago left, and Abu is taking it hardest of all. (post-King of Thieves, light slash undertones)

Disclaimer: I don't own Aladdin or its sequels

Warning: Light slash undertones; cliche title.

Note: Though not really a sequel, this fic is related to Word for Word in the sense that Abu speaks human. He also has a slight speech impediment that isn't very apparent here, but it's there.

Inspiration: It always bothered me that Iago left with Cassim after King of Thieves, and so this fic was born.


"...I already said my goodbyes. Of course, the monkey had'a cry, and that got me goin'..."

(Iago, Aladdin and the King of Thieves)


"Abu, please..." The newly-wed Princess Jasmine pleaded, looking down at the little monkey. "You have to eat something. You haven't eaten in the last two days." Abu sighed, and Genie appeared beside Jasmine, shaking his head.

"Poor little guy... Hasn't been quite the same since Iago left with Cassim."

"Yeah," the princess sighed, "I guess he really misses him." She shook her head. "Did you need something, Genie?"

"Your father needed to see you and Al for something," Genie told her. Jasmine nodded, stood, and left. Genie looked at Abu.

"Don't worry little fella. It'll be okay," he said before vanishing. Abu took off his hat, squishing it between his paws, and sighed.

"It's not fair," he muttered.

"What ain't fair?"

"My friend went and le-" Abu began, before recognition hit. He whirled around to face the window. Seated on the sill and smirking devilishly was a red parrot. "Iago!" Abu chattered, as Iago flew over and landed beside him. The little monkey threw his arms around his friend's neck, who broke from his usual grumpiness and hugged him back.

"So, you really missed me, huh?" Iago asked.

"Uh-huh, uh-huh!" Abu looked up at him, nodding tearfully. Then, his face clouded and he pulled away. "But... Why are you here?" He asked, looking down.

"What? A guy can't visit his friends?"

"Visit," Abu repeated.

"Well... If you must know," Iago began, and then his tone softened somewhat. "If you must know, I missed you, too."

"You missed me?" Abu asked, perking up.

"Don't get too excited, monkey-boy - I missed all you guys. Why, I have no idea... But I did. So I came back."

"You... Came back? To stay?"

"Yep."

"Because you missed me?"

"If I didn't, would I be back at this madhouse? And I missed the whole gang, remember?"

Abu smirked. "Whatever you say, Iago."

"That's right, monkey-boy... Now... You really haven't eaten in two days? Because you missed me?"

"Well, no... I haven't eaten. So?"

"So now I gotta feel guilty about it!" Iago groaned. Abu grinned and hugged him again.

"Tis feels nice... I missed you Iago. Aladdin's like a broter to me and all, but you really have become one of my best friends."

"Geez... I've never been anybody's best friend before. Sentimental little thing, aren't ya? Whatever... I missed you, too. And ya know something Abu...?"

"What?"

"You're the best friend I've ever had... And... You're right. This does feel... Kinda nice."