Chapter 11: Moments Returned

Jasmine breathed in the fresh air as the morning sun warmed her skin. Never before had she realized how much of a privilege it was to simply not feel pain. As her hand grazed the once torn skin of her belly, she smiled when the touch failed to harm her. Leaning against the rail, the princess watched as the sun bathed Ababwa in a warm glow. Aladdin's balcony was not as large as her own, but the view was equally as beautiful.

The touch of small hands at her leg didn't even phase the princess as Abu crawled to sit at her shoulder. She smiled at the monkey, bringing a gentle finger up to stroke his chin. "Good morning, Abu. What are you looking for?"

"Treasures," Aladdin chuckled from behind them. "Every morning he would help me pick pockets during our final days in Agrabah."

"I see," she raised her brow while carefully examining the monkey's empty paws. She watched him carefully until he leapt from her shoulder, making certain that the creature left empty handed. "Couldn't get me this time?"

"Perhaps he was playing a different role." Jasmine met the prince's gaze in question, but he merely smiled before holding up a golden bracelet. She reached for the wrist that now laid bare, before glaring playfully at the thief.

"That wasn't fair," her cheeks widened at their own will.

"You think thieves play fair?" Aladdin chuckled before reaching for her arm. He hesitated, meeting her eyes before placing the bracelet around her wrist. She was transfixed by the shiver that a simple touch could give, especially when not long ago the very same fingers at her skin would have repulsed her.

"How do you do that?" Jasmine asked.

"Do what?"

"I didn't feel a single thing when you stole it," she spoke in admiration.

"I didn't steal it, I borrowed it," he corrected with a smirk. "It's just like anything, you just need practice."

"I see," she raised her brow. "So you steal from women often?"

"Is that jealousy I hear, princess?" He smirked. Jasmine felt her face flush as she shook her head, pretending to take interest in the scenery below.

"Teach me," she begged with a smile.

"How to be a thief?" His own brow rose before he chuckled.

"You doubt my abilities?" She challenged lightly.

"No, no, I would never dream of doubting you, princess." He smirked. "Especially when you have an advantage over me."

"How so?"

"You're a woman. And a beautiful one at that." Jasmine tensed, moving to glare at the prince. She had prepared to ask his meaning before Aladdin stepped closer. Her heart trembled as he came nearer than they had ever been. Well, aside from a few involuntary moments during her injury. This, this was different.

Her gaze fixated upon his eyes, taking extra care to avoid dropping her stare just a few inches lower. The emotions were almost too much to bear before he whispered. "It's all about distraction."

"What?" She hardly managed to speak. While wrestling with the decision to step away or to move closer, he answered for them both.

Jasmine swallowed her disappointment as he stepped backwards. And his smirk almost filled her with sorrow, before he held up a hair piece for her to see. The princess didn't even bother reaching to the back of her hair to know it had been taken.

"Once you master the motions, you'll be able to steal from anyone, princess." He boasted.

"An odd tactic to use to try and gain my trust," she raised her brow again, moving to retrieve the hairpin from his palm. However, he tucked the piece of metal into his shirt pocket. "What are you doing?"

"Steal it back," he ordered with a smile.

"You're joking," she narrowed her gaze but Aladdin remained unchanged.

"Youasked me to teach you," he reminded with a chuckle. Shaking her head, the princess failed to mask her own laughter.

A knock on the door halted their petty battle and Aladdin beckoned the servant in.

"Prince Ali," the man bowed. "A breakfast has been prepared."

"Thank you, we will be on our way in just a moment."

Jasmine took the opportunity to reach for his pocket, however the moment her fingertips reached the cloth, his hand clasped around her wrist.

"You really think I'd make it that easy?" Aladdin mocked before releasing her arm, patting the pocket that still contained her hairpiece. Her glare seemed ineffective as he turned from her with a smirk. "Come on, princess. I'm starving."


Aladdin showed her the city. All the way from the simple bakery shops to the incredible menagerie, containing animals seen only in her books. There were countless peaks where a man could bring a woman to romance her. A notion that she did not entirely reject, though she only hoped that the prince sought more than a beautiful sight.

It wasn't until after dinner that he brought the princess to what quickly became her favorite place in the city: the cartography shop. There were countless maps, works of art in their own right, and each one only made the world seem that much bigger. She would have stayed there the entire night sorting through the different worlds, had Aladdin not practically dragged her from the shop.

"We'll return tomorrow," he promised with a smirk. A promise that she would make sure he kept to.

"I can't believe you have a shop like that," she spoke in admiration. "I have never seen so many books."

"Perhaps we can bring some home with us," he replied as they walked.

"Really?" Jasmine nearly stopped in her tracks.

"Sure," he merely shrugged. "Anything you want."

"Anything?" Her brow raised playfully. "What if I wanted to bring your menagerie?"

Aladdin chuckled at the thought. "Then I suppose we'll parade into Agrabah astride an elephant."

Together they shared a laugh before nearing a large crowd. The princess tensed, taking a step closer to the prince. Such a ruckus could only mean that a riot had started. However, she quickly realized just how different their kingdoms truly were. The people were laughing and dancing around one another, not fighting for scraps of food or coin. For the briefest moment, the crowd opened to reveal the band entertaining the mob.

"This place is so wonderful," she shook her head in disbelief. Aladdin mumbled his agreement beside her and she began to understand the reason for his hesitation. It didn't make sense; Jasmine could clearly see and feel everything around them. The people lived in bliss as they danced in safe streets with full bellies. She had been cured by their very own medicines and yet, Ababwa's perfection felt… impossible. Recalling the thief's words on the first night of their journey, she could not help but agree. The moment they had stepped foot in Ababwa, it felt like stepping into a dream. Jasmine could only wonder if it was just a matter of time before she woke.

"I don't suppose that you'd like to join them?" Aladdin broke her thoughts. She glanced at the prince and he pointed to a lone man in the crowd. "I think that gentleman over there is working up the courage to ask you."

"Oh?" She smirked. "He is quite handsome."

"No, you did that wrong. You were supposed to say that I was the handsome one," he glared jokingly. Jasmine chuckled at his antics before grasping his hand.

"Come on," she tugged him along. As they reached the edge of the crowd, she turned towards the prince. Her eyes fell to the pocket still holding her hairpiece and she met him with a smile. "So tell me, where did a thief learn to dance?"

"Well, thievery in itself is its own dance," he smirked while taking her hands. "However, more accurately, the queen taught me."

"My mother used to teach me dances from her home kingdom," she explained as she was spun slowly. "We used to hold the harvest festival outside of the gates before she died."

"I remember," he nodded. "My mum loved taking me. Though our last time together I gave her quite the fright."

"How so?" Jasmine asked while her hand slipped carefully through the entrance of his pocket. She struggled to refrain from displaying a satisfied smile when her fingers clasped around the cold metal.

"I snuck away to find the queen," he smiled. "She was handing out candies."

"So you were a reckless child?" Her brow raised mischievously.

"I seem to recall a certain little girl running straight into danger," he reminded.

"That's different, I didn't think anyone was allowed to touch me." She argued lightly. Aladdin however, grew serious. The prince's hand tensed around hers and she almost felt intimidated by the intensity of his stare.

"You knew he would have hurt you the moment you threw yourself over me." His voice was low. "I will not have my savior undervaluing her bravery."

Her own body tensed. Both perturbed by the sudden shift in tone, yet flattered by his declaration. As if sensing her distress the prince spun her again before her hands clasped on his shoulders. Neither one noticed the end of the song until the crowd broke into applause. Jasmine watched the musicians bow in gratitude before feeling a tug at her hand.

Aladdin smiled. "Come on. I want to show you something."


Jasmine's legs had already begun to ache early on as the path grew steep. She tried gazing up past Aladdin, but the darkness of the night prevented her from seeing the end of their road.

"You could have warned me that we'd be climbing a mountain," she spoke through ragged breaths.

"We're almost there," he assured.

Her hand moved to hold the spot where her injury had been and she nearly panicked as a pang returned. It was a subtle throb, but she could not help but fear that it would grow. The princess was relieved when the thief finally came to a halt.

"Watch your step," he explained before holding out his hand. She accepted the help as he guided her through the rough path. As they came to a ledge bathed in the light from the city below, he began searching the horizon. "It should be, ah, right there."

Jasmine followed his finger. Her eyes squinted as she gazed upon the darkened landscape, until they finally came upon the slightest hint of light in the distance. "Is that…"

"Agrabah," he smiled. Her heart lurched in recognition of the palace spires, alit by its array of torches. Even at such a great distance, the city was beautiful. "I used to come up here when I grew home sick. Dreaming about the day I could return."

Jasmine felt herself nodding. "Ababwa is beautiful. But it's not home."

Aladdin mumbled his agreement before they both moved to sit. Together they sat in silence, enjoying the soft sounds of laughter and singing below. That, and the pleasantries of each other's company.

"I wish our people could be this happy," she sighed.

"They will be," he promised.

"You sound so confident."

"Of course. Just think of beneficial a thief could be in a seat of power." He joked.

"You don't say," she smirked. Claiming her opportunity, she raised the hairpin for him to see. His eyes widened as he checked his empty pocket.

"Princess Jasmine, you little thief," he smirked. "You'll be picking pockets in no time."

"Please," she rolled her eyes. "I have no need to steal."

"You think that now, but wait until you see a gorgeous golden bracelet that you just can't resist." He raised his brow jokingly.

"I've never understood the obsession over gold," she shook her head.

"What's not to like? It's both strong and beautiful. Like you," he explained. She swallowed as her face flushed at the comment. "Royals wear it to convey as much. It intimidates those foolish enough to challenge them."

"So you're saying I'm frightening?" She raised her brow.

"That is what you gathered?" Aladdin smiled through an exasperated chuckle. "I gave you two compliments!"

"And an insult," she argued playfully. Their shoulders grazed one another more than once throughout their laughter, a touch that did not go unnoticed by the princess. Her heart pulsed at the feeling and she casually leaned into his warm reach. It was then that she noticed him staring.

"What?" She swallowed awkwardly.

"It's nice to see you like this," he spoke softly. "I dare say that you look happy."

Jasmine ducked her gaze once again. Recalling his plea what felt like so long ago. I just want you to be happy, he had said. Though it had felt impossible then, she examined her fluttering heart. The ledge they sat upon displayed the span of freedom she had gained, a freedom that she hadn't even been allowed before her mother's passing. Then, their proximity surrounded her in a blanket of warmth and despite their nearness, she wished to be closer. And his eyes, those warm comforting eyes that appeared to shine only for her. Her heart pounded as her mind raced to catch up to the realization that he had succeeded in his promise. He had helped her find peace.

"I haven't treated you very nicely," she noted quietly.

"No, you really haven't," he chuckled, despite the severity of his agreement. His eyes gleamed as he continued to joke. "Pretty terribly actually."

"You are insufferable," she couldn't resist a laugh. "You are not making it easy to apologize."

His laughter continued for a short while before he shook his head with a smile. "You don't owe me an apology."

"Yes I do," she disagreed as the seriousness built between them. "You've been nothing but kind to me."

Jasmine released a deep breath before finding the words once again.

"For so long I didn't want you to be good. I wanted to be angry at my father and lov… liking you would have taken that away."

She stopped herself from declaring a term she didn't understand. This couldn't possibly be what love was. Could it?

"Jasmine, I understand," he met her gaze. Within a moment she could see the slightest hints of tears building with those eyes, though he never let them fall. "I know it's difficult to believe, but I didn't ask for any of this."

His eyes searched her, no doubt searching for any sign of trust beneath her stare. Jasmine felt consumed by guilt, knowing that without overhearing his conversation the night before she might have turned to doubt at his claim. When she did not protest, his eyes ducked to the floor in shame.

"I came to Agrabah just for a chance to see you again. Maybe with the slightest hopes of courting you; if that had been something you wanted. But everything changed when I learned that you would be forced to wed that day. And then I met the others," he stopped to swallow his words. As his jaw clenched, she forced herself to reach for his hand.

"They were vile," she finished for him. "I know."

"I could hardly bear entering your room that night. And to see you trembling in fear of me; my brave savior, afraid of me," his jaw clenched even tighter. "I must admit, I had never felt such hatred for anyone before that moment. I despised your father. I would never allow my daughter to endure such a thing."

As a tear rolled along his cheek, her fingers twitched to wipe it away. However, before she mustered the courage he removed it himself.

"I never wanted you to endure that."

Her heart became troubled at the claim. She desperately wished to tell him just the same, that she would never have dreamed of giving him so much strife. Though she knew the comfort would be undeserved.

"Thank you," she finally whispered. "All this time I had stubbornly believed that you wished to steal my freedom. All the while you meant to set me free. Without you, I am afraid what would have happened to Agrabah."

"Many of them would have turned to war with Agrabah's resources," Aladdin scoffed without humor. However, he attempted so smile a moment later. "Then again, it's entertaining to think of the ways you could have outwitted them. That one prince, Anders, he had the brain the size of a date."

"I've met him," she rolled her eyes with a smile. "I don't know how he breathed with so many furs."

"Leave it to a fool to arrive to a desert in northern attire." He shook his head. "They were all fools."

"Tell me something I don't know," she laughed. Aladdin watched her for a moment before smiling.

"You're beautiful."

Jasmine became taken aback by his answer.

"I'm told that all the time," she raised her brow. Her heart tightened at his attempt at flattery. Jasmine supposed she could understand why others might find it strange how much she despised compliments of form. However, after years of royals seeking only her beauty, she found the comments to be hollow.

"But you don't believe it." His smiled remained, though there was a hint of sorrow behind it. "At least not fully. Everyone sees your perfect hair, your gorgeous eyes. No one talks about your heart. No one talks about you're love for your people, or the way your eyes brighten when you explore something new. More painfully, you don't notice the children's adoration every time you visit that orphanage, nor how much it means to them that you'll spare them even a moment."

Jasmine watched him carefully while her mind was slow to process his words. She was used to being a shadow. She was used to her father's insistence that the palace comfort came before all of Agrabah's. No matter how painful it might have been, she had grown used to the understanding that no one in the palace cared about her zeal for their people. She certainly never imagined that a prince could see it.

"You are beautiful princess, all the way through. If you believe nothing else I tell you, I hope that it is this."

Jasmine struggled to look away shyly as his soft gaze entranced her. She nearly shook her head; the man was just as impossible as his perfect country. However, with him, every moment felt so real.

She didn't even notice that he was leaning closer, until she felt his breath upon her lips. With a flutter of her heart, she realized his intentions. He hesitated as their noses touched, searching her gaze for permission. Jasmine's eyes closed as her chin tilted forward. With both hearts pounding so fiercely, neither seemed to notice the nearing footsteps.

"Prince Ali?"

Aladdin stifled a groan as Jasmine flinched at the voice. They both turned just in time to see an exhausted servant making his way along the path.

"Your majesty," the boy bowed through heavy breaths. "Abbas requests your council."

"Uh, thank you," Aladdin cleared his throat as he recovered from their interruption. Jasmine smiled, despite the overwhelming disappointment as he stood. His glance was apologetic as he helped the princess to her feet and the lights below eliminated his face enough for her to see his embarrassment. Swallowing her own emotions, she walked besides the prince to return to the city below.


Jasmine watched the lights slowly fade amongst the array of streets from Aladdin's balcony. An hour passed since the prince had bid her goodnight, not knowing how long his attention was needed elsewhere. Though she had attempted sleep, her anxious heart refused to calm. Releasing a heavy breath, she began to pace alongside the railing.

The princess scolded herself for feeling so strangely. She was not some foolish girl that allowed emotions to rule her. However, Jasmine scolded herself further when she remembered just how false that claim truly was. She supposed the sight might have been comical to a bystander, as she wrestled with her own thoughts; scoffing as her heart and mind battled for dominion over her emotions. It was all so foolish.

Only weeks ago she couldn't stand being in the same room as the prince, though now she could hardly bare an hour in solitude. More than once she attempted to redirect her focus. To concoct a proper plan as to how the pair would return home to a kingdom where a sinister man was doing who knows what. And yet, her mind continued to return and the princess' heart lurched every time her thoughts drifted.

She flinched at the sound of the door opening and she did her best to avoid displaying her conflict. What would he think of her if he knew how her hour had been spent?

"You're still awake?" He asked in surprise.

"I, I couldn't sleep," she cleared her throat.

Aladdin simply nodded before placing his coat on a chair. He didn't even appear to notice her distress before moving to refresh his make-shift bedding. She stared at the bed where she should have been fast asleep by then, where she should be headed now. Yet, her pounding heart begged her to act; to put a cease to the overwhelming desire that haunted her since they parted.

She thought of the past month; of her sneers, her anger, and constant criticisms of the prince. A lesser man would have given up long ago. And yet, here he was, faithfully at her side.

"Are you okay?" His voice snapped her from her trance. Aladdin walked to her. As he moved, her eyes fell to the base of his neck. His night shirt was cut low, offering a clear view of the familiar pendant hanging at his neck. She couldn't believe that it had taken her so long to notice the necklace, as the cord had been there all along. Without thinking, her fingers moved to rest at the teal tiger.

"I can't believe you kept it, after all those years," she breathed. Aladdin swallowed nervously before glancing down to see the hand at his chest.

"You did promise that it would help me find my way," he whispered while his fingers came up to graze the back of her hand. Aladdin watched carefully and Jasmine could sense his readiness to retreat the moment she'd protest. Taking her hand gently, he tested his limits with a short kiss at her knuckle. Her heart fluttered and when she did not pull from him, he placed another at her fingers; trailing until each felt his warm touch. "After all these years, I never imagined it would help me find you."

Jasmine waited under his tender gaze. His eyes continued to search her own, once more looking for permission. Beneath her chest, her heart fell deeply. Knowing that it was by her own actions that filled him with doubt.

She didn't deserve it; any of it. Not his fierce commitment to protect her, not his willingness to welcome her into his world, not those same kind eyes that had looked upon her since their first meeting. Her mind sorted through an array of apologies owed to him, but no words felt great enough to wash away the pain she had caused him. So instead, she kissed him.

The moment their lips touched, she feared that her heart would burst. Aladdin melted into the kiss, wrapping her in a comfortable hold. He was warm and soft and so very different from their first kiss. Jasmine deepened the touch, desperate to drown the thought of such a cold memory.

Her hands moved to grip his shirt, giving her just a moment longer before he broke from her. She basked in their nearness a moment longer before opening her eyes; meeting his tender gaze.

"Goodnight, princess," he whispered.


A/N – Yall… I have gotten waaay more support on this story then I ever imagined I'd get. Thank you all you beautiful people leaving comments, dropping favs/follows/kudos, or even those just stopping in to read.

I am starting to get a bit rushed in replying to comments/reviews, so I feel this is a good time to bring up this subject since the last story this happened it translated to some as me being short or irritated. I am NEVER mad/irritated when replying to reviews (including angry ones). I absolutely love being able to communicate with all of you, (please keep doing so!) I just never want anyone to get the wrong impression if something I write comes off wrong. Visualize happy Pikachu(shout-out to my icon)… if he could talk… and was a woman. ;) Hope you enjoyed the fluff of this chapter!

Review Replies:

Denz-El – And with your spirit. ;) Yeah I jumped the gun on posting that note, but for realz now, we probably will slow down. I'm trying to stay ahead and have the 1st draft of the next chapter done before I post the chapter before it, but as of now that is slipping. However, at the very worst, It should be at least a chapter a week. I don't think it will be slower than that unless it's very long. Anyways! I am glad you caught that line, I really enjoyed writing that moment. Blue magic is a clue, however we still won't get actual Genie answers for probably *checking my outline* fiveish chapters. But, I promise it should all make sense eventually. Thanks again for reading!

PrimaImperatrix – Chap 10: I too have been terrible at keeping up with commenting, though I have been reading your lovely story! I need to get better at remembering to leave a comment, I usually read on my lunch breaks. I hope the tending and caring didn't leave you disappointed!

Chap 11: Haha Not yet! I love your little headcannon xD Though I feel I should probably clarify at the risk of accidentally hyping up false expectations, I don't write smut and any "marital" moments will simply be implied without going into great detail. I only explain to avoid ruining any potential expectations :) Hope you continue to enjoy the story! Thanks for reading!

Classified Director 101 – Oh hey that is awesome to hear! Glad you enjoyed that chapter so much Thanks for reading!

Lilaaanlt – Thank you! For your feedback on Jasmine being a bit OOC, that's sort of intentional though only to a extent. I'm curious of your thoughts going forward, I think this particular chapter is where we should have our true Jasmine back. So definitely let me know if that feeling persists and I'll take a deeper dive. Would you be willing to share any specific scenes or moments where you feel this way? Or is it just in general? I appreciate the feedback! Glad you're still enjoying it. And yes! This chapter and the next one will focus on romance before we hop back into some mystery and action. Though the romantic scenes will be fairly chaste, I don't write smut though I'll imply any marital moments when the time comes. Thanks again for reading!

CrazyFangirl – Yeah I sort of jumped the gun leaving that comment, but now we probably will slow down. I'm trying to stay ahead and have the 1st draft of the next chapter done before I post the chapter before it, but as of now that is slipping as I've caught up to myself. However, at the very worst, It should be at least a chapter a week. I don't think it will be slower than that unless it's very long. Glad you're still enjoying the story and I totally agree, that movie chemistry was fantastic! Thanks for reading!