Title: The Dinner
Author: Ryoko
Email: RyokoVenus@yahoo.com
Rating: PG
Hey folks! How are ya all doin? I FINALLY got over my writers block! Isn't that great?! Anyway, thanks for the happy comments on the last fic! I know you all are happy to see our fave couple (AL & JAS) back together! Ohhh but you're in for a ride... just wait till you see the exciting twist this fic series has yet to take! PLEASE keep on reading and also REVIEWING!!! Thanks all, and I hope you enjoy!
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Chapter 1 - Flashback
Jasmine lie motionless as her eyelashes fluttered. She awoke once more to a bright Agrabah sun and the humid Agrabah heat... and yet again to a big empty royal bed. She slowly sat up and stretched her arms, yawning. She supported herself on her elbows as she rolled forward and lay on her belly. Her eyes closed and she had a dreamy, smiling expression on her face as she reminisced last night...
*Flashback*
"It looks like I'm off to a new beginning..." Aladdin said holding Jasmine's hands tightly in his. She smiled at him and their faces grew close again like before. But this time nothing stopped them. They were soon in a deep, loving, long-awaited kiss. The lovers lips parted and they both looked lovingly into each others eyes. Jasmine felt a tear start down her face and as Aladdin was brushing her small stray hairs behind her ear, he reached across her cheek and caught the tear on his finger. She smiled a sweet smile and stared deep into her ex-husband's eyes. She could feel his heavy breath on her face and put her finger over his lips to sooth him. He closed his eyes and kissed her hand. She blushed. Suddenly the guard came into the room.
"Oh, My Queen, I am sorry... I..." he stuttered. He quickly removed his hat and backed up. Aladdin watched the guard who seemed so fearful. Never had he seen them like that before. Jasmine stood up and bellowed,
"Maghda! You must ALWAYS knock!!!" Her eyebrows were mean and her tone was too. Aladdin had never heard such command from her before. He realized that this is what she must have been like to Basheer and the others while he was gone. The guard bowed respectfully and left the room immediately. He shut the door behind him and Jasmine crossed her arms across her chest, her face still in anger. Aladdin continued to watch in awe. Then, there was a knock at the door. "You may come in," Jasmine said. The guard re-entered the room, his hat still off his head and his eyes on the floor.
"Queen Jasmine, I am here to tell you that your eldest son wishes to speak to you," he bowed and backed up slightly. "He is in his chambers." Jasmine placed her arms back at her side.
"Very well, Maghda. Tell him I shall meet with him shortly." The guard exited quickly. Jasmine sat back down and began to rearrange her folders. Aladdin was confused, but followed her example and then followed her out the door. He was very quiet and had no idea what to say, nor even how to act after all that had happened in the room. First the DP signing, then the kiss, then Jasmine's strange reaction. They headed into the room of shelves and placed the folders into the file cabinet. She quickly closed the door and headed out the room, not once making eye contact. Aladdin scratched his head but continued to follow her. She came to a room, but turned to face him before opening the door.
Aladdin looked into her eyes and was dying to kiss her again. He could tell by her nervous actions that she wished the same.
"Aladdin, I must change and meet with our son now..." she looked down for a moment. "I would ask you to come, but I wish to tell all the children personally that you have returned... and may I add... for good?" Her expression was worried but Aladdin smiled brightly.
"You certainly may," he grinned. She smiled and hugged him. He brushed his lips against her cheek, hoping for another kiss, but as the hug ended, Jasmine was quick to enter the room, shutting the door behind her. Aladdin smiled and headed back to the room he had stayed in the night before. He too got changed and realized that he was hungry, and so headed to the cafeteria area.
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"Oh, hey mom!" Aladdin Jr. stood up to greet his mother as she entered his room.
"Hello, Junior. What did you wish to speak to me about?" she asked, cringing while seating herself on his still messy-not-made-up-bed. He stood up from his computer, in only a pair of baggy lounge pants. Jasmine frowned at his attire. Aladdin Jr. could tell from her looks what she thought.
"At least I have a belt on..." he said while pointing to his nicely wrapped sash belt. Jasmine nodded and he sat next to her. "Mom...I could have sworn that yesterday that someone said Dad was here..." Jasmine looked down at her now twiddling thumbs. "Is that right?!" She looked into her sons eyes and placed her hand on his shoulder.
"Yes, dear... You are correct - your father is home." The young boy became enraged as he stood up, making fists in each hand. Jasmine stood up next to him and covered his tight hands. "No, Aladdin Junior, stop it right now!" she yelled. She could see the anger in his eyes.
"Mom, whatever happens, you CANNOT take him back! Not after what he did to you!" He yelled into her face. He released himself from her and turned around, plopping himself in his computer chair.
"Son, I know you're mad at him for what he's done, but listen-"
"NO MOM! You listen! You deserve better than that!" He said, once again standing up and placing himself face to face with the Queen.
"Have I taught you nothing?" she said, in a sharp tone. The boy backed up and sat in his chair. "We must learn to forgive... no matter WHAT happens." She turned to leave the room, but stopped at the door. Not looking back, she said "And gather your siblings this evening at 6 for dinner." The boy moaned in the background. Her head immediately swiveled to face him. "That is an order." She left the room and slammed the door behind her.
Aladdin Jr. hit a call button on the small speaker set next to his computer.
"Hey guys, listen up; we have a dinner tonight at 6. Be there or die."
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Jasmine knocked on the door to the room where Aladdin was staying. After a few knocks and waits, she realized he wasn't in there. Feeling her hungry stomach growl, she headed to the cafeteria area. As she walked through the large door she could see Tiny Jasmine standing in awe with her plate and food on the floor. Jasmine ran to her.
"Jasmine, dear! What's wrong?" she said shaking her second daughter.
"M-m-mom... I ... I think... I think I see Daddy..." she stuttered, still in shock. Jasmine looked over across the huge area and saw Aladdin at the other end, with his back facing them. Jasmine waved her hand in the air, and two servant girls quickly came to her.
"Clean this up, and take her in the back to get something to eat." she said to them both. As one dragged Tiny Jasmine away, the other brought out another servant to help mop up the mess. Jasmine placed her hand on the side of her cheek and shook her head. "Dinner tonight ought to be interesting..." she sighed. She then grabbed her own tray and filled it with food, then headed over to Aladdin's table. As she got closer, she could see that every part of the long table was covered with either non-eaten food, or wrappers and trays from the eaten food. She pushed some of it aside and sat next to him. Aladdin turned to her, his cheeks full from the baklava which left from his plate to his mouth in the time frame of the last 3 seconds. She couldn't help but laugh at him. He tried to smile and quickly swallowed it down.
"Hey Jasmine, this food has just gotten SO much better! Do we have a new cook?" he asked, while shoving the empty tray away and grabbing another.
"Yes...15 new cooks actually..." she said as she tried to count the stacked trays in front of her.
"15? So, the other 75 are still the same, right?" Jasmine nodded and began eating her own food. "Well I sure hope Pisha is still here...mmm-mmm she makes the best rice cakes I've ever had!" Jasmine put down her fork.
"No, no...I traded her..." Jasmine said proudly. Aladdin nearly jumped out of his seat.
"WHAT?! You traded HER?! But...BUT WHY???" he said, eyes wide and unbelieving.
"Well, apparently her 'rice cakes' weren't all that were good..." she said closing her eyes. Aladdin turned away from her and his mouth said 'oh' and he fake coughed. Her eyes opened and she looked at him. He tried his best to smile innocently but he couldn't help but go into a flashback...
*Flashback - AN: yes i know a flashback in a flashback is tacky, but who cares*
It was midnight and Aladdin was way hungry. He slipped out of bed and headed to the cafeteria. Only Pisha was out front working, already starting on breakfast. Aladdin walked up to her and asked for her rice cakes. She grinned evilly and opened her top, revealing her large perky breasts. Aladdin's eyes were wide and his mouth dropped open. She shoved two rice cakes in his mouth and smiled, winking as she re-buttoned her top and headed into the back kitchen.
*End Flashback*
"AHEM!" Jasmine noised, getting Aladdin's attention. "Anyway, I wanted to invite you to dinner tonight."
"Dinner? Sounds great! What time?" he smiled, reaching for another tray of food.
"At 6 o clock. Be there early, and dress nicely."
"Just...us?" Aladdin said and smiled, his eyelids shading his brown eyes as he grew near to Jasmine's face.
"No, not just us," she said pushing him away while smiling herself. "Us and the kids." she said, not wanting to hear his reaction.
"The...kids?!?!" he said, his eyes wide.
"Yes, all 6 of them. We haven't had a family dinner in a LONG time and I think we're more than overdue." she wiped her lips with the napkin and stood up, waving another servant girl to the table to clean her mess, along with Aladdin's growing trash. She left the cafeteria and Andralia came to the table. She began to clear up the area, throwing all the wrappers and eaten food into the trash can, while storing the trays in her arm.
"Hiya, Sultan Aladdin!" she happily said. Andralia was the youngest slave girl to work in the Palace. She was also the happiest. Always cheerful and willing to help, she was more of a friend to the family and daughters than a servant.
"Hello, Andralia. How are you," he gloomily said.
"Ohh sir Aladdin, you sound sad." She wiped off the table and took his last tray from him as she sat next to him. "Wanna talk about it?" she caringly asked.
"No thanks, Andralia. It's just... well...I've been gone a while and things are..."
"Different." she finished, resting her arms on the table. "I know. I lived through it. Queen Jasmine has acted so weird while you were gone, and lots of things changed. I can't believe she traded our 15 best cooks for male ones! Everyone knows that it takes a woman to do the food. It just tastes better that way." Aladdin couldn't help but smile at young Andralia's reasoning.
"Yea...well I should get going. Are you going to be at dinner tonight?" he asked, standing up.
"Most likely. Jasmine has me working the food departments a lot lately. I barely see you guys anymore...say when did you get back? Has it been that long or were you late?" Aladdin laughed.
"I came back the other day...and yes I was WAY late. Goodbye, Andralia. I'll probably see you tonight." Aladdin said, tapping her back as he headed out. She got up from the table and wheeled the trashcan back to its spot.
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Two loud knocks came from Aladdin Jr.'s door.
"What is it???" he yelled.
"It's tiny sis, and let me in!" Tiny Jasmine yelled from the other side.
"What will you give me?" he responded.
"Uhhhh...I don't know what do you want? I hate this game! Just let me in, bro!"
"Alright...proceed." Aladdin Jr. said as he hit the button near on his computer desk to unlock his door. Tiny Jasmine came rushing in but stopped short when she came to his bed.
"Eew, somebody got up late!" she mocked.
"Shut up, now what do you want?" he asked, turning his head from the computer screen to face his sister who pulled up a chair.
"Junior, I think I saw Daddy!"
"You did." he said and turned back to his screen.
"What?! You're kidding! Seriously?!?!" she cried, jumping from her seat. He swiveled his chair to face her.
"Yea seriously! That's why mom wants us to go to dinner tonight! Don't you get it?! We haven't had dinner since about a year before Dad ditched us! Why else do you think 'The Sultana' wants us to gather like this?!" he yelled.
"Gee, calm down. So you think we're all going to be... 'reintroduced' or something?" she asked, sitting back down.
"Probably. I wish we didn't have to go. Someone's going to have to restrain me if you want your 'Daddy' to keep his head on straight. Else I'll just right up and punch his lights out!" Aladdin Jr. said, frustrated. Tiny Jasmine got up and put the chair back in its place, realizing her brother was seriously angered.
"You shouldn't say that. Why else would Daddy come back unless he was sorry?" she questioned, heading to the door.
"I don't know. But dinner ought to be interesting tonight... that's for sure." he said, turning his chair back to the computer.
"That it will be. See ya bro." she said as she left the room. Aladdin Jr. slammed his fist on the desk and put his head down.
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Aladdin was in his room, putting on his best attire in front of the mirror. He pushed back his hair and smiled his best smile. He couldn't help but be happy after kissing Jasmine today. But his smile quickly faded once he thought of having to face his children tonight. He heard a knock at his door.
"Come in," he said, fixing his belt. Jasmine slowly opened the door, peering her head in before proceeding. "Jasmine! Come in, come in!" he said, opening the door widely for her.
"Ohhh Aladdin..." Jasmined gawked. He straightened his bow tie and made sure that all his buttons were buttoned. "Wow, Aladdin. You sure do clean up well!" He laughed, completely understanding her statement. "Are you ready for tonight?" she said in a serious tone, sitting herself on the bed behind him and the mirror. She looked down and made sure her robe was closed but put her hand over it just in case.
"Yea...I think." He gulped and sat next to her. "Okay I'm lying. I'm not. I'm dead scared!" he said taking her hand. She quickly placed her other hand on the robe to hold the two pieces down over her legs. "I know they're my own kids and I shouldn't be afraid, but I know what's going to happen! They're going to mock me and yell at me... your dinner will be ruined." he said looking down at her hand in his hands on his lap. Jasmine inched closer wanting to tell him otherwise, but knowing just as well, that her children WERE going to react that way. She was especially worried about the two youngest and her eldest also. He fiddled with her hand, and she could tell he was nervous. Jasmine sighed a deep sigh.
"Look Aladdin. You don't...have to come if you don't want to." she said, looking down.
"Oh no, Jasmine! You don't get it...See, I want to go, really I do! I'm dying to see the kids again! But..." he looked down at her hand still in his, and took her other hand. She gasped but he looked up and didn't see her robe separate. "But...for a guy who has fought millions of creatures and monsters of the deserts... I really do have a weak side. And this is it." he said, looking into her worried eyes. She crossed her legs, hoping it would help keep her covered. He looked down and saw her incredibly high cut robe revealing as much of her legs as possible and quickly let her hands go. She pulled the robe down over her legs a little and put her hands on top of it to keep it there. It was an awkward moment for them both. "But I never give up an adventure." He smiled and winked at her, giving her confidence that he would somehow survive tonight. She smiled too and wanted to kiss him right there on the spot, but knew that it might somehow ruin the rest of the night. Inside, Aladdin felt the same way. She stood up and pat his back before leaving. After she closed the door he wiped his forehead and put on his dress jacket, pushing his hair back one more time with a big sigh.
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The children were lined up outside of the dining room by age and Jasmine walked past them all, making sure their attire was on properly. As she stood in front of Aladdin Jr. she could see he was fighting some serious emotions.
"Uh, kids you can go in if you like and sit down." But she held Aladdin Jr.'s hand and pulled him aside. "You I want to talk to..." she whispered. He rolled his eyes.
"Mom...MOM!" yelled a small voice tugging on Jasmine's dress. She looked down and saw a frowning Teeny Jasmine and Aladdin 4th behind her.
"What is it now?" she questioned.
"What is this for? Why do we have to eat dinner TOGETHER?" the little one asked.
"Yea it's no fun! I'm used to not doing it!" her twin brother chimed in. Jasmine gave them a look and tapped them each into the dining room.
"Aladdin Jr., listen to me. I want you on your best behavior tonight. I don't care what YOU want right now. This is OUR night and I don't want you to ruin it. Afterwards, it's up to you but for the dinner portion, BE GOOD." She kissed his cheek and he rubbed it as he headed into the room. Jasmine then entered a room behind where she was standing.
Aladdin was sitting on a chair nervously waiting.
"Is it time?" he asked. Jasmine smiled and stood next to him, making sure his bow tie was straight.
"It sure is. Are you ready?" she said and hugged him.
"I don't think so...but I'm going to try my best." he smiled and looked at her.
"You'll be fine. Come on." She grabbed his hand and they left the room, now standing before the doors of the dining room. The servants were lined up along the edges with napkins, drinks, food and more, just waiting for the moment everyone was seated. Aladdin and Jasmine both took one deep breath before entering the room.
"Children," she started as she stood before the one opened door. A servant was holding the handle of the one next to it, ready to open it for Jasmine's announcement. "Your father has come back." The servant slowly opened the door, revealing Aladdin to his children.
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Hahaha, I love leaving you guys at cliffhangers!!! Don't worry, my writer's block is SO gone right now, I could write millions of stories. I just don't want them all too long so I'm cutting them up for your benefit. Besides, I think it's more suspenseful this way, ne?!
Any questions, comments or smart remarks can be sent to RyokoVenus@yahoo.com. And please be cool and review.
Author: Ryoko
Email: RyokoVenus@yahoo.com
Rating: PG
Hey folks! How are ya all doin? I FINALLY got over my writers block! Isn't that great?! Anyway, thanks for the happy comments on the last fic! I know you all are happy to see our fave couple (AL & JAS) back together! Ohhh but you're in for a ride... just wait till you see the exciting twist this fic series has yet to take! PLEASE keep on reading and also REVIEWING!!! Thanks all, and I hope you enjoy!
**************************************************************************
Chapter 1 - Flashback
Jasmine lie motionless as her eyelashes fluttered. She awoke once more to a bright Agrabah sun and the humid Agrabah heat... and yet again to a big empty royal bed. She slowly sat up and stretched her arms, yawning. She supported herself on her elbows as she rolled forward and lay on her belly. Her eyes closed and she had a dreamy, smiling expression on her face as she reminisced last night...
*Flashback*
"It looks like I'm off to a new beginning..." Aladdin said holding Jasmine's hands tightly in his. She smiled at him and their faces grew close again like before. But this time nothing stopped them. They were soon in a deep, loving, long-awaited kiss. The lovers lips parted and they both looked lovingly into each others eyes. Jasmine felt a tear start down her face and as Aladdin was brushing her small stray hairs behind her ear, he reached across her cheek and caught the tear on his finger. She smiled a sweet smile and stared deep into her ex-husband's eyes. She could feel his heavy breath on her face and put her finger over his lips to sooth him. He closed his eyes and kissed her hand. She blushed. Suddenly the guard came into the room.
"Oh, My Queen, I am sorry... I..." he stuttered. He quickly removed his hat and backed up. Aladdin watched the guard who seemed so fearful. Never had he seen them like that before. Jasmine stood up and bellowed,
"Maghda! You must ALWAYS knock!!!" Her eyebrows were mean and her tone was too. Aladdin had never heard such command from her before. He realized that this is what she must have been like to Basheer and the others while he was gone. The guard bowed respectfully and left the room immediately. He shut the door behind him and Jasmine crossed her arms across her chest, her face still in anger. Aladdin continued to watch in awe. Then, there was a knock at the door. "You may come in," Jasmine said. The guard re-entered the room, his hat still off his head and his eyes on the floor.
"Queen Jasmine, I am here to tell you that your eldest son wishes to speak to you," he bowed and backed up slightly. "He is in his chambers." Jasmine placed her arms back at her side.
"Very well, Maghda. Tell him I shall meet with him shortly." The guard exited quickly. Jasmine sat back down and began to rearrange her folders. Aladdin was confused, but followed her example and then followed her out the door. He was very quiet and had no idea what to say, nor even how to act after all that had happened in the room. First the DP signing, then the kiss, then Jasmine's strange reaction. They headed into the room of shelves and placed the folders into the file cabinet. She quickly closed the door and headed out the room, not once making eye contact. Aladdin scratched his head but continued to follow her. She came to a room, but turned to face him before opening the door.
Aladdin looked into her eyes and was dying to kiss her again. He could tell by her nervous actions that she wished the same.
"Aladdin, I must change and meet with our son now..." she looked down for a moment. "I would ask you to come, but I wish to tell all the children personally that you have returned... and may I add... for good?" Her expression was worried but Aladdin smiled brightly.
"You certainly may," he grinned. She smiled and hugged him. He brushed his lips against her cheek, hoping for another kiss, but as the hug ended, Jasmine was quick to enter the room, shutting the door behind her. Aladdin smiled and headed back to the room he had stayed in the night before. He too got changed and realized that he was hungry, and so headed to the cafeteria area.
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"Oh, hey mom!" Aladdin Jr. stood up to greet his mother as she entered his room.
"Hello, Junior. What did you wish to speak to me about?" she asked, cringing while seating herself on his still messy-not-made-up-bed. He stood up from his computer, in only a pair of baggy lounge pants. Jasmine frowned at his attire. Aladdin Jr. could tell from her looks what she thought.
"At least I have a belt on..." he said while pointing to his nicely wrapped sash belt. Jasmine nodded and he sat next to her. "Mom...I could have sworn that yesterday that someone said Dad was here..." Jasmine looked down at her now twiddling thumbs. "Is that right?!" She looked into her sons eyes and placed her hand on his shoulder.
"Yes, dear... You are correct - your father is home." The young boy became enraged as he stood up, making fists in each hand. Jasmine stood up next to him and covered his tight hands. "No, Aladdin Junior, stop it right now!" she yelled. She could see the anger in his eyes.
"Mom, whatever happens, you CANNOT take him back! Not after what he did to you!" He yelled into her face. He released himself from her and turned around, plopping himself in his computer chair.
"Son, I know you're mad at him for what he's done, but listen-"
"NO MOM! You listen! You deserve better than that!" He said, once again standing up and placing himself face to face with the Queen.
"Have I taught you nothing?" she said, in a sharp tone. The boy backed up and sat in his chair. "We must learn to forgive... no matter WHAT happens." She turned to leave the room, but stopped at the door. Not looking back, she said "And gather your siblings this evening at 6 for dinner." The boy moaned in the background. Her head immediately swiveled to face him. "That is an order." She left the room and slammed the door behind her.
Aladdin Jr. hit a call button on the small speaker set next to his computer.
"Hey guys, listen up; we have a dinner tonight at 6. Be there or die."
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Jasmine knocked on the door to the room where Aladdin was staying. After a few knocks and waits, she realized he wasn't in there. Feeling her hungry stomach growl, she headed to the cafeteria area. As she walked through the large door she could see Tiny Jasmine standing in awe with her plate and food on the floor. Jasmine ran to her.
"Jasmine, dear! What's wrong?" she said shaking her second daughter.
"M-m-mom... I ... I think... I think I see Daddy..." she stuttered, still in shock. Jasmine looked over across the huge area and saw Aladdin at the other end, with his back facing them. Jasmine waved her hand in the air, and two servant girls quickly came to her.
"Clean this up, and take her in the back to get something to eat." she said to them both. As one dragged Tiny Jasmine away, the other brought out another servant to help mop up the mess. Jasmine placed her hand on the side of her cheek and shook her head. "Dinner tonight ought to be interesting..." she sighed. She then grabbed her own tray and filled it with food, then headed over to Aladdin's table. As she got closer, she could see that every part of the long table was covered with either non-eaten food, or wrappers and trays from the eaten food. She pushed some of it aside and sat next to him. Aladdin turned to her, his cheeks full from the baklava which left from his plate to his mouth in the time frame of the last 3 seconds. She couldn't help but laugh at him. He tried to smile and quickly swallowed it down.
"Hey Jasmine, this food has just gotten SO much better! Do we have a new cook?" he asked, while shoving the empty tray away and grabbing another.
"Yes...15 new cooks actually..." she said as she tried to count the stacked trays in front of her.
"15? So, the other 75 are still the same, right?" Jasmine nodded and began eating her own food. "Well I sure hope Pisha is still here...mmm-mmm she makes the best rice cakes I've ever had!" Jasmine put down her fork.
"No, no...I traded her..." Jasmine said proudly. Aladdin nearly jumped out of his seat.
"WHAT?! You traded HER?! But...BUT WHY???" he said, eyes wide and unbelieving.
"Well, apparently her 'rice cakes' weren't all that were good..." she said closing her eyes. Aladdin turned away from her and his mouth said 'oh' and he fake coughed. Her eyes opened and she looked at him. He tried his best to smile innocently but he couldn't help but go into a flashback...
*Flashback - AN: yes i know a flashback in a flashback is tacky, but who cares*
It was midnight and Aladdin was way hungry. He slipped out of bed and headed to the cafeteria. Only Pisha was out front working, already starting on breakfast. Aladdin walked up to her and asked for her rice cakes. She grinned evilly and opened her top, revealing her large perky breasts. Aladdin's eyes were wide and his mouth dropped open. She shoved two rice cakes in his mouth and smiled, winking as she re-buttoned her top and headed into the back kitchen.
*End Flashback*
"AHEM!" Jasmine noised, getting Aladdin's attention. "Anyway, I wanted to invite you to dinner tonight."
"Dinner? Sounds great! What time?" he smiled, reaching for another tray of food.
"At 6 o clock. Be there early, and dress nicely."
"Just...us?" Aladdin said and smiled, his eyelids shading his brown eyes as he grew near to Jasmine's face.
"No, not just us," she said pushing him away while smiling herself. "Us and the kids." she said, not wanting to hear his reaction.
"The...kids?!?!" he said, his eyes wide.
"Yes, all 6 of them. We haven't had a family dinner in a LONG time and I think we're more than overdue." she wiped her lips with the napkin and stood up, waving another servant girl to the table to clean her mess, along with Aladdin's growing trash. She left the cafeteria and Andralia came to the table. She began to clear up the area, throwing all the wrappers and eaten food into the trash can, while storing the trays in her arm.
"Hiya, Sultan Aladdin!" she happily said. Andralia was the youngest slave girl to work in the Palace. She was also the happiest. Always cheerful and willing to help, she was more of a friend to the family and daughters than a servant.
"Hello, Andralia. How are you," he gloomily said.
"Ohh sir Aladdin, you sound sad." She wiped off the table and took his last tray from him as she sat next to him. "Wanna talk about it?" she caringly asked.
"No thanks, Andralia. It's just... well...I've been gone a while and things are..."
"Different." she finished, resting her arms on the table. "I know. I lived through it. Queen Jasmine has acted so weird while you were gone, and lots of things changed. I can't believe she traded our 15 best cooks for male ones! Everyone knows that it takes a woman to do the food. It just tastes better that way." Aladdin couldn't help but smile at young Andralia's reasoning.
"Yea...well I should get going. Are you going to be at dinner tonight?" he asked, standing up.
"Most likely. Jasmine has me working the food departments a lot lately. I barely see you guys anymore...say when did you get back? Has it been that long or were you late?" Aladdin laughed.
"I came back the other day...and yes I was WAY late. Goodbye, Andralia. I'll probably see you tonight." Aladdin said, tapping her back as he headed out. She got up from the table and wheeled the trashcan back to its spot.
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Two loud knocks came from Aladdin Jr.'s door.
"What is it???" he yelled.
"It's tiny sis, and let me in!" Tiny Jasmine yelled from the other side.
"What will you give me?" he responded.
"Uhhhh...I don't know what do you want? I hate this game! Just let me in, bro!"
"Alright...proceed." Aladdin Jr. said as he hit the button near on his computer desk to unlock his door. Tiny Jasmine came rushing in but stopped short when she came to his bed.
"Eew, somebody got up late!" she mocked.
"Shut up, now what do you want?" he asked, turning his head from the computer screen to face his sister who pulled up a chair.
"Junior, I think I saw Daddy!"
"You did." he said and turned back to his screen.
"What?! You're kidding! Seriously?!?!" she cried, jumping from her seat. He swiveled his chair to face her.
"Yea seriously! That's why mom wants us to go to dinner tonight! Don't you get it?! We haven't had dinner since about a year before Dad ditched us! Why else do you think 'The Sultana' wants us to gather like this?!" he yelled.
"Gee, calm down. So you think we're all going to be... 'reintroduced' or something?" she asked, sitting back down.
"Probably. I wish we didn't have to go. Someone's going to have to restrain me if you want your 'Daddy' to keep his head on straight. Else I'll just right up and punch his lights out!" Aladdin Jr. said, frustrated. Tiny Jasmine got up and put the chair back in its place, realizing her brother was seriously angered.
"You shouldn't say that. Why else would Daddy come back unless he was sorry?" she questioned, heading to the door.
"I don't know. But dinner ought to be interesting tonight... that's for sure." he said, turning his chair back to the computer.
"That it will be. See ya bro." she said as she left the room. Aladdin Jr. slammed his fist on the desk and put his head down.
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Aladdin was in his room, putting on his best attire in front of the mirror. He pushed back his hair and smiled his best smile. He couldn't help but be happy after kissing Jasmine today. But his smile quickly faded once he thought of having to face his children tonight. He heard a knock at his door.
"Come in," he said, fixing his belt. Jasmine slowly opened the door, peering her head in before proceeding. "Jasmine! Come in, come in!" he said, opening the door widely for her.
"Ohhh Aladdin..." Jasmined gawked. He straightened his bow tie and made sure that all his buttons were buttoned. "Wow, Aladdin. You sure do clean up well!" He laughed, completely understanding her statement. "Are you ready for tonight?" she said in a serious tone, sitting herself on the bed behind him and the mirror. She looked down and made sure her robe was closed but put her hand over it just in case.
"Yea...I think." He gulped and sat next to her. "Okay I'm lying. I'm not. I'm dead scared!" he said taking her hand. She quickly placed her other hand on the robe to hold the two pieces down over her legs. "I know they're my own kids and I shouldn't be afraid, but I know what's going to happen! They're going to mock me and yell at me... your dinner will be ruined." he said looking down at her hand in his hands on his lap. Jasmine inched closer wanting to tell him otherwise, but knowing just as well, that her children WERE going to react that way. She was especially worried about the two youngest and her eldest also. He fiddled with her hand, and she could tell he was nervous. Jasmine sighed a deep sigh.
"Look Aladdin. You don't...have to come if you don't want to." she said, looking down.
"Oh no, Jasmine! You don't get it...See, I want to go, really I do! I'm dying to see the kids again! But..." he looked down at her hand still in his, and took her other hand. She gasped but he looked up and didn't see her robe separate. "But...for a guy who has fought millions of creatures and monsters of the deserts... I really do have a weak side. And this is it." he said, looking into her worried eyes. She crossed her legs, hoping it would help keep her covered. He looked down and saw her incredibly high cut robe revealing as much of her legs as possible and quickly let her hands go. She pulled the robe down over her legs a little and put her hands on top of it to keep it there. It was an awkward moment for them both. "But I never give up an adventure." He smiled and winked at her, giving her confidence that he would somehow survive tonight. She smiled too and wanted to kiss him right there on the spot, but knew that it might somehow ruin the rest of the night. Inside, Aladdin felt the same way. She stood up and pat his back before leaving. After she closed the door he wiped his forehead and put on his dress jacket, pushing his hair back one more time with a big sigh.
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The children were lined up outside of the dining room by age and Jasmine walked past them all, making sure their attire was on properly. As she stood in front of Aladdin Jr. she could see he was fighting some serious emotions.
"Uh, kids you can go in if you like and sit down." But she held Aladdin Jr.'s hand and pulled him aside. "You I want to talk to..." she whispered. He rolled his eyes.
"Mom...MOM!" yelled a small voice tugging on Jasmine's dress. She looked down and saw a frowning Teeny Jasmine and Aladdin 4th behind her.
"What is it now?" she questioned.
"What is this for? Why do we have to eat dinner TOGETHER?" the little one asked.
"Yea it's no fun! I'm used to not doing it!" her twin brother chimed in. Jasmine gave them a look and tapped them each into the dining room.
"Aladdin Jr., listen to me. I want you on your best behavior tonight. I don't care what YOU want right now. This is OUR night and I don't want you to ruin it. Afterwards, it's up to you but for the dinner portion, BE GOOD." She kissed his cheek and he rubbed it as he headed into the room. Jasmine then entered a room behind where she was standing.
Aladdin was sitting on a chair nervously waiting.
"Is it time?" he asked. Jasmine smiled and stood next to him, making sure his bow tie was straight.
"It sure is. Are you ready?" she said and hugged him.
"I don't think so...but I'm going to try my best." he smiled and looked at her.
"You'll be fine. Come on." She grabbed his hand and they left the room, now standing before the doors of the dining room. The servants were lined up along the edges with napkins, drinks, food and more, just waiting for the moment everyone was seated. Aladdin and Jasmine both took one deep breath before entering the room.
"Children," she started as she stood before the one opened door. A servant was holding the handle of the one next to it, ready to open it for Jasmine's announcement. "Your father has come back." The servant slowly opened the door, revealing Aladdin to his children.
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Hahaha, I love leaving you guys at cliffhangers!!! Don't worry, my writer's block is SO gone right now, I could write millions of stories. I just don't want them all too long so I'm cutting them up for your benefit. Besides, I think it's more suspenseful this way, ne?!
Any questions, comments or smart remarks can be sent to RyokoVenus@yahoo.com. And please be cool and review.