Chapter Text
“Oh please Jafar! It’s just a simple three-letter word, just say-”
“I SAID NO”
“THOSE ARE TWO!”
Jafar looked at disgust at the tall man hugging his legs. Although he respected Hades as a schemer and evil doer, he could sometimes be so childish.
For the last few days the god had been trying to convince him move over to his mansion when he found out that he was getting evicted from his apartment.
Hades stood up and planted himself in front of Jafar “C’mon pal! I would really appreciate to have one of my best friends around” he insisted.
“No Hades, for much that I appreciate your friendship I refuse to share a room with Ala-knows-who”
“Jafar, I have a big arse mansion! You won’t have to share a room, or even a bathroom. Besides, there aren’t a lot of people, just the good ol’ gang, you know ‘em! You got Mal, Ursula, Hook, Scar, Cruella, Cruella’s red-hair friend whose name I don’t remember , and-”
The sorcerer stopped the talkative god dryly. “I do know some of them, but that doesn’t change my opinion” He made a sign to his parrot to sit on his shoulder and started walking towards the bar’s exit “Let’s go Iago!”
“Jafar wait!” the grey man exclaimed, grabbing his friend’s shoulder “Jay, I know you’ve been living in a dumpster alongside Iago for a long time and I just want to give you a good place to stay!”
Jafar lifted his head higher and responded: “For the tenth time I appreciate your worry Hades, but I’m sure I will be find a new place on my own”
“You really need to let go some of that pride, man” the grey man said, letting go Jafar’s shoulder “Well, everyone is worried about you, not just me. Just think about it… do- do you really think you will be able to find an apartment in less than a week?” his voice, usually fast like a salesman, had taken a slow and sympathetic tone.
The shorter man’s chest filled up and was ready to reply until a soft cough coming from his parrot interrupted as he now looked at it, visibly worried.
Iago, who had been silently enjoying the two men argument, gave his master a serious look and said “Well, he is not wrong Jafar…”
The sorcerer didn’t respond. His situation was complicated ever since he was defeated by that street rat but his proud spirit wouldn’t let him ask for help that easily, even if he needed it.
After a long silence Jafar looked at the ground and finally responded. “Fine… Iago needs a bigger place to stretch his wings any-”
A strong hug interrupted the man’s speech, leaving him breathless. Iago flee and laughed at the scene from a nearby table.
“Yeah! I assure you will not regret it Jay-Jay” said Hades as he tightened the embrace.
“ack-“ Was the only thing the crushed man could articulate.
“Oh, sorry” Hades said as he finally let him friend go. “Don’t blame me pal. Ya know I’m kind of a hugger when I’m happy”
Jafar took a moment to fix his turban and robe from the agitation. “While I deeply thank the gesture, it will only be temporary until I find another place. And don’t call me Jay-Jay”
“Yeah yeah, go get you stuff and I’ll pick you up in the morning, okay?” Hades said excited.
Jafar shook his head in resignation, unsure if his friend had actually heard what he just said.
After a quick goodbye, both men parted their ways.
‘Ha, about time you changed your mind Jay-Jay” the red parrot said teasingly.
Jafar rolled his eyes “I did it for you, Iago. I would be totally fine…” he paused his speech with a sigh before continuing “…living in the car for a while”
“Yeah, keep tellin’ yourself that” the red bird responded as he imagined his elegant master curling up on the back seat of the old dusty red car. The thought entertained him but also made him feel quite bad for the old guy.
Jafar gave him a look, like if he could read Iago’s mind, before opening the creaking door of the vehicle. The bird took its place on the co-pilot seat, anchoring himself with his little claws while the man started the engine with a twist of the key. After a 15 minute drive, they arrived at a big apartment complex.
The reception was quiet and a funny smell seemed to be coming out of the backroom. Jafar didn’t even bother to salute Cyntia, the blonde woman reading a magazine behind the desk, because he knew that as soon as he opened his mouth the cigarette-breath witch would start yelling at him that he better “pack his shit and put his life together”
God I hate her… he said to himself as his parrot looked back at the woman, probably to make funny faces at her.
“He gave you ‘the look’” he muttered to his master.
“What look?” Jafar asked the parrot as he climbed the stairs.
“The same look you give me when I cuss at strangers during your perfomances”
The man just smiled softly, looking for his keys. “Well, we won’t have to worry about the looks of that snake anymore” he said, turning the key to unlock the door.
I really hope I don’t end up regretting this decision later…, Jafar thought for himself as he walked inside his crappy apartment, caressing Iago’s head with one finger.