Disclaimer: Hetalia is not mine.
A/N: A Guest reviewer reminded me of a particularly important detail that I completely forgot to mention last chapter: if there are humans on planet Earth. The answer is no; planet Earth in this AU is Earth as we know it, except devoid of humans. So man-made things like the Eiffel Tower and the Great Wall of China? Those don't exist in this story; only natural things such as the Great Barrier Reef and the like do. And as for clothes, I imagined all of the planetary rulers to wear something akin to a toga, or a chiton (like what the gods typically wore in Greek mythology), except for Earth (I imagined him to wear something resembling Peter Pan's attire (the one starring Jeremy Sumpter haha)). Thank you, Guest Reviewer, for your review and for the reminders!
Please, enjoy!
My Darling Daisy, my Daisy Darling
Saturn unhurriedly approached the perpetually quarrelling lovers, uncharacteristically thrilled yet making an exceptional effort in appearing apathetic as per his usual.
He had seen how intently Matthew and Alfred had looked at each other, the way they had uncovered each other for the first time after the Sun King's arrival, quietly assessing one another with warm appreciation. Where Alfred's attraction had been evident to those paying attention, Matthew's had been subtle, almost guarded, though not enough so as to have escaped the Saturnian's keen eye.
Nevertheless, he had nearly smacked himself when the first word to have passed the Sun's lips had been 'salutations'. For the love of Fate, words of that sort were no longer used – at least, in regard to common speech! It was incredibly outdated, and unusual to hear these times that even Saturn himself never said it. Ah, but in Alfred's defense, Kiku had also heard the slight tremor in his voice. The usually proud, self-confident Sun ruler had truly been nervous. From seeing all of the planets for the first time in so long? Possibly. But at heart, Saturn knew it was from finally meeting the ever-elusive Earth Prince. Alfred had most probably decided to greet Matthew that way in order to appear more sophisticated, intelligent. Naturally, he had wanted to create a favorable first – and lasting – impression.
And that was to be expected; Alfred always tried too hard to get others to like him.
Matthew was no exception.
If anything, Alfred had likely doubled his efforts in hopes of impressing his Terran counterpart. Now if only–
"Saturn? Are you quite alright, my friend?"
Kiku snapped out of his thoughts at the sound of Francis' voice, and looked up to two worried sets of eyes.
Oh, he remembered now; he had been meaning to speak with these two.
"Mars. Venus," he acknowledged with a nod. "May I ask you both a favor?"
Said planetary rulers looked at each other uncertainly, before turning back to Saturn and nodding just as uncertainly.
"How can we be of assistance, old friend?" Arthur spoke up at last, hesitant.
Straining to keep hold of his excitement, the Saturnian was careful to adopt his habitual calm façade. "I need you to occupy Jupiter's attention while Alfred and Matthew depart to planet Earth."
At that, Francis frowned. "And let the Sun remain alone with our dearest Prince without any supervision? I cannot allow that."
"Venus is right. Amongst us all, Jupiter interacts with King Alfred the most, and he has never returned with the most favorable of things to say. You understand how such negative remarks have only contributed to our current wariness of King Alfred, do you not?"
Actually, Kiku did understand. He realized that Mars and Venus were only looking out for the Earth Prince, only wanted what was best for him (regardless of the fact that Matthew was more than able to look out for himself). And Kiku had heard the rumors. He did not speak to the Jovian King often despite their being neighbours, yet that most certainly did not mean Ivan's words regarding the Sun did not reach his ears.
After all, celestial bodies – whether it be stars or planets or comets or moons – liked to gossip, and Saturn had heard plenty from the latter. He had, after all, more than fifty moons.
"I do. All I ask for is your trust."
"Granted. In the name of Francis, King of Venus, and of myself, King of Mars, yada yada yada – spare me the effort of going into detail, would you? – I hereby place our trust unto you if, and only if, you guarantee that Matthew will not come to harm whilst in the Sun's presence. Should this happen, our response shall be unimaginably swift. So swift, the speed of light will seem sluggish in comparison, understood?"
Kiku's lips curled upwards knowingly. "Quite. You have my word." Smile then gone as if never having been there, Kiku stared pointedly at Arthur, "I don't suppose dear Jupiter has ever tried your cooking?"
Lacing his Venusian's fingers with his own, the Martian King smirked, "Whatever you have planned best not disappoint us."
"Ah, Saturn! Have you seen Mars? I will be leaving soon yet cannot find him. I wish to express my gratitude for such a wonderful evening, before bidding both him and Francis farewell."
Kiku glanced over his shoulder, ultimately turning towards Matthew. "I'm afraid I have not. Though, I could relay the message. I am sure they will understand." He smiled pleasantly, offering the blond a rare wink, "After all, they are in the know of the plans you made with a certain Solar King."
Face coloring despite himself, the Earth Prince scuffed the toes of one foot back and forth against the glossy corridor floor, nervous. "…Word spread around fast, eh?"
Saturn stifled an amused laugh behind his palm, nodding in agreement. "Quite."
"Matthew, are you finished? May we leave now?" came a voice from the mouth of the hallway, its owner's steps quickly drawing closer.
The Earth Prince stepped aside to greet the newcomer, his peripheral vision all the while keeping close watch over the Saturnian. "Yes, we may. Though, perhaps I ought to also search for Jupiter, as I have not seen hide nor hair of him either." At a subtle twitch of Alfred's nose – which was not missed by neither Saturn nor Earth – Matthew explained, "You see, I wish to say goodbye to everyone before we betake ourselves to Earth. It is only polite to do so, after all."
Alfred looked somewhat put out at the words. "Oh, of course."
"Thank you, I –" Matthew began when Saturn cut in:
"Actually, if I may, I propose to speak with Ivan in your stead. It has been a taxing day, and Earth, although a neighbour to Mars, is still ways away. Thus, it would be in your best interest you go. Do not worry, as I am sure that, just like Mars and Venus, Jupiter will understand."
The Prince wavered for but a moment, before coming to the conclusion that he may as well listen to Saturn – for if anything, the latter was indisputably trustworthy, and was the voice of reason amongst the planets. As such, it was with this sense of assurance that he consented, "Alright. You may." He then added with a bright, appreciative smile, "Thank you, Saturn, for constantly displaying such kindness towards me. Know that I treasure our friendship."
"Likewise, Earth." Returning the smile, he glanced sparingly at Alfred, and only felt his lips curl further upwards; the Solar King was staring at Matthew like an Earth moth would a flame – entranced, charmed… just as Fate had foretold. "I will be seeing you soon, Sun King. For now, do behave whilst on planet Earth."
With that, the gas planet took his leave, though not without missing a certain blue-eyed monarch's murmur of "Don't have to tell me twice."
"Halt! Halt, I say! You have not yet had the chance to enjoy my newest culinary masterpiece! I have named it the 'scone', and I insist you have one, Jupiter."
Said ruler strode quickly out of the room, ignoring Arthur's cries (never mind Francis' near-maniacal laughter) to please come back, and how about you try these inedible pieces of rock I just incinerated in a mock-imitation of how the Sun reduces things to ash?
Letting a long, relieved breath escape him once far enough away, he set his mind to finding his sweet Prince (whom he had not seen since Mars and Venus had pulled him towards the kitchens) until Kiku materialized at his side out of thin air.
The latter had an unfortunate knack for teleportation, a gift shared alongside only Pluto.
Ivan launched towards him a glance of surly contempt, before greeting, tone mocking, "Ah, look who we have here: Fate's eternally loyal peon. How nice of you to join me, comrade Saturn. I trust you have come to inform me of my darling Matthew's whereabouts?"
King Kiku paid no mind to the other's hostile behavior. In fact, the usually equable Timekeeper for once bore an iron countenance, coffee eyes slits of stormy warning. "I strongly advise you keep away from Earth, Jupiter. Both the planet and its embodiment."
"Or what, dearest neighbour?" Ivan sneered, hands sparingly spitting electric sparks – a prelude to his much greater lightning flashes. "Will Old Father Time cast me out of the Solar System? Go back to the Past and avert my very Creation? I think not. We both know you are not one to intervene directly unless Fate orders it. Even so, you simply do not have the physical capability to prevent anyone from doing anything." He paused, tapping his chin in afterthought, before conceding, "The other planets and your moons, yes, perhaps. But, certainly not me."
"Careful, little Ivan, or you may find yourself struck by your own thunderbolts."
In response, the Jovian stomped his foot angrily, rounded chin jutting with aggression. "We shall see about that."
Lips upturned in an odd combination of mirth and pity, Saturn vanished wordlessly.
End of Chapter 2
A/N: Thank you to those who have read/favorited/followed/reviewed this story so far. Know that I appreciate the support immensely.
Hope you enjoyed this chapter, and that further chapters will continue to meet your expectations.
Sending you loads of hugs from my corner of Canada,
~SHnM
