A/N: There's a quote from the show in this chapter, but it has yet to be dubbed, so we have the subbed line. I look forward to hearing how they dub it.

"No Goku or Vegeta today?" Shin asked. These days he came of his own accord to visit Beerus.

"No, it's some Earth holiday or other. Their families insisted they go home for it."

"Oh? Didn't you want to go and see what it was all about?"

Beerus cocked a brow. "That seems like something you should do. I was told it isn't focused on food, so I passed. Besides, I've seen too much of those two recently; I deserve a break."

"These things happen annually on Earth, I can go another time."

"Good. I wasn't trying to get you to leave. Next time you should come wearing one of those cute outfits you call fashion."

"Cute?" Shin looked up at Beerus curiously, who had stopped walking.

"Did I say that?" Beerus wanted to hit himself for that slip-up. "It must be true, because I said it."

Shin blushed, amazed at how that was turned back on him. He hadn't expected Beerus to admit it. "M-maybe I can take you to a fashionable planet and we can find something for you too."

"Not interested. I don't want to dress up, I just like dressing up other people. We got Vegeta into a pink apron once, you know. But sure, I'll go with you and pick something that'll look amazing on you. And we'll take Whis too. He always looks so good in everything with his tall figure."

"Alright then, it's a… It's a plan."

"No, Shin, it's a date. Say what you mean."

"But it is a plan. That we just created. We haven't decided a date yet."

Beerus ruffled Shin's hair. "Sure, kiddo. I know you were thinking of that word though. Say, that reminds me…something that happened during the tournament." Beerus sat down at the edge of the lake and hummed. "What was it again?"

Shin sat down beside him. "What was it to do with?"

"It was something you said…" Beerus focused hard on remembering the exact wording. "And then…yeah, she shot at you after that."

Ah yes, Shin knew exactly what Beerus was thinking of. He was still shocked that any of the fighters would attack their Supreme Kai, and was even more embarrassed that it was he who had been the only one to receive such treatment. Surely he was even more of a laughing stock among the other universes now.

"I remember now!" Beerus said with a grin. He turned to make sure he could see Shin's face. "You said 'you two are so lovey-dovey I'm jealous. How sweet.'" He had had Whis play it back to him a few times so he remembered the wording, but he had planned to spring this on Shin ages ago, before he caused that rift between them.

Shin smiled. "Yes, it was inspiring to see Krillin and 18 display so much love on the battlefield. Although I don't think I deserved what happened next." He rubbed his cheek.

"No, that was uncalled for. How dare she threaten to kill you?! And you – you shouldn't have to apologise! I would have said something, but I was too busy…um." He didn't want to tell Shin he was busy signalling to Whis to make sure that bit was recorded and filed away for easy access. "Well, I was very interested in that line you said. The bit where you said you were jealous. I didn't think it was very kai-like."

Shin knew he was blushing furiously, but he still tried his hardest not to react. "I suppose not. I said it in the heat of the moment."

Beerus poked a cheek. "But look at you. There was something real in it. Tell me about it, Shin." He pulled the kai into an embrace and whispered quietly. "Do you actually seek fulfilment in that area?"

"It must be a phase," Shin said. "Kais don't… I mean, we do love but not like that. I think I've been watching the mortals for too long. Watching their attachments to others, watching them love and lose. It makes me wonder what it could be like. Maybe it's a youthful phase I'm having. I don't know…"

"Haven't you asked that old man? Or maybe your attendant would know?"

Shin shook his head. "I'm only sharing this with you because you asked. I'm not going to ask others about it. It's not important."

"Hm. I doubt Whis would know. Kais aren't his area of expertise. But it sounds like it's something important for you to explore."

Shin sighed and pulled his knees up to his chin. "No. Because I'll always lose. I'll outlive whoever I pick. Because I did pick someone…"

Beerus was about to offer a suggestion, but he kept quiet, waiting for Shin to elaborate.

"I don't know what came over me, but I was enamoured by this mortal I met… I wanted to keep him with me and look after him. I brought him home and…" Shin didn't want to go into too many details. "Well, it was pointless. He couldn't get over the fact I was a Supreme Kai basically. For him it wasn't a possibility to stay with me for something more long-term. Maybe it was to do with the fact he had someone waiting for him back…home." He'd done very well so far – the last thing he wanted was to name-drop the planet.

"Well, obviously you can see your own problem there. You need someone who's not a mortal."

"Really narrows the pool. I'll probably already know them."

"Eh, what can you do?"

"I don't think you get it, Beerus. When I fell for –" Come on, don't name drop. "For this mortal, it was sudden, unexpected. I can't just replicate that."

Beerus thought about it a bit more. "Maybe you can go back to that planet and find another similar mortal, but don't tell them who you are this time. And pick one that's not attached. Maybe you'll get lucky and find one of his descendants."

"…No."

"I thought that was a good idea."

"Maybe. But, I mean, he's still alive. He doesn't have plural descendants."

"Oh?! Well, what are we waiting for? Let's go and show this chump that you don't reject a Supreme Kai – especially not my Shin." Beerus was on his feet, ready to go.

Shin pulled him back down. "No, please. Just forget I said anything."

Beerus leaned in close, staring Shin down. "You know I can't just let this go. I need to find out who this mortal is. Let's start with the planet. I'll just go and erase it for the disrespect this guy's shown you, but not before you tell me who he is so I can make him watch as I destroy all he holds dear."

"Please calm down, it's not…it's nothing really. I'm over it."

"I don't care. I'm not over it on your behalf. Come on, Shin, just the quadrant to start."

Shin sighed and stared back at Beerus. "You're not going to let this go, are you?"

"Oh no. I love a problem that can be fixed with destruction."

"That's not how it'll work…"

"It will. For me. I'll be happier."

"You really won't be. Trust me. How would you feel if Earth was destroyed?"

Beerus hummed. "I'd be pretty sad, I guess. The food's too good to pass up. Hell, I fought Champa over that planet, so I guess I'd be a bit gutted honestly."

"Exactly."

Beerus stopped and replayed the conversation quickly. "W-wait. He's from Earth?! You found this guy…when you went after Buu then?"

"After Babidi," Shin corrected him. He hated that Beerus always forgot the important point that he was not so foolish as to wait for Buu to be released before acting. "Yes, that's when we met."

Beerus rubbed Shin's cheeks. "Aw, that was like last week!" he exaggerated. It sure felt that way in their lifetimes. "It must be so fresh still."

"This was all over in a matter of days. As I said, it doesn't matter."

"Days?! Jeez that's barely enough time to learn someone's name, let alone fall in love. Maybe you didn't give him enough time."

"I didn't waste my time chasing a dead end."

"Well, maybe I won't destroy my favourite culinary planet over a day-long romance. I still want to know who it was."

Shin said nothing.

"Man, you're really going to make this hard for me? Was it a human?"

"Um…" This was about to get really difficult if he didn't lie.

"What else? Namekian?"

"No."

"Saiyan?" Beerus smirked as he asked that. And his grin widened when Shin didn't immediately deny it. "Oh?"

"It's not Goku or Vegeta."

"Damn. That would have been quite the tale to hear. But, by process of elimination, I think I've got it. I can't believe I didn't guess it earlier. I mean, you've already told me about this friend of yours."

Shin could feel each heartbeat, and his breathing become shallow as he waited for Beerus's opinion.

"I said you two made a good pair. You really believe in him, right? I remember how relieved you were when we chose him. Ah, and the pair of you working on our universe's team for the tournament… I see it. But I never would have guessed from the way you both acted that there had been anything more." Beerus went over the memories. "Gohan moved on quickly though, what with that baby he has."

"For him it was nothing more than a very strange few days. There was so much happening that I'm sure my feelings were the least of his worries, and when he thinks of that time it's what he remembers least."

"Surely when he sees you he thinks about it, or was this all in your head? Did you actually say anything to him?"

Shin frowned and shot Beerus a look. "Of course I did. We… I told him. I made it very clear in my opinion, and then invited him to live with me more long term."

Beerus had a funny look on his face. "'Very clear' and 'in my opinion' in the same sentence… I just don't know what to think. Maybe you should tell me more."

"Since when were you so interested in these things?" Shin asked in a last ditch attempt to get Beerus off his case.

"Since this is something I don't know about you, and I'm very intrigued by my life link who goes to fight a powerful majin and falls in love instead. But also, you're extremely embarrassed right now and I'm living for it. So, please, the details."

Shin looked away, trying to compose himself. "As you should know – assuming you've listened to my previous accounts of the Buu debacle – we brought Gohan back to my world for training. He pulled out the Z-sword and freed Old Kai, who offered to unlock Gohan's potential. I watched him sit there for over a day while Old Kai danced around him. I had a lot of time to think about what to say. I saw the way he'd catch my eye and shyly look away. That was cute…"

"Didn't you just read his mind?"

"Of course I did. Every time he noticed me, he quickly focused his mind back on unlocking whatever power he believed he was finding. Otherwise the other times I dipped in, his thoughts were full of the turmoil back on Earth, comparing it to the peace he was sitting in. Towards the end he just thought of how tired he was. So once Old Kai announced the ritual was over, I took him inside and gave him my bed to rest in."

Beerus looked scandalised. "You didn't…"

"Aren't you listening? The boy was exhausted from having been up for over a day. He was asleep as soon as his head hit the pillow. I stayed with him though."

"Right. You still haven't told me anything about you actually saying something though."

"I'm getting to it. Obviously we were pushed for time, so I had to wake him once he was rested enough. I tried to help while he slept. I was bold…I woke him with a kiss."

This time Beerus was actually shocked. "Okay. I believe you a bit more now."

"And perhaps it wasn't the best time to say it all when he was still so dazed with sleep, but I told him I wanted him to remain with me."

"But did you say you loved him?"

"That's such a strong word. I didn't go so far."

"Oh, but a kiss is fine?"

Shin hid his face in his hands. "I couldn't say it, but…I showed him instead."

Beerus leaned in closer and whispered in Shin's ear. "What exactly?"

"I didn't want to let him go. I had him right there… On my bed, away from the others. Please don't make me recall it."

Nothing could stop the low chuckle from coming out of Beerus. "Sorry, my imagination isn't what it used to be. You'll have to explain, lest I think something else happened. Clearly you wanted this boy more than anything – and god would I love to have seen that – but I know you. You and your boundaries. I wonder if they disappeared for him."

"It's appalling to look back on. To think I was that…"

"Sounds like the word you're looking for is 'horny,'" Beerus said with a grin.

Shin disapproved of the word. "It wasn't that… Well, maybe it was a little. My point is I didn't act in a manner befitting my status."

"You kais and your high and mighty attitude. You make lifeforms that need to fuck to multiply, and yet the idea of yourselves doing just that gets you all flustered. Strange."

"It's different," Shin insisted. "Kais don't 'multiply' like that. But anyway, my point is that I used that same trick you used on me however many millions of years ago."

Now Beerus couldn't help but laugh loudly. "Trick?! It's the truth!"

"Oh, so you do remember?"

"Of course I do." He wasn't going to expand on the fact he'd been thinking about the ways he'd managed to get Shin into his own bed in their short-lived fling a long time ago. And how he was planning to possibly reuse some of those methods soon.

"He was tense about the upcoming fight with Buu, so I suppose it wasn't a trick this time either. And I really took advantage of reading his mind to make sure he enjoyed every minute."

"You sly dog. I wish I could do that. I wish I could do it right now so I knew exactly what you two got up to."

"You know, I think there should be something secret between people. I believe I've told you enough."

Beerus pouted. "No. You didn't tell me if he repaid you in kind."

"He did." Shin hid his face again. "It was so cute the way he worried about me… But afterwards, once everything with Buu was finished I knew I couldn't take him away from Earth. He had too many attachments there. It was never going to work out."

"Jeez, I can't believe I didn't work this one out sooner." Beerus had a hand on his chin, running through their interactions again. "That kid sure is chill. But then again, looks like your lust for him dried up pretty quickly too."

"…Yeah. Better that way."

"No feelings since then?" Beerus really was trying to grasp at straws.

"Not directed at anyone. As I said, I watch mortals, and it's like an empty feeling in my chest that I've never had the chance to try and fill. I just want to understand their joy. Maybe I'm a broken kai…"

Beerus suddenly had the urge to hug Shin tightly. "No you're not. Broken kais are like that asshole Zamasu. You're fine the way you are."

Was Beerus just saying this to make him feel better? Since when was Beerus such a supportive other half? Then again, Beerus had known kais before him…perhaps he was telling the truth. He said nothing, only leaning into the embrace.

Whis found the pair by the lake, Shin lying on top of Beerus, both sleeping soundly. It was quite the adorable picture, and he smiled at the sight, happy that Beerus had finally made it up with Shin properly. Quietly he knelt down next to the pair and whispered into Beerus's ear.

"My lord, you've been out here for 5 hours now."

Beerus felt a weight on his chest and cracked an eye open to see Shin there. He smiled down at the sleeping kai before turning to Whis. "Leave us a bit longer."

"Perhaps you'd like a pillow or a blanket?" Whis brushed Beerus's arm. "You'll both get cold soon."

Shin stirred and Beerus frowned. "Look, you've woken him."

"It was the rumbling of your chest," Shin said.

"Well, if Whis hadn't disturbed me, I wouldn't have disturbed you."

Shin got up, and Beerus realised how much warmth he'd been providing. "I wouldn't have slept for much longer anyway."

"Can I get you something to eat?" Whis asked before Beerus could make his request for food.

"Something sweet," Beerus said. "Like that chicken you got from Earth the other week. What was it…sweet and something?"

"Sour."

"Yes, something like that."

Whis bowed. "I'll get right on it."

Beerus turned to Shin. "You're staying, right?"

"If you're offering."

Beerus nodded and began to walk back to his castle. Hopefully it would be ready by the time they got back.

"Hey, Beerus…"

"Yeah?"

"Thanks for listening to me earlier," Shin said, glad to be a few paces behind. "And for not ridiculing me."

"A friend wouldn't do that."

"I know, but… Well, you're so involved with Goku at the minute, it would have been the perfect opportunity to say something…whatever your opinion may be."

"Personally I don't see what you saw in him, but it's not like I have refined tastes either, so who am I to judge?" He wouldn't be proud to introduce any of the mortals he'd had relations with to Shin, especially seeing as he could only remember one or two names. Luckily most of them were probably dead by now. "But, tell me, does Goku know?"

"I doubt it. I don't think Gohan has told anyone. Actually, you're the only person I've told."

"I'm honoured. But not even Kibito? I tell Whis everything." Whether he liked it or not.

"No… We're not nearly as close as you two."

"You don't have the tens of millions of years of experience of each other yet. It'll come with time. But I won't mention this to anyone apart from maybe Whis. I doubt Goku would care. Sometimes I wonder how that guy had one kid, let alone two."

"Thank you."

ooo

Beerus pressed his face into Whis's back and began to knead between his shoulder blades.

Whis chose to ignore him, continuing to stock take the cupboard. In response Beerus slipped his hand under the outer layer Whis wore, only the maroon robe stood between his hand and Whis's skin now.

"Did you want something, my lord?"

All he got was a grunt from Beerus.

"You'll have to be a bit more specific."

Beerus hovered so that he could reach Whis's neck, pulling the neckline of the robe down so he could kiss the skin beneath.

"This still isn't very clear. Do you want to use me or -?"

"No. Just touch me."

Whis placed the jar he was holding back in the cupboard and turned around, stroking Beerus's jaw. "What's this all about?"

"Don't ask questions."

"You'll answer them," Whis said. "When I have you wrapped around my finger."

"Maybe so." He took Whis by the hand and led him out to the living area. He sat down on his bubbly sofa and undid the sash at his waist, instead using it to cover his eyes.

"Rude," Whis huffed. "Maybe I should let you get on with it yourself if you won't even look at me."

"Please, Whis. Just let me pretend."

Whis removed the sash so he could look Beerus in the eye. "Pretend I'm who? The Supreme Kai? Why don't you just ask him yourself?"

Beerus groaned. "I just couldn't get the words out earlier."

"Well then I'll take you to him, or you can take care of yourself." Whis sat in his chair and folded his arms.

"Whiiiis... Don't be like that. I'm sorry." He reached over and put a hand on Whis's knee.

Whis jerked his knee out of reach. "You know I don't enjoy these kinds of favours."

"Alright, alright, I'll give you a bit of love too." Beerus tossed the sash aside.

Whis sighed. "You've already told me your motives. I'm not interested in anything else."

Beerus climbed into Whis's lap. "Are you jealous? You don't like that I'm thinking about someone else?" He stroked Whis's cheek. "I didn't think you cared."

"I don't."

"Oh, but you do."

Whis turned his head. "I don't. I could replace you tomorrow, no problem."

"Now, now, don't be mean. You'd be devastated if I went. You certainly wouldn't have helped me live this long if you didn't enjoy having me around. I like having you around too." Beerus kissed the cheek he'd been stroking. "But right now I want to play with my other life-long friend."

Whis pulled Beerus to him and picked him up, carrying him back to the sofa. "Just remember that I'm your only truly life-long friend. You'll have to put up with me forever, but as you said, you like having me around." He smiled; small compliments are what he enjoyed most. "Now you're more willing to look at me, we can continue."

"You know, when we were at the Tournament I got a chance to look at all your siblings up close. You're definitely the best-looking."

"Don't try too hard to find those compliments." Whis began to relieve Beerus of his clothes; he'd rather they stayed clean.

"I'm not trying too hard. It's a simple truth. One I haven't had the opportunity to tell you until now."

"I've been all ears these past few months."

"I wanted to save it for a time like now. Don't you want me to take this off for you?" Beerus tugged at Whis's clothes.

"No, you can just keep stroking my ego."

Finally Beerus felt a hand on his cock and let out a sigh. He'd been thinking about how to go about enticing Shin all day, and he'd built up quite a bit of frustration over it. Now he could finally get it all out.

"I thought you weren't going to pursue your other half? I thought you'd been there and done that?"

"I know. But he's so cute."

"I know. You always said that. I think you forgot at some point."

"No, I got bored."

Whis nodded. "Yes, you do have a tendency to do that."

"But he's changed a lot recently. Must have taken some balls to go after Buu. And you saw the way he treated me. He's not the complete walk-over he used to be. I need to conquer that again, you know?"

"I see. I think I understand it all now."

"Fuck. Yeah, I do too." He leaned in and kissed Whis. "I love you."

"Uh-huh. Does that have anything to do with where my hand is right now?"

"No. Maybe. A little. But I mean, just talking to you, you help me make sense of things. I love that about you."

"And at the start you said 'no questions.' You're full of shit sometimes, my lord."

Beerus chuckled. "Shut up. I'm not very good at talking and feelings."

"Oh, you are," Whis assured him. "You just need to have the right stimulus. So, what have you been enlightened about?"

Beerus put a finger to Whis's lips. "No more serious talk. My mind can only think about one thing now."

"Of course. But please, feel free to dish out some more comments about how wonderful I am while you think of me."

"I love the way your lips match my skin."

Whis rolled his eyes. "Very subtle."

"Well, I assumed you would – if you want to keep yourself clean."

"I hadn't planned on keeping you straddling me this whole time. We'll need to change position if you want that though."

Beerus removed himself from Whis's lap and laid on the sofa.

"I don't think so. This thing isn't long enough for me." He pulled Beerus into a sitting position and kneeled on the floor, between Beerus's legs.

"This works for me," Beerus said. This was his favourite way for someone to suck his dick; he liked how it made him feel more like he had the upper hand. He reclined back and watched as Whis looked up at him as he took him in his mouth. God he forgot how much he enjoyed Whis's touch. The angel had become extremely proficient at providing him with a good time. Not even he could remember his favourite spots like Whis could.

"Whis, you're fucking fantastic, you know." He knew how much Whis would enjoy hearing him sing his praises. "I feel so fucking good. Because of you."

Then Whis began to make noises, like moans, as he sucked. Beerus knew it was all fake, and that Whis felt nothing like he sounded, but that didn't make any difference to his dick. All his dick heard was good things coming from Whis. Beerus couldn't keep up his stream of compliments as it was quickly dissolving into breathy profanities and 'Whis,' mixed in with a few moans.

Whis knew exactly when Beerus was about to come, watching the way he arched his back moments before. Not a drop was spilled. He sat next to Beerus, the god latching onto his side, always a cuddler afterwards.

"Happy?" Whis asked.

"Mmm. You know, I didn't even think of Shin in the end. Just you."

Whis couldn't help but smile. Of course he performed so well that Beerus had no choice but to forget about other distractions. "Tell me about your epiphany then."

"I realised I'm not as sappy as I thought I was," Beerus said. "I was getting a bit worried, you know. I thought that maybe I was actually having feelings. But no, I just want to bend him to my will and have my way with him. To prove I still can."

"Oh. And here I thought that you were being genuine…"

"Well, I do want us to be friends like the others universes. But I thought it was deeper… But it's not. Good. I'm fucking relieved. I think I can achieve what I need to now."

Whis stroked Beerus's head. "I'm glad. That you've figured it out and that it's nothing more. I'm not sure you two being more than friends is a good idea. Could be a bit strange in the long run. Not sure if Grand Zeno would approve."

"He doesn't have to know."

"He knows everything. Eventually."

Beerus grimaced. "I hope not."