'Another party. Splendid. Earth sure has an infinite amount of reasons to enjoy good food.'

'Indeed. A planet of your heart my lord.'

Beerus did not appreciate those words from his attendant. They weren't untrue, but they did remind him of how he acted completely against his nature more than once for the sake of this planet. A destroyer not destroying. And worse, saving a planet. Unheard of. This food better make up for it.

'I trust that you will manage on your own for now. I see a few chefs that I would like to say hello to and I assume you would rather hit the buffet?'

Beerus glared at Whis. Yet another reminder his attendant happily pranced around the universe while he was asleep, making friends and acquaintances left and right. Not to mention the disciples. All this galivanting meant he had a life of his own, outside of his servitude to him. Which he was entitled to of course.

Same way Beerus was entitled to feel annoyed about it.

'Yes, yes go entertain your Earth friends. I, on the other hand, will try to compensate for my annoyance with this planet with its food. Let's see if it will keep my mood in check.' Beerus added with a hint of warning. For what reason, well that wasn't any clearer to him than his annoyance about Whis having friends.

'Very well my lord. But do try to restrain yourself. I have grown quite fond of this little rock myself.'

'Of course you have.'

And with that Beerus turned on his heels and went straight for the first spread of food he could find that did not have any of the guests seated. He planned on stuffing himself with food until all these thoughts were replaced with the sweet taste of many fine dishes he could smell. And he did not want the Earthlings to bother him while he did so. He'd much rather if he didn't think at all right now.

'And there is my favourite god.'

Wonderful. The one that couldn't stop talking was the first one to find him.

'I did not know the Supreme Kai was here as well. For a mortal, you certainly know how to put together an interesting guest list Bulma.'

'Well well, aren't you humble today. Is it so hard to believe you are my favourite diety?' Bulma mused jokingly. Unbeknownst to her, the deity in question did not find her amusing.

'Destroyer gods do not exactly top the lists of mortal theological preferences. Much less of those they've had altercations with.'

He suddenly remembered her daring strike amid his destructive frenzy. He also remembered striking her back. An action fueled by rage for mortals and their lack respect shown to a deity. That being said… perhaps it was a bit rash to strike her.

'Although… considering your hospitality then and since, I must admit I regret my actions.' He simply looked at her and she knew this was the closest thing to an apology she would get.

'Water under the bridge, Beerus.' Bulma smiled. 'Besides, at least I got to see my husband defend me. He's not the most sensitive guy but he does have his moments.'

'Protection. I suppose it is the closest one can get to expressing love without explicitly showing it.'

Odd… for a guy who liked to remind her she was nothing but an insignificant mortal that sounded quite… personal.

Bulma noticed Beerus looked away. She followed his gaze and saw who actually inspired his comment.

She wasn't shocked really. Given their lifespans and the nature of their relationship it was bound to happen. She simply didn't expect to be around long enough to witness it. What with all the aeons of being alive and everything things must happen pretty slowly.

'Actually, I don't think it's protection itself.' She decided to risk her newfound standing. I guess that not-really-an-apology apology really got to her head. 'Actions speak louder than words. It's something Vegeta has taught me. He would never say it, but he shows. Not destroying a planet one fancies is one way of doing it.'

That made Beerus break his stare and look at her confused.

What does Vegeta not blowing up her planet have anything to do w-

'Watch it mortal. I may be lenient with your world but rest assured I will destroy it to prove a point.'

Bulma rolled her eyes. Maybe it was the wine she had before that gave her confidence to be so casual with him... or maybe it was her newfound friendship with the only person in this universe who could keep Beerus in check. And on that note…

'Yes, yes, big bad destroyer, I get it! You know, it wouldn't kill you to loosen up a bit. We're just talking. And who knows, I might be able to help you with your… dilemma.'

Beerus was getting annoyed.

He wasn't eating any food, this Earthling was prying into his private affairs and he couldn't understand what on earth was so funny that Whis was laughing with the head chef for the past 10 minutes. He was supposed to be eating food and saying his greetings, not having a damn comedy night at the bar.

'My only dilemma is whether or not this planet was actually worth saving if it will continue to produce mortals as insufferable as yourself.' He had no qualms over insulting this woman. Especially if it meant shutting her up. This was not something he wanted to discuss. Least of all with her.

Bulma smirked.

'Fine. Be that way. But you know… I have noticed you're not denying anything.'

Beerus narrowed his eyes. He held back because she was Whis' friend. He didn't destroy this planet because Whis enjoyed the delicacies. He agreed to Whis training the Saiyans on his home planet. He agreed to bring back to life one of them along with their planet. There was little left to deny to anyone with eyes and a sense for these things.

Which didn't mean he wouldn't try.

'Careful Bulma. Or your husband may have another opportunity to show his… affection for you.'

Bulma glared back at him.

'You know, he is an actual friend to me. I do care about him. Enough to notice all kinds of emotions on his face when I talk about relationships. And despite your charming attitude, I believe you would be good for him. If you would just drop the act and admit your feelings I could help you.'

Beerus abruptly stood up.

'This conversation is finished.'

And with that, he stormed towards his attendant.

He found him on a different food cart, leaning over the counter and gazing lovingly into some kind of doughy food being prepared. Not as appealing physically but Earth's delicacies do always surprise... not important right now.

'Whis we are leaving. NOW.'

Whis turned to face his lord but never getting up from his chair. 'In a minute my lord. I am trying this dessert thing with the sweetest aroma and I'd hate to miss it. Right now it's sizzling on this round cooking appliance. If you insist I can have it ready to go. But you know...'

'What?' Beerus replied, his patience thinning.

'You could share it with me. Apparently, they come in all shapes and sizes, flavours, with toppings. I wish to try them all before we depart. Come and sit with me.'

That last sentence did it. His anger was far from subsided but one thing he couldn't deny were his requests. That much was painfully obvious.

'Very well. But this better be good.'

Whis smiled happily. Although he did worry about his short-lived talk with Bulma. For all that hotheadedness of hers, he did not understand how a short conversation with his lord could flip his mood completely that not even food could fix.

Not managing to change his foul mood, Whis suggested his lord to take a walk with him and clear his mind. And while they are on their way, they might as well stop by one of the many restaurants Bulma took him to during his visits to Earth. And he knew which one would appeal to his lord best.

Still, the food wasn't the only goal he had in mind for this walk.

'So, dare I ask what did hurricane Bulma say to provoke such a reaction from you?'

Beerus' temper ignited once more at the mere thought of that woman's insolence.

'She pried about my private thoughts simply because I let one mere information slip. I should have destroyed her for daring to be so bold and assume she can familiarise herself with a destroyer god. This planet is long overdue for a lesson in humility anyway.'

Whis simply smiled at his lord's rant.

'That may be but it was you who decided to spare this planet for its marvellous cuisine. And other things that is.'

Beerus' temper was not subsiding. Now his attendant started to assume he can read him like a book too?

'I was far from the only one who took a liking on this planet. At least I wasn't the one who brought in the Saiyans to his lord's world where he was still in slumber. You really have no shame Whis, you know that?'

At these words Whis stopped their walk.

'My lord, while I understand you are upset for reasons still not clear might I add, I will not tolerate disrespect. I am not here to maim your mood. If you wish to take your anger out on this planet that is not mine to question. But I will not have you forget the nature of our relationship. I do not exist for you.'

Beerus stood in front of his attendant trying to contain shock from his words be visible on his face.

It has been a while since he had been reprimanded like this. Less than pleasant memories of his early years with Whis as his teacher have resurfaced and lessons on propriety, rankings and relationships between immortal beings have been brought to the forefront of his thoughts. While others had no qualms about administering these lessons the hard way, Whis was patient with Beerus.

Patient, but not lenient.

He never failed to correct him on the nature of their relationship. While Whis was there to aid Beerus, he was not his slave. Acquired god power came with limitations. When it comes down to it, Whis was there to ensure he can do his job, not to be at his beck and call. Even though it did seem like that at times. Beerus wondered about this more often than not but was never confident to pursue the matter further. This kind of conversation had the potential to circle back to his lessons in humility and respect towards attendants. Still…

Whis noted strain on his lord's face. While he was not a mind reader, he lived long enough with Beerus to read him like a book. And he has lived long enough with Beerus to potentially be on more comfortable grounds with him. Still, boundaries had to exist. Mostly.

Truthfully, his words have not had such an effect on him as he made it seem. But this altercation with Bulma had certainly been more than just a heated argument. And of all the things he could have expected this was one that he did not.

His anger was directed at him as well.

There was little his lord could do to leave him surprised at his actions. Such a thing was unavoidable when two people shared this much of their lives, despite them being immortal beings.

And yet here they were, standing in the middle of an empty road, on their way to taste delicious Earth cuisines – neither moving and both wanting the other to speak.

Beerus cleared his throat and turned his side to Whis, not looking at him but not turning away.

'You are right. I'm sorry Whis. As you said, you do not exist for me.'

Whis stood there trying to decipher his words. Was it a proper apology? Not quite, could use more focus on the actual issue at hand, not his wording. But why was he so focused on his last words anyway? It's not like him to hold onto specifics.

Not to mention the emotions of a new destroyer god in training he so desperately tried to hide earlier were not the emotions that prompted this response. Something else was plaguing his lord but, yet again, Whis fell short in his ability to understand Beerus today.

Nevertheless, Beerus was not the trainee god he once was. A small slip-up in a moment of anger is not like him and it's not what Whis would normally hold against him. It would seem today's events had been quite impactful on both of them.

'All is forgiven, my lord. I trust you won't make a habit of this.'

Unnecessary comment but Whis couldn't help to see how Beerus would react. Despite his comment and unusual behaviour, Beerus was still under the effects of his conversation with Bulma. Perhaps a bit of prodding could provide some clarity on his mood.

Beerus' heart was in his stomach. He did not have to say it like that. But he did. Those were the first words that came out. Voluntarily? Not quite clear on that. Was he… disappointed? He knew what Whis meant by those words. He should be more considerate of him and no, he is not the reason for his foul mood. Not directly that is.

Still…

I do not exist for you. I trust you won't make a habit of this. Was a bit of familiarity too close for Whis' liking? Surely he could understand his anger was not really directed at him. He knew him better than that. He knew him too long for that.

All this second-guessing was giving him a headache. He should have never mentioned anything to Bulma. Now she got him… thinking.

'You would be right to do so Whis. It may not always be clear but I do respect you.'

Beerus was stunned at his own words. What exactly has gotten into him? Should he write him a sonnet while he's at it? They have never exchanged such words. These things… they were implied between them. The respect for each other was obvious. Never needed mentioning. Although it's not a bad thing to say…

And here is another new thing. Apparently, second-guessing every damn word uttered is another exhausting side effect of being in lo-

Too many thoughts. Enough. He was not in love.

He was… perhaps lonely. Or sick. Yes, that's probably it. Although a small voice inside of him reminded him that deities don't get sick.

His annoyance tripled when he realised that voice sounded a lot like Whis. Must be his fever making him hear things.

'Anyhow, should we eat? Thanks to that wretched Earthling I am now starving. She got me so riled up that I left before having a proper feast.' Beerus growled at no one in particular.

Whis once again eyed his lord. His words did not match his emotions. When you lived as long as they did you lose all desire to contain and alter your words and emotions for the benefit of others. Not for lack of care or tact, but for lack of need. Why bother deceiving a person that has spent aeons by your side?

Whis decided to save that last thought for later. While his lords' behaviour was peculiar to say the least, the mere mention of Earth's food made him shift his focus. After all, they had all the time in their existence to discuss this. But the food was a thing of the moment.

And it was something he gladly shared with Beerus.

'Certainly my lord. And I know just the place, you will enjoy it immensely.'

'Splendid.'

And with that, Beerus decided to shut his thoughts and go enjoy a good meal. Although the reassuring smile on his attendant's face did not manage to stay out of his head the rest of the evening.