"Nice crib!"

Beerus looked up from his dessert to see who in this universe was audacious enough to interrupt him and his cake. A tall, lanky-looking dog-like man stood there, happily inviting himself in to look around.

"Fish tank's pretty sweet. Might be one to think about, eh, Sherri?"

The angel behind him nodded, but it was unclear if she was impressed or not. Beerus noted that she was considerably shorter than Whis and Vados, much to his surprise – at some point he'd decided they were all tall, thin and beautiful. Sherri did not fit this description, even if she had the same flawless skin as Whis.

"Who are you?" Beerus asked. He'd figured out he was finally meeting a God of Destruction who wasn't his brother, but Whis hadn't told him which patterns signified which universe.

"Of course!" The man tipped an imaginary hat. "I'm Meed – of Universe 4. A pleasure to finally be allowed to visit the new destroyer of Universe 11. I've been begging Whis to let me visit since Vados let me visit your brother – that's crazy, you'll have to tell me the story some time!"

Well, he seemed friendly enough. "I'm Beerus."

"Hey, Beerus, am I the first destroyer you've met?" Meed asked.

"Barring my brother, yes."

Meed smiled. "Sweet! I feel all special now. But yeah, Beerus, buddy, you gotta chill out. You're giving me vibes like I shouldn't be here."

Beerus pointedly cut his cake with his spoon. "You could have called ahead. I'm not a fan of surprise visitors."

"Sure thing, buddy. I've intruded on your cake, right? Good to see you're a real foodie too. Common trait among destroyers that is. But I thought Whis might have told you I was coming."

Beerus flicked his eyes towards the angel.

"Apologies, my lord, I didn't realise Lord Meed would be making his way immediately once I'd given permission for my sister to bring him."

Understandable enough, especially based on what Beerus had seen so far. "So, what brings you here, Meed?"

"You. Just wanted to meet you. Wanted to be the first. You know, some of the other destroyers are a bit…" He trailed off, as if Beerus was meant to know what he meant.

Beerus munched on his cake as he waited for Meed to find the word. "Yeah, Meed, you're going to have to expand. You're the first one I've met, remember."

Meed laughed nervously. "Nah, I'm not going to be the first one to speak badly of another. But you'll find you'll be friendlier with some, and have more friction with others. Just wanted to drop by and make sure we're on the right foot, you know? Maybe you can be an honorary member of the Multiples of Four Club."

"Right…" Was he meant to know what that meant?

"Well, I'll come back at a better time." Meed turned and went back out the doors he'd come through, immediately switching back to talk of the fish tank.

Beerus waited for the doors to close before turning to Whis with a cock of the head. "So, Universe 4?"

Whis smiled. "Yes, quite the excitable one, isn't he?"

"A bit full-on, yes. You know him well?"

"Not really."

"He seemed to be familiar with you. And Vados."

"Most of that 'begging' he referred to was done through Sherri. I only spoke to him a few times when he became quite impatient."

Beerus nodded. "Yeah, seems the type. I didn't expect other destroyers to be so…nice? Really I was expecting him to demand a piece of my cake, or try to take it by force when I said no."

"Some of them are like that. Lord Meed is a more social god compared to the majority. I thought your approach to him was excellent. You were the right amount of intimidating and didn't let that slip even when you admitted he was the first destroyer you'd met. I know other universes that would have taken advantage of that. It's one of the reasons I was happy to let Lord Meed meet you first."

"I guess I have a few social cues to learn too. Are there any destroyers to watch out for?"

Whis shrugged. "Universe 1 and 18 are always ones to be wary of. Those universes tend to be the more powerful, and their gods too. But at the same time, they tend to stick to themselves, so you probably won't even meet them until you have to."

"Meed said I might have friction with some of them."

"Yes, you'll come across someone you can't stand. I couldn't tell you who that is though."

"Are you lining up more visitors?" Beerus asked.

"No. The others don't seem as interested in you just yet. Maybe when you begin destroying a little more…"

Beerus gripped his spoon tighter. "I'm getting there."

"Sorry, I didn't mean it like that. Destroyers like to compare, and you've not much to compare right now. I am pleased by the progress you're making. Planets are not easy to destroy after all."

"Well apparently they are. For you."

"Don't compare us like that. It's like saying –" Whis stopped. "Forgive me, you wouldn't appreciate the comparison I was about to make."

Beerus was intrigued as to what Whis had thought of, but decided he didn't want to hear it if Whis thought it wasn't appropriate to share. "So, tell me, do you think it would be good for me to fight Meed? For a bit of training."

Whis pursed his lips as he thought about it. "I suppose it would be beneficial. And I'm sure Lord Meed would enjoy it too. As long as the pair of you agree that no destructive powers are used. Grand Zeno may have forbidden you to fight your brother, but I heard that as a warning to not fight any other destroyers."

"I thought he meant it in a 'don't kill each other' way."

"Yes, but I'm still not letting you and Lord Champa trade blows in case Grand Zeno is watching."

"Well, when Meed contacts you again, invite him over. And tell me." He didn't want surprise guests again.

Ooo

"Whis~" Beerus trilled.

The angel hummed, not looking up from his staff.

"Hey." Beerus put his chin on Whis's shoulder. "Why are you ignoring me? Where's the 'yes, my lord?' huh?"

"Because when you call my name like that I know you're after something unnecessary – and usually requiring more work on my behalf."

"Maybe~"

"Hmm, what could it be this time? Bake you a cake? Take you to the pub with the tasty beer you can drink more than a few glasses of? Give you a massage?"

Beerus gave a quick 'no' to all these things, even if they were all quite tempting. "I mean, I do want you to take me somewhere."

"Where's that?"

"I don't know. I was hoping you could help me out. I want to go somewhere pleasurable." He stressed the word.

Whis hummed for a second before it hit him. "Planet Catcholeo."

"Uh…"

"My, my, how could you forget?!" Whis closed his eyes, remembering their last visit. "The smoothest, silkiest chocolate in the universe! Nothing would bring me more pleasure than to return there."

Again, it was tempting. "That's…not what I meant."

He felt Whis's shoulders slump under his chin. "Unfortunate. You'll have to be a bit more specific then."

Beerus sighed. "I was trying to ask where the best brothel in the universe is."

"Oh." There was a hint of disappointment. "I couldn't say. Perhaps you'd like me to take you to planet Hachu?"

"Are you seriously telling me that you don't know anywhere else? The previous destroyer didn't have another favourite?"

"Hachu was the go-to. She liked the grandeur of the palace."

"Uh-huh, but Hachu's palace isn't a brothel. It just so happens to be an added service afforded to us."

"To you," Whis corrected him.

"Wow, mean. Don't they know who you are?"

Whis rolled his eyes. "My lord, this is not my area of expertise simply because I don't partake in such activities."

Beerus took a moment to rethink some assumptions. "Okay. Well… I'll just add that to the list of things you can't do."

"Please don't, if only because unlike getting drunk, I am able to have sex."

"Fine, fine." He suddenly really didn't want to be having this conversation for a reason he hadn't quite worked out yet. "Let's… Look, I don't want to go to Hachu because every time we go we inevitably end up in the palace whether we wanted to or not."

"I'll take you to Planet Sarkay."

Beerus remembered the name; they'd been there before.

"I can't vouch for the establishment, but I know it exists. Perhaps it would be good for you to try something new and untested. I fear we've become a bit set in our ways recently."

As if I've had enough time off of training to go exploring, Beerus thought. "I expect you to save me a deep fried prawn."

"I'll order you a portion when you're done."

"Say, you're not gonna pay someone to beat me up again, are you?" Despite his memory of the prawns, he hadn't requested to go back.

"No, but I'll be paying someone to incapacitate you in a different way I suppose."

"On the way you can tell me all about how you get your money for all these places."

Ooo

The prawns were good as always, but the new fresh-faced youth that had started working for the family business had decided to try a few new things out. The octopus balls were novel and certainly going to be his new go-to should they prove popular enough to stick around.

"Jeez, how many have you had?" Beerus asked as he dropped into the chair opposite Whis, noting the pile of boat-shaped baskets.

"I've been going through the menu," Whis explained. "They do serve more than just prawns." He signalled a waiter, already having arranged for Beerus's portion to arrive when he did. "How was your evening?"

"Good. I don't know what you told the Madam, or how much you paid her, but everything was offered to me. I'm actually quite well-fed - something I didn't expect."

"It did appear to be a higher-class establishment. It seems they offer more general entertainment too."

Beerus licked his lips as the prawns appeared in front of him. "I'm surprised you didn't stay to taste their food – something new to you."

"I didn't want to intrude. It seemed like something you'd prefer to do alone."

Beerus waited until he'd finished savouring the first prawn. "Maybe you should come next time. The food had a certain sweetness that made me wonder if it should perhaps be dessert instead."

He caught the twitch of Whis's lips. "I would gladly accept that invitation."

Ooo

Meed was a terrible guest. His first faux pas being that he'd invited another guest. Beerus understood that destroyers came with angels, but destroyers didn't have to invite other destroyers who also came with an angel. He now had four guests rather than the two he'd expected.

"This is Rumush!" Meed was eager to introduce the pink elephant man. "Rumush, this Beerus, brother to Champa."

Rumush gave a singular nod as he ran his eyes over Beerus, sizing him up. Beerus immediately got the impression that Rumush was not as friendly as Meed was. He noticed movement by Rumush's leg and saw that there was an angel even shorter than Sherri. And she looked like a child as she stared up at him.

"Nice," was all she said with a nod.

Beerus didn't know what to make of that, watching as she walked past him to join Whis who had set up a table for his siblings and himself to have tea at.

"So, angels start working as kids, huh?" Beerus asked to break the awkward silence – something he'd hoped Meed would do.

"Kusu is the oldest," Rumush said.

Beerus did a double-take and laughed. "You're funny, Rumush. Delivered that with such a stern face I believed you for a moment."

"I'm quite serious." His eyes narrowed as he gazed at Beerus. "Kusu is the oldest of all the angel siblings."

"Well, damn." He was going to comment something along the lines of Rumush keeping her stress-free to keep her looking so youthful, but he wasn't sure how the stern destroyer would respond.

"So, Whis said you had something to ask me?" Meed had been trying not to ask so soon, but he'd been so curious as to what it was.

Beerus wondered if he should ask to spar when there was a third destroyer present. Rumush gave off an aura that suggested he was more powerful than he appeared. But with another destroyer and angel present, perhaps it was the best time to do it. He didn't think Meed would try to kill him, but the more eyes watching, the better – not that he didn't trust Whis alone to come to his aid if necessary. They had already discussed what was too far and when Whis would stop them.

"You seem like you'd be up for it," Beerus started, "So I wanted to ask if you'd spar with me for a little training?"

Meed's tail wagged a few times with excitement. "Would I?! I'd love to!" He elbowed Rumush. "See? Beerus is a good one. Hey, let's make it a three-way match!"

Rumush frowned. "Not interested."

Meed groaned. "Fine. You can watch and give us tips then."

"Just hand-to-hand combat," Beerus said. "Nothing more."

"Fine by me."

Meed's excitable personality was reflected in his fighting style. He was quick, unpredictable, and quite fun to spar with. His techniques weren't standard fare and inspired Beerus to come up with his own unique moves in the future. Still, Beerus's strength lay in hand-to-hand combat, so he wasn't as out of his depth as he worried he might be.

There was no real winner. They sparred until Meed gave up, citing boredom and pointing out that Beerus was tiring. He still had to work on his stamina, something that had taken a back bench while he focused on improving his ki. Rumush's criticisms were textbook, and Beerus had already heard most of them from Whis. It was much more interesting to hear his critique of Meed, especially as Rumush had at some point sparred with Meed.

"Well," said Meed as they indulged in small cakes provided by Sherri, "I think I'd agree to having you as an honorary member of the Multiples of Four Club. What d'you say, Rumush?"

"If you wish."

Beerus noted Rumush's lack of enthusiasm. "What exactly is this club?"

"Just us destroyers from Universes 4, 8, 12, and 16, looking out for each other's backs. But seeing as you're Champa's brother and I like you, I figure we can include you too."

"But not your own paired universe?"

Meed shrugged. "I guess it's weird having your brother as your pair, but you know, most of us just want our universe to be the better one of the pair. I mean, I don't want Brandie to die, because we've got good banter, but…she's not part of the club. This is a special club. Just for us."

"I appreciate being included, I guess?"

A beeping sound filled the air and Meed scrambled about in his pockets. "Ah! Sherri! It's time!"

The angel barely had time to get up before Meed rushed over to her, quickly yelling his goodbyes before disappearing in a flash of light. It was nice to know he looked that flashy when he and Whis departed.

"What was all that about?" Beerus mumbled, mainly to himself.

"Meed is a…eccentric man," Rumush said. "Some of the older destroyers can't stand him."

"You do."

"Yes, I have the right kind of disposition to suffer someone like that. Really I am hoping that my presence will have some sort of positive effect on him eventually."

"That's good of you. I didn't think destroyers were the kind to care about others." He certainly didn't see any reason to take an interest in the affairs of other universes when he had his own to worry about. Perhaps it would come with age.

"They're not. But Meed is a good man, and I think he makes a good destroyer. I would rather we keep the good ones and extinguish some of the more spontaneous."

"Sounds like a word I'd use to describe Meed."

Rumush shook his head. "When it comes to the job itself, Meed takes time to debate with his Supreme Kais, as one should. He is good at both halves of his job – both the destruction itself and the decisions before it. I hope you follow in his footsteps in that respect."

Beerus nodded, feeling as if he'd just been imparted some wisdom from Rumush. "I'll do my best."

"It has been good to meet you, Beerus. I hope we meet again someday."

"Not a fan of casual visits?"

"No. This was merely a courtesy call to meet you. Unless you need something from me, or I from you, I doubt we'll see each other any time soon. Meed, on the other hand, you can expect to see more than your kais."

Rumush motioned to Kusu, and Beerus watched as the tiny angel actually mussed Whis's hair. Now he believed she was the eldest.

Ooo

The Madam had made them feel quite at home with a private lounge, a handful of her best entertainers, and all of the dishes Beerus had enjoyed last time. She wasn't a fool not to make a note of what the mysterious high-paying guest had praised on his first visit, and now she would hopefully reap the rewards for as long as his interest held.

"Oh, this was really good last time." Beerus used the raised plate in the centre of the table to spin the dish towards Whis.

There was a gleam in Whis's eyes as he looked at the glazed meat. "I must say, I can't believe I never tried this place before. To think a brothel could be hiding such a talented cook!"

"The Madam's two eldest children," a girl offered as she refilled their cups with tea.

"Please give them my compliments," Whis said, unsure if he would be able to deliver them in person. He took a moment to appreciate the aroma before popping a piece of meat in his mouth. Immediately Whis let out a pleasured moan as the flavours danced on his tongue.

Beerus never paid attention to the dramatics of Whis and food, but sitting in a brothel made him wonder if the reason Whis was so vocal at this moment was because he felt no shame. He certainly wouldn't make such a noise in public like that – not that they were in public now, but Whis had done so before on many occasions. Is this the only time Whis ever made such noises?

He had to stop thinking about this. Ever since Whis had told him he refrained from sex it had made Beerus even more curious about the angel. He found himself wondering things about Whis he'd never thought of before – and his mind particularly liked to ponder if Whis pleasured himself. A question Beerus didn't need an answer to! He didn't need to know these things. Especially if he was going to be living with this man for the rest of his life. And yet his brain sometimes just started thinking about such things! He really –

"Lord Beerus?"

His head snapped up. "Yeah?" Great. He'd zoned out a bit there.

"Are you okay? Did you want more of this?" Whis motioned to the dish he was still enjoying.

"No, you enjoy it. Maybe you'll be able to crack the recipe." He reclined on his sofa. "I never found out if you offer dessert."

"Naturally," one of the young men said. "Chocolate is a particular favourite of our customers, after all."

Beerus ordered a selection of things – intent on trying as much as possible. "So, what are the chances I'll meet other destroyers?"

"High. Eventually you'll come across them all. It could take thousands, tens of thousands, even a million years before you do. Some of them are so much older than you that they really are in no hurry to drop by."

"Am I not something new and interesting to them?"

"Not yet. You're still training, and they know you'll be nothing more than a toddler to them."

"Ouch." Who were these assholes?

"You can always call on them."

Beerus paused for thought. He didn't like the idea of turning up to someone's house who he'd never met – didn't even know the name of – and asking if he could hang out for a bit. He wasn't like Meed. What would he even say? Hi, I'm Beerus and I'm just being nosey.

"Maybe in a few millennia," Beerus said. Which to him right now was the equivalent of forever.

Dessert was a much more intimate affair with the entertainers. He hadn't asked, but it seemed they believed it was expected of them to feed their guests dessert. Beerus thought about putting a stop to it, but he quite liked having the work taken out of eating like this, especially when he had a sofa to lounge on. The girl carefully spooning cake into his mouth made sure to run her hands across his body as he savoured each bite.

There was definitely something more to this cake. Surely it couldn't just be the flavour that made him feel this good. Ah, I know –

"Whis, how's the cake?"

"Light as a feather, a perfect ratio of cream…but far too little of it!" He sat straight-backed as always, not enjoying the comforts afforded to him. Still, he was allowing one of the girls to feed him, much to Beerus's surprise.

"Would you like some more, sir?" she asked.

"No, no, there are a further three cakes to sample, as well as these wrapped sweets and five jellies!"

"What would you like next?"

"Stick with cake. I wouldn't want to change texture so erratically on this journey."

The young man with control of the table handed her a minty green slice of cake.

"Well, looks like you'll be here a while," Beerus said. "I'm going to duck out for a bit." He looked around at the entertainers, eventually settling on one. "You, with me, bring that orange thing with you." He hadn't quite worked out what to call the dessert.

The man picked it up and began to follow Beerus out of the room.

"And you!" He pointed at the girl about to feed Whis the next cake, having noticed her hand on his thigh. "Don't touch him." The notion that Whis couldn't stand up for himself was ridiculous, but still Beerus wondered if the angel was just being too polite.

She looked confused and slightly worried, but luckily Beerus left quickly.

"Don't worry about him." Whis smiled as he leaned in for the cake. "Please continue as you were." Really he thought it sweet that Beerus was thinking about his comfort.

A/N: The truth about the name of Planet Sarkay? That's how my Dad pronounces 'sake' (and imagine it in a British accent too). All my other planet names tend to be anagrams or, in some cases we have yet to reach, words spelt backwards.