~*****~

"Now, Mars, I want you to clean your room before Goten gets here, understand?" I say as I carry in his basket of laundry. "And don't forget to put up your clothes."

Mars beamed and began digging through his basket. "You got it, mom! Hey, can we have Chinese tonight?"

I snorted. "You should probably go ask everyone what they want. If you can all agree on Chinese, then that's what we'll have."

"But Dad's out training still." Mars murmured.

I grumbled irritably and clutched on the door frame a little too hard. There was an audible crack before I managed to blow out a breath of relaxation. "Then go ask Marble and the twins. Although, I suppose they'll say yes to you."

Mars beamed and hugged me. "Thanks mom!"

I snorted and headed to our room to finish our laundry. I shook my head at Mr. Satan's interview rambling on in the background. I gave a short yawn and turned the TV off before I hear the soft padding from the twins. They amble inwards and crawl onto the bed, grasping the clothes I'd folded and wrapping it around themselves. "You two here to help me with laundry?" I question.

"Daddy." Elara says as she holds up the shirt she'd taken. I grimace and sigh. "Want daddy."

"Me too, baby." I sigh as I press a kiss to her head. Eschalot remains silent and continues to cuddle Vegeta's shirt. Where was that man? Training's all well and fine, but damnit, he has children.

"Hey, mom, that pretty guy is here." Marble says from the doorway, her gaze glued on her handheld game.

I raise a brow. "Pretty guy?" I echo as I help the twins off the bed and trail out of the bedroom. I gape at Whis on the patio outside. "Whis, what a surprise!" I exclaim as I wipe my hands on my pants.

"Good afternoon, Mara!" Whis chirps happily. "I was wondering if you'd take me on a food excursion! I would like to have some dishes ready for Lord Beerus when he wakes up!"

I huff and offer him a smile. "That fancy staff of yours able to clean my entire house?" I ask. He taps his staff and I feel a rush of wind before I turn back to see it literally spotless. The twins are even shining from how clean they are. "Oookay... Then I guess I can make time. Marble, would you be a dear and watch your sisters while I'm out?"

Marble hummed and shoved her now clean handheld game into her dress pocket. "Sure thing! Will you bring me back something to eat?"

I laugh. "Definitely. Now, I think I know just the place." I mention to Whis as I loop my arm through his. "It's this sushi bar that I like to go to after work sometimes. It's a little shady, but the chef there is quite literally a master at what he does."

Whis makes an excited noise.

~*****~

And somehow, I managed to make a new friend. Whis and I made it a regular thing to go eat food he hasn't tried before. His innocence to Earth food is absolutely adorable. "It's delicious!" Whis exclaims with a look of pure pleasure. "My, this is absolutely exquisite! Crispy and crunchy yet spongy at the same time! It's like a ballet in my mouth! Oh, what is this liquid called again?" He asks me as I just smile at him.

"Tempura sauce." I chuckle.

"Right! Tempura sauce! Such a fragrant bouquet! I love it!" Whis hums. "The sauce alone is a work of art! You have done magnificently, chef."

"Eh... thanks." The chef hums.

"Let's try the shrimp and vegetable next." I say.

"Sure, coming right up!" The chef nods.

"That lovely sound. That rich aroma... Oh, thank you, Mara, it's even better than the last!" Whis sighs. "I can always count on you for a fabulous culinary adventure."

"Don't mention it!" I laugh. "That's what are indispensable friends are for, right?"

"Yes, indeed!" Whis agrees happily. Whis lifts up the entire ball of friend veggies and shrimp. "Oh, an inspired combination! On their own, I find decapod crustaceans too small for my taste. But the added heft here is great!"

I laugh. "It is, isn't it? I love coming here! The portions definitely feed a group of Saiyans, that's for sure."

Whis hums in agreement before shoving the entire ball of food into his mouth. "This is brilliant!"

I continue to laugh as Whis eagerly eats. Sure, having made friends with Whis probably wouldn't help in the matter to stop Beerus from destroying the Earth, but damn did I need a good friend. Bulma's been so busy lately, and Eighteen isn't really conversation material. And I'm pretty sure the Earth would be destroyed by Vegeta if he found out I'd been hanging around Tien without him around. It's safe to say, my list of friends were incredibly short at the moment.

~*****~

I sigh softly as Whis and I lounge out on the patio with a drink. "You know, I often wonder why he doesn't use that damn gravity machine I built for him." I mention to Whis as I gaze at the large building at the back of our lot.

Whis hums. "Perhaps he's surpassed the highest level he can manage with it." Whis elaborates.

"I wish he'd tell me. Then I could get to work on making something that'll work him harder. Anything to keep him home for a bit." I sigh. "Speak of the devil." I say as I feel his energy signal approach the house. He lands in the backyard, and turns on the water spout. He dunks his head under before drinking deeply. "You're back earlier than I expected." I call out. I huff as I stand up to greet him. "My goodness, you're filthy. How many times do I have to say it. It's not good for your skin if you continue to let the filth build up! Honestly, it's like talking to a brick wall sometimes--" I give a sharp yelp as Vegeta tugs me to his front, smearing his dirty clothes all over my own before kissing me roughly. I swat at his shoulders before pulling away. "We have company, you know!"

Vegeta whirls around immediately and flinches. "Whis, it's you!" Vegeta bellows.

"Salutations, Vegeta. It's been too long." Whis hums.

"What's going on!? Why're you here?!" Vegeta asks loudly.

"Who, little old me?" Whis asks and giggles. "Why, Mara and I have been sharing a meal these past few weeks."

"With-- With Mara?" Vegeta stammers.

I snort as I approach Whis. "Yeah, if you came home every so often, I would be able to tell you that Whis and I became good friends. He visits every now and then so I can take him to lunch. Honestly, it's so nice to get out of the house while my husband is off doing god knows what."

"Just having lunch with my wife, are you?" Vegeta asks.

"Mara has been introducing me to some of the most sensational cuisines I've ever tasted. Earth seems to have an endless cornucopia of flavors and cooking techniques. Honestly, I'm not sure I'd ever get tired of coming here." Whis explains.

"Honestly, you're lucky I even decided to show you around, considering your friend really ticked me off." I mention lightly.

Whis giggled. "I doubt you'd ever let me forget! But I am grateful!"

"If you've been coming here, then why the hell didn't I know?" Vegeta asked angrily.

I swat at his shoulder. "Stop being angry. I already told you. You're the one who hasn't been home. And to answer your next question, since I know your moody ass so well, no, Beerus is not here. I doubt he'll even come close as long as he hasn't apologized for backhanding me at my own party!"

Whis laughs. "Yes. Lord Beerus is currently on his home world enjoying a bit of rest."

"Is that so? Then I demand you take me there to see him immediately!" My gaze whips over to Vegeta. "I'm going to show that arrogant feline the true power and might of a Saiyan!"

I clear my throat delicately and turn to Whis. "If you could give us a moment?"

"I don't need a moment--" Vegeta retorts, but I grasp his armor and tug him after me. "Let go of me, you--"

We stop behind a tree. "Finish that sentence with anything but my name, or your loving wife, and I'll make sure you don't live to breathe another day!" I hiss lowly into his ear. "I get you want to fight him yourself, but since Goku couldn't beat him with the power Shenron helped him find, then how the hell do you expect yourself to win?! And if you do go there and piss him off, not only are you endangering Earth, you're endangering me and your four kids! So vent your frustrations out else where and stay out of it!" I shove past him and approach Whis with a friendly smile. "Sorry about that, lovers quarrel." I explain. "Shall we get going?"

"Yes, I'm quite looking forward to the dessert you've arranged for me, Mara." Whis hums happily as we trail towards the garden's exit.

"Hold on! I'm not done talking with you!" Vegeta bellows. I glance over my shoulder and glare as hard as I could. Vegeta halts in his spot.

Whis chuckles. "My, my-- it seems I didn't have to lift a finger. You're quite the natural."

"Who-- Who the hell are you actually, Whis?!" Vegeta bellows. "You're more than just Beerus' servant, aren't you!"

Whis hummed in surprise before turning around. "First of all, your pretty wife has all the power in the world to bring you and anyone else to their knees with just a glance." He mentions as I continue to glare. "Secondly, I am Lord Beerus' teacher as well."

"His-- teacher?" Vegeta stammered.

"Is that such a surprise?" I ask irritably. "Seriously, let's go get dessert, I'm hungry."

"Oh, coming! Is this the one they only make ten of in a day?" Whis questions as I loop my arm through his.

"Actually, it's more like five, but I know the owner and I called ahead to save us some." I explain happily.

"Honestly, you're Beerus' teacher?" Vegeta asked.

"May I be so bold? I'd like to offer you a bit of advice. You've achieved considerable power, through what I assume is intense physical training, but if you continue focusing on power alone, you'll never defeat Lord Beerus. The most crucial skill you lack, is a method for controlling your energy. If you can learn that... I suspect you'd be able to surpass your fellow warrior who always seems one step ahead."

"You mean Kakarot?" Vegeta asks.

"Unfortunately, it won't be easy to learn that control. Bye!" Whis chirps and we go on our merry way.

We stop short as Vegeta lands in front of us. "Vegeta!" I complain angrily.

"This skill you say I need so badly--controlling my energy-- can you teach me that?" Vegeta asked Whis, completely ignoring me. Whis doesn't answer me at once. Vegeta even gets on one knee and bows his head. "Make me your student, please! And I won't let you down!"

I glance up at Whis, my brows furrowed. "I'll train you." He says after a moment. "If you agree to become a Destroyer one day-- I guess I should have led with that. All right, Mara, shall we go now?" Whis asks me.

"Yes, please, anything." I sigh irritably and lead him off. "I'm so sorry about him."

"It's quite all right, I'm all for having goals." Whis hums.

"Hold on!" Vegeta barked. "What if I said I could feed you the most delicious cuisine on Earth?! Think that might change your answer?"

"The most delicious food on Earth; are you sure of that?" Whis asks curiously.

"You bet I'm sure! And you have my guarantee it will blow your feeble mind!" Vegeta exclaimed.

"What is going on here?" I exclaim to no one in particular. "Are you trying to steal my lunch dates? Because you do not know how to have friends!"

"Food that will blow the mind?" Whis hums.

"I would not pass this up. Do we have a deal?" Vegeta asks.

Whis hums in amazement. "Sorry, Mara."

"Are you freaking kidding me?" I ask irritably. "Wait for me!"

~*****~

Vegeta ends up leading us to everywhere I've already taken Whis. In the end, Vegeta attempts to make him food himself. "Vegeta's world-famous gourmet rice omelet!" Vegeta exclaims as I lean against the table.

I sigh out loudly and approach him. "Does this mean that much to you?" I ask irritably as he continues to break all the eggs.

"OF COURSE IT DOES!" Vegeta bellows at me.

I raise my brows. "That is so not the way to ask me to cook for Whis." I mention irritably.

"Why would I--" I guess it clicks because he turns to Whis immediately. "You haven't eaten anything like what my wife makes! No one on this planet could make better food than her!"

Whis hums. "Well, now I am intrigued. If she can wow me, then I suppose I'll take up your training." Whis comments as he takes a seat. "Don't think too lowly of me if I judge you too harshly."

I huff and shunt Vegeta off to the side with my hip. "Don't you dare start barking orders, Mr. World Famous Rice Omelet." I say irritably. "You're going to sit there and think about how you're going to make up all this time you're going to be away from me and your children. AND DON'T EXPECT ME TO WELCOME YOU BACK WITH OPEN ARMS, YOU HEAR ME!?"

Vegeta sits immediately and flushes as Whis begins to giggle. In the end, apparently a homecooked meal was the best thing Whis had ever experienced in our food tour.

They weren't going to leave until night fall, which gave me ample enough time to glare at Vegeta as he packed wildly. And he still had on those filthy rags. "Are you going to shower?"

"Why would I?" Vegeta retorted plainly.

I grunted and stood up, grasping his arm tightly and dragging him towards the bathroom. "I will not be treated like this, you understand me?!" I snap at him. "Take a shower, clean up, and I'll have you a new suit and armor to leave in!"

"Mara, I don't have time--" Vegeta stops short as I shove at him, my gaze unwilling to meet him. "Mara." He says softly as I begin to shake.

I swat at his hand. "Don't touch me and act like you care all of a sudden! You've been gone for too long. D'you know what the twins ask about lately? When's daddy coming home. That's it! Not I love you, Mommy! Just you! I'm doing my best to take care of our kids by myself, but it's hard! And now you're going off to train for god knows how long! So would it kill you to be kind to me for this opportunity that I won for you!"

Vegeta is silent for a moment, but starts the shower nonetheless. I don't even realize that I'm crying until he tugs me into his arms, hugging me tightly as if I needed it. Hell, I did need it. Even if he was filthy and sweaty, It was comforting to feel him in my arms again.

"I'll try not to be gone long." Vegeta says softly. "We'll have a day to ourselves when I get back. Anything you want." I glance up at him, trying to get my tears to stop. "Just stop crying, I can't handle it when you do."

I huff and bury my nose into the crook of his neck and breathing deep. I grimace after a moment. "You really stink. Get clean, you jerk." I hum. "I have your new armor somewhere, I just need to find it."

Vegeta grunts and pulls me into the shower with him, eliciting a squeal from my lips. "Please. I know you well enough. It's probably sitting on your nightstand in your capsule case." Vegeta comments. "Let me shower with my wife."

I melt at his words. "I love you." I say softly as he kisses me.

He grunts lightly and repeats it with each kiss he presses on my body. We stayed in the shower a little longer than anticipated, but I still cried myself to sleep after he left.