Beyblade Burst Adventures

The Differences

In which we see how Shu is adjusting to his new life with Theodore, and how Theodore is adjusting to his new life with Shu. Then they go to get the little Beast some clothes, and there's a bit of a mistunderstanding... (Continuation of Kindness in the Rainy Night.)

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It had almost been two whole weeks since Theodore had taken Shu into his home, and while they were both still adjusting to living with the other, they still enjoyed each other's presence very much.

Theodore was unused to having a roommate at all, much less one who was so affectionate. Poor Shu was so starved for love and attention that he'd occasionally interrupt Theodore's computer work by hopping onto the couch and crawling into the man's lap, growling softly and demanding that he take a break.

Shu was still unused to being treated fairly at all times, and if Theodore moved towards him too fast or without warning, he'd flinch and often bolt off to the nearest hiding spot. Theodore was already certain that Shu had been abused in his old home, and was already researching ways to help the poor thing cope with his trauma.

Theodore had also spent some time researching Beasts, finding that they all had transformed sometime after turning ten years old. Shu, however, seemed to have spent his whole life as a Beast.
Another difference was that 99% of the Beasts out there still acted human, aside from bits of animal-like aggression when stressed. Shu was the 1% that acted like a... Well, acted like an animal.

He knew that he'd have to take Shu with him to certain places, since the little Beast couldn't be cooped up forever, so he started teaching him how to embrace his human side. Encouraging him to speak, stand on two legs, and other things.

... The talking and a few other things were not coming easy. Shu had learned how to parrot back certain things (his and Theodore's names), but he seemed shy when it came to speaking...

Luckily, Shu didn't mind walking on his back legs when asked and balanced on them just fine. While he preferred to go around on all fours, he would stand upright to walk beside Theodore.

"So, Shu, I was thinking that you're probably getting tired of wearing that jumpsuit and borrowed shirts all the time..." Theodore began, smiling at his roommate uncertainly. Shu thought about it for a moment and shrugged. "Well... What would you say to getting some more clothes to wear- ones that fit you and are a bit more appropriate for everyday wear?"

The Beast nodded to express his approval, even though it really seemed like his clothes made no difference to him. Theodore knew that when the time came, though, it would be better for Shu to wear normal clothes than his... It looked like a uniform of some kind.

"Well, good. We can go to the store and buy you some new clothes." He stood up, motioning for Shu to do the same. The boy's eye's widened in a 'you mean now?' sort of way, and the little thing stood up with growing unease. "No one will hurt you, I promise. Just stay close to me and hold my hand, alright?"

Shu nodded.

They had drove to the store in a taxi with no trouble. There wasn't even much of that in the store, aside from a few people staring over judgingly.

Shu was scared- Theodore could tell by how the little Beast's claws were digging into his hand ever so slightly. Instead of asking Shu to loosen his grip, he simply stroked his thumb over the back of the red-eyed boy's hand, calming him little by little.

Theodore led Shu to the children's section, where they kept the daily clothes. It was easy to find what would fit Shu's frame, but encouraging Shu to pick what he'd like was a little harder...