Chapter 10 No shoes, no shirt...that's a problem

Disclaimer: I don't own Yugioh

Atem sighed as he awoke the following morning just before the sun rose. He had hardly slept the night before because to be honest he had been worried Yami was going to try and make another run for it. Thankfully she hadn't.

Atem sat up, carefully withdrawing his arms from around Yami's sleeping body, and stretched. Everything with her was a mess right now and to be perfectly honest Atem had no clue how to go about fixing that.

Atem carefully got to his feet before shifting and padding out into the clearing. Instead of leaving immediately he headed over to his Beta's den, a slightly smaller wigwam not too far away from his own. Seto and Kisara's den differed from Atem's in the sense that their den was a bit more human than Atems. They had a wardrobe and dresser both filled with human clothes as well as a desk where Seto kept devices like cell phones and other pieces of technology that if he needed them he would have. Atem had actually been very relieved that Seto had gone through a phase of human curiosity when he was younger and therefore was more than happy to keep himself up to date. It meant Atem never had to deal with any of it and he could push any required human encounters onto Seto. Atem trotted inside and right over to the sleeping pair of wolves before he lightly nudged Kaiba in the side. "Seto, wake up." Atem barked.

Seto's eyes snapped open before he quickly got up, "Alpha? What seems to be the problem?" Seto asked with a yawn.

Atem sighed. "I need you to guard my mate. I'm heading up to the mountain now. I need to think about a few things and I don't want to take any chances with her safety." Atem said.

Seto frowned, "I can do that, but Alpha, why don't you take your mate with you up to the mountain?" Seto asked.

"Because she's still sleeping right now Seto and I would prefer to just let her rest." Atem said.

Seto nodded, "Very well. I will keep an eye on her while you are gone. Do you know when you will return?" Seto asked.

Atem shook his head, "No. I need to do some serious thinking and hopefully I will find the clarity that I seek atop the mountain." Atem said.

Seto nodded once more before he followed Atem out of his den. Seto turned and took up a sentry position in front of Atem's own den before Atem turned and trotted out of the clearing heading for his favorite mountain.

Once Atem had reached the peak he tried to think. His mate, argh, she certainly seemed to know every single button to push to infuriate him. And the worse thing was that he had no idea how to go about addressing the matter. If it had been anyone else but her he'd know exactly what he needed to do.

Come on Atem, think! You can figure this out. Atem mentally chided himself. What was it that Yami kept yapping about so much? That I don't understand her. Atem snorted. That isn't the problem...the problem is that she doesn't understand herself anymore.

Atem frowned. Of course this is a problem that none of the other Weres ever had to even worry about. Everyone else already understands who they are as Weres. They grow up knowing the wolf within them and the human side is something that many can just ignore or for those who wish to explore it do so before returning back to where they belong.

Atem's frown deepened. But isn't that the crux of the whole problem? That his mate for the vast majority of her life hasn't been a Were? But rather been an overly emotion, overly dramatic, weak human?

Atem sighed. How in the world was he supposed to wrap his head around that? He didn't know the first thing about being human. He had never needed to and certainly never wanted to. Just as he'd never even had a desire to venture into a human settlement. Chasing after his mate the other night was the closet he really got to venturing into a human settlement. His home was in the woods and that was exactly where he belonged. This was something that was not going to change and Atem had no interest in changing that part of himself.

But at the same time, as Yami's mate shouldn't he at least try and understand her perspective? They were going to be bound together for the rest of their lives. God forbid if something were to happen to her he would literally die without her. Just as she would die if something were to happen to him. They were meant to be partners in everything.

Atem began to pace along the peak of the mountain, in the distance he was able to make out the beginning of the sun rising. How in the world was he supposed to figure out life as a human? What in the world would that even accomplish? His mate was still going to despise him because they had both acted on something the wolves within them wanted. And is it such a terrible thing that I am happy about it? Is it so terrible that am happy I'm not alone anymore? Atem thought darkly.

Couldn't I just ask her about her human life? Atem mused before he dismissed the thought with a snort. The more pressing question would she even bother to answer him if he had asked . No, more than likely she would just ignore him. Not that he would be able to even comprehend what she said if she did choose to answer his questions.

So, if asking her about it was out. Then what choice was he really going to be left with?

Atem glanced up towards the clouds, "Father, its times like this I really wish you were still here to guide me. I feel like you would be able to help me to connect with my mate like I need to. Like I want to. She doesn't understand and I am at a loss for how to explain to her the depth of the connection that is now between us." Atem said.

Atem glanced down, his paw harshly swiping aside a loose pebble, "She seems to think that the only connection between us is a sexual one. Even called herself my whore. I may not fully understand what the word means but given the context I am guessing it means a human girl who just lets herself be used for the sexual pleasure of others. I don't know how to change her mind. How to show her that we are much more than just a sexual connection." Atem growled.

Atem sighed, "I want to know her. I want her to know me. I want to connect with her. I want her to connect with me. To desire me. To trust me. To embrace us."

Atem shook his head, "And I'm a fool but I'm going to do what is no doubt the dumbest thing I have ever considered in my entire life. But, I need to try. If I don't do this then I honestly don't know what I'm going to do. Its my only choice." Atem said.

And with that thought in mind as the sun continued to rise Atem headed back down the mountain and back towards the clearing. He needed to get back to his mate.

XXXXXX

Yami woke up alone in the pile of pelts that made up Atem's bed. After they had returned from her grandfather's yesterday Atem and her had somehow or another managed to ignore one another. He had checked up on her briefly, after which they had argued again and then he went about his normal pack business and left Yami to her own devices. Which, yes to a degree had been nice, but it had also been aggravating. And it shouldn't be! She should have been more than happy that Atem had left her alone.

Worse still that she was only able to mope in his wigwam for about an hour or so before she dragged herself outside to rejoin Mana, Serenity and Kisara for some more sewing. Kisara gave some pointers on how to put in a patch over the left knee of Atem's pants which had over time been worn almost paper thin. It took her the better part of three hours to get the patch put on but it was definitely an accomplishment that she was somewhat proud of.

She didn't see Atem again until dinner that night, apparently he had gone out hunting with some of the other wolves and they brought back a few deer. Atem had come and sat beside her as the pack ate their meal. And despite the resolution Yami had made earlier that day she still couldn't figure out how to ask Atem what she needed to know to be able to stand by his side as an equal. Maybe today she'd be able to find the right words.

But first, she needed to bathe and get dressed, which meant she was going to take a trip down to the creek to wash up. Now, if only she'd been thinking when she'd been at her grandfather's house last night she would have also packed some soap. But at the very least she could rub the sweat off her body and change into fresh clothes before she rejoined the women for some more sewing.

She grabbed her duffel bag and slung it over her shoulder before she began to make her way out of Atem's den. No matter what Atem insisted this den was always going to be his den. Not theirs.

"And where might I ask are you going Alpha female?"

Yami paused briefly to glance over her shoulder where she saw Seto was lounging casually beside the entrance to Atem's den. Yami frowned, "Down to the creek to take a bath. What business is it of yours where I go Beta?" Yami asked.

"Normally I would say none, however Alpha asked me to keep an eye on you while he was up on the mountain this morning." Seto said.

"And I told you where I will be going. You've done your job. Now, if you don't mind I'm going down to the creek to take a bath." Yami said firmly.

"I will gladly escort you down to the creek." Seto offered.

Yami snorted, "And watch me take off my clothes? No thank you." Yami replied. It was bad enough that Atem had seen her naked. She would be damned if anyone else did. She was a whore, yes but she wasn't going to be flaunting her naked body for just anyone to see.

Seto rolled his eyes, "I assure you, I am quite happily mated with the beautiful Kisara. I will not be watching you undress. Merely making sure that nothing happens to you on the trip to the creek and back." Seto said.

Yami narrowed her eyes, "And I said that I don't need you to escort me." Yami growled.

Seto sighed, "And I would much prefer to not make the same mistake that Joey did by allowing you to wander unescorted when Alpha has charged me with your safety." Seto said slowly.

Yami frowned, "So, you truly think me that incapable?" Yami snapped.

Seto shook his head, "No, not in the slightest. I just wish to obey the commands of my Alpha and ensure your well being. Try and look at this from your human perspective..."Seto began.

Yami snorted, "And what would you possibly know about my human perspective?" Yami snapped.

Seto sighed, "I know enough to be able to get by. Now, your president does he not have guards that watch him and his families almost every move?" Seto asked.

"Yes, but that is quite different." Yami pointed out.

"Really? How so?" Seto asked.

"Because there could be people who try and assassinate the president or harm members of his family." Yami said.

"And those people would be in danger, at least, deemed in need of protection because of who they are to your country. Is that correct?" Seto asked.

"Yes, that's correct. What's your point?" Yami snapped.

"My point, Alpha female, is that as the mate of our Alpha you would be our equivalent of their First Lady. And just as your First Lady wouldn't dream of going on a walk through the woods to the river unescorted neither should you." Seto said.

Yami groaned, "Fine. Okay, fine you win. Just keep your eyes to yourself. I already have Atem leering at me. I don't need you being a perve on top of it." Yami muttered.

"I promise you I will most certainly not be leering at you. Not to say that Alpha wouldn't kill me if I had." Seto vowed.

"Then lets go." Yami muttered before they made their way out of the clearing heading towards the creek. It only took a few minutes to reach the creek and Seto, without even being prompted, turned his back allowing Yami to undress before she slipped into the crisp, cool water. It was very relaxing just to be able to soak in the water, which was probably why Yami didn't feel a need to rush to get herself clean. Not like she had anything pressing she needed to be getting to.

"You know, on the rock to your left is what we typically use for soap here. Although if you would prefer I'd be more than happy to wash your body for you again."

Yami jumped, before glancing up to see Atem in his human form crouched beside her on the bank. She glanced over to see that Seto was gone. "I thought Seto said that you had headed up to the mountain." Yami said.

"I had. I got back not long after you and Seto had headed for the creek. He returned to the clearing after I arrived here." Atem said.

"Wonderful. Now, if you don't mind. I would really like to bathe in peace." Yami muttered.

Atem sighed, "I would actually like to talk to you about something." Atem said slowly.

"No, I'm not having sex with you right now." Yami muttered as her hand grabbed the primitive soap off the rock Atem had indicated to and began to quickly wash up. So much for her relaxing bath. Why did it seem that Atem was so intent of ruining everything?

Atem snorted, "That was actually not what I was going to ask." Atem said.

Yami rolled her eyes, "Are you saying you weren't thinking about it?" Yami muttered darkly, although to her great shame she felt her cheeks flush as her mind flashed her an image of herself pinned beneath Atem. God I am such a slut.

Atem chuckled, "I am a healthy male in the presence of my beautiful mate, who is currently nude. I would be more concerned if the thought of you in that manner had not crossed my mind. That being said I have enough self control to know that now is not the time to be suggesting such a thing." Atem said.

"Like I said, a sex crazed pervert." Yami muttered before she set the soap back onto the rock and quickly began to rinse off. Once she was done she glanced over her shoulder to see that Atem was still watching her. "Can you at least have the decency to turn around while I get out of the water?" Yami asked.

Atem rolled his eyes before he did turn his back allowing Yami to climb out of the creek and walk over to her duffel bag where she pulled out another t-shirt and a pair of shorts. Rummaging around in the bag further revealed that she had in fact managed to pack a bra and some underwear as well, which she quickly put on.

"May I turn back around now?" Atem asked.

Yami rolled her eyes as she tugged on her shirt and tugged back on another pair of jean shorts before she sat down on the bank, pulling on some socks, "Yeah I suppose you can turn back around if you really want to." Yami muttered.

"Well, thank you." Atem said as he turned back around, his eyes briefly sweeping along Yami's body before he locked gazes with her once more.

Yami quirked a brow, "What? What was with that look?" Yami asked.

Atem chuckled, "Merely reminding myself that I am one very lucky Were." Atem replied.

Yami rolled her eyes before she climbed to her feet, slinging her duffel back back over her shoulder, "I highly doubt you came all the way out here just to ogle me." Yami muttered.

Atem sighed, "No, you are absolutely right. I didn't. I came to ask you something instead." Atem said.

Yami paused giving Atem an incredulous look, "Ask? Don't you mean demand? Command? Order? Dictate? Those are all a lot more Alpha than asking me something." Yami muttered.

Atem snorted, "Cute. But in all seriousness, come sit with me..." Atem began.

"Ah! There's the command, I knew it had to be coming somewhere." Yami interjected.

"As I was saying, I want to ask you something." Atem said, continuing as if Yami had not interrupted him.

Yami rolled her eyes before she walked over and plopped down onto the ground beside Atem, "Alright, I'm sitting. Now what is it that the great Alpha Atem needed to ask little old me?" Yami asked sarcastically.

Atem paused for a moment giving Yami a pointed look before he looked away, "Must you make everything so difficult?" Atem muttered.

Yami snorted, "You made me sit down just to ask me that? Now whose making things difficult?" Yami replied.

Atem just rolled his eyes, "What I came here to ask you Yami, was would you consent to spending the day with me?" Atem asked and if Yami didn't know any better she would have said that he seemed almost nervous...or perhaps the better word would be shy. Which was kind of ridiculous if you thought about it. They had already rutted together twice. Atem had no reason to be nervous.

Yami rolled her eyes as she climbed back to her feet, "Don't I do that all the time? What more hunting practice?" Yami asked.

Atem sighed, "No, not more hunting practice and not like we normally do. You keep saying over and over again that I don't understand you. That I refuse to see things from your perspective. So, I'm asking. Would you consent to spending today, with me, in your human civilization?" Atem asked.

Yami froze for a moment as she just stared at Atem, her mind racing. What in the world was Atem playing at? He had made his disdain for all things human crystal clear right from the start and now, out of nowhere Atem suddenly decides that he wants to spend the day in the human world together with her.

"Why?" Yami asked, this made absolutely no sense. None. Atem would be the last Were ever to suggest venturing into civilization. What can he possibly gain from this?

"Because the more I really think about it, the more I have to concede that despite the fact that you are now a wolf I have no choice but to recognize that the human part of you is just as big a part of who you are as the wolf is. And as your mate I want to know all of you. Not just your wolf. So, if you would be willing I will accompany you to the human world for the day. I'll leave Seto in charge of the pack and we can return tomorrow after the sun has risen." Atem offered.

Yami frowned, "So, you're saying you would spend a whole 24 hours with me in Domino? 24 hours as a normal guy and not a wolf?" Yami said.

Atem nodded, "That's exactly what I'm saying. So? What do you say?" Atem asked.

Yami snorted, "I'm not an idiot Atem. Of course I want to spend a day among civilized people. But, I have to ask, what's the catch?" Yami asked.

Atem snorted as he slowly rose to his feet, "What makes you think there has to be a catch?" Atem asked.

"Because its you! You wouldn't offer something like this if you didn't want something from me and I'm not going to agree to this until I know what it's going to cost me." Yami said.

Atem sighed, "There is no catch, other than that fact I'm going to have to rely on you to guide me. I've never actually spent any time in a human settlement. I've never wanted to so for once I'm going to be the one whose lost and confused." Atem said.

"I ask again, then why do it? Then why offer?" Yami asked.

"Because for some inexplicable reason I want to get to know my mate better and to make my mate happy! So I am going to put myself into a situation that I am not comfortable with and probably end up ultimately making things worse for you in the long run. But, its something that you want that I can give you so here I am making the idiotic decision to do this." Atem snapped.

For a moment Yami was quiet before she got to her feet and began to slowly make her way back to the clearing. Atem snorted as he followed her, "Are you at least going to give me an answer?" Atem asked.

Yami chuckled, "First, can you answer a question of mine?" Yami asked.

Atem sighed, "Sure...I guess...go ahead?" Atem replied.

"Do you even own a shirt?" Yami asked giving Atem's bare torso a pointed look.

Atem shrugged, "Does that even matter?" Atem asked.

Yami nodded, "Yes, it matters. If we're going to be heading into civilization then you need to have a shirt. The only time it would be considered appropriate for you to be shirtless would be if we went to the beach or to a pool. But, other than that shirt and shoes are required." Yami said.

Atem sighed before he stubbornly kicked a rock, "Well, that's just great! I want to do this and now come to find out I can't because I don't have the necessary human clothing." Atem muttered darkly.

Yami sighed, "Look, I have a sleep shirt here in my bag. Its a bit loose on me maybe it'll fit you or at least it'll work until I am able to get to a store and buy you some actual clothes. And are you honestly saying you don't have anything that can work for shoes?" Yami asked.

Atem shrugged, "I have some sandals that I never wear. My mom made them for me a few years ago. Before she died. I'm not even sure if they still fit. I never wore them." Atem replied.

Yami nodded, "Those will have to be good enough. Like I said at least until we can head to the mall and get you something a bit more suitable." Yami replied.

Atem shrugged once more, "So, is that a yes? You'll spend the day with me?" Atem asked.

Yami chuckled, "Yes, for some crazy reason my answer is yes. I will spend the day with you in Domino doing normal things like a normal teenager." Yami replied.

"Okay, then lets get going." Atem said.

Yami chuckled, "First we need to go back to your den and locate these sandals and have you try on my shirt then we can go." Yami said.

Atem snorted, "Who would have thought you would be the one who doesn't want to just run straight back to civilization?" Atem asked.

"Because I want to be able to actually do some things while we're there. And the only way that'll happen is if I make sure you're dressed properly. Although, we'll have to stop at my grandfather's house first. I'll need to grab some money to take you to the mall. You'll need some other clothes than just what we have here." Yami said.

The pair made their way back to Atem's den where Atem began rummaging around for the pair of sandals his mother had made him. It took him a while to find them but once he did he slipped them on, grimacing slightly. They were highly uncomfortable and more than likely a little bit too small for his feet. But they were shoes, so they would have to work.

Yami grimaced as she glanced down at the shoes Atem had crammed onto his feet but said nothing before she began to rummage through her bag. She pulled out an over sized black t-shirt she had gotten at a Mark of the Dragons concert her and Mai had attended last year. She tossed the t-shirt at Atem. "Here, try that on." Yami said, hoping that the shirt fit.

Atem slipped the shirt over his head and much to Yami's relief the shirt did fit him, certainly better than it fit her. Although, the shirt combined with his deerhide pants and sandals that were at least one side too small for Atem's feet he did look completely ridiculous. But, Yami couldn't help but smile as she looked at him. He was really making an effort.

Yami walked over to Atem and briefly wrapped her arms around him. Atem slung an arm almost possessively around her waist and for a few moments the pair just stood there before Yami pulled away. "Well, I guess we should get going. The sooner we get get to my grandfather's house the sooner we can get to the mall and buy you some decent clothes." Yami said.

Atem nodded, "Alright. Let's go." Atem said.

Yami paused for a brief moment before she gave into one of the strangest desires she'd ever had. She kissed him. The kiss didn't last for too long before Yami pulled back away. Slinging the duffel bag back over her shoulder. "We'll get there much easier if we go in our wolf forms." Yami commented.

Atem nodded, "That is true." He conceded.

"Can you help me to shift back?" Yami asked.

Atem quirked a brow, "I thought you had figured shifting out?" Atem said.

Yami flushed once again, "Yeah, I did. Problem is that when I do it by myself it hurts. A lot. So, can you..."

Atem said nothing, just pulled Yami back into his embrace, "Just relax. Relax and focus on the feel of my arms wrapped around you." Atem whispered into her ear.

And Yami did relax, allowing Atem to draw out her wolf side. It took a little more than a minute before she felt Atem's head butting against her shoulder and the pair padded out into the clearing together.

"Seto!" Atem barked.

"Yes Alpha?" Seto replied.

"My mate and I are heading into Domino today. We will be back in about 24 hours. You are in charge while I am away." Atem said.

Seto nodded, "Of course. Oh, one second." Seto said before he turned and sprinted into his den, returning with a cellphone in hand. A cell phone that looked just like the one Akefia had with him the night he'd met with Yami and her grandfather Seto slipped the phone into Yami's duffel bag. "I'll contact you only if there is an emergency Alpha." Seto said.

Atem nodded, "Right. Well, we're heading out." Atem said before he led the way out of the clearing and back to Domino.