Disclaimer: I own nothing

Warnings: I have a vague idea of where I'm going with this, but don't be surprised if the tone suddenly changes for no apparent reason. I'm indecisive. Also, my computer hates the accent over Tea's (see!) name, so it is noticeably absent.

The Art of War

"All is fair in love and war." Anonymous

"Serenity's birthday is next week, and I still ain't found nothin' good to get her. What am I gonna do!" Joey Wheeler moaned, running a hand down his face.

"You still haven't come up with anything? Dude, her birthday's next week. You should really stop procrastinating." Tristan Taylor replied, frowning.

"I know! I just said that ya pointy-headed idiot!" The blond boy shouted, launching himself across Yugi's living room to attack Tristan.

"Cut it out you guys, we're supposed to be studying." Tea Gardner scolded, rolling her eyes.

"Maybe they're studying for their upcoming exam over 'Repeating the 11th Grade.'" Yugi whispered to the brunette girl sitting beside him on the sofa.

The four friends were hanging out at the Turtle Game Shop, which Yugi's Grandpa owned, and which was also where the two of them lived. The short, spiky-haired boy had invited his friends over in an attempt to study for a Sociology test, but as usual, no real learning was being had.

Tristan and Joey were rolling around on the floor, each trying to prove he was more macho.

"At least I bother to comb my hair! Yours always looks like you just got outta bed." Tristan said, slightly choking Joey as they struggled.

"Oh yeah? Well yours has so much hairspray in it, if anyone lights a match near you, it'll set the house on fire!" Joey grunted, trying to pull Tristan's elbow around his back.

Tea sighed, and slammed her textbook shut. "I don't think we're gonna accomplish anything school related tonight, Yugi." The blue-eyed girl shook her head at her two friend's antics.

Yugi's eyes widened when he noticed Joey and Tristan were thrashing a little too closely to an antique lamp that Yugi's Grandpa had discovered on an archeologist dig decades ago.

"Oh, whatever, it's not even spray, it's gel! But of course you wouldn't know the difference. You think washing your hair is an unnecessary process invented by the shampoo companies to make you spend your money!" Tristan growled, trying to put Joey in a headlock.

"Hey guys, it's Friday night, wanna order a pizza?" Yugi asked, trying to save his Grandpa's lamp. The two boys instantly stopped their struggling, and practically flew over to Yugi, who was holding the phone.

"I'll take 4 large pepperoni. What do you guys want?" Joey asked, making sure Yugi wrote his order down on a notepad.

"I want three medium ham and pineapple, and an order of cheesy breadsticks. Extra cheese." Tristan said, throwing himself on the couch just as Tea stood up from it.

"What do you want, Tea?" Yugi asked, looking worried as he mentally tallied the price of their meal.

"Actually, I've gotta get going. I have to get up early tomorrow for work." She replied, stuffing her books in her backpack, and beginning to head for the door.

"You gotta get up early on Saturdays? Even I don't gotta do that." Joey exclaimed, raising his eyebrows.

"I thought you only worked Monday through Thursday." Yugi commented, beginning to dial the number to the pizza place.

Tea stopped in front of the door, her hand on the doorknob. "Normally, I do. But my boss told me he'll give me overtime if I help him out this Saturday. There's supposed to be some kind of makeshift arts and craft expo at the beach, and a whole bunch of venders are going to be there."

"What, so you gotta man the cash register or something?" Tristan asked, turning on the television with the remote.

"Pretty much. Hopefully it won't be too hot out, or I'll be miserable by noon. Well, talk to you guys later." Tea was about to leave, when Joey called out to her.

"Hey wait a minute, Tea. Don't venders sell stuff?" Tea raised an eyebrow.

"Yeeeeess......."

Joey held his chin in his hand, thinking. "You think maybe they might sell something Serenity would like?"

Tea smiled. "Probably. There's going to be people from all over. You might find something there that you wouldn't find anywhere else."

"Cool. Maybe I could meet you there. You're a girl, you know what girls like. Think maybe you could help me find something for her?"

"Sure thing Joey. I get off at 3:00. See you then?"

"Got it. See ya tomorrow."

The others said goodbye to Tea, and just as she shut the door behind her, Tristan spoke up. "Hey Joey, if you and Tea can't find anything for Serenity, I know what you can get her."

"Whazzat?" Joey asked, slightly suspicious whenever it came to Tristan and his younger sister.

"Me, in a box, with a ribbon around my neck." Tristan grinned when Joey's eyes narrowed in anger, and he began to stalk towards him.

"The only thing that's goin' around your neck are my hands, and the only box you're gonna be in is goin' 6 feet under!" Joey yelled, jumping on Tristan and knocking them both off the couch as they began to wrestle again.

Shaking his head and hoping today wasn't the day that his Grandfather's lamp would finally be broken, Yugi realized his mistake.

"I forgot to order anything for me. Again." Sighing, he hung up the phone, and mentally prepared himself for a long night of begging for food from his two best guy friends.

Author's Notes: Hmm, let's see... Well, this takes place after the end of the manga and anime. Originally this was supposed to be something other than what it will be, and you may be surprised by (if I so choose to utilize it) the pairing. Could get dark. Not sure yet. Next chapter will be longer. Anyway, thanks for reading, and please review.