Denial

2 ~birthday~

    Joey felt a tap on his shoulder and relief washed over him, he didn't know any of the answers on the test anyway. An irritated expression adorned Joey's face as he observed Tristan's smug expression from across the room. Joey craned his head to face the culprit who had tore him from his confused daze. He faced two violet, doe-eyes staring back at him with a somewhat hopeful gaze.

"Joey, do you have the answer to number three by any chance?" Yugi whispered in an attempt to not be caught by the sharp stare of the teacher, looking intently over all the students. Joey let disappointment cross his gaze as he looked down at his paper only to realize he couldn't help his best friend out.

"Sorry Yuge, it seems we're both stuck." Joey said while he scratched the back of his head. Yugi gave a disappointed hum of confirmation as he questioned why he even asked Joey to begin with.

    Yugi turned to ask Bakura, whom was sitting directly to the left of him, hoping to have better luck with finishing this damned test. Hurt flashed in Joey's eyes as they exchanged small giggles and Joey presumed Yugi had gotten his answer as he wrote hastily with a concentrated manner. Joey huffed, upset with himself for not being the one to help Yugi, as this foreign emotion spread through his heart. He turned back to face his test as he just sat there and glared at it, as if it had been the one to cause his misfortune. Not knowing 75% of the answers, Joey rested his palm under his chin and let his drowsiness take over.

~Time Skip~

    Joey heard Yugi's yell before he saw him.

"Joey, hey!" Joey turned to see Yugi's small frame run to catch up with him. Joey stood motionless as he watched the short boy approach him with a large grin and an arm stretched out in an attempt to flag Joey down with a rapid wave. Yugi caught up and took a moment to catch his breath as he stood beside Joey bent forward with his hangs on his knees, holding himself up.

"Hey Yuge, what's up?" Joey asked as he blinked down at the small boy.

"I-I was just wondering if you'd like to go to that burger joint we always go to...ya know, since it is your birthday after all. It'll be my treat!" Yugi said, still fighting to catch his breath. Joey stared down at his spikey-haired friend with a slight blush dusted across his cheeks, before finally nodding. Yugi's eyes shined up at Joey's with a delighted smile shone on his face.

"Alright, let's go then! I'm suddenly in desperate need of a burger after that test." Yugi said with a small, gleeful chuckle as he started to lead the way to the restaurant.

"Yeah, you bet! I don't remember learnin' anything on that stupid test! I swear that teacher is just trying to fail us." Joey stated while he shook his head. Yugi peered behind him to give a curt nod toward the blond in agreement, as they made their way to Burger World.

~Time Skip~

     Both Yugi and Joey froze upon entering the establishment. They both gawk as they watch Téa gleefully serve a customer. Joey marched up to his female classmate as she was about to enter the kitchen, Yugi followed closely behind him.

"Aye, Téa! What da hell are you doin' here?! Ya know you're not supposed to have an after school job right?" Joey scolded rather loudly. Téa had an expression of both frustration and panic as she was worried someone else from school had heard them. She pulled the boys into a corner, where no one would be able to hear them.

"Will you shut up!!" Téa hissed while frantically looking around. Yugi just watched with a shocked expression, confused as to why his best friend hadn't told him about her secret job.

"I'd like to keep this job, thank you very much! Please, please, please don't tell anyone about this! I need this job to save up..." Téa mumbled that last part under he breath, undenounced to the fact the two boys had heard her rather clearly. Joey looked like he was about to say something before Yugi quickly cut him off.

"Don't worry Téa, we won't tell anyone. But, you have to tell us what you're saving up for." Yugi said rather smugly as he crossed his arms over his chest. Téa hesitated but ultimately let out a relieved sigh before sharing her dream with her two close friends.

"Well, I've kind of been saving up to move to America and go to college there..." Téa looked away from the pair's judgmental gaze as she half expected them to just burst out laughing.

"Wow, that's awesome! I hope you're able to accomplish your dreams!" Yugi shouted with a sparkle in his cheerful, apprehensive eyes. Téa's expression softens as she focused back on Yugi and his joyful smile. Joey looked away scratching the back of his neck after he surveyed the scene.

"Yeah, I guess we can keep it a secret, but I want a discount!" Joey shouted while he dramatically pointed in Téa's direction. Téa sighed, but allowed a small grin grace her features.

"I'll see what I can do." she chuckled and left the boys alone so she could blissfully get back to work. Joey and Yugi took a booth and had a pleasant lunch together as Joey felt he couldn't be happier in that very moment.