Chapter Text
Tom thought he had it all.
An island, a business and a more than steady income mostly thanks to the island representative.
Even the twins were enjoying the island more than he thought, but problems didn't arise until social workers started sniffing around.
"You see Mr. Nook, we don't think an island would be safe for the children when you're already as busy as is."
"Yes, yes I understand, but Timmy and Tommy get along well on the island and even help me out. They're very responsible indeed."
"We'd just feel they'd be more safe if they had another parent or guardian watching over them."
"Is that it? Why didn't you say so earlier, I'm engaged!"
That was probably the stupidest thing he ever came up with, but they bought it. And now he had only less than a month to find himself a spouse.
Great.
Was he the worst at improvising? Probably. Would anyone marry him in such a short time just so he could keep the twins with him? Low chance.
If it wasn't him looking out for the twins Isabelle had it it covered. And if not her then the island representative and the villagers tended to visit their shop anyway.
The island was perfectly safe!
Er, minus the tarantula island, but they didn't need to know about that. And it's not like the twins left the main island anyway.
He could just let them come to the island, see how well the twins are here then move on. But he can't back out now, then they'd definitely catch him in a lie.
Nook groaned. Dating never occurred to him before, but marriage? That was out of the question.
Who'd wanna marry him anyway? There's no one he could possibly ask!
Isabelle was out of the question, Blathers was seeing Brewster.. Mabel and Sable most likely wouldn't go for it.. The island representative was more busy than him and Isabelle combined to consider such a thing..
Anyone else he wasn't close to and knew he'd get definite no's. Not to mention he wouldn't be comfortable asking.
Hell, he was uncomfortable in general bringing that up.
Maybe K.K. Slider—
Nope, that was out of the question too.
"What am I going to do.." Tom exhaled loudly, staring down at his phone with utter despair. He's worked too hard to let anyone take the twins from him.
It wasn't even a deserted island anymore, they were a community damn it.
Even the sunset wasn't enough to distract him from his troubles, though he was thankful to take the call outside, away from Isabelle's ears. Knowing her she'd insist on finding someone or offering to marry him herself just for his happiness.
What a blessing of an assistant she is, but there's no way he could ask that much from her.
"Hey Nook! Couldn't help but overhear."
Tom's blood ran cold.
No. Redd's the last person who needed to hear his dilemma. In fact, he was content keeping the fake marriage a secret except with the person who'd actually agree to it.
"Didn't I tell you to move your boat off my island?" Tom glared. He was too busy with the hole he dug himself in to have the energy to deal with Redd today.
"Yeah whatever," Redd waved his hand. Welp, here comes the headache thanks to the local island nuisance. "Say, I didn't know you're engaged! That's pretty rich!"
"I don't see what's so funny about getting married."
"Hmm, well. I've been here quite a bit, strolling around selling my very lovely and legitimate artwork as you know."
When he meant to move his boat off his island he meant permanently. Apparently Redd didn't understand the concept of, "please get the hell off my island and stop selling the villagers haunted paintings."
"The villagers are always gossiping! Seems like nothing gets by them," Redd began to grin; canines sharp and a smile that practically screamed he knew. "And it's funny really, that no one on the island ever brought it up. A shame really, I could have congratulated you sooner."
Redd hovered over Tom, a sense of unease and dread filling Tom. His usual dull and tired look wavered by having his back literally against a wall.
So yeah, he was regretting coming outside to talk. Maybe he should have just stayed inside instead and let Isabelle overhear.
Would have been a thousand times better than this.
"I have a private life, that's not too surprising, yes?"
"Oh, but it is. Say, who is the lucky fellow anyway?"
It was obvious to Tom by now Redd was aware he had lied, yet was beating around the bush to know the reason for it. Getting caught red handed by the kitsune was the most unpleasant feeling in the world to him.
And he's sure there was a catch.
"..What do you want, Redd?"
Redd clapped his hands together, a more than pleased expression lighting up on his face. How sickening.
"Right to the point! Before we get into business details wanna explain why you've been sweating bullets since you got off the phone?"
While Tom wasn't exactly thrilled about telling Redd he knew the conman wasn't cruel enough to let the twins be separated from him.
"In order to keep the twins here I have to get married." That was the gist of it anyway and all Redd needed to know. Knowing him he'd suggest taking the island off his hands.
As if.
"Oh, that's it? I suppose I could lend you a hand, for a price that is."
Tom was baffled. Not by Redd wanting to make a deal, he knew there was going to be something as soon as the man appeared. But actually offering to marry him?
Yeah, that was pretty damn stunning.
"You do know what marriage is right?" Tom asked slowly. "A vow between two people—“
"Holding hands and kissing, etc. We just have to put on a show, right? Act like a lovey dovey couple for the sake of your kids. No problem."
This felt all too much like a bad fever dream to him. So then why would Redd go the extra mile for him?
"What's in it for you?"
"I wanna sell my goods on your island. Or at least my artwork. Not too much to ask for." Redd hummed. "So what do you say? Is it a deal?"
As few times as Tom's actually spotted Redd and shooed him off he felt hesitant to accept. They already had a good economy going on, and adding Redd into the mix wasn't exactly ideal..
But Blathers had been excited about opening his art museum, not to mention the island representative had a good eye for spotting fake art.
He's pretty sure the villagers still went to the black market despite the warning Isabelle put out about it.
"I seriously can't do better than you?" Tom hesitantly held out his hand, his mind screaming at what a bad idea this was. “We’ll talk out the details tomorrow.”
He didn't think he could find a spouse sooner than this. Maybe they could actually pull it off.
Redd on the other hand, slapped their hands together and shook eagerly. Like opposites Redd was feeling exactly what he wasn't.
"You won't regret this, Nook! I'm a complete catch!"